Statistical Hand Book Of LWE Affected Blocks In Odisha

Abstract

Odisha is the homeland of 62 different tribes who coexistwith other communities. The socio-economic policies of the welfare government aims at accelerated development through holistic approach and different security related interventions. However, in the present times, the Left Wing activities in Odisha which engulfs about 122 blocks, in full or part, have slowed down the process of development in these areas. During the last couple of years, the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) movement hasintensified the sufferings of the people living in these blocks. This has led both the Central and State Governments to take proactive initiatives towards implementation of various developmental schemes for the people of these areas which are the home land of many tribal communities with an aim to wean them away from the influence of the extremists. Government has been considering various interventions to focus on infrastructural development and thereby to ensure sustainable livelihood for the people of these LWE affected blocks. At present 122 blocks belonging to 21 districts of Odisha are coming under the grip of Left Wing Extremism where besides infrastructural development, there is a need for specific interventions in the fields of agriculture, education, health, social security, communication etc. to improve the living standard of the people. In order to formulate plans for implementation of specific interventions, a broad data base at the block level has been a long standing need. To meet this need, concerted efforts have been made by the Data Resource Cell of SCSTRTI to prepare an updated database for these disturbed areas which has been compiled in a book form. These include administrative set up and vital statistics of the area as per Census 2011, major indicators of development such as, indicators on agriculture, irrigation potential, forest areas, education, health, infrastructural development, etc.,. Besides, the book also contains information on poverty alleviation programmes and social security programmes. These information have been collected from different available sources and meticulously examined to ensure correctness of data. Any error found may be unintentional and clerical. It is hoped that, the book will extend a valuable support to the planners, administrators, researchers and academicians.