Need for establishment of a Tribal Cultural Academy in Kandhamal Parliamentary Constituency, Odisha.-laid

Need for establishment of a Tribal Cultural Academy in Kandhamal Parliamentary Constituency, Odisha.-laid SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI (KANDHAMAL): I seek to raise a matter of urgent public importance regarding the establishment of a Tribal Cultural Academy in the Kandhamal Lok Sabha Constituency under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Kandhamal district has a predominantly Scheduled Tribe population, including Kandha, Kutia Kandha, Dongria Kandha and other PVTGs. The region possesses rich indigenous languages like Kui and Kuvi, vibrant folk traditions, rituals and handicrafts. However, in the absence of a dedicated institutional framework, these cultural assets are gradually declining. A Tribal Cultural Academy is urgently needed for preservation, research, training and promotion of this invaluable heritage. The establishment of a Tribal Cultural Academy in Kandhamal would provide institutional support for preservation and documentation of tribal languages, folklore, art forms and indigenous knowledge systems; offer structured training and capacity-building opportunities for tribal youth and artisans; promote cultural tourism and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities; serve as a research and resource centre for scholars and policymakers engaged in tribal studies; and strengthen cultural identity, inter-generational knowledge transfer and social cohesion within tribal communities. In view of the above, I urge the Hon?ble Minister of Tribal Affairs to consider sanctioning and establishing a Tribal Cultural Academy in Kandhamal Parliamentary Constituency at the earliest.