Odisha to go for Rs 312 crore IFAD loan for PVTG development

BHUBANESWAR: With the focus on improvement in socio-economic condition of particulraly Vulnerable Tribal Groups ( PVTG) in the state, Odisha government today decided to seek the loan assistance of Rs 312.37 crore from International Fund for Agricultural Development.

The loan amount would be utilised in the Odisha PVTG Empowerment and Livelihoods Improvement Programme ( OPELIP). A proposal in this regard was approved at the Cabinet meetig chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

"The state goverment will avail external assistance from IFAD for an amount of $51.20 million (Rs 317.37 crore) for implementation of OPELIP. The total cost of the project Rs 795.41 crore ($130.39 million)," state Chief Secretary G C Pati said, adding that the state share would be $76.18 million (Rs 464.73 crore).

The project implementation period will be 2015-16 to 2022-23, he said, adding that the project objective is to secure improved livelihood, food and nutrition security for PVTG households.

The programme will be implemented in all 17 micro project areas loated in 12 tribal-dominated districts of the state, Pati said, adding that this would enable improved liveilihood, food and nutrition security for 32,091 PVTG households, 13,965 STs, 5,486 SCs amd 10,814 other category people living in 542 villages within the Micro Project area.

This apart, the programme would also cover 477 other villages adjoining to Micro Project areas over a period of 8 years, Pati said.