The Department of Political Science, School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-spiritualism, KISS-DU in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell organized a Distinguished Invited Lecture on “Tribal Development: Issues and Challenges” on 12th May 2025. Professor Bikram Keshari Pattnaik, Founding Director and Professor, School of Extension and Development Studies, Indra Gandhi National Open University was invited as the resource person.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Professor Debashis Bandyopadhyay in his Welcome Address stressed the fact that the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University truly believes in tribal development and has been working on the same since its inception. The University has been addressing some of the major issues and challenges and bringing out achievable solutions to the same.

Professor Pattnaik spoke about the marginalization of tribal communities despite the fact that they are the original inhabitants of the country with unique cultural practices and customs. The tribal communities do not have access to basic amenities of life. He opined that nearly 70 percent of the tribal women suffer from malnourishment. The incidence of infant mortality and maternal mortality is quite high among the tribal which has contributed to their inferior economic status. He also pointed out that education alone cannot help tribal communities come out of poverty trap it should be clubbed with the spirit of entrepreneurship which should be inculcated in the tribal people to help them become self-reliant.

In line with the index of social development, Professor Pattnaik recommended that priority should be given to tribal health, education and women empowerment. They should be included in the developmental process of the country. Professor Pattnaik called for strengthening of PESA which he believes that it has the potential to bring relief to tribal communities and address the issue of exploitation. He expressed concerns about the problem of displacement and loss of livelihood which has been the bane of tribal communities in this era of fast-paced developments.

The deliberation was followed by a question and answer session and concluded with a Vote of Thanks.