Bhubaneswar, Nov 24: The Odisha Cabinet on Friday reversed its prior resolution that allowed the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals. 

In a statement to the State Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Niranjan Pujari announced that the initial decision has been sent to the Tribes Advisory Council for a thorough review.

The Cabinet had initially approved amendments on November 14 to specific clauses of Regulation-2 within the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property Amendment Regulation. The revised regulations outlined various purposes for which the tribal land could be utilized, including agriculture, residential construction, funding higher education, self-employment, business ventures, and the establishment of small-scale industries. Notably, the amendments also permitted the transfer of land to individuals outside the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community for these specified purposes.

However, faced with substantial criticism from opposition parties, the Cabinet opted to suspend the decision. The matter is currently undergoing reconsideration by the Tribes Advisory Council.

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