Union Budget 2026–27: A Transformational Budget for Tribal Welfare with Major Gains for Odisha
The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, today welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, describing it as a forward-looking and inclusive budget that places tribal communities—particularly those in Odisha—at the centre of India’s development journey.
Addressing the media, the Minister stated that the Budget strongly reinforces the Government’s commitment to holistic, area-based, and people-centric development of Scheduled Tribes, while unlocking new opportunities for livelihoods, education, health, and industrial growth in tribal-dominated regions.
Focused Push for Tribal Welfare
The Minister noted that the Budget further strengthens ongoing flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, including:
- Expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, improving access to quality education for tribal children in remote areas of Odisha.
- Integrated village development programmes under mission-mode initiatives aimed at infrastructure, livelihoods, and social security for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Community-based interventions in health, nutrition, early childhood care, and youth development, tailored to the specific needs of tribal regions.
Empowering Tribal Communities for Viksit Bharat
Shri Jual Oram emphasised that the Union Budget 2026–27 aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat, ensuring that tribal communities are not passive beneficiaries but active partners in nation-building.
“The Budget recognises Odisha’s pivotal role in India’s tribal and mineral landscape. By combining welfare, education, livelihoods, and industrial development, this Budget will bring lasting and dignified progress to tribal families, especially in Odisha,” the Minister said.
He expressed confidence that the Budget’s provisions would lead to sustainable income generation, social empowerment, and inclusive growth, reaffirming the Government’s resolve to leave no tribal community behind.
Major Gains for Odisha
Shri Oram highlighted that Odisha stands out as a key beneficiary of the Union Budget 2026–27 due to its rich tribal heritage and mineral resources.
- Rare-Earth and Critical Mineral Corridors:
The announcement of dedicated rare-earth corridors in mineral-rich states will significantly benefit Odisha. This initiative is expected to catalyse value addition, downstream manufacturing, and local employment, especially in tribal belts, while positioning the state as a strategic hub in India’s high-technology and clean-energy ecosystem.
- Boost to Infrastructure and Industrial Growth:
Enhanced national capital expenditure will translate into improved road, rail, digital, and social infrastructure in Odisha’s tribal districts, strengthening connectivity and market access for tribal producers and entrepreneurs.
- Support to MSMEs and Tribal Enterprises:
The proposed MSME Growth Fund and continued emphasis on self-reliant clusters will empower tribal artisans, forest-based collectives, and micro-entrepreneurs in Odisha to scale up their operations and integrate with national and global value chains.
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RN