Post on 23-Jan-2023
ODISHA DISTRICT GAZETTEERS
DEOGARH
GOPABANDHU ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION [GAZETTEERS UNIT]
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA
ODISHA DISTRICT GAZETTEERS
DEOGARH
GOPABANDHU ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION [GAZETTEERS UNIT]
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA
DR. TARADATT, IAS
CHIEF EDITOR, GAZETTEERS & DIRECTOR GENERAL, TRAINING COORDINATION
iv
PREFACE
The Gazetteer is an authoritative document that describes a District in
all its hues–the economy, society, political and administrative setup, its
history, geography, climate and natural phenomena, biodiversity and natural
resource endowments. It highlights key developments over time in all such
facets, whilst serving as a placeholder for the timelessness of its unique
culture and ethos. It permits viewing a District beyond the prismatic image of
a geographical or administrative unit, since the Gazetteer holistically
captures its socio-cultural diversity, traditions, and practices, the creative
contributions and industriousness of its people and luminaries, and builds on
the economic, commercial and social interplay with the rest of the State and
the country at large. The document which is a centrepiece of the District, is
developed and brought out by the State administration with the cooperation
and contributions of all concerned. Its purpose is to generate awareness,
public consciousness, spirit of cooperation, pride in contribution to the
development of a District, and to serve multifarious interests and address
concerns of the people of a District and others in any way concerned.
Historically, the “Imperial Gazetteers” were prepared by Colonial
administrators for the six Districts of the then Orissa, namely, Angul,
Balasore, Cuttack, Koraput, Puri, and Sambalpur. After Independence, the
Scheme for compilation of District Gazetteers devolved from the Central
Sector to the State Sector in 1957. Within the State, the responsibility for
developing the Gazetteers was transferred from the Revenue Department to
the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration (GAA) in 1999. In this process,
the “District Gazetteers” of all thirteen Districts were published as follows:
Koraput/1966 (Supplement/1984), Mayurbhanj/1967, Bolangir/1968,
Sambalpur/1971, Dhenkanal/1972, Sundargarh/1975, Puri/1977,
Kalahandi/1980, Boudh-Khondmal/1983, Keonjhar/1986, Balasore/1994,
Ganjam/1995 and Cuttack/1992. The Gazetteers of Balasore/1994,
Ganjam/1995 and Cuttack/1992, however, could not capture the implications
of the reorganisation of these Districts. Though 10 out of 13 Districts had
been reorganised into 27 and the total number of Districts in the State had
gone up to 30, the reality remained to be captured in the Districts‟
Gazetteers.
Be it so, the time is now ripe to build on the rich cache of Gazetteers
available across the Districts in Odisha, and to develop updated documents
that capture the essence of each District as it exists today. The Districts
have evolved over the last couple of decades as a result of various natural
phenomena and unforeseen forces, besides a slew of economic and social
sector reforms undertaken at the National, State and local levels. The
resulting impacts have been more cataclysmic in some Districts than others,
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which are reflective of the complex dynamics at work which determine a
District‟s state of preparedness and receptivity to change or its absorptive
capacity. This diversity in impacts across Districts is now captured both in
measurable parameters and non-measurable underlying trends and
perceptions in the updated District Gazetteers.
Besides catching up with the developments in each of the thirty Districts
and the environs, it was felt opportune to capture the major shifts in areas
and issues of priority and concern across the districts by suitably
restructuring the document, to recount the post-Independence events in brief
for their historic value and evolutionary impact on the District, and to bridge
an important lacuna, viz. Incorporating the role played by freedom fighters
from each District in India‟s Independence, which was sparingly mentioned
in the Gazetteers initially prepared by colonial administrators. Though the
updated Gazetteers draw heavily on the past Gazetteers of thirteen
undivided Districts, the documents were also restructured to provide for
elimination, modification and insertion of some issues in discussion with the
Consulting Editors and District Administration in order to present a
comprehensive and contemporaneous picture of the Districts.
The task of developing and updating the Gazetteers for the present 30
Districts was initiated in the first week of May 2015. Procedurally, a series of
time-bound initiatives taken since then were bed-rocked on the complete
and continuous involvement of the District Collector and heads of concerned
line departments at the district level in the coverage of issues and
developments over time, coupled with specific participation of a number of
scholars and experts, including some senior serving and retired civil
servants. A standardised synopsis of the District Gazetteer was prepared by
GAA to assist in the development of the initial drafts by each District
Administration. For this exercise, a Committee was constituted by GAA
under the District Collector to steer the development of the initial draft for the
respective District. A number of Sub-Committees comprising officials and
experts were also constituted, again at District level, for drafting specific and
thematic chapters. The initial drafts prepared by the District Administration
were received by GAA starting in August 2015. After in-house scrutiny of
these drafts, detailed comments and suggestions for bridging information
gaps were sent by GAA to enable suitable revisions by the District
Administration. A process of continuous monitoring of the development of
the next stage of drafts was followed, and the second drafts were received
by GAA by the end of October 2015. This revised draft Gazetteer of each
District was then placed for scrutiny at two levels– the first by the public at
large by hosting the drafts at the website of GAA
(gopabandhuacademy.gov.in), and the second by a set of 30 Experts, one
for each District, designated as Consulting Editor.
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Simultaneously, Government in General Administration Department
(GAD) with the approval of Hon‟ble Chief Minister reconstituted the State
Advisory Committee (SAC) and State Working Committee (SWC) on
Gazetteers vide Notification No. 23473 dated 26 September, 2015. The SAC
continues to be headed by Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha. The
SWC hereafter was to be chaired by the Director General, GAA, who had
also been notified as the ex-officio Chief Editor of Gazetteers, besides being
granted functional freedom to prepare and publish the Gazetteers. A series
of meetings were held by DG, GAA with the Consulting Editors appointed for
refinement of the drafts prepared at the District level to discuss and to
ensure accuracy and coherence, quality and content. The Consulting Editors
also visited the respective Districts regularly to interact with senior officials,
governmental and non-governmental organisations and persons concerned
with the preparation of the initial two drafts. The drafts reviewed by DG,
GAA, with the Consulting Editors were forwarded to the District Collectors for
authentication of content and further improvements in quality, wherever felt
necessary.
The final round of discussions with the Consulting Editors was held in
GAA in February through till April 2016, and the draft Gazetteers, finalised at
this stage again in consultation with the District Collectors, were placed
before the SWC. Drafts recommended by it were placed before the SAC for
approval.
Deogarh emerged as one of four districts after the reorganisation of
Sambalpur district w.e.f. 01.01.1994. Creation of the new district fulfilled
local aspirations and long standing demand. This also warranted a revisit to
the past and present of the district in form of developing a new District
Gazetteer. Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, IAS, Collector effectively
guided her team of officers and local experts to prepare the initial draft for
the gazetteer of the district. I compliment and thank her and all those
involved in preparing the draft.
I am grateful to Mr. Abhay Kumar Padhi, Consulting Editor, who has
meticulously gone through the draft and fine-tuned it. Without his sincere
efforts and commitment it would have been difficult to bring out this
gazetteer.
Mr. Manoj Ahuja, IAS, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers‟
Employment Department, Government of Odisha deserves special thanks
for having perused the draft and offered his valuable suggestions for its
improvement.
I convey sincere gratitude to the members of the State Working
Committee and State Advisory Committee for their valuable inputs and
advice. I will be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge the contribution of
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my friends and colleagues in the State Administration and particularly those
at GAA. namely Sri Shyam Sundar Nayak, OAS, Additional Commissioner,
TC, Dr. Rabi Naryan Patra, Deputy Director (Studies), Sri Subrat Kuanr,
Research Officer and Dr. Rabindra Kumar Swain, Compiler.
Finally, despite optimum efforts to plug the obvious limitations and
lacunae in the Gazetteer, factual deficiencies, misspellings and grammatical
errors might be found. The responsibility for all its shortcomings doubtless
remains mine. With an eye to the future, I urge all readers, including
thematic experts, young scholars, and luminaries, to offer their valuable
suggestions for improving the quality and contents of the document for the
next addition with the passage of time.
I would like to thank the people of the District of Deogarh for their
contributions over time to the making of the District as we now know it, and
commend this document to them and to all other stakeholders within the
State and beyond.
Dr. Taradatt, IAS Chief Editor, Gazetteers &
Director General, GAA
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NOTE FROM CONSULTING EDITOR
Deogarh finds scanty mention in the old gazetteers and other such
compilations during the last century, as one of the feudatory states of Odisha
among the twenty-six Gadjats or as a sub-division of Sambalpur district.
After Deogarh became a separate district carved out of Sambalpur, it is but
natural to draw and describe a fairly detail profile of the new district and
compile a gazetteer the land, its people, history and heritage, its resources
both human and natural, its administrative set up and system of governance.
The first recorded attempt to compile and publish a gazetteer of
Sambalpur district was done by L.S.S.O‟Malley, a British officer of the Indian
Civil Service (ICS), in the year 1909. In the gazetteer by O‟Malley there is
no mention of Deogarh (then spelt as Deogarh as the British preferred) or
the princely state of Bamanda or Bamra. Almost concurrently in the year
1910 L.E.B.Cobden-Ramsay, another ICS officer produced the „Feudatory
States of Orissa‟ in the series Bengal District Gazetteers. This work by
Cobden-Ramsay gives, though not in much detail and depth, description of
all the twenty-six feudatory states (earlier known as Tributary Mahals), of
„Orissa‟ (now Odisha) Division of the Bengal Presidency. Chapter-III of this
book deals with „Bamra State‟ running into only twenty-one pages. His
description of the land and its people too is sketchy and insufficient.
Subsequently, F.C. King, another British officer of the same service
produced a revision of O‟Malley‟s Sambalpur District Gazetteer in the year
1932 without any worthwhile mention of Bamra State. All these narratives
and accounts were by British colonial civil servants and predate India‟s
independence.
After independence in 1948, the erstwhile feudatory states of India
under the protection of the British government acceded to the Union of India,
which in common parlance is called „merger of the princely states‟. Bamra or
Bamanda of which Deogarh was the capital too merged with the province of
Odisha along with the rest twenty-five feudatory states of Odisha. After a gap
of almost four decades since the gazetteer of F.C. King, another district
gazetteer of Sambalpur was produced in the series „Gazetteer of India –
Orissa‟ with Nilamani Senapati, ICS as the Chief Editor assisted by Shri
Bhabakrushna Mahanti, IAS, and was published in the year 1971. That was
the last gazetteer, which at some length dealt with various aspects of
Deogarh as a sub-division of Sambalpur district.
All these events relate to the twentieth century. Between then and now,
not that only a new century in terms of time has commenced but several
perceptible changes have occurred in Odisha. When the last district
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gazetteers were released in the early seventies, there were only thirteen
districts. In the early 1990‟s seventeen more districts have been carved from
out of the ten old districts, barring Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj,
taking the total number of districts to thirty. Each of these districts has its
own history, heritage, geographical features, topographical contours, soil
type, mountain and hill ranges, rivers and rivulets, agricultural practices,
minerals, mines and industries, ethnology, linguistic peculiarities, fairs
festivals and above all discernibly distinct ways of cultural and social life of
its people.
Deogarh, named after the former capital town of Bamra (Bamanda)
State is one such new district. Bamanda, which had earned the dubious
sobriquet of „Akhoj Bamanda‟, the land considered almost inaccessible and
out of bound for people from elsewhere is now crisscrossed by several
National and State Highways and roads with bridges over rivers and rivulets.
The topography, demography, ecology, environment, communication,
agricultural practices, public health delivery system, education, people‟s
empowerment, law and order, public peace and many more aspects have
changed socio-economic composition and character of the district.
This gazetteer of Deogarh district is a compendium of various aspects
that draws a profile of the district. Our endeavour has been to make it as
much comprehensive as possible without making it bulky and in turn
unwieldy for the reader. It is a handy volume but is not just a handbook. In
preparing this volume, several individuals and institutions have contributed
facts and material, foremost among them are the district administration and
individual contributors. Our special thanks are due to Ms. Guha Poonam
Tapas Kumar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of Deogarh and her
colleagues in various offices in the district who have with singular devotion
have provided material and help when sought. A list of other individuals who
have helped compile the gazetteer is appended at the end of this volume.
Material has been obtained from other books and articles too and that has
been acknowledged in the bibliography section.
The Goapabandhu Academy of Administration and its Director-General
Dr. Taradutt, through a series of meetings, correspondence and personal
interaction has provided invaluable guidance in shaping this gazetteer. Since
the District Gazetteer of Deogarh is one in a series of thirty, effort has been
to keep uniformity among all the volumes in terms of content, style and
presentation, which have largely been achieved. At the district level, to
make the task easier, the district administration had formed several groups
to collect, sift and collate material for each Chapter, which included
government officials and private individuals. Many individuals from the elite
citizenry of Deogarh too have shared text, photographs, and other
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information from their precious and rare personal collections. Each such
group had compiled drafts for the assigned Chapters, which underwent
several revisions to reduce redundancy, repetition and make them compact.
The Editors are indebted and express their sincere thanks and gratitude
to all who got involved in this task. Special thanks are due to Sri Khetramani
Bibhar who meticulously typed and performed the tedious task of proof-
reading of the entire text. Sri Nirakar Patra helped in refurbishing the fungus-
ridden old photographs with his technical acumen to make them print-worthy
and presentable. Care has been taken to keep the text and context of this
gazetteer free from error. Some inadvertent typographical mistake and
printing error may have remained for which the Editors seek the indulgence
of the readers.
Abhaya Kumar Padhi Consulting Editor
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER-I
GENERAL
Introducing the District- Origin and Change of Name of the District- Geology- Geographic Location and Boundary- Area and Population- Demography- Physiographic Features, Land Formation and Soil Type- Climate – River System- Waterfalls, Springs, Lakes and Tanks- Hill System- Flora- Fauna
1-13
CHAPTER- II HISTORY
Pre and Proto History- Account of Yuan Chawng, Pliny and Cunnigham of Odra Desh- Bamanda in Antiquity- Traces of Primitive Human Habitat –Traces of Buddhist influence –Mandalas and Dynastic Rule –The Matharas and the Somavamshis –The Gangas of Bamanda- End of Maratha Dominance in Odisha- British Occupation and Protectorate Conflict, Intrigues and Unrest British Annexation of Angul- Surendra Sai and the Rebellion- An amusing and strange news item – Personal Life and Liberty under Feudal System- Bethi and Begari System- Towards Freedom:People‟s movement in Bamanda- Praja Mandal Movemet in Bamanda – Gadjat Merger with Odisha- Post Independence and Post Merger Scenario- Birth of first Regional Political Party- Creation of Deogarh District –Archaeology of the District
14-46
CHAPTER – III
ECOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST
Introduction – Forest Administration – Classification of Forest – Floral diversity – Botanical, Vernacular and Local names of plants found in Deogarh Forest Division – Medicinal Flora – Faunal Diversity- Mamals –Birds – Reptiles – Glossary Of Odia , English and Latin Name Of Animals, Birds, Snakes, Lizards, Turtles and Fishes Found In Deogarh Division – Rare Fauna and Flora of Deogarh District – Vulnerability of Forest Crop – Biotic Factors – Deforestation and denudation – Van Sanrakshyan Samiti - Legal aspects – Rights And Concession – Miscellaneous
47-70
CHAPTER – IV
PEOPLE AND DEMOGRAPHY
Deogarh District, an Amalgam of People- Size and Population- Birth and Death rate, Rural-urban population distribution- Age, Sex and Occupational Composition- Languages- Literacy and work participation rate- Castes and Tribes-Inter-caste relations- Religions and Religious beliefs-Manner, Custom and Tradition- Traditional Birth Rites – Funeral Rites- Home, Community and Social Life- Fairs, Festivals and Ceremonial Practices- Migration, Displacement and Rehabilitation- Urbanization and Emerging Issues
71-90
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CHAPTER-V
AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION
Physiographic and Agro-climatic Condition- Agro-ecological Situation – Soil, its nature and type- Land Utilisation Pattern- Crops Grown In the District- Use of Agricultural Implements- Manures and Fertiliser- Agricultural Technology Crop Diseases and Control Mechanism and Crop Protection – Krishi Vigyan Kendra- Integrated Farming Systems- Resource Conservation Technology- Soil testing- Irrigation System and Infrastructure in the District- Gohira Medium Irrigation Project- Minor Irrigation Projects-Lift Irrigation-Soil Conservation and Watershed Development- Animal Resources Development- Livestock Wealth of Deogarh- Status of Livestock Output- Common Animal Diseases of Livestock and Poultry- Current Activities of Animal husbandry and livestock rearing- Future Perspective Plan- Fisheries and Aquaculture- Natural Calamities and Disaster Management- Climate Change and Impact on Agriculture- Drought Prevention Measures
91-138
CHAPTER- VI
BANKING, COMMERCE, TRADE AND BUSINESS
History – Advent of Commercial Bank – Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana – Insurance – Crop Insurance – Objectives of the NAIS – Yield Data – Claims – Illustration of settlement of claim – Sum Insured – Regulated Market Committee, Deogarh – Market Yards and Check gates – Weekly Hats Paddy Procurement - Infrastructure Facility Provided
139-148
CHAPTER – VII
INDUSTRIES
Old time Industry – History and evolution of Industries in the district – Power production and sources: Hydro, Thermal, Solar, Bio – Diesel Power House – Minerals, Extraction of Minerals, Mineral processing – Mineral based and other Industries in the district – Cottage, Small and Medium Industries in the district – Handicrafts- Ancestral Industrial activities and Industrial Art – Labour Laws and relation, Protection of labour, Trade Union, Labour welfare – Industrialisation – Protection of Labour – Labour laws and relations – Legal Provisions for Interstate Migrant Workmen–Trade Unionism – Labour Welfare – Development of IT Sector and Industrialization – Industrialization, Displacement and Rehabilitation – Hotel and Hospitality Industry
149-158
CHAPTER – VIII
TRANSPORT and COMMUNICATION
Introduction – Evolution of Transport and Communication system in the District – Old time trade routes in the District – National and State Highway Network - Major District Roads and other Roads – Road Transport Organization in the District – Public Transport – Road Safety Aspect – Enforcement of Motor Vehicle and Road Safety Laws – Railways, Waterways and Ferry System, Airstrips and Aerodrome –
159-176
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Post and Tele-communication Services – Telephone and Telecommunication Service – Pigeon Mail Service – Radio, Television, Information Technology and Wireless System
CHAPTER- IX
DEVELOPMENT
Developmental Challenges in Early Years – Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme – National Rural Livelihood Mission – Self Help Groups - Indira Awaas Yojana –Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana - Cement Concrete Roads – Backward Region Grant Fund - Integrated Action Plan - Gopabandhu Grameen Yojana - Finance Commission Award – MPLAD Fund – MLALAD Fund – Western Odisha Development Council
177-195
CHAPTER- X
ECONOMIC TRENDS
District Domestic Product: composition and trends - Primary Sector – Secondary Sources – Tertiary Sources – Finance and Services Sources – Livelihood and Sustainability – Women Empowerment – Employment and Self Employment – Wholesale price in District – Minimum wage system – Wage payment system – Construction Labour – Major initiatives for welfare of Construction labour – Major initiatives for welfare of Bidi Sramika – Child labour and Rehabilitation
196-209
CHAPTER – XI
GENERAL AND REVENUE ADMINISTRATION
District Administration: General Overview – Sub-Divisional Level Administration – Other District Offices – Background of Revenue Administration System – Land Revenue System- Past and Present – Land Tenure System and Tenancy Right – Survey and Settlement – Land reforms position of the district – Sources of Revenue of the District
210-225
CHAPTER- XII
LAW AND ORDER, AND JUSTICE
Historical Background – Justice System – Lok Adalat – Consumer Protection Measures – Child Welfare Committee – Bar Association – Police Establishments – Organisational Set-up of Police Administration – Vigilance Administration – Special Branch Unit – Cyber Crime Control – Fire Service – Jail Administration, Correctional Homes and Prisoners‟ welfare – Leftwing Extremism In Deogarh District – The Central Armed Police Forces
226-244
CHAPTER – XIII
LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
Evolution of Local Self Government in Deogarh – Evolution of Panchayati Raj System – Advent of 3-Tier Panchayati Raj Institutions – Panchayati Raj Institutions In Deogarh District – Municipal Council –
245-275
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Zilla Parishad and its Operations – Panchayat Samities and Gram Panchayat – Palli Sabhas and their Modus Operandi - Functions of Palli Sabha – Election to Local Bodies – Dispute settlement through elected body – Municipality System during Raj – Municipal Administration Now- Civic grievance redressal mechanism
CHAPTER-XIV
EDUCATION, SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS
Historical Background – Introduction of Formal Education – Education of SC/ST/OBC, Minorities and Women – Gender and Inter-caste differences in education and measures to address them – Trends in Growth of Higher Education – Professional and Technical Educational Institutes – University Education – Indira Gandhi National Open University – Oriental School System – Sanskrit College – Urdu School – Madrasa – Missionary School – Games and Sports In Deogarh
276-293
CHAPTER – XV
MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Health Services in Early Times – Shamanism - Ethno-Medicine – Advent of Organised Public Health Care System – Anti-Opium Drive in Bamanda State – Reproductive Child Health Programmeme – Diseases Prevalent in the District – Health Scenario after Independence – District formation and after – Hierarchy of Health Institutions – Christian Evangelical Health Facilities- Lutheran Church hospital (GEL Church) – Area Development Project under UK Aid – Odisha Health System Development Project – The National Rural Health Mission : ZSS, GKS formation and ASHA as a community Worker – Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) – Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Rogi Kalyan Samiti and Hospital Management Society – Janani Surakshya Yojana- National Ambulance Services – Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram – Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram – Special New Born Care Unit – Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre - Drugs Distribution Centres –Free Drugs and Free Diagnostic Service – Tele-medicine centre – District Training Unit - Odisha State Treatment Fund - Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojona - Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana – District Programme Management Unit- National Health Mission – Key District Health Indicators at a glance – Other standalone reports in recent years – Status of ASHA and Gaon Kalyan Samiti – Public Health and Sanitation – Rural Sanitation Scenario
294-312
CHAPTER- XVI
PUBLIC LIFE AND VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS
Political Activities, Parties and Organization and Pressure Groups – MLAs Elected from Deogarh Constituency to the Odisha Legislative Assembly - MPs elected from Deogarh/ Sambalpur Loksabha Constituency – Pressure Groups – Rengali Baschyuta Surakhya Samiti – Deogarh Nagarika Sanstha – Deogarh Zilla Kriyanusthan Committee - Deogarh Zilla Nagarika Committee – Civil Society Organization and their functioning – NGOs and their Activities – News Papers and Periodicals published in the District – Adult Literacy Activities
313-323
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CHAPTER – XVII
CULTURE, LITERATURE AND TOURISM
Introduction – Literary and Theatre Tradition in the Past – Literary Tradition- Authors of the Past – Literary and Cultural Fora – Libraries and Reading rooms – Literary Periodicals and Publications – Pioneering works of Modern Sensibility – Places of Tourist Interest
324-352
CHAPTER - XVIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Introduction- The Way Forward-Vision and Mission for a Better Future- Food Processing, Packaging Marketing- Fisheries and Ornamental Fish- Forest Produce and Cottage Industries- Mineral Water- Tourism Sector -Transport and Communication Games and sports- Performing Arts- Education- Conclusion
353-360
BIBLIOGRAPHY
361-362
GLOSSARY 363-374
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 375
xvi
ABBREVIATION
Ac Acre
ADB Asian Development Bank
ADRI Animal Disease Research Institute
ADRI Animal Disease Research Institute
AES Agro-ecological Situation
ANM Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife
ARLC Asian Regional Labour Conference
ASHA Accredited Social Health Activists
ATMA Agriculture Technology Management Agency
ATMA Agriculture Technology Management Agency
AY Actual Yield
AYUSH Ayurvedic Unani Sidhha and Homeopathy
BAIF Bharatiya Agro Industries Federation
BCE Before Current Era
BDO Block Development Officer
BDO Block Development Officer
BPGY Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana
BPL Below Poverty Line
BRGF Backward Region Grant Fund
BSNL Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
BVO Block Veterinary Officer
CADA Command Area Development Agency
CCE Crop Cutting Experiment
CCR Cement Concrete Roads
CDVO Chief District Veterinary Officer
CE Current Era
CFC Consumption of Fixed Capital
CHC Community Health Centre
CM Centimetre
DDL Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
DDP District Domestic Product
DHQ District Headquarter
DMS Document Management Software
DRDA District Rural Development Agency
DTH Direct-to-home (For Radio and Television Transmission)
xvii
FBA Fruit Bearing Area
FCA Finance Commission Award
FIAC Farm Information and Advisory Centre
FLD Field Level Demonstration
GCA Gross Cropped Area
GCES General Crop Estimation Survey
GCP Ground Control Points
GDDP Gross District Domestic Products
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GE (Church) Gossner Evangelical Lutheran (Church)
GGY Gopabandhu Grameen Yojana
GKM Gram Krushak Mancha
GP Gram Panchayat
Hect Hectare
HMS Hospital Management Society
HYV High Yielding Variety
IAP Integrated Action Plan
IAY Indira Awas Yojana
ICDS Integrated Child Development Scheme
IFS Integrated Farming Systems
ILO International Labour Organization
IMFL India Made Foreign Liquor
INM Integrated Nutrient Management
IPM Integrated Pest Management
JRY Jawahar Rozgar Yojana
JSSK Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram
JSY Janani Surakshya Yojana
KCIE Knight Counsel of Indian Empire
Km Kilometre
LWE Left Wing Extremism
MDM Mid-Day Meal
MDR Major District Roads
MGNREGS Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
MIP Minor Irrigation Project
MLA Member of Legislative Assembly
MLA LAD Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development
mm Millimetre
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MP Member of Parliament
MPCS Multipurpose Co-operative Societies
MPHW Muli-Purpose Health Worker
MPLAD Member of Parliament Local Area Development
MSL Mean Sea Level
MT Metric tonne
MVU Mobile Veterinary Unit
NABARD National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
NABCONS NABARD Consultancy Services
NAS National Ambulance Services
NDDP Net District Domestic Product
NFSM National Food Security Mission
NH National Highway
NHM National Health Mission
NLRMP National Land Records Modernisation Programme
NMOOP National Mission on Oilseed and Oil Palm
NRHM National Rural Health Mission
NRLM National Rural Livelihood Mission
NWDPRA National Watershed Development Project for Rain-fed Area
OLM Odisha Livelihood Mission
OLR Act Odisha Land Reforms Act
OMFED Orissa State Cooperative Milk Producers‟ Federation Limit
OPLE Act Orissa Prevention of Land Encroachment Act
OSRTC Odisha State Road Transport Corporation
OUAT Odisha University of Agriculture Technology
PHC Primary Health Centres
PMEGP Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme
PPM Plant Protection Management
PPR Peste des Petites Ruminants
PVTG Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group
QPM Quality Plant Material
RBSK Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
RDC Revenue Divisional Commissioner
RGGVY Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana
RKS Rogi Kalyan Samiti
RKVY Rastriya Krushi Vikash Yojana
RLEGP Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programmeme
xix
RoR Record of Rights
SBY Swachha Bharat Yojana
SC Schedule Caste
SDO Sub-divisional Officer
SGSY Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana
SH State Highway
SHG Self-help Group
SJSRY Swarna Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yojana
SNCU Special New Born Care Unit
SPCA Special Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
ST Schedule Tribe
TSC Total Sanitation Campaign
TY Threshold Yield
VAS Veterinary Assistant Surgeon
VPN Virtual Private Network
WHS Water Harvesting Structure
WLDP Waste Land Development Project
WODC Western Odisha Development Council
WSHG Women Self-help Group
ZP Zilla Parishad
ZSS Zilla Swasthya Samiti
1
CHAPTER-I
GENERAL
Introducing the District
The district of Deogarh, as a distinct administrative entity, was carved
out of the erstwhile larger Sambalpur district of Odisha on the 1st of January
1994. The literal English translation of Deogarh is Abode of Divinity. A larger
portion of the erstwhile Bamanda or Bamra State constitute Deogarh district.
The State of Bamanda (Bamra) acceded to the Union of India on 1st January
1948. Prior to the merger of the state, Kuchinda, which became a separate
subdivision of Sambalpur district in 1948, also formed a part of the Bamanda
state.
Origin and Change of Name of the District
There are several myths, legends, apocryphal tales, and folklores about
the derivation of the name Bamanda. One legend being, a couple named
Bama (or Baha) and Manda ruled over this tract. A conjunction of their
names contributes to the name Bahamanda or Bamanda for the erstwhile
princely state, which in colloquial usage is pronounced as Bamra. Another
mythical version is that Lord Ramachandra upon his banishment from
Ayodhya in fulfilment of his father‟s vow passed through this land and set his
left foot on the soil of this territory first. „Bama‟ in Sanskrit is left and „Mada‟ is
foot. These two words form the name Bamanda. According to another
folklore when Lord Rama accompanied by his simian forces was moving
through this tract in search of Sita, whom the demon King Ravana had
abducted, the monkeys lost way and went towards Bonai, another adjacent
princely state. „Bana‟ or „Bata bana‟ in Odia means to lose way or direction.
After a while the simians discovered the correct path by turning left, that
being „Bama‟ and that is how the land derived its name Bamanda or Bamra.
All these tales are local narratives, apocryphal in nature. However the name
stayed on for centuries and now only one railway station on the South
Eastern Railway route carries the name of Bamra, which was earlier known
as Govindpur, now a part of the Kuchinda sub-dividion of Sambalpur district.
During merger of Bamanda state with Odisha, the sub-division formed out of
a larger portion of the former princely state came to be known as Deogarh,
the capital town of Bamanda. Spelling of the place name Deogarh that the
British used in their records continued as in the case of other place names.
That very name continued even after the former sub-division of Sambalpur
was accorded the status of a district in 1994. Now spelling of several place
names, famous and not so famous, are being „Indianised‟ and the general
feeling in Deogarh is to spell the place name as Debgarh as in Odia rather
than in the British colonial way. This according to them would also allay the
2
confusion of the name of the district, as there are other places with almost
the same spelling and equal or more popularity like Deoghar in Jharkhand
state.
Geographic Location and Boundary
Deogarh is situated in the mid-northern part of Odisha. The
geographical coordinates of the district are 200
9‟ North to 220
12‟ North
latitude and 830
23‟ East to 850-
23‟ East longitude and of the headquarters
town of Deogarh are 210
32‟ North latitude and 840
43‟ East longitude. It is
bounded by hilly tracts on all sides. Its boundary is defined by Angul district
in the East and South, Sambalpur in the West and Sundargarh to the North.
Deogarh, the headquarters is located 90 kilometres to the east of Sambalpur
city on National. Highway- 06 (now N.H. 53). It is 115 kilometres to the north
of Angul town on National Highway 200 and 150 kilometres south of
Rourkela on National Highway 23. National Highways 49, 23, 200 and along
with Ranchi-Vijayawada road now under construction pass through the
district. These are the main arterial roads for inter-regional communication,
transportation, and trade. The district is rich in biodiversity and ecological
features. Pradhanpat and Korodkot waterfalls are of historical importance
and famous for their salubrious ecology. Korodkot is one of the earliest
locations where hydro-electricity was generated in Asia. The outline of
Deogarh district which is nearly analogous to the former Bamanda State
sans the Kuchinda Sub-division resembles that of a sitting swan.
Area and Population
The district covers a total area of 2490 square kilometres with a
population of 3,12,520 out of which 1,58,230 are male and 1,54,290 female
as per the provisional data of the General Census of 2011. According to
the earlier decennial Census of 2001, Deogarh district had a population of
2,74,108. There has been an increase of 14.01 per cent in the population
during the decade between 2001 and 2011. The literacy rate in the district
recorded in 2011 is 72.57 per cent as against 60.36 per cent in 2001, a
marked increase of 12.21 percent. The rate of literacy among male is 81.92
per cent and that of the female is 63.05 per cent. With regard to sex ratio in
Deogarh in 2011 it stood at 927 female per 1000 male. The decline in male
female ratio is discernible between 2001 and 2011. In 2001 Census the ratio
was 956:1000. This is markedly below the state sex ratio of female-male
ratio which is 972: 1000 and the national sex ratio in India which is
940:1000.
For administrative convenience Deogarh district was one sub-division
and now is divided into three Tehsils, namely Reamal, Deogarh and Barkote.
The community Development blocks are also three in number namely
3
Reamal, Teleibani and Barkote. Deogarh district has sixty Gram Panchayats.
Total number of inhabited villages in the district is 711. There are 164
uninhabited villages also in the district. According to the 2011 Census there
are total of 58,234 households in the district, out of which 53,984 or 92.56
percent are rural households and 4,341 or 7.44 percent are urban
households. The district headquarters town of Deogarh is the only town,
which has a Municipality. No other locality of the district has a Notified Area
Council. A total of sixty Gram Panchayats takes care of the civic and
developmental needs of the villages.
Demography
The population is an agglomerate comprising people of different castes
and tribes. Prominent among the castes and tribes are: Kandh, Bhuyan,
Kolh, Kisan, Kuda, Khadia, Munda, Gond, Goud, Brahmin, Rajput, Karan,
Kurmi, Agria, Chasa, Dumal, Teli, Mali, Bhulia, Mahar, Kuli, Kosta, Ganda,
Panka, Ghasia, Chamar, Dhoba, Kumbhar, Luhura, Betra, etc.
People of all the castes and ethnic groups who are settlers of the
district may be classified into two types based on their ethnicity, vocation,
social customs and lifestyle. One is the primitive inhabitants like the Kandh,
Bhuyan, Kolh, Kisan, Kuda, Khadia, Munda, Gond, etc. They have inhabited
these lands since pre-historic times. Being forest dwellers, they are simple
by nature. On the other hand, the second type of people is migrant settlers
from other parts of the country. This group of people is generally classified
as the non-service class and the service class like artisans and menial
workers. The non-service classes were close to the ruling dynasty and the
Court and thus have been more informed, educated and affluent. The
service classes were settlers in villages carved out of the forest land and had
taken to agriculture and other allied vocations and professions. The principal
non-agricultural castes are Brahmins, Rajputs, and Karans. For people from
the Chasha, Gouda, Suda, Kandha, Ganda, Agharia, Dumala, Kolha and
some other castes and ethnic groups agriculture is the main activity.
Bramhins, Rajputs and Karans are landholders but are not practising farmers
or active cultivators. They engage themselves in farm labour for their
agricultural operations.
Bramhin dominance in social dynamics began when the Gangavamsi
Kings brought in and settled learned scholars, priests and pundits from time
to time according to needs of their religious and ritualistic requirements. It is
believed that Raja Saraju Gang Deb, the first of the Ganga line of rulers of
Bamanda brought one Debananda Mohapatra from Patna State, the present
Balangir, as a priest. Likewise Trilochan Chobe who came from the north as
a classical teacher by Raja Rudranarayan Deb was called “Aparacharya”.
4
Hari Saran Dwibedy and Harihar Dash came from Jajpur at the time of Raja
Sadananda‟s rule and served as senior court officials. Damodar Bahinipati
came to Bamanda at the time of Raja Brajasundar Deb. Somanath Satpathy
came to Deogarh during the rule of Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb. Persons of
Rajput lineage were close to the ruling family and were largely engaged in
security duty and military operations. Karans were employed in courts for
maintenance of revenue accounts and records.
There has been complete harmony among people of varied ethnicity,
caste and clan since ages in this district. By assimilation, acculturisation and
amalgamation of all types of people, the aborigine forest dwellers, the settled
agriculturists and the service classes, Bamanda was both fairly prosperous
and enlightened to a great extent in comparison to other Gadjats.
Geology
The geological formations represented in this district can be arranged in the
following order of increasing antiquity.
1. Soil and alluvium of recent formation
2. Laterites and Lateritic iron-ore usually of tertiary period
3. Damuda series of the Kanthi stage of the lower Gondwana strata and
4. Barakar stage, needle shale and sand stone, boulder bed Talchir series
The district is covered with irregular deposit of laterite and lateritic iron-
ore at various altitudes. This type of iron ore is seen at Hillong hills and
Jagadala area of Kansar and Khajuria hill range near Tusula of Tileibani
Block.
Among the minerals and ores found in the district are clay, copper and
lime stone. There are traces of gems stones in the district, Collection of
gems stones from the bed of Gohira canal system has been recorded. The
best known locality is Ratanapur, Budido, Kankarakhol, Kuskhulia of Reamal
block. So far no gems stone bearing horizon of any commercial 4aoists4mia
has been located in the district. Clay occurring in Deogarh district are of
three types.
(i) Sedimentary clay
(ii) China clay
(iii) Lithomarge
The sedimentary clay which occurs in beds is mainly of Gondwana age
although some occurrences have been recorded in Cuddapah formation.
China-clays have been derived as alteration products of granites and other
feldspar rich rock. On burning it retains its whiteness. Clay beds occur inter-
bedded with sand stones in the Sindura hill 5 Kms. South of Deogarh town in
Tileibani Block.
5
Copper is available in Dolpara, Malichua, Latakhandi, Basantpur and
Laimura area of Tileibani and Reamal Blocks of Deogarh district.
Extensive deposits of lime stone suitable for lime burning, fluxing in the
iron and steel and other metallurgical industries including cement production
occur in Deogarh district. Limestone occurs in Pradhanpat but not for
commercial use. This lime stone locally known as „Asurahada‟ meaning
demon-bone and is of edible variety used in betel making.
Physiographic Features, Land Formation and Soil Type
The natural bearing of the district is exceedingly beautiful and
enchanting with vast ranges of deciduous forest and tree-clad hills ranges.
This landscape alternates with well-watershed valleys and plateaus
gleaming bright in the sun, with green waving crops of paddy in monsoon
and winter seasons with brilliant yellow mature crops of Surguja, an
indigenous variety of paddy contrasting brilliantly with the deep green foliage
of the forest. The district forms a series of hill ranges with elevation of nearly
610 metres or about 2000 feet on an average rising to a height of 816
metres at some places above the mean sea level rolling backwards towards
the headquarters.
Land formation of the district is mainly of two types – valleys of hill tract
and the open plain land close to the various rivers and rivulets. The district
forms watersheds from west to east, with fine valleys in between with
discharge of water to Brahmani, Tikira and Gohira, three major rivers of the
district with their rivulets of the inner tablelands. The eastern side of the
district is the valley of Brahmani spreading out into fertile plains watershed
by Kaidanta, Pradhanpat and Paudi Hill streams. At the Barkote pass, the
river winds round magnificently wooded hills from 743 metres to 816 metres
high from the sea level. From the eastern bank of Brahmani, the Paudi Hill
ranges tower into a fine watershed from 678 metres high from the sea level.
It slopes down upon the southern side of the Barkote Block of the district.
Wild precipitous bluffs, the soft beauty of the hill-clad ranges scored and
seamed by the storms of ages relieve the western side of the district
headquarters. In the rains raging torrents flashing for kilometres in the
sunlight hurt themselves in fine waterfalls to the slopes below, the finest of
these waterfalls drops over the sheer southern face of the Pradhanpat-
Kaidanta hill ranges. The district has plateau land comprising small valleys
shut in on all sides by hills, which rise as high as over 1000 metres. The tops
of these ranges in the three blocks of Barkote, Reamal and Tileibani form
fine plateau lands. They are almost level, but generally run up to a small
elevation at one end some five metres above the plateau, which averages
6
about 100 metres. These ranges are covered with long grass and form the
grazing grounds for bovine and other domestic livestock. The largest and
finest of these ranges are the Khajuria and Rambhadebi ranges near
Suguda and Laimura plateau in Tileibani Block of the district.
In the physiographic genesis of soil of the district all the five factors of
soil formation are well pronounced. The most predominant soil types of the
district are sandy-loam and red soil. There are a few tracts where black soil
is also present. The agricultural land of the district is marked to have five
landforms such as hill, ridges, valley, and stream terraces. These can be
further subdivided into different land types and sub-land types. Broadly these
can be classified as high land, medium land and low land. The climate,
vegetation and other biotic factors, rock types and topography indicating
different land types have considerably influenced genesis of the soil in
different parts of Deogarh district. These belong to four orders namely
alfisols, inceptisols, entisols and vertisols.
The topography is largely undulating with ridges and valleys as the
prominent features. The uplands are located at the crest of the ridges and
the upper slopes constitute the unbounded and bounded lands. These are
locally called Aat and Mal land respectively, which constitute the highland.
The valley bottomlands which are called Bahal constitute the low lands and
the lower valley land constituting medium lands is called Berna.
Climate
The climate of Deogarh district is characterised by hot and dry summer
and distributed rains during the South-West monsoon season. Winter
season commences from late November and lasts until the end of February.
Summer season lasts from mid-March to mid-June. The South West
monsoon hits Deogarh district during mid-June and rains continue up to late
September. The months of October and November constitute the post
monsoon season followed by the harvesting period.
Average annual rainfall in the district is 1582 millimetres of which about
86% is received during the South-West monsoon season and the rest rains
are sporadic in nature occurring during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon
period. July and August remain the wettest months. As per past available
records, the year 1961 received the highest rainfall, which was 172% of the
normal. The lowest annual rainfall of only 60% of the normal occurred
consecutively for two years in 1923 and 1924. During monsoon, the sky
remains overcast. In the concluding half of summer and post monsoon
months clouding becomes moderate. In the rest of the year, sky remains
generally clear or very thinly clouded.
7
Summer temperature begins to rise steadily from early March and
remains at the peak until end of May or early June. The maximum
temperature on an average remains about 41º Celsius and the average
minimum temperature remains at about 26º Celsius. On hottest days prior to
the advent of the South-West monsoon during May the maximum
temperatures veers between 45º to 47º Celsius. With the onset of South-
West monsoon around the second week of June, day temperature
appreciably drops.
December and January are the coldest months of the year with the
minimum temperature remaining between 7º and 12º Celsius. Due to the
passing of western disturbances across North India during the winter
months, short spells of extreme cold conditions prevail in the district and on
certain occasions, the minimum temperature drops to about 4º Celsius.
Wind speed all across the district remains light to moderate throughout
the year, with certain exceptions during summer when occasional of
whirlwind is observed. In the post monsoon and winter season the wind
direction is mainly from North and North-East towards South and South-
West. On the onset of summer in early April, wind from the South-West and
South become more common and this trend continues during the entire
period from May to September.
During the monsoon season, depressions form in the Bay of Bengal
across the East Coast of India including the coastline of Odisha move in
Westerly direction causing widespread and heavy rain accompanied by
strong wind and occasional cyclonic storms. The district experiences
thunderstorms accompanied by lightening mostly in the afternoon in late
summer and towards early October. The South-West monsoon rain is often
associated with thundershowers and thunderbolts. Fog of moderate density
occurs during the winter season.
The relative humidity is high during the South-West monsoon season
being generally over 75 percent. After the monsoon season, humidity
decreases and during the winter season, the air is salubrious. The driest part
of the year is the summer season when the relative humidity is rather low,
the afternoon humidity being generally about 25 to 30 percent.
River System
The district forms watersheds from west to east, punctuated by fine
valleys that feed the three rivers, Brahmani, Tikira and Gohira of the district
and other tributary streams and rivulets of the inner tablelands. The eastern
side of the district is the valley of Brahmani spreading out into fertile plains
watershed by Kaidanta, Pradhanpat and Paudi Hill streams. It slopes down
8
upon the southern side of the Barkote Block of the district. This watershed in
turn slopes down into the Rengali Dam Reservoir. The southernmost of the
district is the valley of Tikira, Gohira and the rivulet Hinjuli, spreading out into
fertile plains of Reamal Block of the district watershed by Sulia, Hillong hill
tract streams.
Fish of different varieties are found in major rivers like Brahmani and
other rivulets of Deogarh district. An elaborate account of pisciculture in the
district is given in the Chapter-IV dealing with Agriculture and allied activities.
Important varieties of edible fish of commercial value are found in the water
streams of Deogarh. The most common species are Catla-catla (Bhakur),
Labeo rohita (Rohi), Cirrhina mrigala (Mirkali), Labee kalbasu (Kalanchi),
Wallagoniattu (Balia), Pseudegropius garua (Katrang), Bagarius bagarius
(Kanabudhia), Barbus tor (Kudi), Gabies (Ghensda), Murels (Seula), Minor
Murels (Khapsi), Riacobdila (Bainri), Barbus minor (Putia and Kutri), Cliela
Gora and Chela Phulo (Jarda), Clarias Latrachas (Magur), Sacobra chus
fosilis (Singhi), Gobies (Matul), Mystus aor (Adi), Eutropiichthys vacha
(Batcha), Belerey hemiraphus (Gaurchela), another Barbus minor species
(Dandikiri and Dandei), Ambly pharyngdom (Mahurali or Maharel), very
minor Barbus species (Jhima), Major prawns (Chingda), Minor prawns or
shrimps (Chingri), Notopterus notopterus (Phali), Chital, Barbus
serana(Serna), Minor Crabs (Kankra), Amphibian Ketchla (Thumbi), Nandus
nandus (Bhadra), Mungli tadi (Kainga), Glass fish (Pat Pania). Ornamental
and decorative coloured fishes are bred in the Landijhari village of Barkote
Block of Deogarh district and the village has earned the name of
„Ornamental Fish Village‟.
Waterfalls, Springs, Lakes and Tanks
There are natural springs (jharan) in Deogarh district namely
Pradhanpat, Kurodkot, Kai Jharan, Bairikatajharan, Nagti Jharan, Lia Jharan
which cascade down the Pradhanpat reserve forest of Kaidanta hills creating
pools of water at the foot of the hill. The Pradhanpat and Kurodkot are
veritable waterfalls. Emanating from hill tops of considerable height, they fall
down the slope of hills creating several perennial waterfalls. The Pradhanpat
waterfall nearest to Deogarh town supplies drinking water to the town
throughout the year. The Kurodkot waterfall gained historic importance as
one of the first hydroelectric power generating units set up in 1916, which
supplied electricity to Deogarh town. Though the power plant is defunct now,
water flowing down from Kurodkot is used for irrigation purposes. Kai
Jharan, Nagti Jharan, Bairikata Jharan and Lia Jharan also come down from
Pradhanpat reserve forest of Kaidanta hill range. To the west of Deogarh are
the Kai Jjharan at about 5 Kms. From N.H. 49 near village Kurod in Tileibani
block, Nagti Jjharan near Tainsar village 7 Kms. From N.H 49 and Liajharan
9
on N.H. 49 near village Dhiramunda. All these jharans are situated in
Tileibani Block. There are three springs in Barkote Block. They are
Kaunsibahal Jharan, Panchamahala Jharan and Chakadihi Jharan flowing
down from Pradhanpat reserve forest of Kaidanta hill region. Kaunsibahal
Jharan is 20 Kms. In the east of Deogarh on N.H. 49 near Kaunsibahal
village, Panchamahala Jharan is 25 Kms. In the east from Deogarh on N.H.
49 near village Panchamahala. Chakadihi Jharan is 35 Kms. In the east on
N.H. 23 near Chakadihi village in Barkote Block whereas Katasar and
Chingudi Jharan are in Reamal Block. Katasar is 55 Kms. From Deogarh
and Chingudi Jharan is 48 Kms. In south from Deogarh on N.H. 200
respectively.
There is no natural lake in the district. The Rengali Dam Reservoir
covers a large area in the south eastern part of the district. 147 villages of
Deogarh district were submerged in the reservoir. It is considered to be the
largest artificial lake in the district. The Gohira Dam Reservoir in Tileibani
block is in south-west 28 Kms. From Deogarh used for irrigation of farmland
in Tileibani and Reamal block. Apart from these two reservoirs, there are
many tanks in the district, which serve the purpose domestic and irrigation
needs of the villagers in the vicinity. Among them the important ones are
Mohinipur tank at Mohinipur village, Magar kata at Santarapali village,
Basudebpur kata at Basudebpur village, Kalamati kata at Kalamati villageall
are in Tileibani block.
Hill System
The district forms a series of hill ranges rolling backwards towards the
headquarters. The soft beauty of the hill-clad ranges in the western side of
the district headquarters is relieved by wild precipitous bluffs scored and
seamed by the storms of ages. In the rains, raging torrents flashing for
kilometres in the sunlight hurt themselves in fine waterfalls to the slopes
below.
The hill system of Deogarh district can be grouped mainly under six
ranges:
(i) The Khajuria range on the north side of the district running from west-
east in Loimura of Deogarh Police Station, Tileibani Block with a maximum
height of 745 meters from the sea level.
(ii) The Pradhanpat and Kaidanta ranges 743 meters and 816 meters
respectively are on the north side of the Deogarh town and just below the
Khajuria range, weaving a vast
(iii) Plateau in between running from west-east up to the bank of the river
Brahmani covering Tileibani and Barkote Block.
10
(iv) On the eastern side of the river Brahmani runs a range of hills called
Paudi having 678 meters height from sea level. Probably the hills named
after the Paudi Bhuyan, those live in the Paudi reserved forest in Barkote
Block.
(v) The Ushakothi range at Hillanga hills in Kansar covering Tileibani and
Reamal Block extending up to Malichua- Latakhandi towards east. It is in
south side of Tileibani Block. The elevation of this hill range is from 610 to
672 meters from the sea level.
(vi) RambhaDebi-Sindura Hill ranges nearest to Deogarh town in south of
Tileibani Block having 580 meters to 430 meters height from the sea level.
(vii) Sulia Hill range of Reamal Block having 430 meters height from the sea
level.
All the above hill ranges are covered by dense forest. Among them,
Pradhanpat, Kansar, Pravasuni, Rambha Debi, Panguli, Thianal, Mandasila,
Pauri, Badataila, Khilei, New Pauari, Khajuria, Sulia Reserve forest are the
recorded forest areas of the district. These reserve forests come within the
jurisdiction of the Divisional Forest Officer (Terrotorial), Deogarh division.
The district is noted for Kendu leaf, Mahul flower and Sal trees. The forests
produce a considerable quantity of Lakha, silk, cocoons, resin, bees-wax
and honey. The district has thick and inaccessible forest and a large variety
of wild life from elephants to rabbits is found especially in Kansar forest,
close to Ushakothi Sanctuary.
The finest of waterfalls drops over the sheer southern face of the
Pradhanpat-Kaidanta hill ranges. The Pradhanpat and the Korodkot
waterfalls are of aesthetic, ecological and historical importance and much
visited by lovers of nature for their salubrious milieu. Korodkot is one of the
earliest locations where hydro-electricity was generated in Asia. The district
has plateau land comprising small valleys shut in on all sides by high hills.
Tops of these ranges in all the three blocks of Barkote, Reamal and Tileibani
form fine plateaus of level lands but generally run up to a small elevation of
some 5 metres at one end above the plateau which averages about 100
metres. These ranges are covered with tall grass and form the feeding
ground of graminivorous species of both domestic and wild animals. The
largest and finest of these ranges are the Khajuria and the Rambhadebi
ranges near Suguda and Laimura plateau in Tileibani Block of the district. At
the Barkote pass, the river Bramhani winds round magnificently wooded
hills. From the eastern bank of Brahmani, the Paudi Hill ranges tower into a
fine watershed from 678 metres high from the sea level.
11
Flora
Deogarh district lies within the great Sal belt where the climate is moist.
The forest has a tendency to become nearly evergreen. With the Sal are
found certain of its usual associates such as Sahaj (Terminalia tomentosa)
which yields the commonest of all building materials, its bark used for
tanning. Bijasal (Pterocarpus mansupium) which is also used for building
and invariably for bullock- cart axles, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and Jambu
(Eugenia Jombolana). In this district, however, Sal forests do not reach their
full expression. They are situated chiefly on dry hills or on flat lands where
past uncontrolled cultivation has affected soil drainage. As a consequence,
a drier type of mixed deciduous species occupies a large portion of the
forests. These species include Korda (Cleistanthus Collinus) which is very
common, Bandhan (Odina wodien) Darua (Anogeissus Latifolia) and Kendu
(Diospyros Melanoxylon) which is common everywhere, persisting as a
weed in land cleared for cultivation. Its leaves are being extensively collected
every spring season for wrapping tobacco for Bidi making. This dry mixed
formation has, in its turn, to fight a stern battle with bamboos
(Dendrocalamus strictus), especially where the underlying rock is a granite
or a gneiss. In fact, bamboos pure or mixed with dry deciduous type of
forest, approximate in extent to the more valuable and gregarious Sal.
Amongst other trees of economic importance found in the district is teak
(tectona grandis) which is found only in small plantation, Sisoo or rose wood
(Dalbergia Latifolia) Gambhari (Gome Arborea). From the Harrida
(Terminalia Chebula) themyrobalans of commerce are obtained and its allied
species Bahada (Terminalia Belarica) yields an inflerion timbers and a fruit
which is used medicinally. The wood of Kusum (Schleichera Trijuga) is
commonly used for making sugar cane and oil pressing, while its fruit is
eaten and oil is extracted from its seed. The Simili or silk-cotton tree and
Bambax malabarisum is common in the forest and also in the open land, the
cotton surrounding of the seeds being used to stuff quilts and cushions and
the wood for making match sticks.
Among these, conspicuous for their beautiful flowers may be mentioned
the plants of Sunari (cassia fistula) with long yellow flowers, which have
given it the name of the Indian laburnum, and also the Ganiari
(Cocholspermum Gossypium) a tree with large yellow flowers growing on dry
stony slopes. The wood of the latter tree was used by postal runners for
torches during night time while its gum furnishes an article of food. Other
flowering tree is Palasa (Butea Frondosa) remarkable for its brilliant scarlet-
orange flowers appearing when the tree is quite leafless. The principal
flowering shrubs are the Kharkhasa or siharu (Nyctanthes Orbon-tristis) with
fragrant yellowish-white flowers used for garlands and also for dyes and the
Dhatiki (wood for- diafloribunda) bearing red flowers, which are made into
12
the vermilion dye so familiar during the Holi festival. Flowering herbaceous
plants are few and the most brilliant flowers are found on the trees.
Among small trees or shrubs growing in scrub-jungle may be
mentioned the chara (Buchanania Latifolia) (the small seed-carnel of this
fruit known as chiraunji is used as an ingredient to garnish and enhance
taste and value of sweet meats. It was being bartered in exchange for salt
by the villagers), the graceful Anla (Phyllanthus emblica), the leaves of which
are used for tarring; another tree is Ghurudu (Gardenia gummifera) the gum
of which is used medicinally, while its fruit is eaten when ripe, and
Damghurudu (Gardenia Latifolia) from the wood of which combs are made.
On the dry slope of the hills are Salai (Boswellia Serrata), Koli (Sterculia
ureas) and Mai (Odina Wodier).
Of the trees growing in the open field one is the Mahul (Bassia latifolia)
with its lofty spreading foliage. Its flowers are used as an article of food and
also for manufacture of country spirit. Babul (Accacia Arabica) is a tree
favouring black cotton soil and except on the banks of tanks. Pipal (Ficus
religiosa) are abundant in the open land are also planted in village from
religious motives, for they are believed to be resort of the Gods and
Goddess of Hindu pantheon. The most common tree planted in groves in the
neighbourhood of village is the Mango. Other trees planted for the sake of
their fruit are Tentuli (Tamarindus indica), Kaitha (Feronia elephantum)
Panash (Artocarpus integra folia) Jambu (Eugemia jambolana) Limba
(Meliandica) is planted freely, as it is a supposed to be a disinfectant
purifying the air. Karanja (Pongamia glabra) is planted for the sake of its fruit
and oil extracted from its seeds, which is used medicinally for itches. The
following trees are generally planted about the precincts of temple, Bela,
Baula, Ashoka. The leaves of Bela are sacred to Lord Shiva, the fragrant
star like flowers of Baula are an object of worship and the twigs and leaves
of Ashoka are used on festival occasion for festooning the shrines. The
Palmyra palm is planted in many villages of the district, as its fruit when ripe
is used as an article of food. The date- palm is also common in village
shanties. The Kattang bamboo is often found planted in town and village
areas close to homestead land.
There is dearth of good grazing grasses, but the succulent Duba
(Cynodon dactylon) grow all over the district on Sandy soil where there is
some moisture. The commonest grass of all is the Sukla (Poilimia argentea)
which is found everywhere in the forests and elevated places, it is really the
common fodder grass of the district and is excellent while young. Another
grass found all over the district in small quantities is Pannasi (Pollinia
eriopoda), which is used for rope making and Kans (Saccharum
spontaneum) which is used in religious ceremonies. There are two weeds of
the cassia species, of which Chakhanda (cassia tora) is very common; it is
eaten when young as a vegetable.
13
Fauna
Mr.F.Dewar, ICS completed the settlement process of Sambalpur
district and the States of Bamanda and Sonepur in 1902-1906. He prepared
a monograph on Sambalpur which is incorporated in the District Gazetteer of
Sambalpur prepared by Mr.F.C.King in the year 1932. According to the
account of Mr.King, Bamanda area then was one of the happiest hunting
grounds in Odisha for games by sportsmen. But the depletion of forest have
resulted in shrinkage of grazing grounds of wild animals, and have reduced
water holes within the forest limits. The available watering places are few
and are easily watched by poachers who indulge in mindless killing by night
in the hot months. This abuse is very difficult to stop so long as the profitable
trade in hides and horns is not restricted resulting in diminution in the
number of wild animals and especially of ruminants. Though their numbers
have considerably decreased in recent years, tigers are still fairly numerous.
Panthers are more common than tigers, though rarely located by the
sportsman, they frequent open scrub-jungle throughout the district, and like
tigers, are very destructive to cattle.
The wolf is occasionally found. The wild cat and jackal are found all
over the district. The Indian black bear is very common in the forest. Wild
elephants have reappeared in the south and south west of the district and
during their visits cause damage to crops especially in the rice fields
adjoining the jungles. The elephants come from Ushakothi Sanctuary (now in
Sambalpur district) nearest to Hillang hill range of Kansar Panchayat of
Tileibani Block. Snakes, including poisonous Krait, Cobra, and Russell‟s
viper are numerous. The most important animals in this sanctuary are bison,
elephant, Sambar, Barking deer, pig, tiger and leopard. They use to come to
Hillang hill and Prabhasuni forests of Deogarh district. Among deer, chital or
spotted deer, sambar all are fairly well represented, though not plentiful. The
red-faced monkey is also frequently encountered along with the 13aoists.
The district also possesses a rich variety of game birds. The common
birds are dove, cuckoo, black drongo, kite, lorikeet, raven, partridge, water
hen, parrot, peacock, bat, myna, heron are seen in the district. The
Ushakothi Sanctuary was controlled by the Bamanda state headquarters,
Deogarh. It is now under Bamra forest division of Sambalpur district. It lies
about 50 Kms. On N.H. 49 west to Deogarh.
Flora and fauna of the district have been dealt with in fair detail in
Chapter-V on Forest Environment and Ecology.
14
CHAPTER- II
HISTORY
Pre and Proto History
Deogarh region offers pre-historic evidence of the Palaeolithic Age.
Archaeologists have unearthed specimen of hard rock implements like hand-
axe in this region to the north of a village called Kutabaga in Sambalpur
area. A mention by Mr. V. Bali, an archaeologist of this implement is
recorded in the proceedings of Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1876. He
described the material of this implement as „vitreous quartzite‟, a hard, non-
foliated metamorphic rock. Likewise, at Lasa, a village near Kuchinda in the
erstwhile Bamanda state implements of polished stone of „celt‟ type,
resembling an adze or a hoe was discovered. Such findings from the pre-
historic period and thereafter in the Palaeolithic Age signify the character,
transformation, and progress in the lifestyle of the pre-historic man in this
tract.
Account of Yuan Chawng, Pliny and Cunnigham of Odra Desh
The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (also spelt as Hiuen Tsang or
Xuanzang) who passed by Wu-Cha or Wu-Tu which approximately
corresponds to Odra Desh, the present day Odisha, in course of his sojourn
in India in about 636 B.C.E. mentioned in his travel accounts that “it (Odisha)
was about 7000 li (one li equals about 500 meters or 1640 feet) in circuit and
its capital over 20 li in circuit. The soil was rich and fertile yielding fruits
larger than those of other lands, and its rare plants and noted flowers could
not be enumerated; the climate hot, the people were of violent ways, tall and
of dark complexion”.
The political limits of Wu-Cha (Odra) Country which was 7000 li or 1400
miles in circuit was very extensive and General Cunningham writes, “The
ancient province of Odra was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and the
lower covers of the Suvarnarekha river. It comprised the whole of the
present districts of undivided Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of
Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the
wild states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the Sea, and on the
South by Ganjam”. These must also have been the limits in the time of Yuan
Chwang‟s visit.
The capital was where Mount Maleves stands and Sharis and
Monindas were living as mentioned in the “Natural History” of Pliny during
the first century B.C.E. The mount „Maleves‟ can be identified with Malayagiri
or Malyagiri near present day Pallahara, adjacent to Deogarh and Sharis
and Monindas with Savaras and Mundas who inhabit the land to this day in
15
the former Bamanda state, now approximately the present Deogarh district
along with the Konds, Bhuiyans and Gonds.
Bamanda in Antiquity
It is difficult to know the pre-history of Bamanda due to the absence of
any credible and verifiable records. Some classical literature make mention
of this land. Like in the Artha Sastra of Kautilya, it is mentioned as
„Indravana‟ situated between the river Brahamani in the East and the
Mahanadi in the West. There is an ancient statue, which is locally addressed
as „Mahabhairava‟ at Bhatsingh in the Western part of Bamanda. No
historical evidence has been unearthed yet to establish the origin and time of
this image, which in present time is worshipped as Samaleswari by the
people. Rambhadebi of Sarankote near Barkote is a famous place; but no
credible historical record is traceable about its time of origin or purport. It is
believed that these icons and edifices belonged to the period when
Buddhism flourished in Odisha as evident from relics found in the riverbed of
Brahamani and the inscribed script found from Balitakhandi of Barkote. The
text of „Aksharsila‟ rock inscription has been deciphered by some scholars of
Bamanda as “Bichhitra Srayana” and “Bichitra Bhusanashya”. The rock
inscription due to ignorance, negligence and lack of protection has been
vandalised. If it is not properly protected, it is likely to get totally obliterated
causing loss to the heritage of Deogarh district.
Aksharsila as it stands now
16
Traces of Primitive Human Habitat
There is a rock shelter and rock art site atop a hill described as
„Mathagumpha‟ by the locals at Kanjiam about 65 kilometres from Deogarh,
5 kilometres from the Kundheigola Police station, one kilometre west of
Ranchi-Vijayawada National Highway No. 200. On the walls of the cave
there are some inscribed rock art depicting various geometrical figures,
sketches resembling wild animals along with imprints of human palm,
crescent-like shapes pointing at human habitation and artistic expression of
pre-historic times. Such rock art have been located at Balita near Barkote
also.
In this context, it is pertinent to note that long before the introduction of
any regular script in India, ancient man has left at Vikramkhol, a rock shelter
25 kilometres to the west of Jharsuguda Railway junction in Jharsuguda
district, an inscription that remains un-deciphered. The rock shelter is of
rough sandstone and is 35.05 metres in length and 8.53 metres in height
from the floor. Dr. K.P Jayaswal, a renowned geo-archaeologist after
thorough examination, in an article published in the „Indian Antiquary‟ (VOL.
LXII-page 58-60), opined, “Characters in Vikramkhol inscription belong to a
period intermediary between the script of Mohenjo-Daro of the Indus Valley
Civilization and Brahmi. Some letters retain their original proto-Brahmi forms.
The writing seems to be from right to left. There is an animal figure, which is
probably not a part of the writing, but a graphic symbol. The writing seems to
have reached the syllabary (alphabetic) stage”. It is certainly as Dr. Jayaswal
concludes, “earlier then the earliest specimen of Brahmi known so far”. Such
pre-historic finds are indications of a civilization that flourished in this area in
the far distant past and the primitive inhabitants have their marks to be
studied and interpreted in the present time in a systematic manner to
determine the ways and means of life and living of the people of yore.
Traces of Buddhist influence
The entire western Odisha in early 8th century C.E. was under the sway
of Buddhism. Evidences in the form of various structures have been
unearthed and excavated in this region to establish the presence of Buddhist
institutions. One such site is a mound resembling a Buddhist „stupa‟ located
at Ganiapali village near Melchhamunda in Bargarh district. The
Gandhamardan described as Palimalokili in Pali or Parimalgiri in Sansktrit
have revealed ancient Buddhist relics. In this regard, Kanjiam cave, 65
kilometres south from Deogarh, Aksharsila, 25 Kms. East from Deogarh and
Rambhadebi 6 kilometres southeast from Deogarh may be indicating at
ancient Buddhist ruins and relics. There is sufficient indication to show that
Bamanda region was a seat of Tantrism, which led to the establishment of
17
Tantrik sites at Pradhanpat, Panchkhanda and Rambhadebi, the seat of
maidens. More investigation and systematic study is required of these sites
in this district. According to the Madalapanji, a chronological record of rites
and rituals of the Puri Jagannath temple, King Sadananda Deb of Bamanda
brought in and settled in Bamanda one Jagannath Dwibedy along with Hari
Saran Dwibedy and four others of their line who practised and preached
Dasamaha Bidya in this region.
Mandalas and Dynastic Rule
During the emergence of Mandala states in the Odisha tract, Bamanda
was not in any of the Mandals like Khinjali Mandala, Khijingi Mandal,
Airavata Mandala, Yamagarta Mandal, Bonai Mandala or Kodalaka
Mandala. The Khinjali in the south of Odisha and Khijingi Mandals in the
north were under the Bhanja rulers. The Airavata Mandal was with the
Nandas. The Kodalaka Mandal was ruled by the Sulkis and Bonai Mandal by
the Kadambas. The Tungas were the masters of the Yamagarta Mandal.
Bamanda is not mentioned as either a part of any of the Mandals nor as an
exclusive Mandal. So it is natural to say that Bamanda was under the Soma
dynasty when thye were ruling over Koshala between 8th and 9
th century
C.E.
The Matharas and the Somavamshis
There is scanty authentic historical evidence to delineate the distant
past of the rulers and royalty of this land. According to myth, legend, and
recorded history, the Bamanda tract was under the Matharas. The royalty of
these feudal lords dates back to the 5th Century C.E. when the Mathara royal
family had suzerainty over this land. Their kingdom spread over a large tract
in the Kalinga Empire extending from the Mahanadi in the North to the
Krishna in the South. Thereafter rulers of the Ganga dynasty took
possession of Bamanda. This royal family remained obscure after their
decline and fall in about 500 C.E. In the 10th Century C.E. the scions of this
family were found to be the rulers of Bamanda Dandapata under the over
lordship of the Somavanshi rulers of Koshala. A copper plate inscription
found from the village Kudopali in Bargarh district reveals that Ranaka
Punja, son of Boda was ruling over Bamanda in the 13th regnal year of his
overlord Bhimaratha, a Somavanshi king. The Matharas were ousted from
power after the fall of the Somavanshis and Western Odisha including the
Bamanda region came under the rule of the Kalachuris of Ratanpur in the
early 11 Century C.E. The Gangavanshis of Utkala, roughly analogous to
present day Odisha occupied the Bamanda region around early 12th century
C.E.
18
The Gangas of Bamanda
The Royal Emblem of the Gangas of Bamanda
In the absence of any verifiable records and multiplicity of sources not
so credible, most of the historical narrative about the ruling dynasties and
their regime rely on records and other literary works of authors including
members of the royal house. According to documents preserved by the
„Darbar‟ of the former rulers of Bamanda and also by popular traditions, the
first Ganga ruler of Bamanda was the son of Hattahamir Deb, the last of the
Ganga kings of Patna, the present day Balangir. He was defeated and killed
in or around the year 1191 C.E. by Ramai Deb, the founder of Chauhan rule
in Patna. As the lore goes, after Hattahamir Deb, the last Somavanshi king
was killed, his only son Saraju Deb was smuggled out of Patna by Suna
Kandha of Katangapani and Kantaru Bhuyan of Kelipadar of Bamanda.
These brave tribal chieftains installed Saraju Deb as the independent ruler of
Bamanda. Saraju Gangadeb is considered the first ruler of Bamanda who
was enthroned at Tikilipada, a place near Jamankira now in the Kuchinda
Sub-Division of Sambalpur district. Later the capital shifted to Deogarh under
the sylvan surrounding of the Padhanpat hills close to the cascading scenic
waterfalls. This account lingering in the collective memory of the people of
Bamanda appears to be more a lore in nature and is not corroborated by any
credible historical evidence or record.
The sequence of succession thereafter until the merger of the state of
Bamanda with the Union of India on 1st January 1948 is both hazy and
sketchy. However, according to history recorded by 18aoists18mia18
amateur authors and by oral tradition, Saraju Deb was succeeded by his son
Raj Narayan Deb and the latter by his son Jagannath Deb. Gangadhara
Deb succeeded Jagannath Deb and the line of succession continued with
Jag Jyesthi Tribhuban Deb ascending the throne.
19
Rudranarayan Deb who succeeded next was known to be a great
strategist and powerful king and had annexed some territory of the
Kalachuris by defeating them. He brought the „Kanak Durga‟ icon from the
Bheden riverbed in Kuchinda and installed the deity in Deogarh which is the
guardian deity of the Deogarh royals and is in situ at the precinct of the
Palace. Rudra Narayan Deb being a benevolent despot was a patron of
Bramhins of learning and settled them in several villages through royal
grants. He was equally considerate of the tribal chieftains who formed a
larger part of his army and helped win his campaigns. One Chemta Suda, a
tribal headman was awarded the Katarkela jagir by Rudra Narayan Deb for
the help rendered during the campaign against the Kalachuris. After Rudra
Narayan Deb successors were Kanphoda Sudhal Deb and followed by
Raghunath Deb. Raghunath Deb faced an uprising by the Kandhs and for a
short spell of time had shifted the capital from Deogarh to Suguda. The next
to succeed was Kasturi Deb who reverted the capital to Deogarh. The tenure
of the previously mentioned rulers since the time of Saraju Deb until the time
of Kasturi Deb remains vague for want of any verifiable record.
However, from Sambad 1602 corresponding to 1545 C.E. a
chronological sequential and years reign of Kings of Bamanda including the
period and spells of Regency is available as follows.
Raja Ram Chandra Deb - 1545-1578
Raja Bikram Deb - 1578-1625
Raja Haru Deb - 1625-1641
Raja Chandra Sekhar - 1641-1673
Raja Bhagirath Deb - 1673-1713
Raja Pratap Deb - 1713-1745
Raja Sidasar Deb - 1745-1779
Raja Arjun Deb - 1779-1819
Raja Balunkabrusabha Deb - 1819-1834
Raja Khageshwar Deb - 1832
Raja Braja Sundar Deb - 1832-1869
Regency - 1869-1871
Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb - 1871-1903
Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb- 1903-1916
Raja Dibyashankar Sudhal Deb - 1916-1920
Regency - 1920-1935
Raja Bhanuganga Tribhuban Deb - 1920-1948
Another interesting fact is the relationship between the Gangas of
Bamanda and the Gajapati King of Puri. Of the three sons of Raja
Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb, Lal Mohini Mohan Deb, the third son was
adopted by the Gajapati King Mukunda Deva III on 2nd
October, 1918 and
assumed the customary name Gajapati Raja Ramachandra Deb IV.
20
Illustrious and Important Rulers of Bamanda
Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb, KCIE (11.05.1851 – 9.11.1903)
Raja Satchidananda Tribhuvan Deb (03.05.1872 – 11.03.1916
Raja Divya Shankar Sudhal Deb, CBE (25.02.1914 – 10.05.1982)
Raja Bhanuganga Tribhuban Deb (18.09.1890 -01.01.1920)
21
Raja Satchidananda with the Queen Consort
With its separate territorial identity, Bamanda originally formed one of
the Sambalpur or Patna Gadajat group, the Chiefs of which were de facto
independent but regarded the Raja of Patna (Balangir) and subsequently of
Sambalpur, the most powerful of their number as the first among the
confederate of eighteen Gadjats. Much after Sambalpur came under direct
British rule after the turbulent times of the rebellion by Surndra sai, Raja
Braja Sundar Deb of Bamanda received in 1865 C.E. from the British
Government an adoption sanad, and in 1867 C.E. through another sanad he
was granted the status of Feudatory Chief.
The Deogarh Palace in the past
22
End of Maratha Dominance in Odisha
On 17 December 1803, the Maratha rule in Odisha ended. Raghoji II,
the Bhonsla of Nagpur signed the Treaty of Deogaon, with the British after
the defeat of the Maratha forces at the Battle of Laswari and ceded the
province of Cuttack which included Mughalbandi, the coastal part
of Odisha, Balasore port, parts of Midnapore tract of Bengal and some of
the Gadjats, to the Britsih East India Company.
According to the 10th Article of the Deogaon treaty Sambalpur or Patna
(Balangir) group of Gadjats which included Bamanda remained with the
Bhonsla of Nagpur for a few more years till 1817. After capturing Sambalpur,
the British were not interested to leave it at the hands of the Chouhans
because of the internecine conflict for succession. Before the treaty of
Deogaon the company government maintained security of and friendship
with some of the Gadjat states of Sambalpur. The state of Bamanda also
came under this treaty.
British Occupation and Protectorate
The Rajas of Bamanda had surrendered themselves to the British
Government completely to save their power and position, more so their
identity. They did not hesitate to oblige them. Bhup Singh, a confidant of the
Bhonsla was appointed as the „Kamdar‟ or Manager at Sambalpur by the
Marathas in the year 1803. When differences of opinion arose with his
masters on account of his arrogance and defiance of the Nagpur authority,
Bhup Singh, a highly ambitious person to gain total control of the territory,
placed the titular Queen Rani Ratan Kumari of Sambalpur at a secured place
in the Sultikira forest of Bamanda and retreated to Hazaribagh. Rani Ratan
Kumari spent four years in that jungle. Anticipating complicity and possible
anarchy, by this deed of the Kamdar and also the Maratha domination in
disarray, the British Lt. Colonel Broughton finally expelled the Marathas from
Sambalpur in the year 1804 and restored the throne of Sambalpur to Rani
Ratan Kumari and treated the territory as a British protectorate. This was
done at the behest of Rani Ratan Kumari and with the explicit consent of
other Gadjat Rajas and Zamindars, who had written a letter dated 29th
March, 1804 to Lt. Colonel Broughton which read,
“We have been obliged to get your letter and gone through it carefully.
We voluntarily accept the command of the British Government as per
the commitment given to us. Our security, hope, aspirations and
improvement are dependent upon your highness. Our happiness was
not under the command of the Marhata government. The reputation
and the wealth of our families were always in danger during their reign.
We had been terrified at their tournament. How could we voluntarily
accept their rule and think ourselves secure when our happiness and
23
wealth of our families had been sinking? We are desirous to remain
completely under the control of the British Raj, and it depends upon the
mercy of your highness. As you have written about the taxes, we would
like to submit that previously we were paying our dues to our Raja
(Raja of Sambalpur) and he was depositing the same to the Marhatas.
When they invaded our states, there had been no fresh agreement for
the last three years. They were collecting forcefully and with torture,
according to their will. Your highness is our Master. We promise to
deposit the taxes regularly, without any hesitation to your highness as
your highness would be pleased to access, keeping in view our income
from lands. Neither we nor our family members would accept anybody
as our Master except the Company. We would always accept the
command of your highness and pay kingly regards to your highness.
We hope, kindly take steps, so that we would remain under the
command of the British Raj for ever because your highness is our
rescuer”.
Signed,
Rani Ratna Kumari Kohar, Sambalpur
Raja Jujar Singh, Raigarh
Raja Biswanath Sahi, Sarangagarh
Bauria Rani Laxmipriya, Sanpur
Birabhadra Jena, Rairakhol
Raja Indersu Deo, Gangpur
Raja Tribhuban Deb, Bamanda
Raja Inder Deo, Bonai
Debasiva Singh, Sakti
Thakur Ranjit Singh, Bargarh
(Source: Veer Surendra Sai, Page 278-279, By Anirudha Dash)
Earlier on 26th March 1804 Broughton asked the queen of Sambalpur,
through a letter, whether all the Rulers of the Sambalpur groups of States
accepted the over-lordship of the Bhonsala of Nagpur. The letter of 29th
March was a reply to the letter of Broughton. On 23rd
November the same
year Governor-General Wellesley informed all the kings of Sambalpur group
of States that they were part of the British territory in India. For the security
of Patna and Sambalpur region he established an army contingent at
Sambalpur. In the year 1806 the British returned Sambalpur groups of States
to the Bhonsla.
After the third Maratha war again the state of Sambalpur came under
the British administration as a result of the treaty made in the year 1811 by
the East India Company and Appa Sahib, a regent of the Bhonsla of Nagpur.
24
At that time „Bamanda‟ was one of the Gadajat states came under the British
administration.
In 1860, Sambalpur was separated from Odisha and included in Bengal
Presidency. For better administration Central Province (present day Madhya
Pradesh and Chattisgarh) was created in 1861. As a result, in the month of
April 1862 Bamanda, Sambalpur, Patna, Rairakhol, Kalahandi and Sonepur
states were brought under Chhatisigarh Division of the Central Province.
Much later, on linguistic consideration all these princely states being Odia
speaking area were brought back to the administrative jurisdiction of the
Commissioner of Odisha Division in 1905.
British nomenclature of the coastal Gadajats was „tributary‟ states
where as the Gadajats of Sambalpur were known as the „feudatory‟ states.
Indicating the apparent difference between these two terms, Erickson, a
British officer writes, “Tributary is not necessarily feudatory. The word
feudatory devotes the subordination of territorial sovereignty to the common
superior combined with the obligation to discharge certain duties and render
certain services to that superior”. In 1867 the King of Bamanda was
regarded as „Feudatory chief‟. In internal administration Bamanda got
independence, but on other matters like any negotiation, agreement or
contracts remained subservient to the British.
Conflict, Intrigues and Unrest
The State of Bamanda was not without internecine conflict, palace
intrigue, confrontation and skirmishes with neighbouring states, resulting in
sporadic unrest, revolt and rebellion by the primitive native tribes, coupled
with alliances of mutual convenience with other States through matrimony or
because of prudent statecraft and diplomatic necessities.
Bamanda had an uninterrupted reign of a singular dynasty, the Gangas
as available from Darbar records and current history from the middle of the
16th century till the middle of the 20
th century. In the absence of any other
authentic recorded document or other scriptural material like edicts, copper
plate grants, firman or numismatic evidence, it is well nigh impossible to
describe the distant past of the Ganaga dynastic rule in Bamanda in a
credible manner. However, the times of King Braja Sundar Deb were though
not turbulent, were not all peace either. Two events of this period are of
importance which in the long run influenced the history and governance of
Bamanda State. One was during the Angul unrest.
British Annexation of Angul
Angul was a separate princely state almost adjoining Bamanda with
only two other small state Pallahara and Rairakhol intervening them.
25
Somanath Singh was the last king of Angul and ruled from 1814 C.E to 1847
C.E with considerable efficiency till he was deposed by the British East India
Company administration on allegations of „misrule‟. He had, for his
aggressive stance towards the neighbouring States, incurred displeasure of
the Feudatory Chiefs of Dhenkanal, Hindol, Daspalla, Baudh, and Athmallik
on one hand, and the British authorities on the other. Then Commissioner of
Odisha, described the King of Angul in one of his reports as “an intelligent
though eccentric man but is withal proud and head-strong and the most
refractory of all Chieftains and the most likely to come into collision with the
constituted authorities”.
The forced eviction and incarceration of the Raja Somanath of Angul,
denial of succession to his progeny and appropriation of the State by the
British in the near neighbourhood of Bamanda was signal enough for the
Raja Braja Sundar Deb of Bamanda to remain in the good books of the
British authorities, who by then had proven their machinations and might in
many parts of India and had through deceit and tricky treaties and sanads
had gained control over the princely states which became titular and
subservient to the British power. During the Angul upheaval to keep the
kingdom and his own position safe the Raja of Bamanda covertly assisted
the British administration. As a reward Raja Braja Sundara Deb received the
title of “Maharaja Bahadur” from British and pair „topa‟, cannon made of
brass as memento.
Surendra Sai and the Rebellion
Another instance of intrigue and upheaval happened during the
rebellion in Sambalpur led by Surendra Sai, a Chouhan scion opposing the
Britsh power and staking claim over the Sambalpur throne. This rebellion
locally known as „ulgulan‟ preceded the 1857 uprising in India which the
Colonial and European historians term as the Sepoy Mutiny which in fact
was the First War of Independence in India.
The genesis of the rebellion was due to the tricks played and
interference of the British Rulers in the matter of succession to the
Sambalpur throne. On the demise of Maharaja Sai, the Raja of Sambalpur
(1820-1827) without leaving a male heir in the line of succession, Sambalpur
was left in a state of flux and turmoil. It was the dowager queen Mohan
Kumari (1827-1833) who was enthroned and held the reins of rule which led
to disastrous consequences. By then the British had rested power from the
Marathas in Odisha and were in a spree of territorial expansion. Watching
with caution the developments in Sambalpur, they located one Narayan
Singh, an obscure, weak and remote sibling of the Couhan ruling family
drawing lineage from a cadet branch of King Ratan Singh. Rani Mohan
Kumari was inclined to get Narayan Singh as her substitute, as in the past
had he had served as her body guard.
26
Surendra Sai, a scion of the Chouhan dynasty whose lineage could be
traced to Madhukar Sai, the fourth King of Sambalpur too was among the
claimants to the throne of Sambalpur. Another claimant was the Zamindar of
Jharsuguda Govind Singh, who too rebelled against the British authority.
The rebel leader Surendra Sai had organised a militia with local Gonds
and other tribes with the explicit support and participation of some other
Zamindars of Sambalpur. The British forces were ambushed and were put to
great disadvantage in quelling the rebellion. They had sought assistance of
other feudatory chiefs of the Sambalpur region as they suspected either their
covert support to the rebels or involvement of some of their subjects in the
rebellion. One such person was Chandra Behera, a Kandha Zamindar of
Bamanda, who rendered help to Govind Singh of Jharsuguda. Despite the
warning of the British officers, Raja Braja Sundar Deb of Bamanda could not
control him. In confrontation with the British Army at Kenghati in Sambalpur
district close to the border of Bamanda many tribal rebel foot soldiers lost
their lives. On 22nd
June, 1833 Chandra Behera and his associates were
captured by the British forces led by Captain Wilkinson. Other Kandha
leaders taken prisoners were Krushna Behera and Krupasindhu Behera. All
the gallant fighters of this rebellion led by Surendra Sai were either injured
while fighting or died. Surendra Sai and most male members of his family
were captured and sentenced to imprisonment at the Hazaribagh jail. The
rebellion was only temporarily suppressed. When in 1857 the Hazaribagh
jail break was caused by the sepoys of Bihar all the prisoners along with
Surendra Sai escaped and the temporary lull in Sambalpur ended. The fire
of freedom was ignited again and the militia of Surendra Sai raised the
banner of revolt against the British. In 1862 Raja Braja Sundar Tribhuban
Deb informed the British authorities of the complicity of one Srikrishna
Behera, a landlord of his State who had joined hands with the rebel forces of
Surendra Sai. This the Raja did purportedly with the apprehension that his
kingdom too may get engulfed by the raising flames of the rebellion. But this
phase also was short-lived and due to betrayal some close associates of
Surendra Sai he was apprehended by the British forces. The uprising was
suppressed ruthlessly, culminating in the arrest and incarceration of the
tallest and bravest among the leaders, Surendra Sai in the fort prison of
Asirgarh in the Central Province (now Madhya Pradesh).
Historians and scholars have interpreted these events and the role of
Raja Braja Sundar Tribhuban Deb in different light. According to them
though the Bamanda Darbar did not assist the British forces it was
maintaining a safer distance from the rebels, some of whom were Kandha
chieftains of Bamanda. This could be due to the apprehensive memory
emanating from the earlier event of Somanath Deb, the King of Angul having
been dispossessed of his kingdom and Angul becoming a Khas-mahal, a
directly administered British territory over three decades back.
27
On the other hand, the Raja of Gangapur in course of this event
remained loyal to the British. The Raja of Bamanda and the Raja of
Gangpur were in amicable relationship. This must have influenced the
judgement of Raja Braja Sundar Deb not to antagonise the British power in
his own interest and to save his state from going into the direct
administrative control of the Company administration.
An amusing and strange news item
A strange news item, which appears incredible and did not amuse
many readers then and in current times was published in far away Australia,
a British colony and dominion in the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday, the
13th April, 1842 quoting another newspaper of lesser familiarity reads thus.
“The Sumbulpore Correspondent of the „Hurkura‟ in a letter dated the
19th ultimo, gives the following news of the rebels in that quarter : “The
Bamra Rajah, who was held in durance vile in the rebel camp (query)
managed to make his escape on the latter occasion. Two sepoys who were
captured state that of the 80 sepoys who have accompanied Serundee Sai
for sometime fairly disgusted at getting neither loot nor pay have, after
heaping all sorts of abuse on the head of that devoted individual, taken their
departure. On a more recent occasion, when two sepoys and a choar (sic)
were captured by a party of Sebondies, Serundee Sai is said to have been
taking his siesta within a few yard of the spot where the occurrence took
place. A reward of 1000 Rs. Has been offered for his capture and as much
dissension and sickness is said to prevail amongst the rebels, it is hardly
possible that he can remain at large much longer in the face of very
energetic measures which are being adopted.”
Facsimile of the news item in The Sydney Morning Herald on Friday, the 13th
April, 1842
It is difficult to vouch safe on the veracity of this news report. The
aforesaid report is a product of colonial mindset and is disputable. This is
mentioned here as an example of British colonial perception about the
freedom fighters and as a means to divide and rule.
28
At that time, the Raja of Bamanda was not in the good book of the
British authority at Sambalpur. The reason was, the „Paikas‟ of Bamanda
had looted several times the villages close to the boundary of Bamanda
State in the Khas-mahal area of Sambalpur. The Deputy Commissioner of
Sambalpur J. Smith brought these facts to the notice of the Commissioner of
Cuttack who in turn realising that the Bamanda Raja was not able to restrain
his Paikas, a British Police force should be deployed to control the
marauding Paikas of Bamanda. This was an instance and reason due to
which Bamanda came into the close supervisory administrative control of the
British Government.
On the other hand, Captain Bootch, the British Officer located at
Singhbhum and the Commissioner of Chhotanagpur were having a liberal
view of the Raja of Bamanda. Captain Bootch had written that the Bamanda
Royal family was desirous of helping the British, but due to indifference of
the British Government, they were facing internal unrest resulting in misery
to the farmers and loss to the royal treasury. This enraged the rebel leaders,
more so Surendra Sai which strained the relationship between him and the
Bamanda royals, despite the past matrimonial alliances between the
Sambalpur royalty and the Bamanda ruling family.
Captain Wilkinson with the hope of gaining peace took certain
reconciliatory action and restored the estates earlier confiscated by the
Marathas of certain zamindars. One such estate was the zamindari of
Kudabaga which was restored to Balabhadra Sai of Bamanda. At the same
time, to quell the growing agitation Captain Wilkinson deployed a contingent
of British soldiers at Sambalpur to assist the dowager queen Mohankumari.
But this arrangement did not have any effect on the rebels led by Surendra
Sai.
The struggle continued even after the Revolt of 1857 ended with severe
consequences. But Sambalpur had lapsed into British hands. With the 1857
uprising quelled, the control of the East India Company ended and the whole
of India as a colony came under the direct control of the British Crown. The
over-lordship of Sambalpur over the group of eighteen Gadjats had ceased.
Those were the days of Raja Braja Sundar Deb of Bamanda. He received in
1865 C.E. from the British Government an adoption sanad, and in two years
after 1867 C.E. through another sanad he was granted the status of
Feudatory Chief. In later years Bamanda saw better times and fairly
enlightened and benevolent rulers, with only stray events of dissension and
disturbance of lesser significance.
29
The King of Bamanda with European Officers and guests in front of
Court Building
A musical soiree in Bamanda Palace (Circa 1924) Personal Life and
Liberty under Feudal System
Though the Rajas were working for the materialistic development of
their state, the people had no personal liberty. For instance the Bamanda
30
Darbar ruled that no student howsoever talented would be allowed to pursue
higher studies without the explicit consent of and permission from the King.
Bamanda State had facility for conditional scholarships to pursue higher
study that after successful completion of the course, the student beneficiary
would have to render compulsory service for the State. This a common
practice in other Gadjats too. If any person, even though not a stranger was
visiting a village as a personal guest, the village Choukidar was investigating
about the visitor and reporting to the nearest police station about him. Such
surveillance violated the tenet of free movement and personal liberty. In case
of even slightest suspicion, the visitor was being rigorously interrogated and
even deported out of the State on the slightest suspicion of his intent.
Even personal wealth, life style, acquisition of movable and immovable
property were being watched very closely and investigated. Apparently, an
air of benevolent despotism prevailed in Bamanda, but not without the
feudalistic characteristics. Due to the diplomatic acquiescence the British
Government only in rare cases was critical and punitive towards the
dictatorial Rajas of the Gadjats. Such colonial and feudalistic dispensation
was the cause of uprisings by the people in Gadjat states. Bamanda was no
exception to this.
Bethi and Begari System
There were very oppressive medieval practices which needed
abolition.Of these oppressive systems „Bethi‟ and „Begari‟ were the most
common practices in the Gadjats precluding Bamanda. These were types
of labour akin to indentured labour and exploitative in nature, without any
relief or remuneration to the persons engaged. The most exploitative of
them are enlisted below.
Khara Bethi
People were working without wages for construction or renovation of
houses for state employees or members of Raj families. Supplying fire wood
for hospital, jail and the electrical powerhouse free of cost.
Sadak Bethi
Every year, after rainy season the road from the capital town of
Deogarh to the railway station Bamra, along with major State roads were
being repaired and the worn out wooden bridges were restored by deploying
labour force without or minimal wages.
Badabandi Bethi
Fences were made at the State‟s garden at Deogarh, Kuchinda,
Govindpur and Barkote free of cost. Apart from that fences were made at the
31
Palace and other State employees, various Police Stations and outposts,
offices and residence of forest officers free of cost.
Hati Kheda Bethi
To catch elephants found in great number in the forest of Deogarh and
to tame them „Khedas‟ were organised. Bethi labour was deployed for this
hazardous task without any remuneration to the labour force engaged. At
the time of harvesting of the „Khamar‟ crop, which was the exclusive yield of
the royal family people were engaged for erecting wooden fences locally
known as „Jagatbedha‟ with logs to protect the harvesting ground which was
a target of the marauding herds of elephants.
Haka Bethi
This atrocious practice was enforced for the gaming sports and
amusement of the Raja and his family members, and other high and mighty.
This was a part of hunting expedition in the wild. The Police and employees
of forest department were collecting hundreds of people from various
villages on the fringe of dense forest and preparing hunting platform on
trees known as „Machans‟. Wild animals were being herded by beating
drums and by generating noise to scare them and bring them close to sight
of the hunters on the „Machans‟ for easy and sure shot.
Garabandha Bethi
For hunting tigers, very close to the „Machan‟ a bait of a live
graminivorous domestic animal was tied to allure the carnivore. This
dangerous task for the amusement of the high and mighty was being
performed by „Bethias‟ risking their own life.
Shikari Bethi
During hunting expeditions of the royalty people were being engaged
as camp followers and provision carriers into deep jungle without any
protection, free of cost leaving behind their normal chore.
Bamanda‟s Revenue Rule-1929 was too harsh. Gountias were treated
as employees. They were enjoying “Bhogara Jamin” free of rent. The
Collection of land revenue was entrusted to them, for that they were getting
commission.
People had no right to sale, donate or mortgage their land. There was
provision for sublet upto next settlement with prior sanction of the Raj
Darbar. The recommendation of gountias were needed for any kind of
sanction of the Darbar. The gountias were enjoying vast power and ruling
according to their will. They had the power to expel a tenant from a village
32
being deprived him of his land. No criminal was allowed to shelter in a village
of a gountia as per the „hakiyat gountia patta‟.
As per Bamanda Revenue Rule, the people were divided into 3 (three)
categories.
Class- I Marwari and Bania.
Class-II Kshatriya, Brahmin, Chasa, Kulta, Agharia, and others not included in Class – I.
Class-III Kandha, Gand, Kolha, Munda, Oram, Bhuyan, Khadia, Jhara,
Lodha, Tuni, Binjhar, Tantia, Kisan, Pan, Ghasi and Bhata.
Similarly, the villagers were divided into 6 (six) categories. (1) Khamar
village of Raja (2) Kharposh village, (3) Donation village (4) Bramhator or
Debattar village, (5) Gounti village and (6) Patuari village.
Towards Freedom: People’s movement in Bamanda
British Government helped the Rajas whenever people rebelled in their
states against the Raja. Such an occasion arose during the reign of Raja
Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb when family members of Sadananda
Mohapatra, namely, Chhala, Abila and Chhabila Mohapatra of Tangarpali
rebelled against the Raja. Their demand was, their „Zamindari‟ should not be
subservient to and a subsidiary part of the Bamanda State. They wanted a
separate State to be carved out with all the powers and privileges of the
Gadjats as a British protectorate. The rebellion though not of much
consequence sufficiently disturbed the Raja and he was compelled to seek
intervention of the British. A trickery was played on Chhala, Abila and
Chhabila who were asked to come to Mahulpali Police Station on a specific
date to receive the „Sanad‟ from His Majesty the King Emperor of the Indian
Empire through the Raja of Bamanda in fulfilment of their demand for a
separate territory. On arrival of the three brothers, as planned they were
taken into custody at Mahulpali by the British forces in the presence of Raja
Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb and were sentenced to various terms of
rigorous imprisonment. Thus the inconsequential and momentary unrest
was quelled.
In 1905, based on the language issue Sambalpur was brought to the
Odisha division from the Central Province, thus Bamanda also became a
Gadjat under the Odisha division. Again in 1933, the twenty six Gadajat
States of Odisha along with Bamanda were kept under the newly created
„Eastern State Agency‟. The Gadjat states were divided into four categories
graded as „A‟, „B‟, „C‟ and „D‟ based on their area, revenue, conduct,
manners, system and strength of administration. Bamanda was accorded
33
the status of an „A‟ category tributary state which in future impacted its status
and claim to become a district after merger.
Dayananda Satpathy, a teacher serving as the Head Pandit at
Paruabhadi Primary School of Kuchinda was a person of radical ideas and
was influenced by Gandhian philosophy of Swaraj. With sensitivity and
concern he watched the plight of the peasants and the people of Bamanda.
At this juncture, Satpathy came in contact and developed friendship with
Nilamani Mohapatra, a former student of Satyabadi Vana Vidyalaya serving
as a teacher in the Middle Vernacular School at Deogarh. Satyabadi Vana
Vidyalaya was a pioneering institute set up by stalwarts like Gopabandhu
Das and Nilakantha Das with Gandhian value and political vision of the
Indian National Congress to achieve freedom for India. This relationship
between Dayananda Satpathy and Nilamani Mohapatra brought to Bamanda
a whiff of fresh air of personal liberty.
Dayananda Satpathy was agitated because of the apathy of the so-
called benevolent rulers and exploitation of the simple tribals and other
villagers who in addition to payment of rent and taxes in the shape of
„Malguzari‟ were forced to serve gratis the royals and the State officials.
Danayanada kept himself abreast of the developments of India‟s
Freedom Movement and became a political activist. He was moved by the
apathy and atrocity of the state towards the people and got it highlighted in
the weekly Odia newspaper “Asha” published from Berhampur in the year
1928. This awakened the conscience of the people of Odisha and also the
British authorities.
Bhubanananda Das, an active member of the Indian National Congress
and a member of the Legislative Council of Bihar and Odisha agitated the
matter before the Council citing the news item published in the „Asha‟ urging
the Government to look into the matter. Worried by such events Bamanda
Raj-Darbar summoned Dayananda Satpathy to ascertain his role in the
publication of the news. Dayananada boldly agreed about sending the news
to the „Asha‟. After that he was declared a persona non grata and all his
property confiscated. Dayananda Satpathy was excommunicated from
Bamanda for life and settled at Sambalpur. He played an important role
during the protest and agitation against the Hirakud dam and subsequently
joined the Communist Party of India.
Intermittently agitations by people were staged between the year 1908
and 1928 in Bamanda though in a lower scale due to exorbitant hike in land
revenue. In those agitations, leadership was taken by Hara Pradhan,
Bhagabata Pradhan, Jagannath Garnaik and Daitary Hota respectively. In
1929, the people‟s agitation became violent. The land settlement work was
34
completed by the British Administrator H. Mac Pherson during the Regency
as the crown prince was a minor. The land revenue was hiked by four times
after fresh assessment. Revenue of prime land was fixed at three and half
rupees an acre. The price of rice was 32 Baleswari Sera (there were two
measures known as Cuttacki Sera and Baleswari Sera which were lesser in
weight then the present one kilogram) per one rupee. In the year 1929
farming was done in the most traditional manner resulting in very low yield.
Hike in land revenue coupled with the „Bethi‟ and „Begari‟ system was cause
enough to agitate the farmers who were the mainstay of the State economy.
In order to reconsider the hike of revenue nearly three thousand farmers with
their leaders proceeded to Sambalpur to meet the Political Agent. Even after
two days of long wait the farmers could not get an appointment with the
Political Agent. In order to nullify the farmers‟ movement, the Bamanda Raj
administration adopted several means including spreading a rumour of likely
forfeiture of their tenancy rights and even imprisonment. Out of fear and lack
of strong leadership the agitating farmers returned home.
In 1930, due to scanty rain, Bamanda suffered drought and brought
misery to the farming class. Despite low or no yield the farmers were forced
to pay the land revenue and other levies. To add to their plight, the farmers
who had harvested whatever they could were forced to sale the yield to the
retailer within the state at a cheaper rate. At that time, price of rice outside
Bamanda State was eight Sera per rupee whereas it was 32 Sera per rupee
in Bamanda State. This was another cause of dissension and unrest among
the people of Bamanda.
During the Second World War period, the Gountias were forced by the
Raja to send people for the war. The Gountias encouraged the people to join
the war, by giving them money, land and other attractive things. Those who
succumbed to death at War, their families‟ livelihood were looked after by the
Jamindars. The employees of the Raja collected “War donation” forcibly.
At the call of the National Congress, Dasarathi Mishra vehemently
protested against the „Yudha Panchamagana‟. A case was instituted against
him as per Indian Security Act. And Defence of India Rules. He was
sentenced for two years rigorous imprisonments in addition to it Rs. 20/-
(Rupees twenty) was fined. The fine amount was collected by way of
confiscating his house for two times. The Congress activists were roaming
from village to villages and educating the people not to give „Yudha
Panchamagna‟. Those were not paying the „Yudha Panchamagana were
summoned either to the S.D.O. Court or to the Police Station, and were
debarred of food. Their land, utensils and ornaments were sold forcibly and
the „Yudha Panchamagana‟ was collected.
35
During the drought in Bengal, in order to sell rice at a higher rate there,
Rani Jyotimanjari purchased rice forcefully from the farmers at a cheaper
price. At the group Panchayat nomination, the people were not` properly
represented. The Congress opposed these things vehemently. Dasarathi
Mishra and others opposed openly and they had to face cases on fake
allegations.
Praja Mandal Movement in Bamanda
On 23rd
June 1937, under the leadership of Dr. Pattavi Sitarameya, a
stalward of the Indian National Congress, the Odisha State Conference was
held at Cuttack, and people were encouraged to constitute Congress
Committees in Gadjats. In that conference, the Gadjat Rajas were asked to
abolish Bethi and Begari system in their States. A committee was constituted
wherein Satish Chandra Bose, Balbantrai Meheta and Braja Sundar Das
were the members and Sarangadhar Das was the convenor. In July, 1937,
under the leadership of the Congress, popular Government was constituted
after Odisha became a separate province. In 1938, in Gadjat States Praja
Mandals, the People‟s Forum were constituted and people‟s agitations were
geared up for achieving social justice. As per the advice of that committee,
Dayananda Satpathy remained as in-charge to constitute Praja Mandal int
Bamanda State. Dayananda had been barred from entering Bamanda State,
so he delegated the task to Dayanidhi Panigrahi and in 1937, Praja Mandal
was constituted at Deogarh. Thereafter agitation was intensified. Two
Congress activists of Angul, namely Jata Sahu and Dambarudhar Garnaik
visited the border villages of Angul-Bamanda State like Karlaga. Tinkbir,
Gambharipal, Talabahali, Medinipur. Kadopara, Adas and Sangaposi and
inducted about 23 persons as Congress members. Reamal Police Station
got that information and summoned Managobinda Das of Medinipur,
Sahadeb Sahu of Talabahali, Bila Nayak of Tinkbir, Kartikeya Behera and
Netrananda Behera of Karlaga and Kandarpa Behera of Budhapal villages
to the Police Station and applied third degree method to deter them from
further agitation. Despite police atrocity organisational activities of Praja
Mandal workers under the banner of Congress Party continued unabated.
Many workers of the movement were put to rigorous imprisonment for
various terms with only perfunctory trial. Pabitra Mohan Pradhan, a
distinguished leader of the Praja Mandal agitation visited Deogarh and
inspired the people to join the agitation. One Soubhagya Mishra of the
village Khajurikhaman took the leadership of that area. Several frontline
workers of this agitation were forced to flee their villages for fear of
persecution. Prominent among them were Dasarathi Mishra and Dibakar
Mishra who fled away from the State stayed at Kasala Camp upto 1946.
Another such person was Kasiram Gountia of Ramtileimal who came in
36
contact with Dayananda Satpathy and became the eyesore of the Bamanda
Raja. Situation compelled him to leave his village and stayed at Jhirlapali
village of Jharsuguda and worked for the Congress.
In 1942, amidst the Second World War, the Quit India Movement
started to overthrow the British and the call for independence of India
intensified. In Bamanda, leadership of the movement was taken up by
Dasarathi Mishra. Gaurishankar Mohapatra and Ramachandra Nayak of
Kuchinda for which they were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment.
In 1946, the Praja Mandal agitation at Bamanda became intense. In
each village, one person took leadership and organized meetings. Many
sensational news were appearing in the newspaper “Gadajat Tara”
published from Cuttack informing the people of the dismal state of affairs in
Gadjats. This added fodder to the anger and disenchantment of the people
against the Raj Administration. In that year, Dayananda Satpathy organized
a workers‟ meeting of Western Odisha at Sambalpur. In that conference,
Ratnakar Patel, Hrusikesh Patel and many more of Bamanda State actively
participated. People would not get peace and comfort unless the Bamanda‟s
Rajatantra were abolished. That was the common resolution at that
conference. In the same year, one Gadjat conference was held at Cuttack,
under the leadership of Harekrishna Mahatab and many resolutions were
adopted against the misrule of Rajas.
In Kuchinda, Gunanidhi Gountia, Hrushikesh Patel, Biswanath Kar,
Gopal Panigrahi, Ratnakar Patel, Prafulla Patel, Dasarath Nayak, Dayanidhi
Panigrahi,, Chandrasekhar Panigrahi, Bhanicharan Pal, Chudamani Nayak
and Sarat Chandra Naik were leading the agitation. Similarly in Deogarh,
Krushna Chandra Pradhan, Kandarpa Pradhan, Dibakar Mishra, Mahadeb
Pradhan, Soubhagya Chandra Dwibedy, Gadadhar Pradhan, Biswanath
Pradhan, Sudarsan Pradhan and Dambarudhar Garnaik worked to intensify
the agitation. The “Praja Mandal andolan” was strengthened when the
conservative ladies activists like Menaka Satpathy, Labangalata Kar and
many more came out from the dark corner of home to fight for justice for the
people with nationalistic fervour.
Such collective action by the people forced the rulers of the feudatory
States of Odisha to take liberal stance about the wellbeing of their subjects
as agreed to and on behalf of “The Chancellor of Princes”. Accordingly the
Raja of Bamanda through a notification No,23/46 published in the “Bamanda
Gazette” made the following declaration signed under the hand and seal of
the Dewan B.K.Kar by order of the State.
“Nobody would be deprived of their post. Nobody would be deprived of
land and wealth. Illegal trespass would not be done. Everybody would
37
be allowed to restore before courts and High Court. In case of war,
rebel or serious internal violence, it could be cancelled. Everybody
would have to give their free opinion. All were allowed to constitute
organization or group independently and could assemble peacefully
without carrying any weapon in violation of law. Everybody would have
the independent right to take any religion as per their conscience. All
were equal before the law, irrespective of caste and religion. There
would be no „Bigadi‟ tradition. No taxes would be collected forcibly.”
Under the patronage and at the instance of Bamanda Raja, a printed
leaflet bearing the names of 117 persons considered to be close to the
Darbar was circulated against the purpose and cause of the „Praja Mandal
Andolan‟ describing it as redundant. Another leaflet was released on behalf
of the Praja Mandal committee with the title, “the necessity of the Praja
Mandal Andolan at Bamanda State”. Bamanda Praja Mandal Committee
was affiliated to “All India Gadjat Council”, or “Lok-Parishad”. This leaflet was
well accepted by the masses and provided impetus to the agitation.
On January 19th, 1946 one grand meeting was organized at Kuchinda
and protected against the Raj Sarkar. Within less than a fortnight another
meeting was held on 1st February at Satkama village of the Bamanda Praja
Mandal Committee. Some loyalist of Raja protested at the meeting.
Dasarathi Mishra and Rama Chandra Nayak were arrested on false charges
of disturbing peace and were sentenced to imprisonment.
Gouri Shankar Mohapatra and Gunanidhi Gountia were working for the
Congress at Laida, Kinaloi, Guchhapali„ Jhinlapali and Malidihi villages of
Sambalpur district. While Gouri Mohapatra was conducting meeting of Praja
Mandal at Kudapada, he was arrested and imprisoned.
The veteran freedom fighter Dayanand Satpathy had undergone a total
of nine years imprisonment for taking part in the freedom movement.
Concurrently, in order to carry the message of Gram Swaraj of Gandhijee,
committees were formed in the villages of Bamanda, under the title
“Basudeb Seva Dal”. The objectives of the committee “Basudeb Seva Dal”
were to clean the village, to eradicate untouchability, to abolish the
consumption of liquor and other constructive works. Balmukunda Naik of
Kuchinda, Dasarathi Naik of Sahasbahal, Dhrubacharan Mohanty of
Kuchinda and Laxman Pujari of Kulundi were active workers in these tasks.
In August 1942, the Indian freedom movement took a new dimension
with the launching of the “Quit India Movement”. At the historical conference
of Congress at Bombay a resolution was adopted for achieving
independence. Soon-after the meeting Gandhiji and many frontline leaders
were taken into custody. In Bamanda leaders like Dasarathi Mishra,
38
Ramachandra Nayak and Gaurishankar Mohapatra along with others were
arrested and kept under confinement till 1945.
At that time, in September 1945, Sarangadhar Das popularly known
„Gadjat Gandhi‟ in Odisha had visited Bamanda and meetings were
organized at Govindpur and other places. At a meeting held at Kuchinda,
Bijay Kumar Mishra was entrusted to organise and lead the agitation in
Bamanda, Bonai and Kendujhargarh.
On 11th November 1946, an ad hoc Praja Mandal committee of
Bamanda was constituted at the village Ramtileimal with Rajiv Lochan Patel,
Ratnakar Patel and Hrusikesh Patel as members of the executive committee
with its office not at Deogarh but at Govindpur. On 14th January 1947, one
permanent Praja Mandal committee was formed with Dasarathi Mishra as
the President. Other members were Rajib Lochan Patel, Ratnakar Patel,
Hrusikesh Patel, Ramchandra Nayak, Radhanath Sharma and Uday
Chandra Choudhury.
The Cabinet Mission constituted by the British government to examine
the issues of self-rule had opined that in order pacify the agitating Praja
Mandal leaders and farmer and in order to bring the surcharged situation
under control Gadjats should be merged with the Province of Odisha.
Harekrishna Mahatab sent that proposal to the Gadjat Rajas first on 10th May
1946 and again on 29th of June. All the Rajas rejected the proposal, most
vociferous among them being the Rajas of Bamanda and Kalahandi.
After long and protracted agitation and great sacrifice of many freedom
fighters the struggle for freedom culminated with India becoming
independent on 15 August 1947 despite the trauma of partition. With this all
the feudatory States too became independent with the nullification of the
sanads they had received from the British Crown or treaties and agreements
they had signed with the British India government.
However the Praja Mandal movement remaind unabated in the Gadjats
of Odisha including Bamanda. On 10th October 1947, a group of activists led
by Gunanidhi Gountia were sent to Deogarh Sub-Division to intensify the
agitation which had acquired a slow gait. Praja Mandal activits Ramaniranjan
Patel, Dasarathi Patel, Chala Chaudhury, Bharat Chandra Choudhury,
Brundaban Patel, Madan Patel and Purna Chandra Bagh were among the
activists in that group. Gunanidhi Gountia went to the capital town Deogarh
to assess the political situation whereas others stayed back at Tainsar
village, 8 km from Deogarh. The village Choukidar informed about their
camping the capital. One Panchanan Behera, a Police Sub-Inspector came
to Tainsar with a small contingent of forces along with a group of local
ruffians at midnight and enticed them with the false plea that Gunanidhi
39
Gountia was at the Palace with the Raja and they were invited to the Palace
for discussion. In good faith they boarded the police vehicle along with the
Police Sub-Inspector and instead of going to Deogarh, they were towards
Sambalpur and off-loaded at Tileibani. The ruffians with the explicit consent
of the police roughed them up causing severe injury to some. Next morning,
that news spread over the state in lightening speed. Gunanidhi Gountia was
detained at Deogarh. Praja Mandal activists were rescued with injuries.
Dayananda Satpathy informed this atrocious act of police brutality to the
Odisha state and Central Government.
The students of Rajakumar High School, Deogarh observed the
situation of Praja Mandal Andolan and after closure of the school,
assembled at Suliapada, a ground in Deogarh town secretly and decided to
constitute one Working Committee with Ramaniranjan Nayak and
Balakrushna Kar as President and Secretary of the committee respectively
and Bhagaban Sahu. Basanta Kumar Sahu, Basudeb Singh Mohapatra,
Jagadish Naik, Banumadhab Panda, Hemanta Kumar Gountia,
Nandakishore Pradhan, Samanath Pradhan, Keshab Chandra Bhukta and
Hrudayanath Sahu were active members. Daily in the evening processions
were organized by the students shouting slogans against the Raj and hailing
democracy. This upsurge had sent the signal to the Darbar of the impending
merger of the Gadjats post independence as fait accompli and no serious
view was taken of the students‟ agitation.
When all categories of people joined the Praja Mandal movement, the
women of Kuchinda could not be left far behind and just be confined to their
home and hearth. They formed groups, conducted meetings, took out
processions and opposed the feudal system seeking its abolition in
Bamanda. The women wing of agitation was spearheaded by Labangalata,
the sister of Dayananda Satpathy. Women participation in the agitation was
a disturbing signal for the Raj administration.
On 10th December 1947, at the aerodrome field of Basalai village of
Deogarh a large Praja Mandal conference was organized. At that meeting,
Durgamadhab Sharma, employee of the Bamanda State and Magistrate and
Dr. Maheswar Pradhan joined the conference wearing Gandhi Topi, an
iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. The personal lavish life style of
Raja Bhanugang and the torture of people were discussed vividly.
On the other hand, the Gadjat Rajas of Odisha and Chhatisgarh
assembled at Rajkumar College, Raipur and constituted the “Eastern States
Union” with its headquarters Raigarh. They also prepared its constitution.
There was provision that, one would be nominated as Prime-Minister but
there would be no Legislative Assembly. On the other part. Sarangadhar
Das and Pabitramohan Pradhan declared independence from the Raj
40
coinciding with the Independence India on 15th August 1947 at Dhenkanal
and constituted a people‟s representative government. Similarly, one of the
smaller State, Nilagiri (now in Balasore district) declared itself as
independent and formed a government of its own. The tribal people of
Nilagiri looted the wealth of non-tribal people. The State Government could
not take any action and remained as silent spectators. Harekrushna
Mahatab had requested the Central Government to intervene in the matter,
observing the situation at Nilagiri. The Central Government directed the
District Collector, Balasore to take over the administration of Nilagiri State.
The Raja of Nilagiri voluntarily expressed his inability to rule the State and
handed over its administration to the Government of Odisha. After the
merger of Nilagiri State with Odisha the path was cleared for merger of other
Gadjat states with Odisha.
Most of the rebels and Praja Mandal activists were from Chasa caste, a
fairly well-to-do farming community. They were conservative, prestige
conscious, united and fighters against injustice. So, they were called “Melia
Chasa”, who ganged up against the authorities on some common cause of
the community. The administration of the Raj had an eye over the „Chasa‟
area, though not out of fear, to pre-empt their collective protests and
agitational action.
Gadjat Merger
Soon after Independence of India, the then Union Minister, Home, Iron
Man, Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Home Secretary to Government of India
Mr. V.P. Menon visited Cuttack on 13th December 1947. They convened a
meeting of the Gadjat Rajas and convinced them to hand over their states to
the Government of Odisha. Sardar Patel assured them that the Central
Government would safe guard the interest of the Ruling Chiefs in respect of
their personal wealth and property. Apart from that, the Rajas would be
granted privy purse proportionate to the revenue and other income they
derived from their territory as a compensation for relinquishing their states.
The Rajas appreciated the proposal of Sardar Patel instead of being
dethroned by the people by agitational means. On 14th December 1947, the
Rajas of „B‟ and „C‟ category states were called upon. The Rajas of „A‟
category States joined in a special meeting in the afternoon the same day.
Sardar Patel addressed the meeting and told them in no uncertain terms,
“Odisha States were like ulcers in the body of the province and that they
must be cured or eliminated. If they listen to his advice, they could be cured
otherwise they might find themselves uprooted by the people”.
In the same evening, twelve Rajas of „B‟ and „C‟ category states, put
their signatures on the dotted lines of the „merger deed‟. The Rajas of „A‟
category states were allowed to some limited time up to 10 at night to ponder
41
over the matter, that being the final deadline. Except the Raja of Dhenkanal,
none agreed to the proposal. Next morning, the Union Home Secretary
V.P.Menon sternly told the Rajas that if they failed to maintain law and order
in their states in the face of simmering unrest against the feudal system,
perforce provincial and if need be central forces would be deployed to tackle
the situation which would be adverse to their interest. Most of the remaining
Gadjat Rajas sensed the stern message and signed the Charter of Merger.
Raja Bhanugang Tribhuban Deb of Bamanda did not sign and returned back
to Deogarh. On 18th December, Raja Bhanugang Tribhuban Deb informed
the Government about handing over of his power by wireless, observing the
inflammable political situation and unrest in the State. The Government of
Odisha appointed an “Administrator” to each Gadjat state to take over the
charge from the Rajas. Krushna Chandra Das was appointed as the
Administrator for Bamanda. The Government of Odisha directed the Rajas to
hand over the charges to the Administrator by noon of 31st December 1947.
All the Rajas handed over their charges to Administrator except save the
Raja of Mayurbhanj. On 1st January 1948, the merger of princely states with
Government of Odisha was almost achieved.
A list of prominent freedom fighters of Ex-Bamanda State and Deogarh
district is appended at the end of this Chapter.
Post Independence and Post Merger Scenario
After the merger of Bamanda with Odisha, because of alleged
instigation of the Raja and the members of the Royal family, the agitation by
the adivasis arose in Bamanda. The demand of the adivais, mostly Kandhas
and Bhuyans was that their ancestors Suna Kandha and Kantaru Bhuyan
had brought Raj Kumar of Patnagarh and the Raj family was installed by
them. Without taking their opinion and consent how could the dynastic rule
of the Gangas of Bamanda be abolished? On the rainy day of 26th July of
1948, under an overcast sky the adivasis, mostly male members of the
community, assembled near the residence of the Administrator equipped
with their traditional weapons. They were dancing with the beat of traditional
drums and giving war cry and slogans in favour of Bamanda Raja
demanding that the Government of Odisha should return their kingdom to
them and reinstate the Ruler. They went on a procession and tried to occupy
the residence of the Administrator. About five to six thousand people which
were not a small number assembled. They were invited to the Basanta Nivas
guest house and were told to meet the District Collector, Sambalpur, so that
their demands could be considered. The procession moved towards Basanta
Nivas . On the way, the people became violent and law and order broke
down. The government was well prepared with armed forces apprehending
the law and order situation. To quell the growing and violent mob, force was
applied and in the firing some casualties were reported.. The then Executive
42
Magistrate Bipin Bihari Mohapatra was deployed to record dying statement
of the seriously injured as per Section-32 of Witness Act. Numbers of death
was uncertain. The adivasi people who dispersed and while retreating due to
police firing damaged and dismantled the Jareikela wooden bridge on the
road connecting Deogarh to Sambalpur and Kuchinda. The leaders of this
short-lived protest and procession were arrested.
A consequence of the merger was the alleged liquidation of the
Bamanda State treasury by the King. This has been recorded in the memoir
of Bipin Bihari Mahaptra who was an Executive Magistrate handling the
State treasury when he describes how he disbursed money on order from
the King to persons indicated by the King. The exercise was carried out
between 18th December and the midnight of 31
st December 1947 in biting
cold. By the morning of 1st January 1948, when Bamanda State existed no
more and Deogarh had become a sub-division of Sambalpur district, the
State treasury was left with no more than one lakh rupees in balance.
Birth of first Regional Political Party
Deogarh gave birth to the first regional political party in Odisha. As
described earlier, when bloodshed occurred due to the violence of the
adivasi people in 1948, the Maharaja of Patna (Balangir), Rajendra Narayan
Singhdeot visited Deogarh to give solace to the people. Many Gadjat Rajas
also visited Deogarh during that time and sa the spot where agitating
adivasis fell to police firing. After that, a convention of the Gadjat Rajas was
convened at Balangir Palace. They took oath touching the blood-soaked soil
collected from Deogarh, that under no circumstances, they would join their
hand with the Congress party, rather they would form a new regional political
party. The name of the party was “Ganatantra Parishad”. Under the umbrella
of Ganatantra Parishad, the ex-Gadjat Rajas and their followers were united
and took part in electoral politics. Subsequently, that regional party
“Ganatantra Parishad” was merged in 1962 with the “Swatantra Party”. This
party was floated by some rightwing ideologues under the leadership of
Chakraverty Rajgopalachari, a Gandhian leader and freedom fighter who
had fallen out with Jawaharlal Nehru on account the latter‟s socialistic views
and alleged mishandling of certain internal matters like the accession
Kashmir to India.
Creation of Deogarh District
At the time of Independence of India there were seven districts in
Odisha. The then Government of Odisha, decided to constitute new district
from out of the Category „A‟ ex-Gadajat states. Accordingly, the revenue
department put up the file before the then Chief Minister of Odisha Dr.
Harekrushna Mahatab, suggesting the name of seven „A‟ ex-Gadjat states
namely Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Gangpur (Sundargarh), Patna(Balangir),
43
Kalahandi and Bamanda. Excluding Bamanda State, other six ex-Gadjat
States became new revenue districts from 1st January, 1949. As the stories
go, the Congress leadership of that time was not well disposed towards
Bamanda, allegedly because Malati Choudhary a veteran Congress leader
and wife of Nabkrushna Choudhary did not receive proper conduct from the
Darbar and the people of Deogarh on certain occasions during the pre-
independence days and Praja Mandal agitations. Nabakrishna Choudhury,
who was to become a popular Chief Minister of Odisha later, influenced the
Mahatab Government to drop Bamanda from the consideration of becoming
a district even if it as a Category „A‟ feudatory state during the British rule.
Smt. Nandini Satpathy as the Chief Minister of Odisha had constituted
a District Re-organisation Committee in 1973 in order to create new districts
in Odisha for administrative efficiency and people‟s convenience. The District
Re-organisation Committee was a four member body, headed by Justice
Rajkishore Das and was popularly known as “Justice Das Committee”. In
1975, Justice Das Committee recommended creation of four new districts in
Odisha, Deogarh being one of them. In the proposed „new Deogarh district‟
Kuchinda, Bonai, Pallahara and Deogarh revenue Sub-Divisions were to be
included. On the request of Odisha Government, even the Government of
India in consultation with and recommendation of the 4th Finance
Commission, made financial provisions for the formation of new districts.
That too did not materialise during the Chief Ministership of Janaki Ballav
Pattnaik.
However, in 1989, there was another move to create a few more
districts but that too was aborted purportedly due to conflicting political views
and sub-regional aspirations in some areas. Ultimately, in 1990, the Janata
Dal led by Biju Pattnaik came to power. Biju Pattnaik‟s Government shelved
all the past proposals of creation of new districts and started the process
afresh. In the month of October, 1992, the Cabinet of Biju Pattnaik‟s
Government had approved of the creation of Bamanda district, comprising
Deogarh and Kuchinda revenue sub-divisions of Sambalpur district. Initially,
Kuchinda Sub-Division disagreed to be placed in Deogarh district, due to
various reasons and reservations. But, after skilful negotiations, leaders of
Kuchinda had agreed. Basing on their consent, the Government of Odisha
had taken the decision to create Bamanda district. Subsequently, people of
Kuchinda veered on the earlier stand and declined to be a part of Deogarh
district. Despite several hindrances and long delay since independence, it
was Biju Pattnaik as the Chief Minister who ordered formation of Deogarh as
a new revenue district. Deogarh district became a reality from 1st of January
1994.
44
Archaeology of the District
Archaeology defines the antiquity and history of the land and its people.
The most primitive and ancient of the archaeological finds are the
Akshyarasila rock inscription ad the cave paintings which have been
narrated at the beginning of this Chapter.
Among other historical monuments in the district of Deogarh are the
temples built by the Ganga rulers. They were not only devoted to Hindu
gods and goddesses but also accepted the local deities for whom many
temples were built in different parts of the district. The Ganga monuments,
no doubt got impetus from the Odishan architectural style. The Odishan
temple architecture with reasons of its long history of evolution has been
classified as a type by itself. It is generally known as the „Kalinga Style‟ of
architecture.
The earliest Surviving Shiva monuments of the Gangas are the temple
of Jhadeswar Baba on the southern side of Deogarh town, 5 K.M on N.H
200. It was built in 1854 C.E. by Debadrulabha Deb 4th son of Balunka
Bhursab Deb. The image of Shiva linga is of white stone having the cracked
head. There many more Shiva temples in this district. The important ones
are the Gokarneswar temple of Sasan Sahi, Deogarh, built by Raja Braja
Sundar Sudhal Deb on 1835 C.E. and the temple was reconstructed by Raja
Sir Basaudeb Sudhal Deb in 1900 C.E. Here the image of Shiva linga is of
black chlorite stone having the head of as an ear of a cow. The
Champakeswar temple was also built by Raja Braja Sundar Deb. It is
situated near the Pradhanpat waterfall. The image of Champakeswar Shiva
linga is black Granide stone having round shaped head. Another Shiva
temple named Narmadeswara at Kalkat, 10 K.M on N.H 49 east to Deogarh
town was built by Lal Rajkisore Deb, grandson of Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal
Deb on 19.11.1965.
There are a number of shrines of lord Jagannath in this district.The
most important of them all is the Purunagarh Jagannath temple built by Raja
Pratapa Rudra Deb. Another one was the Naikul Jagannath temple which
was submerged in Rengali Dam Project and a newly of recent construction
has replaced it and is at Paiknagar near Rengalbeda. The Purunagarh
Jagannath temple consists of a Viman, Natamandapa, Garuda Stamba, in
front of a large Bhogamandapa. Another prominent temple at Deogarh and
only one of its kinds in the Ganga territory is the Gopinath temple at Sasan
Sahi, Deogarh. It was built by Rani Kumari Debi wife of Raja Braja Sundar
Deb under the supervision of Lal Nandakisore Deb, 5th son of Balunka
Bhursava Deb.This temple was rebuilt and decorated by Raja Sir Basudeb
Sudhal Deb in 1900 C.E. Raja Braja Sundar Deb also built Girigobardhana
temple near Pradhanpat waterfall. Ramagobinda temple of Balam, 15 kms
45
on N.H 49 east of Deogarh was built by Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb.
Another temple built in 1900 C.E by Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb is named
Gopaljee temple is in the capital town Deogarh. The icons of the deity Rama,
Laxman and Sita were brought from Ajodhya.
Apart from these temples, there are many Debi temples in the district
i.e. Rambhadebi of Basudevpur and Rambhadebi of Barkote. These Debis
were worshiped by Jeet Rajabansa previously then Sarani part Debi of
Naikul (now it is at Bijaynagar of Barkote Block) is worshiped since Braja
Sundar Dev‟s reign. Pradhanpateswari temple is situated near Pradhanpat
waterfall and the Debi is worshiped as the village goddess of Deogarh town.
There are considerable additions to the number of temples of gods and
45aoists45m in the last few decades like Gayatri temples, Hanuman temple,
Shani Temple, Radhakrishna temple, etc. Heritage and architecture have
been dealt with in more detail in the Chapter on Culture.
46
Appendix
Prominent freedom fighters of erstwhile Bamanda State
1. Dayananda Satpathy
2. Bila Nayak, Tinkbir
3. Kartikiya Behera
4. Netrananda Sahara
5. Gopala Pradhan
6. Baishnaba Charan Nayak
7. Sahadeb Sahu, Talabahali
8. Krushna Chandra Pradhan
9. Bidyadhar Sahu
10. Balabhadra Sahu
11. Kandarpa Pradhan
12. Sridhar Behera
13. Dibakar Mishra
14. Brajabandhu Behera
15. DasarathiNlohapatra
16. Mahadeb Pradhan
17. Managobinda Pradhan
18. Bhubaneswar Pradhan
19. Baishnaba Behera
20. Kundan Behera
21. Bhagaban Pradhan
22. Brajamohan Pradhan
23. Dharmudhar Bhukta
24. Soubhagya Chandra Dwibedy
25. Gadadhar Pradhan
26. Biswanath Pradhan
27. Gadadhar Sahu
28. Jogeswar Mishra
29. Kanhu Charan Nanda
30. Balabhadra Pradhan
31. Gopal Chandra Panigrahi
32. Chandra Sekhar Panigrahi
33. Rajib Lochan Patel
34. Dasaratha Nayak
35. Arkhita Patel
36. Dibakar Behera
37. Sudarshan Pradhan
38. Dambaru Garnayak
47
CHAPTER –III
ECOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST
Introduction:
Deogarh district is famed for its rich biodiversity. Total Forest area of
the district is 1560.62 square kilometres and the total forest cover is 56
percent of the total land area making Deogarh the third greenest district of
the state next only to Kandhamal with 68.18 percent and Gajapati with 57.5
percent of geographical area under forest. Odisha‟s forest cover in 2011 was
48,903 square kilometres, which accounts for only 31.41 percent total area
in the state. Though, forest density has decreased in the recent past at both
state and national level, the condition and expanse of forest in Deogarh is
encouraging.
48
Forest Map of Deogarh District
The forests of the district lie in the Northern Tropical Zone. The composition
of the forest is partly moist deciduous and partly dry deciduous due to
temperate reasons. Varying with the configuration of the ground, the soil
greatly influences the composition of the forest vegetation. Sal (Shorea
robusta) is the predominant species that spreads over the forest except
bamboo breaks in higher slopes and small patches of moist mixed
deciduous species. Varieties of large woody perennial plants beyond 6
49
metres in height bearing a single well-defined stem are distributed
sporadically all over the forest.
Bhuyans, Kondhas and other tribal communities being the original
inhabitants, of Deogarh were the occupants and users of the forest of this
tract since time immemorial. They were never in conflict with nature and
tended the forests as their natural assets. Prior to the advent of rail
communication, the harvested logs were usually floated in the River
Brahmani downstream to Jenapur of Cuttack District. With the construction
and expansion of the Bengal Nagpur Railway in Eastern India, „Rajkumar
Sleeper Business‟ was started in 1890 to provide robust wooden sleepers to
lay railway tracks but it closed in 1924. Demarcation work of different forest
blocks started in the year 1907 after the appointment of a Forest Ranger
trained in Dehradun Forestry Institute in the year 1906. Agency Forest
Officer was the adviser of forest administration from 1920 to 1934. The
Forest Rules of the State was published in the Bamanda State Gazette in
1924. The first decennial Working Plan for the period from 1933 to 1943
was prepared by Sri G.N. Mathur, who was State Forest Officer from
11.06.1928 to 12.02.1937 of Bamanda State for methodical management of
forest. This practice continued subsequently and plans for 20 and 10 years
were prepared.
As per the present estimate, the forest cover of Deogarh district is more
than 50 percent of total geographical area. The major Reserve Forests of
this district cover an area of 71818.869 ha. The scenic Pradhanpat waterfall,
the lifeline of Deogarh town originates from Kaidanta of Pradhanpat Reserve
Forest.
Forest Administration:
Deogarh Forest Division comprises the whole of Deogarh District and
Pallahara Sub-division of Angul District headed by the Divisional Forest
Officer with headquarters at Deogarh. The following administrative units are
in operation for better forest management.
Different administrative units of Deogarh Forest Division Sl. No. Name of administrative unit Number
1 Range (Deogarh, Riamal, and Barkote) 3
2 Section 14
3 Beat 65
4 Forest Check gates 3
The Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) is responsible for
commercial transaction of major forest produce. The following table gives
50
year-wise revenue earned from forest resources in the Deogarh Division
from 2005 to December, 2015.
Forest Revenue during the last decade
Year Amount (in rupee)
2005-06 2497044
2006-07 4679014
2007-08 6321250
2008-09 2532047
2009-10 11447007
2010-11 11512958
2011-12 17472451
2012-13 10054002
2013-14 9758829
2014-15 6565890
2015 Up to Dec 2015 15538702
Classification of Forest:
The major classification of Deogarh forest is presented in Table below.
Major forest types
Name of Major Group – Tropical Forest
Name of Group
Name of Sub-group
Name of Type Name of Sub-
type Name of Varieties
Tropical moist deciduous Forest
North Indian tropical moist deciduous Forest
Moist sal-bearing forest
Moist peninsular sal
Moist peninsular high level sal
Moist peninsular low level sal
Moist peninsular valley sal
Dry deciduous forest
Northern tropical dry deciduous forest
Dry sal-bearing forest
Dry peninsular sal
Northern dry mixed deciduous forest
Dry bamboo brakes
Floral diversity:
The floristic composition of the district has been detailed in the
following Table
51
Floristic composition
Name of Forest Block Top story Middle story Under
growth
Climber
and Grass
Pravasuni, Khajuria
Badataila, Kansar,
Rambhadebi, Pradhanpat,
Gogua, Panguli,
Mandasila, Thianal, Pauri,
Jhadeswar, Kaunsibahal,
Banbira, Naikul,
Hadamunda, Chilantikhol,
Kandarpa-Lamdura
Sal, Asan,
Bahada, Bija,
Kasi, Haldu,
Dhaura,
Senha, Mundi,
Dhuben,
Semal,Teak,
Gambhari
Kumbhi, Salia,
Jamu, Rai,
Kendu, Sisoo,
Karada,
Kamalagundi,
Ainla, Bamboo
Petmuri,
Mohana,
Girdi,
Ranikathi
Latapalas,
Atundi,
Siali, Duba,
Mardalai,
Muturi,
Sincula
Botanical, Vernacular and Local names of plants found in Deogarh
Forest Division
Trees
Sl. No Botanical name Vernacular name Local name
1. Aegle marmelos Bel Bela
2. Albizia odoratissima Sirish Kala sirisa,Tentela
3. Alstonia scolaris Chhatiana Chhachina
4. Anogeissus latifolia Dhaura Dhaura
5. Azadirachta indica Neem Nimba
6. Bauhinia malabarica Koteli Amthi
7. Bauhinia purpurea Barada Barada Sag
8. Bombax ceiba Simili Semel
9. Bridelia retusa Kasi Kasi
10. Buchanania lanzan Chara Char
11. Butea monosperma Palash Palasa
12. Canthium dicoccum Kumar Chikni Kumbhar Chikini
13. Carea arborea Kumbhi Kumbhi
14. Casearia tomentosa Kokra Khakada
15. Cassia fistula Sunari Sunari
16. Cassine glauca Chauli Chauli
17. Cleistanthus collinus Karada Karda
18. Chloroxylon Swietenia Bheru Bherua
19. Dalbergia latifolia Sisua Pahadi Sisu
20. Dalbergia paniculata Dhobbi Dhoboni
21. Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Sisu
22. Desmodium oojeinensis Bandhano Bandhana
52
23. Dillenia pentagyna Rai Rai
24. Diospyros malabarica Thusra Kendu Makra Kendu
25. Diospyros melanoxylon Kendu Kendu
26. Diospyros montana Halda Halda
27. Erythrina variegate Paladhua Paladhua
28. Ficus hispida Panidimiri Panidumer
29. Ficus racemose Dimiri Dumer
30. Garcinia cawa Raj Kusuma Raj kusum
31. Gardenia gummifera Gurudu Ghurudu
32. Gardenia latifolia Damkurudu Damba Ghurudu
33. Gmelina arborea Gambhari Gamer
34. Grewia elastic Mirgi Chara Barenga
35. Haldina cordifolia Kurum Kurum
36. Hymenodictyon orixens Kansa Bhurkunda Kansa
37. Kydia kalycina Bana-Kapasia Banakapa
38. Lagerstroemia parviflora Sidha Sidha
39. Lagerstroemia reginae Patoli Patuli
40. Lannea coromandelica Moi Mai
41. Madhuca longifolia Mahula Mohul
42. Mangifera indica Amba Aam
43. Mitragyna parviflora Mundi Mundi
44. Morinda pubescens Anchi Achu
45. Oroxylum indicum Phemphana Phanphana
46. Phoenix Sylvestris Khajuri Khejura
47. Phyllanthus emblica Aonla Anla
48. Polyalthia cerasoides Potmossu Patmasu
49. Pongamia pinnata Karanja Karanja
50. Pterocarpus marsupium Piasal Bija
51. Schleichera oleosa Kusum Kusum
52. Semecarpus anacardium Bhalia Bhalia
53. Shorea robusta Sal Sargi
54. Soymida febrifuga Rohini Rohini
55. Stericulia urens Gindola Giridhini, Genduli
56. Srychnos potatorum Katako Kataka
57. Syzigium cumini Jambo Jamukoli
58. Tectona grandis Shaguan Saguan
59. Terminalia arjuna Arjun Arjuna
60. Terminalia bellerica Bahada Beheda
53
61. Terminalia chubula Harida Harda
62. Terminalia alata Asana Sahaj, Asana
63. Xylia xylocarpa Kat Sialhi Katha Siari
64. Ziziphus xylopyrus Ghanto Ghuntuli
Shrubs Sl. No.
Botanical Name Vernacular
Name Local Name
1 Antidesma acidum Jamarla Mamuri 2 Bambusa arundinacea Kanta Banso Kanta Baunsa 3 Benkara Malabarica Phiriki Thelco 4 Cartunaregam spinosa Kalai Kanta Kalei Kanta 5 Chromolaena odorata Pokasunga Poksunga 6 Clerodendrum serratum Samarkand Bana Malli 7 Clerodendrum viscosum Kunti Kumutia 8 Cryptolepis buchanani Gopkanu Dudhalai / Gopakanhu 9 Dendrocalamus strictus Salia banso Salia Baunsa
10 Flacourtia indica Baincho Kanteikoli / Baincha 11 Flemingia Chappar Rani Kathi Rani Kathi 12 Grewia hirsute Suna-ragoda Suna regada 13 Helicteres isora Muri-muri Mudimudica 14 Holarrhena pubescens Kurchi Kurei 15 Indigofera cassioides Giliri Giliri 16 Ixora pavetta Tel Kurma Tel kuruma /Buin Kuruma 17 Lantana camara Naga-airi Putush 18 Mimosa himalayana Kirkichi Kirkinchi Kanta 19 Nyctanthes arbortristis Gutikhadika Gangasiuli 20 Olax scandens Bhadalia Bhadali 21 Pandanus fascicularis Kia Kia 22 Phoenix acaulis Ban-khajuri Bana Khajuri 23 Vitex leucoxylon Chadeigudi Chadeigudi 24 Wendlandia tinctoria Tilai Tilau
Herbs
Sl No Botanical Name Vernacular Name Local Name
1. Achyranthes aspera Apamaranga Apamaranga 2. Andrographis paniculata Chireita Bhuin-nimba 3. Colocasia fallax Banasaru Banasaru 4. Curcuma aromatica Bana haladi Bana haladi 5. Desmodium gangeticum Saloporni Salaparni 6. Hyptis suaveolens Bantulsi Banatulsi 7. Imperata cylindrica Chhana Ghas Badhuni 8. Laportea interrupta Godabichuti Bichhuati 9. Thysanolaena maxima PhulJharu Ghas Phul Jhadu
54
Climbers, Epiphytes and Parasites
Sl.
No. Botanical Name Vernacular Name Local Name
1. Abrus precatorius Kaincha Gunja
2. Asparagus racemosus Satamuli Satabari
3. Atylosia scarabaeoides Ban-kulthia Banakolatha
4. Bauhinia vahilii Siali Siali
5. Butea superba Noi palasa Laha palasa
6. Celastrus paniculata Pengu Pingu
7. Cissus repanda Takwall Takualaha
8. Combretum roxburghii Atundi Atundi
9. Hemidesmus indicus Thapa Anantamula
10. Hibiscus aculeatus Piri-prirka Pirpincha
11. Ichnocarpus frutescens Swanati Sualai
12. Dendrophthoe falcata Madang Malang
13. Milletia extensa Marda Marada
14. Mucuna puriens Baidonka Baidanka
15. Smilax macrophylla Muter Kanta-muturi
16. Smilax zeylanica Muturi Muturi
17. Vanda tessellate Rasna Rasna
18. Ventilago madraspatna Rakta Khai Rakta Pichhuli
Medicinal Flora
The following medicinal plants used in indigenous traditional
medicinal preparations by the local herbalists and traditional healers are
found in forests of Deogarh:
Botanical Name along with Local /vernacular name
Abrus precatorius, - Kaincha
Achyranthes aspera- Apamaranga,
Aegle marmelos,- Bela
Alstonia scolaris,- Chhatian
Andrographis paniculata,- Chireita
Anogeissus latifolia, -Dhura
Asparagus racemosus- Satabari,
Azadirachta indica,- Neem
55
Bambusa arundinacea, -Bamboo
Buchanania lanzan,- Chara
Butea monosperma,-Palasa
Carea arborea,- Kumbhi
Cartunaregam spinosa, - Kaleikanta
Cassia fistula, - Sunari
Celastrus paniculata,- Pingu
Dalbergia sissoo,- Sissu
Desmodium gangeticum, - Salaparni
Diospyros malabarica,- Makada Kendu
Erythrina 55aoists55m, - Paladhua
Ficus racemosa,- Dimiri
Ficus hispida, - Pani Dimiri
Flacourtia indica,- Kanteikoli
Gardenia gummifera,- Gurudu
Gmelina arborea,- Gambhari
Haldina cordifolia, -Kuruma
Hemidesmus indicus,- Annantamula
Holarrhena pubescens,- Kurei
Hyptis suaveolens, - Bana Tulasi
Ichnocarpus frutescens,- Suanati
Lannea coromandelica, - Mai
Madhuca indica,- Mahula
Mangifera indica,- Amba
Morinda pubescens, - Anchhu
Mucuna puriens, - Baidunka
Nyctanthes arbortristis,- Gangaseuli
Pandanus fascicularis,- Kia
Pongamia pinnata- Punanga
Pterocarpus marsupium, - Pia Sala
Phyllanthus emblica,- Amla
Schleichera oleosa, - Kusuma
Shorea robusta,- Sal
Strychnos potatorum,- Kataka
Syzygium cumini, - Jammu
Tectona grandis,- Saguan
Terminalia arjuna, - Arjuna
Terminalia bellerica,- Bahada
Terminalia tomentosa – Asana
Woodfordiafruticosa-Dhati
56
Photographs of some common medicinal plants found in
Debagad forest range
Achyranthes aspera (Prickly Chaff
Flower) Aegle marmelos (wood apple)
Alstonia scolaris (Devil’s Tree) Andrographis paniculata (Creyat
Root Plant)
Asparagus racemosus (Asparagus
Plant)
Azadirachta indica (Margosa
Tree)
57
Curcuma 57aoists57 (Yellow
Zedoary)
Desmodium gangeticum (Sarivan
Plant)
Phyllanthus emblica (Emblic
Myrobalan tree) Hemidesmus indicus (Anantmool)
Holarrhena 57aoists57mi (conessi
Bark plant)
Hyptis suaveolens (American
Mint)
58
Strychnos potatorum (Clearing Nut
Tree)
Syzygium cumini (Black Berry
Tree)
Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna Tree) Celastrus paniculatus (Pengu)
Faunal Diversity
Mammals
Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Being the largest mammal found on the suface of the Earth atop the
biological pyramid elephant has of late attracted global attention because of
its fast depleting number and need for conservation. It symbolizes peace
and harmony. The forests of Deogarh are conducive for elephant habitat as
the district lacks any worthwhile industries and mining activities.
Elephant Census: Elephant census data for different years in this tract is
presented in the following table.
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Elephant census from 2007 to 2015
Sl. No. Year Male Female Calf Total
1 2007 05 15 07 27
2 2010 01 03 03 07
3 2012 01 09 03 13
4 2015 02 17 06 25
The reasons for variation in number of Elephant census figure between
2007 and 2015 is because these animals always move from place to place
in search of food and water. Though these animals wear not seen in
Debagarh district, they were cited in adjoining Pallahara Forest areas of this
Deogarh Forest Division.
Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)
Leopards are present in Deogarh forest division in isolated patches.
This big cat is active, swift runner and an expert climber. Its preying ability
depends chiefly on its acute sense of hearing and eyesight. It hunts at night
and in the middle of the day. It has a yellowish-brown coat with a dark rose-
shaped pattern. Leopards have been cited in the forest fringes and
occasional lifting of livestock like goats and sheep have been reported from
villages in the outlying areas of the forest.
Bear (Ursus thibetanus)
Bears prefer these forests because they mostly feed on fruits, honey
and insects which are aplenty in these forests. Especially, Khajuria,
Pradhanpat, and Pravasuni forest blocks are known for considerable bear
population.
Chital or Spotted Deer (Axis axis)
It is seen in herds of 4 to 6 numbers on valleys and plains along the
perennial streams and rivulets flowing in this division due to abundance of
grazing ground.
Hare (Lepus nigricollis)
These are seen in almost all peripheral forests in this zone. Body of
these animals are covered with fur and hairs which enrich the jungle for their
grace and playful activities.
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Monkey (Rhesus macaques and Semnopithecus entellus)
Mostly two types of monkeys are seen here. They are Hanuman
langurs and Rhesus macaques. The langurs have got black face with silvery
gray body colour. Hind limbs are longer than fore limbs. Females live in
troupes headed by one strong male. Rhesus monkeys are red faced,
comparatively of smaller size with short tail. Recently, there have been
reportings of monkey menace in and around Deogarh town and Pradhanpat
water fall area.
Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)
They live in river bank forests and hunt fish, crab, frog, birds, insects
and sometimes other small mammals. It is a fierce animal, smaller than a
leopard but is capable of mauling small animals. Its specialty is, it gets on to
rocks overhanging water and swift at fishing with its paws.
Civet Cat (Viverricula indica)
It is a small nocturnal carnivore and is valued for production of fatty
substances with strong odour from its pouches close to the tail.
Jackal (Canis aureus indicus)
Jackals are distributed uniformly in this forest. They scavenge on dead
carcasses and are environment friendly animals. Although it is a highly
endangered species.. Jackals mostly move in pairs.
Hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
It is also a scavenger and feeds on carcasses. Very rarely seen now-a-
days in this forest in either single or in pairs. It is rapidly getting extinct and is
classified as highly endangered.
Sambar (Rusa unicolor)
It is the largest of the deer group and is rarely seen in Khajuria,
Pradhanpat, Pravasuni, Kansar and Rambhadebi forest blocks. The coarse,
shaggy brown coat darkens with age and turns almost black in old stage.
The forked-horns take four years to reach full size, but once fully grown, they
are shed every year and then re-grown for the breeding season in winter.
Sambar is usually found alone without companions except when young.
When in danger it flicks tail, stamps feet and gives out a loud alarm call,
which can be audible at a considerable distance.
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Barking Deer or Muntjacs (Muntiacus)
It is abundantly found in thickly wooded hills of Deogarh and is locally
known as kutra. It is diurnal and lives in pairs. Its low pitch call sounds like
the barking of dog and hence the common name.
Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boar is commonly sighted in forests and adjoining crop fields of
Deogarh. They have long mobile snouts with terminal nostrils. It is
omnivorous and feeds on rhizomes, tubers, seeds, insects and crops. It
known for its courage when faced with aggression from other wild animals.
Squareuirrel (Sciuridae)
It has elongated body covered with fur and has 5 long stripes of dark
colour on the back. It is an arboreal, active climber and nests on trees.
They It feeds on nuts, fruits and seeds.
Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)
It is noticed in dense forests. Its head, body and tail are covered with
round horny scales. Its head is small with a short pointed snout, eyes and
small pinnate. Its limbs strong with 5 clawed digits to dig anthills. It is a tree
climber and can roll into a ball as a measure of defence.
Bat (Chiroptera)
Bats live in colonies of hundred. Their body is covered with soft fur,
have short snouts, pinnate is large, with small eyes of poor vision and
concealed tail. They produce ultra-sonic sound waves for flight, areal
navigation and direction. There presence is considered to be an indicator of
healthy ecosystem.
Otter (Lontra Canadensis)
It is sighted near Gohira, Rengali and water bodies of forest fringe
villages. It is a semi-aquatic animal with short and dense oily furs and does
have webbed digits in both limbs for which it moves faster inside water. It
feeds on fish, crabs and frogs.
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Bear (Ursus thebetanus)
Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Monkey( Mocaca mulatata) Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Pangolin (Manis Javanica) Wild Boar (Sus Scarfa)
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BIRDS
Terrestrial Birds
Terrestrial birds in Deogarh area have been divided into three groups,
as high, medium and low, depending on their numbers. The birds like
common mynah (Sturnidae), jungle fowl, hornbill, sparrow, raven, cuckoo,
black drongo, crow, hornbill, red crow, king fisher, owl, pigeon, parrot, dove,
nightingale and heron are seen in maximum number in this locality. The
birds viz. Weaver bird, falcon, chat, woodpecker and hawk are seen in
medium numbers. Birds like blue jay, black bee, grey crane, golden oriole,
gander and 63aoists kite are seen in very few numbers.
Aquatic Birds
The aquatic birds such as little cormorant, graylag goose, water hen
and water fowl are seen in the water bodies of Deogarh. The details of
recent Birds Censuses are given as under.
Birds (Water Fowl) Census
Year Deogarh
Division.
2011 12,729
2012 11638
2013 37,440
2014 28,068
2015 22,962
2016 22,020
Common Maina/Bani White evented Myna
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Peacock
Bulbul
Reptiles
The common reptiles such as tortoise, lizard, iguana, and varieties of
snakes are seen in this locality. Two varieties of tortoise such as Kachuga
tenteria and Chitra indica are seen here.
Glossary of Odia , English and Latin name of animals, birds,
snakes, lizards, turtles and fishes found in the Forest division are
presented as follows.
ANIMAS (Mammals)
Sl.
No.
Odia Name English
Name
Latin Name Family Schedule
No.
1 Bajra kapta Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Manidae I
2 Badudi Bat Rouseltute
schenaulti
Pteropodidae V
3 Banabiradi Wild cat Felis chaus affinis Felidae I
4 Barah Wild boar Sus crefa cristatus Suidae III
5 Bilua Jackal Canis latranus Canidae V
6 Bhalu Black bear Selenarctos tibetana Ursidae II
7 Chital Spotted
deer
Axis axis Cervidae III
8 Chemani House bat Cynopterus sphinx Pteropodidae V
9 Gundichimusa
Squirrel Funambulus penanti Sciuridae V
10 Gurandi Mouse deer Trangulus meinna Tragulidae I
11 Hati Elephant Elephas maximus Elephantidae I
12 Heta Hyena Hyaena striata Hyaenidae I
13 Jinka Porcupine Hystrix leucura Hystricidae IV
14 Kalarapatriya Leopard Panthera pardus
fusca
Felidae I
15 Katasa Big wild cat Paradoxurus
hermaphrodit
Felidae II
65
16 Khurant Musk deer Moschila menina Tragulidae I
17 Kokisiali Fox Vulpes bengalensis Canidae II
18 Kutura Barking
deer
Cerrulus muntjac Cervidae III
19 Mankada
(hanu)
Black-faced
monkey
Semnopithecus
entellus
Cercopithecidae II
20 -do- (pati) Red-faced
monkey
Macaca mulatta Cercopithecidae II
21 Musa Mouse Rattus rattus Muridae V
22 -do- (nepali) Flying
squirrel
Petauristaphili
pinensis
Muridae V
23 Nilgai Blue bull Boselaphus
tragocamelus
Bovidae III
24 Neula Mongoose Herpestes
bengalensis
Viverridae IV
25 Odha Otter Lutra lutra Mustelidae III
26 Samber Deer Cervulus unicolor Cervidae I
27 Saliapatini Civet Vivericula indica Viverridae II
28 Thekua Hare Lepus ruficaudatus Leporidae III
BIRDS
Sl. No. Odia Name English Name
Latin Name Family Schedule No.
1 Bani Common myna
Acridotheres tristis
Sturnidae IV
2 Baya chadhei Weaver bird Ploccus phillipinus Ploceidae IV 3 Bajapakhi Hawk Astur badius Accipitridae I 4 Banakukuda Jungle fowl Gallus gallus Phadianidae IV 5 Baja Falcon Ergetta garzette Accipitridae I 6 Bhadabhadalia Blue jay bird Coracas benga
lensis Muscicapidae I
7 Bahadakhai Grey hornbill Tikos birostris Bucerotidae I 8 Bhrungaraj Black bee Dissomurus
paradisens Dicruridae IV
9 Gunduri Bastard gull Turnix buscitotor Turnicidae IV 10 Chatak Swifty Micropus affinis Apodidae IV 11 Chila Kite Mylvus migrans IV 12 Dahuka Water hen Metopidius
indicus Jacanidae IV
13 Gendalia Grey crane Anastromis oseitens
Ciconidae IV
14 Gharchatia Sparrow Passer domesticus
Ploceidae IV
15 Ghukalika Raven myna Acridathares ginginianus
Sturnidae IV
16 Haldibasant Golden oriole Oriolus xanthernus
Orididae IV
17 Hansa Gander Anas poacierhancha
Podicipedidae IV
18 Koeli Cuckoo Cuculus caronus Cuculidae IV 19 Kajalapati King crow Dicrurus
maococerus Dicruridae IV
20 Kau Crow Corvus splendens Corvidae V 21 Kochilakhai Hornbill Anthroceceros
coromatus Bucerotidae I
66
21 Kochilakhai Hornbill Anthroceceros coromatus
Bucerotidae I
22 Kumbhatua Red crow Centropus sinensis
Cuculidae IV
23 Mayura Peacock Pavo cristatus Phadianidae I 24 Macharanka King-fisher Caryle rudis Alcedinidae IV 25 Panikua Little
cormorant Phalacrocorax nigar
Anatidae IV
26 Pecha Owl Athena brama Strigidae IV 27 Para Pigeon Columba livia Columbidae IV 28 Sua Parrot Pistacula kramerii Sturnidae IV 29 Saguna King vulture Sacrogyps calvus Muscicapidae IV 30 Sankachila Brahmin kite Haliastur Indus Muscicapidae I 31 Kapota Dove Streptopellchin
opensis Columbidae IV
32 Bulbul Persian / Nightingale
Pyenonotus luteohes
Pycnonotidae IV
33 Baga (kanti) Pond heron Ardeola grayii Ardeidae IV 34 Baga (rani) Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis
coromandus Ardeidae IV
35 Baga (rati) Night heron Nycticorax nydticorax
Ardeidae IV
36 Kathahana Ceylon hoopoe
Upupa ceylonensis
Upupidae IV
SNAKES
Sl.No. Odia Name English Name Latin Name Family Scheduled No
1 Ahiraj King cobra Naja hannah Elapidae II
2 Ajagarh Indian python Python molurus Boidae I
3 chiti Painted krait Bungarus coeruleus
Elapidae IV
4 Dhamana Rat snake Ptyas mucosus Colubridae II
5 Boda Rusell‟s viper Vipera russelli Viperidae II
6 Dhulia naga Sand viper Echis carinatus -do- IV
7 Domundia John‟s sandboda
Eryx conicus Boidae IV
8 Gokhar Cobra Naja naja Elapidae II
9 Kananoli Grass snake Ahetulla species Colubridae IV
10 Laudankia Arboreal adder Dryophis nasutus Elapidae IV
11 Dhanda Water snake Natrix piscator Colubridae IV
12 Rana Banded krait Bungarus fasciatus
Elapidae II
13 Tampa Monocellate cobra
Naja naja kuothia -do- II
14 Telia Blind snake Typhlops braminus
Typhlopidae IV
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LIZARDS
Sl.
No.
Odia Name English
Name
Latin Name Family Scheduled
No.
1 Bahurupi Indian
chameleon
Chameleon
zeylanicus
Chmaeleonidae IV
2 Champeineoli Mabuya Mabuya bibro Sciencidae IV
3 Endua Garden
lizard
Calotes
versicolor
Agamidae IV
4 Godhi Guana Varanus
monitar
Varanidae I
5 Jhitipiti Lizard Hemidactylus
flaviviridis
Gekkonidae IV
TURTLES
Sl. No. Odia Name English Name
Latin Name Family Scheduled No.
1 Pathuria kaincha
Land tortoise Testudo elongute
Trionychidae IV
2 Pani kaincha Water turtle Lissemys punctau granosa
Emydidae IV
FISHES
Sl. No. Odia Name English Name Latin Name Family
1 Balia Trout / Wallago Wallago attu Siluridae
2 Baligarada Sandeel Glossogabius giziris Gobidae
3 Bhakur Carp Catla catla Cyprinidae
4 Chenga Gilt head Ophiocaphalus gachus Channidae
5 Chitala Flat fish Notopterus chitala Notopteridae
6 Dandikiri Grig Esomus dandrica Cyprinidae
7 Gadisa Gudgeon Ophiocephalus punctatus Channidae
8 Jalanga Ground fish Panga sius Pangasidae
9 Jahlla Floating fish Chela argentea Cyprinidae
10 Kantia Nail fish Mystus cavasitus Bagridae
11 Karandi Minnow Barbus ambasis Cyprinidae
12 Magura Cat fish Clarius batrachus Claridae
13 Mirkali Mrigal Cirrihana mrigal Cyprinidae
14 Neuli Small sand fish Gobiopterus ohund Gobidae
15 Pohala Water fish Cirrhinus reba Cyprinidae
16 Pabata Callichrous Callichrous bimaculatus Siluridae
17 Phalli Flounder Notopterus notopterus Notopteridae
18 Rohi Breeding fish Labeo rohita Cyprinidae
19 Serana Minnows Barbus serana Cyprinidae
20 Seula Big gudgeon Ophiocephalus striatus Channidae
21 Singi Scorpion fish Hetero pneusstes fossilis Pneustidae
22 Todi Eel Mastocembelus armatus Cembelidae
23 Chungudi Shrimp / Prawn Palaemon malcolmsonii
68
Rare Fauna and Flora of Deogarh District
Forests in Deogarh district provide habitat to several animals which are
unique and very rarely found in forests of other districts in Odisha. Brief
description of each such species is given below
Flying Squirrel : The scientific name of Flying Squirrel is Pteromyini and it
belongs to sciurid family. It cannot fly like an avian bird but glide between
trees.
They can glide up to 90 (ninety) meters.
The tail works as air brake during landing on tree trunk.
They have a membrane like skin on either side of their body.
The life span in about six years.
They are omnivorous and nocturnal.
At birth they are hair-less having no senses.
The internal organs are visible through the skin.
They are fully developed by five weeks, develop a mind of their own.
Chameleon
Scientific name- Chamaeleo calptratus, Family –Chamaeleonidae
They are found in warm climate.In Deogarh district they are available in
Pradhanpat Reserve forest and forest around Kantabahal-Tinkbir of Reamal.
They have ability to change colours. They have very long , highly modified ,
rapidly extricable tongues. The eyes are independently mobile, tail is
prehensile. The life span is about 5 years. They are insectivores.
They can project their tongue more than twice their body length.
Insectivorous Plant
Scientific name –Drosera burmanii, Family –Droseraceae
They are found in Kantabahal ( Reamal) of Deogarh District.
It is a carnivorous plant.
It is a herb having short stem , leaves in a rosatte.
It is in an annual plant grown during cold mogngunths
Its leaves can curl around the insets in a few seconds.
Sciencetific Name-Ficus bengalensis , Sub Type- Krishna.
Local Name – Olatabara(Bata) Found in Purunagarh of Debagarh.
69
Vulnerability of Forest Crop
Biotic Factors
The forests of Deogarh Division are vulnerable to injuries due to biotic
factors and natural calamity. Plants, insects, man, wild, and domestic
animals are the major biotic factors normally causing injuries to forests.
Natural calamities and factors like flood, drought and soil erosion cause
injuries to the forest of this tract. Man and animals are the most important
factors affecting vegetation. Though man has been managing these forests
on scientific basis since 1908, yet he continues to be the most liable and
powerful agent in destroying and damaging forests.
Deforestation and denudation
Deogarh was a thickly wooded division in the past. With the increase in
population and consequent need for bringing greater area under the plough,
homestead and other developmental projects and works, extensive areas
have been deforested.
Forest Fire
The cause of forest fire is mainly due to the inhabitants close to the
forest for collection of mahua flower, sal seed, hunting and food gathering.
Forest fire generally occurs from February to May every year. Uncontrolled
fire results in enormous damage to forests as follows.
(i) Loss of young and tender plants
(ii) Death of wild animals
(iii) Destruction of rare herbs and medicinal plants
(iv) Rise of environmental temperature
(v) Loss of soil moisture and fertility
Van Sanrakshyan Samiti (VSS)
For better protection of forest, Van Sanrakhyan Samitis (VSS) have
been formed in different villages under Odisha Forestry Sector Development
Project (OFSDP) from 2006 to 2014 with financial support from Japan
International Co-operation Agency (JICA). In the process, 177 numbers of
VSSs have been formed in different villages of this district. The main
objectives of the project are Restoration of degraded forest
(ii) Livelihood improvement of the communities dependent on forest.
To achieve the objectives, a multi-purpose building for each VSS,
means for capacity building of VSS members and revolving fund for income
generation have been provided to the community.
70
Legal aspects
The Reserved Forests and Proposed Reserve Forests and Demarcated
Protected Forests are dealt under Odisha Forest Act, 1972. The protection of
forest and wild life of Deogarh district are being regulated by the prevailing
Odisha Forest Act, 1972 and The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Wild
Life Protection (Odisha) Rules, 1974, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980,
National Forest Policy, 1988 and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 have also come
into force over the years. These Acts and Rules and the new National Forest
Policy have bearing on working of these forests.
Rights and Concession
The following rights and concession have been granted to the public
for obtaining timber, bamboo and other forest crop.
(i) Bamboo- In the existing depot at Deogarh, the Odisha Forest
Development Corporation (OFDC) Ltd. will sale Salia Bamboo to the local
people at prescribed rate. This rate is inclusive of the royalty applicable to
the district. Each tenant will be supplied 50 bamboos per annum on „first
come first served‟ basis subject to availability.
(ii) Fire accident – In case of fire accident in any village or locality,
forest material like bamboo and timber will be supplied by the OFDC Ltd at
the cost inclusive of transportation charge, on requisition from the Tahasildar
as per prevailing rules and rate.
i. House building material – These will be supplied from the corporation
depots at rates prevalent at the relevant time.
ii. Agricultural implements – The OFDC Ltd supply forest materials for
agricultural implements at their respective depots including coupe
depots at reasonable rate .
iii. All supply/ sale of forest produce will be on „first come first served‟
basis subject to availability of forest material.
iv. The villagers may collect edible roots, fruits, leaves, creepers for their
personal consumption without permission and free of charge from
their forest areas allotted to them under Joint Forest Management
scheme.
Due to Rengali Dam Project displaced families of submerged villages
have been settled in different forest blocks of this district for which there is
tremendous biotic pressure on existing forest growth both on flora and
fauna.
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CHAPTER-IV
PEOPLE AND DEMOGRAPHY
Deogarh District, an Amalgam of People
Prior to independence among the twenty Gadjats of Odisha, Bamanda
(Bamra) was of distinction for its unique identity in terms of its people, their
culture, tradition and refinement in art and literature. The land gave its
people graceful living. The State of Bamanda with its capital at Deogarh has
remained a natural domain of peace and pleasure. Originally a land of
aborigines like Kandh, Oram, Bhuyan, Munda who constitute a larger
proportion of the population of the district, several other people of varied
castes have got assimilated as residents and live in perfect harmony with the
primitive dwellers. Some tribal migrants from neighbouring state of
Jharkhand (formerly a part of Bihar) have settled in Deogarh district. Other
outsiders and rehabilitants affected by the Rengali Dam Project have been
resettled in this district. Such factors have created an amalgam of various
traditions and cultural practices and have influenced the life and living of the
people of Deogarh district. This has resulted in acculturation of the primitive
natives who have changed their lifestyle with the changing times.
Size and Population
Geographical area-wise, Deogarh is ranks 23rd
among the thirty
districts of Odisha with an area of 2940 sq kms. Population-wise, it is at the
bottom with 3,12,520 people according to 2011 census. The district is
divided into three Community Development blocks, Tileibani, Reamal and
Barkote. Deogarh, the headquarter town is the only municipality in the
district. The following table gives the population size of the District according
to 2011 census.
Basic Information at a glance with Demographic Analysis
Units Male Female Total
Population Tileibani Block 37,328 37,156 74,484 Reamal Block 54,495 52,981 1,07,476 Barkote Block 54,843 53,327 1,08,170 Deogarh MPL 11,562 10,826 22,390 TOTAL 1,58,230 1,54,290 3,12,520
The increase in population from 1991 to 2011 is remarkable. The
trend of growth is indicated in the table below.
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Trend of Population in Deogarh District
Census Year Total Population Decennial growth rate Population Density
(per sq. Km.)
1991 2,34,228 18.50 % 84
2001 2,74,108 17.02 % 93
2011 3,12,520 14.01 % 106
Birth and Death rate
The Annual Health Survey report provides the following information for
two years.
Death per thousand Live Birth
Year Crude Birth Rate Crude Death Rate Infant Mortality
Rate
2010-11 18 8.6 58
2011-12 18.4 8.7 62
(Note : This aspect has been dealt with more elaborately in Chapter – XV on Medical and Public
Health.)
Rural-urban population distribution
The district headquarter of Deogarh town is the only urban habitation
and the only municipality in the district. The municipality was established in
1912 during the reign of Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb. The three
block headquarters are treated as semi-urban areas. Rest of the human
habitations are rural. People displaced due to submergence of their old
villages in the Rengali Dam Project have been resettled and rehabilitated in
new villages which in course of time have got properly grounded with basic
amenities and required administrative and welfare institutions. The largest
number of the total population of the district is villagers.
Majority of the people constituting about 80% of the working population
are agriculturists or are engaged in farming related occupations, vocations,
and activities. People engaged in trade, business and other services are
comparatively less. This is due to absence of mines and lack of any large or
medium scale industry in the district.
The table below profiles the distribution of male and female population
in various productive occupations and activities either as main or marginal
workers.
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Main
workers
Marginal
workers
(3-6
months)
Marginal
workers
(0-3
months)
Total
worker as
occupation/
avocation
Cultivation Male 24,947 3,819 975 29,741
1,25,150 (or
76 % of total
workforce)
Female 7,137 4,281 1,501 12,919
Agricultural
labour
Male 14,941 17,689 4,015 36,645
Female 9,521 29,701 6,623 45,845
House hold
based
Male 2,595 993 217
Female 2,177 1,622 483
others Male 17,153 4,102 938
Female 4,937 3,663 1,405
Total 83, 408 65,870 16,157
Total 82027
Most of the working males are whole time workers in various vocations,
professions, and productive activities. About 68 % of the total female
workers are marginal workers.
There are some seasonal workers who collect forest produce like
kendu-leaf, mohua (mahul) flower and such other forest produce in the
annual seasonal cycle.
Age, Sex and Occupational Composition
Age composition
Population of Deogarh district dis-aggregated in different age groups
is indicated as follows:
Age Groups Population
0-4 years 27674
5-14 years 64276
15-59 years 191093
60 and above 28797
(Note : 680 persons could not state their age.)
Gender Composition
Out of total population 3, 12,520, 158230 (50.63%) (as per 2011
Census) were male and 1,54,290 (49.37%) were female. This give s gender
ratio 975 females to 1000 males in the district.
Occupational Composition
The total workforce of the district comprises 1,65,435 persons i.e.
52.94% of the total population . The child in 0 to 6 years age group consists
of 39,917 persons (12.77 %). Out of the total workforce 49.59 % (almost
half) are marginal workers. Further out of them 9.77 % works for only 0 to 3
months in a year.
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About 76 % of the total workforces are engaged in agriculture either as
land-owning farmers or as agricultural labourers.
Female workers are mostly marginal workers as compared to their male
counterparts. Agriculture and household based work are the main sectors
accommodating female workers. Most of the Marginal agricultural labourers
are females.
Most of the Male are Main Workers. About 68 % of the total number of
working women are Marginal Workers.
Languages
Odia, Sambalpuri, Agaria, Oram, Munda, Sadri and Hindi are the major
languages spoken in the district. Sambalpuri language with local variation in
accent serves as the lingua franca among the people of various linguistic
affiliations. English is used mostly in official transactions, and as a medium
of instructions in classes above under graduate stage. Educated people slip
into English in usual conversation and a lot of English words get interjected
during such oral communication. Hindi words and expressions too have
gradually got into common conversation. This is due to the pervasive effect
of electronic media like television, radio and mobile phone.
Literacy and work participation rate
Literacy
According to the General Census 1991, the district was declared as
educationally backward district in Odisha. The district has rich cultural
background in education. From 1845 onwards literacy drive was augmented
by the then Raja Late Braja Sundar Tribhuban Deb. To impart primary
education was made compulsory in the district by Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb
K.C.I.E. (1866-1903). Deogarh earned the eulogical epithet of “Budha
Hansha Kelisar” by inheriting its pristine heritage and culture.
Literacy rate is fairly high in the district with 72.57% literates out of
which male literacy was 81.92% and female literacy was 63.05%.
Work Participation rate in the district as per 2011 census is given in the following table
Work Participation Rate Main Workers Marginal
Workers Total WPR
Rural 76,904 80,486 1,57,390 54.2 Urban 6,504 1,541 8,045 35.9 Total 83,408 82,027 1,65,435 52.9
The participation of main workers and marginal workers in rural sector
is 54.2% and in urban area it is comparatively low as 35.9%.
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Castes and Tribes
In Deogarh district Pana, Tanla, Dhoba and Dewar are the major
Scheduled Castes. Among the Scheduled Tribes, Kisan, Munda, Bhuyan,
Oram and Gond are the major ones. In the table below the aggregate
percentage and male-female number of the Scheduled Caste and Schedule
tribe population is indicated.
Male Female Total %age
Scheduled Caste 26,343 25,769 52,112 16.67%
Scheduled Tribe 55,126 55,274 1,10,400 35.33%
Inter-caste relations
Different castes within the Hindu society were closely interrelated to
each other and were mutually interdependent in matters of their social as
well as economic life. Deogarh district is an agglomerate of various castes
and tribe and all people live in perfect harmony. Caste conflicts are few and
far between. Each caste practise endogamous marriage. Marriage outside
the caste does not receive family acceptance and social sanction; such
couples are treated as outcastes. The traditional Hindu social structure
bound by rigid mores and codes is gradually losing its traditional moorings.
Despite the effort of each caste to maintain its unique identity and inherent
character of cultural protectionism and caste possessiveness, inter-caste
marriages are taking place. Most of the castes, more so the artisans, have
lost their traditional skills and occupations. This is largely due to the impact
of education, mechanisation of the production sector, the market economy
and the obliteration of isolation because of improved communication system
both physical and in the information sector.
Similarly the tribes are giving up their self imposed seclusion with the
change, progress and development both in the socio-cultural and economic
fronts, but hold on to their exclusivity in areas of faith, social norms and
community habit and character. They have very close relationship with other
castes and ethnic groups.
Religion and Religious beliefs
Majority of the population of the district are professed Hindus. The other
religions according to the number of people practicing are Christianity, Islam
and Sikhism.
The Hindus follow the Sanatan or the Brahmanical form of Hinduism
having a vast pantheon of deities. There affiliation to any particular school,
sect or sub-system like Shaiva, Vaisnaba, Shaktya, Smrata or Ganapatya
are not clearly pronounced in their religious conduct, fairs and festivals or in
any other visual bearing, attire or ritual manifestation. They observe many
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festivals in the glory of several gods and goddesses of various
denominations throughout the year and usually, solicit the services of a
Brahmin priest to conduct the rituals in public places of worship and during
collective social occasions or sacred family performances. Deogarh has
several temples exclusively dedicated to specific divinity though not of much
antiquity or of architectural or structural importance like some other places in
the state.
There is a sect, Mahima dharma within the fold of Hinduism which is
considered as an offshoot of Hinduism with some prescribed rigidity in life
style of its followers. Many people from the socially deprived and the
downtrodden of the Hindu society took to Mahima dharma which in the late
19th and early 20
th century was considered a path breaking cult to liberate
Hindu society from the bigotry of diehard priestly class who encouraged
untouchability and isolation of the Sudras. Joranda, a small village of
Dhenkanal district is the main seat and prime ecclesiastical centre of this
cult. There way of life and religious practices closely resemble that of
Budhhism in aspects of life style, and not rituals. They believe in one God
that is Nirakara Brahma having no definite shape or form. In Deogarh district
numerically they are a minority. Followers of Mahima dharma have a
seminary or gadi similar to that of a Hindu matha near Rengalbahal village
under Reamal police Station.
Even though due to acculturation major tribes have taken to the Hindu
way of living, still many tribes worship their own set of gods. They are
animists and their deities usually dwell in nature like mountains, hills, forest,
rock, trees, water and fields. To propitiate the deities they take recourse to
animal and bird sacrifice during family or community rituals. One person
designated as Dehury or Jhankar performs the puja and help of Brahmin
priests is dispensed with, nor do the Bramhim priests show any inclination to
conduct the tribal rituals. Now the gap between different sects of Hinduism is
diminishing day-by-day and all are accepting the Brahmanical form of
Hinduism more and more. Per contra, some tribal deities like Rambhadebi
are widely accepted by all cross-sections of the Hindu society in the district.
A recent phenomenon is the emergence of some new religious sub-
groups among the Hindus. Prominent among them are the Sanatanis having
a Centre at Rengalpali Matha, the Gayatri Parivar having a Temple at
Deogarh, and the devotees of gurus „god-men‟ Satyasai Baba, Siridi Sai
Baba and Anukul Chandra, etc. Despite the presence of multiple followers of
varied denominations and calling, no intersect or intergroup conflict has
been noticed among the Hindus in this district.
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Going by the number of followers Christianity is the second largest
religion of this district. There are two groups of Christians. One group owes
allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church of Rajamunda and the other is by
the GEL (Lutheran) church of Nilaberni Sahi of Deogarh Town. Most of these
Christians are from of Oram, Khadia and Munda tribes and are migrants
from the neighbouring Sundargarh district.
Muslims of this district are mainly confined only to Deogarh Town.
They are of two sects – Wali and Sunni. Gradually some of them have
shifted their residence to other semi-urban areas like Ballam, Barkote, and
Tileibani for professional reason. Muslims are residing at Deogarh since the
days of the feudal rule, when they were brought in for some specialised
profession and skilled job like taking guard, maintenance of the royal
magazine and stable, etc. They have the one and only mosque in Deogarh
town.
Sikhs are of a countable and very small number in this district. They
have no Gurudwara in this district.
Manner, Custom and Tradition
Manner
Manner of the people stem from the dogma of the feudal past and
endowed landholding (jagir) and other benevolent largesse gifted to them by
the royals for the services rendered and allegiance to the ruling house.
People even in the democratic dispensation abound in quality of royal
passion and loyalty to the state power. By nature they are polite and
courteous in disposition and generally soft spoken, traits which they have
acquired since the days of the Raj when oppressive regimentation was the
norm. The manner of attire and the style of wearing of Dhoti, Punjabi, Kurta,
Trouser and Gamuchha (Towel) are unique and expressive of refined sense
of clothing. Women of all social groups use Sambalpuri handloom and
textile mill saree, blouse and petticoat as their garment. Of late, the young
generation, both men and women, have taken to fashionable clothing of
various hues and designs. People are in the practice of using „Kira/ Kirabo‟
in their distinct colloquial language and conversation, which in some other
neighbouring district draw amusing remark of the people. They also speak
mixed language of Sambalpuri and regional Odia. Tribes too have taken to
modern ways of living in terms of dress, food and beverage. Only one
beverage they have not been able to part with. Both male and female of a
large number of tribal groups take „handia/kusnaa‟, home brewed fermented
rice beer almost daily, along with other intoxicating substances. Use of
alcoholic beverage and other narcotic substance is done surreptitiously by a
few addicts as it is associated with social stigma and shunned by the people
in general.
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Custom
Art textile along with fabric for everyday use was very popular in 19th
Century. Skilled weavers were patronized by the then king Sir Basudeb
Sudhal Deb to produce traditional Sarees and different clothing material.
Looming was an important activity assigned to the inmates of Deogarh Jail
while serving their term of conviction. Certain items like coarse carpet,
country towels, etc. produced by the jail inmates were considered of quality.
Cocoon Silk or Resham fabrics are locally produced by small scale
industries organized by private entrepreneurs and traders. In a competitive
market handloom of all kinds are struggling to survive and mass produced
mechanised loom textile has proliferated the market as elsewhere.
People are very fond of gardening and horticulture. High quality of
mango, litchi and oranges produced by farmers of the district have high
acceptance outside and have bolstered the economy of the horticulturists.
Certain varieties of indigenous paddy and rice are exclusive to the district as
they are bio-friendly and are considered organic as they are grown in a
customary manner without the use of any chemical fertilizer and inorganic
inputs like pesticide or insecticide. A large number of the farming community
are Chasa, Kuilta and Agaria by caste and they have kept alive old
agricultural customs, practices and traditions.
Tradition
Several traditions and community practices of Degabad district are
related to religious rites and some are social events. Both the early dwellers
and also the later settlers of the district have influenced and assimilated
traditions from each other. There has been a balanced blending of traditions
in this land encouraged by the rulers of the feudal time and the subsequent
administration of the current times, which has resulted in communal
symbiosis and synergy.
These traditions have been most markedly felt in the areas of traditional
medicine and systems of healing by following witchcraft and other weird
methods. Traditional healers still are preferred for treatment of snakebite
victims irrespective of the result. Village faith and magic healers, occultists
and quakes do have presence in the hinterland though their number and
believers in them are on the decline. Superstitions still continues among
some people who are not in tune with the scientific and tasted methods OF
medical systems, Indian or alien. People recall with fondness past
practitioners of the occult and extortionists who were believed to have cured
people possessed by some evil spirit or dark ghost. One such name which
has gone into the local lore is that of one Sashi Bhusan Deb, a man with
royal lineage for his prowess as an extortionist. Apocryphal tales like his feat
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of walking over water wearing a pair of wooden sandal (kathau) does the
round even now.
Religious traditions are most pronounced in periodic rituals and
festivals. In most of the Hindu families, the dark fortnight of the month of
Aswin (September-October) people offer oblations (shradha) to their manes
and past ancestors. Likewise, during the same month in favour of the
brothers and sons two rituals, Bhai jiuntia and Puo jiuntia are performed by
the sisters and mothers respectively in each Hindu family irrespective of
caste with austerity. Various religious festivals and community festivities
observed in both urban and rural areas are Shri Ganesh Mela, Durga Puja,
Laxmi Puja, Nuakhai, Rakhi Purnima, Janmastami, Anla Nabami, Ratha
Jatra, Chhad Khai, Push Puni just to name a few. Of these Nuakhai and
Push Puni are unique to Western Odisha and are festival of agrarian in
nature relating to fertility, harvesting and productivity. Certain unique
festivals and carnivals like Rahas Jatra of Tainsar exclusive to those places.
Primitive practices like Changu (a one-sided drum) Utsav by Paudi Bhuyans,
Karma by Khadias, Mundas and Orams, Jangha Linga Puja by Gonds are
events of the aboriginal people traditionally performed since ages. Tribes
have their pantheon of divinity. Each god or goddess is ascribed with some
physical, metaphysical and natural phenomena. In each tribal village a Gram
Debata acts as the presiding deity and as the guardian angel of the
community and periodic traditional and primitive rituals are performed to
propitiate them with prayers to guard the community from any calamity or
catastrophe.
Traditional Birth Rites
Births and deaths have been the most interesting and yet baffling
phenomena in each human society. Natal (birth) and funeral (death) rites by
tradition in each community vary according to their faith and social practice.
In case of birth among the Hindus, from the day of conception till delivery the
expectant mothers go through a strict regimen of living, food, and various
other functions. After birth of the child, several days are marked for rituals
like the sixth, the twenty first and so on. These are by tradition and by any
codified rule. Likewise the naming the child and the child partaking first solid
food after the age past six months of birth and performed according to the
traditions of each community. On such occasions the maternal side of the
child too play vital role in the rituals which indicates at the social and tradition
bond between the paternal and maternal families.
No elaborate manners and regimen is followed among Christians of
Deogarh other than the baptism ceremony (locally called duban) conducted
by the priest or pastor of the given denomination of the faith which inducts
the child in to the faith and names the child on that occasion in the Church.
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Though Muslims are a miniscule minority in Deogarh they meticulously
follow the birth rites of when a child is born. Soon after a child is born adhan,
a prayer is whispered into the baby‟s ears by a mullah or a qazi, with the
belief that those being the first words that is heard by the child in praise of
Allah. Another belief in this ritual is that the first taste of a child should be
sweet, therefore the baby is fed with a teaspoon of honey.
Funeral Rites
Burial systems and funeral rites not only differ as per religion and faith,
but also differ among different groups in the same faith based on clan and
caste consideration.
The Muslims and the Christians bury their dead bodies in specific
manner observing their respective rites in graves (qabar). The Christians
carry the dead in a coffin and keep the head of the dead body towards East.
Christians put a replica of the Holy Cross at the head of grave after burial.
The Muslims cover the dead body with a shroud called kafan and carry it in a
zanaja to the burial ground (qabrastan). They never keep the legs towards
the West. The Hindus, who bury the dead bodies, usually put the head of the
dead body towards North. The Hindus usually carry their dead to the
cremation ground on a inverted string cot or a frame made of bamboo which
is called kokei in Odia. The cremation is done over a wooden pyre after
certain funeral rites performed by a priest. Usually the eledest male child of
the dead lights the pyre. In case of death of a Bramhin the funeral rites are
quite elaborate. The preparations for cremation in case of women vary
depending on the marital status of the dead. It is different for the dead who
has the husband living and different for a widow.
On the death of an infant or any other person due to reasons of
unnatural death or some specific disease usually the dead is buried with the
head placed towards the North. After cremation and when the pyre cools off,
Hindus collect the ashes and immerse it in a sacred river or those who prefer
and are capable immerse it at Prayag (Allahabad) at the confluence of the
rivers Ganaga and Yamuna. Hindu families observe 12-day ritual mourning
on the death of a kin. On the tenth day all the sons of the dead get their
heads tonsured and a sanctification ritual is performed in the patriarchal
family. This is one of the important penance rituals of the total ten Hindu
ordained rites and rituals. Most of the tribes and some scheduled castes
bury the dead. Of late even these ethnic groups have taken to cremation of
the dead like the mainstream Hindus and get themselves tonsured.
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Home, Community and Social Life
Home
According to the provisional figures of the 2011 census, out of a total of
71,655 households in the district, only 9,314 households have fairly good
residence, 52,946 households have liveable houses and 9,395 households
have houses in various state of dilapidation. Majority houses in rural areas
and down town Deogarh have khapra/khaparali, roof of handmade tiles,
walls are of hand moulded baked mud bricks and the flooring is of mud
periodically brushed with cow dung paste.
The census figures on households, assets and amenities as in the year
2011 reveal that only 3,780 households get piped water from treated
sources. The major source of drinking water is hand pumps. Total of 3,835
families still meet their domestic water requirement from tanks, ponds, rivers,
springs and other natural sources.
Electricity is available in 22,453 households in the district for domestic
consumption. For 51,938 households kerosene is the only means for
domestic lighting. There are 946 households have no facility of any lighting
arrangement. For 70,092 families there is no bathing facility at home. 6,971
families have toilets/latrine facility at home. 68,517 families are used to open
defecation.
A total of 71,476 families use firewood as their fuel for hearth at home.
Out of these families 21,172 families have no separate kitchen and use a
portion of their living space for the purpose of cooking.
The age-old tradition of joint family system is on the wane in the district
and gradually most of the families are becoming nuclear in composition.
Deogarh district is having 6,595 two married couple families, 569 three
married couple families and only 85 families have quadruple married
couples. There are single married couples in 56,506 families. These single-
couple families usually have either one or two rooms for them. In 3,042
families of the district, the married couples do not have exclusive living
space for them to maintain privacy.
Banking service is being availed by only 31,645 families. Total 26,973
families are devoid of even any one daily use assets like radio, transistor,
TV, internet, bicycle, any automobile, mobile phones or any such electrical or
mechanical utility items. They are thus at the lowest economic strata. There
are 462 families having all assets like TV, computer, laptop, telephone and
automobile. Internet facilities are available with 825 families.
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Gradually the traditional artistic beautification of the houses through
jhoti has diminished. It is being done in only certain families during the month
of Margasira and during family festivities like marriage ceremonies. However
women of Bhuyan and Ho communities still paint mud walls of their thatched
houses with different earthen, natural, mineral and vegetable colours
artistically with great aesthetic appeal to the beholder.
The use of different traditional ornaments like kataria, bandaria, taad,
bahasuta, khagla, gunchi or antasuta, guna, dandi and nak putuki, khirpini
(hair-pin), etc have become almost obsolete, except among the old in certain
tribal communities. However, ladies use gold necklace, ear rings, gold
bangles and silver ankle-bell called severally as paunji, panjhal or payal of
modern design and make including some cheap imitation ornaments.
Community
Community life of Christians is centred round their Churches and
Muslims their mosques. The Hindu community life is maintained through its
various festivals at village level. Dance is an integral part of many tribal
festivities and celebrations among Mundas, Orams, Kisans, Hos, Paudi
Bhuyans, etc. All tribal folk dances are distinct having peculiarity of their own
but they have the similarity that their ladies dance in groups of single file
holding each other‟s hands. Percussion instruments like Dhol, Madal, Tasa,
Nisan, Dhumsa, Jhanj and Dhap, and pipe-instruments Muhuri and flute
provide the vibrant and sonorous music are played on festive occasions as
accompaniment to dances.
But among the non-tribals, the women folk do not dance in public
during festivities. Male members assemble and dance in Sankirtan Mandali.
Each village has at least one such mandali. Each mandali uses mridanga, a
two way tapering traditional drum and gini, a pair of cymbals of bell metal.
The persons of the Mahima sect use khanjani, a one way percussion
instrument clad in gecko lizard skin membrane. Krushna Guru devotees also
use khanjani and gini. Krushna Guru is more accepted form of community
devotional singing among scheduled castes who were socially ostracised in
the past by the so-called upper castes.
Danda Nacha was the most favourite folk dance of this district but it is
losing its popularity day-by-day. Usually a group of 25 to 30 persons form a
group and perform in the Hindu month oh Chaitra (April-May) by moving
from village to village by invitation or requisition. This dance is performed in
prayer and praise of Lord Shiva and derives its nomenclature from a wooden
shaft called danda symbolic of the divine power and presence. Through
several episodes and characters, the divine descend from the terra firma to
terracotta. Human and familiar animal characters in Danda reflect the day-to-
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day life of common man, his occupation, issues in life and solutions to
mundane matters. It was the main source of social education for the illiterate
rustic masses of agrarian society, the performance embellished in puranic
characters and tales. With the advent of new media of mass entertainment
many traditional forms are getting extinct. So is the case with Danda Nacha.
Bandi buthal nacha, ghuduka nacha and gouda badi khela were very
popular among the people in the past, but they too like Danda Nacha are
now almost extinct. Karama nacha, a group dance performed by the tribes
during the month of Aswin (September-October) is another important form of
dance popular in the district. A mandal is the sole instrument used in
Karama. This dance is performed to invoke the god Karamsami who is
considered as a benefactor and the deity of fertility.
Deogarh district bears a mixed culture being at the boundary of
Western Odisha. The tribes like Gond, Kisan, Munda, Kandha and other
castes like Agharia, Kulta, etc. bear the western Odisha Culture, whereas
the majority of Brahmins, Chasa, some scheduled castes like Pana and Hadi
bear eastern Odisha culture. Further some Munda, Ho, Oram, Khadia and
mainly Christians bear the culture of Chhotnagpur plateau. In spite of such
cultural diversity and differences, village life is well knit with fraternity and
mutual cooperation among each group.
Social Life: Right to Property and Inheritance
Land is regarded as the most precious possession by all families. Each
ethnic group or religious community follows the tenets of right to property,
mostly immovable, and the laws of inheritance. The Hindus of the district are
governed by the Mitakshara Law, the ancient law of Hindu succession. But
the tribes have their own traditional and customary laws of right and
ownership over property and inheritance. In many tribes the position is
gradually changing and they are adopting the modern codified Laws as
enacted by the Legislatures, both Central and State from time to time, like
the non-tribal Hindu in recognizing the Woman‟s right to property.
Traditionally a married daughter does not get or claim a share in the parental
or paternal property even though the extant laws allow such inheritance. The
Christians are governed by the Indian Succession Act and the Muslims have
their personal laws as enunciated by the All India Muslim Personal Law
Board.
Marriage and morals
Marriages are largely confined to one‟s own religion and caste. Now
inter-caste marriages have started, but there have not been any reported
case of inter-religion marriage in Deogarh district. There is restriction of
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marriage within blood relations or even the same gotra or clan among the
Hindus. Prajapati Vivaha or the form of arranged marriage is the most
common practice. Gandharba Vivaha or the form of Hindu marriage without
the consent of the family elders is almost nonexistent. Marriage within
prohibited relationship is always looked down upon and such couples always
face social ostracism. Dowry system prevails in the district mostly among the
Hindus. Domestic discord, matrimonial disharmony, and even dowry deaths
are also reported at times. In some cases the scourge of dowry has
pervaded the tribal marriage system, which was nonexistent. The udhulia
(elopement by consent of both the bride and the groom) and ghicha
(capturing of a bride by force) marriages were earlier prevalent in some
ethnic groups, but of late they are very rare occurrences if any. Love
marriages, instead, are gaining ground among the younger generation
transcending the barriers of caste. Marriage of widows is not considered a
taboo and is not prohibited but not popular in the district. Divorce is a normal
accepted practice in some communities in the lower socio-economic strata.
Such separations are not properly governed by the set law and procedure,
but rather by old community conciliation and settlement system.
Status of Woman
Position of woman in household affairs among the tribes is better than
the non-tribal communities. But such tribal women have no effective say in
community affairs. There is no woman representation in any caste-
assemblies and women have no role in decision making in clan or caste
affairs. However, with the change in the Panchayat Raj and Local Self-
government system through legislation women have got their due in elected
bodies as a system of quantified reservation at all the three tiers of the
Panchayat Raj system. Voice of women in community affairs have got
further strengthened through woman movements against country made
liquor and forest protection initiatives. Almost every village has women self
helf groups who are playing the major role in protecting their traditional forest
resources. Recently the women folk have been empowered through Self
Help Groups (SHG). In spite of these recent developments the society is still
a patriarchal one dominated by males. Women are yet to get their due right
over family properties. They are still lagging behind their male counterparts
in the field of education, health and work opportunity and are still striving
hard for a dignified place in their own family.
Fairs, Festivals and Ceremonial Practices
Festivals are reflective of socio-anthropological evolution of life style,
community dances are connected in certain worship/functions, colourful folk
dances, and folk songs to the accompaniment of folk musical instruments
85
are used on many occasions. Ritual performances like Nuakhai,
Karamasani, Puo Jintua, Rakshi Bandhal, Janmastami, Dasahara,
Deepabali and Puspuni are observed as common festival in a pellucid
manner in Deogarh district each occasion having impact on the life and living
and faith and belief of the people.
The ritualistic worship and religious festival of Lord Sri Ganesha Puja is
one of the oldest community celebrations having cultural manifestations in
Deogarh town. Held for a week at the Suratarangini Market complex in the
heart of the town, the occasion receives large number devotees and visitors
from all part of Odisha and from the neighbouring states. Though of religious
import, the occasion assumes the proportion of a carnival.
Utsav Pradhanpat, the community festival of Deogarh which in common
parlance with other districts of Odisha is known as Lok Mahotsva is
observed with much pomp and fair on a natural stage in the proximity of the
Pradhanpat waterfall. The scenic and serene beauty of the environ and the
choicest performance of folk artistes drawn from various parts of the state
and elsewhere draws visitors from all over the district including local traders.
Among other festivals, Car Festival of Lord Jagannath at Purunagarh,
Chandan Yatra at Kalla, Shiva Ratri at Jhadeswar Temple, Thakurani Yatra
of Basaloi, Laxmi Puja at Kandhal, Durga Puja at Ballam, Kali Puja at
Barkote, Makar Yatra, Gayatri Jagna and Geeta Jagna are celebrated at
Deogarh and other locations. Rambhadebi Yatra at Basudevpur, Dola
Purnima at Tainsar, Ratha Yatra at Barkote are some religio-cultural events
observed transcending all caste and ethnic barriers reflecting harmonious
community living.
The Paudi Bhuyans celebrate and worship nature „king‟ and „queen‟ on
several occasions near brooks, fountains and hill streams in spring, rainy
and winter seasons. Such occasions amidst merrymaking, young boys
(dhangda) and girls (dhangdi) of marriageable age choose their life partners
with the explicit sanction and consent of the elders. It is a treat to watch the
intelligent repartee and quick wit of both the young boys and girls expressed
through songs and riddles bringing forth their imaginative and creative talent
to woo their prospective bride or groom. Local brew like „handia‟ and other
condiments flow free during such festivities. Their body language speaks of
their simplicity in the nature‟s hub of life style. In ancient centres song with
dances are accomplished with their eternal enjoyments Dalkhai and other
forms of Sambalpuri folk dances like Humo and songs like Rasharkeli, Sajani
and Maylajada too are very popular forms of folk performance in this district.
Some other performances considered more urban are the Ramaleela,
Pala and Dash Kathia which are performed occasionally by both local and
invited troupes from other parts of Odisha. These performances are largely
based on puranic tales and are normally in Odia with quotes from classical
86
and medieval Odia literature and even Sanskrit text. There was a Ramaleela
Party in Barapali Sahi of Deogarh town known for its commendable colourful
performance during of Rama Navami at Gopalji Temple premises. Of late,
traditional and folk performances are becoming rarer due to proliferation of
other electronic media more so television. Another general of performance
that has made incursions into the rural and semi-urban areas of Deogarh
district is the mobile jatra or „opera‟ parties, who come from the coastal
districts and perform by shifting camp from location to location during festive
season. Their performances do not relate to tradition and culture either of the
area and are imitation of dramatic television serials or commercial films.
Deogarh originally being a land of multiple tribes has many tribal deities
though they have no designated temples for them. At some places some
semblance of a crude shrine like structure may there; but at most of the
places some totem-like poles or rock pillars represent the deities.
Mahabhairabi, Rambhadebi and Jangha Linga , Bada Deo are such tribal
deities of the tribes of Deogarh. Mahabhairabi is the supreme deity of the
Kandhas, the primitive inhabitants of Deogarh. Similarly Rambhadebi is the
clan goddess of the Bhuyan. Rambhadebi is considered as the younger
sister of Mahabahirabi. This is the theological reason for the Kandha-Bhuyan
brotherhood. Jangha Linga and Bada Deo are the gods of the Gonds. They
claim JanghaLinga and Bada Deo as the early form of Lord Jagannath and
Balabhadra. Bisri Puja is the most popular among Paudi Bhuyans. Goddess
Samaleswari of village Bhatsingh is a mysterious one being a statue of a
couple unlike that of Sambalpur. One of its accompanying and auxiliary
deities like Pitabali resembles a Budhhist statute. Maa Hingula of Jarachhat
village is being worshiped like that of Talcher. Maa Sannipat of erstwhile
Naikul is the supreme deity of the Paikas or militia of the former Bamanda
state. During the later part of Budhhist period the Tantric Cult was in vogue.
The impact of such tantric cult is still observed in many rituals. Then the
Somavanshi rajas had suzerainty over this region and as result of it there are
many Shaiva pithas in this district. The Shiva Temples of Banakalo,
Jhadeswar and Pradhanpat were built in later period by the Ganga rulers.
Tribes like Munda, Oram, Ho and Santhals worship their own clan or
community gods. Further, each village has it Gramashiri, the guardian angel
of the village. In some places Giri Puja (worship to the hills) are done also,
indicating the people‟s affinity to nature and dependence on forest.
There are many festivals centring on agriculture, various occupations,
children etc. Akshi Truitya, Kadobali Puja, Muthi Anukul, Nuakhai are
festivals relating to several stages of agricultural operations and farming
practices like initiating tilling of soil, sowing of paddy, beushana, harvesting,
etc. Paddy being the staple crop is symbolic of the Mahalakshmi, the
goddess of wealth. In the month of Margasira (December-January)
87
generally, paddy ripens for harvesting and on each Thursday of the month,
pooja being celebrated which is common practice all over Odisha among the
Hindus irrespective of caste i.e, Mahalakshmi puja in each household.
Deogarh is no exception to this common tradition. The village craftsman
worship lord Biswakarma. The trading castes like Thuria observe Boita
bandana. Prathamastami, Satya pir (pala) puja for the good fortune of the
young, particularly children of a family or community. Raksha Bandhan is
being observed among higher caste Hindus migrated from other parts of the
state and country which has got assimilated with the larger society of
Deogarh.
Makara Sankranti is a tribal festival celebrated with great fervour
among the Santhals, as Tusu parva is now got into the cultural calendar of
other tribes too and has turned into one of the major festivals of the district.
In Gahma Purnima, Chhad khai, Pousa Purnima, etc sharing of sweetmeat
and meat at community level is a common practice. Observance of Anla
Nabami is confined to Deogarh town. Among other prominent festivals are
Ratha Yatra, Chandan Yatra, Holi, Dola, Pana Sankranti, Dashahara, etc.
The girls observe Khudurukuni and Pousa Rabibara Osha. Recently the
ladies have started Mahamayee Pooja in each Sahi/pada/village.
The Christians observe Good Friday, Easter Sunday and above all
Christmas popularly known as Badadina Parba. The Muslims celebrate
Ramjan, Id-ul- Fitr, and Id-ud-Zoha with feast and pageantry and observe
Muharrum mournfully. Even though the Sikhs are very few in number, they
celebrate Baishakhi and Guru Parav on the occasion of Guru Nanak‟s birth
anniversary on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik (November-
December of the Gregorian calendar).
The table below are indicative of various fairs and festivals and there
locations in Deogarh district.
Sl. No.
Name of Temple / Place Location
1. Pradhanpat Waterfall, Basanta Nivas, Pradhanapateswari and Champakeswar Temple, Giri Gobardhan Temple.
Pradhanpat, Deogarh Town
2. Jhadeswar Temple Deogarh Town 3. Kurodkot Waterfall Deogarh Town 4. Sri Ram Gopalji Mandir Deogarh Town 5. Gopikishore Temple Deogarh Town 6. Gokarneswar Temple Deogarh Town 7. Maa Gayatri Temple Deogarh Town 8. Biswasrastha Gathan Bhawan Deogarh Town 9. Shani Mandir Deogarh Town 10. Sri Jagannath Temple Purunagarh 11. Sri Pancha mukhi Hanuman Temple near Olat bata Purunagarh 12. Indira Gandhi and Indoor Satdium Purunagarh 13. Sabha Gruha Deogarh Town 14. Bhairabi Mandir Ballam 15. Banakallo Shiva Mandir Ballam
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16. Maa Saranipat Mandir Bijaynagar 17. Rambhadebi Shrine Barkote 18. Rambhadebi Shrina Suguda 19. Mahadeb Temple Barkote 20. Thakurani Pitha Basalai 21. Basudebeswar Temple Basudebpur Shasan 22. Kataswar Temple Rengalpali 23. Kailash Shiva Mandir Kailash 24. Premananda Ashram Rengalpali 25. Narmadeswar Temple Kalkath 26. Sri Jagannath Mandir Reamal 27. Sri Jagannath Mandir Kendeijuri 28. Sri Jagannath Mandir Kansar 29. Sri Radhakrushna Mandir Tainsar
Month and period-wise details of fairs and festivals are given in the following
table.
Sl. No. Name of Fair/ Festivals Place Period 01. Utsav Pradhanpat Deogarh Town January, February
02. Shiva Ratri Deogarh, Purunagarh, Ballam, and other Shiva Mandir
February, March
03. Ratha Yatra Purunagarh, Barkote June / July
04. Ganesh Mela Deogarh Town and all Educational Institutions
August, September
05. Rambhadebi Yatra Suguda and Barkote May/ June 06. Chandan Yatra Kalla April/ May 07. Durga Puja Deogarh / Ballam October 08. Lakshmipuja Kandhal and in many villages October 09. Bada Osha In many villages Nov/ Dec. 10. Anla Navami Deogarh Jhadeswar Temple November 11. Good Friday and X-Mas Deogarh Town
12. Id-ul-juha, Id-ul-fitre and Ramjan
Deogarh Town
13. Karama Deogarh Town 14. Bishwakarma Puja Deogarh Town
15. Rahas Jatra (Magha Purnima)
Tainsar January / February
16. Makar Jatra Tala Vitiria Sahi January, February 17. Dola Purnima Vitiria Sahi February/ March 18. Dola Purnima Purunagarh February / March 19. Kali Puja Barkote October
Migration, Displacement and Rehabilitation
Other than the indigenous tribes, majority of the people have migrated
to this district in past due to various reasons. There are several
denominations of Bramhins in the districts. The Utkaliya Brahmins were
brought by the King from Jajpur and other coastal districts which were known
as Utkal and thus the nomenclature. A copper plate grant is cited as a
historical evidence of this fact. There are also several Aranyak Brahmins
colloquially known as Jhadua Bramhins who have preponderance in
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Western Odisha. The King had brought some Karana (almost analogous to
Kayastha) and paikas, a warrior class from the coastal area for his services
and warfare respectively. Chasa the major caste of the district are migrant
from the nearby Angul and Dhenkanal districts during early reign of the
Ganga dynasty of erstwhile Bamanda state. The Agharias were also brought
by the King in the past but their place origin remains almost obscure with no
certain being accepeted as historically of These Agharias and Chasas were
brought by the King for the development of agriculture through improved
agricultural practice as they were adept at that and were laborious. Some of
the Chasas who carry the surname or honorific like Dalbehera, Nayak and
Gadanayaka were being engaged as reserve soldiers to supplement the
regula forces at times of war and strife. The Gonds, a dominant and valorous
tribe have also gradually migrated from nearby Sambalpur regions in the
past and used to hold jagirs and gountis and were petty landlords. Majority
of the Ho, Oram, Munda and Khadia tribes have migrated into the district
during post-independence period from the Chhota Nagpur region and nearby
Sundargarh district due to mining activities in the adjoining areas. Some of
them have also come to Deogarh being displaced by Rourkela Steel Plant
and Mandira Dam. Some Kultas have migrated into Deogarh district during
the late fifties of the last century because of submergence of their villages in
the Hirakud Dam water reservoir.
Displacement due to Rengali Dam and Gohira Dam of this district in the
eighties and nineties of the last century had major impact in all most every
sphere of public life. Near about twelve thousand joint families got displaced
in these dams. The Gogua Reserve forest got submerged. Forests were
cleared off to settle all these displaced persons. Many of them migrated out
to the nearby Sambalpur, Angul and Sundargarh districts. Since 1973 when
at village Rengali of the then Dhenkanal district the project work of the
Rengali Dam over the river Bramhani started, people‟s movement and
agitation started opposing of the proposed dam. A faction of the leaders of
the movement had demanded „land for land‟ as a scheme of rehabilitation.
But the government considered rehabilitation the landless with the policy
„land to even the landless‟, which was unique rehabilitation scheme in entire
country then. Six acres of land and half acres of homestead land were
offered to each displaced families. The poor landless families and marginal
farmers gladly accepted the rehabilitation package and the people‟s
resistance cooled off and subsequently petered out. It was one of the
popular people‟s movements in the state, post-independence. These two
projects and massive industrialisation in the neighbouring districts impacted
the demographic composition of the district including the public life and
culture. Certain famililies who had been displaced due to Hirakud Dam
Project and the Rourkela Steel Plant construction and settled in Naikul Block
of Deogarh on the Bramhani basin got displaced again due to the Rengali
90
Dam Project. This doblke displacement became a matter of much discussion
then and the number of families though not large in number had to bear the
brunt of restarting their hearth and home against several odds.
Such large scale rehabilitation caused serious loss to the biodiversity of
the onetime famous Bamanda Forest. Due to the Forest Conservation Act,
1980 most of those newly rehabilitated families faced immense hurdles in
getting record of rights of their age-old agricultural land. Subsequently large
number of tribal families got their titles to such forest lands under the Forest
Rights Act of 2006. Still there are several families yet to get their possession
recognized under law. The economy of this district was based on forest
produce and traditional agriculture. Due to large scale displacement and
rehabilitation, vast tract of fertile lands of Naikul Block got submerged and
dense forest resources got depleted causing crisis in livelihood and more
pressure on surviving forest resources. People have taken care of the
situation by forming forest protection groups in each village. Many youths
have been migrating in search of work to the nearby districts as well as to
other states as far as Gujrat and Tamil Nadu.
Urbanization and Emerging Issues
Deogarh Municipality is the only urban local self-government body in
the district. Though Deogarh town was known to be a planned town during
the early part of twentieth century, now it is growing in a half hazard manner
now without any structured town plan. Deogarh Town is on a small valley in
between two hill ranges having two Reserved Forests. Ground Water coming
through Pradhanpat Waterfall was the chief source of drinking water for the
urban dwellers. Due to diminishing water streams, some projects have been
undertaken in the town to exploit the ground water. But the Ground Water
Table is depleting fast. It is planned to bring water from the Reservoir of
Rengali Dam to Deogarh to meet the growing need of water. The drainage
system and roads of the town are old and insufficient to meet the present
needs and require renovation and up-gradation.
Ranchi-Vijayawada Special Highway and National Highway No-200
along with NH-49 have passed through this tiny Town. Deogarh Town is
unique for having two water falls in a town within a distance of one kilometre
being surrounded by two Reserve Forests with top mountains and rich
biodiversities. Thus it has a lot of scope for tourism, more so eco-tourism
and adventure tourism.
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CHAPTER-V
AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION
Physiographic and Agro-Climatic Condition
Deogarh district is endowed with dense forests, mountain ranges, hills,
hillocks, rivers, waterfalls, numerous natural streams and beautiful valleys
with fertile soil. The geographical sequence ranges from 250 meters to 700
meters in height from the Mean Sea Level (MSL), harbouring a vast range of
flora and fauna.
There are a total of 875 villages in the District, of which 711 are
inhabited and 164 are uninhabited. The entire district has 58324 households
out of which 53984 households comprising 92.56 percent are in rural areas
and only 4331 which constitute 7.4 percent of the total households are in
urban areas. Agriculture is the prime occupation of the people as there is no
industry or any other avenue of gainful employment other than some small
trade and services. The percentage of main workers to the total population of
the district is 25.5 and percentage of cultivators to total main workers is
45.12. Similarly, workers belonging to agriculture and non-agriculture sectors
constitute 65.66 percent and 34.34 percent respectively.
The entire district comes under North-Western plateau zone and
belongs to one agro ecological formation of low rainfall lateritic soil. The
table below describes the variation in different agro-ecological parameters
across three blocks of the District.
Agro-Climatic Zone
Agro- Ecological Situation
Blocks Area in (hect.)
Soil Type
North- Western
Plateau
Low- Rainfall
lateritic soil
Barkote 61.334 Red sandy, Sandy loam
Reamal 72.264 Black, Red, Sandy, Sandy loam
Tileibani 52.67 Red sandy, Sandy loam
Agro-ecological Situation (AES) in Deogarh
The climate of the district is characterized by a very hot dry summer
and erratic distribution of rains by the South-West monsoon. Prolonged
winter commencing from late November and lasting up to late February
prevails in the district. The mean maximum and mean minimum temperature
of the District are 32.7 ⁰ C and 19.25⁰ C respectively. The normal rainfall of
the district is 1582.5 mm against the state average of 1451. 2 mm.
Soil
In the State of Odisha, 8 types of soils have been identified out of which
Mixed Red and Yellow soil (shown in the accompanying map) is
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predominant occurred in Deogarh District. Some portion of Barkote Block
adjoining Angul District has Red Soil pockets. The Soils are characteristically
Reddish Yellow to Yellowish Brown. In general, soils are well drained. Mixed
Red and Yellow soils occur as catenaries association in undulating and
rolling terrains which differ in depth, texture and colour. The soils are
moderately shallow in depth and course textured. The upland soils are
shallower and lighter in texture than the low land soils. Presence of
ferruginous concretions and fluctuation of water table imparts mixed red and
yellow colour to the soil. The upland soils are moderately acidic where as
lowlands are slightly acidic in nature. Mainly colluvial deposits form the low
land soils. Soil acidity can be corrected through liming.
Map showing types of soil in Odisha
93
Nature and Type of Soil and Fertility
As regards type of soil, there exists less variation between Barkote and
Tileibani blocks except that a larger portion of alluvial soil occur in Barkote
block on the embankment areas of Brahmani river which covers the
backwater area of Rengali Dam. However, the soil of Reamal block contain
much variation as compared to the other two blocks with the presence of
about 02 percent typical black soil.
Information on soil of the District and their block-wise distribution (Area is in hectare)
Sl.
No. Block
Black Soil Red Soil Sandy Soil Sandy loam Others
Area percent Area percent Area Percent Area percent Area percent
01 Barkote - - 29440 48 6133 10 21467 35 4294 7
02 Reamal 1445 2 28906 40 5781 8 22402 31 13730 14
03 Tileibani - - 27391 52 4214 8 14748 28 6321 12
Details of type of soils pre-dominant in the District
Black Soil: This soil is found in Budido, Dharampur, Dhauragoth, Reamal, Nauliapada area of Reamal block which contains liberal amount of organic matter. On this type of soil during Kharif season paddy is cultivated. Onion and other vegetables are grown during the Rabi season under irrigated condition. Cereals like mung and gram are grown as non-irrigated Rabi crops.
Red Soil: This soil is found extensively in all the three blocks of the
district. Mostly paddy and crops other than paddy are grown in this type of soil.
Sandy Soil: This soil is prevalent in high lying „Att‟ and „Mal‟ land, and is dependent on rainfall. The soil is coarse and contains low organic matter. Sand is found to a considerable measure in such soil and ground nut along with minor pulses are grown. Att lands are used for crops which are less dependent on moisture. This type of soil is predominant in all the three blocks of the district.
Sandy Loam Soil: This type of soil is available in all three blocks of the district and is found in most of the Berna and Bahal land of the cultivated
track.
Soil test results reveal that soils of Barkote and Tileibani block are mainly acidic. The block wise reaction and fetidity status of the cultivated area is indicated below.
94
Sl
No Block Acidic Netural
Electronic
Conductivity
Organic
Carbon Phosphors Potash
1 Barkote 66.89percent 24.82 percent 8.27 percent 2.8(H) 1.71(MI) 1.18(L)
2 Reamal 34.07percent 39.84 percent 26.07 percent 1.69(M) 1.83(MI) 2.6(H)
3 Tileibani 67.18percent 25.36 percent 7.45 percent 2.8(H) 1.59(MI) 2.4(MI)
Land Utilisation Pattern in the District
Deogarh District comes under North western plateau of Agro-climatic
zone. The climate condition is hot and moist sub-humid. During-2002-03 the
mean annual rainfall was 1582.5 mm, mean maximum summer temp was
38.00c mean minimum winter temp 15.0
0c. Broadly soil groups are red and
reddish yellow.
The Geographical area of the district is 2,94,000 hect. The following
chart gives sector-wise distribution and utilisation of the total land area.
Forest area 1,56,000 hect.
Miscellaneous tree and groves 9,000 hect.
Permanent pasture 8‟000 hect.
Cultivable waste Land 5,000 hect.
Land put to non-Agriculture 14,000 hect.
Barren and un-cultivable land 2,000 hect.
Current and other Fallow land 17,000 hect.
Cultivable Land 16,000 hect.
Net area sown 67,000 hect.
Total 2,94,000 hect.
Gross Cropped Area 94,207 hect.
Net Cropped Area 67,000 hect.
Cropping intensity 140.61 percent
Gross cropped area is 94,207 hect, out of which area under fruits was
5.400 hect. Of the total geographical area cultivated area is 66,945 hect
rounded off to 67000 hect which is 27.8% of the total area. Paddy is
cultivated in 34, 500 hect or 51.53 percent of total cultivated area. Non-
paddy along with horticultural crops are cultivated in the residual farmland
i.e. 32,445 hect or 48.47 percent area.
The details of area under crops, production and yield in the district
and blocks is presented in the following Table.
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Block wise Area, Production and Yield of different crops for Kharif of
Deogarh District
Sl. No. Crops Tileibani Area (hect.) Production
(qtls.) Yield (qtls./hect.)
1 HYV Rice (clean) 12.430 4.97.449 40.02 2 Local Rice (clean) 40 926 23.16 Total Rice (clean):- 12.470 4.98.375 3 HYV Maize 360 6.653 18.48 4 Local Maize 3 32 10.72 Total Maize:- 363 6.685 5 HYV Jawar 4 34 8.40 6 Ragi 2 11 5.72 7 Small Millets - Total Millets:- 6 45 Total Cereals 12.839 5.05.105 8 Arhar 400 2.628 6.57 9 Green gram 1.650 5.280 3.20
10 Black gram 1.819 6.585 3.62 11 Kulthy 190 745 3.92 12 Cowpea 140 538 3.84 Total Pulses:- 4.199 15.775
Total Food grains:- 17.038 5.20.880 13 Groundnut 430 6.158 14.32 14 Til 2.195 9.921 4.52 15 Castor 1 5 4.80 16 Sunflower - Total Oilseeds:- 2.626 16.084
17 Mesta 81 18 Sun hemp 12 Total Fibre:- 93
19 Sweet potato 120 7.555 62.96 20 Vegetables 1.360 1.12.363 82.62 Total Vegetables:- 1.480 1.19.918
21 Chilli 410 4.633 11.30 22 Ginger 70 4.530 64.72 23 Turmeric 85 2.103 24.74
Total Condiments:- 565 11.266 25 Sugarcane 24 Grand Total:- 21.824
Sl. No. Crops Barkote Area (hect.) Production
(qtls.) Yield (qtls./hect.)
1 HYV Rice (clean) 9.350 3.34.263 35.75 2 Local Rice (clean) 30 864 28.79 Total Rice (clean):- 9.380 3.35.126 3 HYV Maize 398 7.451 18.72 4 Local Maize 5 52 10.43 Total Maize:- 403 7.503 5 HYV Jawar 2 17 8.35 6 Ragi 1 6 5.73 7 Small Millets - Total Millets:- 3 Total Cereals 9.786 3.42.629 8 Arhar 360 2.344 6.51 9 Green gram 2.500 8.125 3.25
10 Black gram 2.005 7.218 3.60
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11 Kulthy 140 545 3.89 12 Cowpea 150 569 3.79 Total Pulses:- 5.155 18.800
Total Food grains:- 14.941 3.61.429 13 Groundnut 565 8.108 14.35 14 Til 3.164 14.523 4.59 15 Castor 1 5 4.76 16 Sunflower - Total Oilseeds:- 3.730 22.635
17 Mesta 72 18 Sun hemp 12 Total Fibre:- 84
19 Sweet potato 80 5.034 62.93 20 Vegetables 1.430 1.18.104 82.59 Total Vegetables:- 1.510 1.23.138
21 Chilli 435 4.924 11.32 22 Ginger 95 6.147 64.70 23 Turmeric 95 2.346 24.69
Total Condiments:- 625 13.416 25 Sugarcane 32 Grand Total:- 20.922
Sl. No. Crops Reamal Area (hect.) Production (qtls.) Yield (qtls./hect.)
1 HYV Rice (clean) 12.600 4.64.310 36.85 2 Local Rice (clean) 50 1.527 30.54 Total Rice (clean):- 12.650 4.65.837 3 HYV Maize 440 8.162 18.55 4 Local Maize 5 53 10.61 Total Maize:- 145 8.215 5 HYV Jawar 2 17 8.49 6 Ragi 2 11 5.71 7 Small Millets - Total Millets:- 4 28 Total Cereals 13.099 4.74.080 8 Arhar 450 2.979 6.62 9 Green gram 2.570 8.301 3.23
10 Black gram 2.636 9.384 3.56 11 Kulthy 210 827 3.94 12 Cowpea 155 591 3.81 Total Pulses:- 6.021 22.082
Total Food grains:- 19.120 4.96.163 13 Groundnut 445 6.368 14.31 14 Til 2.506 11.528 4.60 15 Castor - - 16 Sunflower - Total Oilseeds:- 2.951 17.896
17 Mesta 82 18 Sun hemp 16 Total Fibre:- 98
19 Sweet potato 95 5.976 62.90 20 Vegetables 1.439 1.18.861 82.60 Total Vegetables:- 1.534 1.24.837
21 Chilli 235 2.667 11.35 22 Ginger 125 8.089 64.71 23 Turmeric 100 2.472 24.72
Total Condiments:- 460 13.228 25 Sugarcane 34 Grand Total:- 24.199
97
Sl. No. Crops District Total
Area (hect.) Production (qtls.) Yield (qtls./hect.)
1 HYV Rice (clean) 34,380 12,96,021 37.7
2 Local Rice (clean) 120 3,317 27.6
Total Rice (clean):- 34,500 12,99,338
3 HYV Maize 1,198 22,265 18.6
4 Local Maize 13 137 10.6
Total Maize:- 1,211 22,403 18.50
5 HYV Jawar 8 67 8.4
6 Ragi 5 29 5.7
7 Small Millets
Total Millets:- 86 96
Total Cereals 35,797 13,21,837
8 Arhar 1,210 7.951 6.6
9 Green gram 6,720 21,706 3.2
10 Black gram 6,460 23,187 3.6
11 Kulthy 540 2,117 3.9
12 Cowpea 445 1,697 3.8
Total Pulses:- 15,375 56,657 0.79
Total Food grains:- 52,072 13,78,494
13 Groundnut 1,440 20,633 14.3
14 Til 7,865 35,972 4.6
15 Castor
16 Sunflower
Total Oilseeds:- 9,305 56,605
17 Mesta 235
18 Sun hemp 40
Total Fibre:- 275
19 Sweet potato 295 18,565 62.9
20 Vegetables 4,229 3,49,328 82.6
Total Vegetables:- 4,524 3,67,893
21 Chilli 1,080 12,224 11.3
22 Ginger 290 18,766 64.7
23 Turmeric 280 6,920 24.7
Total Condiments:- 1,650 37,911 22.98
25 Sugarcane 90
Grand Total:- 66,945
The table makes interesting reading. Paddy is the principal crop in the
district followed by green gram and black gram. In the cereals group maize is
the other important crop. In addition to these, arhar, kulthi and cow pea are
the other pulses which are grown in the district. In the non-foodgrains
category, til and groudnut are important among oilseeds, and vegetables
and chilli are the other non-foodgrain crops. Broadly speaking, cereals
account for 53.47 per cent, pulses 22.97 per cent, oilseeds 13.90 per cent,
vegetables 6.76 per cent, condiments 2.46 per cent and others 0.04 per cent
of net sown area. This means that food grains have a lion‟s share of 76.44
per cent of net sown area and hence the cropping pattern in the district, as
elsewhere in the state, is dominated by foodgrains.
98
Diversification, Cropping Pattern and Crop Rotation
Crop diversification is governed mostly by price fluctuations in market,
change in food habit, availability of high value, efficient cropping technology
and above all weather aberrations.
There is need for adopting rotational cropping pattern. This is because it
will help in 1. Mitigating the ill effects of aberrant weather, 2.Enhancing
income on small farm holding by inclusion of high value crops or cropping
systems, 3.Withstanding price fluctuation, 4. Alleviating hungers and
malnutrition, 5. Employment generation, 6. Ensuring constant flow of income,
7. Mitigating the problem arising due to monoculture, 8. Conservation of
natural resources, 9. Meeting family need and future food demand, 10.
Effective recycling of farm by products and 11. Intercropping and innovative
cropping practices.
In rain-fed area of high, medium and low land area farmers grow
single crop except in residual moisture situation in some of the medium and
low land area where farmers usually grow short duration non- paddy crops
like pulses, oilseeds (mustard) and pyra crop like field peas, birhi, etc. In
irrigation-potential areas farmers grow multiple crops during both the season
of the year. Principal crops during Kharif season is paddy, followed by
pulses, oil seeds, vegetables during Rabi season.
When irrigation is assured with organised extension work, farmers are
usually taking up multiple cropping. Introduction of improved agricultural
practices and short duration high yielding varieties have provided
opportunities for multiple cropping. Farmers are growing even three crops in
irrigated area.
During Kharif Hybrid Paddy is mostly grown along with other varieties of
paddy over an area of 34,500 ha. other crops like Maize, Millets, Pulses,
Oilseeds and some fibres are also gown. During Rabi an area of 2000 ha is
covered under Hybrid Paddy. Wheat, pulses, vegetables and condiments are
also grown
The following crop rotations are usually adopted by the farmers in
Deogarh district.
1) Att Land:- Ground nut- Potato- Vegetable; Mung- Hybrid Maize-
Pumpkin; Mung- Cauliflower- Pumpkin
2) Mal Land- Paddy- Potato, Summer Til; Paddy- Pulses- Ground Nut,
Summer Vegetable; Early Paddy- Wheat
99
3) Berna Land- Early Paddy- Wheat; Paddy-Pulses, Field pea/ Mung,
Gram; Paddy- Dalua paddy
4) Bahal Land- Paddy- Field Pea; Paddy- Dalua paddy.
Agricultural Technology
For higher production of crops, better agricultural technologies are
required for the farmers. To disseminate the technologies Agriculture
Department has lauched different schemes like NFSM (National Food
Security Mission) for Rice and Pulse crops, RKVY (Rastriya Krushi Vikash
Yojana), State Plan, NMOOP (National Mission on Oilseed and Oil Palm) for
oilseeds like groundnut, mustard, sunflower crops and Extension Reforms
through Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA).
The main objectives of operating the above schemes for the farmers
are to provide better scientific technologies for higher production of different
crops during Kharif and Rabi season. Following are the methods of providing
these technologies to the farmers.
Demonstration:- Block Demonstration, Distribution of Mini kits, Trial
cultivation in compact Patches which covers line sowing, line transplanting,
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM),
Plant Protection Management, etc.are being undertaken at the grass root
level.
Training to the farmer:-Training is organized at village, block and
district levels to train farmers for improving their capacity and broaden
outlook to bring about remarkable changes in agricultural practices adopted
by them.
Exposure visit of Farmers:- Exposure visit are organized by the
Department for farmers:-
i) Inside the Block
ii) Inside the District
iii) Inside the state
iv) Outside the state
The Government has popularised the „laboratoty to land‟ practices
where by knowledge and technology in agriculture are transferred to the
farmers to help further development in agriculture. Farm Information and
Advisory Centre (FIAC) is functioning at the block level under Extension
Reforms scheme of Agricultural Technologic Management Agency (ATMA)
which is a centrally sponsored scheme. This Scheme works with all the
agriculture and allied departments and the basic need of the farmers for
100
agriculture and allied Sector which is a bottom- up approach. There are
various committees i.e. Gram Krushak Mancha, (GKM) at the village level,
(FIAC) at block level, and (ATMA) at District Level. Agricultural Technologic
Management Agency. At GP Level there are Two progressive / Innovative
farmers at the Gram Panchayat level are engaged as Krushaka Sathi or
Krushak Bandhu to provide 24 hrs service to the farmers.
Use of Agricultural Implements
The Department of Agriculture under different subsidised schemes is
facilitating procurement of farm machinery and equipments to the all
categories of farmers. Financial assistance is provided and subsidies are
provided to induce the farmers for adoption of mechanised farm practices.
In the case of Tractors, the subsidy amount is 50 percent of the cost
limited to Rs. 90.000/- up to 40 PTO HP. For Power Tillers of 8 BHP and
above subsidy is given @ 50 percent of the cost, limited to Rs. 75.000/- and
for lightweight power tiller below 8 BHP for hilly regions the subsidy
component is 50 percent of the cost limited to Rs. 40.000/-.
Mechanization in paddy cultivation – a step towards cost and time
effectiveness
Due to fluctuation of climate, scarcity of labour force, high cost input
and engagement of multifarious activities in farming sector, farm
mechanization is the only possible solution to achieve the targeted
production and productivity. Therefore rice, being the staple food, occupies
the largest acreage i.e. 53 percent of Kharif cultivated area and 37 percent
of total annual gross crop area. Mechanization in paddy cultivation has
picked up in Deogarh district through repeated demonstration and farmers‟
awareness trainings by KVK. Based on the interventions different
demonstrations and testing of paddy implements such as pedal and power
operated paddy thresher, fertilizer broadcaster, cono weeder, pre-
germinated paddy seeder, rice transplanter, paddy reaper, power sprayer,
bullock drawn puddler and power SRI weeder are being organized in
farmers‟ field to increase the present level of production and productivity with
timeliness of operation. The experiments suggests that around 10 to 87
percent cost and 20 to 98 percent time will be saved by using those
implements in paddy cultivation.
101
Sl. No.
Conventional Labour (man-
days/ha) Intervention
Labour (man-
days/ha)
Cost savings
(percent)
Labour Savings (percent)
1. Hand beating 13
Pedal operated paddy thresher
5 10 61
2. Bullock treading 3
Power operated paddy thresher
0.2 25 82
3. Manual broadcasting
0.5 Fertilizer
broadcaster 0.15 69 73
4. Manual 25 Cono weeder 8.75 36 65 5.
Manual 38 Pre-germinated paddy seeder
2.1 87 95
6. Manual 38
Rice transplanter
2.3 41 94
7. Bullock drawn plough
5 Bullock drawn
puddler 4 30 20
8. Knapsack sprayer 5 Power sprayer 0.5 35 90 9. Manual 35 Paddy reaper 0.6 73 98 10.
Mandwa weeder 8.4 Power SRI
weeder 1 34 90
11. Cultivator 0.3 Rotavator 0.25 21 16 12.
Tractor treading 0.4 Axial flow thresher
0.08 32 80
Resource Conservation Technology
About 30 percent of the Kharif cultivated area of the district is irrigated
and the rest 70 percent is rain fed. Out of the total 17,630 ha of Kharif
irrigated area of the district, contribution of the lone medium irrigation project
of Gohira is 8,164 ha which is about 44 percent of actual area irrigated by all
sources taken together. Contribution of other sources of irrigation to the total
is 19 percent by minor irrigation, 14 percent by Water Harvesting Structure, 9
percent by dug well/bore well, 6 percent by lift irrigation points, 2 percent by
pond/tank and the rest 6 percent by other sources like river, water streams,
etc. Periodic variations occur in the area under irrigation due to fluctuation in
storage of water in the medium and minor irrigation projects which depend
on rainfall. The actual average rain-fall of the district was recorded as 1014.2
millimetre. About 80 to 90percent of average annual rainfall of 1014.2
millimetre in Deogarh district is received within 3 months of monsoon period
resulting in flash floods with severe with soil erosion and frequent droughts.
Hence, there is a need to manage the soil and water by adopting Resource
Conservation Technology to reduce the impact of moisture stress and obtain
sustainability in agricultural production. In view of the above facts, KVK,
Deogarh has undertaken some works on resource conservation technology
such as drip irrigation in litchi, mulching in litchi, micro sprinkler in tomato,
mulching in tomato with an aim to conserve soil and water with increasing
productivity.
102
Technologies demonstrated
Demonstrated Local chect.k percent
increase in yield (q/ha)
yield (q/ha)
Net Income (Rs./ha)
Benefit Cost ratio
yield (q/ha)
Net Income (Rs./ha)
Benefit Cost ratio
Plastic mulching in tomato
322 86,300 3.03 224 56,800 2.73 43.7
Plastic mulching in litchi
65 1,44,445 2.25 42 71450 1.74 55
Drip irrigation in litchi
89.5 1,59,000 2.32 62.5 92500 1.88 43.2
Micro sprinkler in tomato
288 93,500 2.95 214 58,600 2.54 34.5
Soil testing
Soil testing is vital for soil health management. Soil testing is required
to determine acidity and alkalinity of the soil and to assess the nutrient
contents such as nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, potash and
micronutrient, etc. Earlier soil testing for farmers of Deogarh district was
being done at Sambalpur soil testing laboratory. A separate soil testing
laboratory has been sanctioned for Deogarh district in 2015 to function under
the supervision of the Deputy Dirctor of Agriculture.
Soil sample are collected from the farmers‟ fields with size of 0.250 Kg
to 0.500 Kg each and tested in the soil testing laboratory for which farmers
have pay a nominal fee of Rs. 5/- (Five Rupees) only for each soil sample.
After analysis of the same soil samples, farmers are being provided a soil
health card which reports the required information for soil pH and nutrient
status of the soil. The scientific finding of the tests remain valid for three
years. In a cycle of three years soil testing is required to be done as the
nature of soil is likely to under go changes due to various factors. Presently
Central Government has launched a project named National Project on Soil
Health Management which aims at providing all the farmers of the country
with soil health cards within 5 years.
Reduction of Drudgery by adopting advanced farm implements
Women play a predominant role in agricultural production, representing
60 percent of the labour force. In Deogarh district farm women carry out all
agricultural operation using minor tools and implements which are often
traditional. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deogarh has tried to asses and popularize
different gender friendly farm implements like Rotary Peg weeds, cano-
weeder sunflower thresher, Hand-ridger serrated sickle, ground-nut
decorticator and Maize shelter. This has brought about remarkable
improvements in labour saving and reduction in drudgery. The following
table presents a summary picture of the same.
103
Sl. No. Implements percent Saving
labour percent of reduction in
drudgery
1. Rotary peg weeder 36.6 36
2. Sunflower Thresher 35 40
3. Hand ridger 25 67
4. Serrated sickle 15 10
5. Groundnut decorticator 68.5 44
6. Maize sheller 35 32
Manures and Fertiliser
Organic manures and chemical fertilizers are highly required for better
productivity of crops.
Organic manures include farm yard manure, compost, vermin-compost,
green manuring, Azolla, BGA and Bio-fertiliser etc. which contain all the
essential elements of plants in a lesser quantity that in organic product.
Inorganic manures include all the chemicals and fertilizers (primary,
secondary and micronutrients). Primary nutrients like, Nitrogen (N),
Phosphors (P205), Potash (K2O), Secondary Nutrients are calcium (Ca),
Magnesium (Mg), Sulphate(s), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Ma). Micronutrient or
Trace elements are – Boron, Zinc, Molybdenum, cobalt, sodium, etc. Block
wise fertilizer consumption (in MT) of Deogarh during Kharif and Rabi season
is described in the table at Appendix-1.
Consumption of Chemical Fertilizers
Nutrient wise consumption in metric tonne during the last five years
Horticulture
Of late, horticulture has become an important aspect of development
in agriculture in Deogarh district. Various food crops are grown in the district
as cash crops and the details are presented in the following table.
Nitrogen 1744 497 1978 520 2096 557 1854 511 2255
Phosphorous 1049 423 1077 470 1135 438 990 419 1079
Potash 349 188 593 212 325 222 361 360 340
Total 3142 1108 3648 1002 35.45 1217 3205 1290 3674
Kg/Hect. 48.6 40.25 54.68 41.4 52.96 41.95 47.88 43.6 54.88
104
Sl.No. Crop Area in
Hect. FBA in hect.
Productivity Production in metric 104aoi.
1. Anola 79 17 1.900 32.30
2. Banana 243 216 19.58 4229
3. Citrus 459 409 11.26 4605
4. Guava 182 162 7.75 1256
5. Litchi 668 575 6.84 3933
6. Mango 3146 2476 5.28 13073
7. Papaya 31 19 27.65 252
8. Pineapple 11 10 15.33 153
9. Pomegranate 08 06 4.37 26
10. Other fruits 739 667 9.91 6610
The following table gives a summary picture of vegetable crops grown
in the district
Sl.No. Crop Area in Hect. Productivity Production
1. Brinjal 1240 16.32 20237
2. Cabbage 568 27.56 15654
3. Cauliflower 204 14.82. 3023
4. Okra 561 8.88 4982
5. Peas 62 8.58 532
6. Tomato 872 14.26 12435
7. Onion 624 12.42 7750
8. Potato 118 16.50 1947
9. Sweet Potato 522 9.46 4938
10. Radish 642 10.81 3087
11. Bitter Gourd 256 9.74 2493
12. Bottle Gourd 184 13.59 2501
13. Beans 217 4.23 918
14. Water melon 742 22.59 16762
15. Muskmelon 02 16.28 33
16. Cucumber 54 13.45 726
17. Pointed Gourd 41 14.53 596
18. Carrot 05 12.03 60
19. Capsicum 12 13.59 163
20. Mushroom 54 8.00 62
21. Other Vegetables 2618 11.28 29531
105
Commercial Fruit Varieties
Mango: Mango, the „King of Fruits‟ of various varieties is grown
abundantly in Deogarh since the days of the feudatory rulers. Among the
popular varieties of mango are Baganpalli , Amrapalli, Bombay green, Fazilli,
Langra, Mallika, Dasheri, Totapalli, Ratna, Langra and Hemsagar. Apart
from these some traditional local types of mango also are harvested from
traditional mango groves of the villages.
The total area under Mango farming is 3146 hect., and the annual yield
comes to around 13073 mt. Mango crop is susceptible to certain specific
deseases and pests and enough care is taken to prevent the occurrence of
such diseases.
Litchi: It is a summer crop and available only for a short period. The
most grown varieties are Muzaffarpur, Mumbai and China.
Litchi is grown in Barkote and Tileibani area. The growing villages are
Kantapali, Tusula, Gundeimara, Regeda, Kaidanta, of Kantapali G.P
Dantaribahal, Badabahal of Dantaribahal G.P Rangamatia of Rambhei G.P
Kandhal of Kandhal G.P Basalai Basalai and Asannali of Basalai G.P
Kureibahal of Tainser G.P. Total area under litchi orchard is 68 hect. and the
annual yield comes to around 1360 MT.
Litchi plantations are grown commonly in the hilly tracks of Barkote
area and in plains of Kailash area of Tileibani block. 75 percent of the crops
are being sold on or before „Sabitri Amabasya‟, a festival held in Hindu
households during the month of May. The average maximum summer
temperature of Deogarh remains at 380
C. Occasionally it rises beyond 400c
and hampers fruits setting and Develops cracking of fruits resulting in
considerable drop in yield.
Orange: Orange as a cash crop was introduced in a planned manner in
the year 1985 at Khilabereni area of Reamal block of Deogarh district. Since
then orange plantation has considerably expanded throughout the district.
The most common variety of orange grown is Nagpur mandarin. It fruits two
times in a year i.e Ambe bahar (November to January) and Mrig bahar
(March to May). Deogarh Mandarin is another variety Developed locally in
the District which has not yet been patented. Crop area is scattered in the
entire district and the total area is around 70 hect.are in the villages of
Reamal Block like Salarapal, Khilabereni, padmapur, Totabari of
Chadheimara GP Khaliposi, Koradposi, Kundheigola, Kamarpal of
Kundheigola G.P. Jharabereni and Budhapal in Budhapal GP. Total area
under orange in Budhapal and Chadheimara GP of Reamal Block alone is
around 60 hect.ares and the annual yield is around 5000 MT.
106
Watermelon: The ayacut area of Rengali dam project is the most
preferred area for watermelon cultivation.. It is a summer crop and covers
major area of Barkote and Reamal block and smaller area of Tileibani block.
Watermelon is cultivated in the Kureibahal, Basalai, Kandhal Rambhei,
Dandasingha, Raitabahal, Madhyapur GPs of Barkoet block and Khilei,
Gundiaposi and Tabada GPs of Reamal Block. The cultivated area in
Barkote block is around 400 hect. In Reamal block it is around 200 hect.
and in Tileibani area it is around 142 hect. Total annual production comes to
around 16,762 MT in the district. Demand for the local watermelon seems to
be decreasing as the farmers are applying excess amount of chemical
pesticide and hormone to get larged sized fruits and bumper crop.
Deogarh Litchi Deogarh Orange
Deogarh Watermelon Deogarh Mango
Horticulture Farms of Deogarh
Deogarh has two of Horticultural farms, one at Deogarh and another at
Barkote. Deogarh farm situated at Saratala village about 2 kms from
Deogarh town was establish during 1977-78. It has an area of 44 hect. and
maintains the following mother plants and Quality Plant Material (QPM).
107
Mother Plants
Mango 2037 Nos.
Litchi 255 Nos.
Orange 727 Nos.
Guava 206 Nos.
Quality planting materials
Mango 75000 Nos.
Litchi 5000 Nos.
Orange 20000 Nos.
Guava 5000 Nos.
Lime/ Lemon 2500 Nos.
Barkote Farm was established in 1955 at Kalla village 4 km from
Barkote. Geographical Area of the farm is 6.7 hect. Following mother plants
and Quality Plant Material (QPM) are available in the Barkote horticulture
farm.
Mother Plants
Mango) 583 Nos.
Litchi 34 Nos.
Quality planting materials
Mango 25000 Nos.
Litchi 5000 Nos
Lime/Lemon 2500 Nos.
Vegetables
Remunerative vegetable crops are grown in the districts. Some of them
are mentioned below.
Paddy Straw Mushroom Cultivation
Assessing the possibility of production of paddy straw mushroom and
its market demand, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deogarh has taken steps to
popularize this technology through OFT, FLD and trainings since inceptions.
Several technologies like construction of shed, method of bed preparation,
disinfection of mushroom shade, care and maintenance against diseases,
plucking techniques and preparation of different value added product from
mushroom were provided to SHGs and farm women. After being trained by
KVK, scientists many of the Self Help Groups (SHGs) started cultivation of
paddy straw mushroom as gainful ventures. Some of the members are
108
becoming master trainers for other rural women and school dropout girls.
The achievements of OFTs and FLDs are given below.
Year Village Yield (Kg/bag) percentage of change
in yield BENEFIT
COST ratio 2007-08 Bulirai 1.8 120 2.75 2008-09 Kureibahal 2 100 2.85 2010 Akshrasila 1.8 100 3.5 2011 Kailash 1.8 100 3.0
Oyster Mushroom Cultivation
Rising of mushroom is considered as a profitable enterprise. Krishi
Vigyan Kendra, Deogarh attempted to popularize it in different villages since
inception. Due to unavailability of bundle straw and longer winter, emphasis
has been given for cultivation of oyster mushroom. To popularize this
technology, series of interventions were undertaken through OFT, FLD and
trainings. Technologies like preparation of bed, selection of quality spawn,
watering and plucking techniques, and value addition of oyster mushroom
were demonstrated to the farmers under technical supervision of KVK
Deogarh. Many SHGs adopted this technology for income generation and
nutritional securities. This technology has spread to 83 villages. The table
shows the results of different FLD and OFT conducted in different villages.
Year Village Substrate Yield (Kg/ha) percentage of
change in yield
Benefit
Cost
ratio
2007-08 Kureibahal Paddy straw 1.5 100 4.2
2009-10 Kharamunda Paddy straw 1.6 33.3 5.9
2009-10 Kharamunda Mustard Stalk 1.2 100 7.05
2010-11 Akshyarasila Paddy Straw 1.8 100 4.8
2011-12 Kailash Paddy Straw 1.8 12.5 5.7
2011-12 Kailash Seasmorm Stalk 1.6 - 7.1
Other Vegetables
Onion: Onion is mostly cultivated in Reamal, Tileibani and Barkote
area. The crop area in Reamal block is around 400 hect. In Barkote block it
is 200 hect. and Tileibani Block area around 64 hect. Total production in the
district is 7750 MT annually. The varieties that are grown are agrifound dark
red and light red and N53.
Tomato: Tomato is cultivated in the district mostly during summer. It is
cultivated in Sodo and Kansar area of Tileibani block. It is highly perishable
and farmers face problem in disposal of the crop. They do not get good
market price. This crop requires value additions by proper preservation,
bottling and marketing. The total area in the district is 872 hect. and the
production is 12435MT.
109
Plantation crops like coconut and cashew are cultivated in the district.
Area and Production of Plantation Crops is given in the following table
Sl. No. Crop Area in Hect. FBA Productivity Production
1. Coconut 136 111 0.071 7.88
2. Cashew 983 648 0.763 494
The following table provides information on area and Production of Spices in
Deogarh district Sl. No. Crop Area in Hect. Productivity Production
1. 1. Coriander 283 0.50 145 2. 2. Ginger 149 5.79 863 3. 3. Garlic
174 4.23 736
4. 4. Turmeric 193 5.25 1013 5. 5. Chilli
1686 0.99 1669
Total 2491 16.76 4426
Diseases and Disease Control
Crop Diseases, Control Mechanism and Crop Protection
Diseases, pest and vermin like rats and birds cause considerable
damage to crops. Damage is also caused by wild animals like boar, deer and
elephant. As reported, average crop damaged by different animals, pest and
diseases is as follows.
Average Crop Loss due to several causes in Deogarh District
1. Diseases 26 percent
2. Insects 20 percent
3. Weeds 33 percent
4. Rodents and birds 7 percent
5. Transport and processing 8 percent
6. Stored grain pest 6 percent
Total
100 percent
Following diseases and pests are common in paddy and non- paddy crops in
Deogarh.
Paddy: Stem borer, Gall midge, Jassids, BPH/WBPH, Caterpillar,
Swarming Caterpillar, Leaf folder, Case Worm, Blast, Brown spot, Sheath
Blight, Sheath Rot, Foot Rot, BLB, Stem Rot.
Sugarcane: Pyrilla, Early short borer, top shot Borer, Red Rot,
Ground Nut: Hairy Cater pillar, Leaf Miner, Collar Rot, Tikka Disease
Pluses: Leaf Eating Cater Pillar, Aphids, YMV, Rust, Pod borer
Oilseeds: Aphids
110
Wheat: Smut Diseases, Helminthosprilium
Potato: Early and Late Blight, Wilting.
For management of pest and diseases, Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) is required which starts from land preparation to harvesting,
processing and storing of the produces. Presently Department of Agriculture
started a new scheme under RKVY known as e-pest surveillance in paddy
and non- paddy crops like pulses and groundnut crops during Kharif and
Rabi season and the project period starts from July to November for Kharif
and December to April for Rabi. The scheme aims at management of various
important diseases and pest within 2-3 days of occurrence of the problem.
Besides management practices of pest and diseases, proper scientific
guidance are also being provided to the farmers by the Scientists of OUAT
and CRRI through internet and mobile SMS. Also department has already
lunched the FARMERS PORTAL where necessary support is extended to
the farmers through SMS.
Control of Die Back In Sweet Orange
The disease has caused serious concerns among growers of Deogarh
district. Severe mortality of twigs and plants due to die back causes yield
loss about 30-40percent. Through FLD pruning experiments were conducted
in village Khilabereni to determine if removal of symptomatic branches or the
entire canopy (decapitation) would eliminate infected tissues and followed by
spraying of Streptocyclin (0.1 g/lt) + Metalyxil mancozeb (2 g/lt) at 15 days
interval from marble size. After the experiment is done it was observed that
yield is increased from 245 q/ha to 312 q/ha resulting in gaining a net return
of Rs. 2 lakhs.
Results
Yield (q/ha)
percent change in
Yield
Parameter (percent of die
back / tree)
percent change in Parameter
Net Income (Rs./ha)
Benefit Cost Ratio
FP 245
27.3
22 1,44,000 1.96
RP 312 6 72.7 2,09,400 2.27
Chemical Control of Chilli Trips
Chilli trips is the serious pest in Deogarh district and reduces the yield
upto 40 percent which feed on various plant tissues, damaged leaves may
curl upward and appear distorted. Infested plants become stunted or
dwarfed and leaves may detach from the stem at the petioles in some plant
species. Through field level demonstration programme in village Bindipur
spraying was conducted by Profenophos application @ 2 ml/litre after 45
days after transplanting and second spraying at 10 days interval followed by
111
a good management practices. After application of insecticides it was
observed that the former was able to produce 118.5 q/ha over 6.5 q/ha in
traditional practice and earned a net return of Rs.24,500/- through
recommended practices.
Results Yield
(q/ha)
percent
change in
Yield
Parameter
(percent of
infestation)
percent change
in Parameter
Net Income
(Rs./ha)
Benefit
Cost
Ratio
FP 65.0 82.3
26.0 76.9
10500 1.47
RP 118.5 6.0 24500 1.69
Control of Fruit Fly in Watermelon
The melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae is distributed widely in
temperate, tropical, and sub-tropical regions. It has been reported to
damage 30 to 100 percent and is a major pest of cucurbitaceous fruits and
vegetables. In context of the Deogarh District, its abundance increases when
the temperatures fall below 32°C, and the relative humidity ranges between
60 to 70percent. Through the OFT Programme during Rabi 2012-13 at
village Suguda under the block Tileibani Male Annihilation Technology
(MAT) was practised @ 10 blocks / ha using Cue lure just below the level of
crop leaf canopy when the fruits start to develop with a proper local area
management practices. After the Male Annihilation Technology was being
practiced and it was observed that infestation reduced significantly and yield
was increased to 335 q/ha over 220 q/ha in traditional practices and
therefore this technology should be recommended to farmers of Deogarh
District where watermelon is a potential crop.
Results Yield
(q/ha)
percent
change in
Yield
percent fruit
infestation
percent change
in Parameter
Net Income
(Rs./ha)
Benefit
Cost
Ratio
T1 220 52.2
17 51000 2.50
T2 335 9 47 85000 2.89
Control of Yellow Stem Borer in Rice (YSB)
In Deogarh District rice has been grown in 65,000 ha as a dominant
crop in Kharif season. Yellow stem borer causes white ear head damage
and has a much greater impact on rice yield in the irrigated ecosystem than
did damage due to dead heart. White ear head damage occurs later in the
season and results in direct loss of yielding panicle, and thus, no
compensation (or very little) is possible. Field experiments were conducted
through FLD Programme in village Kailash to investigate the control of stem
borer damage on the basis affecting and yield response of irrigated rice by
installation of pheromone traps @ 20 Nos./ha and need based application of
pesticides like Trizophus @ 2 ml/lt and followed by a good management
practices. After the experiment was conducted it was observed that YSB
112
damage was reduced remarkably up to 62 percent which increased the yield
upto 72.5percent with a net return of Rs.15, 000/- through recommended
practices. Therefore this technology should be strongly recommended to
farmers of Deogarh District where YSB is the major part of rice consistently.
The proof in support of economic importance of control of YSB is given in the
following table.
Results Yield (q/ha)
percent change in
Yield
Parameter (No. of tillers
affected/ sqm)
percent change in Parameter
Net Income (Rs./ha)
Benefit Cost Ratio
FP 25.5 14 5500 1.30 RP 44.0 72.5 4 71.4 15000 1.43
Compensatory Measures for Pest and Disease attack
Farmers are motivated / made aware of prior to attack of such
incidence through Pest surveillance and even if now it is already launched
the e-pest surveillance Programme of Agriculture Department since 2010 in
the district mainly for Paddy and non- Paddy crop like Mung, Biri, Arhar and
G.nut crop in both the season. If epidemic like situation arises for any
specific pest and disease, Mass spraying of Pesticides are being undertaken
by the Department either free of cost or subsidy scheme pesticides supply to
mitigate the situation.
Awareness for preventive measures for major insects/ pest are being
taken by the department through awareness Programme, Training and
personal contact, mobile message to the farmers.
Preventive measures for attack of Insect/Post mainly are:
Seed Treatment, Seedling treatment and soil treatment.
Use of healthy seeds free from insect /Pest
Tolerant / Resistance variety of seeds to pest attack
Balance use of chemical fertilizers.
Advance sowing /planting crops.
Weeds / Water management
Summer ploughing of main field.
Institutional Intervention – The role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Deogarh with the task of informing,
educating, training and guiding the farmers about the best agricultural and
horticultural practices started functioning from 7th July, 2006 at Kurodkot with
the following mandate.
113
1. On-farm testing of location specific technology for easy acceptance by
the farmers.
2. Frontline demonstration on oilseeds and pulses as well as crops other
than oilseeds and pulses for gaining of first-hand knowledge-
experience.
3. Vocational and skill oriented trainings to farmers, farm women and rural
youths on agricultural and allied disciplines for upliftment of rural areas.
4. In-service training to extension functionaries and NGOs working in
agriculture and rural development sectors for updating their knowledge.
These Kendras emphasise on location specific technology. The KVK
Deogarh has identified the following problem areas.
Sl.
No. Problem identified
1 65 percent of the soil is acidic
2 70 percent of the area is rain fed
3 74 percent of the total geographical area is covered under mountains, hills and dense
forest
4 Lack of adoption of off-season vegetables
5 Less crop diversification in uplands from rice to other crop
6 Lack of farm mechanization
7 No soil and water conservation measures and improper management of water
8 Lack of utilization of forest produce for income generating activities
9 No agro based income generating activities of the SHGs
10 Heavy loss from the farming due to non-adoption of IPDM measures
11 Adoption of old traditional varieties in pulses and oilseeds
12 Absent of farmers organization
13 Non adoption of high value crops by the farming community
The Kendra also has identified some important areas- thrust areas for
improving agriculture Sl.
No. Thrust Area
1 Production of quality seed and planting materials in different major crops of the
district.
2 Rejuvenation of existing orchards
3 Management of Acid soil for higher productivity
4 INM in different crops
5 Yield enhancement of cereals, pulses, oil seeds, fruit and vegetable crops through
implementation of proper IPM strategies
6 Water management and soil-water conservation
7 Farm mechanization
8 Better and efficient utilization of forest produce for income generation of rural poor
9 Agro based income generation activities to rural youths and farm women
10 Organization of farmers clubs/associations in the district
114
11 Drudgery reduction of farm women
12 Food and nutritional security
13 Poultry, duckery, goatery and dairy farming
As a result of institutional internventions remarkable improvements have
been made in the field of agriculture in Deogarh District. These are given in
the following tables
Achievements from 2006 – 2015: Particulars 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 No. of On Farm Trial 3(21) 10 (69) 9 (66) 8 (40) 14 (92) No. of Front Line Demonstration
8 (50) 22 (110) 18 (90) 16 (80) 23 (122)
No. of Training 19 (444) 108 (2168) 54 (1200) 69 (1580) 97 (2185) No. of other extension activities
65 (2530)
115 (3472) 97 (2927) 247 (5325) 345 (3282)
Seedlings and saplings produced
- `- 51493 (430)
42393 (345) 69782 (577)
Particulars 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
No. of On Farm Trial 18 (83) 16 (100) 17 (233) 15 (135)
No. of Front Line
Demonstration
23 (162) 20 (207) 19 (250) 17 (190)
No. of Training 87 (1890) 77 (1725) 73 (1565) 69 (1525)
No. of other extension
activities
373 (3432) 331 (9990) 264 (3678) 768 (5188)
Seedlings and saplings
produced
61507
(645)
48100 (468) 51010 (520) 31163 (412)
Impact of Demonstration Technologies in the District
Sl.
No. Name of Specific technology
percentage
adoption
Change in Income
(Rs./ hect.)
Horizontal
Spread
(hect.) Before After
1.
Integrated Farming System (IFS) :
maize + poultry (50 birds) + paddy
straw mushroom (100 beds) +
114aoist-compost + off-season
vegetables (tomato and cauliflower)
10 15,820 44,300 28 (15)
2. Tomato (Varietal evaluation, seed
treatment, RDF and IPM practices) 32 56,100 1,03,100 135 (412)
3.
Water melon (Fertilizer application
(NPK@ 120:60:90kg/ha) and 2 nos.
spraying of micronutrient
mixture@3ml./litre after flowering in
15 days interval)
35 31,330 50,770 275 (253)
4.
Litchi (200 micron black polythene
mulching on surface layer 2 mt.
Away from main trunk(10 years old
tree)
12 1,13,700 1,69,100 62 (73)
5.
Onion : Foliar application of
metalyxil + mancozeb @ 2gm/lt of
water + streptocycline @ 1 gm/ 10 lt
of water in 7 days interval after
emergence of the disease
15 12,600 21,900 78 (100)
6. Sweet orange (Application of 28 82,000 1,44,000 45 (62)
115
streptocycline (0.1 gm/lt) + confider
(3ml/10lt) + Redomil (2gm/lt) at 15
days interval from marble fruit size)
7. SRI method of rice cultivation 25 19,840 33,600 355 (805)
8. Threshing of groundnut by power
operated groundnut thresher 23 - 20,000 250 (413)
9.
1.5 hp petrol start kerosene engine
to operate paddy thresher cum
winnower
21 - 25,000 165 (202)
10. Self-propelled rice trans planter 10 - 30,000 09 (253)
11. Popularization of mushroom through
SHGs (30 members) 32 - 12,600 21 villages
Scientific cultivation practices are popularised by KVK, Deogarh in the case
of groundnut, pigeon pea, sunflower, green gram, watermelon, tomato,
sweet orange and onion.
Kharif groundnut production technology
The vast area of well drained sandy loam, red soils of Deogarh district
can be explored for Kharif groundnut production. Low yield (11.40 ql/hect.)
was found due to large scale cultivation of AK-12-24 variety and lack of
reclamation of acidic soil, no proper nutrient management and non- adoption
of Integrated Pest and Disease Management practices. KVK Deogarh since
its inception, started popularizing the scientific ground nut cultivation
practices in acidic soil through FLD Programmes which include varietal
substitution by Smruti, Debi like varieties, rhizobium inoculation, seed
treatment, Paper Mill Sludge, gypsum and Recommended Dose of Fertilizer
application with need based IPDM practices. The performance of the FLD
plots gave a higher yield of more than 20percent above the farmer‟s practice,
thereby increasing the Benefit cost ratio. The FLD Programmes through
these years have been taken up in Bangalimunda, Akhyarasila, Balirui,
Thakurapali like villages with horizontal spread of 230 hect.
Year Technologies demonstrated
Demonstrated yield (q/hect.)
Local practice (q/ hect.)
percent increase in yield
Yield gap (q/ hect.)
Cost Benefit
ratio 2006-07 Varietal
replacement, seed
treatment, INM / IPDM
practices
9.0 7.5 20 1.5 1.91 2007-08 9.55 7.8 20 1.75 1.6 2008-09 12.1 9.8 23.4 2.3 1.72 2009-10 16.6 9.2 80.0 7.4 2.06
2010-11 15.1 10.7 41.1 3.4 2.14
Pigeon pea crop for the upland situation
Pigeon pea, a long duration crop is suitable for this large area of
unbounded upland of Deogarh district. The poor yield of pigeon pea in the
district (6.15 ql/ha) was identified during field visits and PRA surveys. The
factors for the lower yield were lack of suitable variety for this agro-eco-
116
system and non-adoption of nutrient and pest management practices. About
35 ha were covered under FLD Programme in Bangalimunda, Rengalbahal,
Dhauragoth, Khilaberini like villages taking more than 100 farmers. Seed
treatment, timely sowing, optimum plant density, application of PMS, gypsum
and RDF, moreover crop surveillance with need based application of IPM
modules were made appraised to the farmers. The results of FLDs are
mentioned below. The improved technology has a horizontal spread of 220
ha in the district in 34 villages.
Year Technologies demonstrated
Demonstrated yield (q/ hect.)
Local practice
(q/ hect.)
percent increases
in yield
Yield gap (q/
hect.)
Cost Benefit
ratio 2006-07 Asha, Seed
treatment, RDF and Need based IPM practices
10.8 7.6 45 3.2 1.63 2007-08 10.68 7.5 42.4 3.18 1.96 2008-09 10.5 6.6 21.5 4.9 2.11 2009-10 10.6 7.9 34.0 2.7 3.4 2010-11 11.1 7.8 42.3 3.3 3.71 2011-12 13.4 8.5 57.6 4.9 2.52
Upland pigeon-pea crop Green gram farming demonstration
Cultivation of sunflower crop in irrigated areas of plateau ecosystem
After sesame, groundnut and rapeseed mustard, sunflower is the fourth
leading oilseed crop (480 ha) of the district. Being cultivated only in rabi
season, it is gradually becoming popular in the irrigated patches of the
district. The major problems of sunflower cultivation found out through group
discussions, meetings and field observations were mainly lack of knowledge
on integrated nutrient management (INM) practices in sunflower cultivation.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra has popularized the INM technology in hybrid
sunflower cultivation since 2006-07 through FLDs. The following table gives
a glimpse to the achievements of the FLDs over the years. The technology
has achieved a horizontal spread of 170 ha in the district. The FLD covered
villages such as Kalamati, Nuagoan, Bamparada, Kailash have adopted the
technologies and enriched their economic status and nutritional security.
117
Year Technologies demonstrated
Demonstrated yield (q/ hect.)
Local practice (q/ hect.)
percent increases
in yield
Yield gab (q/ hect.)
Cost Benefit Ratio
2006-07 Introduction of KBSH-1 hybrid seed treatment,
RDF, Boron application,
IPDM practices
6.25 5.0 25 1.25 1.6 2007-08 6.95 4.7 69.4 2.25 2.1 2009-10 14.1 10.8 30.0 3.3 2.20 2010-11 14.0 10.4 34.6 3.6 2.14
2011-12 13.2 8.6 53.5 4.6 4.55
Sunflower in full bloom in the field
Green gram cultivation can be remunerative
The increasing trend of the price of the dal has multiplied the scope of
cultivation of green gram, the highest covered pulse crop (>10,000 hect.) of
the district. Though cultivated in all the three major seasons in the district,
the poor average yield (3.72 q/hect.) had been earlier discouraging the
farmers. Through PRA survey and frequent field visits, it was found that non-
adoption of recommended cultivation practices has led to this poor
productivity. KVK, Deogarh has introduced these technologies in Niktimal,
Balanda and Ballam villages to popularize the latest technologies. PDM-11,
PDM-54, Kamdeb like HYVs, PMS etc have been introduced at the farmers
level. To overcome the problem of acid soil, rhizobium culture of 20 gm/kg of
seeds and need based IPDM practices are provided through FLD
Programmes because of such interventions farmers have harvested a yield
which is 35 percent more than the yield recorded previously. The outcome of
such practices is summarised in the following figure.
Year Technologies demonstrated
Demonstrated yield (q/ha)
Local practice (q/ha)
percent increases
in yield
Yield gab
(q/ha)
Benefit Cost
Ratio 2006-07 Varietal
replacement, rhizobium treatment, RDF and IPDM practices
6.82 4.43 53.9 2.39 1.76 2007-08 6.6 4.44 49.0 2.16 2.9 2008-09 4.9 2.75 30.6 1.15 2.76 2009-10 5.6 4.2 33.3 1.4 3.88
2010-11 4.3 3.2 41.1 1.1 2.88
118
Integrated Nutrient Management for higher productivity in Watermelon
Deogarh district is famous for watermelon cultivation. About 3000
hect.are of land is under watermelon cultivation in late rabi season. Through
PRA study and frequent field visit it was found that the low productivity of
watermelon is due to improper nutrient management by the farmers. KVK,
Deogarh assessed the Integrated Nutrient management in Watermelon
during 2007-2011 in Suguda, Chheplipalli and Niktimal villages by use of
recommended dose of fertilizer application as per soil test (NPK
@100:60:60Kg./ha) + application of boron 2 times@2g/litre after flowering in
15 days interval, timely plant protection measures to control disease and
pests and management of proper cultural practices. The yield was
36.3percent more than the farmers practice and the BC ratio was 2.29. The
INM practices in watermelon were popularized through FLD. This has
brought significant improvement in returns. A summary picture of the same is
given in the following table.
Average Yield (q/ha)
Yield gap
(q/ha)
Increase productivity (percent)
Average Net return (Rs.)
Benefit cost ratio
Horizontal spread Area
(hect.) No. of
farmers adopted
300 80 36.3 50, 700.00 2.29 350 300
Popularization of Utkal Raja variety of tomato
Tomato is a major vegetable in Rabi season. Around 560 hectare of
land is under tomato. During PRA survey it was found that the productivity of
tomato is decreasing due to lack of suitable variety, use of degenerated
seed materials, non-adoption of seed treatment, seedling treatment and
IPDM practices. In 2009-10 KVK Deogarh assessed newly released tomato
high yielding variety Utkal Raja along with integrated nutrient management
and timely plant protection measures to control disease and pests in
Bichhakhani, Niktimal and Kharamunda villages. The average yield of the
variety was 360 q/ha and net return of Rs. 67, 500.00/hect. The variety was
popularized through FLD, Field day and training. The details of yield and
productivity are given below.
Average Yield (q/ha)
Yield gap
(q/ha)
Increase productivity (percent)
Average Net return (Rs.)
Benefit cost ratio
Horizontal spread Area
(hect.) No. of
farmers adopted
360 70 24.13 67, 500.00 2.24 135 380
Use of Zinc for higher productivity in Sweet Orange
Deogarh district is famous for sweet orange. During soil test campaign
it was found that the soil was deficient of Zinc which leads to low yield (180-
119
200kg/plant). More over the produce was found with less taste due lack of
zinc because Zinc is second most essential nutrient after nitrogen. KVK
Deogarh, realising the problem assessed Zinc in sweet orange by spraying
of zinc sulphate @ 2ml/lt of water during marble fruit stage and another
spray after 15 days which leads to the yield 243q/hect. The TSS was 10.60
Brix and the BC ratio was 2.36. The technology was popularized through
Field Level Demostration (FLD), Field day and training. The details of yield
and productivity are given below.
Average Yield (q/ha)
Yield gap
(q/ha)
Increase productivity (percent)
Average Net return (Rs.)
Benefit cost ratio
Horizontal spread Area
(hect.) No. of
farmers adopted
243 57 30.64 70, 200.00 2.36 58 79
Popularization of Kharif Onion in uplands
Kharif onion is suitable for large area of upland of Deogarh district. The
poor yield of upland paddy in the district was identified during field visits and
surveys which needs crop diversification in uplands. To address this
problem,KVK Deogarh in view of the problem introduced kharif onion variety
Agrifound Dark Red, Kharif onion production technology, timely plant
protection measures to control disease and pests. The variety was assessed
in Malehipada and Niktimal village. The yield of kharif onion was 147q/ ha
with average net returns of Rs. 34, 800.00 and the variety was horizontally
spread up to 17 hect. of land in the district. The cost benefit ratio average
net returns and yield etc are given in the following table.
Average Yield
(q/ha)
Average Net
return (Rs.)
Benefit cost
ratio
Horizontal spread
Area (hect.) No. of farmers adopted
147 78, 500.00 2.15 17 107
Value addition to farm produce and SHGs
Deogarh occupies a prominent place in the production of seasonal
fruits and vegetables. Abundant production of vegetables and fruits are not
fully utilized. About 20 to 30 percent is wasted due to improper post-harvest
management like absence of cold storage and no value addition. Keeping in
view of the above-mentioned facts an intiative was taken by the KVK
Scientists to popularize value addition in the district through frontline
demonstrations and trainings.
Different skill-oriented trainings on value addition were organised for
farm women, school dropouts and SHGs for preparation of jam, jelly,
squash, sauce, pickle and puree, etc. from different seasonal fruits and
vegetables.
120
After acquiring the requisite knowledge and skill on value-addition,
some of the SHGs have already adopted these technologies for income
generation. They used to sell their value added products in the name of their
SHGs.
Irrigation System and Infrastructure in the District
Water is an important factor after soil in farming operations. Well
distributed rainfall matters most to the cultivators. In most of the years the
amount of average rainfall is sufficient, but it is often unevenly distributed
and fdeficiency in critical months becomes fatal to crops. Gravitational,
mechanical or manual irrigation is necessary. About 33 percent of the Kharif
cultivated area of the district is irrigated and the rest 67 per cent is rainfed.
Gohira Medium Irrigation Project
Construction of the Gohira Medium Irrigation Project was started in
1976 and completed in 1981 as a part of the Rengali Dam Project before the
formation of Deogarh district. It is constructed across Gohira Nalla, a
tributary of the river Brahmani and was handed over to the Sambalpur
Irrigation Division located at Burla in 1988. The command area is irrigated by
two main canals to the left and right of the dam.
A view of Gohira Dam
It has a catchment area of 236 sq. Km with discharge capacity of 1840
Cusecs. The project has a gross command area of 10325 Ha. and a certified
command area of 8165 Ha.covering 88 villages of Tileibani and Reamal
blocks. This project irrigates 8165 Ha. In Kharif and 3429 Ha. during Rabi,
The intensity of irrigation is 100 per cent in Kharif and 42 per cent in Rabi
seasons. The water from the dam flows through two canals - the left canal
and the right canal which run 22.35 km runs 25.84 km respectively.
121
Present Scenario
As the Project is 30 years old, extension, rehabilitation and
modernization works for 2 nos. of main canals, 4 nos. of distributaries and 8
nos. of minors divided into 8 nos. of packages which are completed,
financed through Asian Development Bank (ADB) for an amount of Rupees
23.04 crores being executed through Contractors. Simultaneously E.R.M.
works for 71 nos. of Sub-Minors are also executed phasewise for an amount
of Rupees 8.00 crores being executed through 19 nos. of Pani
Panchayats.benefiting 6004 farmers. Also field channels, water courses
works are being executed through Pani Panchayats for 71 nos out of 121
nos and monitored through Executive Engineer, CADA, Sambalpur during
the financial year 2011-12 and 2012-13 financed through Asian
Development Bank. The project is giving Kharif irrigation successfully. The
full potential of Rabi irrigation is not being achieved due to deviation of
farmers from the proposed cropping pattern. The designed Rabi potential
can be achieved by way of motivating the farmers to adopt the proposed
cropping pattern.
The Kharif and Rabi Programme and achievement for last 10 (Ten) years is
given below.
Year Kharif
Programme (Ha)
Achievement (Ha)
Rabi Programme
(Ha)
Achievement (Ha)
Remarks
2003-04 8165.00 8165.00 3372.73 3834.34 2004-05 8180.00 8180.00 4300.40 3849.00
2005-06 8095.00 8095.00 4300.40 4090.00
2006-07 8345.00 8345.00 4300.40 4090.00
2007-08 8165.00 8165.00 4331.19 4088.71
2008-09 8165.00 8165.00 3123.98 2750.00
2009-10 8165.00 8165.00
Water was not
available for Rabi
FRL achieved but no supply during Rabi due to dry 121aois.
2010-11 8165.00 8165.00
Water was not
available for Rabi
FRL achieved against 235.500m. Max. Reservoir level was 228.500m.Supply was made from dt. 21.08.10. Reservoir was below DSL (226.000m) from dt. 17.10.10.
2011-12 8165.00 8165.00 1632.00
Supply of Right canal water has been stopped due to execution of ERM works.
2012-13 8165.00 8165.00 4348.00 4348.00 Rabi irrigation 2012-13 was in force upto dt. 17.05.13
122
2013-14 8165.00 8165.00 4176.46 4007.00 Rabi irrigation 2012-13 was in force upto dt. 17.05.13
2014-15 8165.00 8165.00 4400.00 660.00 Rabi irrigation 2014-15 was in force upto dt. 10.04.15
Minor Irrigation Projects
An Irrigation project facilitating irrigation potential above 40 hect. and up
to 2000 hect. is termed as Minor Irrigation Project (M.I.P). Deogarh Minor
Irrigation Division, was created after bifurcation of Sambalpur Minor Irrigation
Division in September 2012 and serves the entire Revenue area of Deogarh
District. 31 M. I. Ps including the category of Reservoir and Diversion Weir,
designed to provide 4660 hect. in Kharif and 209 hect. in Rabi cropping
seasons. The certified ayacut are 3113 ha in Kharif and 167.41 ha in Rabi.
Out of this 15 are completed and 8 are partly derelict and 6 are completely
derelict,2 are on-going project. Out of 2 ongoing projects 1 is in progress
under State Plan Funding and 1nos although find place in the on-going
category in M. I. Booklet but it is not funded under any scheme. As per
decision of Government the maintenance and repair works of the project is
being transferred to concerned Pani Panchayats in a phased manner. The
detaisl of minor irrigation are given in the following table.
No. of M. I. Sub-Divisions
2 nos i.e M.I.Sub-Divn,Deogarh.
2 nos. Block area Tileibani and Reamal Block and M.I. Sub-
Divn, Barkote in Barkote Block.
No. of M. I. Section 4 nos
Total no. of MIPs. 31 nos.
Kharif 4660 hect.
Rabi 209 hect.
Presently Providing Irrigation
Kharif 3113 hect.
Rabi 167.41 hect.
Lift Irrigation
In Deogarh District majority of the population depends on agriculture.
The irrigation facilities are inadequate to meet growing demand of agriculture
production. The monsoon rainfall is erratic, irregular and unpredictable for
growing crops in both Kharif and Rabi, which is the only livelihood for the
people of this area. Hence the Lift Irrigation can be treated as immediate
measure to increase in irrigation facilities. This will help the farmers to save
their Kharif Crops in drought like situation and to raise cash crops like
Ground Nut, Potatoes, Vegetables, Water Melon and Sun Flower etc in Rabi
Season.
123
There are 122 nos existing River Lift Projects in different village under
three Blocks of Deogarh District and all projects have already been handed
over to Pani Panchayat for smooth operation as per the guidelines made by
Government of Odisha and take responsibility for operation and
maintenance of the projects only energy charges will be deposited to
DISCO.
Sl No
Name of the Block
Nos. of existing L.I. Project as on 30.07.2015
Area in hect. Nos. of defunct L.I. Project as on 30.07.2015
Area in hect.
1 Barkote 43 960 2 40
2 Tileibani 26 548 3 60
3 Reamal 53 1180 4 84
TOTAL 122 2688 9 184
Government of Odisha has launched the scheme for exploitation of
ground water resources through construction of deep bore well in hard rock
areas of the State with a view to augment irrigation potential mostly in Blocks
which have less than 35percent irrigation. Total 1707 nos. of Deep Bore
Wells have already successfully drilled in Deogarh District from the year
2010-11 to 2013-14.
Soil Conservation and Watershed Development Programme in Deogarh
The Soil Conservation sub-division office, Deogarh was created during
the year 1997 after bifurcation from undivided Sambalpur District and started
functioning with effect from dt. 05.05.1997 in full-fledged manner. Prior to
that, it was a soil conservation range under the control of Asst. Soil
Conservation Officer, Kuchinda of the then Sambalpur district. Since its
creation, it has been functioning well covering entire Deogarh District.
Subsequently, in the year 2012, the post of Project Director Watersheds,
Deogarh was created in place of erstwhile Assistant Soil Conservation
Officer, Deogarh for restructuring of Soil Conservation Organization.
Sl No
Name of the Block
Nos of successfully drilled as on
30.07.15
Nos of Energised Bore Wells
as on 30.07.15
Area Programme in Hect.or
Balance Bore Wells
to be energised
Beneficiary share
collected as on 30.07.15
1 Barkote 724 213 426 511 489
2 Tileibani 423 111 222 312 251
3 Reamal 560 152 304 408 335
TOTAL 1707 476 952 1231 1075
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About 60 to 70percent area of Deogarh District comes under rain-fed
condition and its major portion is under Rengali Catchment of Brahmani
River System. Nominal portion of Tileibani Block (Loimura to border of
Kuchinda) comes under Hirakud Catchment of Mahanadi river system. The
details of works executed have been shown in the following table.
Sl. No. Soil Conservation Measures` No./ Area in hect.
1 Water Harvesting Structure(WHS) 83 Nos.
2 Diversion Weir 2 Nos.
3 Silt Retention Structure 52 Nos.
4 Farm Pond 700 Nos.
Watershed Management
Watershed Management is a single window, Integrated Area
Development Programme. Watershed is recognized as an ideal unity for
planning and Development of natural resources like Land, Water and
Vegetation in scientific manner and judicious use of these natural resources
by following suitable conservation measures are very much essential for
sustainable production. Now, IWMP is being implemented in the district
since 2010-11 on cluster approach basis.
In the district, there are 385 no. of Micro Watersheds identified, out of
which 295 Nos. (Priority-I), 77Nos. (Priority-II) and 13 no. in (Priority-III).
(Area in hect.)
Sl. No.
Scheme No. of Watersheds Taken Up
Total Treatable
Area
1 National Watershed Development Project for Rain fed Area (NWDPRA)
9 nos. 6560.11
2 River Valley Project (RVP) 8 nos. (Sub-Watersheds)
10052.03
3 Integrated Waste Land Development Project (IWDP)
26 nos. 13600.94
4 Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
94 nos. 52197.00
Livestock Resources
Deogarh district is endowed with rich forests, streams, grass lands and
happens to be a natural reservoir of food and fodder for animals. Animals
have been tamed and harnessed for performing domestic chore, farming
operations and in transportation. Some animals and birds were reared as a
part of fanciful living. The erstwhile kings of Deogarh were mostly dependent
on horses and elephants for conveyance, transportation and security
purposes. For pleasure, kings used to arrange „shikar‟ in dense forests, had
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caught and tamed elephants, and had opened even set up zoos and
menageries in the heart of the kingdom. They had set up „goshalas‟ to bread
and rear better breed of milch animals. . English veterinary surgeons were
appointed by the then kings to help rear better breed of cattle and to attend
to the health care of other livestock. The tall „Firangi‟ or English Vet who was
thus appointed and looking after the health care of horses and elephants in
the royal stable has gone into local lore. There was huge statue of a horse
standing over a pedestal beside the roof top of the present hospital of
Deogarh. The remnants of Hatisaal (elephant shed) and Ghodasaal (stable)
speak volumes of past contribution of the royals for animal care in Deogarh.
In the present set-up of livestock management in the district, Chief
District Veterinary Officer (CDVO) is the administrative head with one Sub-
Divisional Veterinary Officer, two Additional District Veterinary Officers and
one Nodal Officer for support. There are 3 Veterinary Dispensaries, one in
each block Head Quarters. District Veterinary Hospital is located at District.
Deogarh headed by Deputy Director Clinics. Sub-Divisional Veterinary
Officer Deogarh is the Superintendent of all Veterinary Dispensaries. There
are a total of 20 Nos. of Livestock Aid Centres operating at GP level. Under
self-employment scheme, 18 numbers of Gomitras are working in the district
exclusively looking after the artificial insemination and vaccination
Programmes.
After formation of new district, the infrastructural development of the
department gathered momentum. At the district headquarters, a veterinary
complex came up with construction of the new CDVO office building, District
Diagnostic Laboratory and District Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
(SGSY) Hatchery. The new District Veterinary Hospital and Sub-Divisional
Veterinary Office buildings are under construction to provide better amenities
for livestock care.
Animal Husbandry Practices in Deogarh
Of the total of the district more than 85 percent earn their livelihood
through different animal husbandry practices. The reasons for this are
shrinkage of agricultural land, up-gradation of indigenous stocks and
assured income. Over a period of time, the socio-economic status of the
small and marginal farmers has improved through adoption of updated
technology. Government facilitation in providing various inputs like mini-kits
for fodder cultivation, vaccines against infectious diseases, health care and
management, skill up-gradation training on better animal husbandry
practices, etc. have enthused farmers to take to animal husbandry. Effective
market linkage has encouraged the promotion of different livestock products
and has provided value for money for cattle and poultry products.
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Livestock Wealth of Deogarh District
In Deogarh district upgraded Holstein, Friesian, Red Sindhi and Jersey
cows have come up due to successful Artificial Insemination Programme
(AIP). Vanaraja breed of poultry genetically developed by ICAR are most
productive and suitable to local condition.
There had been marginal drop in cattle population in the district of
Deogarh since 2007. With the ongoing breeding Programme, it has been
enhanced significantly during 2012. Buffalo and poultry population show
decreasing trend. But, goat population has shown a steady growth. It
signifies that goat population increased due to implementation of NMPS
(National Mission for Protein Supplement) Programme. Further, BAIF
(Bharatiya Agro Industries Federation) activities in clusters of 3 different
blocks boosted the goatery activities.
Livestock Wealth of Deogarh District
Cattle Indigenous 163515 167175
Cross Breed 3660
Buffalo 4022 Sheep 3688 Goat 133991 Pig 1974 Poultry 75653
Present Status of Livestock Output (Milk, Meat and Eggs)
Sl. No. Type of output Quantity produced per year
1 Milk 12.179 MT
2 Meat 0 .769MT
3 Eggs 6.769 Millions
Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (D.D.L.)
Activities of the Deogarh District Diagnostic Laboratory (DDL) are as
follows.
1. To provide diagnostic services to the farmers relating to various
diseases
2. To ensure close surveillance of different infectious and contagious
diseases
3. Help in combating outbreak of livestock and poultry diseases in the
district in collaboration with ADRI (Animal Disease Research Institute),
Phulnakhra, Cuttack.
4. Different tests conducted in DDL like faecal, blood and urine sample
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Bharatiya Agro Industries Federation (BAIF)
This is a non-governmental organization which has been in operation in
Deogarh District since 2010 to sposor and assist in the area of agro products
and industries. There are 5 clusters i.e. Samantarapali, Basaloi, Adas,
Kendijuri and Tinkbir covering 152 villages in 16 GPs covering 3962 families.
About 32,788 goat population is covered by 300 goat keepers. During May
2013, the first ever goat rally was organized by BAIF at Samantarapali
centre with the participation of 2429 number of goats.
Diseases of Cattle/Buffalo- Haemorrhagic septicemia (HS), Black
Quarter(BQ), Tetanus, Colibacilosis, Mastitis, Enteritis, Theleiriasis , Surra,
Listeriasis, Mange , Nasal Granuloma (NG), Bunostomiasis, Fascioliasis,
Ascasis infestation, Foot and Mouth Disease(FMD), Rabies, Ketosis,
Hypocalcaemia, Hypomagnecaemia
Diseases of Sheep/Goats:- Peste des Petites Ruminants(PPR), Goat
Pox, Contagious ecthyma, Rabies, Enteritis, Caprine Arthritis, Listeriosis,
Enterotoximia, Fascioliasis, Ascasis, Hemonchous infestation,
Dermatophytosis,
Diseases of poultry:- Fowl pox, New Castle Disease, Avian Infectious
Bronchitis, Avian infectious Laringotrachitis, Bacillary White Diarrhea (BWD)
Coccidiosis.
Veterinary Hospitals, Dispensaries and Livestock Aid Centres
Sl. No.
Name of the block
Name of the VD/ Hospital
Name of the LAC Name of the GP /
Municipality covered
1 Reamal
Veterinary Dispensary
Reamal
- Reamal, Maleipada, Adas, Tabada, Gundiapali, Budido
Tarang Tarang, Tuhilamal
Tinkbir Tinkbir, Naulipada, Nuadihi, Khilei, Kantabahal, Lulang
Palsama Palsoma, Utunia, Karlaga,Baghbar
Budhapal Budhapal, Para
Kundheigola Kundheigola, Chadheimara,
2 Tileibani
Veterinary Dispensary
Tileibani
Tileibani
Barghat Kendeijuri
Kansar Kansar, Sado, dholpada
Dudhianali Dudhianali, Talkundi
Laimura Laimura
Parposi Parposi
Phulpatharkhol Jharagogua
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Dimirikuda Dimirikuda
3 Deogarh
(Municipality)
Veterinary Hospital
Deogarh
- Deogarh Municipality Area
Suguda
Suguda, Baniakilinda, Chhepilipali, Badchapal
Tainsar Tainsar
4 Barkote
Veterinary Dispensary
Barkote
Danra,Singsal,Balanda,
Kadapada,Jharakandhal,
Kelda
Kalla Kalla, Bamparada,
Kaliapal
Gursang Gursang, Sarualli
Raitabahal Raitabahal, Madhyapur
Kandhal
Kkandhal, Balam,Bijaynagar,
Dandasinga
Dantaraibahal Dantaribahal,
Basalai Basalai, Kaunsibahal
Current Activities of Animal husbandry and livestock rearing
Artificial Insemination
It is a regular and ongoing activity of the department for up-gradation of
native cattle population to increase productivity through utilization of Frozen
Semen Technology.
Vaccination
Preventive measures through pre-emptive and advanced vaccination
are a regular feature in the district against contagious diseases like
Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Black Quarter, Anthrax and FMD in bovine
species, PPR, Goat Pox, Enterotoxaemia in Caprine species and RD (R2B
vaccine) in poultry birds to check the outbreak.
Sample Survey
Survey on production of milk, meat and egg is conducted seasonally
(Summer, Rainy and Winter) taking 10 sample villages in each season for
estimation of district milk, meat and egg production .
Fodder Development
The department ensures supply of Fodder Mini-kits (Seasonally) free of
cost to the farmers. Under this Hybrid Napiers, Para grass roots, M.Pchari,
cow pea, maize seeds in mini kits used to be provided.
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National Mission for Protein Supplement (NMPS)
State Government Scheme for goatery Farmer in which the beneficiary
will be approved by Concerned PRI members, BDO and BVO/ VAS. In this
scheme the beneficiary will purchase 50 female goats does and 3 Bucks and
build goatery shed as per guideline. Beneficiary will get total amount of Rs.
52,000/- Rupees (Fifty two thousands) only in three instalment. In this
scheme 11 units are established for the year 2011-2012, 9 units for 2012-13
and 13 units are in progress for 2014-15.
Mobile Veterinary Unit (MVU)
The MVU is one of the flagships Programme of the department
operating in all 314 blocks in order to ensure effective veterinary service
delivery in remote areas. MVU started in Deogarh District recently during
2014. Under state Government scheme implemented during the end of
2013-2014, that operated in 3 blocks of Deogarh dist. MVU constitute one
retired VAS, retired LI and attended under the supervision of concerned
BVO/VAS. The aim of the Programme is to strengthen the service delivery
mechanism so as to ensure better accessibility of services at the farmer‟s
door level.
Training and Awareness
Different type of training and awareness Programmes are conducted in
district regarding timely vaccination, deworming, scientific health care and
management of livestock. Farmers are motivated for artificial insemination
and Fodder Cultivation.
Promotions of Dairy Entrepreneurs
Dairy loans for 2-10 animals is a maximum of Rs.5 lakhs. Farmer gets
25 percent subsidy in case of general category and 33 percent for SC/ST
category. In this scheme 703 applications are sponsored to different Banks
and 47 applications are sanctioned against 26 targets till 2015.
Holstein Friesan Red Sindhi cow Jersey cow
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Binjhapuri cow Murrah Female Buffalo Jafarabadi Male
Indigenous Pig Black Bengal Goat
Vanaraja Backyard Poultry Khaki Cambel Duck
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Short-term Subvention
In this scheme farmer can avail loan maximum 3 lakhs for feed, fodder
cultivation, shed repair, replacement of cow etc. farmer get 5percent interest
subvention on working capital and additionddal 3 percent interest subvention
will be provided for Prompt repayment of loan maximum subsidy is Rs.
24,000/- per farmer. In this scheme 210 applications have been sponsored
to different banks and only 37 applications have been sanctioned against a
target of 58.
Long-term Subvention
Farmers which takes loan in PDE, DEDS will be taken in this scheme
and get 3percent interest submission on term loan , additional 2percent
interest submission will be provided for prompt repayment of loan .Maximum
subsidy amount is Rs. 50,000/- per farmer. In this scheme 13 in targets
which will be achieved from PDE beneficiary on prompt repayment.
Livestock Insurance
It is new scheme implemented for management of Risk and
Uncertainties by providing protection mechanism to farmers against any
eventual loss of animals due to death. As Deogarh comes under LWE district
have been more subsidy in premium then normal district. For one year rate
of premium is 1.15percent and 3.25 percent for three years of animal cost.
BPL/SC/ST has to give 20 percent of the total premium for one year and
other 40 percent of the premium for three year. Rest amount of premium is
provided by Government. Under the scheme farmer will cover maximum 5
large animals and 50 small animals. Farmer can insure more than specified
limit by giving 100percent premium without subsidy. Value of animal like
dairy cattle is minimum Rs.3000/- per litter and buffalo is minimum Rs.
4000/- per litter.
Special Prevention for Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
The SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), 59th
amendment of 1960 Act and 26th amendment of 1982 Act, known as the
SPCA Act of 1960 is duly implemented in the district. Indian Animal Welfare
Board has been formed in line with the said act. The state‟s apex society
operates in Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. The
district bodies are registered and functions as per the regulation. For proper
nutrition and to meet the fodder needs of the domestic livestock and to
encourage seasonal fodder production, the department provide free of cost
Fodder Minikits to the farmers.
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Future Prospective Plan
The district veterinary set-up has drawn up an ambitious development
plan for the future in consonance with the poolicy of the State Government.
Following are the focus areas of the prospective plan.
i) Special focus on dairy development activities through opening of
MPCS taking support of OMFED
ii) Opening of milk, egg and icecream parlours in urban and semi-urban
area.
iii) Operationalise hatchery to supply chicks at reasonable price to
backyard poultry farmers for their economical upliftment.
iv) Strengthening disease surveillance through District Diagnostic
Laboratory (DDL) to control diseases like Anthrax, H.S., B.Q., FMD,
Bird flu, Mastitis, etc.
v) Propagation scientific veterinary management practices to
strengthening socio-economic status of the rural people like
introduction of improved germplasm in the native breeds
vi) Explore and vitalize marketing chain/linkage through formation of milk
and egg societies.
vii) Promotion if Commercial Agro Entrepreneurs.
viii) Promotion of better fodder production and azolla culture.
ix) Regular Training on Capacity building to needy farmers will be given
priority.
Rearing of Banaraja Dual Purpose Poultry Bird
Backyard poultry rearing is a part of daily farm activity of the tribal
farm families in Deogarh District. But rearing of desi breed and lack of
scientific knowledge in poultry lead to high mortality and morbidity and
farmers fetch less income. Realizing this problem KVK, Deogarh has
introduced Banaraja a dual purpose poultry bird under FLD Programme.
Technological vaccination practices, feeding and rearing managements
were provided to farmers with support of veterinary staffs. It was very
successful due to its characteristics over the local backyard poultry. The
farmers are interested to rear in large quantities. Now this Programme has
been very popular among SHGs and farmers of different villages of
Deogarh district.
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Comparison between Banaraja and local poultry
Item Banaraja Local
Male (body weight at 6 months in kg) 3.0 – 3.5 1.0 – 1.5
Female (body weight at 6 months in kg) 2.5 – 3.0 0.75 – 1.25
Egg production per annum 160 60
Egg weight (gm) 45 – 55 25 – 30
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Fisheries Status of Deogarh District
Topographically the district is land locked and predominantlyforest-clad.
The Brahmani is the major river that passes through the district impounding
Rengali reservoir and Gohira is the other river in the district on which the
Gohira reservoir has been impounded.
As far as Fisheries is concerned the district has a number of water
bodies in the form of tanks, pond, MIPs and Reservoirs. District Deogarh has
a better scope for reservoir fisheries due to presence of vast resources.
Resources available in Deogarh District:
Resources Area in Hect.
GP Tanks 419.15
Private Tanks 387.42
Municipality 1.20
Others 79.20
Total 886.97
Reservoir
Large reservoir, Rengali 16,250.00
Medium reservoir, Gohira 686.00
Total 16,936.00
Rivers and canals 7,508.00
Strategies for Fisheries Development:
The prime objective of Fisheries Devggelopment in the district is the
production of fish to meet the domestic demand as well as to maintain the
livelihood of fish farmers and fishermen by selling the harvested fish in
domestic market and commercial outlets outside the district and state. Due
to the Government intervention there has been an increasing trend in the
fish production of the district over the years from 3078.46 MT in 2009-10 to
5268.30 MT in 2014-15.
The Fisheries Department has embarked on a mission on increasing
fish production in the next five years through both horizontal and vertical
expansion of the resources.
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Fish farming tank under construction Intensive fish farming tank
Fish seed and fingerlings production Fish netted from farmer’s tank
In horizontal expansion it has been proposed to create new water
bodies and renovate the old ones so that a good number of projects are
added to the culturable water resources each year for production of fish
through the following schemes.
1. Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme (MGNREGS) multipurpose farm ponds of 0.20 Ha water spread
area is excavated in the land of BPL/ small/ Marginal/ S.C./ S.T. families
with 100 percent financial assistance.
2. Fish farmers irrespective of their economic status are given technical
and logistic support through Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) for
promotion of pisciculture with access to institutional finance and subsidy
from this agency.
3. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) aims to realise the
potential through scientific, managerial and financial support to fish farmers
and entrepreneurs.
4. Nation Mission for Protein Supplement (NMPS) aims at creating water
bodies by farmers with subsidy assistance to produce fish minimum of 5
tons per hect.
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For promotion of intensive aquaculture and establishment of fish seed
hatcheries additional subsidy is provided under state plan.
Apart from the pond Development, under vertical expansion it has been
proposed to raise the fish production and the productivity of the cultivable
water bodies to 5 MT and above per Ha by adopting better management
practices i.e. use of fertilizers, manures, quality fish seeds and balanced
formulated feed. Short term credit support is also provided to the farmers for
the procurement of the inputs for which interest subvention is being granted
to the farmers.
Reservoir Fisheries
There is better scope for reservoir fisheries since it contributes more
than 80percent of the total water resources of the district. There are two
reservoirs namely, Rengali (16250Hect.) and Gohira (686 Hect.) providing
scope for above 3000 fishermen to maintain their livelihood through fishing.
The reservoir fish production and the productivity level is low because the
water bodies are not regularly stocked with fish fingerlings by the
beneficiaries cooperatives. Government have taken steps and part of
reservoir is being stocked with advance size fish seed of 100 mm and above
through NFDB Assistance. Under infrastructure Development, captive
nurseries have been constructed at reservoir site through NFDB Assistance
to promote raising of fingerlings for stocking the reservoir so as to achieve
the productivity (fish) level of more than 200 Kg per Hect.
Fish Seed Demand and Supply
Quality fish seed is the major input for successful farming and assured
fish production. To cater to the need of the farmers, quality fish seed are
being supplied from the departmental farms, Odisha Pisciculture
Development Corporation hatchery and private fingerling growers. The fish
seed stocking in the district has been raised from 21.36 lakhs in 2009-10 to
92.47 lakhs during 2014-15. The index shows a rapid growth in fish farming
in the district.
Fishermen Population and Fisheries Co-Operatives:
The fishermen population in the district is estimated at 4260 persons.
For their livelihood and income generation fishermen are engaged in fishing
in Rengali reservoir, Gohira reservoir, river Bramhani river and Gohira nalla
with traditional crafts (boats) and gears (nets and traps). There are four
registered Primary Fishermen Co-operative Societies (PFCS) having 1107
members of which three PFCS are operating in Rengali reservoir and one in
Gohira reservoir. Fishermen between the age group of 18 to 70 years are
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insured under Group Accident Insurance Scheme to avail benefits in the
eventuality of death or disability. For the welfare of fishermen, package of
assistance like marketing infrastructure, economic assistance to women
SHG, grant of scholarship to meritorious children of fishermen, treatment
against fatal diseases and provision of housing under Model Fishermen
Villages and Matshyajibi Basagruha Yojana are being implemented.
Ornamental Fish Farming
Keeping of ornamental fish in aquarium for decorating houses has
become a part of present day life style. About 70 women beneficiaries are
involved in ornamental fish production and marketing trade in the district. In
addition to their house hold activities the women are involved in production
and rearing of ornamental fish in their backyard hatcheries and fishes are
sold to the customer locally and outside the district. The business has gained
momentum. The Landijhari village of Barkote Block has attracted attention of
ornamental fish collectors and is fondly addressed as Ornamental Fish
village.
The district administration has extended financial assistance and
organizational support through Odisha livelihood mission.
Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)
Integrated farming systems can be conceptualized as a „third way‟ or middle
course for agriculture between conventional and organic farming. The poor
rain fed farmers with small land holdings mainly concentrate on crop
production with erratic rainfall and degraded soil fertility and health.
Experiment was conducted through Front Line Demonstration Programme in
village Bangalimunda by combination of crops life: maize + poultry (50 birds)
+ paddy straw mushroom (100 beds) + vermicompost + off-season
vegetables (tomato, brinjal, chilli, cabbage and cauliflower).
Natural Calamities, Disaster Management, Climate Change and Impact
on Agriculture
Success of Kharif crops mostly depends on the even and adequate
rainfall distribution during June to end of September of the Year. But as per
reports, it is revealed that after 2000 in every alternate year there is
occurrence of either drought or slight flood situation in some of the areas
through sand casting in crop fields. Drought situation and uneven distribution
of rainfall lead to failure of crop production and loss of yield. It prevails due to
climate change. Due to rapid climate change farmers are able to come up
with with crop planning. Out of total quantum of Annual Rainfall received,
80percent is received in a span of 4 months (June- Sept) which
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quantitatively enough for most of the crops need. However the aberration in
temporal and spatial distribution makes the crop vulnerable to drought as
well as flood. Such adverse effect on crops can be combated in two ways:-
(i) Preventive Measures
(ii) Contingent Plans and Drought Ameliorative Measures.
Drought Prevention Measure
Among the different Kharif crops the upland rice is most affected by
drought. Therefore diversified land use with low duty non- paddy crops is the
best option in these lands. In real sense the technology available to mitigate
drought is mostly preventive in nature and require early planning. Some of
the important preventive measures that can be adopted early in the season
to mitigate the impact of drought and augment sustainable crop production
are;
a. Data base of the farmers should be maintained at the Government
level for the selection of beneficiaries for real time supply / Distribution
of seeds and Fertilizer at the time of need.
b. Positioning of seed, Fertilizer and other inputs should be regularly
monitored for effective supply to the farmers at the time of need.
c. Give importance for raising fodder crops in upland and the drought
may be considered as an opportunity for livestock production.
d. Scientist of SAU, KVKs and Central Government and Agricultural
officers from State Government may be involved in regular inspection;
monitoring and managing the drought situation with each one given
responsibility for an area say a block.
e. Application of FYM in upland and medium land should be encouraged
to conserve more moisture in the root zone.
Drought Amelioration Measures and Contingent Plans
There are 3 distinct period for Kharif season relating to crop growth
stage and associated farm practices. Depending on the rainfall onset and
pattern of distribution, seven type of scenario have been projected and
required contingent measures have been suggested.
Much has been done. Yet much is to be done in this sector.
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Early Season Drought (June 10 to July 31)
Scenario 1:- Early onset and sudden stoppage of monsoon.
Scenario 2:- Late on set, up lands not covered till mid- July.
(a) Mid- Season Drought (August-1 to Sept 15)
Scenario 3: Non paddy crop in upland affected,
Scenario 4-: Beushaning of rice delayed,
Scenario 5:- Transplanting of rice delayed/ Seedling overage.
Scenario 6:- Beushaning / Transplanted Rice affected at early vegetative
stage.
(b) Late Season Drought (Sept- 16 – Oct-31)
Scenario 7:- Medium to Low land rice affected at vegetative/ reproductive
stage.
Major causes of crop loss and compensatory action taken
Major causes of crop loss during Kharif Seasons due to primarily
moisture stress condition/ Drought situation at critical stage of the crop i.e
panicle initiation and ripening stage and other secondary reason is due to
attack of pest and disease at different growth stage even if at productive
stage of the crop.
Compensatory measure for moisture stress / Drought situation
Providing assistance for agriculture input subsidy to the affected
farmers after joint inspection / survey by the staffs of Revenue and
Agriculture Department as admissible time to time by the Special relief
Commissioner under Disaster Management Scheme.
Providing Minikits/ Demonstration to the farmers suffered Crop loss
through Agriculture Department. Supply of pump set under subsidy scheme
Relaxation of required crop loan instalment either extending the
repayment phase or totally exemption of loan in severe cases.
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CHAPTER- VI
BANKING, COMMERCE, TRADE AND BUSINESS
History
Eventhough Bamanda State had its own printed paper currency
introduced during the reign of Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb, the history of
banking in Deogarh district is traced back only to the year 1940-1942 when
the Raja Bhanuganga Tribhuvan Deb established a bank. There was no
organized banking before that in Deogarh district. Not much is known about
the first bank and the nature of business conducted by the bank. The usual
pattern of money lending, and other credit systems like mortgage and
pawning was conducted by village moneylenders like Saukars, Mahajans
and Gountias who were unchallenged in their areas for generations together
before 1945. In 1945 a Central Cooperative bank was opened in Sambalpur
district and had within its ambit the Bamanda state also, more so the
Kuchinda area. After merger of Bamanda state with Odisha in 1948
Deogarh became a Sub-division of Sambalpur and the cooperative bank
started its operations in Deogarh area in a small scale. The moneylenders,
Sahukars and Mahajans continued to be the basic creditors till 1978-79
controlling the bulk of lending in the rural area. As they operated with their
own funds and of interest realisation; the people had the easy access to the
creditors in comparison to the institutionalised banking system. These
creditors were operating without ever coming within the purview of the
Reserve Bank of India and other regulations. In some measure such money
lending business still exists in certain pockets of the district, but in a
surreptitious manner.
There was another class of moneylenders „the Kishtiwalas‟ or the
Kabuliwalas, the old moneylenders from Kabul. They went from village to
village to lend small amounts to the cultivators and others in need of
seasonal finance at exorbitant rates of interest. These moneylenders did not
require any collateral or any other security and applied brute force for
realization of their debt. The general poverty due to deficit agricultural
economy, the rural poor was compelled to easy access the creditors for their
requirement.
Prior to the opening of grain-golla Co-operatives in 1955, the village
money lenders, Gountias and others having some surplus funds were
lending paddy loans @ 50 per cent interest in kind and also asking the
borrowers to do some agricultural operation free of wages giving them some
food for the working days. The grain-gollas provided paddy loans at lower
rate of interest viz. 25 % and in some cases 20% for which the
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moneylenders were compelled to reduce their rate of interest. The Marwari
traders also were issuing cash loans with understanding that the cultivators
will supply their produce after harvesting at the rate fixed by the traders
which was always lower than the prevailing market rate. Money lending by
these groups of moneylenders however gradually reduced due to the
opening of the co-operative societies who provide loans both in cash and
kind. These Co-operative societies also linked the credit with marketing of
produce.
In the year 1967 the Primary Land Mortgage Bank opened its branch at
Deogarh providing long term loans to the agriculturist for improvement of
land. The Sambalpur District Central Cooperative Bank after merger with the
Bargarh Central Cooperative Bank in 1956 started operating in Deogarh
having 3 branches. At present this bank is operating very successfully
through its 29 Primary Cooperative societies spread over 60 gram
panchayats in all the three Blocks in the district. The Sambalpur District
Central Cooperative (SDCCB) bank is one of the major players in economic
development of the poor in the district. It is also providing cash credit to non-
agricultural credit societies.
The Deogarh Regional Marketing Cooperative Society was formed in
the year 1961-62 with 96 members and owned a share capital of
Rs.Rs.2,27,390/-. The Society has the area of operation having 8 to 10
Panchayat Samitis comprising 50 to 60 grain-golla Cooperative Societies.
The Regional Marketing Society are mainly engaged in distribution of
chemical fertilizers to grain-golla cooperative societies who in turn supply
these commodities to producers of their areas. The Regional Marketing
Cooperative Society also is engaged in procurement of rice and paddy under
state trading scheme and functions as authorized dealers in cement, wheat,
consumer goods and certain agricultural inputs like fertilizer, insecticide and
pesticide, etc.
Details of Deogarh Regional Marketing Cooperative Society is detailed
below as on 1961-62 as under:
(in Rs.)
Members Share Capital
Reserve fund and others
Deposits Borrowings Purchases Sales
96
2,27,390
14,047
873
32,847
99,010
2,39,739
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The types of Cooperative Societies functioning in the district at present
are as under:-
Sl.No Type of Co-op. Society
(CS) Total
1 PACS 29
2 RCMS 1
3 CARD BANK 1
4 SDHBCS 1
5 FMCS 2
6 VGCS 1
7 Credit CS 1
8 ST and SC MPCS 1
9 Total 38
Advent of Commercial Bank
Consequent upon nationalization of banks in 1969, commercial banks
gradually started opening of branches in different parts of unbanked areas.
UCO Bank opened its first branch at Deogarh on 29.05.1970, followed by
the State Bank of India on 30.11.1976, Central Bank of India on 07.07.1983
and also the Bolangir Anchalik Gramya Bank (Now Utkal Garmeen Bank)
opened its first branch in Deogarh on 19.12.1883.
Presently 12 Public sector bank with 25 branches, one Gramin bank
with 8 branches and 3 private sector banks and Sambalpur District
Cooperative Bank (SDCCB) with 3 branches are operating in the district.
Total of 39 branches are operating in the district. Two more banks viz.
Allahabad Bank and Syndicate Bank have completed their survey and likely
to open the branch shortly in the district. In addition, there are 29
cooperative Societies operating under 3 SDCCB spreading all over the three
blocks in the district contributing to the economic development of the people
of Deogarh district. The State Bank of India with 6 branches is the Lead
Bank in the district. In addition to this there are 41 CSPs operating in the
district and 31 ATM counters opened by 9 public sector bank and two private
sector banks. There is also a Cash Deposit Machine (CDM) opened by the
State Bank of India catering to the banking need of the people of the district.
The Details of branch network with the performance in short as on
31.03.2015 has been shown in table below.
142
Annexure-I
BANKING AT A GLANCE IN DEOGARH DISTRICT
AS ON 31st
MARCH- 2015
PARTICULARS Mar-15
TOTAL NO. OF BRANCHES 38
a Rural Branches 22
b Semi Urban branches 16
c Urban branches 0
BRANCH NETWORK 38
a Public sector Branches 25
b Private Sector Banks 2
c RRBs 8
d Co operatives 3
e Cooperative Societies 29
f Others 0
PSB Pvt. RRB SDCCB
Total Deposits 523.83 31.65 64.90 113.73 734.11
Total Advances 135.07 9.69 30.90 107.31 282.97
Total Business 658.90 41.34 95.80 221.04 1017.08
Credit Deposit Ratio In % 0.26 0.31 0.48 0.94 0.39
Total Priority Sector
Advances- Outstanding 109.35 3.40 28.04 106.11 246.89
% Of Ps Advances To Total Advance 80.96 35.09 90.74 99.00 87.25
Total Agl Sector Advances Outstanding 56.19 0.88 18.37 97.50 160.18
Cd Ratio 26 31 48 94 39
Share Of Different Banks
Percentage Of Agriculture Advances To Total Advance 56.61%
Achievement Under ACP 2014-15 (% ) ACP Target Achievement %
A
TOTAL ACP-2014-15
206.99 172.47 83.32
B Priority Sector 201.61 163.46 81.08
C Agriculture 157.32 130.29 82.82
The details of the performance of these banks as on 31.03.2015 under
different schemes has been given separately in Annexure-II .
143
The broad sector-wise projections for 2015-16 are indicated below.
(Rs.in Lakh)
Sl. No.
Sector / Activity
Financial Projections for 2015-16
1 Crop Production, Maintenance and Marketing
10705.38
2 Term investment for Agriculture and Allied Activities (Agri., Term Loan)
7188.39
3 Total investment under Agriculture and Allied Activities (1+2)
17893.77
4 MSME Sector including Food and Agro processing 1560.93 5 Other priority Sector (OPS) 4556.00 Total Priority Sector (3+4+5) 24010.70
The details of sector wise financial projections for the financial year
2015-16 is as under:-
(Rs in Lakh)
Sr. No. Sub-Sector
Financial Projection
for 2015-16 1 Crop Production, Maintenance and Marketing 10705.38 2 Water Resources 817.82 3 Land Development 234.94 4 Farm Mechanization 2108.34 5 Plantation and Horticulture 999.24 6 Forestry and Waste Land Development 196.89 7 Animal Husbandry – Dairy Development 404.21 8 Animal Husbandry – Poultry Development 282.79 9 Animal Husbandry – Sheep, Goat and Piggery
Development 968.24
10 Fisheries Development 426.87 11 Storage Godowns / Market Yards 672.00 12 Renewable Sources of Energy and Waste Management 32.40 13 Other Activities 44.65 14 Total Term loans for Agriculture ( 2 to 13) 7188.39 15 Total investment under Agriculture (1+14) 17893.77 16 Food and Agro Processing 208.80 17 MSME Investment and Working Capital for Development
of Enterprises and Self Employment 1352.13
18 MSME Total (16 + 17) 1560.93 19 Other Priority Sector 4556.00 20 Grand Total (Total Priority Sector ) (15 + 18 + 19) 24010.70
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
The PMMY has been launched by the Prime minister on 08.04.2015.
For popularizing the scheme for benefit of the small entrepreneurs under
SME segment throughout the country the Mega Credit camp under MUDRA
has been conducted from 25.09. to 02.10.2015.
Under the scheme there are three categories of loan that can be
sanctioned to the prospective borrowers i.e. i) Sisu up to Rs.50,000/-ii)
Kishore above 50,000 to 5,00,000/- and iii) Taruni above 5,00,000 and up to
10,00,000/-The special benefit under the scheme is that it does not require
any third party guarantee and collateral security.
144
In Deogarh district the Mega MUDRA camp was held on 29.09.2015
and about 500 prospective borrowers have participated in the camp. Total
number of loan sanctioned on the day was 178 to the tune of Rs.86.27 lacs
and total number of MUDRA loan sanctioned from 01.09.2015 to 01.10.2015
was 346 and amount sanctioned was Rs.129.61lacs.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
There are 60 GPs in the district having 75,452 households as per 2011
census. The survey conducted by the banks under PMJDY has revealed that
out of 75,452, households 63,569 households were having at least one bank
account. Another 11,883 accounts have been opened under PMJDY during
the survey covering all households in the district.
There are 51 Sub-Service Area(SSA) in 60 GPs in the district out of
which 17 SSAs have been covered by 17 bank branches and 14 SSAs have
been covered by the BC/CSPs of different banks.
Insurance
There is only one Sub Office of Life Insurance Corporation of India in
the district dealing exclusively with life insurance business catering to the
need of the entire district. However, after financial reform in the year 1991-92
and opening of the economy, numberof private players in the field of
insurance has come up in the district. At present the commercial banks
including private banks are undertaking both general/ health and life
insurance business covering live stocks, shop keepers(Fire theft and
rubbery/burglary etc.) vehicle insurance etc.
As per information received for LIC of India Sub Office, Deogarh, there
is no branch opened at Deogarh and the sub office is functioning under
branch. The sub office is only meant for collection of premium.
Accordingly the number of policy as on 31.03.2015 stands at 2985, The
sum assured is for Rs.57,13,28,731/- and Premium amount collected during
this period is Rs.4,70,46,257/-
The performance of the LIC as on 30.09.2015 is as under.
No. of Policy- 1047
Amount of Premium collected- Rs. 2.12 crs
Sum assured is Rs. 29,56,86,650/-.
There is another business centre of Oriental Insurance Co .Ltd.
Operating since March 2013 under the Kuchinda mostly covering the
general insurance (motor vehicls, Shop Keepers and health insurance). As
on 31.03.2015 the office has collected a sum of Rs.20.77 lakhs as premium
145
from 547 number of policyholders. As on 30.09.2105 the OIC has collected
Rs.8.55 lakhs as premium from 213 number of policyholders.
Crop Insurance
Government of Odisha has been implementing the National Agricultural
Insurance Scheme (NAIS), otherwise known as Rastriya Krushi Bima Yojana
(RKBY) through all the banks and PACS/LAMPS to provide insurance
coverage to both loanee and non-loanee farmers for the notified crops
during the crop seasons. The scheme is implemented by the Agriculture
Insurance Company of India (AICI). The insurer settles the claims against
the crop loss on the basis of yield data. In Deogarh paddy is the notified crop
for the both Kharif and Rabi season for which the Gram Panchayat is the unit
area. Besides, banana has been declared as notified crops for Kharif in 2015
for which unit areas are Barkote and Reamal blocks.
National Agriculture Insurance Scheme
Objectives of the NAIS are to provide insurance coverage and financial
support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a
result of natural calamities, pests and diseases, to encourage the farmers to
adopt progressive farming practices, high value crops and higher technology
in agriculture, and to help stabilize farm income, particularly in disaster
years.
All farmers growing insurable notified crops are eligible to be covered
under NAIS on the following basis.
a) Compulsory basis: All farmers growing insurable notified crops in the
notified defining areas and availing crop from Financial Institutions within
stipulated time limit i.e. Loanee Farmers.
b) Voluntary basis: All other farmers growing insurable notified crops in
the notified defining areas (Non-Loanee farmers) that opt for the scheme.
Those farmers desirous of joining the Scheme are to fill up Proposal Form of
the Scheme and submit the same to the branch of a Commercial Bank (CB)
or Regional Rural Bank (RRB), or PACS (DCCB) with the requisite insurance
charge/premium amount after opening an Account in their name or in an
existing Account in their name. The functionaries in Branch/PACS shall
assist farmers in completing the Proposal form and provide necessary
guidance. While accepting the Proposal and the insurance charges, it shall
be the responsibility of such Branch / PACS to verify the particulars of sum
insured, maximum limit etc. The Branch / PACS shall thereafter consolidate
these particulars and send them to the respective Nodal points.
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Unit Area for Crop Insurance are as follows:
1 Paddy All Gram Panchayat/ Municipality/NACs
2 Banana Block (Barkot and Reamal)
Yield Data
The yield data in respect of paddy, ground nut, and maize and jute crop
are furnished by the Director, Economics and statistics; in respect of Niger,
Cotton and red gram crops by the Director, Agriculture and Food production
and in respect of Turmeric, Ginger and Banana crops by the Director,
Horticulture to the Government In Cooperation Department well in advance
so as to enable the Cooperation Department to furnish data to the
Agriculture insurance Company within the stipulated time limit.
Claims
Indemnity claim is settled only on the basis of yield data furnished by
the State Government in Cooperative Department based on requisite
number of Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) conducted under General Crop
Estimation Survey (GCES). Four Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) are
taken up per Gram Panchayat for paddy for estimation of yield data as per
the direction of Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation.
Illustration of settlement of claim
If the „Actual Yield‟ (AY) per Acre of the insured crop for the defined
area on the basis of requisite number of Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) in
the insured season, falls short of the specified „Threshold Yield‟ (TY), all the
insured farmers growing that crop in the defined area are deemed to have
suffered shortfall in their yield. The Scheme seeks to provide coverage
against such contingency.
„Indemnity‟ is calculated as per the following formula:
Shortfall in yield multiplied (x) by sum Insured for the farmer
Threshold yield
Shortfall = „Threshold Yield – Actual Yield‟ for the Defined Area
Threshold Yield = Percentage of Average Yield or Level of Indemnity.
For example Level of Indemnity for Paddy is 60% of Average Yield
Sum Insured
For the loanee farmer the Sum Insured is cent percent of the crop loan
at normal premium rate. Sum Insured can be up to the value of the
Threshold Yield (TY) at the same normal premium rate. Further there is
option to cover up to 150% of the average yield (AY) of the crop, on payment
of premium at actuarial rate for the differential amount between value of loan
147
amount / TY and 150% of AY and in case of non-loanee farmers, the limit of
coverage is up to threshold yield (TY) value at normal premium rate with an
option to cover 150% of the average yield (AY) on payment of premium at
actuarial rate for the differential amount of Sum Insured.
Subsidy
The premium subsidy for the small and marginal farmers is 10% of the
gross premium equally shared by Central and State Government.
Regulated Market Committee, Deogarh
The Regulated Market Committee, Deogarh has been established by
the State Government vide Notification NO.8206 dtd. 6.5.1994 as per
permission of Sec-3 of OAPM Act, 1953. The Market Committee started
functioning from dated 04.01.1995.
The aim and objective of establishment of Deogarh RMC is to provide
better regulation of buying and selling of Agricultural produces and to ensure
remunerative prices to the farmers. The Market area of the Deogarh Market
Committee confined to 60 Gram Panchayat and one Municipality comes
under 3 Blocks i.e. Tileibani, Barkote and Reamal covers the entire district of
Deogarh.
The following commodities have been declared as Notified
commodities.
1. Paddy
2. Rice
3. Maize
4. Mung
5. Biri
6. Kulthi
7. Niger
8. Ground nut (shelled or unshelled)
9. Mustard
10. Sal seed
11. Cattle
12. Sheep
13. Goat
14. Mahua Flower
15. Sal leaf
16. Kendu leaf
148
Market Yards and Check gates
At present one Block level market yard has been established at
Baniakilinda under Tileibani Block. There are 3 no. of check gates
functioning under the control of RMC, Deogarh. One each is located at
Golabandh, Tileibani and Budhapal respectively.
Weekly Haats
The RMC, Deogarh is managing 3 no. of weekly Gram Panchayat Hats
at Tileibani, Danra (Barkote) and Kundheigola.
The fund position of RMC, Deogarh as on 31.09.2015 is as detailed
below:
Sl.No. Name of the Bank Type of deposit Number of Accounts
Amount available as on 31.05.2015.
1 SDCCB, Deogarh 1yr.fixed deposit 17592 3462031 2 SDCCB, Deogarh SBD 10231 26175 3 SBI, Tileibani SBD 01100050022 734601 4 CBI, Deogarh SBD 2128552760 8291800 5 CBI, Bamparda SBD 2311173024 5687919 6 UGB, Deogarh SBD 12086042283 31292 8 UnitedBank of
India,Deogrh SBD 1699010026804 6600389
Paddy Procurement
The food and procurement policy has been implemented in Deogarh
district from 2002-03. Since then RMC, Deogarh is participating in the paddy
procurement programme actively. The last 3 years income from paddy
procurement is furnished below.
29 no. of PACs has procured paddy at 37 PPCs under Deogarh district
for kharif season 2014-15. RMC, Deogarh has provided infrastructure i.e.
grading equipment, other accessories, tarpaulin and polythene to all the
PACs.
Infrastructure Facility Provided
R.M.C. has provided infrastructure facility in Tileibani haat and Danra
haat in Barkote block. In Tileibani Haat there is a Farmers Information
Centre, a bore well, 10 shop rooms and 4 open platforms. Likewise, in Danra
Hata there are 2 covered platforms, 2 open platforms and a 250 MT godown.
Despite being a district with no major industry, economy in the rural,
agrarian and co-operative sector is quite comfortable due to enthusiasm of
the people and efforts of the delivery agencies in Deogarh district.
Year Quantity procured in quintal 2011-12 3,35,677.00 2012-13 3,81,069.25 2013-14 2,62,000.00 2014-15 286977.58
149
CHAPTER – VII
INDUSTRY
Industry in the Past
Agriculture has been the main stay of the people in Deogarh district.
Other than agriculture forest has been the major natural resource, which
generates sizeable revenue from the district. Industries of the district in the
past were mostly small domestic and cottage units run manually by
traditional village artisans as a part of their caste and family trade based on
ancestrally acquired skill to cater to the daily needs of the locals. Later part
of the 19th century and early 20
th century, some semblance of industry in the
form of a textile unit and a sugar factory, both located at Rambhei were
established at the initiative of the visionary and farsighted feudal chiefs.
The Sugar Factory at Rambhei
Spinning mill at Rambhei, Deogarh
Built by Raja Sachidananda Tribhuban Deb
150
Evolution of Industries in the District
Bamanda has been the land of the primitive tribes, even though under
the rule for centuries by the feudal royals of various dynasties. Having
remained for long in the inaccessible hinterland of Odisha new economic
ideas were rare. The glory of Bamanda considered as the citadel of creative
artists dates back to the 5th century CE. When the Matharas ruled over this
tract. For want of any credible record, it is difficult to ascertain the economic
system including that of industry in the distant past. The Ganga rulers, who
had a continuous rule since the mid-sixteenth century, brought about
development on almost all fronts. Deogarh, attained all-round prosperity
during the reign of Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb, the visionary and most
enlightened among the rulers of this dynasty. With the setting up of the
Jagannath Ballav Printing Press in 1886 and publication of a weekly
magazine the “Sambalpur Hitaisini” in 1889, he initiated the process of
mechanization and industrialization of his state. He had promulgated paper
currency in his state, which helped easier money transaction in business and
trade replacing the old and unreliable barter system.
Jagannath Ballahaba ‘Hiteishini’ Press (1886)
Built by Raja Sir Basudev Sudhaldev
Electrical Power production and Industrialisation
After Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb, his equally illustrious son Raja
Satchidanada Tribhuban Deb undertook the industrialisation of the state with
right earnest. The most remarkable and pioneering project of his reign was
production of hydro-electricity by harnessing the Kurodkot waterfall in the
year 1916.
151
The first electric-power house was established at Deogarh in 1905,
using fossil fuel, which was neither economical nor was able to generate
adequate power. With the hydro-electricity power station with two generators
of 50 KW and 75 KW at Kurodkot the power need of civil and industrial
consumption was met to some extent. Upon availability of electrical power in
Deogarh from 1905, a textile mill and a sugar factory were established at
Rambhei in 1908.
Currently Deogarh district gets electricity from the Odisha state and
Central power grids distributed through the Western Electricity Supply
Company (WESCO). The emphasis now being on renewable sources of
energy, during 2006-07 a solar energy system of one MW has been set up
by M/s Malisati Vinimaya (P) Ltd., a private concern at Dhatukapali,
(Kadapada) of Barkote Block. Its efficacy and contribution to the power
sector is yet to be properly assessed.
153
Minerals and Mineral processing
Though minerals like china clay and iron ore of low grade were
available, only china clay was used for manufacturing household articles in
the earlier days. One mineral-based industry was set up at Deogarh during
the reign of King Satchidanda. The industry was called „Bamra Pottery
Works‟.
After the formation of Deogarh district three small scale mineral
processing units have been established in the private sector in the district
namely M/s Maa Samaleswari
Export Inds, at Dhatukipada, Kadapada, M/s Ispat Aloys Pvt. Ltd. at
Ambakata, Vijaynagar and M/s Attitude Alloys (P) Ltd., at Gurudukhaman,
Vijaynagar.
Cottage, Small and Medium Industries
During the feudal rule almost 90% of dwellings in Deogarh town and
nearly all residential houses in villages were thatched with roofs of straw or
country-made earthen tiles supplied by the local artisans of the kumbhar
caste. During the reign of King Satchidanada Tribhuban Deb, a tile factory at
the out skirt of Deogarh was set up to mould and supply flat baked earthen
tiles of good quality to people and thus save the houses from heat, rain and
fire hazard.
King Satchidanada had also set up an ice factory at Deogarh in 1910.
During summer, school students were being taken round the factory to
acquainted them with the process ice making. The „Jagannath Ballav Press‟
which was set up Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb was a hand press operated
manually with limited efficiency. Subsequently it was mechanised and after
availability of electricity was converted to „Hitaisini Electric Machine Press‟
for better and faster output.
Traditional Handicrafts
Alongside agriculture, King Satchidanada had given importance to
sericulture and rearing of mulberry. From the cocoon he encourage and
patronised had relining of silk thread and preparing silk clothes at the textile
mill at Rambhei. He had made provision for training of weavers and artisans.
For encouragement of handloom industries King Satchidanada had set up a
handloom production unit in Deogarh Jail for which he had brought two
master handloom weavers and handloom designers from Srirampur of
Bengal. The inmates of the jail were engaged in weaving of various
handloom items like coarse dhoti, gamuchha, dureeh, and even finer silk
fabrics as a part of their productive task while serving their term of
154
conviction. Keeping in view the demand of handloom products, he had set
up the mechanised textile mill at Rambhei in 1906. The handloom and textile
industries were managed by one master weaver named Surendranath Guha,
a man from Bengal. Going by the success of the textile mill venture, which
had started with just one unit, five more units were added by 1908, within
two years from its initiation to increase the output and due to growing
demand of the market. He had also given importance for bee keeping and
collection of honey for which he had brought queen bees from Italy.
In 1906, King Satchidanada had established one pottery industry called
„Bamra Pottery Works‟ at Deogarh. To make quality and designer pottery
and terracotta
items from china clay he had brought one Purna Chandra Mandal, an
artisans of Bengal to train and supervise the local artisans. The products
were mostly used inside Bamanda state. The terracotta artists and craftsmen
also moulded a china clay statuette of King Baudeb Sudhal Deb, a replicas
of „Menaka‟ and „Shakuntala‟ in imitation of the famed painting Ravi Verma
of Travancore royal family.
In many parts of Deogarh district ancestral industrial activities like
pottery, bamboo craft, terracotta, dhokra casting and even cement tile and
other castings are still in vogue. In tune with time, the artisans have taken to
contemporary style and requirement into consideration to survive in the
market economy and influx of mass produced items. In Reamal a pottery unit
is producing clay-made water filters as a substitute of the age old earthen
pitcher and is in great demand for its novelty and artistry. After the formation
of new district, 220 artisans of Bamparda, Reamal, Badchhapal areas have
been trained and financially supported for their livelihood.
The table below gives numerical details of industry in Deogarh district
Sl. No. Category of Industries Nos.
1. Cottage and Handicraft 200
2. Micro 212
3. Small 07
4. Medium 03
In comparison with the neighbouring districts, there are no major
industries in Deogarh district which has impacted the general economy and
income of the people. This too has resulted in migration of artisans and
other work force from out of the district in search of income and alternative
livelihood.
155
Agriculture is the most preferred occupation of the people. Horticulture
also is well accepted by the advanced farmers. The district produces good
quality mango, orange and lichi in season. Agro based industries would be
most suitable for this area. Fodd processing and packaging are avenues,
which need exploration to provide value for money to the horticulturists.
Herbal plantations are picking up and commercial scale bio-farming is has
also been attempted y some farmers with the help and guidance of Krushi
Vigyan Kendras in the district. More attention and impetus is required to
encourage an develop agro-industries in the district.
Similarly, forest resources may also be considered in industrial terms.
As early as in 1898 the Administrative Report of Bamanda state makes a
mention of this in the following words, “There are large saw mills in the state
and a considerable business is done.
This brings much profit to the inhabitants of the state, who are enabled
to earn good wages by labour and by catering the timber to the railway”.
Forest depletion cannot be encouraged. At the same time forest wealth need
monetised through innovative industrial and commercial planning by locally
processing minor forest produce including kendu leaf.
Hospitality and Tourism Industry in the district
Deogarh was known as a benign host of visitors and tourists during the
days of the Raj. The visitors were mostly guests of the royalty, among them
were many authors, poets, scholars and artists. They were lodged in royal
splendour in the vicinity of tye Pradhanpat waterfalls. Basant Nivas and Lalit
Basant are two majestic monuments perched on the Padhanpat hills bear
testimony to these events. With the merger of the state of Bamanda such
events became things of the past. Still Deogarh attracts a good number of
tourists and picnickers almost all through the year. The town located on the
Munbai-Kolkata National Highway also receives good number of long
distance travellers and traffic who make night stopovers in the town.
Apart from government accommodation, there were no worthwhile
place for lodging and boarding in the town or elsewhere in the district. This
has resulted in low growth or almost no growth in the hospitality and hotel
industry sector. The occasional business traveller or infrequent visitor stays
at the few hotels like “Hotel Mamata Palace”, “Hotel Rounak Plaza” and
“Hotel “Mamata” that provide bare lodging and boarding of the rudimentary
type with a total of about sixty rooms including dormitories with nearly 150
beds .Deogarh has several historical places and natural heritage sites which
offer immense potential for development. Two sites in the district, the
waterfalls at Padhanpat and Kurudkot are enlisted as places of tourist
interest. There are enough scope for eco and adventure tourism in the
156
district because of the lofty mountains with stiff cliffs and dense forest with
varied flora and fauna. Hospitality and tourism industry deserves more
attention in the district.
Labour Laws, Trade Union, Labour Welfare
Deogarh is a small district and has no industry worth calling. People of
this district mostly depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The poor are
wage earners and work as farm labour, building and other construction
labour, kendu leaf pluckers, brick layers and brick-kiln workers, beedi
makers, etc. Laws which relate to the labour class either in the industrial
sector or other activities take effect in the district to safe guard the interest of
the working class are Minimum Wages. Act, Payment of Wages Act, Equal
Remuneration Act, Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Act,
Contract Labour (R and A) Act, Bidi and Cigar Act and Child Labour Act, etc.
There are no cases of industrial dispute in this district. There appears to
be cordial relationship and mutual cooperation between the workers and the
employers of different establishments functioning in the district. There are
very few cases when the aggrieved workers lodge complaints on non-
payment or less payment of wages with the labour court. On the whole, there
is industrial peace and harmony in this district.
Protection of Labour
The debate over labour market regulations in India is highly polarised.
Advocates of labour market deregulation suggest that the labour law
framework in the country confers disproportionate powers on workers and
trade unions in the formal sector of the economy, resulting in industrial
conflicts and poor productivity. We find that even pro-worker labour laws at
best offer only weak protection to workers and unions in the formal sector
establishments. Unions find themselves increasingly vulnerable to employe‟s
hostility.
In Deogarh district the Labour Department has kept vigilant eyes on the
activities of the employers and employees. Much stress is been given to
protect the interest of the workers from physical, mental and financial
exploitation of employers by implementing various labour laws. The workers
of this district are unable to raise their voice against any exploitation due to
illiteracy and poverty. They are not united and feel lonely as a result of which
there is least organisation of Industrial Trade Union in this district. It needs
much awareness among the workers towards their rights and
responsibilities.
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In the erstwhile state of Bamanda people who were subjects of the
state were engaged in obligatory labour for the following activities free of
wages.
1. Construction and repairing of house of the staff and other buildings of the
State.
2. Supply of firewood to the royal house hold, jail, hospital and powerhouse
for electricity generation.
3. Construction and repairing of roads connecting Deogarh and Bamara and
other Tahasils.
4. Construction of barricades and fence for the State farms and gardens.
5. Engaged as „haka‟ during hunting expeditions by the King and his
European guests and senior official.
6. To catch and tame wild elephants.
These abominable feudal practices have since been abolished and provided
much relief to the people.
Legal Provisions for Interstate Migrant Workmen (Dadan)
Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Debhad implemented an Act to regulate and
prohibit the migration of labours from Bamanda. At that time according to the
King migration of he labour to other state brought infamy to the State and
reflected the incompetence of the administration in providing succour to its
own subjects. He had prescribed penalty for persons found engaged in
trafficking of labour.
Trade Unionism and Labour Welfare
Trade Unions of workers in various trades is a phenomenon of the
modern industrialized society. These are group of workers engaged in a
particular trade for the purposes of securing better wages, shorter hours of
work and improved conditions of labour. Generally, trade unions are affiliates
of political parties in multi-party democracies. There are no organized trade
unions in Deogarh district in the absence of any worthwhile industry.
Labour welfare is an important dimension of industrial relation, which
includes overall welfare and wellbeing mechanism designed to take care of
the employees. This in turn gives better output and increases productivity.
This need not be confined to only monetary benefits nor be the responsibility
of the employers alone, it can also be provided by the government, non
government agencies and trade unions. Industrialization, mechanisation and
globalisation have increased the importance of labour welfare in industries.
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As a result of this, the construction workers of Deogarh district are
availing different benefits like education assistance for children, bi-cycle and
tools assistance, marriage expenses assistance, safety gear and material
benefit, accident and death compensation and ex gratia, etc from the Odisha
Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. More than 2500
workers have benefited so far in this district though these schemes.
Similarly, the bidi workers are also availing of different benefits from the
Central Government like housing benefit, medical benefit and education
benefit, etc.
Industrialization, Displacement and Rehabilitation
There has been no displacement or related rehabilitation of the affected
people due to industrialization, may that be massive mining operations or
huge industries requiring large tracts of land. The Gohira Dam and the
Rengali Dam are the only two projects which necessitated displacement of
people. Those who were displaced were adequately compensated by
allotment of reclaimed land and also by finance and employment provision.
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CHAPTER- VIII
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Introduction
Deogarh district, which was a larger part of the former feudatory state
of Bamanda, despite its cultural heritage and largely benevolent ruler, was
considered inaccessible and derived the near-derogatory epithet „Akhoj
Bamanda‟, akhoj being impregnable or inaccessible. This was due to the
hostile terrain and difficult or almost nonexistent surface communication
system. In course of time and with expansion of pliable all-weather roads
and the advent of mechanised transport system now Deogarh district is
approachable from all sides making easy movement of man and material.
Evolution of Transport and Communication system in the District
During the princely rule, people usually travelled on foot and the aged,
infirm and women who could afford by bullock-cart. Transportation of
commodities was either by head-load, shoulder dual-sling baskets locally
known as „bhar‟. Even children covering distant places used to have such joy
rides on both sides of the dual-sling contraption hanging from a bamboo pole
for balance from the shoulder of the bharua, the „carrier‟. Distant travel was
rare, unless it was for pilgrimage, festivities, and other social or family
ritualistic, requirement and for matters of governance and of the state. The
royals and affluent were travelling on horses, horse-drawn carriages,
elephants, palanquins, „dolis‟, etc. on land and by boats of various utility in
water ways. There were no bridges worth the name over rivers or rivulets. In
some cases, fair weather roads were laid during dry months for crossing the
rivers. In phases, bicycle and automobiles of various types and utilities
arrived for personal and public use to meet needs of travel and
transportation.
Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb purchased a motor car named the
„Penada‟ in the year 1903, that being the first automobile to arrive in
Bamanda state. Running on kerosene, the car was used for the Royal family
members and the State guests. Thereafter, Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban
Deb started the „Bamanda Motor Service‟, a public transport company in the
year 1914 at the capital town Deogarh. The king sent two artisans who were
adept at mechanics, Bithal Nayak and Kanhyai Karigar to Calcutta (now
Kolkata) for training in driving and minor automobile repair skills. They were
followed by Mohan Deb, Gangadhar Deb and Narahari Karigar who
received training in driving from the French Motor Company, Kolkata. This
event was published in the „Sambalpur Hiteisini‟, a magazine coming out
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from Deogarh in its issue of 25.07.1914. Thereafter, two numbers of lorry
came to Deogarh from Calcutta Motor Company. The first passenger lorry
motor started from Deogarh to Gobindpur (present-day Bamra Railway
Station), a distance of 114 kms. On 09.01.1915. For one-way journey the fair
was two rupees for each passenger. The lorry carried only fifteen
passengers with their small luggage. The „Sambalpur Hiteisini‟ in its issue of
09.01.1915 had published these details too as a news item.
Old time trade routes in the District
The Bengal District Gazetteers in its „Feudatory States of Odisha‟ part
written by L.E.B Cobden-Ramsay, I.C.S and first published in 1910 in
Chapter-III, describes about the state of surface communication prevailing
then in the Bamra State in the following manner.
“There is a good road from the Bamra railway Station on the Bengal
Nagpur line to Deogarh, the headquarters, about 58 miles in length. This
road carries a considerable amount of the large sleeper traffic of the state,
especially from Sirid. The road continues from Deogarh as a fair surface
road to the Talcher border: from Deogarh to Balam is a good road 11 miles
in length on which there is one steel girder bridge. The old Sambalpur-
Midnapore road traverses the state. This road is no longer of the importance
if formerly was as the direct means of communication with the state: it is,
however, bridged throughout the State over the small streams by rough, but
strong, timber trestle bridges. The village roads are fair surface roads, and
there is a road from Deogarh to the border of the Rairakhol state running on
to Rampur, the headquarters of that State. The Bengal-Nagpur Railway
passes through the north-eastern corner of the state with two stations,
Garpos and Bamra, within its borders. The Brahmani river forms a means of
communication for small open boats, but the presence of rocks and rapids
renders the transport of goods on any large scale impossible. There are rest
houses at Bamra Station, Kuchinda and Sirid. A telephone line runs from
Bamra railway station to Deogarh and from Deogarh to Barkut, the
headquarters of the tahsil (subdivision) of that name and to Sirgira. The
Imperial post plies in the State, with sub-post offices at Bamra, and Deogarh
and branch post offices at Kuchinda and Barkut, and letter boxes in school
houses at the principal villages. There is a telegraph office at Bamra.”
Though in brief, this account by Mr. Ramsay-Cobden gives a fair account of
not only the surface transport system by road, rail and waterways, but also
about the post, telegraph and telephone systems prevalent in the Bamanda
(Bamara) State.
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After independence and with the merger of Bamanda state with Odisha
road communication system improved to a great extent. Both the
Government of India and the state government focused on expansion of the
road network in Deogarh, which was a Sub-Division of Sambalpur district.
Among the roads are National Highways (NH), State Highways (SH) and
Major District Roads (MDR). In addition there have been roads built and
maintained by Rural Development Department, Gram Panchayats under
Panchayati Raj Department, and minor village roads locally named as
„Dharsa‟. With the introduction and implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana several Gram Panchayat and „Dharsas‟ have been made all-
weather roads with proper cement concrete surfacing with minor culverts
and bridges wherever they did not exist in the past. The forest department
maintains roads within the reserved forest area, which in turn connect to
Major District Roads and village roads facilitating movement of forest
personnel, villagers, equipment and material for forest maintenance and
commercial harvesting of major and minor forest produce.
National Highway (NH) Network
National Highway- 06: The principal road of the district is the National
Highway No.6 which connects West of India with the Eastern part originating
from near Surat in Gujarat and terminating at Kolkata. In Odisha this road
traverses through Bargarh and Sambalpur districts and enters Deogarh after
Jamankira Block of Sambalpur district and finally leaves for Pallahada in
Angul district crossing the river Brahmani beyond Barkote. This is a broad
black-top all-weather road. The important feeder roads of N.H-6 in Deogarh
district are Deogarh-Bamra Road, Deogarh-Rairakhol Road, Naikul-Talcher
Border Road and Balita-Bonei Road.
National Highway- 49: This runs between Kendeijuri to Tileibani and
Panchgochhia chowk to Thianal via Deogarh, Balam, Kandhal, Barkote and
Kalla. The length of the road within the district is approximately 90 kms.
National Highway- 53: This road within the district runs between
Tileibani chowk to Kuskulia area via Kundheigola and Budhapal for an
approximate distance of 93 kms.
National Highway- 200: This road originates from Raipur, the capital of
Chhattisgarh state and enters Odisha at Kanaktora in Lakhanpur Block of
Jharsuguda district and passes by Deogarh entering the district near
Tileibani and joins N.H-05 near Chandikhol in Jajpur district.
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State Highway (SH) Network
S.H.10 (A): State Highway No.10 originates from Sambalpur and runs
up to Rourkela in Sundargarh district. S.H No.10 (A) is a branch road of
S.H.10, which begins from Bahadaposhi chowk and runs up to Ambgaon
covering a distance of 20 kms. Approximately.
S.H.24: Telimunda chowk near Reamal and Tarang are connected by
S.H.24 covering a distance of 11 Kms.
S.H.63: This road connects Budhapal, Sendha and Nuapada covering
a distance of approximately 7 kms.
Major District Roads (MDR)
MDR No.- 19: This road starts from Telimunda on Major District Road
No.-23 and terminates at Sarapal. The road, in length 32.40 kms. Was
constructed before the 2nd
World War to facilitate movement of troops and
military hardware. It passes through Chhatabar, Katasarghat and
Kundheigola.
MDR No.- 23: This fair weather road, constructed before the 2nd
World
War and in length 76.27 Kms. Starts at Deogarh and meets the N.H No.42 at
Rairakhol. This road passes through Purunagarh, Riamal, Telimunda,
Naktideul and Doincha to finally meet N.H. No.42 (Sambalpur-Cuttack Road)
at Rairakhol.
MDR No.- 31: This all-weather road starts from National Highway No.-
06 at Deogarh and proceeds up to Bamara Railway Station where it
connects Kirei-Bamra road and Gariamal-Bamra road in Sudangarh district.
This road is black-topped and is 87.74kms in length. It passes through
Bhojpur, Kuchinda, Kesaibahal and Rangiatikra.
Other District Roads:
The table below indicates the name, mileage and condition of roads:-
Name of the Road Length Condition Fair-weather or All-
weather
Balita-Bamur-Talcher
border road
41.86 kms Unmetalled Fair-weather
Bamra-Garpos road 20.93 kms Earth and moorum Fair-weather
Gram Panchayat and Village Roads
Under the old revenue system prevailing before the abolition of the
Gaunti system, construction and upkeep of village roads or dirt tracts locally
called Dharsas were the responsibility of the village community led by the
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village headman called Gauntia or Makaddam. Under this system, the
Deputy Commissioner or the District Collector as the case may be could get
all village roads repaired by the Gauntias with contribution raised in terms of
voluntary labour, money or material. After the abolition of the Gauntis and
the democratic dispensation of the village Panchayats, the responsibility of
the village community Development has been transferred to the Panchayats
under the Gram Panchayat Act. Among other community welfare activities
the Dharsas or the village roads are maintained by the Panchayats,
Prior to 1963, the Revenue Department was maintaining 443.55 kms of
road in Deogarh district connecting various important villages and growth
centres including Block headquarters. These roads were transferred to
Panchayat Samitis in November, 1963 for maintenance. At present all these
roads are under the respective Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats
with some of these roads having been renovated under the Pradhan Mantri
Gram Sadak Yojana.
Municipality Roads
Deogarh Municipality is the only Municipal Council in the district of
Deogarh. Roads in various wards of the Deogarh Municipality have been
constructed since 1905 and have been expanded due to enlargement of
human habitation within the Municipal limits. All these roads covering a total
length of 24.15 kms. As indicated in the table below are maintained by the
Municipality from out of its own revenue resources.
Details of Roads under Deogarh Municipal Limit
Name of the
Municipality
Types of Road (in Km.)
Total Blacktopped Cement
Concrete
Metalled Earthen Others
Roads
Deogarh 2.41 Kms. - 8.05 - 13.69 24.15
Forest Roads
The Forest Department maintains roads within the forest. Almost all
these roads are either dust tracts or moorum roads. They are utilised mainly
for movement of man and material including forest officials for proper
management of the forests and for transportation of forest produce. Roads
within the forest under the management of the forest department run for a
length of 107.25 kms. Details of which are tabulated here under .
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Forest Road in Deogarh District
Sl. No. Name of the Forest Road Name of the Range Length in Km.
1 Pathar Garh- Kailash Deogarh 4.00
2 Kansar Hiran Deogarh 9.00
3 Suguda Gundiapali Deogarh 13.00
4 Badbahal- Laimura Deogarh 4.00
5 Jharpur- Laimura Deogarh 4.00
6 Kholdihi- Goilo Deogarh 4.00
7 Kailash- Goilo Deogarh 3.00
8 Khairpali Palsama Reamal 3.00
9 Chhuriabahal- Tusula Barkote 19.00
10 Thianal Autal Barkote 17.00
11 Bamparada Kadalidihi Barkote 2.25
12 Kadalidihi- Jalisuan Barkote 7.00
13 Tusula Parposh Barkote 12.00
14 Damita Pacheripani Barkote 3.50
15 Bamparada- Netrabahal Barkote 2.50
Total 107.25
Road Transport Organization in the District
Regional Transport Office of Deogarh district was created in the year
2009. Even after on 1st January 1994 Deogarh became an independent
district separated from Sambalpur till 2009 registration of vehicles, collection
of revenue on account of transport and enforcement of provisions of the
Motor Vehicle Act relating to vehicles of various types of Deogarh district
was being supervised by the Regional Transport Office of Sambalpur.
The following table gives details of vehicles of different categories
registered with the Regional Transport Office, Deogarh between 2009 and
2015.
Sl. No. Vehicles Class Total
01 Motor Cycle 4462
02 Trailer (Commercial) 350
03 Tractor (Commercial) 360
04 LAV (CAR-P) 237
05 L.M.V 67
06 LMV (CAR)(CC) 63
07 Maxi CAB 245
08 MGV 49
09 LMV (JEEP/GYPSY-P) 16
10 BUS (SC) 29
11 Pick UP VAN 22
12 Camper VAN(G) 02
13 LMV (JEEP/GYPSY-CC) 15
14 Ambulance 04
15 Three Wheeler (Passenger) 45
16 Scooter 442
17 Moped 218
18 Car Taxi 18
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19 HGV 05
20 School Bus 02
21 Deluxe Bus 01
22 Air Condition Bus (SC) 05
23 Three Wheeler (Goods) 04
24 LGV 139
25 LMV (Van-CC) 01
26 LMV (Van-P) 01
Total 6802
Revenue Received on account of Motor Vehicles from 2009 to end of 2015
Sl. No. Year Collection during the Year (in Rs) 01 2009-10 56,04,064.00 02 2010-11 84,00,000.00 03 2011-12 1,00,49,916.00 04 2012-13 1,24,33,343.00 05 2013-14 1,26,61,248.00 06 2014 -15 1,71,01,936.00 07 2015-16 (Up to Dec,2015) 1,64,93,573.00
The table above shows progressive increase in revenue earning
under Motor Vehicle Act on account of registration of new vehicles and
collection of penalty for default relating to violation of various provisions of
the Act. This indicates improvement in surface transport system and
increase in use of various types of automobile by the people for personal,
public and commercial use.
Public Transport
In the days of the feudal rule when Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb
started the „Bamanda Motor Service‟, a public transport company in the year
1914 at the capital town Deogarh. After Independence in the year 1948, and
merger of Bamanda state with the Union of India, the State Government of
Odisha took over the Bus units established by the erstwhile rulers and
expanded public transport system with the renovation of roads and
introduction of more buses for the ease of commuters. Most of the routes of
the District are under the control of State Transport Department.
State Government allowed 24 different routes for operation in a phased
manner managed by the Deogarh Unit of the Odisha State Road Transport
Corporation (OSRTC) under the Sambalpur zone. The service of buses
were provided to connect mainly Deogarh with Talcher, Bamra, Sambalpur,
Angul, Sundergarh, Rairakhol, Bhubaneswar, Mukhiguda, Gogua, Tusula,
Rourkela, Kendujhar, Rengali Dam, as well as Raipur and Calcutta. With the
induction of private bus transport operators first under the „banner system‟
and later on route permit auction and allotment system, various routes earlier
serviced by OSRTC were given to such private players thus restricting the
public sector operations to only a few routes. The Deogarh Unit of OSRTC
diminished in terms of its area of operation and revenue earning, which prior
to the plying of private buses was known to be a highly paying unit.
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The statement given below shows names of route, their length in
kilometres and number of daily trips operated by the Deogarh unit of OSRTC
from Deogarh before the private transport operators were allowed to serve
the district.
Name of the Route Length in km No. of trips
Deogarh-Talcher (via Pal-Lahara)
Deogarh-Bargaon
Deogarh-Rourkela (via Lahunipa
Deogarh-Angul
Deogarh-Talcher (via Naikul)
Deogarh-Sambalpur
Deogarh-Thianal
Deogarh-Bamra
133
114
156
123
112
96
50
102
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
Introduction of the luxury coaches by private bus operators from and
through Deogarh to various destinations within and outside the state
impacted the operations of OSRTC bus services and finally the unit had to
be abolished in the year 2002.
This district is having pockets where activities of left-wing extremism
have been observed. As a strategy to improve connectivity in such areas
OSRTC has taken up special responsibility to ply public transport buses in
such areas. In consultation with the State Home Department after assessing
the sensitivity of the areas under Rural Transport Connectivity Scheme four
special routs have been identified. They are as under:
1.Deogarh to Soda via Gohira Chowk, Dudhianali, Kansar.
2.Deogarh to Laimura via- Tileibani, Rengalbeda, Kuchinda
3.Deogarh to Dantaribahal via Tusula, Kandarpa, Solai, Parposi, Jhara
Gogua, Gandam, Telikusum, Niktimal, Goilo, Kailash
4.Deogarh to Tuhilamal via- Reamal.
In addition, private transport operators are plying buses covering all
G.Ps in the district. Besides, after introduction of Biju Gaon Gadi Yojana
(BGGY) under Rural Transport Connectivity scheme six numbers of routes
have been brought into operation further expanding the public transport
facilities in the district.
Road Safety Aspect
In Deogarh district there are six numbers of Highways, three National
and three States, which carry heavy inter and intra state traffic. Due to
several reasons casualties are mounting due to road accidents on these
roads. To reduce incidents of road accidents in Odisha, several road safety
initiatives have been taken like road safety awareness and education
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programmes. Road safety emergency programmes, road safety engineering
aspects, observation of Remembrance Day of accident victims, road safety
enforcement, etc. The Road Safety Week is observed every year from
January 10th to 17
th .January. In case of emergency and to provide timely
assistance to victim of road accidents 65 Road Safety Clubs have been
formed in all the three Tahasil of Deogarh District under at the initiative and
direction of the State Commerce and Transport Department. Tahasil level
monitoring committees headed by the Tahasildars for each Tahasil with
senior engineers of the National Highway and Public Works Department as
members have been formed to guide and supervise the Road Safety Clubs.
The Road Safety Clubs provide timely and urgent assistance in shifting the
accident victims to the nearest hospital at hours of need.
Enforcement of Motor Vehicle and Road Safety Laws
Road Transport Authority with the Road Transport Officer and other
enforcement officers like personnel of the Odisha Motor Vehicle Department
with the police are responsible for enforcement and in cases of default
prosecution of under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act. Who are
violated i.e. during the financial year 2014-15 an amount of Rs. 25 lakh was
collected on account of prosecution due to rash and negligent driving, driving
without or with faulty license, driving in an inebriated state, carrying excess
passenger or goods on goods vehicle and contact carriages.
In Deogarh District Brahma Driving Training School is the only driving
training school managed by private initiative. This school imparts training to
candidates under various government driving training schemes for
unemployed youth from identified below poverty line (B.P.L) families, S.C,
S.T. and women candidates apart from others interested in learning driving.
The training schedule includes theory and on-the-wheel practical classes.
Apart from imparting basic knowledge on vehicles , spare parts, troubles-
shooting, minor repairs and maintenance, first-aid in case of medical
emergency, important aspects of road safety and laws regulating traffic
behaviour and motor vehicles.
Railways, Waterways and Ferry System, Airstrips and Aerodrome
Railway Communication
The royals had allowed Railway Communication in the state during the
late Nineteenth Century when the erstwhile Bengal Nagpur Railways
(presently South Eastern Railway) started operating in Central and Eastern
India. Even sal timber sleepers from the Deogarh forests were used in laying
the railway tracks. A station was set up on main railway line between
Jharsuguda and Rajgangpur at Bamara Govindpur (station), named after the
State of Bamra (Bamanda), at a distance of 114 Kms from Deogarh town.
Prior to merger of Bamanda State, Bamra was a part of Kuchinda Tahasil
and thus was within the limits of the Bamanda Gadajat. After 1948, Kuchinda
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was separated from Bamanda and both Deogarh and Kuchinda became
separate sub-divisions of Sambalpur district. In this process Bamra railway
station came within the revenue territory of Kuchinda sub-division and thus
within Sambalpur district. With this kind of area alignment effectively there is
no railway station within Deogarh district. Among other major railheads
nearer to Deogarh are Jharsuguda, Sambalpur and Rourkela.
Waterways
The Brahmani river forms a means of communication in Deogarh for
small open boats, but the presence of rocks and rapids render the transport
of goods on any large scale though not impossible, hazardous. In the later
part of nineteenth century when railway network was expanding, sal timber
sleepers from Deogarh were being transported over the river Bramhani upto
Jenapur in Cuttack district. With the expansion of road network and other
faster and more dependable modes of transport, there is less reliance on
waterways. Only small country boats ferry people who live on river banks.
Ferry System
No Danga-ghat (ferry quay/jetty/pier) in the District is maintained by the
Public Works Department. A list of ferries maintained by ferry-ghats are
maintained, managed and auctioned by Gram Panchayats within their
respective areas is given in the table below..
List of Ferry-ghats in Deogarh district
Name of Community Development Blocks
Name of Grama Panchayat Name of Villages served
01 02 03 Barkote 1. Khandam
2. Khajurikhaman 3. Balanda
1. Khandam 2. Kulusar 3. Singhasal 4. Ambagam
Reamal 1. Gangnan 1. Gangnan Naikul (Gogwa) 1. Gogwa 1. Analakoli
2. Gohira 3. Jadagola 4. Pindapal
2. Rengta 1. Bindpur 2. Rengta 3. Podadihi 4. Kadalipal 5. Kesla 6. Jharadihi
3. Budhapal 1. Sarapal 2. Jhardihi 3. Kundheigola
4. Goudsuguda 1. Bhatsing
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Airstrips and Aerodrome
Certain princely states in Odisha had ventured into civil aviation during
the British rule more so at the time of the Second World War as a part of war
efforts of the Allied Forces. The foremost among them was the state of
Mayurbhanj. In Deogarh too during the time of Raja Bhanuganga Tribhuban
Deb an airstrip was constructed in the year 1941 at Basalai-Kundapitha, 10
Kms. East of Deogarh Town. Now, this airstrip because of disuse, remains in
wilderness and encroachment by the public. It may be interesting for some
that, Late Keshari Ganga Deb, a scion of the royal family of Bamanda and a
pilot-member of the Bhubaneswar Flying Club landed in the year 1983 an
Airman ACA 2/35 aircraft of U.S.A make in an open field near Deogarh town
with dexterity to both the amazement and amusement of the people.
The civil airport nearest to Deogarh in commercial operation is the Biju
Pattnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar. The Airport Authorities of
India under the Ministry of Civil Aviation of Government of India have an
aerodrome at Jharsuguda, which was constructed during the Second World
War. Now this aerodrome is being upgraded and renovated to make it
suitable for commercial operation. Once it is brought to use this will be the
nearest airport to serve the people of Deogarh District.
In addition, there is an airstrip at Jamadarpali near Hirakud under the
control of the State Government, which was built during construction of the
Hirakud dam. This airstrip is sporadically used for air traffic operations
involving state dignitaries. Likewise, there is another such airstrip at
Rourkela which is used mostly by the Steel Authority of India Limited(SAIL)
when senior functionaries visit the Rourkela Steel Plant. Of late, there has
been some attempt by private airlines operators to connect Bhubaneswar
with Sambalpur Jharsuguda and Rourkela by air. This venture is yet to show
any viable commercial result. Once brought into commercial use the
Jharsuguda aerodrome will be the nearest to Deogarh town.
Post and Tele-communication Services
Postal Service
Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb of Bamanda State had his own state
postal system. The main Post Office was at Deogarh with a few branches at
different places. Bamanda state had its unique postage stamp and postal
stationery of various denominations. The postal tariff was variable ranging
from one anna (equivalent now to 6 paise or 6/100 of a rupee) to one rupee
depending on they were meant for inter-state or intra-state addressees. The
stamps were inscribed „Feudatory Postage – Bamra State‟ and the
denominations were printed both in English and Odia. The Bamra State
Postal Service had the sanction of the British Government.
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Commemorative Indian Postage Stamp of Feudatory State of Bamra
collected in 2016 and the One Rupee Postage stamp of Bamara State
(inset)
Although the postal service in the state of Bamanda was the only one of
its kind in the Gadjat states of Odisha and unique in nature it could not be
sustained for long as it was not commercially viable and its efficiency was
not at par with the Imperial Postal Service. The state postal service was
merged with the Imperial Postal Service in the year 1894. The new
arrangement of an integrated postal service applicable to all parts of British
India was introduced in Bamanda state with effect from 1st January 1895.
Despite its short service tenure the Bamanda State Postal Service remains
iconic for historical reasons. The postage stamp and other postal stationery
even today are considered very precious philatelic collectors‟ items.
Presently Deogarh district is served by a large network of post offices
spread over the entire district with the Head Post Office located at Deogarh
town which is fully computerised for all transactions and official task.
Deogarh Head Post Office was selected under Pilot Project Post Office
under „Project Arrow‟ in Phase-V(A) of modernisation and up-gradation of
the services of India Post, the nomenclature which the erstwhile Indian Post
and Telegraph service acquired with the abolition of Telegraph service in
July 2013. As a part of this the service quality, mail delivery, office service,
remittances and savings bank have been upgraded to meet the
requirements of the customers. Most of the postal services offered by India
Post are available in the Head Post Office other than the postal ATM system.
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Following tables give details of the network of Post Offices of various
types in Deogarh district.
Sub Post Offices
Sl. No. Name of PO Pin code
1. Barkote SO 768110
2. Gohira Dam site SO 768121
3. Purunagarh SO 768119
4. Reamal SO 768109
Branch Post Offices Under various Sub-Post Offices
SL No. Name
1. Balam
2. Basaloi
3. Bhatsingh
4. Dandasingha
5. Dantaribahal
6. Ganganan
7. Jhargogua
8. Kandhal
9. Kantapali
10. Khilei
11. Nuadihi
12. Laimura
13. Parposi
14. Suguda
Barkote Sub Post Office, PIN-768110
SL No. Name of Branch Post Offices
1. Ambgaon
2. Balani
3. Balanda
4. Bamparda
5. Charimancha
6. Danra
7. Gursang
8. Kadopada
9. Kalla
10. Madhyapur
11. Saruali
12. Saida
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Gohira Dam site Sub Post Office, PIN-768121
SL No. Name of Branch Post Offices
1. Barghat
2. Dholpara
3. Kansar
Purunagarh Sub Post Office, PIN-768119
SL No. Name of Branch Post Offices
1. K Tainsar
2. Rengalbeda
3. Tabada
4. Tentalabahal
5. Tileibani
Reamal Sub Post Office, PIN-768109
SL No. Name of Branch Post Offices
1. Aunli
2. Budido
3. Dashgharia
4. Gambharipali
5. Kantabahal
6. Karlaga
7. Kundheigola
8. Lulang
9. Malohipara
10. Naulipara
11. Palsama
12. Salebhata
13. Sarpal
14. Tarang
15. Tinkbir
16. Tuhilamal
17. Tungamal
18. Utunia
The following Services are available at Branch Post Offices
1. Sale of Postal Stamps/Stationeries including Meghdoot Post Card,
Revenue Stamps
2. Registration, Parcel, VP, Insured
3. Money Order, Indian Postal Order
4. Savings Bank
5. Rural Postal Life Insurance
6. Telephone Revenue Collection
7. Delivery of Postal articles
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In addition to post offices, there are Pnchayat Sanchar Seva
Kendras which provide postal facilities like: Sale of Postal
Stamps/Stationeries including Meghdoot Post Card, Revenue Stamps,
Registration and Delivery of ordinary Postal articles
Telephone and Telecommunication Service
Telephone
Telephone communication was introduced in the former princely state
of Bamanda in 1901; twenty-five years after Alexander Graham Bell
successfully used it in 1876. There was a telephone line connecting
Gobindpur or Bamra Railway Station of the Bengal-Nagpur Railway (BNR),
now South Eastern Railway (SER) with Deogarh and Barkote. At first,
Gobindpur (Bamra), Kuchinda, Sirid and Deogarh were connected by
telephone, which subsequently was extended to Balam and Barkote.
Subsequently, a branch telephone line was drawn from Kesheibahal to
Mahulpali as a measure of maintenance of law and order due to incidence of
dacoity in that area. At that time was reported in The Statesman news paper
published from Calcutta (Kolkata) to be the longest telephone line in British
India.
During the last two decades, land telephone services have not
expanded much, the reason for this being the arrival of Cell Phone, which in
common parlance is called mobile phone. There has been rapid expansion
of mobile telephone services in Deogarh district with service providers like
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in the public sector and several
private operators having expanded their network in the district. The entry
and proliferation of mobile phone into public domain has opened up new
avenues of employment for the youth as traders and technicians in both
software and hardware areas.
Pigeon Mail Service
The Odisha Police was having a pigeon mail service since 1947, which
was one of its kinds, which was available between certain Police Stations
located in the hinterland in nine districts that included Sambalpur, without
other means of dependable communication system. Deogarh Sub-Divisional
police also had such a pigeon service for conveying important and urgent
messages to the District Headquarters located at Sambalpur. The most
remarkable message this pigeon mail service carried was on 13th April, 1948
by Jawaharlal Nehru who was visiting Sambalpur in connection with the
construction of the Hirakud Dam. The message was, “the arrangements for
the public meeting should not be such as to separate the speaker from the
audience‟‟ and was meant for the Chief Minister of Odisha staying at
Cuttack, then capital of the state.
175
There were two kinds of pigeon service, one being static and the other
boomerang. Static birds communicated with Deogarh in times of emergency
and not returning to their point of origin. The boomerang pigeons of the
boomerang service were returning to their point of origin and it was a two-
way communication system. The Odisha Police pigeon mail service has
since been discontinued since 2002, all over the state including Deogarh
due to the availability and use of better, faster and more dependable
communication and transmission systems with the advent of microwave and
satellite based technology.
Radio and Wireless System and Stations
Radio and Television
The Sambalpur station of All India Radio (AIR) which commenced
broadcasting in the year 1963 is the nearest radio station serving Deogarh
district. Due to various geo-physical factors like hilly terrain, the radio signals
of AIR Sambalpur, despite having a high power transmitter of 100 Kilowatt
capacity, do not cover the entire district. Deogarh is historically known for art,
literature and culture and to foster this, there has been public demand for a
separate radio station for Deogarh like that in some other districts of the
state after it became an independent district. In partial fulfilment of the
demand, a 100 watt relay transmitter was made operational from 23rd
December 2005 at Deogarh which beams only entertainment Programmes
by relaying Vividh Bharati service of All India Radio. This transmitter
operates from the premise of the Doordrashan Low Power transmitter and
does not meet the information, education and communication needs of the
people.
The Low Power Transmitter of Doordrashan, the national public service
television broadcaster at Deogarh started functioning from 3rd
October 1996.
This transmitter carries both national Programmes and Odia Programmes
originating from Delhi and Bhubaneswar respectively and is the only
terrestrial television service in the district. Apart from Doordarshan, several
private television channels in multiple languages are accessible and
available all across the district through satellite based cable network and
direct-to-home (DTH) services.
Wireless
As an essential requirement for faster communication and to maintain a
high level of efficiency and secrecy the Odisha State Police have a large
network of wireless traffic in the state. Deogarh district forms a part of this
network as a sub-control station linked to the Sambalpur control system.
This network has proved its efficiency in maintaining law and order keeping
176
in view the sensitivity of the area in the wake of the Left Wing Extremist
activities sporadically observed in the district.
Internet Service
Deogarh is fairly exposed to internet service. Initially this service was
mostly used by government offices and public sector establishments like
banks for accessing information, faster communication via e-mail and for
teleconferencing. Use of internet service by academic institutions, students
and private individuals is growing by the day in the district. At the outset
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was the only internet service provider
in the district. In due course several other private cell phone and satellite
communication service providers too have started operations in Deogarh
district. Broadband and 3G internet services are provided by both the public
sector BSNL and other private telecom operators.
With considerable expansion of road communication net work through
the National Highways chain, State Highways system, Panchayat roads and
the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, along with the spread of various
modes of telecommunication Deogarh is no more the “Akhoj Bamanda” of
the past.
177
CHAPTER-IX
RURAL AND TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT
Developmental Challenges in Early Years
Soon after independence, both the Central and State government of
Odisha implemented various poverty alleviation and public welfare
Programmes for improving the standard of living of common people with
focus on the poor, the marginalized, the handicapped, socially under
privileged and other weaker sections like women, children and senior
citizens. Free India began its journey towards progress as an
underdeveloped economy. Primarily agrarian in nature, over 70 percent of
people seek employment and sustenance in the agriculture and allied
sectors.
Further, various Programmes/ schemes were also drawn up to change
the face of the rural and urban people and backward areas with improved
health facilities, better and useful education, all weather connectivity through
surface transport, safe potable drinking water ,electricity, sanitation and solid
waste management, food security, and other social welfare measures.
By working collectively, significant changes have been registered in the
socio-economic scenario of Deogarh district in all aspects of development in
the rural sector. Civil society groups like Women Self Help Groups
(WSHGs), Pani Panchayats, Joint Forest Management Committees have set
marvellous trends and examples in ushering desired results.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS)
The MGNREGS is a scheme which has been implemented in every
state of India through the Central Act known as Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarante Act of 2005.The erstwhile National Rural
Employment Programme (NREP) and National Food for Work Programme
(NFFWP) Programmes have been subsumed in MGNREGA from 2nd
February, 2006. This scheme came into force in Deogarh District from the
financial year 2006-07 with Central and State Government joint funding
pattern in the ratio of 90:10. The objective of the MGNREGA is to enhance
livelihood security in rural areas providing at least 100 days of guaranteed
wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult
members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Thus the Act confers upon
the eligible rural households as legal rights to demand employment up to
100 days in a financial year.
178
This work guarantee can also serve other objectives like generating
productive assets, protecting the environment, empowering rural women,
reducing rural migration and fostering social equity among others of Deogarh
district. The detail information regarding funds allocated and fund spent year
wise, MGNREGA status of district/block wise, etc. available at
http://mgnrega.nic.in/netnrega/home.aspx. Social Audit at every Gram
Panchayat has been accorded utmost importance the details of which are
available the on the MGNREGA website.
Year wise funds received and utilized under MGNREGS during the last
five years in the Deogarh district are given below.
Status of MGNREGS
Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical
Financial
Year
Total
funds
available
Expenditure
made
Percentage
of
expenditure
Total
targeted
Projects
Total
achievement
Percentage of
achievement
2011-12 2426.49 1049.70 43 1520 1392 91
2012-13 199.42 1327.84 -- 3173 479 15
2013-14 904.58 1141.42 126 1420 1774 125
2014-15 1219.29 1241.76 102 2491 1226 49
2015-16
(July,2015) 935.79 916.72 98 723 199 28
Total 5685.57 5677.44 99.85 9327 5070 54
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
The former Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) Scheme
has been restructured as NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) w.e.f. 1st
April, 2012 with Central and State Government funding pattern of 75% and
25% respectively. In Odisha it is known as Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM).
The key features of NRLM are:
(i) Universal social Mobilization: At least one member from each
identified rural poor household, preferably a woman, is brought
under the Self Help Group (SHG) fold.
(ii) Promotion of institution of the poor: It promotes strong institution
of the poor such as SHGs and their village and higher level
federations and specialized institutions.
(iii) Training, capacity building and skill building: Continuous
capacity building and skill development of the poor.
3 Universal Financial Inclusion: NRLM would work towards achieving
universal financial inclusion.
(iv) Livelihood: NRLM would work towards stabilizing and
enhancing the existing livelihoods and subsequent
diversification.
179
(v) Infrastructure creation and marketing support: NRLM would
seek to ensure that the infrastructure needs for key livelihood
activities of the poor are fully met
(vi) Skill and placement Projects: NRLM would purpose skill up –
gradation and placement projects through partnership mode
(vii) Innovation: Encourage innovation for poverty eradication.
Self Help Groups (SHGs)
SHGs are voluntary association of people formed to attain a collective
goal with a commitment and sense of direction and plan for the future.
People who are homogeneous in terms of socio-economic background or
traditional occupation come together for a common cause for the benefit of
group members. The details of funds received and utilized under NRLM
during last five years in the District are given below.
Status of NRLM
Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical
Financial
Year
Total
funds
available
Expenditu
re made
Percentage
of
expenditure
Total
targeted
SHGs
Total
achievement
Percentage
of
achievement
2011-12 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012-13 217.29 135.34 62 1000 343 34
2013-14 287.65 222.16 77 300 290 97
2014-15 192.45 412.12 -- 300 379 126
2015-16
(July 2015) 140.00 108.60 78 440 441 100
Total 837.39 878.22 105 2040 1453 71
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY)
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), a Government of India social welfare
Programme to provide housing for the rural poor in India. Was launched
during 1985-86 as a sub-scheme of Rural Landless Employment Guarantee
Programme (RLEGP) and continued as a sub-scheme of Jawahar Rozgar
Yojana (JRY) since its launch in April, 1989. It has been delinked from the
JRY and has been made an independent scheme with effect from January 1,
1996. A separate set of schemes operate for the urban poor (like the Basic
Services for Urban Poor).
It is one of the major flagship Programme of the Ministry of Rural
Development, with the aim of constructing houses for BPL households in the
villages. Under the scheme, financial assistance to the tune of Rs.70000/- in
plain areas and Rs.75000/- in high land area, and LWE District is provided
for construction of houses in three instalments, first: Rs.15,000.00 (during
180
issue of work order), second: Rs.40,000.00 (after lintel level) and the third
and final: Rs.20,000.00 (after roof laying).The houses are allotted in the
name of the woman or jointly between husband and wife. The construction
of the houses is the sole responsibility of the beneficiary and engagement of
contractors is strictly prohibited. Sanitary latrine and smokeless chullah are
required to be constructed along with each IAY house for which additional
financial assistance is provided from Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) now
renamed as Swachha Bharat Yojana (SBY) and Rajiv Gandhi Grameen
Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) respectively.
The broad purpose of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to
some of the weakest sections of society for them to upgrade or construct a
house of respectable quality for their personal living. The vision of the
government is to replace all temporary (kutchcha) houses from Indian
villages by 2017.
Implementation
IAY is an allocation based, centrally sponsored scheme funded on a
cost sharing basis between the Central Government and the State
Government in the 75%:25% ratio, except in case of North-Eastern states
and Union Territories. For Union Territories a separate criteria for funding is
followed and accordingly the central government funds 90% and 100% for
the Uts. The funds are allocated to the states based on 75% weight age for
rural housing shortage and 25% weightage on the basis of poverty ratio.
IAY House in Ballam GP of Barkote Block BPGY Benificiary in front of his allotted
house
The year wise funds received and utilized under IAY (Normal) and
IAY (Homestead Incentive) in the District during last five years are given
below.
181
Status of IAY (Normal) Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical Financial
Year Total
funds available
Expenditure made
Percentage of
expenditure
Total targeted houses
Total achievement
Percentage of achievement
2011-12 556.94 491.06 88 1265 1080 85 2012-13 706.65 555.11 79 1457 1126 77 2013-14 808.87 697.31 86 1146 930 81 2014-15 965.25 643.75 67 1287 725 56 2015-16
(July,2015) 151.20 151.20 100 1565 0 0 Total 3182.91 2538.43 80 6720 3861 57
Status of IAY (Homestead Incentive)
Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical
Financial
Year
Total
funds
available
Expenditure
made
Percentage
of
expenditure
Total
targeted
houses
Total
achievement
Percentage
of
achievement
2012-13 653.295 648.54 99 1347 1331 99
Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana (BPGY)
State Government launched „Mo Kudia‟ (My cottage) Scheme from the
year 2008-09 with 100% State funding to meet un-met need of the most
vulnerable households who needs immediate shelter for dignified existence.
Rural households whose name find place in the SECC-2011 and their house
is Kutchcha list are eligible under this scheme. The selection will be made
through lottery from the year 2015-16. The amount of assistance is same as
that in IAY mentioned above. The scheme is now renamed as Biju Pucca
Ghar Yojana (BPGY).
The year wise funds received and utilized under the Scheme during last
five years in the District are given below.
Status of Biju Pacca Ghara Yojana Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical Financial Year
Total funds
available.
Expenditure made
% of expenditure
Total targeted houses
Total achievement
% of achievement
2011-12 60.48 57.08 94 112 106 95 2012-13 60.77 58.44 97 124 110 89 2013-14 161.25 97.50 60 215 123 57 2014-15 278.25 152.00 55 371 196 53 2015-16 (July, 2015) 2.00 2.00 100 798 0 -- Total 562.75 367.02 65 1628 535 33
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Cement Concrete Road (CC Roads)
The State Government have decided to give thrust to the scheme for
construction of cement concrete roads in the villages in every nook and
corner of the State with special focus on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group
(PVTG)/ST/SC habitations. The scheme is a State flagship scheme started
from the year 2010-11 with 100% State Funding..
Target
Certain number of villages will be taken up each year with an aim to
cover all the villages under the scheme over a definite time frame with focus
on habitations of weaker and most vulnerable social groups in convergence
with other schemes.
Selection of villages
B.D.O is authorized to identify and select the villages to be taken up
under this scheme based on the following criteria.
1. The villages/habitations inhabited by PVTGs with no coverage of
C. C. Road – 1st preference.
2 .PVTG villages partially covered with C. C. Roads – 2nd
priority.
3. Villages inhabited by STs in majority with no coverage of C .C.
Road.
4. ST villages partially covered with C. C. Roads.
5. Villages of SC community with no coverage of C .C. Road.
6. SC villages partially covered with C. C. Roads.
7. Bigger habitation having no coverage of C.C. road – Next Priority
8. In other habitations, the C. C. Roads should be planned for
execution from the ST/ SC basti towards the main habitation and
not vice-versa.
9. The villages belonging to other category already covered with 500
meters or more of C.C.Roads should not be ordinarily considered
under this scheme.
Year-wise fund received and utilized under the Scheme during last
five years in the Deogarh district are given below.
183
Status of Cement Concrete Road
Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical
Financial
Year
Total
funds
available
Expendi-
ture
made
Percentage
of
expenditure
Total
targeted
Projects
Total
achievement
Percentage
of
achievement
2011-12 563.77 563.77 100 225 225 100
2012-13 111.60 111.60 100 38 38 100
2013-14 563.77 563.77 100 225 225 100
2014-15 492.37 492.37 100 218 218 100
2015-16
(July,
2015) 214.89 37.07 17 16 4 25
Total 1946.40 1768.58 91 722 710 98
Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF)
Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) is designed to redress regional
imbalances in development. The scheme is started in the district from the
year 2006-07 with 100% central funding. The fund will provide financial
resources for supplementing and converging the existing developmental
inflows into identified backward districts so as to:
i) Bridge critical gaps in local infrastructure and other development
requirements that are not being adequately met through existing inflows by
other schemes.
ii) Strengthen, to this end Panchayat and Municipality level Governance
with more appropriate capacity building , to facilitate participatory planning,
decision making, implementation and monitoring to reflect local felt needs.
iii) Provide professional support to local bodies for planning, implementation
and monitoring their plans.
iv) Improve the performance and delivery of critical functions assigned to
panchayats and counter possible efficiency and equity losses on account of
inadequate local capacity.
As per instruction of Government of India, the Scheme is inoperative in
the District from the financial year 2015-16
The year wise funds received and utilized under the Scheme during last
five years in the District are given below.
184
Status of BRGF Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical
Financial Year
Total funds
available
Expenditure made
Percentage of
expenditure
Total targeted Projects
Total achievement
Percentage of achievement
2011-12 1468.19 1009.70 69 419 339 81 2012-13 1561.69 1420.25 91 398 325 82
2013-14 1037.58 1174.52 113 367 383 104
2014-15 37.59 389.98 -- 4 137 --
2015-16 (July, 2015)
-- 11.50 -- 4 -- --
Total 4105.05 4005.95 98 1192 1184 99
Integrated Action Plan (IAP)
The Integrated Action Plan (IAP) is being implemented for selected
Tribal and Backward Districts affected by 184aoists under the BRGF
Programme from the year 2010-11 with 100% central funding. A Committee
headed by District Collector/District Magistrate and consisting of the
Superintendent of Police of the District and the District Forest Officer is
responsible for implementation of this scheme. The District level Committee
have the flexibility to spend the amount for development schemes according
to need as assessed by it. The Committee have planned consisting of
concrete proposals for public infrastructure and services such as School
Buildings, Anganwadi Centres, Primary Health Centres, Drinking Water
Supply, Village Roads, Electric Lights in public places such as PHCs and
Schools etc.”
Since inception of the scheme, the year wise funds received and
utilized under IAP in the District are given below.
Status of Integrated Action Plan(IAP)
Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical Financial Year
Total funds
available
Expenditure made
Percentage of
expenditure
Total targeted Projects
Total achieve-
ment
Percentage of
achievement
2010-11 2500.00 2500.00 100 420 420 100 2011-12 3000.00 2901.76 97 880 648 74 2012-13 3000.00 2916.04 92 564 539 96 2013-14 3000.00 2530.69 84 699 606 86 2014-15 2000.00 1044.78 52 282 118 39 Total 13500.00 11893.27 88 2845 2331 82
185
Gopabandhu Grameen Yojana (GGY)
Gopabandhu Grameen Yojana(GGY) was launched by Government of
Odisha during the year 2006-07 with 100% State Government funding with a
view to provide additional developmental assistance to the districts not
covered under the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF).The GGY was
being implemented in 10 districts of Odisha in 2014-15 and BRGF was
implemented in the rest 20 districts. However, BRGF scheme has been
discontinued from 2015-16 onwards. But there is a felt need to bridge critical
gaps in infrastructure in all the districts of the state including backward
districts, where infrastructure continues to be weak. Therefore Government
has been pleased to decide that GGY scheme will be implemented in all the
30 districts of the state from the financial year 2015-16 onwards including
Deogarh District.
Features of GGY
i)GGY will be implemented across the state to bridge critical gaps in rural
areas with special focus on Bijuli (electrification), Sadak (road
infrastructure), and Pani (irrigation and water supply) by complementing
and supplementing existing development grants.
ii) Palli Sabha/Gram Sabha shall be the unit for planning under GGY.The
list of projects will be initiated by Palli Sabha/Gram Sabha.
iii) The finalization of list of projects to be taken up under GGY will be done
by a District Level Committee(DLC) headed by the District Collector
with MPs,MLAs and Peresident,Zilla Parishad as members and PD,
DRDA/ EO, Zilla Parishad as member convener.
iv) The fund allocation will be made to districts based on geographical area
and population of the district in comparison to the state as a whole.
v) The Block will be the Implementation Agency for GGY.However,the
District Collector may decide any other line Department as Executing
Agency with approval from the District Level Committee.
vi) Funds under the scheme shall be credited to the accounts of
implementing agencies and executants through Direct Account
Transfer/ NEFT/ RTGS/ electronic Fund Management System (e-FMS).
vii) The State government may also introduce alternate fund management
system to transfer the fund electronically to the accounts of the
executing agency through a central Account maintained at State/District
level through e-FMS.
186
viii)Social Audit shall be conducted to ensure the transparency and
accountability under the scheme.
Types and natures of work under GGY
Some suggestive works under Bijili, Sadak and Pani which may be
taken up under GGY are given below.
(a) Bijili (Electrification Sector): The items such as Street lighting, lighting
at places of mass congregation, electrification of Government
residential/non-residential schools etc. should be taken up.In areas where
grid electrification is difficult, solar grids or solar home system may be
introduced through public private and community partnership. However,
electrification of un-electrified villages/hamlets shall not be taken up under
the scheme as the same will be covered under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen
Vidyutikaran Yojana(RGGVY).
(b) Sadak (Road Sector): Construction of Cement Concrete Roads
(C.C.Roads) inside villages with drainage facility shall be given emphasis. In
case, there is no need of C.C. Road inside the selected villages, the
approach/link road from the main road to the village can also be developed.
Prioritization of villages for construction of C.C. Road are be done as per
following manner.
(i) The villages/habitations inhabited by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTGs) with no coverage of Cement Concrete Roads .
(iii) PVTG villages partially covered with Cement Concrete Roads.
(iv) Village habited by STs in majority with no coverage of Cement Concrete
Roads.
(iv) ST villages partially covered with Cement Concrete Roads.
(v)Villages inhabited by SC communities with no coverage of Cement
Concrete Roads.
(vi) SC villages partially covered with Cement Concrete Roads.
(c)Pani (Water Sector):Maximum emphasis shall be laid on works such as
strengthening of embankments with turfing/stone pitching,field
channels,bathing ghats,guard walls, sluice/surplus etc of water harvesting
structure or the works created under MGNREGS and other schemes and
such similar projects helping directly or indirectly in enhancing irrigation
facility and quality of rural life. Sinking of tube-wells and installation of pipe
water supply projects should generally be discouraged as funds under other
schemes are available from other sources.
187
Finance Commission Award (FCA)
The Finance Commission is being set-up every five years by
Government of India to discharge the mandate laid down in Articles 270, 275
and 280 of the Constitution to perform 3 different types of tasks:-
1. To recommend distribution, between Union and States, of the net
proceed of taxes out of divisible pool.
2. To recommend the allocation between the different States of such
proceeds, and
3. Thirdly, to recommend measures to supplement the resources of the
Panchyats and Municipalities by augmenting the consolidated funds of
individual States, taking into account the recommendations of the respective
State Finance Commissions (SFCs).
13th FC Recommendations (2010-11to 2014-15)
1. For augmenting the resources of rural local bodies in terms of award
of grant based on certain principles. The grants have two main components.
a. Basic Grant – For 5 years (2010-11 to 2014-15)
b. Performance Grant – For 4 years (2011-12 to 2014-15)
The Commission has specifically recommended using above grants on
the following Components.
1. Drinking water supply,
2. Sewerage, Solid Waste Management (Rural Sanitation)
3. Operational expenses (Maintenance of Accounts, Conducting of
Audits, Creation of Database and other incidentals, etc.)
Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD Fund)
On 23rd
December 1993 the concept of the Members of Parliament
Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) in the Parliament was
announced by then Prime Minister. Initially the MPLADS was being
managed and monitored by the Ministry of Rural Development. The MPLAD
Scheme was transferred to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation in October 1994. The initial Guidelines for use of funds
under this scheme have undergone revision several times for optimum
utilisation of funds. The extant guidelines are in place from August 2012,
which is based on the experience gained over the past 20 years, and on the
suggestions made by various stakeholders including Members of Parliament,
both the Committees of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, NABARD
188
Consultancy Services (NABCONS) and Comptroller and Auditor General of
India in its past Reports.
Initially an amount of Rs. 5 lakh per Member of Parliament was allotted
in 1993-94, when the Scheme was launched. In a graded manner it got
enhanced and now it has been increased to Rs.5 crore from the financial
year 2011-12.
The year wise funds received and utilized under the MPLAD Scheme in
Deogarh District is indicated in the table below.
Status of MPLAD Scheme
Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical
Financial
Year
Total
funds
available
Fund
Spent
Percentage Total
targeted
Projects
Total
achievement
Percentage of
achievement
2009-10 5.25 5.25 100 4 4 100
2010-11 11.00 11.00 100 4 4 100
2011-12 72.26 57.01 79 72 56 78
2012-13 68.89 69.89 100 17 17 100
2013-14 50.99 45.14 89 12 11 92
2014-15 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 209.39 188.29 90 109 92 84
Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLA LAD)
In the line of the MPLADS, the Member of Legislative Assembly Local
Area Development Scheme (MLALADS) has been introduced in the State of
Odisha since 1997-98. Under this scheme, provision for funds is made in the
State‟s Plan Budget every year. The MLALAD Scheme is intended to be
utilized for small but essential projects/works based on the felt needs of the
local public within the geographical area of the assembly constituency of an
MLA. It is also meant to be used for providing missing links to operationalise
non-operational plan assets for which funds could not be provided under any
other on-going Programme. This fund is not tied to any development sector.
Since the inception of the scheme, the year wise funds received and utilized
in Deogarh District are given below.
189
Status of MLA LAD Scheme Amount in Lakh Rupees Year Allotment
received from
Government, P and C
Deptt.
Amount sanctioned
Amount released
to Executing Agencies
Expenditure Percentage of
expenditure
No. of projects Sanctioned Completed On
going
1997-98 5 5 5 5 100.00 28 28 0 1998-99 10 10 10 10 100.00 65 65 0 1999-00 15 15 15 15 100.00 121 121 0 2000-01 25 25 25 25 100.00 130 130 0 2001-02 40 40 40 40 100.00 133 133 0 2002-03 50 50 50 50 100.00 183 183 0 2003-04 50 50 50 50 100.00 274 274 0 2004-05 50 50 50 50 100.00 165 165 0 2005-06 50 50 50 50 100.00 55 55 0 2006-07 50 50 50 50 100.00 67 67 0 2007-08 100 100 100 100 94.78 305 305 0 2008-09 75 75 75 23.36 31.15 202 202 0 2009-10 75 75 75 47.6 63.47 107 58 49 2010-11 100 100 100 24.3 24.30 158 16 142 2011-12 100 100 100 27.93 27.93 163 45 118 2012-13 100 100 100 38 38.00 150 36 114 2013-14 100 100 100 39 39.00 97 32 65 TOTAL 995 995 995 645.19 64.84 2403 1915 488
Western Odisha Development Council (WODC)
Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) was formed to upgrade
levels of development with a view to bring about regional balance and parity,
upgrade the relative levels of development in different sectors in each
Districts of Western Odisha which for historical reasons have remained
backward, and having regard to the levels of development for the State as a
whole, prepare long-term and short-term plans and Programmes for removal
of developmental imbalances and formulate plans and Programme
accordingly. The scheme has been started in the District from the year 2000-
01.
The year wise funds received and utilized under the Scheme in
Deogarh District are given below.
Status of WODC Amount in Lakh Rupees
Financial Physical Financial Year
Total funds
available
Expenditure made
Percentage of
expenditure
Total targeted Projects
Total achievement
Percentage of achievement
2009-10 58.00 58.00 100 23 23 100 2010-11 210.00 191.00 95 31 26 84 2011-12 368.00 313.00 91 140 116 83 2012-13 178.00 163.00 96 48 37 77 2013-14 433.00 410.00 95 145 88 61 2014-15 322.00 100.00 38 67 26 39 2015-16 (July, 2015) 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 1569.00 1235.00 79 454 316 70
190
Note: Out of 14 nos. of projects for 2011-12, one project has been
entrusted to Odisha University of Agriculture Technology, Bhubaneswar.
Besides the above, some other Government Programmes are also
implemented by state Government as well as Central Government in the
district for upliftment of rural as well as urban poor .They are Drinking Water
Supply, Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Rastriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana (RKVY), Mid-Day Meal (MDM), SC/ST Students‟ Hostel Building,
Devolution of Fund, Kendu Leaf Cess Grant, Special Development
Programme, Swarna Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yojana, PMEGP, etc.
Piped water overhead tank to village Nuadihi of Reamal block
Kansar water reservoir of Tileibani block)
191
Even though Deogarh is a young district, it has focussed on
development aspects to provide better livelihood and living condition to the
people by proper planning, coordination, execution and utilization of all
resources including the funds both from the Central and State Government
sources and agencies.
Deogarh district is unique in the sense of tribal development activities.
There is a special scheme for upliftment of the Paudi Bhuyans of Barkote
Block. This particular ethnic group of aborigines have remained isolated for
ages. To bring them into mainstream and at par with other tribes a special
agency has been created named as the Paudi Bhuyan Development
Agency. The following table gives details of various programmes, funds
allocated for several components of development activities and
achievements by the Paudi Bhuyan Development Agency.
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
Annual Action Plan Under Sca To Tsp 2013-14
Sl No.
Programme Amount Village PGT Beneficiary
GIA ( General) Income Generation Schemes
A Skill Training Programme 1.00 - 10
B Minor Irrigation Project 4.00 50
GIA ( CCA)Infrastructure Development Schemes
C Communication 6.47 2nos. 100
G. Total of SCA TO TSP 11.47 160
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
Annual Action Plan Under Article 275 (1)2013-14
A Farm Mechanisation 7.00 All 500
B Connectivity 20.00 4 nos 600
C Irrigation 10.00 2 nos 430
D School 8.00 -
G.Total of Article 275(1) 45.00
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
Annual Action Plan Under Ccd 2013-14
GIA ( General) Income Generation Schemes
A Irrigation 10.00 2 145
B Horticulture 14.00 - 670
C Agriculture 8.00 1410
D Animal Husbandry 5.00 1 no 124
E Promotion To Shg 2.00 1 no 124
F Capacity Building 1.00 - 20
G Ngo/Iec/Publication/ Project Management & Monitoring
2.00
H Conservation Of Culture 0.50
G.Total of General IGS 42.50
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Annual Action Plan Under Ccd
192
Rugudakudar 2013-14
GIA ( CCA)Infrastructure Development Schemes
A Drinking Water & Sanitation 10.00 2 nos 410
B Connectivity 12.00 3 nos 600
C Electrification 8.00 1 no 750
D Construction Of Boys Education Complex
25.00 1 no 240
G.Total O F CCA 55.00
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
Annual Action Plan Under SCA to TSP 2014-15
Gia ( General) Income Generation Schemes
A Skill Training Programme 1.96 - 30
B Minor Irrigation Project 10.00 2 nos 250
Gia ( Cca)Infrastructure Development Schemes
C Communication 5.16 2 nos 220
G. Total Of SCA To TSP 17.12
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
Annual Action Plan Under Article 275 (1)2014-15
IGS/CCA - - -
A Connectivity 19.55 4 nos 730
B Irrigation 10.00 3 nos 300
G.Total Of ARTICLE 275(1) 29.55
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN UNDER CCD 2014-15 (Phase-I)
Gia ( General) Income Generation Schemes
A Horticulture 16.06 - 265
B Agriculture 14.17 1280
Gia (Cca) Infrastructure Development Schemes
C Construction Of Boys Education Complex
25 1 no 160
G.Total Of CCD 55.23
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN UNDER CCD 2014-15 (Phase-II)
Gia ( Cca)Infrastructure Development Schemes
A Construction Of Boys Education Complex
18.41 1 no 60
B Conservation Of Culture 7.49 1 no 1200
C Connectivity 5.97 - 370
D Electrification 6.48 - 370
E Irrigation 8.79 - 550
F Health 6.89 - 850
G Institutional mechanism 5.40 -
G.total 59.43
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
Annual Action Plan Under Sca To TSP 2015-16
193
A SERICULTURE 1.00 - 100
B HORTICULTURE 7.36 2 nos 250
GIA ( CCA)Infrastructure Development Schemes
A COMMUNICATION 6.28 2 nos 370
G. Total of SCA TO TSP 14.64
Paudibhuyan Development Agency- Rugudakudar
Annual Action Plan Under Article 275 (1)2015-16
GIA ( General) Income Generation Schemes
A DRINKING WATER 11.00 5 nos 835
B PRESERVATION OF CULTURE 12.45 3 nos 1395
G. Total of ARTICLE 275 (1) 23.45
Basic Information for the Year 2016-17 Itda, Tileibani
ITDA, Tileibani Integrated Tribal Development Agency, Tileibani has
been notified vide Government of India, Tribal Affairs Department Order No.
11023 dated 30.03.2015 and Order No. 20206 dated 09.10.2015 of
Government of Odisha, ST and SC Development Department, Odisha,
Bhubaneswar and the office is functioning in the District Headquarter at
Deogarh.
It serves 223 inhabited and 27 uninhabited villages; a population of
74484 of whom 43114 (57.88%) are ST, 8345 (11.20 %) are SC and 23025
(30.91 %) belong to other castes. It has 81 hamlets and 16 Gram
Panchayats under its purview, one High School and one Ashram School.
Project Level Committee is an integral part of ITDA. It has the Collector as
the Chairman, and Chairman of Panchayat Samiti, Member of Parliament
and Member of Legislative Assembly of the area, Project Director, DRDA,
concerned Siub-Collector, representative of NABARD, Lead Bank Manager,
representative of ST and SC, Development Department two tribal, Zilla
Parishad Members, representative of one NGO, one development expert, a
representative of community based organisation and Project Administrator of
the concerned ITDA as members.
The Integrated Tribal Development Agency is run through various
schemes designed for upliftment of Tribal Communities of Tileibani, ITDA
area.
The Project Level Committee Meeting was held on 12.01.2016 and
the details of Annual Action Plan approved in P.L.C. meeting is given below.
SCA to TSP (Central Plan)- The scheme SCA to TSP namely special
central assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan receiving grants from Central
Government through State Government. The scheme is mainly divided into
two sub heads @ ratio of 70% and 30%.
194
A. Grant-in-Aid (General) 70%- The ITDA receives 70% of grants from
Central Government through State Government. The main object of the
scheme is upliftment of ST people with 100% subsidy. But no fund has yet
been received. The proposal has already been approved in the P.L.C.
meeting and communicated to Government in the ST & SC Development
Department, Odisha, Bhubaneswar vide this office letter No. 38 dated
26.02.2016 and is given below.
SCA to TSP 70% (with details)
Sl.
Scheme Details in Lakh Beneficiaries to be
covered
01. Poultry 8.00 2 nos. S.H.G.
02. Goatery 10.00 10 nos. S.H.G.
03. Micro Enterprise Promotion 5.00 1 nos. S.H.G.
04. Skill Upgradation Training 20.00 80 nos. of Youth
05. Pre-recruitment Training 10.00 20 nos. of Youth
06. Placement Link Employability
Training
20.00 80 nos. of Youth
07. Agriculture Activities 10.00 100 nos. of ST
08. Wadi 10.00 100 nos. of ST
09 Construction of Rural Haat 20.00 4 nos.
10. Adivasi Exhibition-2017 (State
Level)
5.00 1 Troupe
Creation of Capital Asset 30%-
The scheme relates to communication, CD works, Farm Mechanisation etc
and the proposal contains:
Rs. In Lakhs Units
Communication including roads/ bridge/
cd works
80.00 16 nos. of projects
Community Centre 20.00 4 nos.
Article 275 (1) (Central Plan)-
(a) Grant-in-Aid (General)- This scheme was also divided into two Sub-
heads. One is Grant-in-Aid (General) where Central Government has been
placing grants for forest right activities. But no fund is required due to
availability of fund with DWO, Deogarh.
(b) Creation of Capital Assets- The scheme relates to creation of Capital
Assets like road connectivity, CD works in the interest of Scheduled Tribe
area.
195
Name of the units In Lakhs Nos. of Projects
Connectivity works like road Culvert/
Small Bridge/ Cross Drainage
80.00 16 nos.
Infrastructure in Educational Institution 20.00 2 nos.
Repair and Maintenance of Toilets 6.00 2 nos.
Provision of Health and Education 9.00 2 nos.
Total 115.00
The proposal has already been approved in the P.L.C. meeting and
Communicated to Government vide this office letter No. 38 dated
26.02.2016. But no found has yet been recievd so far.
Vanabandhu Kalyan Yojana (Central Plan)- As per the Government
Circular Letter No. 24543 dated 17.12.2015, 8 to 10% of the total funds
received under SCA to TSP and Article 275 (1) will be provided by
Government separately for electricity, health, drinking water, sanitation,
irrigation, promotion of sports, higher education taken up for development of
ST people.
Sl. Name of the Projects Amount Units
01. Irrigation Fcailities 30.00 6 Nos.
02. Cultural Heritage 1.00 1 Nos.
03. Importance of Play Ground 5.00 1 Nos.
Total 36.00 Lakhs
The projects were also approved in the P.L.C. meeting and the action
plan has already been communicated to Government vide this office Letter
No. 38 dated 26.02.2016.
State Plan and Non-Plan- In the above scheme ITDA will submit
proposals for all round development of Welfare Institutions of Tileibani ITDA.
However, no proposal has yet been submitted. In this connection this office
has received a letter from Director (SC) Welfare to submit the proposals.
Proposals were already prepared for Rs. 926.00 Lakh which will be
submitted after due approval from Collector, Deogarh.
196
CHAPTER-X
ECONOMIC TRENDS
As already stated, Deogarh district is located in the western region of
the state. Its headquarters is at Deogarh town 90 Km to the east of
Sambalpur on NH-6. This district is entirely hilly tract. It is the least populous
district of Odisha and has a ranking of 571 in terms of population out of a
total of 640 districts in the country. It has a sex ratio of 976 females for every
1000 males and a low literary rate of 73.07 per cent. Agriculture is the main
occupation and the chief source of livelihood of the people in the district. The
economy of the district is gradually developing with the implementation of
different development programmes and diversification in occupational
structure of the workforce. A brief description of broad economic trends in
the district is presented in this chapter.
Livelihood
The primary sector, and more particularly agriculture, is the main
source of livelihood of people of Deogarh district. Agriculture accounts for
about one-fourth of the district domestic product and agriculture provides
engagement to more than 75 per cent of the total workers. The district has
rich natural resources. Forest coverage is 53.06 percent of total
geographical area of the district and it provides livelihood to a large mass of
tribal population. The district is also endowed with abundant water
resources. Rivers like the Brahmani and Tikira and the reservoirs like
Rengali and Gohira dams have immensely contributed to the livelihood of
the people. Many people earn their livelihood through mining and quarrying
by raising minor mineral and construction materials. Though the district does
not have any large scale industry, the 18 small scale industries and 144
cottage industries based on forest produce and other available natural
resources provide employment and livelihood to a large number of people. In
Deogarh district, agriculture, horticulture and forestry have good potential of
growth and development for providing a diversified livelihood pattern to the
people. Government programmes are trying to strengthen these activities to
make them sustainable sources of livelihoods.
District Domestic Product – Composition and Trends
Income is considered to be the most important indicator of economic
well being . in view of the importance of decentralized planning and micro
area development, estimation of income at the district level is gaining
focused attention in recent years. The income of a district is termed as
District Domestic Product (DDP). DDP estimation has the five broad
objectives such as a) Measurement of economic development of a district; b)
197
Analysis of the sectoral contribution to the district economy; c) Evaluating
the objectives of planning in the district; d) Improvement of planning at the
district level and e) Examining income disparity among the districts.
Any discussion on District Domestic Product presupposes a clear
understanding of terms like Gross District Domestic Product, Net District
Domestic Product and Per Capita (DDP). Gross District Domestic Product
(GDDP) is the money value of the volume of goods and services produced
in a district within a year, counted without duplication. It is equal to the
income generated by the production of goods and services within the
geographical boundary of a district. It can also be defined as the
unduplicated value of output of all goods and services produced within the
boundary of the district during the year. Net District Domestic Product
(NDDP) is the net value of final goods and services produced within the
district during one year. GDDP minus depreciation i.e. consumption of fixed
capital, is equal to NDDP. The average income of the people of a district in a
particular year is called DDP per capita in that year. This concept helps one
to know about the standard of living of the people of a district.
In Odisha, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics prepares
estimates of District Domestic Product of all the districts. According to the
methodology adopted for estimation, District Domestic Product (DDP) in
Deogarh comes from the contributions of four sources such as, the Primary,
Secondary, Tertiary and Finance and Services sectors. The Primary Sector
includes Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry, Forestry, Fishery,
Mining and Quarrying. The Secondary Sector consists of Manufacturing
(both registered and un-registered), Electricity, Gas and Water supply, and
Construction. Trade, Hotel and Restaurant, Transport and Communication
come under the Tertiary sector. In Finance and Services are included
Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Community, Social and Personal services.
A summary picture of the trend of NDDP at constant 2004-05 prices for
Deogarh district for the period 2004-05 to 2011-12 is presented in the
following table;
198
Comparative Trend of Domestic Product and Per Capita Income in Deogarh District
Year DEOGARH NDDP (Rs. Lakh)
Y-O-Y Growth Rate %
Rank Per Capita NDDP (Rs.)
Y-O-Y Growth Rate %
Rank Per Capita IncomeDifferences
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2004-05 43898 - 30 15305 - 16 2345 (0.65)
(87.00)
2005-06
47411 8.00 30 16316 6.61 15 1878 (0.67)
(90.00)
2006-07
51166 16.56 30 17381 6.53 17 2813 (0.64)
(86.00)
2007-08
53521 4.60 30 17946 3.25 18 3694 (0.62)
(83.00)
2008-09
57411 7.27 30 19001 5.88 17 3962 (0.62)
(83.00)
2009-10
62293 8.50 30 20350 7.10 17 2496 (0.66)
(89.00)
2010-11
60469 -2.93 30 19498 -4.19 18 4470 (0.61)
(81.00)
2011-12
73244 21.13 30 23310 19.55 13 1232 (0.71)
(95.00)
Year ODISHA
NSDP
(Rs. Lakh)
Y-O-Y
Growth Rate
%
Per
Capita Income
(Rs.)
Y-O- Y
Growth
Rate %
9 10 11 12
2004-05 6798702 - 17650 -
2005-06 7100497 4.44 18194 3.08
2006-07 7984484 12.45 20194 10.99
2007-08 8669191 8.58 21640 7.16
2008-09 9320665 7.51 22963 6.11
2009-10 9395723 0.81 22846 -0.51
2010-11 9987972 6.30 23968 1.05
2011-12 10362763 3.75 24542 2.39
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha
Note: 1- Figures in parentheses at col.2 indicate percentage share in
NSDP, Odisha
2. Figures in parentheses at col.5 indicate NDDP Per capita in
Deogarh as percentage of per capita income, Odisha
3. Product / Income figures are at 2004-05 Constant prices
4. Y-O-Y means Year-on-Year
The table shows an increasing trend of NDDP except for the year
2010-11 in which it witnessed a dip from its Rs. 62293 Lakh level in 2009-10.
199
Broadly speaking the district experienced higher year-on-year growth rates
in NDDP compared to the growth rates in NSDP experienced at the state
level. The growth rate in NDDP for the year 2011-12 i.e. 21.13% has been
far higher than the NSDP growth rate of 3.75%. However, in terms of the
size of the NDDP it has the 30th ranking among the districts probably
because it is the smallest district in the state both in terms of population
which the source of human resources for generating income and output. The
per capita income of the district also shows an increasing trend except in
2009-10. But it is disheartening to note that the per capita DDP continues to
remain below the state average by large margins throughout the 2004-05 -
2011-12 periods except that in 2011-12 the gap has lowered to a very
significant extent. In terms of comparative per capita income the district has
a position 15-18 during 2004-05 to 2011-12 which improved to 13 in 2011-
12. The growth rate of per capita income in the district in 2011-12 over 2010-
11 has been higher than that for the state as a whole. On the basis of the
above analysis it can be said that the district economy is growing and trying
to keep up with the state.
A comparative picture of trend of per capita income at the district
and state levels is presented in the following figure. It may be seen from the
figure that the line representing per capita income for Deogarh district is
gently rising in consonance with that of the state. In the year 2011-12 per
capita NDDP is seen to be rising to catch up with the state per capita
income.
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
Pe
r C
apit
a In
com
e
Year
Comparative Trend of Per Capita Income in Deogarh District and Odisha
Deogarh
Odisha
200
Sectoral composition of NDDP throws light on the relative contributions
of the four major sectors of the economy to the DDP. A detailed picture is
given in the following table:
Sectoral Shares in NDDP/NSDP
Year
DEOGARH
Primary Secondary Tertiary Finance &
Services All
2004-05 42.43 24.19 9.36 24.02 100
2005-06 43.59 23.29 9.94 23.19 100
2006-07 41.31 25.24 10.97 22.48 100
2007-08 38.75 26.95 11.4 22.91 100
2008-09 38.91 24.73 11.97 24.39 100
2009-10 39.82 23.37 12.18 24.63 100
2010-11 30.27 28.16 14.3 27.27 100
2011-12 35.03 29.36 12.33 23.27 100
Year
ODISHA
Primary Secondary Tertiary Finance &
Services All
2004-05 32.37 23.31 19.22 25.1 100
2005-06 32.16 21.27 21.18 25.4 100
2006-07 30.28 23.12 22.52 24.08 100
2007-08 28.49 24.89 22.66 23.95 100
2008-09 27.03 24.05 23.35 25.56 100
2009-10 28.55 18.45 25.16 27.83 100
2010-11 26.35 18.61 26.68 28.35 100
2011-12 24.58 19.32 27.42 28.68 100
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha
The table makes interesting reading. The district economy is seen to
be more dependent on the primary sector than the state economy. the share
of the primary sector has declined from 42.43 per cent is 2004-05 to 35.03
per cent in 2011-02. During this period the primary sector witnessed a faster
decline at the state level with its share declining from 32.37 per cent to 24.58
per cent. The tertiary finance and services sectors together account for
35.60 per cent of NDDP as against 56 per cent at the state level as in 2011-
12. This suggests that the district economy is more primary sector
dominated while the state economy is more dominated by the tertiary and
service sectors. It is pertinent to note that there has been a greater structural
shift towards the tertiary and services sector led economy at the state level
while the structural composition of DDP has experienced very marginal
changes since 2004-05.
A detailed picture of the contributions of sub-sectors and broad sectors
to NDDP / NSDP for 2011-12 is given in the following table:
201
Share of Sectors in NDDP and NSDP: 2011-12
Sectors / Sub-Sectors Percentage Share in
NDDP-Deogarh NSDP-Odisha
A. Primary Sector 35.03 24.58
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 24.50 16.20
Forestry 9.20 2.64
Fishery 1.26 1.08
Mining and Quarrying 0.08 4.66
B. Secondary Sector 29.36 19.32
Manufacturing -Registered 0.02 2.14
Manufacturing -Unregistered 2.05 2.32
Electricity, Gas and Water Supply 1.71 1.84
Construction 25.58 13.02
C. Tertiary Sector 12.33 27.42
Trade, Hotels and Restaurants 7.02 16.80
Railways 0.02 1.15
Transport by other means 3.60 7.26
Storage 0.01 0.14
Communication 1.69 2.08
D. Finance and Services 23.27 28.68
Banking and Insurance 4.65 7.47
Real Estate, Ownership of Dwellings, Business
Services and Legal Services
3.99 6.18
Public Administration 3.31 3.71
Other Services 11.33 11.32
E. All 100.00 100.00
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha
It can be seen that within the primary sector, agriculture and animal
husbandry sub-sectors are predominant while in the secondary sector
construction is of paramount importance both at the district and state levels.
In case of the tertiary sector, the Trade-Hotels-Restaurants sub-sector and
within Finance and Services, the other services sub-sector are the main
stay.
202
Employment and Unemployment Situation
For a clear understanding of employment and unemployment situation
in Deogarh district we have identified four indicators, such as (a) Work
Participation Rate and classification of workers, (b) Live register, (c) People
in self-employment and (d) Unemployment rate. Employment status of
people is an important indicator of economic development. This is simply
because employment determines income which in turn determines standard
of living, work efficiency and economic prosperity. Unemployment, on the
contrary, is the root cause of poverty and economic backwardness. Any
discussion on the economy of a region or state, therefore, needs to focus on
the employment-unemployment situation prevailing in the region. Some
concepts need to be clarified before we probe deep into the study of
employment-unemployment scenario in Deogarh district.
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is the number of persons in the
labour force per one thousand persons. Worker Participation Rate/ Worker
Population Ratio/ Workforce Participation Rate (WPR) is the number of
persons employed per one thousand persons. Unemployment rate (UR) is
defined as the number of persons unemployed per one thousand persons in
the labour force –employed +unemployed.
The analysis of employment-unemployment situation is based on two
concepts i.e. usual status and current weekly status. The usual status
approach uses a reference period of 365 days i.e. one year preceding the
date of survey of NSSO for measuring employment-unemployment. It has
two dimensions- principal and subsidiary status. Usual principal status uses
the major time criterion and refers to the activity status on which a person
spent longer part of the year i.e 183 days and more. Usual Subsidiary status
refers to the activity which a person could have pursued for a smaller period,
not less than 30 days, in addition to the usual principal status which he/she
pursued for a longer part of the year. If these two are added together, usual
status is obtained. Usual status is obviously a more inclusive measure.
A person is considered as working or employed according to the
current weekly status (CWS) if he/she was engaged for at least one hour on
any day of the week preceding the date of survey. Alternatively, a person is
considered as unemployed according to this criterion if he/she had not
worked for even one hour on any day of the previous week.
The details of workers and non-workers as revealed from the
provisional results of Census 2011 are given in the following table: To
facilitate comparison, figures for Odisha have also been given.
203
Workers and Non-Workers-2011
(Per cent)
Indicators Deogarh Odisha
Total Workers (Main + Marginal) 52.94 41.79
Male 58.39 56.11
Female 47.35 27.16
Main Workers 26.69 25.51
Male 37.69 41.46
Female 15.41 9.21
Marginal Workers 26.25 16.28
Male 20.70 14.65
Female 31.94 17.95
Non-Workers 47.06 58.21
Male 41.61 43.89
Female 52.65 42.84
Category of Workers 100.00 100.00
Cultivators 25.79 23.40
Male 32.19 28.36
Female 17.68 12.92
Agricultural Labourers 49.86 38.42
Male 39.67 29.25
Female 62.76 57.78
Household Industry Workers 4.89 4.46
Male 4.12 3.69
Female 5.86 6.10
Other Workers 19.46 33.72
Male 24.02 38.70
Female 13.70 23.20
Source: Census-2011
It may be seen that Deogarh district has a higher work participation rate
(52.94 percent) in comparison to the State as a whole (41.79). The rates are
higher for both males and females in the district too. Main and marginal
workers have roughly equal shares (26.69 and 26.25 percent respectively) in
the district while the share of main workers is disproportionately higher
(25.51 percent) than that of marginal workers (16.28 percent) at the state
level. For the district, male workers have a higher share among both main
and marginal worker categories. Category-wise classification of workers in
the district indicates that agricultural workers have the highest share (49.86
percent) followed by cultivators (25.79 percent), other workers (19.46
percent) and household industry workers (4.89 percent) in that order. For the
state, the pattern is little different with agricultural labourers at the top (38.42
percent) and household industry workers at the bottom (4.46 percent) but
other workers have a higher stake (33.72 percent) than cultivators (23.40
percent). This is in tune with the composition of income which establishes
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relatively greater dependence on agriculture and primary sector at the district
level than for the state.
In Odisha, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics has prepared
district level disaggregated estimates of employment and unemployment for
the year 2009-10 on the basis of the 66th Round NSS data and compilation
of data obtained from its own sources. Such data are presented in the
following table:
Employment-Unemployment situation in Deogarh : 2009-10
Status Indicators Deogarh Odisha
Rural Urban Rural Urban
Usual Status Labour Force
Participation
Rate(LFPR)
481 343 398 360
Woker Participation
Rate(WPR)
462 333 386 330
Unemployment
Rate(UR)
19 10 12 30
Current
Weekly
Status
Labour Force
Participation
Rate(LFPR)
396 309 353 352
Worker Participation
Rate(WPR)
333 304 330 324
Unemployment
Rate(UR)
21 24 16 28
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha
The table shows that labour force participation rate (LFPR) is higher
and worker participation rate (WPR) is lower for rural areas in Deogarh
district than for the rural areas at the State level. The Unemployment rate
which defines the difference between LFPR and WPR are also higher in
rural Deogarh compared to rural Odisha. For the urban areas, all three rates
are higher at the State level than for the district, except WPR. This holds
whether we consider the usual status or the current weekly status approach
to measurement of employment, unemployment and unemployment rate.
A good number of people are self-employed in farm activities in the
district, and many are unemployed among whom there are skilled and
unskilled people. Prevalence of child labour is also high in the district and
this speaks of the low economic condition of households of their origin. The
details are given in the following table.
205
Employment and Self-employment Indicators in Deogarh
Parameter/Indicator Male Female Total
Self-Employed in Farm Activities 40000 8446 48446
Registered in Employment Exchange/ 8000 2809 10809
Total Unemployed
Skilled Unemployed 880 258 1138
Child Labour 3901 3262 71 7163
It is revealed that as in 2014, as many as 48,446 persons were self-
employed in farm activities among whom 40,000 were male and 8,446 were
female. In the same year the number in Live Register of Employment
Exchange, Deogarh stood at 10,809 comprising 8000 males and 2809
females and this included 1138 skilled people (880 male + 258 female). The
size of child labour worked out to 7163 and among them 3901 were boys
and 3262 were girls.
A detailed qualification-wise break-up of Live Registers as in 2014 is
given in the table below:
Qualification-wise break up of Live Registers in 2014
Sl. Qualification Male Female Total
1 Below Middle School 08 03 11
2 Below Matriculation 733 74 807
3 Matriculation 1936 427 2363
4 Intermediate 2738 1350 4088
5 Graduates (Arts) 649 450 1099
6 Graduates (Science) 1580 351 1931
7 Graduates (Commerce) 356 154 510
8 Technology Diploma
Holders
174 55 229
9 I.T.I. 313 03 316
10 C.T. 38 34 72
11 Pharmacist 56 12 68
13 Stenographers 05 02 7
14 Typists 09 06 15
15 Others 285 146 431
Grand Total 8000 2809 10809
It can be seen from the table that among the 10809 unemployed as
found in the Live Registers in 2014, the vast majority i.e 4088 or 37.8 per
cent were intermediates, 3540 or 32.8 per cent were graduates and only 707
or 0.07 per cent had some technical qualification-typing and above. This
206
means that the educated unemployed in the district mostly belong to the
category of persons having general education. This calls for extra efforts for
providing skill-based education to the people for promoting self-employment
ventures and moderating unemployment.
Wage payment system and minimum wages
During the feudal rule, there used be two types of forced labour called
„bethi‟ and „begari‟. They used to work without any wage or compensation for
the labour. After independence the system of payment of minimum wages
was introduced through legislation. The concept of minimum wages first
evolved after independence with reference to remuneration of workers in
industries where the level of wages was substantially low as compared to the
wages for similar types of labour. The Annual conference of International
Labour Organization, at Geneva, adopted a draft convention on minimum
wages requiring the member countries to create and maintain a machinery
whereby minimum wage rate can be fixed for workers employed in industries
in which arrangements exist for the effective regulation of wages and where
wages are exceptionally low. Also, at the Preparatory Asian Regional Labour
Conference (ARLC) of International Labour Organization held at New Delhi
in 1947 and then at the 3rd
session of the ARLC, it was approved and
mandated that every effort should be made to improve wage standard in
industries and occupations in Asian countries, where they are still low. Thus,
the need of legislation for fixation of minimum wages in India received an
impetus after World war- II, on account of the necessity of protecting the
interest of demobilized personnel seeking employment in industries. To
provide for a machinery for fixing and revision of minimum wages a draft bill
was prepared and discussed at the 7th session of the Indian Labour
Conference in November 1945. Thereupon the minimum wages bill was
introduced in the Central legislative Assembly. There are four categories of
workers based on their level of skill classified as un-skilled, semi-skilled,
skilled and highly skilled.
Government of Odisha has fixed Rs. 200 as the minimum wage for un-
skilled agricultural workers. For those working in 1) Automobile Servicing,
repairing, Garages and workshops; 2) Ayurvedic and Unani Pharmacy; 3)
Bakeries and confectioneries and Biscuit making; 4) Bamboo forest
establishments; 5) Brass and Bell Metal Industry; 6) Manufacture of Brush
and Brooms; 7) Carpet Weaving Industry; 8) Cashew Process
Establishments; 9) Contingent and Casual employees in Government and
other establishments; 10) Ceramic and Pottery Industry; 11) Cement Pipe
making and allied products industry; 12) Chemical Industry; 13) Cinema
Industry; 14) Clay, Pottery; 15) Manufacture of Coke and burning coal; 16)
Collection of Sal Seeds; 17) Construction, maintenance of dams and
207
embankments irrigation projects, sinking of wells and tanks; 18) Construction
or Maintenance of roads or in building operations); 19) Coir Industry; 20)
Cold drinks, soda and other allied products; 21) Cotton Ginning and
Processing Industry; 22) Distilleries; 23) Dispensary of a Medical practitioner
or in any establishment etc); 24) Electrical bulbs; 25) Electricity Board; 26)
Fisheries and Sea Food industries; 27) Finishing, Dyeing or Yarn and
Fabrics, Painting and Knitting and Embroider; 28) Foundry Industry with or
without attached Machine; 29) Forest produce such as Genduli Gum,
Mahua, making of Coal and Resin); 30) Gold and silver Ornaments and
article of artistic design; 31) Glass industry; 32) Graphite Industry including
Benefactions; 33) Handloom and Hosiery; 34) Hotels, Eating Houses and
Restaurants; 35) Ice Factories and Cold Storages); 36) Jute Industry and
Jute Twine Industry; 37) Kendu leaf collection; 38) Khadi village Industries
including manufacture of Khandsari and other products; 39) Laundry
including dry washing; 40) Local Authority; 41) Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Manufacture and Distribution; 42) Leather Industry; 43) Manufactory of
Matches fireworks and explosives; 44) Metal Industries (except Cottage and
Village Scale Units); 45) Minor engineering Industry (Less than 50 persons);
46) Motor Body Building; 47) Nails and pins; 48) Oil Mills; 49) Paper and
Card Board Industry; 50) Manufacture of Paints and Varnishes; 51) Petrol
and Diesel Oil Pumps; 52) Pharmaceutical Industry; 53) Manufacture of
Plastic Products including toys; 54) Power Loom Industry; 55) Printing Press;
56) Private Road Transport; 57) Private Security Agencies / Services; 58)
Public Motor Transport; 59) Public Health Engineering); 60) Radio by
assembling with parts; 61) Readymade Garments Industry; 62) Refractory
Industry; 63) Regulated Markets, Marketing Societies, Cooperative Societies
and Banks; 64) Rice Mills, Dal Mills and Flour Mills; 65) Ropes; 66) Rubber
and Rubber Products Industry; 67) Salt Pans; 68) Saw Mills; 69) Shops and
Establishments; 70) Siali leave pluckers; 71) Soap and Detergent
Manufactory; 72) Social Forestry; 73) Spinning Mills; 74) Stone Breaking or
Stone Crushing; 75) Tamarind collection; 76) Tile and Brick Making; 77)
Timber Trading (excluding felling, Sawing); 78) Timber Trading including
felling, Sawing; 79) Tobacco (including Beedi Making Manufactory); 80)
Trunks, Suitcase and Bucket manufactory; 81) Manufacture of Utensils
including Aluminium products; 82) Wood Works and Furniture making
Industry the minimum wages fixed for Un-skilled, Semi-skilled, Skilled and
High-Skilled worker categories have been Rs. 200, Rs.220, Rs. 240 and Rs.
260 respectively. These rates are not applicable to work under MNREGS.
208
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in
Deogarh District.
The MNREGS is a flagship wage-employment programme of the
government launched in 2005. Deogarh is one among the 19 districts of the
state notified under MNREGS in Phase-I in February, 2005. The scheme is
being implemented in all the three blocks of the district at the approved wage
rate which has been revised periodically by the government. A summary
picture of the working of the scheme in Deogarh district is presented in the
following Table:
MNREGS in Deogarh District
Source: DRDA, Deogarh
The table reveals that the scheme is functional in all the three blocks
and is doing well. The wage rate is fixed by Government of India and is
revised periodically. It has gone up from Rs. 125 in 2010-11 to Rs. 174 in
2015-16. Because of drought the wage rate was raised to Rs.226 in 2015-16
for two months only i.e. March and April. The number of households issued
with Job cards shows an increasing trend as also broadly speaking, the
number who demanded work and were provided with work. Person days of
employment generated and number of households who completed 100 days
work under MNREGS also indicate an increasing trend except in 2014-15.
General Level of Prices
Deogarh district is typically rural and hence prices of agricultural
commodities exert profound influence on the standard of living of the people
and economy of the district. The crops produced in the district are Paddy,
Wheat, Maize, Mung, Biri, Kulthi, Mustard, Groundnut, Til, Potato and Onion.
The trends of farm harvest and wholes are prices of these articles are given
in the following tables:
Indicators 2011-12 2012-
13
2013-
14
2014-
15
2015-
16
No. of Blocks in which MNREGS is
implemented
3 3 3 3 3
Wage Rate 125 143 143 164 174/22
6
No. of Households issued with Job Cards - 61732 63481 65325 68972
No. of Households demanded work - 18723 18305 21503 26356
No. of Households provided with work 12748 16895 16283 18103 24233
Person days of Employment provided 448335 642697 680868 663655 923976
No. of Households completed 100 days of
Employment
362 884 1147 956 1234
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Farm Harvest Price (Rs./Quintal)
Year Paddy Wheat Maize Mung Biri Kulthi Mustard Groundnut Til Potato Onion
2002-03 467 800
2021 2033 1058 2100 1425 1600 517 533
2003-04 448 833 850 2178 2045 1000
2033 572 525
2004-05 467 900 867 2450 2063 1150 2500 1827 1925 668 725
2005-06
800 2533 2511 1200 2750 2150 1608 549 885
2006-07 582
2950 2738
2425
2007-08
2008-09
956 3580 3607 1600
2142
788 1071
2009-10 920
3912 3699 1996 3250 2771 3333 809
2010-11 955
913
4000 2286 2907 2860 2725 800 1400
2011-12 1087 1450 1000 4600 4100 2200
2500 3151 785 1200
2012-13 1260
5056 4575
871
2013-14 1,333 1,560
4,900 4,766 2,650 4,450
1,194 1,685
Data relaing to the 11 selected crops at the farmers‟ point indicate that
the prices of these items show an increasing trend. Paddy witnessed the
highest rise in farm harvest prices (185 percent) followed by Kulthi (150
percent), Mung (142 percent), Biri (134 percent), Potato (131 percent),
Onion (116 percent), Mustard (112 percent), Til (97 percent), Wheat (95
percent), Maize ( 85 percent) and Groudnut ( 75 percent) in that order:
Wholesale Prices of Agricultural Produce in Deogarh (Rs./Quintal)
Year Paddy Wheat Maize Mung Biri Kulthi Mustard Groundnut Til Potato Onion 2002-03 414.37 600
1883.3 1900 924.5 2000 1100 1400 345.83 425
2003-04 468.7 800 675 1994.4 1988.9 800 2300 1416.7 2066.7 427.77 500 2004-05 480.84 900 583.33 2100 1933.3 1041.7 2500 1664.6 1877.8 518.06 700 2005-06 475 600 625 2456 2512.5 933.33 1700 2005.6 1625 600.93 475 2006-07 510
2250 3100 1000
3048.4
516.67
2007-08 684.11 1090 750 2268.2 3112.5 1069.4
1968.1 2375 600 700
2008-09
875 3100 3500 1450
2050
900
2009-10 888.18
825 3343.8 3161.1 1820.4 2925 2359.1 2900 691.87
2010-11 940
804.17 4000 3730.1 2078.6 2691.7 2600 2498 700 1157.143 2011-12 1081.7 1400 950 4500 4000 2085 3250 2250
750
2012-13 1145
850 1300
2013-14 1300 1485
4800.83 4545.45 2500 3771
865.29
The trend of wholesale prices indicates a more or less similar picture. A
rising trend is clearly visible in this case as well. The prices of other
consumer goods show the same trend as noticed elsewhere in the state and
at the state level.
Employment Potential
Deogarh district has enormous potential in the traditional art and craft,
cottage industries and natural tourist spots can provide gainful employment
opportunities to the youth. Since bulk of the unemployed in the district do not
belong to the technically educated category, employability aspect in youth
should be the basic thrust of government intervention programmes through
provision of skill upgradation training and technical education for self
employment.
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CHAPTER-XI
GENERAL AND REVENUE ADMINISTRATION
District Administration: General Overview
Deogarh District was a single Sub-Division of the same name of the
previous undivided Sambalpur district. There are three Tahasils namely
Deogarh, Reamal and Barkote with an aggregate of twenty Revenue Circles.
In conformity with the uniform pattern of district administration in the state of
Odisha, the Collector of Deogarh is the pivot of the set up with varied
administrative assignments and responsibilities. The Collector who is also
the District Magistrate is responsible for the maintenance of law and order
and other magisterial functions. The Collector exercises general supervision
and oversees the functioning of all the departments in coordination with the
heads of each department in the district, through constant contacts with the
officials concerned. This includes control over local-self governing bodies,
contact with the public in various committees, execution of Government
policies and multiple other functions such as food supply and rationing and
rehabilitation and relief measures in time of emergencies like flood,
epidemics, or any other natural or manmade events.
The Collector being the head of the land revenue administration at the
district level, the major revenue assignments for the incumbent include
general supervision and control of land records and staff of the Revenue
Department, supervision over the collection of revenue and hearing of cases
of appeal against the decision of subordinate revenue officers in matters
connected with the land revenue. In the administration of land revenue, the
Collector is assisted by a hierarchy of officials of both gazetted and non-
gazetted rank.
In recent years, planning and development activities have assumed
increasing importance in the field of public administration. The Collector as
the Chief District officer is responsible for implementation of various
developmental plans/Programmes at the district level. The major
developmental activities comprise agriculture and animal husbandry,
irrigation, health and rural sanitation, education, social welfare, education,
communication, rural arts and crafts, industries, tribal welfare, etc.
For the administration of developmental activities, the district is divided
in to three Blocks and 60 Panchayats and the developmental schemes are
implemented through officers called Block Development Officers, each of
whom is in charge of a Block. The Block Development Officers are assisted
by ministerial staff and various technical officers from different departments
such as agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, Panchayat, co-operation
and community development.
211
With the enforcement of the Odisha Zilla Parishad Act, the
developmental administration of the District has been decentralized into
three tiers in the district e.g. the Zilla Parishad at the district level, the
Panchayat Samiti at the Block level and the Grama Panchyat at the village
level, with an elected body of members at each stage.
With regard to superintendence and control of the administrative
functions, the Collector is under the Revenue Divisional Commissioners,
Northern Division, whose jurisdiction also extends over Sambalpur, Bargarh,
Jharsuguda, Angul, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur and
Bolangir Districts. The office of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner is
located at Sambalpur. So far as administration of Tenancy Acts, land Record
and Surveys are concerned, he is under the control of member, Board of
Revenue.
With the growing complexity of administration the post of Additional
District Magistrate, vesting the powers of a District Magistrate under the
Code of Criminal Procedure helps the Collector in delivery of public service
mainly concerning to revenue administration, thereby enabling the Collector
and District Magistrate to devote whole heartedly to the implementation of
various plans and Programmemes. The post of Project Director, District
Rural Development Agency assist the Collector in achieving the goal, so set
by Government for different poverty alleviation, rural housing, generation of
employment for the rural households, development of roads, bridges etc in
the interior pockets, etc. The Project Director, DRDA is assisted by a full set
of human recourses, which includes gazetted as well as non-gazetted staff in
his office.
Besides, the Collector is assisted by Deputy Collectors and Assistant
Collectors who constitutes the sanctioned strength of Revenue officers for
the District headquarters. The district office of the Collector is divided into
component sections like Revenue, Touzi, Nizarat, Establishment, Land
Acquisition, Development, General and Miscellaneous, judicial, Emergency,
Tribal Welfare, Election, Social Welfare, Panchayat, Excise, Transport,
District sub-register. The functions of their offices are to assist the Collector
in taking decisions and in the efficient discharge of various administrative
functions by effecting adequate check and scrutiny of papers and proposals
sent to Government or received from Subordinate offices.
Collectorate, Establishment
Consequent upon creation of Deogarh as a new district w.e.f.
01.01.1994, a separate cadre was formed for this Collectorate vide order no.
775/EB, dt.25.03.1995 of RDC (ND), Sambalpur. Sri Prafulla Kumar
212
Mohanty, IAS was the first Collector of Deogarh District. The present staff
position & vacant post of Collectorate, Deogarh is as follows:
Sl. No. Category of post Sanctioned strength
Staff in position
No. of post
vacant
Remarks
01 Collector & District Magistrate 01 01 -- 02 Additional District Magistrate 01 01 -- 03 Deputy Collector 02 01 01 04 Assistant Collector 05 03 02 05 Office Superintendent 01 -- 01 06 P. A. 01 01 -- 07 Senior Stenographer 02 02 -- 08 Head Clerk 02 02 -- 09 Senior Clerk 06 05 01 10 Junior Clerk 10 07 03 11 Amin 01 -- 01 12 Driver 01 01 -- 13 Daftary 01 01 -- 14 Peon 07 07 -- 15 Chainman 01 01 -- 16 C.C.S. 04 04 --
There are 09 sections in the Collectorate establishment in Deogarh
District. They are as follows.
1. Establishment 2. Nizarat 3. Revenue 4. Land Acquisition 5. Judicial 6. Emergency 7. Grievance Cell 8. General & Miscellaneous 9. Election
Establishment Section
One Deputy Collector is being kept in-charge of this Section. The
establishment works like Drawal and disbursement of Salary of the staffs,
Transfer posting of staff, maintenance of Service Books, Conduct of
recruitment of Junior Clerk/RI/Amin/Amin/Class-IV staffs are being
conducted in this Section. Distribution of different section to Officers as well
as Ministerial staffs is also being monitored in this Section.
Nizarat Section
One Deputy Collector is being kept in-charge of this Section. All
monetary transactions are being conducted in this Section.
213
Revenue Section
One Deputy Collector is being kept in-charge of this Section. Monitoring
of Collection of Land Revenue, Distribution of Pattas, Alienation of Govt.
land to different Government/Private firms are being conducted in this
Section.
Land Acquisition Section
Acquisition of Govt. & Private Land and distribution of Compensation to
the affected persons are being monitored in this Section. One Officer of
Revenue Administration is being entrusted the charges of this Section.
Judicial Section
Different P.W.(C) Cases , Civil Suits Cases, Contempt Cases are
being monitored in this Section. Issue & Renewal of Arms Licences /
Explosive Licences are being conducted in this Section. Verification of
Character & Antecedent is also conducted in this Section.
Emergency Section
One Officer of the Collectorate is being entrusted the charges of the
Emergency Section. Monitoring of mitigation and rescue operation during
Natural /man made calamities are being conducted in this section. As per
Guidelines of Odisha Relief Code all monetary relief like ex-gratia are being
disbursed to the affected beneficiaries by this section.
Grievance Section
Monitoring of redressal of the grievance petitions received from the
general people during Joint Public Grievances in District Headquarters as
well as different Block Headquarters are being conducted in this section. The
grievance petitions received in other days are also monitored in this Section.
General Miscellaneous Section
One Assistant Collector is in-charge of this section. All miscellaneous
works are being conducted in this Section. Providing of information under
Right to Information Act, 2005 are being conducted in this section. For the
purpose, the Officer entrusted the charges of General& Misc. Section has
been designated as Public Information Officer of Collectorate.
Election Section
Conducts of General Election to Member of Parliament as well as
Member of Legislative Assembly are being conducted in this section. One
OAS Officer is kept in-charge of this Section.
214
Besides, the establishment of District Panchayat Office, District Welfare
Office, Civil Supplies Office, District Social Welfare Office, District Small
Savings Office, District Information & Public Relation Office, Regional
Transport Office, District Child Protection Office, District Social Security
Office are also under the administrative control of the Collector.
Deogarh District is consisting of one Sub-Division and the Office of the
Sub-Collector, Deogarh is working in the same premises of Collectorate,
Deogarh.
The Collector remains in close contact with the public and keeps them
informed of the various issues concerning them. Good public realations and
rapport with the media are requirements of good and respomsive
governanace. The District Public Relations Officer under the supervision of
the Collector performs this task. Similarly in respect of supply of food grains
and other essential commodities, he is assisted by the Civil Supply Officer.
For handling affairs of the panchayati raj institutions and the panchayats, the
Collector is assisted by the District Panchayat Officer. The District Welfare
Officer belonging to the Tribal and Welfare Department helps the Collector in
tribal welfare activities. The Additional District Magistrate is the District
Registrar and is vested with necessary powers under the Registration of
Societies Act.
The District Treasury is managed by an officer belonging to the senior
branch of Odisha Finance Service and is controlled by the Collector.
The above picture does not take into account administration of criminal
justice in the district which under the scheme of separation of the executive
from the judiciary was done afer independence dispensing with the old
British colonial system. Only the executive magisterial functions rest with the
Colletor who ia also the District Magistrate and other such magistrate
subordinate to the Collector.
Sub-Divisional Level Administration
Deogarh District is having one Sub-Division i.e. Deogarh itself. The
Sub-Collector-Cum-Sub Divisional Magistrate is in charge of general
administration of the subdivision. As head of the Sub-Divison he has
enormous responsibility and has the following roles: -
215
Magisterial functions
The Sub-Collector being the Sub-Divisional Magistrate exercises many
powers and performs many functions under the provisions of the Code of
Criminal Procedure 1973 (CrPC). His basic function as Executive Magistrate
is to maintain law and order in his Sub-Division. He exercises his power
under sections 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 and conducts inquiry under sections
111 and 116 CrPC to ensure good behaviour from suspects and habitual
offenders. In extreme situation he can impose curfew, put a complete ban on
movement without permission. He can declare and assembly of person as
unlawful under section 144 CrPC and also restrain them from entering any
sensitive place to avoid law and order situation. Under section 145 CrPC he
can decide questions about dispute between parties over possession of a
property. Under Section 133 CrPC, he can order Removal of Obstruction/
Public Nuisances which is likely to create law and order.
Background of Revenue Administration System
The ex-princely State of Bamanda (Bamra) had two distinct parts for
administrative convenience similar in nature to sub-divisions in direct British
administered districts namely Kuchinda and Deogarh. „Bamara Revenue
Rules‟ which came into application from 1st December, 1929 after completion
of the Revenue Land Settlement operation in 1928-29 were applicable to the
entire state of Bamanda.
L.E.B. Cobden-Ramsay mentions in fair detail in the „Feudatory States
of Odisha‟ in “Bengal Gazetteers” published in 1910 (page 89-90 and 122-
125) that Bamra state was almost covered by dense forest and hilly tract.
The land revenue was a very simple one and was practically homogeneous
throughout the state. Ownership in the land rested with the state, but the
right of occupancy rested with the actual cultivator who, so long as he paid
his rents, was left in undisturbed possession. Alienation by sale, gift or
mortgage by a tenant of his holding was illegal, and subjected both the
transfer and transferee to unconditional ejection and eviction. Such
alienation was strictly prohibited and disallowed in Bamra state. Only this
could be done with the due permission and only after close scrutiny by the
king. The Kandha and, Bhuyan tribe claimed to be the real owners of the soil
and when asked, “Who are you?”. The answer invariably given, however
humble in origin and position the member of these races may be was, “I am
a zamindar”, or owner of the soil. The „wild‟ non-Hinduised Kandha had
never consented to pay a regular land revenue. Bamra state formerly known
as the Tributary Mahals of Odisha (Cobden-Ramsay‟s spelling which has
since been changed to Odisha), settlements were made by means of a local
standard measuring pole known as „dusti padika‟ and a rough classification
216
of the soil, or on an approximate estimate of the produce of the land. In
Bamra state regular settlements have been made for many years past and
the measurements recorded in acres. The periods of land settlements were
generally for 10 to 15 years. The rents were mostly paid in cash and
additional contributions at fixed rates, usually of rice, grain, ghee and live-
stocks like cow, goats were levied on the occasions of certain festivals of the
state. These payments in kind were commuted to cash payments and the
tenants had the option of paying the value in cash if they so desired. In the
case of villages held by Lakhirajdars the tenants usually cultivated on the
bhaga principle, or half division of the produce, in most of the villages
supplies (rasad) were given free to the king and his officials on tour, and this
supply was regarded as part of the revenue. The system of providing „begari‟
or free labour, in return for daily feeding was also a revenue asset.
Land Revenue System- Past & Present
For the purposes of land revenue administration, Bamand state was
divided into three Tahasils with a Tahasildar in charge of each. The Tahasils
were Kuchinda, the most highly cultivated area of the State, in the north-
west, the sadar or Deogarh Tahasil and the Barkote Tahasil to the south-
east. The land revenue demand was about Rs. 65,500/- (in the early decade
of the 20th century while the land settlement operations were in progress).
The land revenue system was very similar to that prevailing in the
neighbouring states. The land revenue demand was divided into fixed and
fluctuating collections. The fluctuating collections were derived from new
villages opened up and waste lands brought to cultivation. The rule is that
new lands are generally allowed to be held five years free of rent. This
collection also includes the assessment on „dahi‟ (shifting cultivation in forest
area by the slash and burn method causing immense destruction and
depletion of forest). The area under „dahi‟ was measured by the Forest
Department and the rate charged was Re. 1-9 anna per man which by land
measure was about half an acre. The Pauri or hill-man were the people who
practised this form of cultivation. The king was trying to localize and keep
within prescribed limits this reckless and wasteful form of cultivation by
compelling the Paurias to apply for sanction for any area they burnt and this
was then checked by the Forest Department. There was a famine fund
amounting to Rs. 30,000/- and the people received advances at moderate
interest for meeting the challenges of loss of crop due to drought.
Land Tenure System & Tenancy Rights in the past:
A land cess was levied only from the people who live in Deogarh town,
as they all held their lands rent-free. It was levied at a variable rate of one
anna six pies to four anna per rupee according to the character of the mafi or
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free grant. The money was spent on the repair of the town roads. A school
cess was assessed and levied at a quarter of an anna per rupee of rent
according to the old settlement of 1877. It was not increased by assessing it
on the rental obtained in the last settlement. The Gountias pay Re. 1/- on
the occasion of the „Suniya‟ ( the Odia New Year in Bhadraba month of the
Hindu almanac) and the Pausa Purnima. There were the usual grants to
members of the family of the king (Lalus), who were either lesser siblings or
from the cadet branch of the ruling clan, for their maintenance, also Paik
(feuda militia) and other service lands and religious grants. The villages in
the state were held by Gountias, Pradhans and Gadtias. No distinction is
made between the first two classes. The „Bhogara‟ lands used by the village
headman varied from 12 to 20.5 percent of the cultivated lands of the
village. Rakumat or payment in kisti was levied on all villages, except from
Lakhraji, Brahmotar village. It was regularly assessed and was entered up in
detail in the Kistibandi (Demand Register). The payment was made into the
state granary (Royalty „dhana‟) in kind such as grains and other edible items
like paddy (dhana), rice (chaul), black-gram (muga, birhi), sesame seed (til)
and clarified-butter (ghee), etc. In 1907-08 revenue from forest produce
amounted to Rs. 32,637/- excluding the revenue from timber sleepers
supplied fro laying of the Bengal Nagpur Railway tracts. The state forests or
the reserve forest was separated from the village or khasra jungle. There
were ten protected trees i.e. Sal, Bija, Khaira, Bandhan, Harar, Mahul,
Kurum, Kendu, Kusum and Sisu. As regards the khasra jungle, the villagers
were allowed to use it but were not allowed to destroy it for whatsoever
reason and the prohibited class of trees could not be cut from the khasra
forest without adequate reason and without permission of the Forest
Department. The cultivators paid a commutation fee to cut and remove any
kind of timber, except the prohibited class. Non- agriculturists paid half an
anna per head load of wood. The rate charged for dry timber of the
prohibited class was two anna per cubic foot in Deogarh Tahasil and four
anna in Kuchinda Tahasil. As regards destruction of the forests by the
people, the measures adopted were effective, and it was but rarely that
instances were seen of clearing of patches of forest with trees ringed and
boles burnt for raising crops on guda or dry upland. All persons, whether or
people of the state or outsiders, paid a grazing tax if they keep milch-cattle;
the rate was one anna per milch-cow and two anna per buffalo for people of
the state and four anna and eight annas respectively for outsiders. People of
the state got their domestic fuel and also their supply of chhana grass (for
roofing houses) and panasi (or sabai grass ( for knitting wooden cots) ad
these items included in the commutation fee. If, however fuel or grass is
exported, a levy had to be paid. There was a considerable quantity of Panasi
or Sabai grass in the state, but there was no export of it on any scale.
Regular licenses were issued for felling and removing timber of the reserved
classes. The state obtained its supply of opium through the Sambalpur
218
treasury and Khandwa Ganja was obtained from Nimar. The state changed
the licensed vendors with the cost of transit; Ganja was sold at Rs. 5/- per
secr. There were no regular excise staffs, but the state officers and the
Police watched the sale of excisable articles. The markets were leased out
only in the Kuchinda Tahasil, elsewhere in order to encourage trading in the
less developed tracts no assessment was imposed. Every tenant who
attended the bazaar or market for sale purposes paid 1.5 pies, but fish and
meat sellers were exempted. Local shopkeepers who exported goods for
sale in the market day paid 3 pies for the day. Foreign traders who visited
the market for sale, paid 1 pie per rupee if their sale was under Rs. 20/- and
3 pies per rupee if it exceeded Rs. 20/- who weave Rs. 2-2, Bhandaris
(Barbers) Rs. 1-4, Kewats 12 annas, Blacksmiths 8 annas, Brass workers 8
annas, Lakharas & 8 annas, Gurias 12 annas, Khairas Re. 1/- Ghantras 8
annas, Kamaras Re.1-4 anna, Jharas Rs. 1-4 annas, Telis one seer of oil for
each pressing machine worked by them.
Survey & Settlement
No regular system of Settlement operation was made in Bamara till
1877 and the rents were fixed by appraisement of harvest. The last regular
settlement was completed during 1928-29. The two subdivisions of Deogarh
and Kuchinda which constituted the ex-state of Bamara are governed by the
Bamara Revenue Rules of 1928-29. In this settlement the tenants have been
recorded as having occupancy rights and the Gountias acted as revenue
collecting agents. Another minor settlement was undertaken during the
period 1941 to 1947 for assessment of rent in respect of newly reclaimed
land.
The villages are classified into Six catagories i.e. (1) Ruler‟s Khamar
Villages, (2) Khorposh villages, (3) Daan Villages consisting of 37 villages
which were leased out to late Dambarudhar Priya Debi (4) Brahmottar and
Debottar villages) (5) Gounti villages and (6) Patwari managed villages.
In his book „ Feudatory States of Odisha‟ S. P. Ghosh mentions that
1860-62 an estimate was prepared by the topographical survey of the
number of villages in the states of Odisha and Chhotnagpur and a
calculation of five and a half persons to each household was taken as
representing the population. A similar calculation was made in 1863 for
Bamra state and other four state those were transferred from the Central
provinces to the Odisha Division. Then the first enumeration of the
population of the state was taken in 1872. After this the census of 1881
showed that the population of Bamra state had increased by 51.6 percent
since 1872.
Regular survey and settlement were made lately in the state. The
measurement was usually done roughly by bamboo poles, and rent being
supposed to bear some relation to outturn, but the mode of calculation was
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often very crude. Before the settlement of 1877, made by Colonel (then
captain) Sir James Johnstone, Government Agent, after the rebellion in 1868
there appears to have been no fixed revenue levied from family of
community Bhuyas. A house tax of four anna per house and eight annas per
plough was then imposed. A school-fee of one anna per house was also
imposed. The next settlement was made by Mr. H. P. Wylly, Government
Agent, after the rebellion of 1893. The rates were fixed at thirteen annas per
plough, six and a half annas per house and the school tax was doubled. On
those villages, which objected to the thatching duties, a further tax of three
annas was levied. Printed Pattas or leases were given to the headman.
Land reforms position of the district
Kharposh, Debottar, Brahmottar, Mahatran, Dan Maufi, Babuani Maufi
and Anugrahi tenures in Bamra ex-state (Deogarh and Kuchinda
subdivisions) have been abolished on 29th September, 1964 as per Revenue
Department Notification No. 63558-EAI-(ND)-58/66-R.
Sources of Revenue of the District
Collection of Land revenue has been regarded as the most important
aspect of revenue administration in the district. Land revenue was being
collected by various Part-time collecting agents. But consequent on the
abolition of the intermediary rights in land, a direct relationship between the
government and the tenants has been established and the Government
have assumed full responsibility of collecting their land revenue direct from
the tenants. In pursuance of the provisions of Manual of Tehasil Account the
responsibility of collection of land revenue now devolves mainly on the
Tehasildar who is a revenue officer of the rank of Deputy Collector, under
whom Revenue Inspectors have been posted in charge of specified areas
depending upon the revenue demands.
The District has been divided into 3 Tehasils, each under the charge of
a Tahasildar, who is assisted by a number of Revenue Supervisors,
Revenue Inspectors, Amins and other Auxiliary staff. The Table given below
indicates the staffing pattern of the Tahasildar.
Name of Tahasil Revenue Supervisor Revenue Inspector Amin 1. Deogarh 01 07 04 2. Reamal 01 08 02 3. Barkote 01 06 02
The general and revenue administration system are almost unform in
all the districts of Odisha. Despite the commonalities there are certain
variations based on the demography, ethnic composition, past hictory and
special needs of the current times. Deogarh is no exception to it. With the
separation of Deogarh from the larger Sambalpur district administration has
come closer to the people and is better focused in the micro level to meet
the demands, hopes qand aspiration of the people.
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Present Revenue Administration
Now a days Collector being the head of the Land Revenue
Administration at the district. The land revenue used to be the main source
of income for the Government. The Administration of the land also is
organised mainly for collection of land revenue. In this context the main
theme of revenue administration is to ensure collection of 100 percent of
Government dues. The Collector is assisted by ADM, Sub-Collector,
Tahasildars in respect of the district Sub divisions and Tahasil level to ensue
collection of the shares of the Government. As the collection of land revenue
is a difficult process it is normally done through Revenue Inspectors (R.I.s)
as the grass root officer of the revenue administration. Revenue Supervisor
the next senior to R.I. is responsible for collection of land revenue. Next
Additional Tahasildar gives assistance to Tahasildar in the Tahasil level and
Assistant Collector to Sub-Collector level and Deputy Collectors are to
Collector to ensue collection for the interest of Government collection of the
district being appointed by the State Government from the State Cadre IAS
Officer or Senior OAS Officer in the rank of Additional Secretary or above.
For the post of Sub-Collector the junior level of IAS Officer is being posted
by Government.
In the outlines district revenue administration basically is looking after
land reforms such as 1)proper regulation of rent, 2)conforment of right of
ownership on tenants/rayats, 3)fixation of ceiling on agricultural holdings,
4) acquisition of ceiling surplus land, 5) consolidation of holdings, 6) land
management practices, 7) co-operative farming and pattern of village
development. Apart from this district revenue administration is also actively
involving in the works 1) survey and settlement for fixing of reasonable rent
and maintenance of record-of-rights, 2) fixation of ceiling surplus land on
payment of compensation, 3) consolidation of holdings and prevention of
fragmentation of holdings.
The concept of land reforms is to give the rights of occupancy to the
actual rayats so that the rayats can make involvement or develop the land.
The concept of land reforms has been changed from time to time and now it
has got many diverse and comprehensive meanings.
The main important points of the land Reforms Act may be summarised
as below:
1. Recognition of certain kinds of tenants as rayats
2. Giving permanent, heritable and transferable rights on the land to the
rayats
3. Abolition or non-recognition of tenants or sub-tenants under a rayat
except in the cases of persons under disability or privileged rayats
4. Conferment of the ownership right on the land occupied for dwelling
houses by the tenants or rayats
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5. Regulation of conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural use
6. Regulation of the relatives between landlord and his rayats or tenants
7. Regulation of transfer of land belonging Scheduled Tribe or Scheduled
Caste to other persons not belonging to the ST or SC
8. Settlement to the tenants of the tenanted land
9. Fixation of ceiling on the agricultural land holding to ten standard acres
for a family of five members and vesting of the surplus land to the
Government on payment of compensation as fixed in the Act and distribution
of the surplus land to the landless agricultural labourers or rayats having less
than one standard acre of land.
Apart from this, some important Act and Rules are summarised as below;
Odisha Estates Abolition Act, 1952-
This Act came into force with effect from 9th February, 1952 and provided
for abolition of all rights, title and interest in land of all intermediaries by
whatever name known between the rayat and the state of Odisha and
authorized the State Government to issue notification from time to time
declaring that the any estate has passed to and became vested in the State
from all encumbrances. Some such intermediaries land is still continuing in
the Tahasil records.
Odisha Survey and Settlement Act, 1958
This Act is the Bible for maintenance of land records. Under this Act one
village can be surved and prepared village map and records. The survey and
Settlment Act and Rule provide Tahasildar to make up-to-date and change in
entries of the RoR as and when required, without necessitating replacement
of RoR or Map. Under this Act, Government notifies that a particular area will
be taken up for preparation of Survey, Maps and records. The survey and
preparation of Maps and records were being experienced by old cadastral
instrument by involving have man powers. Now Government has changed
the Survey method by using scientific instrument involving an exparte from
on Arial Survey with digital method for preparation of village maps and
records. Deogarh district is included under this Arial Survey Government has
also expressed its intention and brought an Act as Special Survey and
Settlement Act-2012 to carryout Modern Technology Survey in any part or
the whole of the State.
Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962
The intention of Government to distribute of Government land to
homesteadless/ landless families under this Act. Besides the alienation of
Government land for various development purpose and institutions also.
Collector occupies a vital position in the district to sanction a particular
amount of land under this Act. The role of Tahasildar, Sub-Collector,
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Collector, RDC, Member of Board of Revenue and R & DM Departrment are
defined in this Act to sanction government land for development purpose
with or without permission.
Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, 1972-
Tahasildar is in his jurisdiction occupied a custodian of Government land
under this Act. The OPLE Act isnot only a land for eviction of encroachments
but is also a law for settlement of land. Collector is the appellate authority
against the order of Sub-Collector under this Act.
Land Acquisition-
The land Acquisition Act, which was enacted in 1894 during the British
regime in India, was in vogue in the country for as many as 119 years. It was
repealed by the Government of India w.e.f. 1st January, 2014 and was
replaced by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land
Acquisition Resettlement and Rehabilitation (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013. Now a
days, Deogarh district is acquiring lands from the private land owners, to be
used for public purposes using the provision of such new Act.
Odisha Public Demand Recovery Act, 1962-
According to OPDR Act, Public Demand (PD) means any arrear or
money includes any interest which is lawfully chargeable there upon till the
signing of the certificate. Public Demand ordinarily relates to dues payable to
Government or Public Authority, which have became arrear the defaulter
having not paid if by the payable date. Statutorily, Collectors and Sub-
Collectors are certificate officres under OPDR Act. The Collector may
appoint any other officer with sanction of RDC to function as certificate
officer. The certificate officer or receipt of certificate requisition from
certificate holder can start certificate case against certificate debtar for
recovery the Public Demand under OPDR Act.
Odisha Irrigation Act, 1959-
About 75% of the people of Odisha earn their livelihood from agriculture.
Under Odisha agriculture conditions, if the economy has to improve there
must be crop point all the year round. This is possible only if irrigation
facilities are available. Government provides such facilities in each district by
constructing water storage works for inpounding rain water and leading
channels. Government is also maintaining and managing such irrigation
points through Pani Panchayat. For smooth function of irrigation projects, the
Odisha Irrigation Act, 1959 was enacted to consolidate and amend these
laws relating to irrigation, assessment and levy of water rate and cess. It is a
complete code on the subject. There are seven chapters in the Act as
follows.
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Chapter Description Sections
I Preliminary 1 to 4
II Construction and maintenance of Irrigation works 5 to 10
III Construction and maintenance of water courses 11 to 19
IV Supply of water 20 to 26
V Levy of water rate and cess 27 to 38
VI Penalties 39 to 45
VII Miscellaneous 46 to 56
All Tahasildars and Additional Tahasildars are ex-officio Irrigation Officers
within the meaning of the Act excepting for sections 5,6,8,10 and 41.
Modernization of Land Records:
In the way of modernizing and bringing efficiency to the land revenue
administration as well as to make it citizen-centric, technological intervention
has been envisaged under the centrally sponsored Digital India Land
Records Modernization Programme. Major focus of the Programme is on
citizen services. Various components of the programme are underway in the
district which in brief have been outlined below.
Under this programme, all textual data of records of rights are being
updated and computerized. Data conversion of all textual records has been
completed in respect of all Tahasils of the District and has been hoisted in
the Bhulekh website. Computerized RoRs are being issued to the citizens.
Re-entry of RoR data is being done on continuous basis for further updation.
Cadastral map-sheets of all the villages of the district have been digitized
and mosaicised. All those maps have been integrated with the textual RoR
data of bhulekh website for public view and official use. Steps have been
taken to make the mutation process transaction based in which notices of all
transactions registered in the registration offices are sent by the registering
officers to the concerned tahasil offices for initiation of mutation proceedings.
There have been sharp decline in the application based mutation cases
during the last 2-3 years. Further all Tahasildars have been instructed
suitably to dispose all un-contested mutation cases within a maximum period
of three months. People have been greatly benefitted due to quicker up-
dation of land records.
In line of computerizing the Tahasil offices of the district, Tahasil level
computer cells have been made functional in all Tahasils of the district.
Information technology is being use for maintaining village wise property
records and for providing services to citizens in a better way.
All the Tahasil offices have been provided with broadband internet
connectivity. In addition, virtual private network over Broad Band (VPNoBB)
has been provided in the Tahasil offices for secure data transmission. The
VPNoBB connectivity is being used to transmit the updated RoR data from
the concerned tahasils to the NIC Head-quarters through File Transfer
224
Protocol (FTP) for reflection of the same in the bhulekh website. Steps have
been also taken to provide connectivity through Odisha State Wide Area
Network (OSWAN) to all Sub-Collectorates, Tahasils and Registration offices
of the district. The District Head Quarters are already connected with
OSWAN.
In order to replace the existing system of physical storing and
maintenance of land records which has a lot of shortcomings and
inconvenience, Modern Record Rooms in Tahasil offices are being created
under DILRMP. In these Modern Record Rooms, valuable revenue case
records shall be stored electronically through document management
system software after their scanning. Maintenance of land records in the
dematerialized format shall go a long way in long-term storage of the
valuable revenue case records as well as in providing better citizen centric
services. As of now, Modern record rooms have been made functional in all
Tahasils of the district.
Under DILRMP, all the Registration Offices of the district have been
computerized with adequate hardware, software. All the Registration offices
are connected to the Central Server at the State level through a dedicated
software on Virtual Private Network(VPN) mode.Bio-metric authentication
system has already been put in place in all the Registration offices. Data
Entry of Valuation details, legacy encumbrance Data and scanning of old
documents in respect of all records from 1995 to date has been
accomplished. Citizens are being provided immediate services such as
Encumbrance Certificates (E.C.) and Certified Copies (C.C.) at the
Registration offices.
Hi-Tech survey operation using Aerial Photography followed by Ground
Truthing by Electronic Total Station (ETS) and Differential Global Positioning
System (DGPS) has been started in the district under DILRMP. All areas
except those declared as urban areas and as forest areas are being covered
under the programme. Necessary Ground Control Points have already been
installed in the district. These Ground Control Points have been established
taking the reference of existing Survey Pillars of Survey of India for the sake
of accuracy and uniformity. One private agency namely M/s IIC
Technologies Ltd. has been engaged by the State Government to undertake
Hi-Tech Survey operation in the district. Digital map preparation depicting
the ground reality in most accurate manner under Hi-Tech survey is
expected to bring paradigm shift in the land record management and shall
bring efficiency in the public delivery system.
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Mutation Manual
Under Mutation Manual, Tahasildar can initiate the mutation- (1) or
application by an interested person, (2) on receipt of a notice from a
Registrar or Sub-Registrar, (3) on receipt of a report from his subordinates,
(4) on receipt of a notice from a court, or (5) on his own motion. The
Mutation Manual provides exhaustive guidelines in dealing with aprayer for
change of records.
District Excise Set- up in Deogarh
District Excise Office, Deogarh was started on 08.05.1995 and is
functioning in the office building of Charge Office of the Sub-Inspector of
Excise, Deogarh in the absence of a permanent accommodation. The district
area has been divided into three Charge Areas under Deogarh Range such
as.- Deogarh Charge- Deogarh, Reamal and Kundheigola, Barkote Charge-
Barkote and Dist. Mobile Unit- Whole of Deogarh district.
Collection of Excise Revenue
Target (Rs.)
Achievement (Rs.)
Percentage of achievement
2014-15 2015-16 2014-15 2015-16 2014-15 2015-16
2.5 Crore. 2.5 Crore. 2,08,30,454 3,00,11,977/- 83% 120%
The enforcement activities undertaken by the Excise administration are
given in the table below:
Enforcement Activities Sl
No.
Item This year
(2015-16).
Last year
(2014-15)
(1) (2) (3) (4)
1 Cases detected 286nos. 267nos.
2 Persons arrested 232 nos. 228nos.
3 Charge sheet filed 175 nos. 122nos.
A total of 31 cases have been instituted, one person has been arrested and
603812 hemp plants have been destroyed jointly by Excise, Police, Forest
and Revenue Department in the district during the last year. The
approximate area of cultivation destroyed ammented to 396.07 acres and
the cases are valued at Rs. 15014000/-.
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CHAPTER-XII
LAW AND ORDER, AND JUSTICE
Historical Background
Civil and criminal jurisprudence and justice system prevalent in the
erstwhile Bamanda state, which roughly corresponds to the present Deogarh
district, in the ancient times, is difficult to trace for want of any authentic
historical document, court records, or credible evidence. Any attempt to trace
the judicial system before the mid-nineteenth century of the current era
would be utterly speculative and at the most sketchy.
In historical perspective, a true narrative of the modern system of
jurisprudence in respect of Bamanda state begins during the rule of Raja Sir
Basudeb Sudhal Deb, KCIE, most enlightened and benevolent among the
rulers of the state. During his rule from 1871C.E. to 1903 C.E., the justice
system, police, and jail administration were properly restructured and
organised.
The Council Chamber of Bamanda State
The Darbar System, which was despotic, whimsical and arbitrary in
maintaining order and administering justice, was abolished and the system
of Council was introduced. A Council of nine members with the King as the
head was formed to dispense justice in a fair and just manner. The Secretary
of the King functioned as Secretary of the Council. The members of Council,
227
chosen by the King from among the educated and respected gentry of the
State, were advising the king in framing of rules, regulations, and methods of
administration and dispensation of justice. Sir Sudhal Deb divided Bamanda
State into three Tahasils. They were Deogarh, Barkote and Kuchinda. The
latter was a part of the Bamanda state till 1948, and thereafter it became a
Sub-division of Sambalpur district. Three Tahasildars were appointed to
adjudge criminal and civil cases. Tahasildar of Deogarh and Kuchinda had
the power of a First Class Magistrate and Tahasildar of Barkote was
designated as Second Class Magistrate. During the reign of Raja Basudeb
Sudhal Deb, the judicial power was decentralised and the village headman
decided petty offences and minor civil matters at the village level. Earlier, in
the year 1867, during the rule of Raja Braja Sundar Deb, the British Colonial
Government empowered the ruler of Bamanda to award death penalty
subject to confirmation and ratification by the British Government. An area
was earmarked in Deogarh town for locating the gallows and was called
Suliapada, where the present-day Indira Gandhi Stadium is located. This
was much before the construction of a jail. There is no report or record of
pronouncement of a single death sentence by the then rulers of Bamanda
State.
The last feudal ruler of Bamanda, Raja Bhanuganga Tribhuban Deb
was a minor when he succeeded his father Raja Dibyashankar Sudhal Deb.
The British Government appointed an English officer, Mr. Mac Pherson as
the Regent and Agent from 1922 C.E. to 1935 C.E. until the Raja
Bhanuganga came of age. At the initiative of Mr. Mac Pherson the Raj
Kacheri Building which houses the present Collectorate at Deogarh and the
Kacheri building at Kuchinda, the present office of the Sub-Collector were
constructed, and till date function as the seat of general administration and
adjudication.
Justice System
During the Regency of Mac Pherson, Jalandhar Deb was the only
magistrate to deal with the criminal and civil cases who was judicious and
fair in imparting expeditious justice. Mac Pherson, being the Regent and
representing the minor heir-apparent was the Appellate Authority for cases
coming from lower courts. Mac Pherson set up a strict and firm justice
delivery system. Some exemplary decisions were pronounced during this
time, one being that of the case of the Tahsildar of Deogarh, which was
decided in the open court before the public. In this case, the Tahasildar of
Deogarh, a senior functionary of the State was convicted for three years
rigorous imprisonment on charges of receiving undue financial gratification.
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People waiting for justice at the Council Court near Deogarh palace
As early as in 1839 C.E., according to the Bengal Gazetteer, Raja Braja
Sundar Deb of Bamanda State with other Kings of Western Odisha had
suggested to the Board of Governors of the East India Company through the
Governor-General of Bengal for the introduction of a regular crime and
litigation management system. The British authorities did not approve the
proposal. Instead, instructions were given to draw up well-defined
regulations, making the Kings responsible for imparting justice in all cases of
murder, culpable homicide and heinous offences, without, however,
interfering with matters relating to cases involving the Kings and their
creditors and make them amenable to the decisions of the civil court of the
British-appointed Superintendent in such cases.
Bamra Feudatory State Judicial Stamps of ‘Ten Pice’ and ‘Two
Annas’
In 1907-08 C.E., as per extant records, the total number of Civil Suits
for disposal was 378, of which only 11.4 percent exceeded the property or
claim value of Rs.100/-. The same year, 869 other cases of criminal and
miscellaneous nature were reported to the police. The State police force was
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headed by a Superintendent, with two Inspectors under him and a regular
staff of officers and constables.
Before independence, in the year 1940 C.E., for a short time a
Common High Court was created at Deogarh. The rulers of the adjoining
states of Bonai and Pallahara had agreed to file their appeals in the
Common High Court at Deogarh. Bamanda Court had its own seal with an
embossed „conch‟ as the emblem, that being the insignia of the state.
Bamanda was unique in introducing printed court fee stamps and other
judicial stationary in the State.
In the year 1980, much after the merger of the State with the province
of Odisha, the Court of Sub Judge started functioning having the power of
Assistant Sessions Judge and power of a First Class Magistrate. After
separation from Sambalpur as a district in 1994, Deogarh got the court of
Chief Judicial Magistrate on 01.04.1995. The power of trial of cases relating
to juveniles in conflict with law was given in the year 2005. The Juvenile
Justice Board has been formed later and the Chief Judicial Magistrate is the
designated Principal Magistrate.
Deogarh District Courts do not have exclusive premises and function
from the precinct of the Heritage Building of Court of the former rulers of
Bamanda. The Court of District and Sessions Judge, Deogarh was
inaugurated on 20th April 2013. Other than the court of District and Sessions
Judge, the Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge, Court of Chief
Judicial Magistrate-cum-Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, Court
of Civil Judge (Sr. Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class and Court of
Civil Judge (Jr. Division)-cum- Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate and
Registrar-cum-Assistant Sessions Judge first-track are functioning from the
same Court Building. Apart from these, one Administrative Officer
designated as
Court Manager is in
position. The
jurisdiction of all
these courts
spreads over the
whole of Deogarh
District covering
the three Blocks
and four Police
stations.
230
Court building of the District & Sessions Judge, Deogarh
Disposal of cases of various nature are fairly fast. Still pendency
persists which is given in the tables below.
Pendency of cases up to 30.06.2015
Name of the courts Total pendency
Cases above 5 Years old
Cases below 5 Years old
Civil Criminal Total Civil Criminal Total Civil Criminal total
District and Session Judge
311 353 664 17 16 33 294 337 631
CJM cum ASJ - 314 314 - 116 116 - 198 198
Registrar-ASJ (STC) - 10 10 - - - - 10 10
Sr. CJ-cum JMFC 274 427 701 74 402 476 200 25 225
CJ(JD) cum SDJM 77 5147 5224 09 1861 1870 68 3286 3354
TOTAL 662 6251 6913 100 2395 2495 562 3856 4418
Status of Pending cases in various Courts are depicted in the following
Table
Civil
Civil suit
Civil Appl.
Misc Appl.
Civil Rev.
Exn. MJC/Spl Act
MACT TOTAL
Total pendency
174 30 06 - 122 101 229 662
Pendency of cases 5 to 10 Years
12 03 - - 23 03 14 55
Pendency of cases over 10 years
- 02 - - 44 01 - 47
Criminal
Sess. Crl appl.
CrlRevn Crl. Misc
Spl. Act
PC Act
Juvenile Gen file
Total file
Total
Total pendency
123 33 03 13 212 - 34 3768 2065 6251
Pendency of cases 5 to 10 Years
06 03 - - 06 - 01 899 761 1676
Pendency of cases over 10 years
- 02 - - - - - 173 545 720
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Average Institution, Disposal, and Pendency during the year 2013 to
2015
Lok Adalat
To provided free-legal aid to the poor, a permanent Lok Adalat
functions in the district headquarters under the aegis of the District Legal-Aid
Services Authority (DLSA). This forum apart from conducting Lok Adalat also
organises various socio-legal activities like generation of legal awareness in
far-flung areas of the district. The DLSA helps dispose off a number of
compoundable offences in various blocks and in the jail, thus reducing
pendency in regular judicial courts and providing relief to the under trials
reducing congestion in the jail. Among other activities of the Lok Adalat are
organising legal aid clinics in Grama Panchayats to provide legal advice to
the villagers at the time of need and train para-volunteers to handle certain
quasi judicial matters. These para-volunteers mediate and counsel in
different matrimonial and family matters caused by disharmony and dispute
to bring together and settle the broken family by conciliation.
Consumer Protection Measures
The Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum started functioning in the
District during 1994-95 in a rented accommodation. The Forum adjudicates
over consumer disputes arising out of alleged deficiency in matters of goods
and services. The forum has acquired its own accommodation in the
premises of Collectorate and is functioning from there.
Child Welfare Committee
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) was formed in the year 2009
consisting of a Chairperson and five members to deal with the child in need
of care and protection and related complaints. The Committee holds its
sitting three days a week. The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU),
Deogarh deals with all types of cases of children in need of care and
Year Institution Disposal
Pendency at the
end of the year
Strength
of
Officers. Civil Criminal Civil Criminal Civil Criminal
2013 178 2356 171 2040 610 6596 05
2014 210 2121 186 2642 634 6075 05
2015 (as on
30.06.15) 117 792 89 616 662 6251 05
Average 168 1756 149 1766 635 6307 05
Total 1924 1915 6942 -
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protection like rescue of children in distress, their care, and rehabilitation. A
Special Juvenile Police Unit is also functioning in the district and deals with
the cases of juveniles in conflict with law. Children rescued from distressful
condition needing care and protection are produced before CWC. After
careful counselling such destitute children are ordered to be restored to the
family if considered proper or given for protection and fostering by
philanthropic, voluntary and non-government organisations (NGO) like
SUPPORT or Good News India who are engaged in rehabilitation and
welfare of children. The Child Welfare Committee, District Child Protection
Unit and Juvenile Justice Board are functioning in a single building named
“Juvenile Tower”, which is one of its kind in the state.
Bar Association
Deogarh Bar Association was established in March 1957, while
Deogarh was a sub-division of Sambalpur district. At the outset, it had five
members, three being graduate lawyers and two Muktiars. The Bar
Association has been renamed as Deogarh District Bar Association after the
formation of the new district in the year 1994. There are over 100 Advocates
enrolled in the Association of which more than half are regular and active
practitioners in the courts. From among the members of the District Bar
Association, Public Prosecutor, Additional Public Prosecutors, Special Public
Prosecutor and Assistant Public Prosecutors have been engaged to conduct
cases on behalf of the government. At the same time, Government Pleaders
and Additional Government Pleaders form the Association are also
conducting suits on behalf of the government.
Police Establishments
Before the merger of the state in the Union of India to become a part of
the Didtrict of Sambalpur in the state of Odisha, the State of Bamanda had
six Police Stations located at Deogarh, Kuchinda, Barkote, Naikul, Goudpali
and Govindpur. There were four Police Stations in Deogarh, when it became
a Sub-Division of Sambalpur District in 1948 C.E. They were at Deogarh,
Barkote, Naikul and Riamal, the last being a new one. During this time,
village Chaukidars along with Jhankars were performing quasi police duty in
the assigned villages and were reporting events and occurrence of crime,
movement of criminals and strangers and assisting the police in other sundry
work. The Chaukidar system was abolished from 1st July 1965 and the Beat
Constables replaced the Chaukidars. Subsequently, the system of Beat
Constable was replaced with the Grama Rakshi system in January 1967.
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The District Police Office, Deogarh
Deogarh Police District was created on 01.01.1994 along with the
Revenue District. Before the formation of Deogarh District and after
submergence of Naikul
in the Rengali Dam
Project, a new police
station was set up at
Kundheigola in the year
1982. Apart from the
four Police Stations (PS)
there are three Police
Out-Posts namely
Laimura under Deogarh
PS, Kansar under Riamal PS and Khairpali under Kundheigola PS. There
are also two Beat Houses at Tileibani under Deogarh PS and Budhapal
under Kundheigola PS.
An Energy Police Station has been sanctioned in the year 2012 to deal
with cases of theft and pilferage of electricity in the district. The Energy PS
has proven to be very effective and has helped reduce energy theft in the
district to a considerable extent. Leftwing Extremist activities, generally
termed as Maoist or Naxalite activities resulting in violence have been
observed in some pockets of the district since 2003-2004.
The nature of crime reported in the police stations in the district are
murder, dacoity, highway robbery, theft, etc. Murder cases occur mostly over
land dispute, amorous affairs, sexual intrigues and due to past enmity and
grudge. The persons of certain schedule castes like Ganda and of the
fishing community are found to be involved in allegations of property related
offences like theft and burglary. At times criminals from outside the district
and neighbouring states are also found to be involved in incidences of crime.
In the past minor disputes and cases of petty crime were settled at the
village level and only the hard core, culpable and non-compoundable cases
were being forwarded to the courts.
Organisational Set-up of Police Administration
The Superintendent of Police heads the Police organisation in the
District. One post of Additional Superintendent of Police for the district was
created in the year 2014. There are two Deputy Superintendents of Police.
Of them one holds charge of District Intelligence Bureau and the other is in
charge of the Human Rights Protection Cell. There is also a Sub-divisional
Police Officer of the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police for the entire
District. Besides this, one Reserve Inspector heads the Armed Police
Reserve. There is a sanction of 07 Inspectors in the district. All the police
234
stations are headed by Inspectors designated as Inspector in-Charge of the
PS. There are 22 Sub-inspectos, 21 Assistant Sub-inspectors, 19 Havildars,
58 Armed Police Force, 110 Civil Police (Ordinary Reserve), 144 Odisha
Armed Police Force (OAPF) and 127 Home Guards. The District Police
Office is functioning in its own building since 2013.
The 1st SS Battalion is also functioning in the District, with a sanctioned
strength of one Deputy Commandant, one Assistant Commandant, one
Subedar, 04 Deputy Subedars, 24 Havildars, 12 Lance Naiks, one Junior.
Stenographer, 12 Assistant Drivers and a strength of 150 force posted in this
organisation who are deployed for Anti-Naxal operations in the district. Due
to the present Naxal activities, the Government raised the 4th Indian Reserve
Battalion, Deogarh stationed at Bamparda headed by one Commandant, 03
Deputy Commandants, 06 Assistant Commandants, 06 Subedars, 23
Deputy Subedars, 18 Havildar Majors and 18 Platoons of force.
Number of crime and offence recorded in Deogarh District from 1994 to
2014
Year Murder Dacoity Robbery Burglary Theft Swindling Roiting Rape M.V accident
Misc Total
1994 05 08 02 52 29 02 05 03 32 248 385 1995 11 04 05 27 32 03 05 05 42 212 346 1996 11 04 04 20 33 01 05 06 40 218 342 1997 11 03 04 22 22 02 04 05 52 223 348 1998 14 03 10 24 23 01 06 07 57 236 381 1999 14 05 14 35 43 02 07 10 65 270 465 2000 15 02 04 19 29 05 06 11 69 472 632 2001 16 03 07 23 22 02 17 08 53 334 485 2002 12 06 02 17 21 04 15 07 60 408 552 2003 12 01 07 32 26 05 21 05 55 411 575 2004 15 03 09 17 40 04 18 13 74 453 646 2005 15 06 20 25 37 04 20 16 95 608 846 2006 09 05 18 40 54 11 21 18 122 599 897 2007 26 03 16 32 44 16 17 13 88 643 898 2008 16 04 10 21 37 08 26 13 124 654 915 2009 12 06 09 25 29 05 10 12 110 479 697 2010 18 09 06 10 23 12 07 11 81 604 781 2011 14 05 09 17 21 14 06 15 89 421 611 2012 23 03 14 18 23 04 10 17 76 431 619 2013 14 03 08 17 44 07 07 19 87 493 699 2014 12 06 17 36 72 10 13 32 133 788 1119
There has not been any communal incident in the District due to timely
action of district police. There is no major incident either in crime or in law
and order. The overall law and order climate in the district is calm and under
control barring sporadic incidents of leftwing extremism which was first
noticed in the year 2003.
Vigilance Administration
The vigilance organisation (Vigilance Squad) was created at Deogarh
after the creation of Deogarh District in the year 1994 headed by one
Inspector and two Constables. The squad was up-graded to Vigilance Unit in
235
the year 2008 with one Deputy Superintendant of Police, one Inspector, one
Jr. Stenographer, and three Constables. The vigilance organisation keeps
watch over the corrupt practices of Government officials and acquisition of
disproportionate assets beyond the legitimate source of income. Vigilance
Organisation initiates cases only against government servants and
investigates cases of corruption in works executed through government
funding.
Special Branch Unit
There is one Unit of Special Branch at Deogarh headed by one
Inspector, one Sub-inspector, one Asst. Sub-inspector and two Constables.
This unit collects intelligence regarding Naxalites, communal elements,
religious bigots and political activists whose acts may cause breach of
peace, disturb social harmony, cause disaffection among different
communities, which may create adverse law and order situation in the
district. They communicate advance information on the prevailing and
anticipated situation and events which helps the concerned authorities to
take pre-emptive and timely preventive measures.
Cyber Crime Control
With the expansion of satellite communication system and information
and cyber technology crime has assumed new dimensions. Cyber crimes
pose new challenges before the police. Cyber criminals are innovating and
adopting new techniques to commit economic crimes and banking frauds,
falsification of records and documents, intrusion into privacy of citizens, etc.
At present, there is no Cyber Crime police station or unit at Deogarh. As
such no cyber crime has been reported in the district since its inception. If
need be any such crime in the future will be tackled by the cyber crime police
station now functioning at Crime Branch, Cuttack.
Fire Service
There are three Fire Stations, one each at Deogarh, Barkote and
Riamal. Deogarh Fire Station was established in June 1982 followed by
Barkote Fire Station in 2001 and the Riamal Fire Station in 2013. All the
stations are functioning in their own building with adequately trained
personnel. One Station Officer, one Asst. Station Officer with 15 other staffs
like Driver and Firemen are positioned at Deogarh. At Barkote and Riamal
one Asst. Station Officer and 13 other staff including Drivers and Firemen
are located for each Fire Unit. They are equipped to respond fast to any
emergency situation or events like accidental fire, arson with criminal intent,
fire hazards during fairs and festivals and cases of accident like drowning,
house collapse, etc. In the absence of any disaster mitigation unit like the
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Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), the fire service personnel are
kept in readiness to come into action along with the regular and special
police forces during natural disasters for rescue and relief operations. These
Fire Stations are full fledged functioning with sufficient manpower, fire
fighting appliances and disaster response equipment to meet different kind
of disasters like fire fighting (including Forest Fire), Cyclone, Flood,
Drowning Cases, Rescue from well and river, Road Accident, Bus Capsized
etc. In this connection the fire station wise information are furnished below.
Deogarh Fire Station
This Fire Station is functioning since 1998 in its own Govt. building in
Deogarh Town over a Plot area of 1.00 Acres at Mouza-Deogarh near
Purunagarh. It is double storied building having two garages, one barrack,
two store rooms, one office room and one inspection room. There are seven
staff quarters for accommodation of fire service personnel with water and
lighting facilities.
Reamal Fire Station
This Fire Station is functioning in its block headquarter i.e. in Reamal
since 30.08.2013 in its own building over a Plot area 2.00 Acres. It is having
double storied building with two garages, one barrack, two store rooms, two
office rooms and one inspection room. For the staff quarters approval has
been accorded from the competent authorities for construction of 15
quarters. Construction will be started shortly. Water facilities and
electrification is available
Barkote Fire Station
This Fire Station is functioning in its block headquarter i.e. in Barkote
since 2001 in its own building over a Plot area of 1.00 Acres. This Fire
station building having double storied with two garages, one barrack, two
store rooms, one office rooms and one inspection room. There are nine staff
quarters available at this fire station with water and lighting facility
The cases of accidental fire in last 10 years in the District is as follows-
Mischief- 07 (Barkote-04, Deogarh-01 and Reamal-02)
Short circuit-71(Deogarh-53, Barkote-15 and Reamal-04)
This indicates at the general awareness among people about fire safety.
Jail Administration, Correctional Homes and Prisoners’ welfare
During the reign of Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb the disciplinary and
reform system of prison was started. The prisoners were accommodated in a
concrete building. They were given vocational training in handicrafts,
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tailoring, carpentry, and black-smithy. The inmates of the prison were
working in the Jagannath Ballav Press, the state printing press During British
rule, the jail was renamed as Deogarh Special Sub-jail. The vocational
training was meant to enable the convicts to settle in life after their release
by earning their livelihood with some dignity and refrain from further crime.
The convicts were kept separated from the under trial prisoners in different
cells.
The Deogarh Special Sub-Jail has a capacity of 150 prisoners.
However, the number of inmates, both convicts and under trials always
exceeds the capacity. The Special Sub-Jail has staff strength of one Jailor
and one Assistant Jailor, three Head Warders and twenty Warders. Due to
the threat perception from CPI (Maoist)‟s, one section of Armed Police Force
is deployed with armed guards for watch and ward duty round the clock. As
per the guidelines of the Government, the Jail Staff are looking after the
welfare of the prisoners. Weekly health check-up of the inmates is conducted
according to the Jail Manual. Prisoners in need of extra medical attention are
admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Deogarh as and when need
arises with proper escort. Depending on the criticality of the cases they are
referred to nearby Medical College and Hospital at Burla for better diagnosis
and treatment under proper vigil.
The inmates of the jail are provided with facilities and equipment for
games, sports and television for recreation. This helps them in coping with
mal-adjustment and retains normal social behaviour and human conduct.
Accordingly, to promote healthy mind, the District Legal Service Authority
takes up cases for early disposal where there are no bailer. Senior Officers
to jail like the District Judge, the District Collector and Superintendent of
Police is regularly each month to oversee the state of affairs and condition of
the inmates in the jail.
Leftwing Extremism in Deogarh District
Leftwing Extremism, in common parlance known as Naxalite or Maoist
activity, was first observed in Deogarh District in mid 2003, when some of
the absconding accused in a murder case of Meghpal area of Sambalpur
district took sneaked into and took shelter in the forests bordering Riamal
police station of Deogarh district and Kisinda police station area of
Sambalpur district. The accused persons stayed in the forest with the active
support of a local inhabitant who was a Village Panchayat Ward Member of
Debikhol Panchayat. In 2004 these extremist cadres started visiting tribal
villages bordering the forests in Deogarh District to familiarise themselves
with the local terrain and the people. In certain cases, these extremist cadres
purportedly settled local disputes between people of the area by holding Jan
Adalats, the so-called people‟s court. They moved around extensively, got
238
acquainted with the terrain and familiarised themselves with the people and
local issues. In the second half of 2004, they started holding meetings in
villages in the hinterland projecting themselves as the „saviours‟ of the poor,
fighting a war against the „establishment‟ to get justice for the people. They
highlighted the lack of development in these villages apparently caused due
to the indifference and lack of concern of the government. Extremist
elements assured that they would not only destabilise but even „overthrow‟
the „elected government‟ through armed struggle and replace it with a
„People‟s Government‟. They managed to garner some amount of support
among the unemployed or semi-employed youth in the remote villages of the
district and in a phased manner formed grassroots level organisations like
Krushak Krantikari Committees (KKC) in the villagers. KKC is one of the
frontal organisations of the Communist Party of India-Maoists (CPI-Maoists).
KKCs cropped up in some of the villages of Riamal, Kansar and Laimura
areas. In December 2004, the CPI (Maoists)‟s formed the Sundargarh-
Deogarh-Sambalpur Zonal Committee with a leftwing extremist from
Jharkhand as its leader to make their activities more organised and broad-
based. Arms were procured from Jharkhand by the senior cadres. After the
formation of Local Guerrilla Squad (LGS), the Naxalites started large-scale
recruitment and radicalisation of youth from the tribal villages. They could
manage to entice young boys and girls from Sambalpur, Deogarh and
Sundargarh districts to join their ranks. However due to timely action of the
police, five Naxal cadres were neutralised at Hillang jungle near Barokhal
under Riamal PS in the year 2006 and a huge quantity of Maoist literature
and other articles were seized. Shortly thereafter, four leftwing armed
extremists were gunned down at Ranigola in the Laimura Out-post area
under Deogarh PS. In retaliation, the Naxalalites stepped up their violent
activities and brutally killed three villagers in the same year in Ranigola and
Telikusum villages. Thereafter joint combing operations to flush out the
Naxalites have been undertaken regularly by Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF) and the District Police.
Between July 2014 and July 2015 several combing operations were
carried out at Makartanti jungle near village Prabhasuni under Deogarh PS
and at a place near village Khuntadihi under Saruali Panchayat resulting in
unearthing of Naxalite camps and seizure of several articles. On 8th
Octotber
2015 two numbers of „tiffin‟ bombs were recovered on the newly constructed
road in Kala Panchayat under Barkote PS.
Activities of Naxalites have been contained largely due to prompt and
timely action. Considering the activities of Naxalites, in the District, the
Central Government have deployed one Company of CRPF each at Barkote
and at Tuhilamal in Riamal PS.
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The extremist groups in some way or the other have affected a
considerable number of Panchayats and villages. Given below is a Police
Station (PS) and Gram Panchayat wise list of villages affected by leftwing
extremism.
Deogarh P.S.
1. Baniakilinda G.P- Sunamunda, Routmara, Brajamohanpur,
Baniakilinda, Pudapara, Nalabandha, Kalamati, Khandadhua,
Nikitimal, Gajiribani.
2. Dimirikuda G.P. Sahajbahal, Budhikutein, Pahalmara, Dimirikuda,
Dudhaposi, Ludhar, Chheliamendhia, Deopani, Dhobakata,
Telikusum,. Gandom, Gangajal, Jogibenua, Ranigola, Bhaluchuan,
Kholdihi
3. Jharagogua G.P- Raital, Haradabahal, Deosinkuli, Niktimal,
Jharagogua, Tileimal, Gailo, Phulpatharkhol, Barakhandia.
4. Loimura G.P- Purunapani, Bhaluguha, Surupa, loimura, Panibhandar,
Kandarpa, Lambodora, Salohi, Nagadihi, Tipirisingha,
5. Parposi G.P-Kasarloi, Durijungle, Tasarda, Kerabahal, parposi,
Rukuda, Samasingha, Chilantikhol, Chandiposi, Kadalimunda,
kadodihi, Gambhariposi, Dhengurjore,Telisuan./
6. Tainsar G.P- kailas, Chandankhunti, Khasiapal, kurelbahal,
kanhumunda, Tainsar, Thalipathar, Nuabhuin, Bhukabeda ,
Badabaliposi, Kurud, Belamara, Jhaliamara, Masinta,
7. Tileibani G.P- Ramchandrapur, Baragadiaa, Tileibani, Bileighati,
Kardakhaman, Pravasuni, Gogua, Asurkhol, Laxmipur, Sarankhol,
Kapasira.
8. Dantaribahal G.P-Badbahal, dantaribahal, Kusumkata,
Brundabanpur, Utuniamunda, Nagadihi, Chaitanpali, Nuakadalipal.
9. Kantapali G.P- Gobindapali, Beteijharan, Kaidanta, Dangapal,
Baisnobapali, Makarmunda, Kantapali Talkundi, Gundeimura,
Dimiriposi, Tusula, Dayankhol.
10. Rambhei G.P:- Rangakhol, Haldipani, Gurundiakhol,
Harikrishnapur, Kanchhada, Chakuliaa, Sirodihi, Khajuribahal,
Jhampupada, Sirgida, Rambhei, Mahajanmunda, Brahmanimal,
Sirodhi (San).
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11. Talkundi G.P- Nutankardapal, Sardhapur, Bhalukhol, Barakhol.
Barkote P.S.
1. Saruali -Saruali, Madlia, Rengali, Tainsira, Marha, Khuntadihi,Autol,
Kadalidihi, Balidihi.
2. Gurusong- Gurusong, Nuakesla, Mandasila, Ratab,
Baidharnagar, Deotala.
3. Bamparda - Bamparda, Bidehibadkudar, Khadinali, Katrapali,
Budhakhaman, Jharabahal, Netrabahal,Golabandh, Rajamunda,
Thiaanal, Dehurymunda, Kaladu, Mahuldihi.
4. Kadopada - Kadopada, Mardong, Singuri, Narsinghmunda,
Dhatukipali, Mahulpal, Masinta, Brahmanidei
5. Kaliaapal- Kaliapal, Adyapur, Bhitarbeda, Burhabhuin, Lalaposi.
Pacheripani, Talabahali, Nuakesala.
6. Balanda- Balanda, Indranijharan, Akarsila, Gopapur, Rachandrapur
,Bhadaposi, Hinjilita, Godbhanga, Barkote, Niktimal, Jarakote.
7. Singhsal- Singhsal, masinta, Ambgaon, Ghantiposi, Jagarnnathpur,
Lakhapali, Harekrishnapur, Purusottampur.
8. Jharakandhal- Jharakandhal, Gurujang, Nadiajure, Khulundipani,
Khulundikudar, Purunapani, Thakurpli
9. Kelda- Kelda, Salohi, Ratanpali, Chapabahal, Shibapali,
Hariharpur.
10. Kaunsibahal- Nuaagaudsuguda, Khamarnali, Bhatsingh,
Jarichakundapal, Nalbandh, Majhichakundapl, Similinali,
Dharampur,Nanee.
Riamal P.S.
1. Adas G.P Andharikhol, Adas, Butapali, Hilang (Harakari), Hillang (
Prajati), Nisturduma, Jharjharikhol, Julani, Khairandha, Rampali,
Podapada, Ratakhandi, Siaria, Bhaliadihi, Baliadihi, Analakuli.
2. Lulung G.P Lulung, Chingudijharan, Poipani, Similihata, Similita,
Sindurkhol, Purunapani.
3. Tuhilamal G.P Hittam, Jadagola, Kukutinali, Khariakani, Jhimpabira,
Nilagandia, Kendunali, Phatatangar, Tuhilamal, Karadapal.
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4. Talkundi G.P Mundagohira, Bankadar, Jamunali, Bhaliadihi,
Deojharan.
5. Maleipada G.P Kadopada, Badasimlai, Sansimlai, Talabahali.
6. Tabada G.P. Barkani, Rangamatia, Kudalpal, Bijabarni, Pejagala,
Baghiabandha.
7. Tarang G.P. Akhaguda, Baghamari, Dasgharia, Dasgharia ( Paika),
Jaripal, Kumala, Kumala (Paika), Harapali, Kainsara,
Narasinghataila, Nisabira, Purmunda, Sampali, Tarang, Thakarmal,
Purunapani, Khalidhipa.
8. Tinkbir G.P Chandposi, Chirgunikudar, Chauriadhipa, Kulbasa,
Tinkbir, Kendeeimunda, Kalicharapal, Jualibhanga, Dengsaragi,
Chadakmara, Arjunjhari.
9. Sodo G.P. Talabdihi, Patrajhari, Podadihi, Beluam, Sodo, Bhutel,
Renda, Orgen, Gambharibhuin, Turang, Khamarbahal,
Dangapathar, Gurulia.
10. Kansar G.P. Palunipada, Terendakata, Kansar, Jasabantapur.
11. Kendeijure G.P. Taldihi, Palkudar, Katangapani, Jayasendha,
Balita, Thelkogudi, Barghat, Mahendrapur, Kendeijure, Asanlata,
Gundeimura, Mahuldar, Dharuakhamal, Ucchabapali.
12. Dholpada G.P. Saranali, Kadaguda, Hatkhamar, Chheliabahal,
Majhipali, Chandanpur, Jamunali, Kaliakhamar, Dholpada,
Patakhaman, Menjaribahal, Nuagaon, Patharinala, Khamarpali,
Ghuridhi, Sabarpali, Mundagohira, Bankadarah.
13. Riamal G.P. Badbahal, Dharampur, Darjimunda, Ghantiapali,
Riamal, Timur, Mahulnal, Babarakote.
14. Budhianali G.P. Kanteikuli, Khalinali, Ambaghat, Dudhianali,
Sabarpali, Talabahal, Khajuridarah, Bankadarah, Talbahali,
Jamunali.
Kundheigola P.S.
1. Chadaimara G.P. Gurujang, Tungamal, Tutabari, Jharadiha.
2. Kundheigola G.P. Pitasika, Panchamahala, Ratanpur, Khandadhuan,
Sadhubahal, Kapagola, Jharadihi.
3. Kantabahal G.P. Jamunali, Gohirda, Ratakhandi, Gajuribani,
Kantabahal.
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4. Nuadihi G.P.: Bhaluchaba, Malarbahal, Nuadihi, Phuljhari, Bhejikudar,
Sankarpur, Podadiho, Kantiadihi.
5. Baghabar G.P. Nimataila, Dholtaila, Belamunda, Ranjana, Khajurianali.
6. Khilei G.P.: Musakani, Chuakhol, Taleisar, Nualoi, Andharikhol,
Chakradharpur, Rukuba, Khilei, Siarimalia, Siarimalia Colony Sahi.
Deogarh district is not in isolation so far as Naxalite or Maoist activities
are concerned. This is an inter-state and inter-district phenomenon and this
is a scourge has taken into its fold the neighbouring districts of Sambalpur
and Sundergarh including areas of Jharkhand. The cadres of the left
extremist organisations and their formations follow certain passages and
corridors for transit and movement, which calls for better surveillance and
check to control their violent and radical activities.
Following is Police Station wise a list of villages and areas which come
under such corridors.
Barkote P.S.- Jalisuan, Burhabhuin, Bandhabhuin, Gadia, Balidihi,
Pacheripani, Damita, Tentulidihi, Mahuldihi, Jamdihi, Autal, Sankardihi,
Mahuldihi, Deotala, Kaladu, Marah, Khuntadihi, Tainsira, Rengali,
Mahulhata, Nuamunda, Bijadihi, Sindurmunda, Taldihi, Saruali, Purunapani,
Kelda, Salohi, Chapabahal, Sibapali, Dalangsaran, Ravankucha, Kathpal,
Haldipani.
Rourkela District: Kumudi, Mahulpada, Palri, Tasara, Tikayatpali,
Barahchhapal, Barchua.
Angul District: Shiaria, Tabhapal, Patamunda, Bandhabhuin,
Ganeswarpur, Jalha, Koira, Sandar, Kuldihi, Kolsahi, Solai, Barundihi,
Silkala, Bardihi, Rada, Tanugula, Ladumdihi, Kumbharmatia, Kadaka.
Riamal PS: Tuhilamal, Jhimpabira, Khariakani, Jadagola, Debtadhar,
Derapathar, Hittam, Karahpal (Kardapal), Nisturduma, Barkhol, Jaripal,
Bhaliadihi, Deherisahi, Hilang, Jamukhol, Chiniapal, Telibhanguni,
Bhangamunda, Khajurikhaman, Jagdala, Biriam, Hiran, Baliani, Jharijhari,
Latakhandi, Khairandha, Andhari, Julani, Siaria, Adas, Purahpada, Rampali,
Bassimloi, Sansimloi, Lakhabahal, Baghamari, Dasgharia, Kumala, Tarang,
Sampali, Narsinghtoila.
Kansar O.P.: Palunipada, Khamarbahal, Lainda, Renda, Argen, Bhutel,
Patrajhari, Gurlia, Beluam, Kendeijuri, Sodo, Bangalimunda.
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Sambalpur District: Naktideul, Purumunda, Jemajuri, Mahulpali,
Hikapali, Debikhol, Dangikhol, Dingiraduma, Pindik, Makadchua, Katankhol.
Deogarh P.S.: Tileibani, Barghat, Samurkhol, Pravasuni, Kardapali,
Belaighati, Dimirikoda, Baragadia, Jariakela, Kailash.
Laimura O.P.: Gailo, Phulpathakhol, Jharagogua, Ardabahal, Niktimal,
Alekhpravu, Telekusum Kholdihi, Bhaluchuan, Gandam, Gangajal, Ranigola,
Budhekuten, Sahajabahal, Pahalmara, Dumerkuda, Dudhaposi, Ludhar,
Chheliamendia, Deopani, Ludhar sikuli, Tipirsingha, Raital, Bhaluguha,
Surupa, Balipata, Sargidihi, Kandarpa, Kandhamunda, Bamua, Lambadura,
Majurdima, Salohi, Nakdo, Bakulidihi, Kadodiho, Jharmunda, Gambhariposi,
Deoposi, Kadalimunda, Dhengurjore, Chandiposi, Regdakhol, Chilantikhol,
Rukuda, Budabahal, Samasingha, Parposi, Kasarloi, Kerabahal, Durijangal,
Telaimal, Tasarda, Tellisuan, Barkhandia.
Rourkela Police District (Sundergarh): Barchhapara, Barghat,
Ulsura, Kulkuta, Sindurkela (Gurundia P.S).
Sambalpur: Baghia, Gudguda (Water fall) , Gosainpada, Chiktimal,
Jandha, Salekhaman, Sanmundabi, Benaiposi, Kandhpara.
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed to counter Leftwing
Extremism
One platoon each of Special Operation Group (SOG) stationed at
Deogarh, one platoon SS Bn force at Laimura, Riamal, Kundheigola are
stationed to tackle the situation in the district. The District has one District
Volunteer Force (DVF) team to react immediately to any emerging the
situation that may be required.
Due to the present Naxalite scenario, Government has also augmented
the police force in the District by raising the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion,
Deogarh stationed at Bamparda headed by one Commandant. This has to
great extent checked the activities of the radical groups, except some stray
incidents of exchange of fire between the extremist elements and the
security forces under Barkote PS area where the extremist elements were
neutralised.
Efforts have been on by mass contact Programmemes and proper
counselling of the misguided youth to win them away from the path of
Leftwing Extremism and violence and bring them into the mainstream of the
society as responsible and law abiding citizens. The State Government have
Debised various rehabilitation schemes to settle the erstwhile cadres of
Naxalites and Maoists after they have come over ground.
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The following Maoists surrendered before police and have been
rehabilitated by paying them compensation as per the scheme and scale.
1. Puspika Tirkey D/o Theophil Tirkey of village Mendhiakani, Loimura
PS/Dist- Deogarh surrendered on 8/3/2008.
2. Amar Mirdha s/o Tikeswar Mirdha of Taparsingha PS- Jujumura Dist-
Sambalpur.
3. Arti Kumra W/o Amar Mirdha of Jodagola PS- Reamal Dist- Deogarh.
Both surrendered on 2/3/2012.
4. Binod Ekka S/o Panika Ekka of village Roma, Raghukera PS-
Goelkera Dist- West Singhbhum (Jharkhand) surrendered on
31/12/2014.
From the point of view of law and order, Deogarh, largely, remains a
peaceful district. This is largely due to general sense of tolerance and
amiable character of the people, slow pace of urbanization and
industrialisation, and an atmosphere of sedate but blissful seclusion from the
adverse affect and impact of the neighbourhood.
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CHAPTER-XIII
LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
Evolution of Local Self Government in Deogarh
The erstwhile princely state of Bamanda was pioneer in many
innovative administrative practices and welfare measures. Raja Sir Basudeb
Sudhal Deb was a visionary and his efficient administration was highly
appreciated by the British Colonial Government and the subjects of his state.
Sir Sudhal Deb dispensed with the feudalistic Darbar system by introducing
the Council system, which, though not an elected body, was fairly
representative in nature. His son and successor Raja Satchidananda
Tribhubhan Deb following the path of his illustrious father carried forward the
tenor of welfare administration taking into consideration the welfare needs of
the people. The Council earlier set up by Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb was
upgraded to a Municipality in the year 1912. Prior to this, in the year 1905
the sacred thread ceremony of the Crown Prince Dibya Sankar Deb, the
eldest son of Satchidanada Tribhubhan Deb had been performed in the
capital town of Deogarh. For this purpose, from 1904 a year long drive was
started by the King through special financial provision made by the Council
to spruce up the roads, drains and sewerage lines which was much
appreciated by the inhabitants of the town. The result of such initiative of the
Council prompted the King to convert the Council into a Municipality on
1912. Thus, Bamanda was one of the first princely states in Odisha to have
introduced urban local self-government in the shape of a municipality.
Municipality System during Raj
Deogarh Municipality, one of the oldest such institution in the state, is
the only urban local self-government body of 1912 vintage. This Municipality
initially was being managed by a governing body of nominated official and
non-official members. The Ruling Chief was the President and the Dewan
was the Vice-President. A nominee from among the members was
functioning as the Secretary of the Municipal Committee to conduct the
routine day to day business. Rules were framed in the light of the Central
Province, and Bihar and Odisha Municipal Acts and they were made
applicable to the municipality. The municipal administration was thus
managed till the appointment of the Special Officer after merger of the State
of Bamra with the province of Odisha.
After merger, it was reconstituted and reorganized as a regular
municipality of the state under Bihar and Odisha Municipal Act, 1922.
Subsequently the Odisha Municipal Act, 1950 came into force from 1st April
1951 and as per the provision of the Act like other such local bodies in the
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state the elected council took charge of the municipal administration of
Deogarh from 1952.
Municipal Administration Now
After merger of Bamanda state with Odisha in 1948, Deogarh
Municipality was reorganized by the state Local Self-Government
Department in 1951 as per provisions of the Bihar and Orissa (now Odisha)
Municipal Act,1950
The reservation Status of Councillors is noted below.
Deogarh Municipality has eleven wards spread over an area of 47.37
Sq. Kms serving a population of 22,390 as per Census-2011. The boundary
of the Deogarh Municipality as defined as in 1986 is to the East by Village
Braja Mohanpur, Routmara and Nuagaon, to the West by Village Kurod and
Belmara, to the North by Padhanpat Reserve Forest and to the South by
Rambhadebi and Chadakmara Reserve Forest. There has not been any
extension in the area or jurisdiction of the Municipality since 1986.
Town Planning and Improvement Trust Act-1956 is applicable within
the jurisdiction of Deogarh Municipality in terms of construction, renovation
and restoration of residential and other buildings, roads, drainage and
sewerage system with effect from1986.
Basic Objectives and Services
To provide basic and essential civic facilities and amenities to the
inhabitants of Deogarh town like health, sanitation, street lighting, road
communication, drinking Water, and primary education, etc.
Distribution and reservation of Wards on caste and gender basis
The office of Chairman of the Municipality of Deogarh is reserved for a
woman candidate of Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC)
popularly known as Other Backward Class (OBC).
Distribution of ward-wise number of seats aggregating to eleven
councillors as per caste is given in the table below.
Total
No. of
Wards
S.C S.T. O.B.C. U.R.
Man Woman Total Man Woman Total Man Woman Total Man Woman Total
11 01 02 03 01 01 02 02 02 04 02 -- 02
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Organization Chart
1. PD, DRDA-cum-PD, DUDA, Deogarh.
2. Chair-Person
3. Vice-Chair Person
4. Councillors
5. Executive Officer
6. Municipal Engineer
7. Asst. Engineer
8. Junior Engineer
9. Sanitary Inspector
10. Community Organizer
Functions
Imposition of taxes, fees, rent and other levies, etc. on holdings of the
inhabitants and other people for improvement and expansion of civic
amenities, basic infrastructure and beautification of the town through avenue
plantation and upkeep of parks and other recreational areas, maintenance of
market yards, etc.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
Municipalities provide public utility services which cannot be postponed
or kept in abeyance like supply of drinking water to household and through
stand posts, cleaning of roads, street and sewerage system, disposal of
garbage and solid waste. It is natural that the residents who are beneficiaries
of the services may have certain grievances. To address and redress the
complaints and grievances, on every working Wednesday between 3.00 p.m.
and 5.00 p.m. a grievance cell operates with a senior functionary attending
to the public in Municipal Office except Public Holidays.
Odisha is having a robust Pancahayati Raj and Urban Local Self-
government system beginning with the village level. These institution have
been empowered with other auxiliary institutions like Pani Panchayat and
Gram Sabha which have empowered and enabled people to participate in
democratic governance as behoves an egalitarian society.
Evolution of Panchayati Raj System
Article 40 of the Constitution of India provides for the State to take
steps to organize Village Panchayats and endow with them such powers and
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authority so as to enable them to function as units of Self-Government.
Consequent upon the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, detailed
provision have been made in the Constitution for the three-tier Panchayats in
every State and also providing for election to these Panchayats under a
constitutional authority.
Decentralised Planning
The Article -243 (G) of 73rd Constitution Amendment Act -1992
empowers Gram Panchayats to undertake planning for economic
development and social justice with regard to Local Area Planning with funds
transferred to them to provide basic civic services at local level, creation of
durable assets to augment their base and enable them self sufficiency in the
long run.
Gram Sabha forms the bed rock to identify the felt needs and priorities
of local people, map its own resource envelope, prepare need based
projects and allocate resources judiciously based on intensive participatory
planning at local level with a view to render all-round long term perspective
like infrastructure, market development, provision of basic services such as
drinking water, sanitation & streetlight at village level, plantation, livelihood
support to poor section and welfare of vulnerable groups. Thus Gram
Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) followed by Panchayat Samiti Level
Development Plan & ZP Parishad Level Development, finally culminating
into District Development Plan incorporating ULB is the need of the time
through „Decentralized Planning‟.
Of late Govt. of Odisha has launched the Pilot Project on Preparation of
Decentralized District Plan 2016-17 in January 2016 with joint collaboration
of RICOR, Bhubaneswar & UNICEF, Odisha Unit in Deogarh District. The
District Planning and Monitoring Unit, Deogarh plays a dynamic role in co-
coordinating Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samities, Zilla Parishad and
Municipality of Deogarh District. Steering Committees, Standing Committees
& Planning Committees at all levels have been constituted. Members of
Panchayati Raj Institutions, Elected Members of Municipality & Members of
all Committees and Officials from line departments, NGOs/ Resources
persons of the locality have been suitably oriented from time to time in
preparation „Decentralized Planning‟ with a long run vision considering
carefully on (i) „Gaps‟ in infrastructure, (iii) „Short falls‟ in services vis-à-vis
standards, (iv) „Potential‟ for economic development, (v) „Deficiencies‟ in
human development, (vi) „Problems‟ in social development & (vii) „Concerns‟
in Natural Resource Management adding due weightage to Cost Less
Developments from socio-economic points of view.
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After rigorous trainings & exercises at various stages Decentralized
Plans at Various Levels and Holistic Plan of Deogarh District for 2016-17 as
a whole are on the anvil awaiting publication.
Three- Tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) in Deogarh
In conformity with the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment Act, the three-tier
Panchayati Raj system has been established in the State. The three-tiers are
Gram Panchayats (GP) at the village level, Panchayat Samiti (PS) in blocks
and Zilla Parishad (ZP) in the district to facilitate and implement people
oriented developmental activities. At present a Zilla Parishad, three
Panchayat Samities and sixty Gram Panchayats are functioning in Deogarh
District. The last elections to PRIs in the district were conducted in February
2012.
State Government through legislation amended the laws relating to the
three tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) The PRIs are regulated by
the Odisha Zilla Parishad Act, 1991 at district level, Odisha Panchayat
Samiti Act, 1959 at block level and Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964 at
village level. Elections to all the Panchayat Raj Institutions is conducted
every five years by the State Election Commission as per the provisions of
the previously mentioned Acts.
At each level autonomy has been given for decision making and
financial management to these institutions. The Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG) exercises control and supervision over proper
utilisation of fund and maintenance of accounts and conducts audit of all the
3 – tiers PRIs as recommended by the Eleventh Finance Commission.
Zilla Parishad
The Zilla Parishad (District Board) which started functioning from 14th
February 1961 was constituted under the provisions of the Odisha
Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad Act, 1959. In the beginning, the
Parishad was constituted of both official and non-official members. There
were six standing committees appointed to advise the Parishad. The
Parishad was functioning under a Chairman who was assisted by a Vice-
Chairman.
The Parishad was responsible for the preparation of the district plans
for development work. Besides, the Parishad had supervisory functions over
the activities of the Panchayat Samities and Gram Panchayats. Zilla
Parishads were replaced by the District Advisory Councils in 1968.
Zilla Parishad is managed by an Elected Body headed by the
President, who is elected from among the elected representatives of the Zilla
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Parishad. This body consists of the President and Vice- President and other
Members of Zilla Parishad, Chairperson of each Panchayat Samiti of the
District, Member of House of the People (Lok Sabha) and of the Legislative
Assembly representing constituencies wholly or partly within the area of the
Parishad, Member of the Council of State (Rajya Sabha) who is registered
as a voter within the area of the Parishad. The President and the Vice-
President are elected from among the Zilla Parishad Members. The
Administration of Zilla Parishad is governed by the Odisha Zilla Parishad Act,
1991 and corresponding Rules framed there under.
The District Collector is designated as the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) and under the CEO, an Executive Officer (EO) works to assist in the
day-to- day administrative functions of the Zilla Parishad.
Zilla Parishad Deogarh has three Panchayat Samities. They are
Barkote Panchayat Samiti with twenty two Gram Panchayats, Reamal
Panchayat Samiti with twenty two Gram Panchayats and Tileibani
Panchayat Samiti with sixteen Gram Panchayats.
The number and names of the Gram Panchayats in each Panchayat
Samiti are given in the table below.
Barkote Panchatyat Samiti Reamal Panchatyat
Samiti Tileibani Panchatyat Samiti
Sl.
No. Name of GP
Sl.
No. Name of GP
Sl.
No. Name of GP
1 Balanda 1 Adas 1 Badchhapal
2 Ballam 2 Baghabar 2 Baniakilinda
3 Bamparda 3 Budhapal 3 Chhepilipalpali
4 Basaloi 4 Budido 4 Dholpada
5 Bijaynagar 5 Chadeimara 5 Dimirikuda
6 Dandasingha 6 Gundiapali 6 Dudhianali
7 Danra 7 Kantabahal 7 Jharagogua
8 Dantaribahal 8 Karlaga 8 Kansar
9 Gurusang 9 Khilei 9 Kendeijuri
10 Jharakandhal 10 Kundheigola 10 Laimura
11 Kadopada 11 Lulang 11 Parposi
12 Kaliapal 12 Maleipada 12 Sado
13 Kalla 13 Naulipada 13 Suguda
14 Kandhal 14 Nuadihi 14 Tainsar
15 Kantapali 15 Palsama 15 Talkundi
16 Kaunsibahal 16 Para 16 Tileibani
17 Kelda 17 Reamal
18 Madhyapur 18 Tabada
19 Raitabahal 19 Tarang
20 Rambhei 20 Tinkbir
21 Saruali 21 Tuhilamal
22 Singhsal 22 Utunia
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Panchayat Samities
Functioning at Block Level the Panchayat Samiti is managed by a body
headed by a Chairperson elected from among the elected representatives of
the Samiti. The Block Development Officer (BDO) is the Executive Officer of
the Samiti assited by the Additional Block Development Officer (ABDO) and
other support staff in administrative matters.
The Odisha Panchayat Samiti Act, 1959 and the relevant rule thereof
govern Panchayat Samitis. The Chairman, the Vice-Chairman and
Panchayat Samiti Members, Sarpanches of Gram Panchayats, Member of
House of the People (Lok Sabha) and of the Legislative Assembly
representing constituencies which comprise wholly or partly the area of the
Samiti and member of the Council of the State who is registered as an
elector within the area of the Samiti constitute the Panchayat Samiti. The
Chairman and the Vice Chairman are elected from among the elected
members of the Samiti.
Panchayat Samities are responsible for executing all the development
works in their jurisdiction through the agencies of the Gram Panchayats. The
other functions of the Samiti include control and spread of primary education,
management of trusts and endowments which the Government may entrust,
registration of births and deaths and vaccination other health care. The
Samities can also supervise the work of the Gram Panchayats.
Gram Panchayat
Organised system of Gram Panchayat was introduced in 1950-51 as
per the rules laid downs in the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1948. Gram
Panchayats are base level of elected institutions and are examples of
democracy at work on our governance system. Gram Panchayat (GP) is
composed of a Sarpanch, a Naib-Sarpanch and a number of Ward Members
representing each ward. The Sarpanch is directly elected by eligible voters
and the Naib-Sarpanch is elected from among the elected Ward Members of
the GP.
The Village Level Worker (VLW) is entrusted with the general
administration of GP. Besides, Gram Panchayat Extension Officer, Sub-
Divisional Panchayat Officer and District Panchayat Officer and the BDO
supervise the activities of the GP under the administrative control of Sub-
Collector of the respective sub-division and Collector in the district. The
administration of Gram Panchayat is governed by the Odisha Gram
Panchayat Act, 1964 and the Odisha Gram Panchayat Rules, 2014.
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Functions, Powers and Duties of the Gram Panchayat
The main objective of the Gram Panchayat is wholesome development
villages. Section 44 and 45 of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act specify the
functions and power of Gram Panchayat. The functions of the Gram
Panchayat have been divided into two categories like obligatory or
compulsory and optional or discretionary.
The obligatory or compulsory functions of the Gram Panchayat are: 1.
Construction, repair, maintenance and improvement of public roads, 2. Make
provision for lighting and cleaning of public roads and other important public
places, 3. Construction, maintenance and cleaning of drains, public toilets, 4.
Supply and storage of drinking water, construction, repair and maintenance
of community tanks, wells, tube wells and other water bodies, 5. Make
adequate arrangements for scavenging, removal and disposal of solid
waste, rubbish, debris and other obnoxious polluted material, 6. Prevent the
break out of diseases and check spread of epidemic, 7. Maintains records of
birth, death and marriages, 8. Prepare the Population Census reports of
human beings and number of livestock and registration of animals sold, 9.
Protect, maintain and develop all properties entrusted to the management of
the Gram Panchayat, 10. Regulate and control movement of cattle for
protection of crops and maintain cattle-ponds, 11. Control stray and rabid
canine, 12. Render all reasonable assistance to the Panchayat Samiti for
establishing and maintaining primary education, 13. Supervise and maintain
social conservation work, 14. Organise and regulate 'melas', fairs, and
festivals, and maintain markets, hats and cart stands, 15. Implement
schemes for agricultural extension, 16. Regulate collection and trade of
minor forest produce, 17. Take steps for small scale, cottage and village
industries, 18. Take measures for rural housing, 19. Undertake poverty
alleviation, woman and child welfare programmes, 20. Take steps for social
welfare including welfare of aged, physically and mentally infirm 21. Operate
and supervise public distribution system.
Optional or Discretionary Functions
The main optional functions of the Gram Panchayats are: 1. Planting
and maintenance of trees on both side of the public roads and maintenance
of village forests, 2.Care and improvement of livestock, 3. Construction,
maintenance and regulation of abattoirs, 4. Advising and assisting farmers in
reclaiming waste and fallow land, 5. Management and development of
different Co-operative Societies and Stores, 6. Provide relief from famine or
other natural calamities, 7. Opening and maintenance of libraries and
reading rooms in villages, 8. Organization of fire services and protection of
life and property from fire hazards, 9. Establishment of maternity and child
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welfare centres, 10. Establishment and maintenance of youth and sports
clubs and other recreation centres, 11. Establishment and maintenance of
works for providing employment in time of scarcity and establishment of
granaries, 12. Promotion of cottage industry, 13. Maintenance and
construction of dharmasala, rest houses and disaster shelters, 14.
Maintenance and organisation of agricultural, industrial and trade
exhibitions, 15. Collecting statistics of unemployed, 16. Provisions for adult
education, establishment of Primary Schools , 17. Organize a body known
as Gram Swechha Sevaka for assisting the Gram Panchayat during the time
of emergency, 18. Prevention of gambling and implementation prohibition.
The tasks mandated are indication enough of the importance of the
Gram Panchayat as a vital organ of the welfare and development
mechanism.
Palli Sabhas and their Functions
In addition to the three-tier statutory bodies of the Panchayati Raj
system, another grass root level mechanism called Palli Sabha has been put
in place in Odisha. For every village within a Gram Panchayat, a Palli Sabha
is constituted by the State Government, provided that where the area within
a ward consists of more than one revenue village there shall be only one
Palli Sabha for such ward. Each Palli Sabha consists of all registered in
voters in the electoral roll for the Assembly Constituency within which the
village is located.
Procedure for Palli Sabha meeting
All voters for the time being in force are the members of the Palli
Sabha, Gram Panchayat shall convene the meeting of Palli Sabha, Palli
Sabha meets at least once every year in February at a public place within
the Palli Sabha area, The Gram Panchayat shall arrange and notify six
months in advance the date and time of Palli Sabha, If the Gram Panchayat
requires the Palli Sabha to hold an extraordinary meeting either of its own or
on requisition in writing of not less than one-fifth of the members of Palli
Sabha, the date , time , place and agenda for discussion in such meeting
shall be fixed by the Gram Panchayat at least fifteen days in advance, Ward
Members will preside over the Palli Sabha of their ward or village. In case of
more than one Ward Member, one from among them in order of preference
shal preside as determined by the GP. In absence of the Ward Member or
Members in the meeting, those present in the meeting may elect a person
from among themselves to preside over the meeting, Where the meeting is
requisitioned by not less than one fifth of the members of the Palli Sabha,
the requisition shall be addressed to the Sarpanch thirty days in advance
stating the place, date and time of the meeting. In case the Gram Panchayat
254
fails to arrange the meeting on the date mentioned in the requisition, the
members who requisitioned the meeting may call the meeting on the date
and at the time and place mentioned in the requisition ,The quorum of the
meeting is 1/10 of the total number of members of Palli Sabha. If there
being no quorum, the meeting shall stand adjourned to a future date for
which notice shall be given afresh the prescribed manner,The quorum shall
include one third women members present, All issues that may come before
the meeting of the Palli Sabha shall be decided by a majority of votes. In
case of a tie, the President of the meeting shall have a second or casting
vote, Voting by Proxy is prohibited. No member shall vote upon any motion
or amendment unless he is present in person at the time when it is put to
vote, The Proceeding of the Palli Sabha be recorded in a book to be kept for
the purpose in Odia and shall be signed by the President of the meeting and
such book shall be open to the general public for inspection.
Functions of Palli Sabha
The functions of Palli Sabha are:
1)To prepare plan for developmental works and programme that
may be taken up during the ensuing year by the Gram Panchayat, 2) to
recommend for approval of annual budget estimate submitted by the Gram
Panchayat, 3) to select the beneficiaries of different poverty alleviation
programmes, 4) to select the village labour leader for implementation of the
work orders, 5) the activities and performance of Palli Sabha is open to
social audit to maintain transparency and to increase efficiency of the
grassroots level participation in developmental activities.
Election to Local Bodies
The State Election Commission constituted under Article 243-K of the
Constitution of India is vested with powers of superintendence, direction and
control of preparation of electoral roll and conducts of all elections to the
three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local bodies.
Necessary amendments have been effected by the State Government
to the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964, Odisha Panchayat Samiti Act,
1959 and Zilla Parishad Act, 1991, Odisha Gram Panchayat Rules, 1965,
Odisha Panchayat Samiti Election Rules, 1991 and Odisha Zilla Praishad
Election Rules, 1994 in the spirit of 73rd
Amendment to the Constitution.
Procedure for delimitation for Wards/Constituencies, preparation of Electoral
Roll, filing of nomination and scrutiny thereof and conduct of elections has
been detailed in the respective Election Rules.
Details of caste and gender based reservation of seats to varuius tiers
of Panchayat Raj Institutions is tabulated below.
255
Reservation of Ward Members
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
1 Barkote 281 19 30 49 37 49 86 29 45 74 51 21 72
2 Reamal 272 19 28 47 27 38 65 32 44 76 51 33 84
3 Tileibani 185 04 16 20 51 54 105 22 18 40 11 09 20
Total 738 42 74 116 115 141 256 83 107 190 113 63 176
Reservation of Sarpanchs
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
1 Barkote 22 1 1 2 4 5 9 2 2 4 1 - 1
2 Reamal 22 2 2 4 2 3 5 3 3 6 4 3 7
3 Tileibani 16 2 2 4 3 4 7 3 3 6 3 2 5
Total 60 5 5 10 9 12 21 8 8 16 8 5 13
Reservation of Panchayat Samiti Consituencies
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
1 Barkote 22 1 1 2 4 5 9 2 2 4 1 - 1
2 Reamal 22 2 2 4 2 3 5 3 3 6 4 3 7
3 Tileibani 16 2 2 4 3 4 7 3 3 6 3 2 5
Total 60 5 5 10 9 12 21 8 8 16 8 5 13
Reservation of Chairpersons Sl. No. Name of the P.S. / Block Reservation Status
1 Barkote U.R.
2 Reamal O.B.C. (W)
3 Tileibani S.T. (W)
256
Reservation of Zilla Parishad Constituencies Sl.
No. Name of the ZP Constituency
Total No.
GPs.
Total No.
Wards
Reservation
Status
1 Barkote - I 07 94 SEBC
2 Barkote - II 08 96 ST
3 Barkote - III 07 91 SEBC(W)
4 Reamal - I 10 128 W
5 Reamal - II 12 144 UR
6 Tileibani -I 08 92 ST(W)
7 Tileibani -II 08 93 SC(W)
Total 60 738
Reservation of Zilla Parishad President
The office of the President of Zilla Parishad, Deogarh is reserved for a
woman candidate of Sheduled Caste.
The State Election Commission of Odisha conducted the last elections
during the month of February and March 2012 to various the offices of the
three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). They were seven (7) Zilla
Parishad members, sixty (60) Panchayat Samiti Members, sixty (60)
Sarpanches and a total of seven hundred thrity eight (738) Ward Members
including the President and Vice President of Zilla Parishad, Chairpersons
and Vice-Chairpersons of Panchayats and Naib-Sarpanhes of GP pertaining
to Deogarh District.
Besides, as and when the casual vacancy to the office of PRIs occurs
due to death, resignation, removal by way of vote of no-confidence,
disqualification, the matter is being reported to the State Election
Commission and the casual vacancy is filled up as per the by-election
schedule of the Commission.
Dispute settlement at the local level through elected body
Before enactment of the Gram Panchayat Act, 1964 the Gram
Panchayats were vested with a power of deciding of minor criminal cases
with their areas. But later on this function was withdrawn from Gram
Panchayats and was vested with the magistracy and judicial officers.
However, the local disputes of simple nature requiring settlement through
counselling and mutual agreement of the parties still get resolved the Gram
Panchayats with the active participation of elected local bodies headed by
the Sarpanch.
Block-wise Gram Panchayat Profile
Barkote Block
There are 22 (Twenty Two) Gram Panchayats in Barkote Block. The
GP-wise Profiles are noted below:
257
1. Balanda GP: - Balanda GP with GP headquarters at Village Balanda
has a total population of 3968 out of which 1411 & 792 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 4 for SC, 2 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 ward has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is revered for BCC during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Balanda Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for BCC of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-II ZP
Constituency reversed for ST. The GP possesses 8 nos. of Tanks/Katta &
1(One) Kine house as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
2. Ballam: - Ballam GP with GP headquarters at Village Ballam has a
total population of 4891 out of which 563 & 1450 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 1 for SC, 4 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is revered for BCC during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Ballam Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for BCC of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-I ZP
Constituency reversed for BCC. The GP possesses 14 nos. of Tanks/Katta &
1(One) Market as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
3. Bamparda: - Bamparda GP with GP headquarters at Village
Bamparda has a total population of 9597 out of which 1901 & 2842 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 14
wards of which 2 for SC, 4 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is revered for
BCC(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Bamparda Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC (Woman) of
Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-III ZP Constituency reversed for
BCC(Woman). The GP possesses 10 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 1(One) Market
as public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
4. Basaloi: - Basaloi GP with GP headquarters at Village Basaloi has a
total population of 3649 out of which 1536 & 1259 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 18 wards of
which 4 for SC, 3 for ST and 5 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 9 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is revered for BCC (Woman)
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Basaloi Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC (Woman) of Barkote Panchayat
258
Samiti & Barkote-I ZP Constituency reversed for BCC. The GP possesses
26 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 1( one) Kine house & 1 (one)
Orchard as public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of
income.
5. Bijaynagar: - Bijaynagar GP with GP headquarters at Village
Bijaynagar has a total population of 3251 out of which 500 & 773 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12
wards of which 2 for SC, 3 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is revered for BCC
(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Bijaynagar
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC (Woman) of Barkote
Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-II ZP Constituency reversed for ST. The GP
possesses 9 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 1( one) Kine house & 1
(one) Orchard as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
6. Dandasingha: - Dandasingha GP with GP headquarters at Village
Dandasingha has a total population of 5465 out of which 1350 & 412 belong
to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to
14 wards of which 4 for SC, 1 for ST and 1 for BCC come under
reservation category and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for
women from each category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch
is Unreserved during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Dandasingha Panchayat Samiti Constituency under Unreserved Category of
Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-II ZP Constituency reversed for ST.
The GP possesses 11 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1( one) Kine house & 2 (two)
Orchards as public properties and manages to augment its internal sources
of income.
7. Danra: - Danra GP with GP headquarters at Village Danra has a
total population of 7210 out of which 1505 & 1103 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 15 wards of
which 3 for SC, 2 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 8 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Danra Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for ST of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-II ZP
Constituency reversed for ST. The GP possesses 10 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1
(one) Market, 1( one) Kine house & 1 (One) Orchard as public properties
and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
259
8. Dantaribahal: - Dantaribahal GP with GP headquarters at Village
Dantaribahal has a total population of 3985 out of which 258 & 1779 belong
to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to
12 wards of which 1 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under
reservation category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for
women from each category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch
is reserved for ST (Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes
under Dantaribahal Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for ST
(Woman) of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-I ZP Constituency
reversed for BCC. The GP possesses 29 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1 (one)
Market & 1 (One) Orchard as public properties and manages to augment its
internal sources of income.
9. Gurusang: - Gurusang GP with GP headquarters at Village
Gurusang has a total population of 2822 out of which 427 & 1325 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 2 for SC, 4 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
Woman during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Gurusang
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for Woman of Barkote Panchayat
Samiti & Barkote-III ZP Constituency reversed for BCC(Woman). The GP
possesses 5 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1 (one) Market & 1 (One) Kine House as
public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
10. Jharakandhal: - Jharakandhal GP with GP headquarters at Village
Jharakandhal has a total population of 3178 out of which 766 & 1524 belong
to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to
11 wards of which 2 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under
reservation category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for
women from each category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch
is reserved for SC (Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes
under Jharakandhal Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for SC
(Woman) of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-II ZP Constituency
reversed for ST. The GP possesses 5 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1 (one) Market &
1 (One) Ferry Ghat as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
11. Kadopada: - Kadopada GP with GP headquarters at Village
Kadopada has a total population of 4574 out of which 775 & 1506 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 1 for SC, 3 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for SC
260
(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Kadopada
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for SC (Woman) of Barkote
Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-II ZP Constituency reversed for ST. The GP
possesses 13 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1 (one) Kine house & 1 (One) Wasteland
as public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
12. KaliapaL: - Kaliapal GP with GP headquarters at Village Kaliapal
has a total population of 3857 out of which 578 & 1765 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 1 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for SC during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Kaliapal Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for SC of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-III ZP
Constituency reversed for BCC(Woman). The GP possesses 03 nos. of
Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
13. Kalla: - Kalla GP with GP headquarters at Village Kalla has a total
population of 7361 out of which 1547 & 2095 belong to SC & ST respectively
as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 17 wards of which 3 for
SC, 5 for ST and 5 for BCC come under reservation category and a total of
9 wards has been earmarked for women from each category as per the
provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for Woman during last PRI
Election, 2012. The GP comes under Kalla Panchayat Samiti Constituency
reserved for Woman of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-III ZP
Constituency reversed for BCC(Woman). The GP possesses 14 nos. of
Tanks/Katta & 1(0ne) Market as public properties and manages to augment
its internal sources of income.
14. Kandhal : - Kandhal GP with GP headquarters at Village Kandhal
has a total population of 4603 out of which 1024 & 561 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 2 for SC, 2 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Kandhal Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for ST of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-I ZP
Constituency reversed for BCC. The GP possesses 11 nos. of Tanks/Katta ,
1(one)Kine House & 1(one) Orchard as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
15. Kantapali: - Kantapali GP with GP headquarters at Village
Kantapali has a total population of 4518 out of which 197 & 2605 belong to
261
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12
wards of which 1 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
ST(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Kantapali
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for ST(Woman) of Barkote
Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-I ZP Constituency reversed for BCC. The GP
possesses 24 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 1(one)Kine House as public properties
and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
16. Kaunsibahal: - Kaunsibahal GP with GP headquarters at Village
Kaunsibahal (Goudsuguda) has a total population of 4082 out of which 1023
& 673 belong to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has
been delimited to 12 wards of which 3 for SC, 2 for ST and 3 for BCC
come under reservation category and a total of 6 wards has been
earmarked for women from each category as per the provision. The office of
the Sarpanch is Unreserved during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes
under Kaunsibahal Panchayat Samiti Constituency under Unreserved of
Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-I ZP Constituency reversed for BCC.
The GP possesses 15 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one)Market & 1(one) Kine
House as public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of
income.
17. Kelda: - Kelda GP with GP headquarters at Village Kelda has a
total population of 3069 out of which 329 & 1892 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 1 for SC, 6 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST(Woman)
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Kelda Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST(Woman) of Barkote Panchayat Samiti &
Barkote-II ZP Constituency reversed for ST. The GP possesses 18 nos. of
Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Kine House & 3(three) Orchards as public properties
and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
18.Madhyapur: - Madhyapur GP with GP headquarters at Village
Madhyapur has a total population of 5375 out of which 2071 & 247 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12
wards of which 4 for SC, 1 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
BCC during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Madhyapur
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC of Barkote Panchayat
Samiti & Barkote-III ZP Constituency reversed for BCC(Woman). The GP
262
possesses 10 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 1(One) Orchards as public properties
and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
19.Raitabahal: - Raitabahal GP with GP headquarters at Village
Raitabahal has a total population of 4687 out of which 1285 & 626 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 14
wards of which 3 for SC, 2 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is unreserved
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Raitabahal Panchayat
Samiti Constituency under unreserved category of Barkote Panchayat Samiti
& Barkote-III ZP Constituency reversed for BCC (Woman). The GP
possesses 12 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 1(One) Market as public properties and
manages to augment its internal sources of income.
20. Rambhei: - Rambhei GP with GP headquarters at Village Rambhei
has a total population of 6296 out of which 667 & 3783 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 16 wards of
which 2 for SC, 9 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 8 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Rambhei Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for ST of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-I ZP
Constituency reversed for BCC. The GP possesses 18 nos. of Tanks/Katta
as public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
21. Saruali: - Saruali GP with GP headquarters at Village Saruali has a
total population of 5357 out of which 734 & 3543 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 2 for SC, 8 for ST and 2 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for SC during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Saruali Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for SC of Barkote Panchayat Samiti & Barkote-III ZP
Constituency reversed for BCC(Woman) . The GP possesses 4 nos. of
Tanks/Katta, & 3(three) Market as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
22. Singhsal: - Singhsal GP with GP headquarters at Village Singhsal
has a total population of 3675 out of which 506 & 1801 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 1 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST(Woman)
263
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Singhsal Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST(Woman) of Barkote Panchayat Samiti
& Barkote-II ZP Constituency reversed for ST . The GP possesses 3 nos. of
Tanks/Katta, & 2(two) Market as public properties and manages to augment
its internal sources of income.
Reamal Block
There are 22 (Twenty Two) Gram Panchayats in Reamal Block. The
GP-wise Profiles are noted below:
1. Adas GP: - Adas GP with GP headquarters at Village Adas has a
total population of 4407 out of which 179 & 2419 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 1 for SC, 6 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 ward has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST(Woman)
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Adas Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for ST(Woman) of Reamal Panchayat Samiti &
Reamal-I ZP Constituency reversed for Woman. The GP possesses 13 nos.
of Tanks/Katta & 1(One) Orchard as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
2. Baghabar GP: - Baghabar GP with GP headquarters at Village
Baghabar has a total population of 2764 out of which 466 & 943 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 2 for SC, 3 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
BCC(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Baghabar Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC(Woman) of
Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II ZP Constituency under unreserved
category . The GP possesses 9 nos. of Tanks/Katta as public properties and
manages to augment its internal sources of income.
3. Budhapal GP: - Budhapal GP with GP headquarters at Village
Budhapal has a total population of 5456 out of which 1674 & 549 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 13
wards of which 4 for SC, 2 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Budhapal Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST of Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-
II ZP Constituency under unreserved category. The GP possesses 18 nos.
of Tanks/Katta,1(one) Market, 1(one) Ferry Ghat, 1(one) Kine House, 1(one)
264
Orchard & 1(one) Slaughter House as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
4. Budido GP: - Budido GP with GP headquarters at Village Budido
has a total population of 3617 out of which 573 & 694 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 2 for SC, 2 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for SC(Woman)
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Budido Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for SC(Woman) of Reamal Panchayat Samiti
& Reamal-I ZP Constituency reserved for Woman . The GP possesses 15
nos. of Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
5. Chadeimara GP: - Chadeimara GP with GP headquarters at Village
Chadeimara has a total population of 7425 out of which 1514 & 528 belong
to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to
14 wards of which 3 for SC, 1 for ST and 4 for BCC come under
reservation category and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for
women from each category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch
is Unreserved during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Chadeimara Panchayat Samiti Constituency under Unreserved Category of
Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II ZP Constituency under Unreserved
Category . The GP possesses 12 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 5(five) orchards as
public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
6. Gundiapali GP: - Gundiapali GP with GP headquarters at Village
Gundiapali has a total population of 6895 out of which 967 & 2293 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 15
wards of which 3 for SC, 4 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 8 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
SC(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Gundiapali Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for SC(Woman) of
Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-I ZP Constituency reserved for Woman.
The GP possesses 33 nos. of Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages
to augment its internal sources of income.
7. Kantabahal GP: - Kantabahal GP with GP headquarters at Village
Kantabahal has a total population of 3252 out of which 657 & 1668 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 2 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
265
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
BCC (Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Kantabahal Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC (Woman) of
Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II ZP Constituency under unreserved
category. The GP possesses 14 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 1(one) Market as
public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
8. Karlaga GP: - Karlaga GP with GP headquarters at Village Karlaga
has a total population of 6888 out of which 1343 & 868 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 14 wards of
which 3 for SC, 1 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Karlaga Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for ST of Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II ZP
Constituency under unreserved category. The GP possesses 20 nos. of
Tanks/Katta & 1(one) Market as public properties and manages to augment
its internal sources of income.
9. Khilei GP: - Khilei GP with GP headquarters at Village Khilei has a
total population of 4533 out of which 1057 & 1230 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 2 for SC, 4 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for Woman
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Khilei Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for Woman of Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II
ZP Constituency under unreserved category. The GP possesses 24 nos. of
Tanks/Katta & 1(one) Market as public properties and manages to augment
its internal sources of income.
10. Kundheigola GP: - Kundheigola GP with GP headquarters at
Village Kundheigola has a total population of 4337 out of which 968 & 893
belong to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been
delimited to 11 wards of which 2 for SC, 2 for ST and 3 for BCC come
under reservation category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for
women from each category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch
is unreserved during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Kundheigola Panchayat Samiti Constituency under unreserved category of
Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II ZP Constituency under unreserved
category. The GP possesses 15 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 2(two)
Ferry Ghats, 1(one) Kine House & 2 (two) Orchards as public properties and
manages to augment its internal sources of income.
266
11. Lulang GP: - Lulang GP with GP headquarters at Village Lulang
has a total population of 3254 out of which 175 & 2042 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 1 for SC, 6 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for BCC during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Lulang Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for BCC of Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II ZP
6Constituency under unreserved category. The GP possesses 15 nos. of
Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
12. Malehipada GP: - Malehipada GP with GP headquarters at Village
Malehipada has a total population of 4857 out of which 734 & 898 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 13
wards of which 2 for SC, 2 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST
(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Malehipada
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for ST (Woman) of Reamal
Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-I ZP Constituency reserved for Woman. The GP
possesses 17 nos. of Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
13. Naulipada GP: - Naulipada GP with GP headquarters at Village
Naulipada has a total population of 6356 out of which 1363 & 712 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 14
wards of which 3 for SC, 1 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST
(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Naulipada
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for ST (Woman) of Reamal
Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II ZP Constituency under unreserved category.
The GP possesses 19 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 1(one) Orchard,
1(one) Cycle Stand & 1(one) Slaughter House as public properties and
manages to augment its internal sources of income.
14. Nuadihi GP: - Nuadihi GP with GP headquarters at Village Nuadihi
has a total population of 4394 out of which 1171 & 1658 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 2 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of of the Sarpanch is Unreserved during last
PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Nuadihi Panchayat Samiti
267
Constituency under Unreserved category of Reamal Panchayat Samiti &
Reamal-I ZP Constituency under reserved for Woman. The GP possesses
23 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 1(one) Market as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
15. Palsama GP: - Palsama GP with GP headquarters at Village
Palsama has a total population of 4498 out of which 845 & 873 belong to SC
& ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 2 for SC, 2 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for SC
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Palsama Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for SC (Woman) of Reamal Panchayat Samiti
& Reamal-II ZP Constituency under unreserved Category. The GP
possesses 21 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market & 1(one) Kine House as
public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
16. Para GP: - Para GP with GP headquarters at Village Para has a
total population of 3819 out of which 823 & 302 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 2 for SC, 1 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for BCC during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Para Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for BCC of Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-II ZP
Constituency under unreserved Category. The GP possesses 10 nos. of
Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
17. Reamal GP: - Reamal GP with GP headquarters at Village Reamal
has a total population of 5421 out of which 1025 & 287 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 14 wards of
which 2 for SC, 1 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for SC during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Reamal Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for SC of Reamal Panchayat Samiti & Reamal-I ZP
Constituency reserved for Woman. The GP possesses 19 nos. of
Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 1(one) Kine House, 1(one) Cycle Stand,
39(Thirty nine) Market Complexes & 1(one) Sulav Souchalay as public
properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
18. Tabada GP: - Tabada GP with GP headquarters at Village Tabada
has a total population of 6781 out of which 868 & 3327 belong to SC & ST
268
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 14 wards of
which 2 for SC, 1 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
BCC(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Tabada
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC(Woman) of Reamal
Panchayat Samiti & Reamal -I ZP Constituency reserved for Woman. The
GP possesses 33 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 2(two) Markets, 1(one) Kine House,
4(four) orchards and 1(one) Wasteland as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
19. Tarang GP: - Tarang GP with GP headquarters at Village Tarang
has a total population of 5344 out of which 1208 & 1435 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 13 wards of
which 3 for SC, 3 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is Unreserved during last
PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Tarang Panchayat Samiti
Constituency under Unreserved category of Reamal Panchayat Samiti &
Reamal -I ZP Constituency reserved for Woman. The GP possesses 33
nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Kine House & 1(one) orchard as public
properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
20. Tinkbir GP: - Tinkbir GP with GP headquarters at Village Tinkbir
has a total population of 7208 out of which 617 & 2062 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 13 wards of
which 1 for SC, 3 for ST and 4 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for Woman
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Tinkbir Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for Woman of Reamal Panchayat Samiti &
Reamal -I ZP Constituency reserved for Woman. The GP possesses 22
nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market & 1(one) Cycle Stand as public
properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
21. Tuhilamal GP: - Tuhilamal GP with GP headquarters at Village
Tuhilamal has a total population of 2807 out of which 331 & 1008 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 1 for SC, 4 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
BCC during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Tuhilamal
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC of Reamal Panchayat
Samiti & Reamal -I ZP Constituency reserved for Woman. The GP
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possesses 11 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 3(three) Kine House as public
properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
22. Utunia GP: - Utunia GP with GP headquarters at Village Utunia has
a total population of 3163 out of which 660 & 797 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 2 for SC, 3 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for Woman
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Utunia Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for Woman of Reamal Panchayat Samiti &
Reamal -II ZP Constituency under Unreserved category. The GP possesses
12 nos. of Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages to augment its
internal sources of income.
Tileibani Block
There are 16 (Sixteen) Gram Panchayats in Tileibani Block. The GP-
wise Profiles are noted below:
1. Badchhapal GP: - Badchhapal GP with GP headquarters at Village
Badchhapal has a total population of 2649 out of which 838 & 592 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 3 for SC, 2 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 ward has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Badchhapal Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST of Teliebani Panchayat Samiti &
Tileibani -II ZP Constituency reversed for SC(Woman). The GP possesses
20 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(One) Market, 1(one) Ferry Ghat & 1(one) Kine
House as public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of
income.
2. Baniakilinda GP: - Baniakilinda GP with GP headquarters at Village
Baniakilinda has a total population of 4128 out of which 573 & 1936 belong
to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to
12 wards of which 1 for SC, 3 for ST and 3 for BCC come under
reservation category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for
women from each category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch
is unreserved during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Baniakilinda Panchayat Samiti Constituency under unreserved category of
Tileibani Panchayat Samiti & Tileibani -II ZP Constituency reserved for SC
(Woman). The GP possesses 7 nos. of Tanks/Katta & 1(One) Market as
public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
270
3. Chhepilipali GP: - Chhepilipali GP with GP headquarters at Village
Chhepilipali has a total population of 5575 out of which 1385 & 1300 belong
to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to
12 wards of which 4 for SC, 3 for ST and 3 for BCC come under
reservation category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for
women from each category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch
is reserved for BCC during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Chhepilipali Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC of Tileibani
Panchayat Samiti & Tileibani -II ZP Constituency reserved for SC (Woman).
The GP possesses 15 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(One) Market,2(two) Ferry
Ghats, 1(one) Kine House & 1(one) Orchard as public properties and
manages to augment its internal sources of income.
4. Dholpada GP: - Dholpada GP with GP headquarters at Village
Dholpada has a total population of 3958 out of which 301 & 2515 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 13
wards of which 1 for SC, 9 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 7 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Dholpada Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST of Tileibani Panchayat Samiti &
Tileibani -I ZP Constituency reserved for ST (Woman). The GP possesses
15 nos. of Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages to augment its
internal sources of income.
5. Dimirikuda GP: - Dimirikuda GP with GP headquarters at Village
Dimirikuda has a total population of 5287 out of which 623 & 3690 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 1 for SC, 8 for ST and 2 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
BCC during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Dimirikuda
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC of Tileibani Panchayat
Samiti & Tileibani - I ZP Constituency reserved for ST (Woman). The GP
possesses 18 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market & 1(one) Kine House as
public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
6. Dudhianali GP: - Dudhianali GP with GP headquarters at Village
Dudhianali has a total population of 5307 out of which 401 & 3374 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 1 for SC, 6 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Dudhianali Panchayat
271
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST of Tileibani Panchayat Samiti &
Tileibani - II ZP Constituency reserved for SC (Woman). The GP possesses
13 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 1(one) Wasteland & 1(one)Cycle
Stand as public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of
income.
7. Jharagogua GP: - Jharagogua GP with GP headquarters at Village
Jharagogua has a total population of 3701 out of which 361 & 2569 belong
to SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to
11 wards of which 1 for SC, 8 for ST and 2 for BCC come under
reservation category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for
women from each category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch
is reserved for BCC(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes
under Jharagogua Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for
BCC(Woman) of Tileibani Panchayat Samiti & Tileibani - I ZP Constituency
reserved for ST (Woman). The GP possesses 11 nos. of Tanks/Katta &
1(one) Market as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
8. Kansar GP: - Kansar GP with GP headquarters at Village Kansar
has a total population of 4461 out of which 455 & 3136 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 1 for SC, 9 for ST and 2 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for SC(Woman)
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Kansar Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for SC (Woman) of Tileibani Panchayat Samiti
& Tileibani - I ZP Constituency reserved for ST (Woman). The GP possesses
8 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 1(one) Kine House, 1(one) Orchard &
1(one) Cycle Stand as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
9. Kendeijuri GP: - Kendeijuri GP with GP headquarters at Village
Kendeijuri has a total population of 5104 out of which 366 & 3604 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 1 for SC, 8 for ST and 2 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
BCC(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under
Kendeijuri Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for BCC(Woman) of
Tileibani Panchayat Samiti & Tileibani - I ZP Constituency reserved for ST
(Woman). The GP possesses 20 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Kine House &
2(two) Orchards as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
272
10. Laimura GP: - Laimura GP with GP headquarters at Village
Laimura has a total population of 6720 out of which 384 & 5567 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12
wards of which 1 for SC, 10 for ST and 1 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
ST(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Laimura
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for ST(Woman) of Tileibani
Panchayat Samiti & Tileibani - I ZP Constituency reserved for ST (Woman).
The GP possesses 7 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 1(one) Kine House
& 1(one) Orchard as public properties and manages to augment its internal
sources of income.
11. Parposi GP: - Parposi GP with GP headquarters at Village Parposi
has a total population of 4827 out of which 123 & 4404 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 0 for SC, 10 for ST and 1 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST(Woman)
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Parposi Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST(Woman) of Tileibani Panchayat Samiti
& Tileibani - I ZP Constituency reserved for ST (Woman). The GP possesses
18 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market & 2(two) Orchards as public
properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
12. Sado GP: - Sado GP with GP headquarters at Village Sado has a
total population of 2902 out of which 38 & 2552 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11 wards of
which 0 for SC, 10 for ST and 1 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST during
last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Sado Panchayat Samiti
Constituency reserved for ST of Tileibani Panchayat Samiti & Tileibani - I ZP
Constituency reserved for ST (Woman). The GP possesses 7 nos. of
Tanks/Katta & 1(one) Kine House as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
13. Suguda GP: - Suguda GP with GP headquarters at Village Suguda
has a total population of 5466 out of which 987 & 1398 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 2 for SC, 3 for ST and 5 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST(Woman)
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Suguda Panchayat
273
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST(Woman) of Tileibani Panchayat
Samiti & Tileibani - II ZP Constituency reserved for SC (Woman). The GP
possesses 12 nos. of Tanks/Katta , 1(one) Market & 1(one) Orchard as
public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
14. Tainsar GP: - Tainsar GP with GP headquarters at Village Tainsar
has a total population of 5741 out of which 666 & 2751 belong to SC & ST
respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12 wards of
which 1 for SC, 6 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation category
and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each category
as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for ST(Woman)
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Tainsar Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for ST(Woman) of Tileibani Panchayat
Samiti & Tileibani - II ZP Constituency reserved for SC (Woman). The GP
possesses 8 nos. of Tanks/Katta , 1(one) Kine House & 1(one) Orchard as
public properties and manages to augment its internal sources of income.
15. Talkundi GP: - Talkundi GP with GP headquarters at Village
Talkundi has a total population of 3010 out of which 285 & 1461 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 12
wards of which 1 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for SC
during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Talkundi Panchayat
Samiti Constituency reserved for SC of Tileibani Panchayat Samiti &
Tileibani - II ZP Constituency reserved for SC (Woman). The GP possesses
11 nos. of Tanks/Katta as public properties and manages to augment its
internal sources of income.
16. Tileibani GP: - Tileibani GP with GP headquarters at Village
Tileibani has a total population of 5648 out of which 559 & 2625 belong to
SC & ST respectively as per 2011 census. The GP has been delimited to 11
wards of which 1 for SC, 5 for ST and 3 for BCC come under reservation
category and a total of 6 wards has been earmarked for women from each
category as per the provision. The office of the Sarpanch is reserved for
ST(Woman) during last PRI Election, 2012. The GP comes under Tileibani
Panchayat Samiti Constituency reserved for ST (Woman) of Tileibani
Panchayat Samiti & Tileibani - II ZP Constituency reserved for SC (Woman).
The GP possesses 18 nos. of Tanks/Katta, 1(one) Market, 1(one) Kine
House & 1(one)Slaughter House as public properties and manages to
augment its internal sources of income.
274
Central and State Finance Commission Grants to Local Bodies
The Mandate of 4th State Finance Commission & 14th Central Finance
Commission‟s grant for the period from 2015-16 to 2019-20 is the sharing of
tax revenue of both State Govt. & Central Govt. to the Local Bodies for self
Governance. The utilization of the Grants must be citizen centric with view to
providing Basic Civic Services to the people in the field of Drinking Water,
Street Light, Sanitation, & Maintenance of Capital Assets with People‟s
participation. The ultimate aim is to create Adharsh Gram & Model.
Gram Panchayat
4th SFC Grant (designated as Devolution of Funds) will be equally
allocated each for GP, PS & ZP @ 75%, 20% & 5% respectively for next
five years i.e., 2015-16 to 2019- 20. 14th CFC Grant (designated as General
Area Basic Grant) is only meant for GPs and there exists provision for
Performance Grant from 2016-17 after fulfilling certain parameters.
Interest accrued in the respective accounts of SFC & CFC will form its
fund.
1. Drinking water (House hold Piped Water connection)
2. Sanitation (Clean road, Dumping yard for storing Garbage etc.)
3. Street light (LED light connection on PSC Poles in conspicuous
places)
4. Maintenance of roads (Free from encroachment and covered with
avenue
5. (plantation) out of MGNREGS
6. Crematorium (Green fencing surrounding and plantation out of
MGNREGS and rest
7. Creation and maintenance of other capital assets of the GP
a. Village ponds (Excavation and plantation on embankment out of
MGNREGS, Bathing Ghat with dress changing room for the ladies.
b. Play grounds (Village Play Ground, School/ College Play round with
boundary plantation out of MGNREGS)
c. Market complex (out of Income Generating Fund and Untied Funds)
d. Kalyan Mandap ( CFC/SFC in convergence with MP LAD/ MLA LAD
etc Model Estimate for Kalyan Mandap –cum- Community Centre
275
Speciality in 14th Finance Commission Grants
1. Purchase of spare parts for Drinking Water Supply Payment of Energy
charges in rural
2. Payment of honorarium to SEMs by GP.
3. Payment of remuneration of Human Resources engaged for GP
Development Plan and data entry by G.P
4. Use of Mobile van during summer by Block (sharing for G.P)
5. Maintenance of Accounts of the GP through C.A Firms etc.
6. Water Supply, Sanitation including seepage management, sewerage and
solid waste management, storm water drainage, maintenance of community
assets, maintenance of roads, foot paths, street lighting and burial and
cremation ground.
Keeping in view of the guidelines the GP Development Plan of all
60(Sixty) GPs under Deogarh have been prepared and approved for the
year 2015-16. Accordingly the approved projects are being taken in a phase
manner for the execution by the Gram Panchayats Concerned. It would not
be out of place to note that a total allotment of Rs. 13, 69,492/- & Rs. 8, 05,
97,854/- have been credited in two trenches to respective separate account
of all 60 ( Sixty) GPs of the District. The approved projects under Drinking
Water Schemes have been taken up as priority basis to curb the ensuing
heat wave .
276
CHAPTER-XIV
EDUCATION, SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS
Historical Background
During olden times, Deogarh did not have any formal or institutional
system of education. Children in affluent families, mostly the male child,
were taught by elders the Odia alphabet and numbers at home to
perfunctorily enable them to transact domestic, social, and business
activities. In certain areas, some parents were engaging private tutors to
teach their wards. Sometimes, the village as a whole was engaging tutors to
impart education. Among the tribes, education in the formal sense was
totally absent. The young ones of the tribe were only learning traditional
skills useful for life and living. The tutors were not receiving any structured
salary or remuneration. Instead, they were receiving some pittance as
compensation in kind from the family of the pupil. They were, in very rare
cases, paid remuneration for their engagement. The teachers gave
emphasis on reading, writing and on simple arithmetic in order that the pupil
receives minimum learning competence (MLC) according to the need of
time. Learning of Sanskrit got prominence mostly among the Brahmins. For
lack of any structured and well-devised textbook, ancient religious epics,
scriptures and compositions of classical poets and authors were used to
teach the nuances of language and literature. Teachers had a special place
of respect in the society. The centres of education and learning hardly
received any State patronage.
Introduction of Formal Education
In the early 19th century, the educational scenario of Odisha was not
satisfactory. Especially the literacy and educational condition in the
Gadajats, the erstwhile princely states were dismal. In contrast, there was
scope for modern education in Moghulbandi areas under direct rule of the
British and the educational environment was a little better. Steps for
introduction and improvement of modern education were taken in those
areas by the British government and Christian missionaries. In Gadajat
areas, the feudal lords deliberately withheld facilities of education on the
unfounded presumption that an educated lot would question their authority
and stage revolt against the misrule of the despots. The king of Bamanda,
Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb was an exception. He realized the importance
and impact of education and promoted formal and modern education in his
state.
In 1867, the Raja of Bamanda received recognition of the British
Monarch as the feudatory chief and was authorized to rule over the state
277
independently in most of the matters. He was also empowered to introduce
modern system of education and improve upon that as per need and
requirement of the time. In 1872 Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb established
Rajkumar English School, an institution which focused on modern education
in the State. This school provided education to the princes, other royal
siblings and children of select subjects. The school then had two streams,
namely Middle English (ME) and Middle Vernacular (MV). By the year 1886,
3 students were reading in Middle English stream and 52 students were
reading in Middle Vernacular stream. By the year 1894 there were 13
numbers of educational institutions, and of the 90 students passing out of
them 70 were employed by the King in various capacities at different places
of the State.
Rajkumar High School of Bamanda State at Deogarh
At the request of the King, Iswar Chandra Bidyasagar, the scholar-
educationist, and doyen of Bengal Renaissance sent Bijay Kumar Mazumdar
in 1886 to Deogarh who took over as the Head Master of the High School.
Learned and eminent persons like Nilamani Bidyaratna, Damodar Mishra,
Dasharathi Rout, Kalicharan Dwibedy. Jogesh Chandra Das and Ganeswar
Pattnaik served as teachers of the school at various times in the past.
Keeping in mind qualitative improvement in education, Sir Sudhal Deb
transferred the state education machinery to the education department of
Sambalpur in 1892 for supervision and guidance. Since then textbooks,
which were prescribed for students of Sambalpur District, were followed in
the State of Bamanda. Raj Kumar High English School and itwas affiliated to
Calcutta University for conducting examinations and for award of certificates.
Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb was giving incentives to the successful
teachers to retain them and to maintain standard of teaching. At the same
278
time, he used to impose penalty on the parents for absence of their wards
from the school or for any other misdemeanour.
For imparting quality education and other curricular achievements, the
school came for praise. The British Government was highly impressed and
recorded the appreciation mentioned in a note in the Administrative Report
for the year 1985. The report states, “The Head quarters School at Deogarh
which provides higher education both in English and Vernacular and
presided over by highly qualified masters having long since established a
reputation which appears to have fully sustained in the year under report”.
The nomenclature of the said Rajkumar High English School was proposed
to be changed to Raja Basudev High School to perpetuate the memory of
its benevolent founder Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb as per the proceeding
of a committee headed by Susil Kumar Debta on 6.9.1950 and
recommended to the government. The Government of Odisha accepted the
proposal of the committee and approval for change of name was conveyed
in a letter bearing No. 4747 Dated, 03.08.1951 and thus the first formal high
school at Deogarh carries the name Raja Basudeb High School.
Much importance on spread of modern education and establishment of
educational institution was given by the rulers till the time of merge of the
state with Odisha. In 1907-1908 there were 33 number of primary schools,
One Boys‟ High School, One Girls‟ School. Another school, mentioned in
records as „Anarya‟ School and locally derisively known as Ganda School,
exclusively for the socially backward and underprivileged was established in
1904 by Raja Sachitananda Tribhuban Deb. This reflects the concern of the
King for education of the underdogs. The State Approximately to the tune of
Rs. 4,162/- was allocated for education for the year 1909 as mentioned in. In
the “Feudatory States of Odisha” part of the “Bengal District Gazetteer”
prepared by L.E.B. Cobden-Ramsay, ICS and published in of 1910 at page
127 the last sentence reads, “ In 1907-08 the State spent Rs.7,162 on
education”.
There existed a „Pragyan‟ school from which 16 were reported to have
come out successful. This school was exclusively devoted to learning of
Sanskrit. One Guru Talim Kendra was also established at the Headquarters
for training the untrained teachers. Sir
Basudeb Sudhal Deb took interest in the education for the princesses
and gradually extended the facilities to other girls of the State.
Soon after independence and merger of the State, Government of
Odisha took up various projects for opening a good number of primary,
middle and high schools. Adequate efforts were taken for enrolment of boys
and girls alike.
279
Education of SC/ST/OBC, Minorities and Women:
During the rule of Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb effective steps had
been initiated for educating the children from the underprivileged and
backward class, „Anarya‟ School was a milestone in this regard. After
independence, more stress was laid on enrolment of boys and girls of 6 to
14 years of age belonging to all categories irrespective their caste, economic
status, or social background. At different stages, educational survey was
conducted and special enrolment drives were under taken to increase
enrolment and attendance. Incentives were also given by the State
Government to improve enrolment and retention of students. Teachers and
parents met frequently and necessary steps were being taken to check drop-
outs at every stage of education in general and primary and middle school
level in particular.
At present the State as well as the central Government are serious
about social upliftment of the downtrodden. Due weightage has been given
on education of children from Schedule Caste (SC), Schedule Tribes (ST)
and Socially and Economically Backward Communilties. Accordingly a good
number of Schools have come up with government funding. Special
measures have been taken for providing education to SC and ST students in
a number of schools managed by the Harijan and Tribal Welfare Department
of the State Government. In addition, there are Sevashram, and T and RW
Schools for primary and secondary education where exclusively SC and ST
students have also been enrolled.
The Government have introduced various welfare schemes under
which Programmeme for provision of mid-day-meal (MDM) in schools,
supply of bi-cycles, school uniforms, tricycles for orthopedically incapacitated
children along with other learning inputs. Besides, the Odisha Primary
Education Project Authority (OPEPA) in the State and the District Project Co-
ordinator at the District have been providing adequate funds for construction
of school building and maintenance work. OPEPA have also streamlined the
Programmemes for academic achievement in order to attract boys and girls
of school going age of all categories.
Provisions for beautification of the school premise, sanitation,
construction of separate toilets for boys and girls, improvement of play
ground, library and other curricular and extracurricular activities are being
made with adequate monitoring and supervision of the infrastructure and
activities of the schools. The District Education Officer of the district remains
responsible for maintaining quality of education with the active support of the
School Management Committee and Parents Teacher Association (PTA).
280
District Project Coordinator, Block Education Officer, Addl. Block
Education Officer and other support staff are regularly watching the quality of
Education.. The Collector and District Magistrate who is the Chairman of the
District Education Committee of the district keeps a strict vigil on the
performance and activities and suggests measures and issues instructions
for corrective action.
The State Government and the Government of India are taking
adequate steps as regards opening of required number of schools and as
such large number of Boys and Girls of all categories enjoy the privilege of
enrolment and as such the student‟s population has considerably gone high
and accordingly the rate of literacy rose to 73.07%.
Similarly under the „National Child Labour Protection‟ (NCLP)
Programmeme of the Government of India efforts were made by the District
Child Labour welfare office. Survey was conducted for identification of Child
Labourer and allocation of NCLP Centres in different pockets of the District.
40 centres with the capacity of enrolling 50 child Labourer Students each
were opened. These centres started functioning from 1996. These 40
centres imparted education up to Class-V Standard in three year bridged
course. After passing class-V standard the students were enrolled into
general school for higher studies. The department incurred all the related
expenditure including financial assistance 40 number of centres was
reduced to 25 in the academic year 2014. It is noteworthy that one girl
student namely Basanti Behera of Gursang NCLP Centre was awarded the
2nd
prize by the Hon‟ble Chief Minister of Odisha in drawing competition
organized at the State Level in 2003. The scheme has since been
discontinued after enactment and implementation of the Right of the Child to
Education Act.
The tables below give details of schools and rate of literacy in the
district.
Number of Schools
1. Number of Primary Schools 487
2. Number of M.E(U.P.) Schools 178
3. Number of High Schools 83
4. Number of Sevashram Schools 05
5. Number of Ashram School 01
6. Number of T and R.W High School 01
7. No. of Model Schools 02
8. No. of ICT Schools 31
9. No. of PYKKA Schools 32
10. No.fo Vocational Schools 01
281
11. No. of Bicycles distributed to the Beneficiaries for the year
2015-16:-4363
Rate of Literacy
As per the 2011 Census Provisional Report.
1. Total Literacy ------- 73.07
2. Male Literacy ------- 82.62
3. Female Literacy ------- 63.36
The tables below give details of teaching staff in position in various
categories of schools in the district.
No. of teaching staff of Government, New Government, U.G.
Government High Schools
Sl. No Category No.fo Sanction Post
Main in Position Vacancy positions
1 Class –II 2 Nil 2 2 Sr.S.E.S. 26 14 12 3 T.G.T.Arts 69 48 21 4 T.G.T. PCM 34 30 04 5 T.G.T.CBZ 33 31 02 6 Classical Tr. 32 29 03 7 Hindi Tr. 31 18 13 8 P.E.T. 32 27 05 9 T.I. 05 01 04 10 M.C.T. 05 03 02
No. of teaching staff of 610 G.I.A. High Schools
Sl.No Category No.fo Sanction Post
Main in Position
Vacancy positions
1 Headmaster 06 04 02 2 T.G.T.Arts 12 12 0 3 T.G.T. PCM 06 05 01 4 T.G.T.CBZ 05 01 01 5 Classical Tr. 06 04 02 6 Hindi Tr. 06 06 0 7 P.E.T. 06 06 0
No. of teaching staff of Block Grants High Schools
Sl.No Category No.fo Sanction Post
Main in Position
Vacancy positions
1 Headmaster 32 31 01 2 T.G.T.Arts 64 57 07 3 T.G.T. PCM 32 24 08 4 T.G.T.CBZ 32 26 06 5 Classical Tr. 32 32 0 6 Hindi Tr. 32 32 0 7 P.E.T. 32 31 01
282
No.of Students Enrolled (VIII+IX+X) for the session 2015-16
Boys Girls Total
7355 7134 14,489
The mid-day-meal scheme (MDM) has been introduced in the district as
a measure retain students and to check dropout rate along with
supplementing nutritional needs of the students in primary and upper primary
level students upto Class VIII. Details of schools covered under MDM
scheme and the number of student beneficiaries are detailed in the tables
below.
Block wise number of Schools Covered under MDM scheme
Barkote Reamal Tileibani Total PS 120 118 117 355
UPS 104 116 90 310 Total Schools 224 234 207 665
Block Wise number of Beneficiaries
Barkote Reamal Tileibani Total
PS 8645 8478 6397 23520
UPS 5223 5621 4099 14943
Total Enrolment 13868 14099 10496 38463
As an extra incentive, bicycles have been provided to girl students of
schools who travel considerable distances to the school. A total of 4363
number of bicycles have been distributed to such girl student for the year
2015-16:-
Gender and Inter-caste differences in education and measures to
address them:
During the Raj period, queens, princesses, members of the „zenana‟
and conservative society were not allowed public exposure. On the other
hand, ladies of the palace and those of Royal Families were not being
allowed to go out of the precinct of the Palace. People generally had an
erroneous orthodox and medieaval notion that giving education to girls was
improper.
Even when European influence touched social life and liberal ideas
came in modern times, parents were not interested to send their girl child to
educational institutions. Despite of energisation of various programmemes
disinclination to send girls to co-education school prevailed. As a result, at
283
certain places a few girls‟ schools were set up. But it was not possible to
establish girls‟ school separately at par with the number of boys‟ school and
as such many of the Co-education school exist till date. However the girls
who are conscious enough are attending the school without any bias.
Similarly in most parts of the State the people of different groups and
sectors had acute feelings for drinking and eating together with other groups
of people. In brief it can be stated that untouchability prevailed for many
more years which caused differences. But when the Government provided
equal rights and equal facilities and special provisions for the
underprivileged, it gradually diminished. Years after independence people
realized the necessity of value-based schemes and accordingly came
forward to maintain balance and harmony, Philanthropic qualities started to
develop.
In order to address the differences the Government formulated effective
measures. Act for protection of fundamental rights of human was enacted.
Provision for equal share and equal rights was enforced. Sensitization
Programmemes were carried on and all concerned were made aware of the
uniformity and unity. Scope for inter-caste relationship was ensured.
Government took steps for social upliftment of weaker section with due
emphasis. Rules were framed to rightly deal with the matter leading to
atrocity. Thus the inter-caste feelings and differences started to diminish.
They were prepared to accept them and as such the students irrespective of
caste and category behaved mentally and psychologically each other as true
friend. Thus they developed cordial and healthy environment.
Trends in Growth of Higher Education:
Higher Education: Deogarh College, the first College of the district
was established in June-July 1963 by collective civil society initiative and is
managed by governing body. Later it was funded under the Grant-in-aid
scheme for private colleges and continues as such. It provides education in
science and humanities streams at the undergraduate stage. Commerce
was introduced for sometime in the past but had to be discontinued. At
present Reamal Junior College is the only institution providing education in
commerce up to +2 level. Initially Deogarh College was having hostel
facility for boys only at the initial stage and later for girl students also. hostel
Presently both the hostel are defunct for lack of borders. This is because
many colleges have come up elsewhere in the district and the flow of
students to Deogarh College has dried up from the mofussil catchment
areas. In addition there is a women‟s Junior college and one women Degree
College located at Deogarh. They started functioning in the year 1994 and
2000 respectively and are managed by privately under the supervision of a
284
governing body. These colleges are eligible for 40% block grant from the
year 2009.
There are a total number of 19 colleges in the district . Their location,
status and other details are given in the table below.
List Colleges in Deogarh District
Sl. No.
Name of MPL/C.D.Block
Name of the college
Level
Ye
ars
of
esta
blis
hm
en
t
Status Government/fully aided/ aide/ un-
aided
Present staff
position
Intake capacity
Art
s
Sc
ien
ce
Co
mm
erc
e
Te
ac
hin
g
No
n T
ea
ch
ing
01. Deogarh
MPL
Deogarh College, Deogarh
+2 and Degree
1963 Fully Aided 25 15 192 256
128 96
02. Deogarh
MPL
Women Junior
College, Deogarh
+2
1994 Aided 07 06 96
03. Deogarh
MPL
Women Degree College, Deogarh
Degree 2000 Un-Aided 05 09 64
04. Barkote Block Panchayat Junior +2 College,
+2 1987 Aided 19 05 128 96
05. Barkote Block
Kalla Panchay Degree College,
Kalla
Degree 1992 Aided
05 05 128
06. Barkote Block
Panchayat Samiti Junior
Higher Secondary
School, Danra
+2
1987
Aided
12
15
128
64
07. Barkote Block
Panchayat Samiti Degree College, Danra
Degree 1992 Aided
07 10 128
08. Barkote Block
Kandhal Junior Higher
Secondary School, Kandhal
+2
1987
Aided 16 09 128
09. Reamal Block
Reamal Junior
College, Reamal
+2 1991 Aided 08 05 128 64
10. Reamal Block
Reamal Degree College, Reamal
Degree 1999 Un-Aided 05 05 64
285
11. Reamal Block
Anchalika Junior
College, Budhapal
+2 1989 Aided 11 22 128 96
12. Reamal Block
Panchayat Samiti Degree College,
Budhapal
Degree 1992 Aided 11 19 96 32
13. Reamal Block
Palsama Junior
College, Palsama
+2 1993 Aided 11 19 146 128
14. Reamal Block
Palsama Degree College, Palsama
Degree 2000 Un-Aided 07 11 -- 64
15. Reamal Block
Rengalbeda Junior
College, Rengalbeda
+2 1994 Un-Aided 06 06 64 ----
16. Tileibani Block
Ekalabya Panchayat
Samiti Junior College, Kansar
+2 1992 Aided 12 06 128 -----
17. Tileibani Block
Ekalabya P.S Degree
College, Kansar
Degree 1994 Aided 05 04 64
18. Tileibani Block P.S Junior College, Suguda
+2 1992 Aided 07 09 128
19. Tileibani Block
Ludhar Junior
College, Ludhar
+2 1994 Aided 06 06 64
Professional and Technical Educational Institutes
I. Elementary Training School
A Guru Talim Kendra which had been established to impart training to
Primary School teachers during the days of the Raj was later closed. Later,
the Government of Odisha sanctioned an Elementary Teachers Training
(E.T.) School which started functioning at Deogarh in the year 1958. The
course was for two years. In the first batch thirty untrained Primary School
teachers were sponsored for the purpose of receiving in-service stipendiary
training with a monthly stipend of Rs.18/-. Initially there were three teachers
in the E.T. School with other supporting staff. The school was upgraded to
286
Secondary Training School in the year 1965. Untrained teachers with
qualification up to matriculation above were sponsored for the two-year
training course. Each trainee teacher was getting stipend of Rs. 25/- per
month. In the year 2003 the Secondary Training School was upgraded to the
status of District Resource Centre with a Principal as the Head of the
institution. It also imparted training to personnel under the Distance
Education Programmeme. The students passing out of this institute after
successful completion of the course were awarded Diploma Certificate in
teaching. In the year 2014 the District Resource Centre, Deogarh was
upgraded to the status of District Institute of Education and Training (DIET).
There is a Principal and qualified teacher educators. Number of selected
candidates receive training in teaching methodology and other education
related activities of the schools. In addition the Institute organises various in-
service training courses and workshops for teachers at different periods of
the academic year.
II. Art and Craft School
Although there was scope for weaving at the time of feudal rule, no
prospective efforts have yet been taken for opening of separate Art and Craft
School in the District. Art and craft were taught at in M.E. and High School
stages only as a subject with art and craft teachers appointed for the
purpose. The system ceased to continue after 1994 and the posts of art and
craft teachers were declared as dying cadre. This resulted in development of
skill among school students in that respect were checked.
III. Vocational Training During the Nineteen eighties, the
Government of Odisha chalked out a Programmeme for establishing of
Vocational Education Schools with a view to providing training and
developing skill of the Post-Matric Students who did not pursue formal higher
studies. Those newly planned schools were attached to the Government
High Schools. There was a Vocational School attached to Raja Basudeb
High School with a post of Vice-Principal. Later on the Post of Vice-Principal
was upgraded to the Post of Principal. The Vice-Principal/Principal managed
the school by way of engaging resource persons or faculty members who
were available in the vicinity. The course was equivalent to +2 or Higher
Secondary Education. Later on perhaps due to introduction of 10+2+3
pattern of education the said school was brought under the control of the
Principal of Deogarh College.
Besides, there are three vocational centres in block areas. These
centres are imparting technical education on various trades as shown in the
list. The list of the vocational centres of the district is given in Table below.
287
List of Vocational Centres
Sl.
No.
Name of
Vocational
Centre
Name of the
College to
which tagged
Intake Capacity
Sericulture EDA OM CP AVP
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
1.
Vocational
Centre,
Deogarh
Deogarh
College,
Deogarh
24 24 -- -- --
02.
Danra
Vocational
Centre, Danra
Panchayat
Samiti Junior
Higher
Secondary
School, Danra
-- -- -- 24 24
03.
Vocational
Centre,
Budhapal
Anchalika Junior
College,
Budhapal
-- 48 24 -- --
(iv) Industrial Training Institution, Deogarh.
Some years back one industrial institution was established at Deogarh.
It is managed by a private body. The institute provides technical training to
the trainees in three trades like Electrician, Fitter and Tailoring. The intake
capacity in Electrician and Fitter trade is 84 in each trade and 21 in tailoring
trade. The principal is the head of the institution. There are 15 numbers of
teaching members and 05 numbers of Non-teaching members serving in the
said institute.
Industrial Training Centre, Nuapada:-There is an industrial training
centre at Nuapada P.O- Aunli under Kundhegola Police station of Reamal
Block. The centre is known as „Swami Premananda Industrial Centre‟, a unit
of Viswa Seva Sangha Trust (VISWAST). The institute was established in
the year 2007. It has been accorded affiliation by the National
Council of Vocational Training (NCVT) for the trades of electronics
mechanic and electrical fitter. There are 13 nos. of teaching staff and 06 nos.
of Non-teaching staff in the institution.
Industrial Training Institute, Ambkatta:- There is an industrial
training institute at Ambkatta of Barkote Block. The institution has been set
up as per the decision of the Government of Odisha made earlier. It is
imparting industrial training to the trainees in various technical trades.
V- Government Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife School, Deogarh.
The Government Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife School, Deogarh was set
up in 1969. It was running in the Vandara Ghara till 1979 due to want of its
own building. From 1980 it is running in its own building which is adjacent to
the office of the Chief District Mmedical Officer, Deogarh. It imparts
288
education on paramedical services to the ANMs. The duration of course is
two years. The annual intake capacity is 40 and the course is stipendary.
There is sanction for 04 teaching members including the Principal. The ANM
School has so far produced 1800 ANMs.
VI. Computer Centres
There are three computers centres at the headquarters town affiliated
to Sambalpur and other Universities. These centres impart education on
basic computer operation.
D. Engineering and Medical College
There are no engineering college in the district. Students move out to
institutions both government and private located in other districts, the
nearest ones being at Burla of Samblapur, Rourkela of Sundargarh and
Sarang of Angul districts. It is equally true in case of medical education also.
No college for any system of medicine, i.e. allopathy, homoeopathy, or
ayurvedic exist in the district.
6. University Education.
During the Ex-State time the only High English School, earlier known as
Rajkumar School was affiliated to Calcutta University which was conducting
the Matriculation examination and was awarding certificates to the
successful candidates. After merger, the students of the district pursued their
higher studies under Utkal University or in any University outside the state till
the year 1965-66 when Sambalpur University was established.
At present all the +2 Colleges (Junior College) are affiliated to the
Odisha Council of Secondary Education. Likewise, the Degree colleges (+3)
are affiliates of Sambalpur University. The technical institutions of learning
are regulated by the Directorate of Technical Education and Training,
Government of Odisha.
Besides, the well-to-do people and interested persons do also exercise
their choice for sending their children to outside Universities preferably to
J.N. University or other famous ones.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Indira Gandhi National Open University has a study centre of at
Deogarh College, Deogarh. It provides opportunity for Post- Diploma, and
Post Graduate course in limited branch. However, it acts as a drop in the
ocean.
The University education facilities can be provided to the people of the
district if Deogarh College, Deogarh the oldest Non- Government College of
289
Western Odisha is given autonomous status and the management of the
college is taken over by the Government of Odisha. Sincere efforts in joint
venture can be taken in the matter.
Oriental School System
Sanskrit School
A Sanskrit school which was functioning in the remote past could no
more continue. However, facilities for study of Sanskrit are available at
school level. Sanskrit was taught as an optional subject and now it is being
taught as third language. The students can learn Sanskrit to some extent. In
the long past Sanskrit was also being taught as a compulsory subject.
It is worthwhile to note that there exists a Sanskrit Vidyalaya at
Nuapada, PO- Aunli of Kundheigola Police station under Reamal Block of
the District. The school has been named as „Lalita Ananta Rushikala
Sanskrit Vidyalaya‟. It was established in the year 1994. The school offers
course in Prathama (equivalent to VI and VII) and Madhyama (equivalent to
VIII, IX and X). The staffs consist of 08 teaching members and 04 non
teaching members.
The students at the end of the course appear at examination conducted
by Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, Cuttack and the successful
candidates get certificates from the Board. The school is managed by
Private Management.
Sanskrit College
There is a Sanskrit college under the title „Swami Sivananda Sanskrit
College‟ at Nuapada under Kundheigola Police station. The College is
affiliated to „Shree Jagannath Sanskrit Viswa Bidyalaya‟, Puri. The college
offers course in Upashastri ((equivalent to +2 Arts) and Shastri (equivalent to
+3 Arts). The subjects like Sahiya Vyakarana, Darshan, Veda, Economics,
Odia and English are taught in both the courses. The college also provides
scope for Honours class in Sahitya, Vyakarana and Darshan.
The staffs consist of one Principal, 08 teaching members and 07 non
teaching members. The College is managed by a Governing Body under the
presidentship of the Sub- Collector.
Urdu School
There is no separate school for learning Urdu. The Primary School
located at Ward No-5 of Deogarh Municipal area had facility for learning
rudimentary Urdu. Till 1990 one Urdu Teacher was posted in the school for
teaching the teaching Urdu to the beginners. In consultation with the
290
Deputy Director (URDU) of the Directorate of Education the Urdu teacher
was appointed. After the transfer of the last Urdu teacher no replacement
has been post. As such there appears to be lack of interest for learning
Urdu among the students nor are the parents keen to give Urdu education to
their wards.
Madrasa
The district does not have any Madrasa which in certain other places in
the state impart education in Arabic, Islamic studies and jurisprudence based
on the tenets of the Holy Quaran and the Sharia Laws.
Missionary School-
Three missionary schools are functioning in the district at the initiative
of the Church and the related Convents. One of them is functioning in the
premises of the Catholic Church at Deogarh. Other two are functioning in
Barkote and Tileibani Block. These schools are managed by the
missionaries and evangelist of Christian faith.
Many of the high schools and some of the colleges have units of
National Cadet Corps, National Social Service Scheme, Boys‟ Scout and
Junio Red Cross which help inculcate in the young students sense of
discipline, service and quality of leadership.
Central Educational Institutions in Deogarh
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Deogarh was established in the year
2006-07 which started functioning from 30th Nov 2006 with 38 number of
students, out of 40 selected candidates as the first generation learners of the
district. This Vidyalaya is now functioning from a temporary accommodation
located in Raja Basudev High School Hostel.
The permanent site of this school yet to become functional is situated at
Sunamunda which is 08 Kms. away from Deogarh town located in a serene
and among sylvan beauty of nature. The permanent campus has the all
infrastructure for curricular and extracurricular activities by the students. This
being a fully residential school has comfortable hostel accommodation for
both boys and girls along with staff quarters for teaching and other support
staff. Current staff and sudent strength is given in the tables below.
291
Staff Position Staff Strength: PGTs TGTs Miscellaneous
Teachers
Non-Teaching
staff
Total no. of
sanctioned post
06 06 05 15
Total no. in position 04 03 04 11
Total vacancies 02 03 01 04
Current Student Strength
CLASS BOYS GIRLS TOTAL
VI 19 23 42
VII 24 18 42
VIII 24 15 39
IX 21 18 39
X 25 13 38
XI 14 12 26
XII 11 13 24
Total 138 112 250
Kendriya Vidyalaya
Kendriya Vidyalay was a dream for the people of Deogarh which has
come true. The Deogarh unit of Kendriya Vidyalay, established on 30th
August, 2010 is a civil sector School under the Ministry of Human Resource
Development, Government of India. The Collector & District Magistrate,
Deogarh is the sponsoring authority of this school. The school is growing day
by day. In the session 2010-11 the Vidyalaya started with 5 classes with a
student strength of 201. Now the vidyalaya has 10 classes with a strength of
378 students. There are 11 permanent and 06 contractual staff members.
The school is functioning temporarily inside Government Girls‟ High School
campus since 2010. There is an urgent need to have a separate and self
sufficient campus with all infrastructural facilitie in this institution..
Games and Sports in Deogarh
Indira Gandhi Stadium
The state of Bamanda was better known for its artistic, literary and
cultural excellence under the patronage of several rulers. Spartan activities
though pursued were at a lower key. Athenian values were getting
precedence. In the Pre-Independence era i.e. 1931 Mc. Phersan the
political agent designed and constructed the unique playground at
Suliapada. Suliapada the field and venue of games and sports in the pre-
merger time is another aspect of attractive feature of Deogarh. The field
known as Suliapada was renamed as Indira Gandhi Stadium. People of
Deogarh all along acknowledge the contribution and dedication of those who
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endeavoured to bring into existence this new stadium. The stadium covers
an area of Ac. 8.18 decimals and received an amount of Rs.24, 96,500/- as
grant for construction by the Central Government to foster sporting activities.
This remains the only venue to organize various games and sports in the
district. Other than this, there are playgrounds in various schools and
colleges which organize annual sporting events and such other competitive
matches.
For so many years games and sports tournaments such as football,
kabaddi, cricket, kho-kho, badminton, athletics etc have been organized.
The sports lovers and citizens are enjoying the sports activities accordingly.
In this sphere the organizers of games and sports competitions have played
a remarkable and dedicated role. In kabaddi and kho-kho, the female
players have proved their talent. All-India Bamanda Cup Cricket Tournament
and Raja Sudhal Deb Football Tournament have become popular.
Since the days of the princely rule emphasis has been mostly on the
game of football. Of late, cricket has also become popular among the youth.
In addition, a large number of individuals have contributed in the field of
games and sports and have achieved distinction. Some of the notable
sports personalities are Jayaram Mistry, Ananda Tirkey, Harihar Mahakul,
Kumudabandhu Nayak, Julius Toppo, Jogesh Chandra Nanda, Purna
Chandra Satpathy, Parama Mahakul, Netrananda Mahakul, Roshan Minz,
Markandeswar Satpathy, Bipin Bihari Nanda. Jayaram Mistry played for
Odisha in Santosh Trophy, the National Football Tournament while Ananda
Tirkey played for Odisha in National Hockey Tournament.
Amongst the football players Pradip Kumar Behera, Subash Chandra
Bhoi, Sushil Kumar Kar, Gita Khadia represented Sambalpur University in
Inter-University football tournament. Sri Subash Chandra Bhoi was the
captain of Sambalpur University football team in the year 1995. Roshan Minz
participated in National and International Hockey Tournaments and brought
glory for Deogarh district. Further, Saraswati Munda, an athlete of Deogarh
district won Gold Medal in All India Marathon held at Jaipur, Rajasthan in
2004.
The different games and sports competitions are also organized in the
rural areas of Deogarh district, though Deogarh Town has played an
important role in this regard. The sports-lovers play positive role in the
promotion of games and sports through their enthusiastic involvement.
The District Athletic Association is playing a pivotal role in co-ordinating
the players, athletes and organizers on the one hand as well as the
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governmental machinery on the other hand so that organization and
promotion of games/sports activities can be successfully materialized.
This co-ordination will bring out achievement in games and sports
competitions and thereto place the players/athletes with glory and
achievement. At the same time it will bring out name and fame to the district
for which Deogarh will gain sports identity in provincial and national level.
Accordingly proposal for establishing a Sports Hostel under the
governmental initiative and effort is under rapid desire and demand of the
people of Deogarh district which should be materialized by Government of
Odisha, Department of Sports and Youth Services, Bhubaneswar for
upliftment and promotion of Game and Sports activities in the district of
Deogarh.
The different games and sports like Puchi Khela , Gillidanda , Women‟s
Festival, Rural Sports, Dudu, Female Dudu, Sakta , Bohu Chori, Pasha
Khela, Female Jumping Sports, Mountaineering, Adventure Sports are
organised. Some enthusiastic sports lovers and sports persons along with
sports officials and organizer undertook mountaineering sports at
Pradhanpat Hills under the guidance and supervision of Sri Jogabyasa Bhoi,
an internationally acclaimed mountaineer.
Apart from the traditional open stadium i.e. Indira Gandhi Stadium,
there is also an Indoor Stadium located in front of the aforesaid stadium. The
big campus of the Indoor Stadium is capable of organizing many others
sports related competition outside the main building. Again one mini stadium
is required for each of the three blocks of Deogarh district to carry out and
promote the games and sports activities. Infrastructure development in the
sphere of games and sports should be taken up.
Thus games and sports activities have become a part and parcel in the
life of the people of Deogarh district. Further Deogarh has been acclaimed
as a citadel of games and sports.
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CHAPTER - XV
MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Health Services in Early Times
The erstwhile princely state of Bamanda, now near analogous to the
district of Deogarh with the preponderance of aboriginal tribes and people of
various other ethnicity and stock was not used to any organized and
scientific systems of medicine. Most of the people were considering various
ailments, diseases and epidemics as results of divine curse or the evil
design of some spirits. They believed in exorcism and took help of the
community „Dehury‟, „Ojha‟ and such other quacks and black magicians.
Besides these methods the people were adept at the use of various plants,
herbs and other natural ingredients for use in combination as medicines. In
later days, village Baidyas otherwise known as Kabiraj with some knowledge
of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing used to attend to the sick
persons. Even the king among his servants and servitors was engaging
Raja Baidyas who had a respectable position in then prevailing dispensation.
Kabirajs like Harihar Mahaptra, Dinabandhu Guru, Khyamanidhi Khadiratna
and Tripurary Behera of Bamanda state were well known for their expertise
in Ayurvedic system of healing in the past.
Shamanism
A shaman is a person regarded as an intermediary or medium having
access to, and influence in, the world of Spirits who typically enters into a
state of trance during a ritual, and practices divination and healing. A
shaman was considered to be a link between the mundane and profane
world of human beings and the domain of the spirit and divinity. Shamans
are said to treat ailments and diseases by invoking the spirit. Each disease
was ascribed to a particular spirit. The paraphernalia adopted and the rituals
practised by the Ojhas and Dehuries who were the neighbourhood shamans
available readily almost in all villages or in a cluster of villages were quite
bizarre and grotesque. They were always at hand and available at call for
propitiating the evil spirit and getting back the tormented soul of the ailing
person to order. Even after various modern, scientific and well founded
medicinal system are currently in vogue, shamanism though in the wane, in
some form or other still exists in the hinterland of Deogarh district. This is
because of prevalence of superstition and lack of proper information about
various diseases among some sections of the people.
Ethno-Medicine
Indigenous people living in this district were also practicing ethno-
pharmacology and ethno biology for curing minor ailments like head ache,
body ache cold and cough, etc. Locally available plants, herbs, mineral and
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even animal extracts are still in use among people. The most used among
such items are aloevera, mustard oil and seeds, garlic, neem, turmeric and
different other flora like aswagandha, brahmi, amla, bahada, harida, black
pepper to just name a few. The forests of Deogarh are rich in such herbal
and medicinal plants a list of which is available in the Chapter-V dealing with
forest and environment. Among the tribes of Deogarh district while most
have taken to modern system of medicines the Pauri Bhuyans still follow
their old ethnic systems for treatment of various diseases. Likewise, the
Bhuiyans also have their own indigenous way of treating diseases.
Advent of Organised Public Health Care System
Charitable dispensary of established in 1883 A.D.
Till about late nineteenth century modern medicinal system and the
concept of public health care had not arrived in the state of Bamanda. This
remote princely state saw the dawn of modernity during the reign of Raja Sir
Basudeb Sudhal Deb, KCIE; the most enlightened among the rulers of
Bamanda. He being a visionary and benevolent towards his subjects,
brought about innovative methods of governance including in the field of
Health. It was during his reign a hospital was set up at Deogarh, the capital
town of Bamanda. Likewise, dispensaries were set up at Kuchinda,
Gobindpur(present Bamra Railway Station), Barkote and Naikula. As
qualified doctors and paramedical staff were not available in either the
Central Province under which most of the princely states of Odisha were
being supervised by the British Commissioner, physicians from outside the
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State were employed to man the hospitals and dispensaries. Prominent
among the doctors who served as the head of Health Services in Bamanda
State were Dr. Ramanikanta Chakravarti ,Dr. Bhabani Kanta Chakrabarti,
Dr.Haren Dutta, Dr.Maheswar Pradhan, Dr. Ahmed and Dr.U.C Ghosh.
During epidemics of various nature the rulers were deeply concerned to
provide relief to the people. On certain occasions for control of epidemics
doctors from Calcutta (now Kolkata) were specially commissioned for
treatment. One such instance is when Raja Dibya Sankar Deb to control the
critical disease like Influenza which was locally known as “Sambar Jwar”
brought doctors from Calcutta. Raja Bhanugang Deb to provide specialised
treatment in segregated condition and in isolation built a hospital and
rehabilitation home for leprosy patients. Lt.Col.A.S. Meek, C.M.G, the Agent
to the Governor General, Eastern State Agency laid the foundation stone of
the leprosy hospital which was then known as Bamra
State Silver Jubilee Leper Clinic on 16th January 1938. Relics of these
facilities do exist though in an unused state near Gad Gada Nala behind the
jail.
Bamra State Silver Jubilee Leper Clinic built in 1938.
There were also separate isolated facilities for transmittable diseases
like tuberculosis and small pox. The hospital at Deogarh got in-door facility
for patient in need of longer hospitalisation and treatment during the reign of
Raja Bhanugang Deb, in the year 1923. Similar facility was added to
subsidiary hospitals at Barkote, Naikula and Kundheigola also. These
hospitals were manned by doctors, compounders and nurses to provide
clinical services.
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Anti-Opium Drive in Bamanda State
Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb banned the rampant use of various
intoxicants and narcotic substances like alcohol, Ganja (cannabis indica)
opium, etc. in his estate. There was a list of habitual drug addicts in the
police stations of Bamanda who were provided with a regulated dose for
substance to help them get over the bad habit. ( As reported in on issue of
the Sambalpur Hitaishini 4/16). P.E Heberlet in his „An Anti-Opium Indian
States (1891) praised a lot to Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb in following
words…. “The Raja, seeing how ruinous the opium habit is, has strictly
prohibited its use by any, save those who have been long addicted to it and
whose names have been entered on a police register as habitual
consumers….and no one known to be addicted to opium is eligible for
employment in the state service. The adoption of these prohibitive measures
has effectually checked an evil that threatened to attain large
proportions…The wise and enlightened policy of this Indian Prince in thus
preserving his people from a great danger is worthy of all praise and should
be published as an example to others. The British Government might learn a
lesson from him in this matter….”.The imprint of Indian Renaissance also
witnessed here and the Visionary Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb realized the
importance. He struggled hard to curb the ill practices of Casteism, Sati,
Human Sacrifice, Early Marriage, Old age marriages and Bride price etc.
Through his Brain Child and widely circulated „Sambalpur Hitaishini‟ creating
awareness among the People regarding these evil practices was his goal.
Reproductive Child Health Programmeme
Keeping in mind the demerits of child marriage and teen age pregnancy
for the mothers and its bad effect on the health of the nascent mother and
the infant, the State of Bamanda in the year 1903 promulgated a declaration
regarding minimum marriageable age of brides at 12 and of grooms at 14 to
15 years of age. These vision and action in the field of Women Health and
Welfare was a pioneering step going by the socio-cultural milieu of those
days. Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb also banned the practice of marriage of old
males with young and adolescent girls and in the year 1893. Widow
remarriage and women education were two themes he promoted and after
him his predecessors like Satchidananda and Jalandhar deb also gave
emphasis on this subject. Jalandhar Deb has written a book „Vivaha Bichara‟
in 1928 which was an analysis and well argued presentation on marriage at
a mature age with scientific explanation.
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Diseases Prevalent in the District
Between the years 1930-34, Shri Nilamani Senapati, ICS, (Retd) had
noticed the climate of Deogarh as hostile and there were pockets in this area
where cerebral malaria was rampant. Health of the people suffered from
early times due to epidemics and lack of knowledge about their prevention
and cures. Cholera and small pox were very frequent and sometimes
villages were depopulated and deserted. Witch doctors were consulted by
villagers as a superstitious belief that both the diseases were due to the
wrath of Godess Thakurani and Sitala. Other common diseases prevalent in
the district were influenza locally known as Sambar Jwar, malaria, typhoid,
diarrhoea, filaria, scabies and other skin ailments, tuberculosisi(T.B.) and
diseases due to malnutrition.
Present Day Health Scenario in the District
A bird’s eye view of the Deoagarh District Headquarter Hospital
Deogarh hospital was famous in the first half of 20th century as patients
from around fifty Kms radius were coming for treatment. It had 54 beds with
two doctors, four nurses, three pharmacists, one Radiographer, one Dhai
and a midwife. An X-Ray plant was provided in the hospital. This hospital
was declared as a Sub-divisional level hospital of Sambalpur district during
1965 and subsequently declared as District Head Quarter Hospital after
Deogarh became a separate district in 1994. At present the DHQ hospital is
a 64-bedded hospital though more than 180 to 200 patients per day are
treated here. The main function and activities of the hospital are to provide
preventive and curative treatment to the people to make them disease free
to make aware the people and provide necessary support about health and
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family welfare services for population stabilization and to take necessary
intervention to eradicate communicable diseases from the society.
Working hours of the DHQ hospital are from 10 am to 5 pm for the
Administrative Office on all working days for Outdoor Patients all days from
8 AM to 12 noon in all seasons and 4 PM to PM in summer from 1st April to
30th September and from 3 PM to 5 PM in winter from 1
st Oct to 31
st March.
Casualty Unit and Indoor Patient wards work round the clock in all seasons.
District Public Health Delivery Set-up
The district public health delivery set up is headed by the Chief District
Medical Officer and he is vested with the power and responsibility for
appointment and transfer of district level staff. After the inception of NRHM
and subsequently recast as National Health Mission, he acts as the District
Mission Director for implementing and supervising all the Flagship
Programmes of the Government. CDMO is assisted in different wings like
Public Health, Family Welfare and Immunization, malaria, leprosy ,TB , and
sickle cell, etc. by wing officers like Additional District Medical Officer
(Medical), Additional District Medical Officer (Public Health), Additional
District Medical Officer (Family Welfare and Immunisation), District
Tuberculosis Officer, District Leprosy Officer and District Surveillance
Medical Officer with other clinical staffs and support staff.
Hierarchy of Health Institutions
After independence one Hospital was established at Naikul in the year
1950 which is managed by the Tribal and Rural welfare Department and is
controlled by Civil Surgeon, Sambalpur. There is provision of 6 beds having
Doctor and a Pharmacist. Barkote hospital was provided with 12 beds, a
Medical Officer, a nurse, a pharmacist and a Dai. At that time Chhatabar
Hospital and Bamparda hospital were Primary Health Centres where
integrated work was done for both Medical and public health activities. At
Deogarh hospital an Urban Family Planning centre is functional and
Sterilization operations are done at Static Sterilization unit.
At present there exits one DHQ Hospital, Four Community Health
Centres (at Reamal, Barkote, Bamparda and Tileibani); eight Primary Health
Centres (one Area hospital at Palsama of Reamal Block) and forty two sub-
centres in the district . One ANM Ttrainng Centre also is imparting education
to the students and situated within the DHQ Campus. Number of Ayurvedic
Dispensaries is eight and of Homeopathic are two. The total paramedic staff
sanctioned for Deogarh is two hundred and eight out of which one hundred
and eighty seven are in position. The categories of subordinate staff are
nursing sister, staff nurse, pharmacist, technical store keeper to Multi-
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Purpose Health Supervisor- male and female, MPHWs, Ophthalmic
assistant, etc.
The sanctioned strength and position of doctors available during 2014-
15 in the district is mentioned below.
Category Sanctioned In-Position Vacant
JD-I(Gen) 1 1 0
JD-II (Gen) 4 2 2
JD-II (Spe) 5 3 2
Sr-I (Gen) 18 9 9
Sr-I (Spe) 12 4 8
Jr-I(Gen) 8 6 2
Jr-I(Spe) 8 3 5
Addl post. 3 1 2
Total 59 29 30
Acute shortage of Doctors in Deogarh district has compelled patients to
go to the neighboring district to seek treatment. This has impacted more in
the prenatal and postnatal cases and disturbed the ratio of mortality and
morbidity. The bordering districts are around 100 and more kilometers from
DHQ and the transportation delays occurs sometimes due to poor road
condition leading to death while in transit. In the year 2013-14, only nineteen
doctors were in position out of a total strength of fifty two. The situation has
considerably increased between than and 2014-15.
Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church Hospital (GEL Church), Barkote:
This hospital came was established in the year 1954at Amgaon in
Barkote block. It provides clinical and RCH services both indoor,and outdoor
along with casualty services in around and around Barkote area.
Area Development Project under UK Aid:
During the 1980s major developments both in respect of infrastructure
and service delivery in the health sector has been achieved by Area
Development Project under UK Aid Assistance Programmemme in Odisha.
Similarly, in Deogarh district some selected Sub-Centres and PHCs are
upgraded having new constructions.
Odisha Health System Development Project
OHSDP was implemented in Odisha from 1998 to 2006 with World
Bank assistance with the aim to improve efficiency in the allocation and use
of Health Resources through policy and institutional development and
improve the performance of health system through quality control,
effectiveness and coverage of health services at the secondary and
selective coverage at the community level to improve the health status of the
people, especially the poor, by reducing mortality, morbidity and disability. In
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Deogarh district this phase has seen the upgradation of Community Health
Centres in respect of infrastructure and strengthening of Labour Room and
Operation theatres. Selected Primary Health Centres are provided with new
infrastructure and equipment. The special achievement of the OHSDP phase
may be earmarked for different specific activities – in the 1st two years all the
targeted civil works were completed, in the 3rd
year procurement and
installation of equipments were done with strictures to maintain, in the 4th
year residual civil works were completed and specific effort were made to
strengthen waste management system of hospitals by constructing
containment area. Equipment based training and IEC activities were
undertaken in the same year. The last year of the OHSDP was for
supervision and ensuring proper implementation of the project activities with
sustenance.
The NRHM Phase: ZSS, GKS formation and ASHA as a community
Worker
The National Rural Health mission (NRHM) was launched on 12th April
2005, to provide accessible, affordable and quality health care to the rural
population, especially the vulnerable groups. In Odisha the National Rural
Health Mission was launched on 17th June 2005. NRHM seeks to provide
effective healthcare to rural and urban population throughout the state with
special focus on the backward districts with weak human development and
health indicators especially among the poor and marginalized groups like
women and the vulnerable sections of the society. NRHM seeks to integrate
health with the determinants of health for which inter-sectoral convergence
between departments like PRI, WCD, RWSS and Education are essential.
The main components of NRHM are RCH-II, Immunization, National Disease
Control Programme and NRHM initiatives. The main activities under NRHM
in the district of Deogarh are given below.
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA)
Community Health volunteers called Accredited Social Health Activists
(ASHAs) have been engaged under the mission for establishing a link
between the community and the health system. ASHA is the first port of call
for any health related demands of deprived sections of the population,
especially women and children, who find it difficult to access health services
in rural areas. ASHA Programme is expanding across the States and has
particularly been successful in bringing people back to Public Health System
and has increased the utilization of outpatient services, diagnostic facilities,
institutional deliveries and inpatient care. At present 361 ASHAs are
engaged in the district- 128 ASHAs are working in Barkote block, 121 in
Reamal and 112 under Tileibani block.
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Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Rogi Kalyan Samiti (Patient Welfare Committee) /
Hospital Management Society
The ZSS and Rogi Kalyan Samiti / Hospital Management Society is a
management structure that acts as a group of trustees for the hospitals at
the District and CHC /PHC level to manage the affairs of the hospital.
Financial assistance is provided to these Committees through Untied fund to
undertake activities for patient welfare. There are 711 Gaon Kalyan Samitis
formed in Deogarh at village level.
Untied Grants to Sub-Centres have been used to fund grass-root
improvements in health care. Some examples include improved efficacy of
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) in the field that undertake better antenatal
care and other health care services, Village Health and Nutrition Days
(VHND) are observed in Tuesdays and Fridays in the District. This forum has
been using untied grants to increase the involvement in their local
communities to address the needs of poor women and children.
Janani Surakshya Yojana (JSY)
JSY aims to reduce maternal mortality among pregnant women by
encouraging them to deliver in government health facilities. Under the
scheme cash assistance is provided to eligible pregnant women for giving
birth in a government health facility. Large scale demand side financing
under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) has brought poor households to
public sector health facilities on a scale never witnessed before.
National Ambulance Services (NAS)
Free ambulance services are provided in every CHC and District Head
Quarter (3 Nos) in the district connected with a toll free telephone number
„108‟ and which reaches the needy within 30 minutes of the call.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
As part of recent initiatives and further moving in the direction of
universal healthcare, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakarm (JSSK) was
introduced to provide free to and fro transport, free drugs, free diagnostic,
free blood, free diet to pregnant women who come for delivery in public
health institutions and sick infants up to one year.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram is programme under which child
health screening and early intervention services have been launched in
February 2013 to screen diseases specific to childhood, developmental
delays, disabilities, birth defects and deficiencies. The initiative will cover
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children between 0–18 years of age and at times provide free treatment for
minor ailments. District Early Intervention Centre is yet to be established at
DHQ, Deogarh. Six numbers of Mobile Health Teams headed by two
AYUSH doctors each is operational in the three Block CHCs.
Special New Born Care Unit (SNCU)
One 12 Bedded SNCU was made operational with all types of modern
Infrastructure and Equipments at DHQ, Deogarh since 30th November,2014
and running successfully by providing essential care to neonates in its in-
patient and Out-patient wards.
Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre (NRC)
Nutrition Section during the Raj in 1883 Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre in
2012
One NRC is running at the old hospital building to provide Nutritional
supplement to the Children falling under Severe Malnourished Condition and
with complication. Doctor with the help of Nutrition Counselor and two ANMs
provide the required service. Cook-cum- attendant provides cooked food to
SAM child and mothers at the centre and compensation for loss of wages to
the beneficiary also provided by NHM.
Drugs Distribution Centres -Free Drugs and Free Diagnostic Service
A new initiative is launched under the National Health Mission to
provide Free Drugs Service and Free Diagnostic Service with a motive to
lower the out of pocket expenditure on health. Two DDCs are operational in
the district (DHQ, Deogarhand CHC Chhatabar) and other Two (Barkote and
Tileibani) is going to serve the public soon after the completion of necessary
arrangements.
Tele-medicine centre
Tele-Medicine centre is located in the District Headquarter Hospital and
it is also used as a centre for Video conferencing with high level facilities for
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providing better treatment to the patients. This centre is also used for training
purposes of paramedics and nurses.
District Training Unit (DTU)
Different types of On-Job training are provided to the entire cadre of
health functionaries and managers under NHM in the district. For this
purpose DTU is operational and round the year Skill gaps of the staffs are
assessed and training modules are imparted through district and state
facilitators. As per the need, staffs are sent to national and state level
workshops for Human Resource Development.
Odisha State Treatment Fund (OSTF)
The Odisha State Treatment Fund is providing financial assistance to
the poor patients who are suffering from life threatening disorders and
diseases, for treatment of their major ailments. The financial assistance will
be released in which treatment has been/is being given to the patients. The
fund is managed by an autonomous society known as “Odisha State
Treatment Fund Society”. The Society is registered under the Societies
Registration Act, 1860. This scheme is operational in Deogarh district.
Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojona (RSBY)
RSBY has been launched by Ministry of Labor and Employment,
Government of India to provide health insurance coverage for Below Poverty
Line (BPL) families. Now it is transferred to Ministry of Health and family
welfare from April 1, 2015. The objective of RSBY is to provide protection to
BPL households from financial liabilities arising out of health shocks that
involve hospitalization. Beneficiaries under RSBY are entitled to
hospitalization coverage up to Rs. 30,000/- for most of the diseases that
require hospitalization at DHQ, Deogarh and Three CHCs (Reamal, Barkote
and Tileibani) of the district providing the service.
Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana (BKKY)
BKKY is a health insurance scheme for the farmers in the state
of Odisha, India. The Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana (BKKY) was launched by
Chief Minister of Odisha, Sj. Naveen Patnaik to provide people financial
support through health and accident insurance. There are many hospitals,
Community Health Centre (CHCs) in each district of Odisha under Biju
Krushak Kalyan Yojana (BKKY) to provide people health care with low cost.
The RSBY cells of the district Deogarh also acts for the scheme. The above
Three Schemes and their result has been provided below in tabular forms
separately.
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District Programme Management Unit, NHM
This office is located at the vicinity of CDMO, office at DHQ, Deogarh
and manned by District Programme Manager, District Accounts Manager,
Dy. Manager-RCH, District Data Manager etc. with other supporting staffs.
The sole function of this unit is to provide Techno-managerial support to
CDMO who is also the District Mission Director and other wing officers. They
have to make prospective plan for providing Quality Services to the public
and analyze different indicators like Total Fertility Rate, Crude Birth Rate,
IMR, MMR other Mortality indicators etc. All the flagship Programmes of
NHM are implemented by these staffs with the help of medicos and
paramedics at different Health institutions of the district headed by CDMO.
Key District Health Indicators at a glance
Understanding the need for preparing a comprehensive district health
profile on key parameters based on a community set up, the Annual Health
Survey has been designed to yield benchmarks of core vital and health
indicators at the district level on fertility and mortality; prevalence of
disabilities, injuries, acute and chronic illness and access to health care for
these morbidities; and access to maternal, child health and family planning
services. Hence to make a glance at the „Health scenario‟ of Deogarh the
Annual Health Survey Bulletin has been quoted here to get reliable
indicators of health of the district Deogarh. Crude Birth Rate of Deogarh18.4,
which is 18.8 in rural areas and 15.4 in urban areas. Crude Death rate is 8.8-
8.9 for Male and 8.7 for females. For rural male it is 8.6 whereas for rural
female it is 9.0. For urban male11.0 urban female 6.6. The natural growth
rate of population of Deogarh is 9.6 for rural population it is 10.0 and for
urban population it is 6.6. As per AHS bulletin 2012-13 IMR is 58- 59 for
Male and 60 for Female in the rural area 63 for both male and female. Neo
natal mortality of Deogarh is 46. Post neo natal mortality is 13. Under 5
mortality of district is 76- 73 for male and 80 for female. The report says sex
ratio at birth of the district is 941- for rural area 941 for urban it is 948. AHS
2012-13 says the Maternal Mortality Ratio of district is 234.
District health indicators in the recent years
Health Management Information System (HMIS) and Mother and Child
Tracking System (MCTS) derive data from grass root level health workers
about some basic health indicators of the district. Some other standalone
reports also gather data from grass root level workers and health institutions
of the district. Below mentioned tables shows the data in a systematic way
and with the years derived from all the wings of the health administration like
Reproductive Child Health, National Vector Borne Disease Control
306
Programmeme, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programmeme, Revised
National Tuberculosis Control Programme and National Leprosy Eradication
Programmeme, etc.
Maternal and Infant Deaths in Deogarh District
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Infant Deaths 206 197 125 106 101 153 Maternal Deaths 5 17 6 11 15 12 Total Live Birth 3970 4691 5262 3834 4271 3967 IMR /1000 LB 51.8 42 23.76 27.65 23.65 38.48 MMR /1Lakh LB 125.9 362 114.03 286.91 351.21 301.81
The Graphs show the figure of Infant and Maternal Mortality from 2009 – 10
to 2014 -15 after implementation of NRHM.
5
17
6
11
15
12
0
5
10
15
20
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Year-wise maternal death
206197
125106 101
153
0
50
100
150
200
250
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Year wise Infant deaths
307
Blockwise Maternal Death and Infant Death in Deogarh District during
2014-15
Death Barkote Reamal Tileibani PPC Deogarh Total Maternal Death 4 4 4 0 12 Infant Death 46 62 43 2 153
As per the Annual Health survey data 2011-12, Deogarh has a crude
birth Rate of 18.4 and Natural Growth Rate of 9.7. The Total Fertility Rate is
2.0 for the district which denotes that couples are well aware of the benefits
of small family. The Crude Death rate for male in the district is 8.8 and for
female it is around 8.5. Similarly, the Maternal Mortality Ratio of this district
is 212 as like the other Northern divisional district of the state. Infant
Mortality Rate of Deogarh as per the AHS 2011-12 is 62, Neonatal Mortality
and under5 Mortality rate is 45 and 78 respectively.
The major causes of maternal deaths in the district may be attributed to
some hemorrhage, eclampsia, sepsis (abortions either induced or
spontaneous) and obstructed labor Maternal deaths also occur due to
indirect causes like anemia, sickle cell disease, teen age pregnancy and
malaria, etc. The percentage of death due to such causes are :
haemorrhage (40%), obstructed labor ( 20%), eclampsia (15%), malaria
(15%) and other causes (10%).
Similarly, the causes of Infant mortality in the district may be attributed
to premature and low birth weight due to nutritional deficiency following poor
socio-economic status and malaria, birth asphyxia in case of home delivery,
pneumonia, sepsis and other infectious diseases and diarrheal diseases.
Family Planning
Sl.
No.
Method Target
during
2013-14
Achievement
during 2013-
14
%age
Ach
Target
during
2014-15
Achievement
during
2014-15
%age
Ach
1 Sterilization
Operation
1293 1054 81.5 1340 627 47
2 IUD 1453 1735 119.4 1712 1670 98
3 CC 2745 488 17.8 2765 628 23
4 Oral Pill
Cycles
1614 1563 96.8 1627 1654 102
Immunization:
Sl. No.
Category Target during 2013-14
Achievement during 2013-14
%age Ach
Target during 2014-15
Achievement during 2014-15
%age Ach
1 ANC Registration
6394 6290 98.4 6585 6106 92.72
2 TT (PW) 6394 6116 95.7 6585 5963 90.55 3 IFA Large 6394 6137 96.0 6585 5999 91.10
308
4 BCG (0-1 year)
5812 4539 78.1 5986 4549 75.99
5 DPT 3 5812 5443 93.7 5986 5540 92.55 6 OPV 3 5812 5443 93.7 5986 5540 92.55 7 Hep-B 3 5812 5445 93.7 5986 5540 92.55 8 Measles 5812 5320 91.5 5986 5586 93.32 9 Vitamin – A
1st dose 5812 5313 91.4 5986 5581 93.23
10 DPT (5 to 6 years)
5720 5586 97.7 5890 5389 91.49
11 TT 10 Years 5615 5534 98.6 5783 6002 103.8 12 TT 16 Years 5546 6165 111.2 5711 6116 107.09
Delivery status and Janani SurakshyaYojona-2014-15
Delivery Barkote Block
Deogarh DHH
Reamal Block
Tileibani Block
TOTAL
Home Delivery 226 0 203 197 626 Institutional Delivery 897 1378 771 363 3409 Total 1123 1378 974 560 4035 Number of mothers paid JSY incentive for Home deliveries
12 0 6 4 22
Number of mothers paid JSY incentive for Institutional deliveries
897 1216 696 358 3167
Total 909 1216 702 362 3189
Status of ASHA and Gaon Kalyan Samiti
Sl No Name of the Block No of ASHA Sanctioned
No of ASHA in position
1 Barkote 128 128 2 Reamal 121 121 3 Tileibani 112 111 Total 361 360
Sl No Name of the Block GKS formation (in nos)
No of GKS opened Bank A/c
Target Formed 1 Barkote 213 213 213 2 Reamal 282 282 282 3 Tileibani 216 216 216 Total 711 711 711
Patient Transportation System
Name of the Block
108 Ambulance Janani Express 102 Ambulance Sanctioned In-
Position Sanctioned In-
Position Sanctioned In-
Position Barkote 1 1 02 02 1 0 Reamal 1 1 02 02 1 1 Tileibani 1 1 02 02 1 0
Total 3 3 06 06 3 0 RSBY Claims/ Settlement in Deogarh District upto 2014-15 Sl. No.
Name of the Block/ Institution
No. of Claims raised in Numbers
Amount of Claims raised in Rs.
No. of Claims settled in Numbers
Amount of Claims settled in Rs.
No. of Claims Unsettled
Amount of Claims Unsettled in Rs.
1 DHH, Deogarh
3529 8531850 3304 7995850 225 536000 6549 14543150 4868 9927059 1681 4616091
2 CHC, Tileibani
-- -- -- -- -- -- 453 1047250 303 712000 150 335250
3 CHC, 32 77500
309
Barkote 160 392000 4 CHC,
Chhatabar 667 1467400 639 1408400 28 59000 1046 2048500 1034 2024500 12 24000
Grand Total 2288 6039841
Disease Control Programme
National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)
Year(Jan-Dec)
Total tested Total Positive PV PF Death
2009 77110 10034 549 9485 2 2010 74326 6031 902 5129 0 2011 72156 5754 565 5189 1 2012 70129 5922 311 5611 1 2013 68753 5308 716 4592 1 2014 74514 5002 1393 3609 2 2015 upto April
17649 1288 509 779 0
Public Health and Sanitation
In the early days of Bamanda State, people were using the river water,
nallah water, stream water and Chua (small wells dug near water source)
water as drinking water and bathing purpose. Then the benevolent rulers
excavated big tanks and Katas for the above purpose along with irrigation.
Due to contamination from the open source peoples were affected by
various diseases in those days. In later days for drinking water purpose
people dug community sanitary wells. Particularly in Deogarh town, people
were using the Pradhanpat fall water for all purposes including maintenance
of Royal Garden and supply was made for the inhabitants of Jail through a
masonry channel. Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb made provision of water supply
to Raj Bati though direct pipe lines from the top of the fall and it was
extended to some Sahi of Deogarh town during the year 1882.
During the reign of Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb, renovation was
made to the water supply channels constructed earlier by his father. Again
he built separate Bathroom for male and females in prominent places of
Deogarh. Community sanitary toilet facilities in the town were prevailing
during the reign of the Tribhuban Deb. The drinking water facilities were
provided by Municipality with other Public Health activities. The Pradhanpat
water fall was the main source. In the first half of 20th Century, protected
water supply was introduced in the towns of Deogarh and village sanitation
was regulated by the Central Province Village Sanitation Act and Makaddam
Rules .For small villages , the village Sanitation Act (XI of 1902) was passed.
Before independence the rural inhabitants were using river, stream, nallah,
pond/kata etc. for the purpose of drinking, cooking food, and for other
domestic purposes. As a result of which thousands of people were dying due
to various water borne diseases. After independence, government identified
310
the cause of such epidemic as using of contaminated water.. During 1959
one Check Dam was constructed by Deogarh Municipality to store the
Pradhanpat fall water for water supply to Deogarh Municipality through Pipe
line. The raw water was treated through Pressure filter and water was stored
in one clear water sump and pipe water supply was made to some important
area of the town through public stand post only. Later house connection was
made to limited consumers. After some years the pressure filter was out of
order so again water was supplied with chemical treatment but it was difficult
to give clear water during rainy season when the turbidity was high. During
2001-02 augmentation to water supply to Deogarh Town was started and
pipe line to some uncovered area was extended accordingly Purunagarh
Pump house and Hatisalsahi Pump house was completed and
commissioned on 29.09.2002.
In convergence with State-Plan and B.R.G.F. grant the major work of
water supply to Deogarh Town i.e. 2.50 lakhs litres‟ capacity overhead tank
and 3.00 lakhs litres capacity underground reservoir at Pradhanpat was
taken up during 2008-09 and commissioned during June 2010 and May
2011 respectively. The 1.5MLD treatment plant at Prahanpat was started
during 2010-11 and commissioned during June 2013 So Clear potable water
supply with adequate pressure was achieved for some areas of the town.
For extending the water supply to uncovered area Production wells were
sunk and Pump houses at Sasonsahi, Khaparsahi, Nuasahi(Rajamunda)
and RCMS Sahi was completed along with pipe line network during May
2012 so maximum area covered under pipe water supply system.
In first five year plan in 1954 government installed open wells in some
villages for the purpose of drinking and cooking in rural areas. However,
water borne diseases as the water of the open wells got contaminated bin
various ways. In 1978 Government installed tube wells to draw drinking
water from deep aquifers which are safe and potable. The rural inhabitants
did not prefer the tube well water for domestic use as a habit of using water
from natural water bodies. A series of awareness activities undertaken by
Government to educate the rural mass regarding sue of safe and potable
drinking water to avoid epidemics. By 1990 main villages were provided with
deep tube wells which could not address the real need of the rural mass as
the inhabitants were living in different hamlets instead of main village. In
1991 Government surveyed the total district and divided each revenue
village into habitations. Present Status of Spot Sources and Piped Water
Supply Scheme in Deogarh are given below in a tabular form.
311
Sl no Year No of spot sources
installed
No of piped water supply
scheme installed
1 1978-1998 1804 05
2 1998-99 150 00
3 1999-00 120 00
4 2000-01 100 00
5 2001-02 100 05
6 2002-03 120 01
7 2003=04 150 01
8 2004-05 190 02
9 2005-06 200 03
10 2006-07 154 03
11 2007-08 256 05
12 2008-09 255 26
13 2009-10 240 22
14 2010-11 225 11
15 2011-12 250 22
16 2012-13 966 17
17 2013-14 550 07
18 2014-15 612 04
Total 6287 133
Rural Sanitation Scenario
Water is a precious gift of nature and is considerd as a major
requirement of „life‟ for every living being may that be animal or plant. In
each and every activity of life water is needed. Maintaining purity of water
for human consumption has been a vital concern. Water contamination due
to several factors like industrialisation, environmental pollution, use of
several chemicals in agricultural practices, has been a major conern for
every government. Depletion of water reserve both over ground and under
the earth because of erratic monsoon is also a major concern for sanitation,
health and hygiene, more so in rural areas leading to outbreak of epidemic.
There had been public stand posts in Deogarh town since the days of
Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb for supply of drinking water though to a limited
extent. Now there is an effort to provide safe drinking water in the rural areas
which is now in the mission mode. First Rural Piped Water Supply Scheme
of Deogarh District was started in Kandhal village under Barkote Block
commissioned in the financial year 1973-74 . The raw water was collected
from the Godabari Kata of Kandhal and after treatment was supplied for
drinking purpose. More such water supply schemes have come up in other
blocks also.
The message, Water is Life and Sanitation is the way of Life became
the main slogan build up awareness among the people to adopt better
sanitation practices. It became successful in urban areas but in rural areas it
312
was not received with desired enthusiasm and support due to illiteracy and
ignorance coupled with want of wherewithal.
After independence it was observed that open defecation was the main
cause of water contamination thereby spreading of epidemics. The age old
practice of open defecation still continues in villages and even some pockets
of urban and semi-urban areas.An attidinal change is the only way get out
of this menace.
In 1986 Rural Sanitation Programmeme was started s in which subsidy
is provided to the rural BPL households for construction of Individual
Household Latrines (IHHL). But it has not yet been much successful. In 1999
Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) started in 63 selected districts all over
India on pilot basis in which massive awareness activities as well as subsidy
for construction of IHHL was provided on demand driven approach. The
subsidy amount was Rs.500/- for construction of an IHHL and it was only for
BPL households. By 2005 TSC was implemented all over India. During 2008
TSC has been converted in to Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) with some
modifications of the earlier guideline.
Observing the slow progress of NBA and non-achievement of the goal
of reduction of IMR, MMR and other parameters and to cover all the rural
households Swachha Baharat Mission-Gramin (SBM (G) has been
implemented all over India from 2nd October 2014. The basic objective of
SBM (G) is demand driven approach, saturation mode and coverage of all
sections of the society to achieve 100% open defecation free environment.
In Deogarh district there are 67,040 rural households as per Base line
Survey conducted during 2014. Out of 67040 households 10688 households
have already constructed IHHL and for the balance households it has been
targeted to complete all the rural houses with a toilet by March 2016.
A healthy citizenary makes a strong nation, with this moto the health
services in the district are serving the people.
313
CHAPTER- XVI
PUBLIC LIFE AND VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS
During the feudal rule before the merger of Bamanda with the Union of
India, by and large calm prevailed in the state. This was largely due to
preponderance of primitive tribes who preferred simple and unhindered
living, its geophysical isolation from other politically active areas and
because of the benevolence of the rulers in comparision to other Gadjats.. In
due course as the struggle for independence from British colonial rule
gained momentum spearheaded by the Indian National Congress, the
subjects of the feudal kingdom gained consciousness about values of
citizenship in a free and sovereign nation and their rights. Certain organized
political activities started in Bamanda state during the mid-thirties of the
twentieth century.
Earlier a revolt of sort had been staged by tribal chieftains, prominent
among whom were Chhal Mahapatra, Abila Mahapatra and Chhabila
Mahapatra during the rule of Raja Satchidanada Tribhubhan Deb. This
short-lived unrest was quelled with the capture of aforesaid leaders. While
Chhala and Chhabila died in course for their jail term, Abila was released at
the age of 85 years on grounds of old age and infirmity and was not
considered harmful to the society. There were sporadic cases of Kandh and
Bhuyan unrest but were not of any socio-political significance or
consequence. Another organized movement was the Praja Andolon.
Dayananda Satapathy, a school teacher with radical progressive ideas led a
movement to fight for the rights of the rayats. He was excommunicated from
Bamanda and settled down in Sambalpur for the rest part of his life. He was
a prominent leader of the Congress Party in Western Odisha in his earlier
days in politics. He was involved in fighting for the cause of the displaced
people of the Hirakud Dam Project. Subsequently he became a left
ideologue and member of the Communist Party of India. All these events
predate independence of India.
After independence Deogarh and Kuchinda, earlier parts of the
wholesome Bamanda state became two Sub-divisions of Sambalpur District
after merger of the state with Odisha.. During merger and as per the
documents of accession of the Eastern India group of princely states,
Category-A Princely States like Mayurbhanja, Patna (Bolangir), Kalahandi,
Keonjhar, Gangpur (Sundergarh) and Dhenkanal were made independent
districts. All the other smaller states were amalgamated with the districts like
in Sundergarh, Patna (Bolangir), Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Ganjam, etc.
Bamanda eventhough was a Category-A state was not accorded the same
treatment despite demand of the people, more so the Bhuyans and Kandhs
who considered themselves as not only the original primitive inhabiting the
land but according to the local lore, they were the people whose ancestors
314
had installed the first Gangavamshi King Saraju Deb on the throne of
Bamanda, whose progeny had an uninterrupted rule for centuries till 1948 .
In early 1948, immediately after the merger of Bamanda with Odisha there
was public resentment on the issue of Bamanda not being an independent
district like other Category Princely States of Odisha. People of Bamanda
had demanded a separate district by amalgamating Bonai and Pallahada,
two adjoining princely states with Bamanda with Deogarh as its
headquarters. This demand was ignored by the powers that be in Odisha at
that time which gave rise to a minor tribal uprising, but not of any serious
consequence. There had been periodic demand for a separate district of
Degabad with various combinations of areas to make it administratively
viable like combining Deogarh and Kuchinda, the two sub-divisons of
Sambalpur which were together during the princely rule. That too, despite
agitations did not materialize. Ultimately as a result of public demand and
sustained agitation Deogarh became a separate district only in 1994.
The First General Elections of India were held in 1952. At that time
Deogarh Legislative Assembly constituency was known as Bamanda
Legislative Assembly constituency bearing the name of the old princely
state. The constituency in its fold had Kuchinda Sub-division, excluding
Gobindpur Police Station area. Deogarh Sub-Division and Rairakhol Sub-
division of Sambalpur district. Two members, one for general and other for
Scheduled Caste community were elected from this seat. They were Hara
Prasad Dev from general Jayadev Thakur from Scheduled Caste category.
Both were from Ganatantra Parisad, the newly formed regional party. Hara
Prasad Dev resigned before complting the full term resulting in a which bye-
election and Indu Bhusan Mohanty of the same Party, Ganatantra Parisad
was elected. In 1957 Rani Jyotimanjari Dev from general category and again
Jayadev Thakur of Ganatantra Parisad from the Scheduled Caste category
were elected from Bamanda Legislative Assembly constituency. In 1961
Deogarh Sub-division was made a separate constituency reserved for
Scheduled Caste. Jayadev Thakur of Ganatantra Parisad was elected from
the newly demarcated Deogarh Assembly Constituency.. Deogarh was
converted to a general constituency in 1967 and Bhanuganga Tribhunan
Deb, the last feudal king was elected and continuously was elected in the
subsequent elections 1971, 1974, 1977. Then Ashwini Kumar Behera of
Indian National Congress (Indira) was elected in 1980. Sh. Raj Kishore
Pradhan, of Indian National Congress won the seat in 1985. Pradiptya
Ganga Deb of Janata Dal was elected in 1900 and 1995. Upon his death in
1997, bye-election was conducted in which Subash Chandra Panigrahi of
the Bharatiya Janata Party won the seat. He was again elected in the 2000
election. Nitesh Ganga Deb of Indian National Congress was elected from
Deogarh Constituency in 2004. In 2009 Sanjib Pradhan of Bharatiya Janata
Party won from this seat. Currently, Nitesh Ganga Deb as a Bharatiya
315
Janata Party candidate represents Deogarh in the Odisha State Assembly
since 2014.
For Parliamentary elections, initially, Deogarh was under Angul
Parliamentary Constituency up to 1977. Pabitra Mohan Pradhan, a veteran
freedom fighter and frontline leader of the Praja Mandal movement and
member of Indian National Congress was the first Member of Parliament
from Angul constituency. Then Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab of Indian National
Congress, another tall leader a former Chief Minister won this seat. Pratap
Ganga Dev, Dhirendra Nath Dev was elected from this seat. In 1977,
Deogarh Parliamentray Constituency was newly created Pabitra Mohan
Pradhan was elected from this seat. Narayan Sahu of Indian National
Congress was elected from this seat in 1980. Sreeballabha Panigrahi of the
same Party was elected for three term in 1984, 1991 and 1996 from this
constituencyelections. Rabinarayan Pani, BJD elected from this seat in 1998
and 1999. Sh. Debendra Pradhan, BJP won the seat. Then Deogarh
constituency merged with Sambalpur Constituency and Sh. Amar Pradhan,
Congress won this seat in 2009 election. Current M.P. Sh. Nagendra
Pradhan BJD, won the seat in 2014.
Sh. Bairagi Dwibedy, Ganatantra Parisad was the first Rajya Sabha
member elected from Orissa from this region. Sh. Patitapaban Pradhan was
elected from Orissa against Sh. Nilamani Routray in 1977.
Despite all such historical facts and events with the initiation of
democratic governance after independence through adult franchise and
election of people‟s representatives, Deogarh has found due representation
in the Union and State Legislatures.
The following tables give details of leaders elected to as Members of
Odisha Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha (Lower House) of the
Indian Parliament representing Deogarh indicating their party affiliation.
MLAs Elected from Deogarh Constituency to the Odisha Legislative
Assembly
Bidhan sabha
Name of the MLA Name of the Constituency
Year Party Affiliation
1st Hara Prasad Dev and
Jayadev Thakur (Dual Membership)
Bamanda 1952 Ganatantra Parishad
2nd
Jayadeb Thakur and Jyotimanjari Debi (Dual membership)
Deogarh 1957 Ganatantra Parishad
2nd
Jayadeb Thakur and Jyotimanjari Debi (Dual membership)
Deogarh 1957 Ganatantra Parishad
3rd
Jayadeb Thakur Deogarh 1961 Ganatantra Parishad 4
th Bhanugang Tribhuban Deb Deogarh 1967 Swatantra Party
316
5th
Bhanugang Tribhuban Deb Deogarh 1971 Swatantra Party 6
th Bhanugang Tribhuban Deb Deogarh 1974 Swatantra Party
7th
Bhanugang Tribhuban Deb Deogarh 1977 Janata Party 8
th Ashwini Kumar Behera Deogarh 1980 Indian National
Congress(I) 9
th Rajkishore Pradhan Deogarh 1985 Indian National
Congress 10
th Pradipta Ganga Deb Deogarh 1990 Janata dal
11th
Pradipta Ganga Deb Subash Chandra Panigrahi
Deogarh 1995 1997
Bye-election
Janata Dal
12th
Subash Chandra Panigrahi Deogarh 2000 Bharatiya Janta Party
13th
Nitesh Ganga Deb Deogarh 2004 Indian National Congress
14th
Sanjeeb Kumar Pradhan Deogarh 2009 Biju Janata Dal 15
th Nitesh Ganga Deb Deogarh 2014 Bharatiya Janta
Party
MPs elected from Deogarh/ Sambalpur Loksabha Constituency
Lok Sabha Name of the MP Name of the
Constituency Year Party
Affiliation 1
st 1952
2nd
Pratap Gangadeb Badkumar
Angul 1957 Ganatantra Parishad
3rd
Harekrisna Mahatab Angul 1962 Indian National
Congress 4
th D.N. Deblal Angul 1967 Swatantra
5th
Prata p Gangadeb Badkumar
Angul 1971 Indian National
Congress 6
th Pabitra Mohan Pradham Deogarh 1977 Bharatiya Lok
Dal 7
th Narayan Sahoo Deogarh 1980 Indian
National Congress (I)
8th
Sriballav Panigrahi Deogarh 1984 Indian National
Congress (I) 9
th Rabi Narayan Pani Deogarh 1989 Janata Dal
10th
Sriallav Panigrahi Deogarh 1991 Indian National
Congress 11
th Sriallav Panigrahi Deogarhh 1996 Indian
National Congress
12th
Debendra Pardhan Deogarh 1998 Bharatiya Janta Party
13th Deendra Pradhan Deogarh 1999 Bharatiya Janta Party
14th Dharmendra Pradhan Deogarh 2004 Bharatiya Janta Party
15th Amarnath Pradhan Sambalpur 2009 Indian National
Congress 16
th Nagendra Pradhan Sambalpur 2014 BJD
317
Due to demographic, geographic and logistical reasons culminating
in reorganization and restructuring of Parliamentary Constituencies, Deogarh
has been a part of several Lok Sabha Constituencies like Angul from 1957 to
1977, and Sambalpur since 2009 till date. Deogarh was also a separate
Loksabha Constituency from 1977 to 2009.
Pressure Groups
With the initiation of various projects as a process of development, the
demography, geophysical character, life style and professional and
vocational pattern of the people have under gone discernible change. Either
in support or to oppose such projects various social pressure groups with
both explicit and implicit support of political parties emerged in Deogarh.
Rengali Bandh Nirodh Committee (1973)
This committee was formed by local opinion leaders like Balaram
Sahu, Prasanna Acharya, Sudhanshu Kumar Pattnayak. Former Deputy
Chief Minister of Odisha Pabitr Mohan Pradhan patronized this group. They
opposed Rengali Dam over the river Bramhani as several villages were to be
submerged in the reservoir of the dam. Those were the days of Congress
rule both in the state and at the Centre. In 1977 Janata Party came to power
at the Centre with Morarji Desai as the Prime Minister after the end of
Internal Emergency imposed in June 1975 during the Congress regime. Biju
Patnaik was a Cabinet Minister in the Desai ministry. Through the efforts of
Rengali Bandh Nirodh Committee, a liberal compensation package was
adopted for the displaced persons of villages affected by the Renagali Dam
with the active intervention of Biju Patnaik which ensured allotment of six
acres of land to each family who lost their land to the project.
Major achievement of this committee were, (a) 21 villages were
declared as fully submerged in the Rengali Dam Reservoir, (b) resettled
colonies were declared as Revenue Villages, (c) electricity was provided to
all such colonies/ villages on priority,(d) improved road connectivity and
drinking water facilities were provided, (e) in order to check misappropriation
compensation amount to la ndlostees were disbursed through cheques
drawn on nationalised and schedule banks.
Rengali Baschyuta Surakhya Samiti (1986)
Veteran farmers‟ leader Banka Bihari Das formed this forum under the
umbrella of Odisha Krushak Mahasangha. Sarvodaya activist Giridhari Sahu
was the convener of this forum. Among other activists were former MLA,
Athagarh of Umaballav Ratha , Debi Prasad Prusty, Prakash Bastia, Sudhir
Kapardar, Bijay Kumar Mohanty and Sudhansu Pattnayak. On 10th of June,
1987 a general strike was held by this forum paralyzing normal life in the
318
district. About 3000 activists were arrested during this strike at Ganganali UP
School, of Danra village near Barkote.
Deogarh Nagarika Sanstha (1980)
Led by Bijay Kumar Panigrahi, a former police officer, Prof. Kailash Ch
Agrawal, Tarun Kumar Mohapatra, Dr Dhiren Das, Sudhir Kapardar were
the active members of this forum. There agenda was to improve various civic
amenities in Deogarh the sub-divison (it had not yet become a district then).
Among the major achievements of this Santha were:
establishment of an electrical sub-division and division office at
Deogarh to improve power supply, construction of a permanent building for
the Government Girls High School, management of drinking water supply
system in Deogarh town by Public Health Department and not by the
Deogarh Municipality, establishment of a high school at Purunagarh, proper
rehabilitation and resettlement of families displaced due to Rengali Dam
Project and above all spaerhaeding the movement for separate Deogarh
district formation.
Deogarh Zilla Kriyanusthan Committee (1989-1994)
An action committee with the banner Deogarh Zilla Kriyanusthan
Committee under the leadership of Atulya Charan Dash, a Senior Advocate,
Giridhari Nanda, a retired civisl servant, Tarun Ku Mahapatra, Sudhir
Kapardar and Surya Ku Mishra, Advocates, Prafulla Nayak, Nabin Pani,
Durga Pradhan,Sudarshan Pradhan, Hemanta Kumar Mohapatra, among
others was formed to take up the cause of formation of Deogarh district and
strived hard to realise their cause. They had negated the proposals of
governments under various dispensation and remained firm on their demand
of turning Deogarh Sub-Division of Sambalpur into a separate district which
was realised in April 1994.
Deogarh Zilla Nagarika Committee (2005)
Led by Debendra Nath Behera, Surya Kumar Mishra, Sushil Ku
Kapardar, Nabin Chandra Pani, Sudhir Kapardar etc. Major achievements
such as:
a. Expansion of Dist HQ Hospital indoor building.
b. Sanction of Mega Drinking Water Project 19.86 Crores out of which
3.06 Crores has been allotted since 2013.
c. Year mark of Krushak Hat (Vegetable Market)
d. Stop laying of heavy vehicles within township from 7am to 7pm.
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Civil Society Organization and their functioning
It is found that missionaries were the first intervener in the field of social
work in this area. In 1925 a Roman Catholic Church was established at
Majhipada of Bamra Block (now in Sambalpur District) to facilitate education
and health for the rural people. In 1980 a Roman Catholic Church was
established at Deogarh, which worked in the food for work programme and
seed distribution work. Now this organization is working on education. After
formation of Deogarh District, District Red Cross Society (Branch) of Indian
Red Cross Society has been taking up various philanthropic activities and
humanitarian work under the Chairmanship of District Magistrate and
Collector. Its aim is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing
the power of humanity and it‟s seven fundamental principles are Humanity,
Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, unity and
Universality
In the sector of the youth Clubs, spiritual organization, sports club,
cultural club, village club, etc are working actively. Till date 1965 no. of clubs
have been registered under Society Registration Act 1960. Some
organizations are working sincerely on specific occasion without regular
funding from any source, (namely Veer Surendra Sai Yuva sangha, Manav
Mitra Bahini, Sanskar, Zilla Jungle Mancha, as a Gachha lagaiba Abhijan
etc.)
Some Organizations are working with funding from International and
National Organiations like DFID, WATER AID-INDIA and government
supported organizations like OSACS, OFSDP, NHM, MHRD, NABARD,
DWSM (Swachha Bharat Mission), etc. YAVARD, SUPPORT, WORD,
SEWAK, Bikalpa Bikash, Viswas etc working with staffs and offices in this
district since some years, but without permanent infrastructure. Only JEETA
has a suitable Training Centre at Prakruti Palii, Gurusang (Barkote GP).
Naba Natya Niketan is basically an art and culture based organization but in
2006 it worked for “WE CAN”- a campaign against domestic violence against
women through street theatre with the support of Oxfam-GB in 15 districts of
Odisha. The Jagarana Art International is also spreading social message
through organizing All India Theatre Festival.
1. Non-Government Organisations (NGO) and their Activities
Year Wise Information on Registration Status of NGOs under Society
Registration Act from 2008 to 2015:
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Numbers of NGO Registered in the period from 2008 to 2015
Year No. of NGO Registered
2008 20
2009 28
2010 29
2011 18
2012 5
2013 26
2014 9
2015 5
Total 140
NGOs working actively in the year 2014 and 2015:
1. From 2014, JEETA, Viswas and Deogarh Vikas Manch are working on
Swachha Bharat Mission.
2. Veer Surendra Sai Youth Club, Manav Mitra Vaini, Sanskar are working
in tandem with each other on Road Safety since 2014.
3. Asa Gachha Lagaiba Abhijan working since 2012 for fruit bearing
plantation in Pradhanpat Hill for saving the wildlife, specially monkeys.
4. Bikalpa Vikas working since 2012 on awareness building about
HIV/AIDS in tandem with Odisha State Aids Control Society (OSACS).
5. Sanskar works on children‟s clubs in backward and slum areas on
issues of health, hygiene, nutrition and education of children.
6. Sevadham, Good News India and Society for Upliftment of Poor
through Peoples Organiation, Research and Training (SUPPORT) are
running Child Care Institutions for vulnerable children. Jeevan Jyoti Club for
Social Welfare and Rural Development (JJCSWRD) and SUPPORT are
running shelter homes for trafficked women and Swadhar for destitute
women.
7. Patanjali Yoga Samiti and Bharat Swabhiman Trust is functioning with
an objective to impart education related to Yoga and Pranayam , to retrieve
glorious Vedic culture and ayurvedic, and so on. This unit under
contemplation has started functioning from November, 2008 and has
organized many Yoga Shibir, Yoga Mohotsav, observation of International
Yoga Day, plantation of herbal species, promotion of herbal health product,
Blood Donation Camps, Yoga Training in Special Jail, Police Corridor,
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schools and Colleges. Around 850 members and 55 yoga teachers have
been engaged to achieve the goal for New Vision India.
8. The Bamanda Banaushidhi and Baidya Bikash Sangha are functioning
to render services related to Ayurvedic Traditional Treatment to people to
propagate , preserve and protect valuable spices , organize health
awareness camp . About 120 no. of Baidyas have been enrolled in the said
association.
9. The Deogarh Vikash Manch is functioning since 1999 with an objective
to implement Welfare Schemes of Govt., awareness generation, agricultural
development and also extend services for Swacha Bharat Mission. From
2015 the Deogarh Vikash Manch has taken up construction work of 250
Souchalaya in Rural Pockets and also prepared an action plan to install
4000 Sauchalaya in many villages under the aegis of Swacha Bharat
Abhiyan.
10. Periodicals published in the past from Bamanda
11. In the pre-independence era apart from „Sambalpur Hitieseni‟ some
other news papers, magazines and journals were either published or printed
at Deogarh at the Jagannath Ballabh Press.
12. The BIJULI [From 6th 1893 to October, 1994]: Editor –Sri Dasarathi
Rout.
13. The ALOCHANA [March 1900]: Editor Sri Jalandhara Deb, Sponsored
by: Yogesh Chandra Das [headmaster of Bamanda Rajkumar School]
14. The UTKALA MADHUPA [June, 1900]: Editor – Sri Nilamani
Bidyaratna.
15. The GADAJATA BASINI [10th January 1903]: Editor- Sri Bhagirathi
Mishra, sponsored by The king of Talcher Sri Kishore Chandra Birabara
Harichandan.
16. The Utkal Darpan [1906]: Editor Sripati Mishra.
17. The Utkal Sebaka [9th October 1913]: Editor- Brajabandhu Mishra
18. The Upahara [1934]: Editor –Sri Ramachandra Mishra and Sri
Satyabadi Hota.
19. The Sankha [1945]: Editor- Sri Mayadhar Mansingh [Educational
Advisor of Eastern State Agency ]
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With the time all above news papers and periodicals were extinct.
Some copies are available at Rajya Abhilekhagar. After independence
Hitaisini (Weekly) Gadjat Samachar (Weekly) published for some weeks
during 1980-90 and stopped.
Adult Literacy Activities
Adult education, as the word signifies, is the education of grown up
people which includes all activities with an educational purpose , carried on
by people , in the ordinary business of life who use only part of their energy
to acquire intellectual equipment . In another word it is termed as “Social
Education” which covers all those topics that are not touched by education in
general at formal school.
In the pre-independence era, in order to promote adult education,
remarkable initiatives were undertaken by Raja Sachidananda Tribhuban
Deb to rehabilitate the prisoners through vocational education. For such
purpose he invited an eminent resource person named as Sri Surendra Nath
Guha from West Bangal and engaged him to impart vocational training on
handlooms and weaving to the prisoners of Deogarh Jail. To explore this
initiative and to promote textile and handloom industries he also established
6 numbers of spinning mills and textile units in Rambhai of Barkote. To
promote handloom and textile industries and to achieve self reliance of the
prisoners and other vulnerable groups, he also established Handloom Unit
and Training Center adjacent to Deogarh Jail.
For the mainstreaming of Schedule Tribe and Schedule Cast, Anarjya
School was established in 1904. KAOLINITE – a clay mineral having the
chemical composition of Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide, which is available in
plenty in the Land of Deogarh, was used in the Royal era by a specific group
of artisan to manufacture ceramic products , painting and china pots . To
explore the optimal use of such mineral resource, Raja Sachidananda Deb
took initiatives for vocational training to the artisan .The main objective
behind such initiative was to promote ceramic industries, socio-economic
development of poor artisans and resourceful use of mineral resources.
In the post-independence period, Government implemented some
programs for adult literacy such as National Adult Education Program
[NAEP] was launched in 2nd
October 1978 with an objective to eradicate
illiteracy among adults of the age group 15 to 35. Again National Literacy
Mission (NLM) was initiated in 1988 with the aim of imparting functional
literacy to all
Number of interventions also made by the voluntary organizations of
Deogarh with the National and Foreign Funding to promote adult education
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through imparting vocational education and skill development training to
adults. One such Institution is Jana Shikhyan Sansthan [JSS] runned by
Jeevan Jyoti Club for Social Welfare and Rural Development (JJCSWRD)
since February 2009 with the support of the Ministry of Human Resource
Development, Govenment of India, have a challenging mandate of providing
vocational skills to non-literate, neo-literates as well as school drop-outs by
identifying skills that have a market in the region of their establishment. JSS
is encouraged to undertake training equivalent to courses designed by the
Directorate of Adult Education, National Institute of Open Schooling and
Director General, Employment and Training. In the last years JSS Deogarh
imparted vocational education to total 5260 [as on October/2015] nos. of
beneficiaries.
Another institute is Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI)
which is functioning in Deogarh since 03/03/2008 which offers 30 to 40
numbers program for skill development in various avenue. This is managed
by Central Bank with the active cooperation from State Bank. After
successful completion of the training RSETI ensures credit linkage
assistance by the bank to start their own entrepreneurial ventures. RSETI is
imparting training basically to rural BPL youth to mitigate the unemployment
problem. RSETI has imparted training to total 1890 numbers of adults as on
31st October 2015.
Apart from these institutions and interventions, some voluntary
organizations are promoting adult literacy and providing training in vocational
skills.
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CHAPTER -XVII
CULTURE, LITERATURE AND TOURISM
Introduction
Deogarh, the distinguished „waterfall town‟ of Odisha, the capital of the
former feudatory state of Bamanda is known for its salubrious clime and
serene atmosphere. The town in historical references is described in
Sanskrit as „Debadurg‟, roughly meaning „Fortress of Gods‟ or „Haven of
Gods‟. Surrounded by high mountains which provide natural fortification, the
state remained almost impregnable and secure from external aggression,
alien infiltration and other influences and earned the epithet of „Akhoj
Bamanda‟. In course of time the capital of Bamanda was shifted from
Purunagarh to Suguda and finally to Deogarh. The picturesque Pradhanpat
waterfall is surrounded by captivating scenic sight of lofty cliffs and lush
green forests. This waterfall alone has been a picnickers‟ paradise and
attracts visitors to this place in all seasons. Among the three hundred and
forty six places identified and designated as places of tourist interest in
Odisha by the state government two are located in Deogarh district.
From mid-nineteenth century Bamanda came to the fore as a place of
refined artistic and literary taste with the sincere indulgence and patronage
of the royalty and the scholarly citizenry. These events were
contemporaneous with the phase of revivalism of Odia language, literature
and culture and the Bengal renaissance. Bamanda, more so the capital town
Deogarh, earned the eulogia of „budha hamasa kelisara‟, in rough English
translation the pristine lake where erudite swans frolicked.
Literary and Theatre Tradition in the Past
The tradition of lore and legends of Odisha including that of Deogarh is
quite ancient and very rich. Folk and oral literature of the primitive tribes of
Deogarh is highly imaginative, fascinating and down-to-earth. They narrate
through simple songs and tale various natural phenomena, their divine
pantheon and flora and fauna around them. Way back in 1923 Mr.
U.N.Dutta-Gupta, the second Principal of Radhanath Training College,
Cuttack (now known as Radhanath Institute of Advanced Studies in
Education) collected, paraphrased and translated into English these age-old
oral tales and presented the manuscript to Mr. H.L. Mauser, a member of the
Executive Council of Bihar-Orissa Province. After going through it Mr.
Mauser commented, “They are interesting and suggest a striking likeness to
many of the German folktales on which British children were brought up in
my childhood”. This collection of Mr. Dutta-Gupta included several tribal tales
and folklore of Bamanda region as Mr. Dutta-Gupta had been a guest of the
King of Bamnda and had suoervised the education system in the State.
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In the days of the Raj, various cultural programmes were being
organized in Bamanda. Popular among the visual performing arts were
Rama Leela, Rasha Leela, Bandibotol, Suanga, Jatra, Geetabhinaya,
Gotipua nach, Chaitighoda, Danda, Dashakathia, and Pala, etc. While some
of these performances were rustic in content and flavour, most were
derivations from puranic episodes and medieval classics.
In later years, influenced by contemporary theatre of Bengal and
Odisha short-plays, musical narratives, geetinatya (dance drama), and full-
fledged dramas were staged on different occasions. A dramatic club in the
name Raja Dibya Shankar Deb was constituted with its own stage which was
named “Dibya Shankar Rangamancha”. There were also village level
dramatic clubs set up by theatre enthusiasts in certain places in rural areas
like Kalla, Tinkbir, Naikul, Gogua and Barkote. Neelachala Theatre Party
constituted by a group of amateur artists of village Jadagola used to perform
during festive occasions like Dola Yatra on commission. People of different
villages especially old Bhatsingh, Gogua, Jadagola, Para, Jarachhat and
others formed Jatra parties which were generally managed out of village
funds. These Jatra parties on requisition used to move from place to place to
perform rustic theatre on various themes.
The Rama Leela party of Dhoba Sahi of Deogarh town had been
displaying Rama Leela in the folk jatra format for nine days during Rama
Navami celebrations in the forecourt the Palace and other places too.
During the reign of Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb, efforts were taken for
dramatization of epics under royal patronage. The court poet of the Darbar,
Brajabandhu Mishra adopted into dramatic form two lyrical creations
„Mayashabari‟ and „Bhisma‟ of Crown Prince Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb
which were enacted to appreciation of the audience. Duryodhan Naik,
another veteran playwright gave dramatic form to Chandrabhaga, the
famous epical poetic narrative of Radhanath Roy. In the year 1902 these
were staged at different places. Being impressed by the histrionic skill and
performance of the Deogarh dramatic troupes, groups of artists from
Talcher, Mahanga and Balianta frequently visited Deogarh for training in
the art of theatre.
Balai Banerjee, one of the famous theatre directors of Calcutta was
invited to Deogarh for training the theatre performers in acting, stagecraft,
presentation and direction. Many artists and thatre performers namely
Narayan Chandra Dash, Surendranath Sharma, Kshymanidhi Khadiratna,
Haren Dutta, Purusottam Nanda, Satyananda Pati, Banshidhar Dash,
Rankanidhi Dash, Prafulla Chandra Deb, Pratap Gangadeb, Nabeen
Chandra Deb, Shashi Bhusan Mahapatra, Netrananda Padhi, Brajamohan
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Dash, Sitakanta Deb, Keshari Gangadeb, Sadashiv Mohaptra,
Rudranarayan Deb, Bhagirathi Mahapatra, Sitakanta Kapardar, Brundaban
Mishra, Atulya Charn Dash, Laxmidhar Behera an many others were trained
by Balai Banerjee. These trained artist performed in plays like „Karta Birya‟,
„Karnarjuna‟ , „Karagara‟, „Chakradhari‟, „Bana Haran‟, Khara‟, „Mudra
Raksyas‟ with deftness equal to that of professional performers of Calcutta.
The lively performances of Bijaya Chandra Debata, Subash Mohapatra and
Tripurari Behera are recollected by old timers with nostalgia.
The old dramatic trend and tradition continued even after royal
patronage dried up after independence. However, advent of electronic media
and new means of popular entertainment like film and television affected the
live theatrical and traditional performances. Deogarh became a destination
of Odia film makers for location shooting in the captivating and scenic
surroundings. First such film „Sadhana‟was shot at the Padhanpat waterfalls
and near hill streams way back 1964 bringing Deogarh into the world of
celluloid. Other acclaimed films like „Arnyaka‟, based on the story by the
celebrated Odia author Manoj Das too have been filmed at the Kailash
palace near Deogarh.
Among the current prominent theatre groups are Gopikishore
Association, Jagarana Art International, Kalika and Naba Natya Niketan
engaged in amateur theatre work. They have adopted current themes and
technique in their presentations and join competitive theatre inside and
outside the state. Mention may be made of the play „Garra‟, (the Ram) by
Jagarana Art International which got several laurels and critical review
theatre completion in Allahabad and Assam. Artists like Jogesh Chandra
Dalbehera, Dinabandhu Naik, Arjun Mohan Sahoo, Bishnu Charan Behera,
Markandeswar Satpathy, Hemanta Kumar Mahapatra, Manoj Kumar Padhi,
Atulya Kumar Pujari, Dillip Kumar Guru, Shishir Kumar Ratha, Prakash
Kumar Debta are playwrights and drama artist. Other talents indulgent in
and conversance with theatre and stage craft are Abani Kanta Mishra,
Chittaranjan Das, Upendra Bhanja, Romeo Mahapatra, Sujit Patra,
Kumudabandhu Satpathy just to name a few.
Specific mention may be made of Pranab Kumar Panda for having
brought laurel to the district by winning the Best Child Artist Award at the All
India Multi Lingual Drama Competition held at Allahabad in 2010. He is also
the recipient of Rajiv Gandhi Pratibha Puraskar for the year 2013 for his
histrionic talent.
Jagarana Art International, Natyakala Parisad, Nabanatya Niketanand
Kalika organise competitive programmes in their own way. The Jagaran Art
International has been organising All India Short-Play competition at
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Deogarh. Reputed troupes from Kolkata, Assam, and Manipur participate in
this competition along with troupes from within the state. Some film and
video enthusiasts of the district have attempted film production, though not
with professional skill and commercial scale. One such venture is a short
video production „Sabuja Sakala‟, prodiced with the involvement of amateur
talents and technicians. The documentary Film „Search‟ dealing with the
issues of development of Paudi Bhuyan tribe of Debgad district was made by
Atulya Kumar Pujari of Deogarh and was an entry inthe documentary section
of the International Film Festivals held at Kanya Kumari in Tamil Nadu.
Another such attempt is the film „Adi Bhumi‟ (Primordial Land) made
Sri Satyabrata Dwibedy. Another video film and music casstte enthusiast is
Premananda Majhi who is credited with some video programmes and
devotiona music caddttes and compact discs.
Several thatre artists are enrolled as graded drama voices in All India
Radio, Sambalpur; among them are Sri Arjun Mohan Sahu and Hemanta
Kumar Mahapatra who participate in radio plays when assigned.
Further, in spite of emergence of modern Debices of of electronic
media, traditional performers comtiue to keep the old traditions alive to some
extent. Dashakathia, ga traditional duet-performance is almost extinct, but a
few Pala troupes do exist in the district. The contributions of old Palla Gayak
Bidyadhara Khadiratna of Kulsura and Bimbadhara Sahu of Purunapani are
praised worthy. Palla Gayakas are striving hard to keep this form of
traditional performing art still alive. Rabinarayan Panda, a veteran Pala
performer of old Jandadihi village (now staying at Tentalabahal) is actively
involved in Pala Gayaki despite his advanced age and dwindling audienec.
Another form of street performance was the Kendra Geet. Performed
by the mendicants of the Nath cult, popularly known in villages as Nath Jogis
the narratives were based on folklores like „Tika Govinda Chandra‟ and
other mythical compositions.. The Nath Jogis sang in sonorous voice to the
accompaniment of a string and bow instrument called Kendara like the Bauls
of Bengal and were most popular among the rural women folk. Some
Brahmins priests called Chakulia Pandas too used to move from door to
door like the Nath Jogis musically narrating tales and stories from purans.
Such traditions are almost extinct due to lack of reception and the
performers seeking other prudent vovcations for economic reasons.
Currently, however, folk dance forms like Dalkhai accompanied by lilting
Sambalpuri lyrics, bith traditional and modern are gaining popularity, so is
the vlassical Odishi dance.
There are various committees in the district and also at the village level
which are formed by general concensus of the people of the defined locality
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and community to orhanise fairs and festivals. Karama, Among the
community celebrations are Rath Jatra,
Dushehara (Durga Pooja), Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Deepavali, Ganesh
Pooja, Viswakarma, Maha, Shivaratri, Dola Utsava are obeserved in in
almost all parts of the district. In addition, in Karma (Karamsani Puja),
Chaitra Parba, Debi Mangla, Hingula and Maa Vairabi puja are performed by
the ethnic tribes in their traditional fervour..
The District Cultural Committee (D.C.C.) under the Chaimanship of the
Collector and District Magistrate of Deogarh draws up plans for the most
important annual cultural event – the “Utsav Padhanpat”. The celebration of
Utsdab Pradhanpat assums the proportion of a gala fair and is held under
the foothill of the padhanpat mountain in the vivinity of the scewnic
waterfall.accompanied cultural Teams of cultural performers from various
parts of the State and out of the tates are invited to this spectacular event
held for three days in the evening.
Literary Tradition
The Royals of Deogarh were great patrons of literature, music and fine
art. Bamanda was eulogised in the past as „Utkal Ujjayini‟ (Ujjayini of Utkal)
alluding to the court of King Vikramaditya where genius of the legendary
poet Kalidas flourished and was among the „Navaratna‟ (Nine jewels of the
royal court of Ujjayini). From the last decade of the 19th century, during the
reign of Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb and Raja Satchidananda Tribhuvan Deb
many bards, authors and scholars of repute from all over the country were
invited to Deogarh Darbar as royal guests. Many of them were felicitated
with honorific and titles. Prominent among them were Radhanath Roy who
was honoured with the honorific of „Kavibar‟ and Fakir Mohan as „Saraswati‟.
Swabhabkavi Gangadhar Meher and Pandit Nilamani Bidyaratna were
among others who adorned Kavi Sammilani, the poetic soirees and literary
meets in Deogarh. Deogarh was famously known in the cultural circle of
Odisha as „Budha Hamsa Keli Sara‟, the pristine lake where erudite swans
frolicked. The same tradition of holding poetic meet continues though not in
royal grandeur of the past during the Utsav Pradhanpat, annual district level
cultural festival every year.
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A plaque commemorating
the visit of Radhanath Roy to Deogarh
Authors of the Past
There were a good number of famed poets and writers in the old
Bamanda state. At the forefront was Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb, a poet in
his own merit and a patron of the creative authors. A brief account of the
literary luminaries of the past beginning with Sir Sudhal Deb is presented
below.
Basudeb Sudhal Deb
A lover and patron of both creative and critical literature, he took keen
interest and enjoyed the company of scholars, poets and classical pandits.
He was adept both in Odia and Sanskrit and had composed a number of
books including translation of poems and other works form Sanskrit,
prominent among them are Alankar Bodhoday, Chitrotpala, Beera Bama,
Janha Mamu, Muktikopanisad (Translation in Odia), Maniratnamala
(Translation in Odia), and Shrama Sikshya, etc. He played a key role in the
field of development of Odia literature and mentoring Odia language when it
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was facing onslaught of authors and scholars from the neighbouring state of
Bengal.
Satchidananda Deb
Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb, the successor to Sir Basudeb Sudhal
Deb was the worthy son of a worthy father. Taking out time from his busy
administrative engagements he devoted himself to literary activities. Even
while he was the crown prince, he had evinced interest in literary activities.
Maya Shabari, Ananga, Rasa Rahasya, Alankara Sara, Kadambari, Jauna
Nirvachan, Brusti Vigyana, etc. are his notable creations.
Bhubaneswar Badapanda
He was born at Tigiria, and carried his family surname Mishra.
Impressed with his literary activities and wisdom the then King of Tigiria
conferred on him the title of Badapanda. He was one of the leading Pandits
in Orissa of his time. He was the home tutor of Prince Basudeb Sudhal Deb.
He composed an eulogia, “Bamanda Rajabansanucharita Champu and
Chitrotpala Champu in the tradition of Kavisurya Baladeb Rath‟s famous
Kishor Chandrananda Champu. He had also vast contribution in editing the
Sanskrit verses and transalating them into Odia. He had presided over the
meeting organised in Bamanda Darbar for conferment of the title Kabibar to
eminent modern Odia poet Radhanath Roy. Bhubaneswar Badapanda too
was awarded the title of „Bakulakabi‟.
Madhu Sudan Mishra Tarka Bachaspati
He hailed from Bira Balbhadrapur Sasan of Puri District. In course of
his long stay in Bamanda he taught Prince Satchidanand about the subtle
nuances of Vedanta. He was the author of an introduction to Kalidas‟s
classic creation Abhigyana Sakuntalam, Sahitya Darpana, Alankara
Chandrika and Murari Chandraloka.
Among his other literary contribution are the Sanskrit and Odia epics
like Hanumat Sandesham, Tara Shashanka, Laxmee Shatakam, Hasti
Satakam, Somanatha Satakam, Abhinabastakam, Utsava Champu, etc. He
had also perfectly and correctly edited the Sanskrit classical works
Gadadhara Paddhati, Sahitya Ratnakar, Dhwanyaloka, etc. between the
years 1898 and 1901.
Kalicharan Dwibedy
He belonged to the old Dwibedy family of Deogarh who were brought
by royalty from Puri. He was one of the Pandits of Rajasabha. A teacher by
profession he contributed several articles like Bidhabara Ekadasi
Samikshya, Baidehishabilasa ( not to be confused with the classic creation
of Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja), Ruchi Sanskara, Darpanara Darpantwa,
etc. to Sambalpur Hitaisini which were published in various issues of the
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magazine between 1892 and 1906. Kalicharan Dwibedy had two books to
his credit – „Neetisara‟ and „Niali‟ in the year 1886. At the instance of Raja
Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb, he edited Chandi which was printed and published
in the year 1889 from Jagannath Ballav Press. He too was a teacher of
crown prince Satchidananda. Later on he was appointed Chief Purodha of
the temples of Bamanda State.
Bhagirathi Rath
From Puri he had come over to Deogarh on the invitation of the king
and chose to remain forever in Bamanda making it his land of literary pursuit.
He served as a teacher of Rajkumar High School from 1893. He is
remembered for his compositions Sarata Sundari, Padmavati Parinaya,
Utkala Charita. His books Manasa Prasadini and Alankar Meemansa in
Sanskrit brought him a coveted place in Odia literature then.
Sudarsan Mishra, Nyayaratna
By profession a teacher, he is known for his literary works both in Odia
and Sanskrit which include Slokas, Champu, Shivastaba, Debistuti,
Atmabodha Bilap and Mangalagitika. He was a regular contributor to
Sambalpur Hitaisini.
Chintamani Mishra Sharma
Chintamani Mishra was another important member of Bamanda
Rajasabha. His article Chitraotpalara Dosa Parihara based on Chitrotpala of
King Basudeb Sudhal Deb was a valuable creation of the time.
Brajabandhu Mishra
Born at Talcher Brajabandhu Mishra migrated to Deogarh in 1899 and
stayed there for the rest of his life. A teacher by profession he was an active
member of Bamanda Pandita Sabha. He was the author of hundred and
more books. Basanta Malati (1902), Upadha Bichara (1913), and Upadha
Anishata Chinta (1914) are the testimonials of his quality literary creations.
Moreover, Durga Staba, Srikrishna Staba, Kichaka Badha, Bhisma
Sarasajya, Balee Badha, Kusumalata, Naba Sangeeta, Sudhal Chautisa,
etc. are his poetic works. He had strive to bringing together the ancient,
medieaval and modern poetic styles. He was also a part of the editorial team
of Sambalpur Hitaisini,
Ratnakara Sharma
He was a man from Kuchinda tehsil of Bamanda state. On completion
of middle school he came over to Deogarh and served as a teacher. His
Poems written in the early stage of life were published in Sambalpur
Hitaisini. By the year 1910 he took charge of the Editor of Sambalpur
Hitaisini.
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His compositions and publications like Hemalata, Aja Bilapa,
Neetidarpana, Neeti Kusuma, Sanjukta, Champabati, Bapalimali, Duee
Sangata received accolades from the readers. He was awarded by the
Yubraj of Khadial Bira Bikrama Deb for his meaningful moralistic work Neeti
Darpana. The Darbar of Bada Khemundi State conferred on him the title of
„Kabi Bhusana‟ and the King of Kashipur the title of „Sahityaalankar‟ in
recognition of his literary endeavour.
Not only during the Raj but also after independence the literary tradition
of Bamanda continued. Several literary societies and associations came up
and continue the literary tradition.
Literary and Cultural Fora
Shree Jagannath Sahitya Sansad, Deogarh
It was established in 1986 and is registered under Societies
Registration Act. The Sansad aims at keeping up of literary heritage and
tradition of the past and at the same time maintain the contemporary and
modern trends. The Sansad apart from taking note of achievers in the field of
literature has also honoured persons in other aspects of life like Social
workers, , successful farmers, health workers, medical practitioners and
retired successful teacher both at the secondary and at the primary level.
From the year 2013 the Sansad instituted cash award of Rs. 3000/- and Rs.
2000/- for the two best students of Raja Basudeb High School, Deogarh on
the basis of their academic achievements. The Prizes are named Late
Debbrata Kara, a former student of the said school, are managed out of a
corpus fund of Rs. 1,00,000/. Donated by his father Harekrishna Kara a
former officer of the UCO Bank. Several other persons have also made
generous contributions to strengthen the organisation and expand its
activities. It brings out a magazine, „Padarenu‟ every year at the time of
observation of its Annual Day. It has received inspiration and guidance from
the society. The Sansad devoted to the advancement of Odia literature and
culture. It is also associated with Sahitya Accademy programme at District
level. The Sansad observes Teachers‟ Day, Nuakhai Bhetghat and Rakshya
Bandhan.
Bamanda Sahitya Sansad, Deogarh
This sansad functions at Deogarh with teacher, writers and poets of the
town and villages of the district as memebres. It has maintained literary and
cultural linkage with outside poets of other places of Odisha. Poets and
authors from other districts Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanja, Bargarh and
Sambalpur attend seminars organized by literary the Sansad. It brings out an
anthology of poetry under the title „Kabita Sambhara‟ and an Odia calendar
every year.
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Radhakrishna Sahitya Sansad, Rengalbeda
The Sansad was established in the year 2004 and is . at Rengalbeda of
Reamal C.D. Block at a distance of 15 Kms. from Deogarh. It is registered
under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. On the 1st Sunday of every
month the Sansad organizes „Sahitya Asar‟ which includes deliberations and
critical appreciation of various aspects of literature. At its Annual function,
the Sansad honours poet and writers with Amrutabindu Sammana and
Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb Award. The Sansad also brings out its
magazine „Amrita Bindu‟. this organization is also dedicated to literary and
cultural activities.
Patitapabana Sahitya Sansad, Kandhal
This Sahitya Sansad is located at Kandhal village of Barkote Block at a
distance of 17 Kms from Deogarh. It was established in 2005-06. The
Sansad takes up talks, Symposiums and celebrations at regular interval. It
celebrates its Annual Function at the time of Laxmee Puja fair of the village
and honours the poets and authors for their excellence and contribution to
the field of literature, Story and Essay writers every year by awarding them
with Gyana Sarathi Kabita Sammana, Gyana Sarathi Galpa Sammana and
Gyana Sarathi Prabandha Sammana.
The Sansad has been bringing out a quarterly magazine under the title
„Gyana Sarathi‟.
Nabadiganta Sahitya Sansad, Reamal
The Sansad was established in the year 2007. It is functioning at
Reamal , the Block head Quarters of Reamal Block a distance of 30 Kms.
from Deogarh. It organises disscussions, talks, recuitation of self-compsed
poems by local and invited poets,symposium on literay and other topics of
contemporary relevance. The Sansad brings out an annual magazine
„Ahwana‟ on the occasion of its Annual Function carrying articles both
creative and analytical.
Dramatic Clubs like Kalika, Utsarga, and Nabanatya Niketan, Jagarana
Arts and International and others have shown their indulgence as narrated
before.
Besides the above fora, some literary and cultural organizations, social
clubs, the age old Bhagabat Tungees, music centres are functioning at
various places of the district set up and managed by cultural enthusiasts
which organize literary and cultural activities on a regular basis.
There is also a Brahma Vidya Kriya Yogo Mission at Tala Bhitiria Sahi
of Deogarh Town which creates awareness a Yogasan and provides
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educative ideas and Human values other religious centres like Gayatree
Parivar, Satya Sai Seva Sanstha, Biswa Srasta Bhaban depict nobble ideas
and mission off life. The Church and the Musjid do play vital role in
enlightening the people of their community in appropriate manner.
Libraries and Reading rooms
Long years back libraries were available at some village levels. One
library popularly known as „Artatrana Mishra Library‟ existed in the village
Jadagola Sasan. It lasted up to 1965. Later on it was destroyed due to
setting of fire at the nearby houses.
It is heard that some old and big villages had library at this level. The
Books and periodicals were being supplied to these libraries by the
Government. However these are no more in existence. The old
Sachidananda Library still exists. At present there is provision of reading
books and periodicals. Reading room at the district Head Quarter is attached
to the library. There are a lot of valuable Books written by established writers
and Poets of the past and Present. The library is being managed under the
administrative supervision and control of the District Information and Public
Relation Officer (DI and PRO), Deogarh. The scholars and Research
personnel‟s avail the opportunities for references. The Students, Youths and
Old attend the Reading room daily for reading books, periodicals and
newspapers. There is a village level library at Tinkbir.
Literary Periodicals and Publications
During the rule of Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb and Raja
Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb the following literary periodicals were being
found published among these peridicals “Sambalpur Hitaisini” had proved to
have effects and literary impacts over all concerned. This could help creation
of literary new consciousness and uniformity.
Apart from the magazines and journals published at Deogarh, about
eighteen periodicals in languages like Odia, Bengali, Hindi and English were
also in circulation in Bamanda State for use of readers in public library and
for individual subscribers. The most popular among the Odia magazines
were Utkala Deepika (1866) edited by Gouri Shankar Roy with the
assistance of Bichitrananda who was serving as Secretary to
Mr.T.E.Ravenshaw, then Commissioner of Odisha, and Utkal
Madhupa(1900) edited by Pt. Neelamani Vidyaratna who subsequently
edited Sambalpur Hitaishini (1889). Other notable publications from
Bamanda state were Upahara (1934), edited Sri Sadhu Chandra Jagdeb
and Sankha (1945) with Dr. Mayadhar Mansingh as the Editor.
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At present Padarenu and Amruta Bindu magazines published by
Jagannath Sahitya Sansad, Deogarh and Radhakrishna Sahitya Sansad,
Rengalbeda respectively are published but the periodicity is infrequent and
almost annual. Another quarterly magazine, Gyana Sarathi published by
Patitapabana Sahitya Sansad, Kandhal also has received considerable
readership.
Given below is a list of authors of considerable merit who have
enriched the literary traditions of Bamanda in the past. The list however is
not claimed to be comprehensive,
Sl. No.
Name of the Writer Year/Place Literary Works
01. Jalandhar Deb
1872-1957 Deogarh Royal Family
(i) Grahana Vichar, (ii) Bhuta Preta (iii) Mahabharat, (iv) Ramayan
02. Balabhadra Deb
1878-1937 Deogarh Royal Family
(i) Rutu Sanhara, (ii) Shiva Ratri (iii) Sunamunda, (iv) Bharat Hissala
03. Dinabandhu Gadnayak 1880-1932 Bhat Singh, Barkote
(i) Sindhu Man, (ii) Thara Sobha (iii) Sundari, (iv) Narisikya (v) Chhirna Mandav Mala, (vi) Karmapatha
04. Harihar Mohapatra 1885-1966 Deogarh
(i) Hemakalini, (ii) Kumar Katha Varana (iii) Bibrat Bharati, (iv) Khandadhar (v) Maruraj Vijama (Drama)
05. Lalit Mohan Deb 1886-1938 Deogarh Royal Family
Lalita Ruta Kalpa
06. Brundaban Nath Sharma
1887-1955 Deogarh
(i) Chitra Parichaya, (ii) Satchinta (iii) Ame Odia
07. Shashibhusan Deb
1892-1984 Deogarh Royal Family
(i) Varanasi, (ii) Anyana Kabita Guchha
08. Dibyaraj Singh 1893-1972 Kuchinda, Sambalpur
Bikash
09. Biswanath Satpathy
1876-1900 Deogarh
Neetimayukha
10. Lingaraj Panigrahi
1894-1957 Deogarh
(i) Puspanjali, (ii) Kalikanjali (iii) Nadia Paita, (iv) Vana Harana (v) Bastradana
11. Dinabandhu Pradhan Aunli, Reamal (Bratosaba)
12. Karunakar Sahoo Aunli, Reamal (i) Sisu Siksya, (ii) Bidhana (iii) Iswara Prathana, (iv) Utkal Prakurti
13. Rajibalochan Deb Deogarh Royal Family
(i) Pradhanpat, (ii) Malyagiri (iii) Pabanaprati, (iv) Basanta (v) Dhyana Magna Vyasa deb, (vi) Parijata
14. Tankadhar Das
1894-1964 Deogarh
(i) Mahatma Sachidananda, (ii)Siksya Urnatin Akhana, (iii) Basanta Agamane (iv) Abinaya, (v) Moha Mudgar
15. Sulochana Dei
(1895-1949) Barkote
(i) Abakasa Manjari, (ii) Padmini (iii) Chitta Bikash, (iv) Sabitree (v) Banamali, (vi) Damayanti and Sulochana
16. Shreenivas Guru Deogarh (i) Granthabali, (ii) Shree Shree (iii) Jagannath Mahaprabhunkara Niyamabali.
17. Bhagirathi Guru Deogarh Karma Kanda
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18. Banamali Guru Deogarh (i) Prarthana, (ii) Bandhuta prema or Dharma, (iii) Arya Mitra
19. Brudaban Satpathy Deogarh (i) Sabitri, (ii) Chitra Darshan (iii) Beerbal
20. Damodar Mohapatra Deogarh (i) Pradhanpat, (ii) Grisma (iii) Tame ki Dayamaya Hari
21. Raghaba Mishra Deogarh Sindhu Darshan
22. Karunakar Giri Purunagarh, Deogarh (i) Madhab, (ii) Greesma, (iii) Barkote Ra Drusya
23. Lal Rabindranath Deb
Deogarh (i) Greesma (ii) Barkote ra Drusya
24. Surendra Nath Sharma Kuchinda (i) Rajakabi, (ii) Sachita nanda, (iii) Mayadhari
25. Artatarana Mishra Jadagola (i) Ehi Bhikya
26. Satyananda Pati Jadagola (i) Aruna, (ii) Kansa Badha, (iii) Bansi Chori
27. Milucharan Pradhan Deogarh (i) Barsakala Barnana, (ii) Holi Ra Dhumaketu, (iii) Srusti Rahasya
28. Rajkishor Deb Deogarh Bamanda Ganga Vansara Itihas
29. Ramanarayan Dwibedy
1888-1980 Deogarh
Jatkinchit Shanti
30. Dr. Cornel Dinabandhu Pattnayak
Deogarh Dhara
At present several budding writers have proved their mettle in the field
of literary creativity. No list of such writers at this stage would be possible to
compile as every day new creative literary talents are emerging.
Pioneering works of Modern Sensibility
In its days of glory Deogarh was known for many pioneering projects
and facilities. The longest telephone service was installed during the reign of
Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb. Hydro-Electricity project was founded
harnessing the cascading water of Kurodkote waterfall in 1898 and electricity
supply was made available to Deogarh town. This was the second such
hydel power generating plant in Asia. Bamanda state had its own efficient
postal service. A Sugar factory and a Textile Mill at Rambhei just 15 kms.
from Deogarh town were started in the first decade of the 20th century. Now
in disuse and dilapidation, these establishments have become relics of the
past too attract visitors.
There have been art galleries, recreation clubs, public library and other
valuable antique monuments. Raja Satchidananda Library had a motley
collection of printed books and manuscripts. Bamanda was famous for
various periodicals and publications which were locally printed at the
Jagannath Ballabh Printing Press patronised by Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb.
Sambalpur Hitaisini, one of the most respectable literary journal edited by
Pandit Nilamani Bidyaratna was being published from this press carrying
creative and critical articles by renowned Odia authors. Likewise, another
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magazine „Sankha‟ edited by Dr.Mayadhar Mansingh too was a gift of
Bamanda state to the literary milieu of Odisha.
The most ancient of the historical relics is the „Akshyarashila‟ rock
inscription which has generated considerable interest among antiquarians
and historiographers. The script of the inscription is believed to be pre-
Brahmi and almost near contemporary of the Bikramkhol rock inscription of
Jharsuguda district.
The ‟Olata Bata‟, a giant ficus tree located in the Purunagada part of
the town greets the visitor on entry from Sambalpur side. The inverted
leaves of this tree bears religious sanctity and is considered a strange
botanical phenomena.
Places of Tourist Interest
Following are the places of tourist interest in and around Deogarh.
Pradhanpat Waterfall
The serene environment of this waterfall within close proximity of the
town at a mere distance of one kilometre remains the first attraction for the
visitors to Deogarh. The waterfall itself is the biggest asset having natural
panorama. Poets and nature loving celebrities from all over India come to
visit this place. The Shakti Peetha of Maa Pradhani and temple of lord
Champakaswar have a strong religious significance and rich cultural
heritage. People enjoy religious spectacles and worship them since time
immemorial. It is a real retreat to the worshippers that the waterfall is free
from clamour and chaotic disturbances. The waterfall offers peaceful glimpse
and serenity of water falling breeze, it is felt as a peace and pleasure zone
for all categories of visitors who returned with remarkable experiences.
Close to the scenic waterfall are significant historical places like like
Basant Nivas and Lalit Basant, magnificient guest houses and retreats
constructed by Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb. Besides, Pantha Nivas
of Deogarh Municipality, Forest Guest House and nursery, and well
maintained Children‟s Park are also located in the vicinity of Padhanpat
waterfall. People from all over Odisha come for holidaying in Deogarh. This
scenic site with its natural elevation and quiet ambience is the location of the
annual Utsav Pradhanpat since 1996. Several cultural teams from all over
India assuming many forms exhibit their performances and talent on the
occasion of Utsav Pradhanpat. Attractive exhibition of stalls for Pallishree
Mela is opened on the occasion for 5 days every year. Thousands of people
gather here. Poets as well as writers from different parts attend “Kabi
Sammilani” and Seminars. The alluring capability develops gradually having
its rethymic lapping of water and expressions. The fullness of monkeys and
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chirping of varieties of birds are naturally set up to welcome visitors. The
amazing view of one cave near the waterfall is another significant beauty of
nature. As a mark of tribute to its scenic beauty, the poets visit this place and
spell the vicinity and solidarity leaving few words behind them. This is a
beautiful place for trecking to the summit. In several events treckers
assemble here. Deogarh secures a special position in the map of India for
exhibition of extra ordinary achievements. There is a small temple of Maa
Pradhan Pateswari inside the waterfall. There is a big lime stone adjacent to
the waterfall.
Padhanpat (left) and Kurudkote waterfalls Kurudkote Waterfall
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Kurudkote is the 2nd
waterfall of Deogarh. It is located at an accessible
reach at a distance of 2 Kms from the private Bus Stand. During the reign of
Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb, the waterfall was a source of
hydroelectricity energy, the 1st of its kind in Odisha and 2
nd in Asia. During
winter the picnickers rush here and enjoy the scenic spot chirping of birds,
murmuring sound of waterfall and trekking.
Deojharan:
Located inside dense forest in Reamal Block at a distance of 16 Kms
from Deogarh Town, Deojharan - springs is a popular picnic spot. The
scenic surrounding and flowing jharan presents an inviting atmosphere
during winter. According to local lore this place in dense forest was the
camping ground of the forces of Bamanda when there was a conflict
between Bamanda and Rairakhol due to some trade and commercial
passage reasons.
Kailash Palace
Kailash Palace, the Summer Resort
This resort for retreat of the royals was built by Raja Dibya Shankar
Deb between the year 1916 and 1919. Kailash is ideally located with its
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beautiful, mountain clad valley on the side of N.H. 49 within a distance of 15
Kms from Deogarh town. The kings of Ex-Bamanda estate have left behind
many heritage buildings as their honeymoon places inside hills and
mountains. The State Government have identified this place as one of the
echo-tourism sites in the year 2004. A visitor can spend hours and days in
Kailash Palace in quietness enjoying the surrounding nature undisturbed
from the din and bustle of city life.
Aksharshila
This relates to a small village having proto-Brahmilipi inscription on a
big rock embedded on the grount. The place is at a distance of 35 kms from
Deogarh on the way from Barkote to Lahunipada. Many researchers have
visited this place to trace the legacy of its solidarity and importance. The
inscription commands a unique position in the hidden history of the land and
has attracted foot prints of the curious travellers on the way of their journey
since time immemorial.
Aksharshila rock inscription
There are temples galore in Deogarh town and the district constructed
by the past rulers and other devotees of means. Each temple is dedicated
to a presiding deity and is in use where various ritualistic festivals and fares
are held according to the Hindu almanac.
Sri Jagannath Temple
Located at Purunagarh, the old capital of Bamra State, this temple is
one of the oldest among the series of temples in Deogarh town. It was built
by Raja Pratap Rudra Deb in the year 1705. This is the first and foremost
Jagannath temple in Bamanda State. It is a historical monument of artistic
glory and heritage of the Ganga dynasty. The remarkable structures are
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replicated on the Kalinga style of temple architecture. The temple was
divided into four major parts – Garbhagriha, Natyashala, Jagnyashala and
Bhogamandap. There is a specious courtyard of cement flooring. Attractive
shrines have been engraved which have a bearing to the Indian culture and
tradition. The vicinity is surrounded by shrines of auxiliary deities.
The most important festival of the Jagannath temple is the car
festival, during the month of Ashadha (June-July) performed in the line of
the famous car festival of Lord Jagannath of Puri and continues for six days
on the Bada Danda, the main thoroughfare of Deogarh and culminates on
the Bahuda Jatra day when the Lords Jaganath Lord Balabhadra and Maa
Subhadra return from their sojourn.
Arched entrance to Shri Jagannath temple Shri Jagannath temple of Deogarh
Gundicha Temple
Situated at Purunagrh (Deogarh), this temple was built by Raja Pratap
Rudra Deb in the year 1709 and is dedicated to Gundicha Debi in common
Odia idiom „Mausimaa‟, the aunt of Lord Jagannath, Lord Bal;abhadra and
Debi Subhadra. This temple is a contemporary of the Jagannath Temple and
is related by ritual during the annual Rath Yatra.
Jhadeswar Temple
The temple is easily accessible from Private Bus Stand of Deogarh. It is
situated at a distance of 3 Kms to the left of N.H – 200 under the Chikini
Ghati approachable by all season roads. The temple was constructed by
Deba Durllav Deb, a scion of the royal family during the rule of Raja
Brajasundar Deb in the year 1854 and is one of the oldest temples of
Bamanda. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. The Lingam or the phallic icon
is „Swayambhu‟ (natural formation) and not implanted. The temple is
constructed following the architectural pattern of Kalinga style of temples.
There is a legend attached to this temple about discovery of the Lingam
and has almost become folklore. It says, one day Deba Durllav Deb went to
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the forest for hunting. On sighting a herd of spotted deer he strung an arrow
and shot. He missed the target. But surprisingly, the arrow struck a phallic
stone and streams of blood oozed out nonstop. At night Deba Durllav Deb
had a dream in which Lord Shiva appeared and ordained that the place is
his abode and a temple may be erected for worship. A temple came up,
being situated in the forest the presiding deity was named Jhadeshwar and
this temple is considered a siddha-pitha, receiving people from all over
Odisha to worship lord Jhadeswar and Maa Bhairabi for fulfilment of their
desire.
Jhadeswar Temple
Rambhadebi Pitha At Suguda
It is situated near a mountain cave at Suguda which is at a distance of
6 Kms from Deogarh town. Rambhadebi is revered and worshipped both by
the Hindus and aborigine tribes of Deogarh. During the month of Jyestha
corresponding to May-June, thousands of devotees both tribal and non-tribal
congregate at this place during a ritualistic performance which takes the look
of a large fair attracting visitors, traders, various trick performers from far and
near.
Sri Ram Gopalji Temple
Built by Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb in the year 1899 this temple is
dedicated to Lord Sri Ram Gopalji. The temple is easily accessible from the
bus stand. Though not imposing, the original structure is very much inspiring
with three distinct portions - the Garbha Griha,the Natyashala and the
festival ground for performance of various rituals and festivals. The temple
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is crowned with an attractive golden flagstaff. The niches on the walls of the
Natyashala depict the Dasha Avatar, the ten incarnation of Lord Bishnu of
the Hindu trinity.
Gopikishore Temple:
Located in Sasan Sahi of Deogarh town on N.H.49, the temple is easily
accessible from the private bus stand. Built in the year 1857 by queen
Srimat Kumari Debi, the consort of Raja Braja Sundar Deb the temple is
dedicated to Lord Radha-Krishna revered by the Baishnavites.
Gokarneswar Temple
Another temple in Sasan Sahi is the Gokarneswar temple, a near
contemporary of Gopikishore temple built in the year 1860 by Raja
Brajasundar Deb. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, revered
by the Shaivaites. The Lingam or phallic icon of this temple unlike that of
Jhadeshwar is an installed one.
Gokarneswar Temple
Under the foothill of Padhanpat there are a host of temples visited by
devotees from across the district and the state. Some of the temples are of
the 19th century and some others are of recent origin.
Champakeswar Temple
Built by Raja Braja Sundar Deb in the year 1862 this temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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Giri Gobardhan Temple
This temple too was built by Raja Braja Sundar Deb in the year 1865
and the presiding deity is Lord Krishna.
Maa Gayatri Temple
This is a recent temple built in 1998. It is situated in Bhitiria Sahi of
Deogarh town. In the courtyard there are enclosures of temples of lord Shiva
and Lord Srikrishna. This temple has been constructed at the initiative of Dr.
Bilasini Dwivedy. Several spiritual discourses, socio-religious and cultural
performances are conducted throughout the year at this temple.
Basant Nivas
Basant Nivas, the royal guest house
Attractively perched on a hillock at a height of 165 feet from the ground
in the backdrop of green hills of Padhanpat was built by Raja Kabi Raja
Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb in the year 1908 as a royal retreat and guest
house for visitors including the poets and authors. The architecture is of
Indo-Saracenic style and in the niches od the boundary pillars on marble
plaques are engraved quotes from poets singing paean of this structure
which provides amusing reading to the visitor. Basant Nivas commands a
grand view of the town below.
There are two well appointed suites in this refurbished building which is
used as an inspection bungalow for visiting officers and official guests, and is
maintained by the State Public Works Department.
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Lalit Basant
Lalit Basant, the summer resort
A little above Basant Nivas is located Lalit Basant in the serene
surrounding of the Padhanpat hills. This too was built by Raja
Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb in the year 1910 to accommodate royal
personalities. The architectural design is similar to that of Basant Nivas and
a visit obtains a better view of the valley and the town below from its
balustrade fenced foreground. Accommodation is limited to only one suite
but is better furnished after renovation with modern electrical gadgets.
During the Raj, this was used by visitors who preferred quiet and isolation
from the din and bustle of the town.
Those who are historically inclined and have interest in heritage
structures may also visit some old buildings and locations, foremost among
them is the Royal Palace.
The Palace
Deogarh Rajbati, the Palace in 19th
Century left
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Deogarh Rajbati, the Palace in 19
th Century now
The present palace was built by Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb in the
year 1896 and remains in use of the former royals of Ganga dynasty. The
palace is a huge structure and within its walls are located the royal
residential quarters, recreation hall, residential offices, store houses, guest
accommodation, art and artefact gallery, library, the Parishad Hall (old
Council Hall), Rani Mahal (Zenana or Queens‟ Quarters), royal kitchen, the
old magazine room for storing armoury and ammunition, secret chambers for
storage of treasure and old precious items and above all temple of Maa
Kanaka Durga, the guardian angel of the Ganga clan of Bamanda. There
was double-storied accommodation for prince and princess. There is
spacious courtyard for congregation of people in fairs and festivals.
The marble statue of Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb installed at the entrance
of the Palace commands a unique position in the field of history as a real
retreat. The first capital was in the village Bamanda near Bhojpur. In course
of time it was shifted to Suguda and Purunagarh and finally to Deogarh
town.
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The Sabha Gruha
Sabha Gruha in regalia then and now in the precinct of the Palace
The Sabha Gruha made of wrought iron pillars with intricate design
and triple shelved corrugated iron roofing stands on ground of the Royal
Palace. This structure was erected during the reign of Raja Satchidananda
Tribhuban Deb in the early 1900s. Surrounding the Sabha Gruha are vast
open spaces where people congregated in the past during fairs and festivals
and also for Raj Darshan, a ceremony where the King appeared for public
view of his subjects and for „ticca‟ or obeisance ceremony. At present this
covered space is used for various public utilities and activities like health and
yoga camp, seminar and discussion and recreational fairs for women and
children like „Meena Bazar‟. This is an inspiring contribution of during his
reign from 1903 to 1916.
Jagannath Ballabha H. Press
A printing press named The Jagannath Ballabh H Press was set up by
Raja Sri Basudeb Sudhal in the year 1886. It was meant to print books,
royal court and postal stationery and located adjacent to the Palace close to
the site of the present private bus stand. It taken over by by the Government
of Odisha and a part of the chain of overnment presses in the state soon
after Independence. The Press was electrically operated during the period of
Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb in 1903 soon after hydro-electricity was
generated in the State of Bamanda.
Deogarh Court Building
The court building was constructed by Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban
Deb. It signifies the dynamic strategy of the then popular administration. The
structural design is unique and is intricate in its uncommon architectural
grandeur. There is spacious accommodation in the building for executive,
349
judicial and treasury work. The building stands majestically unruined for its
sturdy yet aesthetic design and majestic construction. The marble statue of
Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb and his wife Rani Dambarudhar Priya
stand in front of the porch inviting appreciative glances from the visitors and
reminding them of Sir Sudhal Deb‟s his efficiency and excellence in
administration. Presently the main building houses the District Collectorate
and within the premises are located several other government offices and
institutions including the Court of the District Judge.
Rajkumar High English School / Raja Basudeb High School
The most glorious achievement of Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb was
establishment of a High School in the pattern of Islamic College of Lahore in
the year 1882. The school building was constructed at cost fifty thousand
Rupees by Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb in the year 1912. Located in
the heart of the town of Deogarh, it satnd as an epitome of Bamanda‟s rich
cultural heritage. The remarkable structure of the school building attracts the
visitors standing as a testimony to the past glory of former State of
Bamanda.
350
Entrance to Rajkumar High English School as in the past
Satchidananda Library
Built in the year 1920 by Raja Dibya Sankar Deb in the memory of his
father Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb, a renowned poet and man of
scientific ideas. He was fond of learned discourse and used to organise
weekly seminars on both the soft subjects of arts and of hardcore science
among intellectuals. He donated his personal collection of books to the
public library to develop the habit raeding and learning among people. He
had set up a laboratory in the palace for experiments in mechanics and
mettalurgy. The present structure represents his fondness for higher learning
in Bamanda. The library building stands as a witness to intellectual pursuit
the royal fostered and thus Deogarh came to be known as „Buddh Hansa
Kelisar‟. There are 10301 books in the public library and hundreds of regular
readers use these assets for reading and research work.The library has
become a knowledge Park for the people of Deogarh. Plenty of valuable
books can be found in the library. It was inaugurated on 25.02.1920 during
the period of Raja Dibya Shankar Deb by the Britsh Political Agent stationed
at sambalpur. The Library is under the management of the Information and
Public Relation Department, Government of Odisha locally supervised and
maintained by the District Public Relations Officer.
There are certain other locations of recent construction not of any
religious significance but attract visitors. One such location is the Gohira
Dam.
351
Gohira Dam
Gohira Dam is located at a distance of 28 kms. from Deogarh Town in
Reamal Block. It is an ideal place for picnic. It was constructed in the year
1981. The Dam is one of the biggest assets from the aspect of tourism and
water resource project. The catchment area covers about 336 Sq. kms and
irrigates over to 8000 hectors of agricultural land. Near the dam is a temple
of Lord Shiva which was constructed by the villagers in 1980.
A view of the Gohira Dam from the riverbed
Kalajira M.I.P. and Godavari Lake
Both Kalajira M.I.P. and Godavari Lake were constructed at Ballam at a
distance of 16 Kms from Deogarh town in the year 1891. The Godavari Lake
offers peaceful ambience to the visitors. During winter some migratory birds
come to the lake. Besides, Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb has
constructed one temple and one Dak Bungalow on a hill side which depict
the deep legacy of Indian Culture and tradition.
Sl. No. Name of the temple and Places Location
01. Panchamukhi Hanuman and Olat bata Purunagrh
02. Bhairabi Mandir Ballam
03. Rehabilitated Banakalo Shiva Mandir Ballam
04. Rehabilitated Maa Saranipat Mandir Bijaynagar
05. Rambhadebi Shrine Barkote
06. Mahadeb Temple Barkote
07. Thakurani Pitha Basaloi
08. Basuddheswar Temple Basudevpur Shasan
09. Kataswar Ghati Temple Rengalbahal
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Fairs and Festivals
A list of fair and festivals celebrated in different places of Deogarh
district is given hereunder.
Sl.
No. Name of fair/ Festival Place Period
01. Utsav Pradhanpat Deogarh, Pradhanpat January/ February
02. Shivaratri Deogarh, Purunagarh, Ballam February / March
03. Chandan Yatra Kalla April/May
04. Rambhadebi Yatra Suguda May / June
05. Ratha Yatra and Bahuda
Yatra Purunagarh June / July
06. Ganesh Mela Deogarh Town and All
educational institution August / September
07. Durga Puja Deogarh October
08. Laxmi Puja Kandhal October / November
***
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CHAPTER - XVIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Introduction
“We need to reach that happy stage of our development when
differences and diversity are not seen as sources of division and distrust, but
of strength and inspiration”, these words of Josefa Iloilo, the former
President of Fiji resonates in the air when the issues of inclusive
development are discussed.
Deogarh, the former capital of the erstwhile feudatory state of Bamanda
is known for its scenic beauty, serene environment and as a place of wisdom
and learning. It had a glorious past and is aspiring for a brighter future.
Deogarh district is a blessed land with not visited by major natural
calamities. Rich in natural resources, fertile soil, favourable climatic condition
and geographical location, Deogarh has all the promise and potential for
growth and development. Moreover, the picturesque mountains, perennial
streams and waterfalls and a vast green deciduous forests offer the
dreamland for the best tourist. The resources need harnessing, the
mountains and water bodies need exploration, nature requites nurturing. To
achieve this is required clear vision and devoted mission.
The Way Forward
Vision and Mission for a Better Future
India‟s first hydro-electricity project at Korodkot near Deogarh was a
landmark and a pioneering project. For the first time water was harnessed to
light up homes and run industries in Bamabda state. In the absence of
worthwhile industries, a resurrection of the green revolution can bring about
development through adequate irrigation facilities by utilising the water
resources. This has been demonstrated by the construction of check dam on
Jareikela stream near Kailash by the side of N.H. 49 resulting in sort of
green revolution. The proposed N.H. 49 bypass will meet at Tileibani. By
taking up fisheries and boating, these spots need to be developed into
beautiful tourist hubs which will augment the economy of the locals and of
the district and the state in turn.
Food Processing, Packaging Marketing
Deogarh is famous for exotic varieties of mangoes and litchi. Due to its
conducive climate and rich soil in Kundheigola area orange is grown in
sufficient quantity, while watermelon of various kinds are grown in different
places of the district. These fruits are not only consumed locally within the
district but also are sent out to places outside the state on a commercial
354
basis. Besides, the native types of potato known as „Deogarh alu‟, which
otherwise can be called „pearl
potato‟ because of there small size , onion, banana, sugarcane, maize
and corn are of unique and good quality. Marketing facilities have been
created for the sale of such fruits and vegetables. There
are plans afoot for construction a cold storages for preservation of fruit
and other perishable items. At different places of the district, fruit processing
enterprises have come up for preparation of marketable processed food
and condiments like fruit juice, jelly, jam, sauce, squash, pickles, powered
spices, etc. Varieties of jackfruit are available in Barkote block in the
Paudibhuyan area. With improved communication and transportation
facilities in those areas, marketing facilities have been provided and steps
have been taken to bring about improvement in the economic condition of
such tribal people through the provision of fruit processing for preparation of
jam and pickle from jackfruit. In the district, production of banana and corn of
good quality coupled with preparation of delicious sweet-corn, popcorn and
other food items through food processing units has resulted in generation of
employment opportunities among the youth and women.
Training in Food Processing and Quality Management
355
The Supply Chain :From the orchard to towards the Market
Processed and packaged beverages Empowering farmers through improved marketing
Green revolution has brought about increasing production of paddy
beyond Kharif Season through various crop irrigation projects such as deep
boring well, Mo Pokhari (My pond), Farm Pond, Lift Irrigation, Rain water
harvesting, River water valley, Watershed, Cross Bond, etc. With the active
co-operation and involvement of the officials of line departments of the
district in this direction, the farmers are made aware of the benefits of these
projects so as to increase agricultural production and to develop a spirit of
competitiveness. Farmers‟ field visit to neighbouring states to study success
stories has opened up new vistas and their experiential learning has
significantly impacted the agricultural scenario and contributed to their
economic development.
356
Fisheries and Ornamental Fish
There is plenty of fish farming in the water reservoirs of Rengali,
Gohira, Korodkot and Jareikela. There is heavy demand for fresh water
prawns. Fishery department has disseminated expertise and imparted
training in proper processing, packaging, storage and export of fish and
prawn. The women have been empowered through SHG to be involved in
the economic development through export of fish and prawns. Breeding of
goats, ducks and fowl of various species fulfil the demands of meat and
eggs. Dairy farming meets the requirements of milk and milk products. This
has enhanced the cultivation of fodder grass for better nourishment of the
gaminivorous livestock.
Landijhari under Barkote block has become famous in Odisha for its
unique ornamental fishes. It has emerged as a profitable business for the
women of that area. Besides, manufacturing fodder for fish and vocational
training for well designed and aesthetically pleasing aquarium for show
casing ornamental fishes have provide ample scope for export and
generation of means of livelihood.
Ornamental Fish and Glass Aquarium Forest Produce and Cottage
Industries
The rich forest produce offers ample opportunities for promotion of
cottage industries. The women SHGs prepare incense sticks, straw mats,
foot mats, various designer furniture and other fancy items with ethnic touch
from bamboo and other wild fibres. This has contributed to economic
development through income generation. Women of these groups are
imparted training in skill enhancement for better output and become self-
reliant. Need based cottage industries based on timber have been setup for
raising income. Huge quantity of oil is produced from the sal seeds, Tula
seeds, Kusum Seeds etc. This oil is used in making washing soaps as well
as other useful medicines. With the whole-hearted co-operation of the forest
department, voluntary organisations (NGOs) and the public, forest fire is
controlled and the valuable natural resources are protected. Similarly,
357
massive plantation is taken up for ecological balance. Grants are provided to
the enterprising unemployed youth to take up medicinal plantation in their
orchards so that there is scope for earning and maintaining livelihood.
Besides, naturopathic treatment of diseases is possible at a very low cost.
Sericulture is another field which creates great opportunities for employability
as well as livelihood. The livelihood of skilled labourers is ensured through
vocational training in sericulture. SHGs are also made self reliant through
various food processing units.
Mineral Water
As there is a growing demand for mineral water these days and the
quality of water available in Deogarh is up to the standard, mineral water
plants could be installed with financial support of the government. This
project would substantially contribute to the economic development of the
rural folks.
Tourism Sector
Deogarh occupies an important place in the tourism map of Odisha.
Since time immemorial its picturesque mountains, vast green forest and
perennial streams and falls capture the imagination of poets and nature
lovers. It has been a centre of eco tourism attracting tourists far and wide.
Pradhanpat, Korodkot, Kaijharan, Nadiajharan, Rambhadevi, Deojhar are
beautifully decorated in the midst of nature. To further promote this industry,
small cottages and restaurants may be constructed to provide relaxation and
amusement to the tourists. Trekking and mountaineering trips could be
conducted. Trained guides may be engaged to lead the interested tourists. A
five day mountain training camp was organised in June, 2015 involving 76
College students to examine the potential of adventure tourism. Based on
the success of this exercise, the “Pradhanpat Develpment Committee” has
been registered as separate society to delve into the prospects of tourism
industry in the district. There is heavy demand for a Rope-way connection
from Pradhanpat to Korodkot. At different points, stalls for tea, snacks and
drinking water are to be setup for the convenience of the tourists. One such
initiative is, “Jajabara” at Kalamati of Barkote Block for a sojourn for tourists.
At places such as Bababandha, Pond near Jhadeswar Temple, Gohira Dam,
Rengali reservoir, behind municipality bunglow there is potential for boating
which is being examined. Provision of Rope-way across the river Brahmani
at Barkote would attract more and more tourists. There are adequate
transportation facilities from the district headquarters town to the places of
interest. Provision of toy-train and other items of amusement like swings in
the premises of Municipality Park would attract more visitors. A mini zoo is to
be set up at Pradhanpat and a museum, interpretation centre is being
358
established for preservation of antiques and monuments of the Bamanda
state. A proposal on all these points has been sent to government for
approval and acceptance is awaited. Indeed, Deogarh occupies a coveted
place in the tourism map of Odisha.
Projected Jajabara House to be set up in Deogarh
Transport and Communication
Transport and communication is one area where the district needs
rapid support from government and other agencies. Though well connected
by road through N.H. 6, N.H. 23, N.H. 200 and the Ranchi-Vijayawada
Corridor, lack of railway line affects communication and also marketing
facilities for the bulk agricultural produces.
Games and sports
Deogarh has always been popular for its performance in Hockey,
Kabaddi and other games and sports. Talented sportsmen from rural areas
are being selected and trained in the Sports Hostel. Some of the sports
persons bring glory by displaying their sports talent at national and
international level. Such talent needs to be honed further and efforts being
taken in this regard.
359
Proposed Deogarh Sports Academy
Rock-climbimg at Padhanpat Exploring the wilderness of Deogarh Forest
Performing Arts
Deogarh has a lofty cultural tradition in literature, theatre and music. Its
inhabitants have a fascination for theatrical performance like drama and
dance. There is need for training imparted to the budding talents to upgrade
their artistic performance in dance and drama through Dance and Drama
Training Institute at Deogarh which is the need of the hour. More and more
artists bring laurels for the district at national and international level.
360
Theatrical Performance by an Award Winning Theatre Group of Deogarh
An artist’s impression of a Cultural Centre and School for Performing Arts at Deogarh
Education
Institutions to impart post-graduate education in general stream and in
technical faculties like engineering, medical sciences, agriculture, animal
husbandry, fisheries, forestry, earth and environmental science are required
to be set up in the district to meet the educational needs of the younger
generation in a knowledge based society.
Conclusion
To transform the needs and not just dreams of the people of Deogarh
district a clear vision and a dynamic mission has to be set with collective
endeavour of all. It is apt to recall the words of Calvin Coolidge, the former
President of the United States of America, “All growth depends upon activity.
There is no development physically or intellectually without effort and effort
means work.”
361
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363
GLOSSARY
Aat .. High lying land
Adalati Panchayat .. A village court of law under in the
old Panchayat system.
Adhan .. An Islamic prayer whisper in the
ear of a newborn baby
Akshi Truitya .. The third day of the bright fortnight
of Asadha when the monsoon
agricultural operations are initiated
by first tilling of the soil
Anabadi Uncultivated land, land that does
not give any yield
Anarya School .. A school meant exclusively for the
lower caste pupil
Anla Nabami .. A ritual perform under or near an
Amla tree in the month of Kartik
(October-November)
Antasuta .. A silver waist band worn by
women
Aranyak Brahmin .. A Brahmin clan locally known as
‘Jhadua’ drawing lineage from the
Kanyakubji Brahmins
Asadha .. Indian month corresponding to
June-July
Ayurveda .. Ancient Traditional medicinal system
Bahal .. A low lying land
Bahasuta .. An armlet
Bahuda Jatra .. The return car festival of a god
Bandaria .. Silver ornament for the wrist
Begari/ Bigadi .. Indentured labour with pittance of
an wage
Behera A village headman
Berna .. Land occurring towards bottom of
a depression
Bethi .. Forced labour as allegiance to the
master
Beushana .. Even spreading of paddy sapling
on a field
364
Bhadrav .. Indian month corresponding to
August-September
Bhar .. A twin sling device slung from a
pole balanced on the shoulder of
the career
Bharua .. One who carries the bhar
Bhat .. Boiled rice
Bhogamandapa .. Hall of a temple where offerings
(Bhoga) are placed
Bhoodan .. Land gift
Bhulia .. Cotton cloth weaver
Brahmana .. The first among in the Hindu
castes structure mostly priests with
erudition in classic scriptures
Bramhator .. A village income from which was
meant for a temple’s rituals and
services and for the maintenance
of the Bramhin priests
Chandan Yatra .. A summer festivity when Lord
Jagannath takes a sojourn on a
caparisoned boat
Changu .. A one-way drum like ‘Dhaap’
played by the Paudi Bhuyans
Chasa .. A cultivator, a caste of
agriculturists
Chatasli .. An informal village school
Chaukidr (Chowkidār) .. A village police
Chaupadi/Chhanda .. A kind of metre in which a song or
poetry is composed
Chhad khai .. A community festival at the
culmination of the sacred month of
Kartik when people partake non-
vegetarian item which they have
forsaken during the previous
month
Chullah .. A clay kitchen hearth
Dai .. A traditional midwife
Dalkhai .. A folk dance performed to the
lilting tune of songs with both
flamboyance and vigour
Dalua dhan .. A variety of paddy grown in Ravi
season
365
Dandi .. A nose ornament worn on the
bridge of the nose
Danga .. Country boat
Danga-ghat .. Quay/jetty/pier
Dasahara .. A festival when goddess Durga is
worshipped. Falls usually in
October
Dash Kathia .. A folk song and dance
performance in which two
performers sing while using short
wooden pieces for percussion
Dayabhag .. A Hindu law of succession by
which females inherit property
Debata .. Synonym for God, mostly the
village deity
Debattar village .. A village income from which was
meant for a temple’s rituals and
services
Dehury .. A village priest
Deraghar .. A village rest house for visitors
Dewan .. The chief executive officer in an
ex-feudatory State
Dhangda .. A village youth
Dhangdi .. A young village maiden
Dhap .. A one-way drum like a Changu of
smaller size
Dharsa .. A village dust/dirt road
Dhol .. A country drum, one of the Pancha
Vadyas
Dhoti .. Fairly long loin cloth worn by man
from the waist as a lower garment
Dhumsa .. A mega drum made of iron casing
Dola .. Ceremony preceding Holi on the
full moon day of Phalguna (March-
April)
Doli .. A palanquin without embellishment
Duban .. Ceremony of Baptism by water
Duree .. A coarse cotton carpet
366
Durga Puja .. Festival to celebrate the advent of
Goddess Durga to annihilate
Mahisasura, the buffalo demon
Firangi .. An English or European person
Gaddi .. Throne
Gadjat .. A former feudatory or princely
state
Gahma Purnima .. A festival on the full moon day of
Shravana (July-August) otherwise
known Raksha Bandhan or Rakshi
Puni
Gamuchha .. A short piece of handloom cloth
used as a towel
Gandharba .. A nymph or demi-god
Garuda Stamba .. A monolithic pillar in front of the
main entrance of a Bishnu temple
atop which Garuda, the avain
mount of the Lord is seated
Ghat .. A jetty, quay or pier; a bathing
area in a pond or river bank
Ghicha .. Capturing of a bride by force by
the groom
Ghodasaal Stable for horses
Ghuduka .. A typical tribal instrument of metal
string and one-faced hollow drum
serving both as string and
percussion instrument
Gina .. A cup made of brass or bell-metal
Gini .. Small brass cymbals
Gomitras Friends of cows/ cattle
Goshala .. An organised cattle rearing shelter
and centre
Goshala .. Cattle shelter
Gotra .. Clan lineage and identity traced to
an ancient sage
Gouda badi .. A playful song and dance with
baton in hand performed by the
cowherd community
Gounti .. Land and village given to the
Gountia free revenue or rent
Gountia .. A village headman
367
Grama/ Gaon .. A village
Gramdan .. A gifting a village/ land
Guna .. A golden nose-pin of ornamental
design
Gunchi .. A silver waist-band worn by
women
Gur .. Un-refined sugar, jaggery made of
sugarcane
Haat Village market usually on certain
week-days
Halia .. A labourer who tills land with a
plough
Handi .. An earthen vessel or pot for
cooking
Handia /Kusnaa .. Rice beer brewed domestically in
tribal homes
Hatisaal Elephant shed
Holi .. The festival of colours on the full
moon day of the month of
Phalguna (March-April)
Humo .. A sonorous folk songs sung by
village maidens in a playful mood
full in the format of question and
answer and intelligent repartee
Jagamohana .. The vestibule of a Hindu temple
Jagir .. An estate within a feudal state
Janmastami .. The birth day festivity of Lord
Krishna
Jatra .. Country opera
Jhadu .. A broom made of reeds for
sweeping
Jhadua Bramhin .. A clan of Brahmins largely found in
Western Odisha who call
themselves Aranyaka and claim to
be descendents of a clan from
Kanyakubja (modern day Kanauj)
Jhanj .. Large brass cymbals, one of the
pancha vadyas five musical
instruments
Jhankar .. A village officer whose duty is to
worship village deity
368
Jharan .. Natural springs
Jhoti .. Decorative traditional artwork
made on the floor or walls with
paste and coloured powder by
women
Kadobali Puja .. A hilarious monsoon mud-festival
Kafan .. A cloak or shroud draped over the
body of the dead.
Karana .. A caste exclusive to Odisha
claiming to be identical to the
Kayasthas of North India.
Karma .. A tribal group dance perform
mostly by Orams and Mundas
during festivities and other social
celebrations. It is also performed
with solemnity during the
Karamsani festival
Kata .. A village water body like a tank
formed by watershed
Kataria .. A wrist ornament of silver worn by
women
Kathau .. Wooden sandals
Khadi .. A coarse cloth woven of hand-
spun yarn
Khagla .. A silver rustic necklace
Khalsa .. A land or village held directly from
Government
Khamar .. A granary largely belonging to the
feudal lords
Khanjani .. An one-way round percussion
instrument clad in gecko hide fitted
with small metal cymbals
Khapra/khaparali .. Handmade tile for roofing
Khariff .. A crop reason (summer-autumn)
Kharposh .. Land grant given to a person to
provide services of various nature
Khirpini .. A hairpin (An adaptation of the
English word)
Khudurukuni .. A ceremony perform by maidens
invoking Ta’poi, the only sister
among seven brothers who was
pure and austere
369
Kira/ Kirabo .. A matter of speech unique to
Deogarh indicating interrogation or
questioning
Kokei .. A bamboo pyre made to carry the
dead for cremation
Kostha .. A Tusser (Cocoon-silk) weaver
Kshatriya .. The warrior caste, who normally were
also the feudal ruling class
Kula .. A flat bamboo basket used for
winnowing
Kulta .. A farming caste analogous to
Chasa
Kurta .. A shirt
Kutchcha .. Made of mud/temporary
Laxmi Puja .. Festivity related to the worship of
Goddess of prosperity
Mahajan .. Money lender
Makaddam .. A village headman
Mal Land .. Upland
Malguzari .. Land revenue collected from
royats (peasants)
mandal .. A tribal instrument played during
Karma group dance
Mandala .. Denotes an area/jurisdiction, e.g.,
a district, division, in ancient time it
denoted a tract or commune or
confederation of small princely
states
Mantra .. Incantations mostly in Sanskrit
Maoists .. Leftwing extremists who believe in
armed struggle the Chinese leader
Mao Zedong to wrest power rather
than through democratic process
Matha .. A Hindu monastery
Maufi .. Free hold
Maufidar .. Holder of Maufi or free holder
Maylajada .. Similar to Sajani songs with more
of taunt and humour
Melas .. Fair
370
Mitakshara .. Hindu law of succession by which
sons inherit property jointly with
father
Moorum .. Red soil gravel used for making
dirt roads
Mridanga .. A two-way conical drum mostly
used as a percussion during
devotional chorus played mostly
by men
Muhuri .. A wind instrument with reeds
made of wooden body and a brass
sound funnel
Muktiar .. Non-graduate law practitioners in
subordinate courts
Mullah .. An Islamic priest who performs
prayer rituals in a Mosque
Muthi Anukul .. The day when paddy seeds are
broadcast with accompanying
rituals
Na-anka .. A great famine that befell Orissa in
1866. It is so named for it
occurred in the ninth regnal year of
the then Raja of Puri.
Nak putuki .. A nose-pin usually of gold worn by
women
Natamandapa .. The outer platform of a temple
where song and dance are
performed
Naxalites .. Leftwing extremist cadres. Name
dervide from Naxalbari, a village of
Darjeeling district of West Bengal
Nazarana .. A levy made by an overlord
generally as a courtesy tribute
Nisan .. A country drum forming a part of
the five cardinal musical
instruments of Western Odisha
played with zest and vigour with
leather straps
Nuakhai .. An important agrarian family
festival when the first grains of
paddy are offered to the clan deity
with solemnity praying for better
harvest
Nullah (Nalla) .. Small stream or channel
371
Ojha A traditional faith healer
Paikas .. The warring class/militia retained
by the feudal chiefs
Pakhal .. Boiled rice soaked in cold water
Pala .. A folk song and dance
performance in praise of Satya
Peera, a confluence of
Vaishnavites and Islamic tradition
Pana Sankranti .. Solar new month in early summer
when the sun moves towards the
northern hemisphere
Panchāyat .. A body of local self-Government at
village level
Pathasala .. A village school
Patwari/Patuari .. A village revenue officer who
collects land revenue and
maintains village records
paunji/ panjhal/payal .. Pair of ankle bells of silver worn by
maidens
Pragyan School .. A school for classical Sanskrit
learning
Prajapati .. The deity who sanctifies Hindu
marriages.
Prayag .. The point of confluence of the
rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the
invisible Saraswati at Allahabad
considered sacred by Hindus.
Punjabi .. A long full sleeve loose upper
garment for male mostly worn by
Bengalis
Push Puni .. A festival of marry making after
harvest on the full moon day of the
month of Pausa (December-
January)
Qabar .. A grave
Qazi .. An Islamic priest who generally
performs marriage rituals
Rabi .. A crop season (autumn-spring)
Rahas Jatra .. A community festivity depicting the
Radha Krishna love lore
372
Rakhi Purnima .. A sacred wrist-band tying family
festival symbolizing love between
brothers and sisters
Ramaleela .. Theatrical enactment of tales from
the Ramayana in folk format
Rasad .. Obligatory supply of provisions
from people during a Raja’s or his
officers’ tours.
Rasharkeli .. A folk song with allegorical
reference to daily drudgery of life
and living
Ratha Yatra .. Annual car festival of Lord
Jagannath and His siblings
Rayat (Raiyat, Ryot) .. A tenant
Resham .. Silk fibre derived from cocoon
Sadabrata .. A kind of endowment for feeding
pilgrims, monks, way-farers, etc.
Sadhu .. A sage
Sahukar .. A merchant
Sajani .. A folk song narrating tales of
separation of lovers sung by
maidens
Sambar Jwar Influenza in local parlance
Sanad .. A treaty or agreement, a royal
charter
Sarai .. A rest house
Sasan .. Brahmin settlements in a village
received as rent-free grants from
kings
Sebundi .. Native militia
Sena .. Baskets used to lift water for
irrigation
Sera .. An unit of weight a little short of a
kilogram
Shikar Hunting of wild game
Shradha .. An annual obituary ritual in
remembrance of the past family
elders
Shri Ganesh Mela .. A festivity celebrated with much
funfair during the community
worship of Lord Ganesh
373
Siddha .. A learned sage and teacher of the
Hindu or Buddhist faith
Sravana .. An Indian month corresponding to
July-August
Stambha .. A pillar
Sudra .. One of the four castes as
propounded by Manu, viz.,
Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and
Sudra. Sudra represents the caste
at the lowest rung of the caste
pyramid.
Taad .. A tight fitting ankle ornament
Taccavi loans .. A loan given as a relief measure
for carrying on agricultural
operations.
Tahsil .. A unit of land revenue
administration
Takoli .. A tribute
Tasa,
Tenda .. A manually operated wooden
water lift
Than .. A lineal measurement of cloth
Ticca .. A vermilion or sandal paste mark
on forehead generally worn by
Brahmins, priests and Hindu
devotees
Tol .. A school for teaching of Sanskrit
Topa A canon of antiquity using
gunpowder and flint for charging
Topi .. A cap made of hand woven fabric,
the most famous being Gandhi
Topi popularised by Mahatma
Gandhi which became a hallmark
of the Congress workers.
Tusser .. Cocoon-silk
Udhulia .. Elopement by consent of both the
bride and the groom
Ulgulan .. A revolt, an uprising or a rebellion
which specifically refers to one led
by Surendrea Sai in Sambalpur
374
Upanayana .. Sacred thread-wearing ceremony
of Brahmin male adolescents and
some other upper castes
Vaisya .. The trading caste astute in trade,
commerce and money matters
Vihara .. A Buddhist monastery
Vimana .. The sacred seat of a deity in the
sanctum sanctorum
Zamindar .. A land-lord owner of an estate
Zanaja .. A funeral procession
375
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In preparing this Gazetteer the district administration formed a committee to aid, advice and compile material collected from various sources. The committee had the following persons as members. The Editors sincerely express their gratitude and acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the members of the committee in giving this volume a presentable shape with meaningful content.
1. Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Deogarh 2. Sri Bishwajit Biswal, OAS(S), Additional District Magistrate, Deogarh 3. Sri Abhiram Kerketta, OAS(S), Project Director, DRDA, Deogarh 4. Sri Bhakta Charan Pradhan, OAS-I(SB), Sub-Collector, Deogarh 5. Smt.Pratibha Dora, OAS-I(JB), Deputy Collector, Collectorate, Deogarh 6. Sri Ranjit Kumar Samantray, SDVO, Deogarh 7. Sri Bijay Kumar Mishra, DI & PRO, Deogarh 8. Sri Lalit Mohan Panda, Senior Lecturer in English, Deogarh 9. Sri Dillip Kumar Guru, Member, District Council of Culture 10. Sri Niranjan Dwibedy, Senior Citizen 11. Sri Bipin Bihari Dwibedy, Senior Citizen 12. Sri Jaga Mohan Mishra, Senior Citizen 13. Sri Hemanta Mohapatra, Senior Citizen 14. Sri Arjun Mohan Sahu, Senior Citizen
The editors also acknowledge the contribution made by the following persons as members of the drafting committee of various chapters of this Gazetteer in addition to officers and employees of other departments who provided vital input for the chapters.
Ajay Kumar Behera Arjun Mohan Sahoo Atulya Kumar Pujari Bidyadhar Pradhan Chittaranjan Dash Deepak Kumar Mohanty, Dillip Kumar Guru Dr.Bharat Bhusan Nanda Dr.Bilasini Dwibedy Dr.Jhasaketan Sahu
Dr.Santosh Kumar Debta
Dukhabandhu Sahu
Hemanta Kumar Mohapatra
Jogesh Chandra Dalbehera
Kumuda Chandra Satpathy
Lalit Mohan Panda
Lalit Mohan Pradhan Manoj Kumar Padhee ManojKumar Padhee
Nentrananda Samal
Niranjan Dwibedy
376
INDEX
A
Administrator, 34, 41, 193
Adult education, 322
Agaria, 74, 78
Airstrips and Aerodrome, xii, 168,
170
Aksharshila, 341
Ambkatta, 287
Angul, iv, xi, 2, 24, 25, 26, 35, 49, 89, 92,
161, 166, 167, 211, 242, 288, 315,
316, 317
Anla, 12, 52, 79, 87, 88, 363
Archaeologists, 14
Arjun, 11, 19, 52, 327, 328, 375
Art and Craft School, 286
Artificial Insemination, 126, 128
Ayodhya, 1
B
Babul, 12
Badabandi Bethi, 30
Bahada, 11, 51, 52, 55
Balai Banerjee, 326
Bamanda, viii, ix, xi, xiv, 1, 2, 3, 4, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,
34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46,
49, 71, 86, 89, 90, 139, 150, 154, 155,
157, 159, 160, 161, 166, 168, 170,
171, 174, 176, 215, 226,꾐227, 228,
229, 232, 245, 246, 276, 277, 291,
292, 294, 295, 297, 309, 313, 314,
315, 321, 324, 326, 329, 330, 331,
332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 340, 341,
342, 347, 348, 349, 350, 353, 358,
361, 362
Bamanda., 1, 15, 17, 18, 26, 28, 30, 33,
34, 38, 39, 41, 43, 157, 215, 229, 277,
295, 326, 342, 347, 348, 349, 350
Bamboo, 51, 55, 70, 206
bamboos, 11, 70
Bamra, viii, ix, 1, 13, 27, 30, 71, 153, 154,
160, 161, 163, 166, 167, 168, 170,
171, 174, 215, 218, 219, 228, 245,
295, 296, 319, 341
Banaraja Dual Purpose Poultry
Bird, 132
Bandhan, 11, 87, 217, 333, 366
Baniakilinda, 128, 148, 239, 250, 269
Barking Deer, 61
Barkote, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 30, 45, 49,
71, 77, 85, 88, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 105,
106, 107, 108, 122, 123, 128, 136,
145, 147, 148, 151, 161, 165, 169,
172, 174, 180, 191, 210, 216, 219,
225, 227, 232, 235, 236, 238, 240,
242, 243, 250, 255, 256, 257, 258,
259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 282, 284,
287, 290, 295, 296, 299, 300, 301,
303, 304, 307, 308, 311, 318, 319,
322, 326, 334, 336, 337, 341, 351,
354, 356, 357
Basant Nivas, 155, 338, 345, 346
Basudeb Sudhal Deb, 45, 278, 297,
330, 331, 332
Bat, 61, 64
Bears, 59
Betra, 3
Bhagirathi Rath, 332
Bhogamandapa, 44, 364
Bhubanananda Das, 33
Bhulia, 3, 364
Bhuyan, 3, 10, 18, 32, 41, 71, 75, 82, 86,
191, 215, 313, 328
Bhuyans, 41, 49, 79, 82, 85, 86, 191,
295, 313, 364
Bijasal, 11
Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana, xiii, xvi, 181
Black Soil, 93
Brahmin, 3, 32, 66, 76, 363, 372, 374
Brajabandhu Mishra, 321, 326, 332
377
C
Captain Wilkinson, 26, 28
Cattle/Buffalo, 127
Census, 2, 3, 58, 63, 72, 73, 74, 202,
203, 246, 252, 281, 361
Chamaeleo, 68
Chamaeleonidae, 68
Chamar, 3
Champakeswar Temple, 87, 344
chara, 12
Chasa, 3, 32, 40, 78, 83, 89, 364, 369
Chilli trips, 110
Chintamani Mishra Sharma, 332
Christians, 77, 79, 80, 82, 83, 87
Civet Cat, 60
Cocoon Silk, 78
Commercial Bank, xii, 141, 145
Copper, 5
cremation, 80, 275, 369
Crop diversification, 98
Crop Insurance, xii, 145, 146
D
Damghurudu, 12
Damodar, 4, 277, 337
Darua, 11
Dasarathi Mishra, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38
Dayananda Satpathy, 33, 35, 36, 39, 46
Degabad, 78, 314
Deogarh, i, vi, vii, viii, ix, xi, xii, xiii, xiv, 1,
2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16,
18, 19, 21, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39,
41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,
54, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 68, 69, 70, 71,
72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81,
83, 85,꾐86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94,
95, 98, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106,
107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113,
114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122,
123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129,
131, 132, 133, 139, 140, 141, 144,
145, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 153,
154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160,
161, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168,
169, 170, 171, 172, 174, 175, 176,
177, 178, 182, 185, 188, 189, 191,
193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199,
201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 208, 209,
210, 211, 212, 214, 215, 216, 218,
219, 221, 222, 225, 226, 227, 228,
229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235,
236, 237, 238, 239, 242, 243, 244,
245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 256,
275, 276, 277, 278, 283, 284, 285,
286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292,
293, 294, 295, 296, 298, 299, 300,
301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307,
308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314,
315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321,
322, 323, 324, 326, 327, 328, 329,
330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336,
337, 338, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344,
345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351,
352, 353, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361,
369, 375
Deojharan, 241, 340
Dhatukapali, 151
Dhoba, 3, 75, 326
Dhoti, 77, 365
Dimirikuda, 128, 239, 250, 270
dove, 13, 63
Drought Amelioration Measures
and Contingent Plans, 137
Drought Prevention Measure, 137
Dumal, 3
Dushehara, 329
E
ecology, ix, 2
Economics, 146, 197, 198, 200, 201,
204, 289
Emergency Section, 213
Employment Potential, 209
Ethno-Medicine, xiv, 294
378
F
Ferry System, xii, 168, 169
Finance Commission Award, xiii,
xvii, 187
Fire accident, 70
Fisheries, xii, xv, 133, 134, 135, 143,
207, 356
Fishing Cat, 60
Forest Roads, 164
G
G.N. Mathur, 49
Gadajats, 24, 276
Gajapati Raja Ramachandra Deb IV,
19
Gambhari, 11, 51, 52, 55
Gamuchha, 77, 366
Ganatantra Parishad, 42, 315, 316
Ganda, 3, 233, 278
Gandharba Vivaha, 84
Gangas, xi, 18, 19, 24, 41, 44
Ganiari, 11
Ghasia, 3
Ghodasaal, 125, 366
Ghurudu, 12, 52
Giri Gobardhan Temple, 87, 345
goats, 59, 127, 129, 216, 356
Gohira Dam, 9, 89, 120, 158, 172, 173,
350, 351, 357
Gohira Medium Irrigation, xii, 120
Gokarneswar Temple, 87, 344
Gomitras, 125, 366
Gond, 3, 75, 83
Gopabandhu Das, 33
Gopikishore Temple, 87, 344
Goud, 3
Govindpur, 1, 30, 38, 168, 232
Gram Panchayat, xiii, xvii, 100, 145,
146, 147, 148, 161, 163, 164, 178,
239, 248, 249, 251, 252, 253, 254,
256, 274
Gram Panchayat and Village
Roads, 163
Green gram cultivation, 117
Ground Nut, 98, 109, 122
Gundicha Temple, 342
Guru Talim Kendra, 278, 285
Gurudukhaman, 153
H
Haka Bethi, 31
Hare, 59, 65
Harrida, 11
Hati Kheda Bethi, 31
Hatisaal, 125, 367
heron, 13, 63, 66
Hindi, 74, 281, 335
hornbill, 63, 65
horticulture, 78, 103, 107, 196
Hyena, 60
I
iguana, 64
Indira Awas Yojana, xvii, 179
Integrated Farming Systems, xii, xvii,
136
Internet Service, 176
J
Jackal, 60, 64
Jagannath, 17, 18, 33, 44, 85, 86, 87,
88, 150, 153, 237, 289, 321, 332, 333,
336, 337, 341, 342, 348, 364, 372
Jagarana, 319, 327, 334
Jambu, 11, 12
Janani Shishu Suraksha
Karyakram, xiv, xvii, 302
Jhadeswar Temple, 85, 87, 88, 342,
343, 357
Jharagogua, 127, 239, 243, 250, 271
Jharsuguda, 16, 26, 36, 161, 168, 170,
211, 338
Judicial Section, 213
379
jungle fowl, 63
jurisprudence, 226, 290
K
Kaidanta, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 49, 105, 239
Kailash Palace, 340, 341
Kaitha, 12
Kalicharan Dwibedy, 277, 331, 332
Kandh, 3, 71, 313
Kantabahal, 68, 127, 173, 241, 250, 264
Kantapali, 105, 172, 239, 250, 260
Karan, 3
Karana, 89, 368
Karanja, 12, 52
Kendriya Vidyalaya, 291
Kendu, 10, 11, 51, 52, 55, 147, 190, 207,
217
kerosene, 81, 115, 159
Khadia, 3, 32, 77, 83, 89, 292
Khara Bethi, 30
Kharif, 93, 95, 98, 99, 100, 101, 103, 110,
111, 115, 119, 120, 121, 122, 136,
137, 138, 145, 355
Kharkhasa, 11
King Ratan Singh, 25
King Satchidanada, 153, 154
Kisan, 3, 32, 75, 83
Kolh, 3
Kondhas, 49
Korda, 11
Kosta, 3
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, xii, 102, 107,
108, 112, 116
Kuchinda, 1, 2, 14, 18, 19, 30, 33, 36, 37,
38, 39, 42, 43, 123, 124, 139, 144,
160, 163, 167, 168, 174, 215, 216,
217, 218, 219, 227, 232, 295, 313,
314, 332, 336, 337
Kuda, 3
Kuli, 3
Kumbhar, 3, 51
Kurmi, 3
Kurta, 77, 369
Kurudkote Waterfall, 339
Kusum, 11, 52, 217, 356
L
Labour Force Participation Rate, 202,
204
Land Acquisition Section, 213
Leopards, 59
Limba, 12
Litchi, 104, 105, 106, 107, 114
Livelihood, xiii, xviii, 69, 178, 196
lizard, 64, 67, 82
Luhura, 3
M
Maa Gayatri Temple, 87, 345
Madrasa, xiv, 290
Magisterial functions, 215
Mahar, 3
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme,
xiii, xvii, 134, 177, 208
Mahul, 10, 12, 217
Major District Roads, xii, xvii, 161,
163
Makara Sankranti, 87
Mali, 3
Mango, 12, 104, 105, 106, 107
Margasira, 82, 86
Mathagumpha’, 16
melon fruit fly, 111
Missionary School, xiv, 290
Mobile Veterinary Unit, xviii, 129
Monkey, 60, 62
Mr. U.N.Dutta-Gupta, 324
Munda, 3, 32, 71, 74, 75, 77, 83, 86, 89,
292
Municipality Roads, 164
Muslims, 77, 80, 82, 83, 87
Mutation, 225
mynah, 63
380
N
National Agriculture Insurance
Scheme, 145
National Highway, xviii, 2, 16, 90, 155,
161, 163, 168
National Rural Livelihood Mission,
xiii, xviii, 178
nightingale, 63
Nilakantha Das, 33
Nilamani Mohapatra, 33
Nirakara Brahma, 76
Nuapada, 163, 287, 289
O
Odia, xi, 1, 24, 33, 64, 65, 66, 67, 74, 77,
80, 85, 170, 175, 217, 254, 276, 289,
324, 327, 330, 331, 332, 333, 335,
336, 337, 342, 361, 362
Oilseeds, 95, 96, 97, 98, 109
Onion, 93, 104, 108, 114, 119, 208, 209
Oram, 32, 71, 74, 75, 77, 83, 86, 89
Ornamental Fish Farming, 136
Other District Roads, 163
Otter, 61, 65
Oyster Mushroom Cultivation, 108
P
Paddy, xii, 86, 94, 97, 98, 99, 101, 107,
108, 109, 112, 146, 147, 148, 208, 209
Paddy Straw Mushroom
Cultivation, 107
palanquins, 159
Palasa, 11, 51, 55
Palimalokili, 16
Pallahara, 14, 24, 43, 49, 59, 229
Palli Sabhas, xiii, 253
Panash, 12
Panchayat Samities, xiii, 248, 249,
250, 251
Pangolin, 61, 62, 64
Panka, 3
parrot, 13, 63
Paudi Hill, 5, 7, 10
Pigeon Mail Service, xii, 174
Pipal, 12
Pluses, 109
Postal Service, 170, 171
Potato, 98, 104, 110, 208, 209
poultry, 114, 125, 126, 127, 128, 132,
133, 136
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, xii,
143
Pradhanpat, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 44, 45,
49, 51, 59, 60, 68, 85, 86, 87, 88, 90,
155, 293, 309, 310, 320, 324, 329,
336, 337, 338, 352, 357
Pradhanpat Reserve Forest, 49
Prayag, 80, 371
Project Director, DRDA, 193, 211, 375
Punjabi, 77, 371
R
Radio and Television, xvi, 175
Raj Narayan Deb, 18
Raja Balunkabrusabha Deb, 19
Raja Basudeb Sudhal Deb, 150, 227,
236, 245, 297, 309, 329, 337
Raja Bhagirath Deb, 19
Raja Bhanuganga Tribhuban Deb, 19,
20, 170, 227
Raja Bikram Deb, 19
Raja Braja Sundar Deb, 19, 21, 25, 26,
27, 28, 44, 227, 228, 344, 345
Raja Chandra Sekhar, 19
Raja Dibyashankar Sudhal Deb, 19,
227
Raja Haru Deb, 19
Raja Khageshwar Deb, 19
Raja Late Braja Sundar Tribhuban
Deb, 74
Raja Pratap Deb, 19
Raja Ram Chandra Deb, 19
Raja Rudranarayan Deb, 3
381
Raja Satchidanada Tribhubhan Deb,
313
Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb,
19, 32, 72, 159, 166, 309, 335, 337,
338, 340, 345, 346, 348, 349, 350, 351
Raja Sidasar Deb, 19
Rajput, 3, 4
Rambhadebi, 6, 10, 15, 16, 45, 51, 60,
76, 85, 86, 88, 246, 343, 351, 352
Rambhei, 105, 106, 149, 151, 153, 239,
250, 262, 337
Rani Mohan Kumari, 25
Rani Ratan Kumari, 22
Ratnakara Sharma, 332
Reamal, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 35, 68, 71, 76,
88, 91, 93, 94, 96, 105, 106, 108, 120,
122, 123, 127, 145, 146, 147, 154,
163, 165, 167, 169, 172, 173, 190,
210, 219, 225, 236, 244, 250, 255,
256, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268,
269, 282, 283, 284, 285, 287, 289,
299,꾐301, 304, 307, 308, 334, 336,
340, 351
Red Soil, 92, 93
Revenue Divisional Commissioner,
xviii, 211
Revenue Section, 213
Rudranarayan Deb, 19, 327
Rural Sanitation Programmeme, 312
S
Sadak Bethi, 30
Sadri, 74
Sahaj, 11, 53
Salai, 12
Sambalpur, iv, vi, viii, xiv, 1, 2, 13, 14,
18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 32, 33,
34, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 86, 89, 102,
120, 121, 122, 123, 139, 140, 141,
150, 159, 160, 161, 163, 165, 166,
167, 169, 170, 174, 175, 196, 210,
211, 217, 219, 227, 229, 232, 237,
242, 243, 244, 277, 288, 292, 297,
298, 299, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317,
318, 319, 321, 328, 331, 332, 333,
335, 336, 337, 338, 361, 362, 373
Sambalpuri, 74, 77, 85, 328
Sambar, 60
Sandy Loam Soil, 93
Sandy Soil, 93
Sankirtan Mandali, 82
Saraju Deb, 18, 19, 314
Sarangadhar Das, 35, 38, 39
Sarees, 78
Sashi Bhusan Deb, 78
Satchidananda Deb, 331
Satchidananda Library, 337, 350
Self Help Groups, xiii, 84, 107, 177,
179
Sh. Bairagi Dwibedy, 315
Shamanism, xiv, 294
Sheep/Goats, 127
Shikari Bethi, 31
siharu, 11
Sindura hill, 4
Sir Basudeb Sudhal, 4, 19, 20, 44, 74,
78, 139, 153, 157, 159, 170, 226, 245,
276, 277, 278, 279, 295, 311, 326,
330, 331, 332, 334, 335, 343, 347, 349
Sir Basudeb Sudhal Deb, 4, 19, 20, 44,
74, 78, 139, 153, 159, 170, 226, 245,
276, 277, 278, 279, 295, 311, 326,
330, 331, 332, 334, 335, 343, 347, 349
snakes, 64
sparrow, 63
Spotted Deer, 59
Squareuirrel, 61
Sri Jagannath Temple, 87, 341
Sri Ram Gopalji Temple, 343
State Bank of India, 141
State Highway, xii, xix, 163
Statistics, 187, 197, 198, 200, 201, 204
Sudarsan Mishra, Nyayaratna, 332
Sugarcane, 95, 96, 97, 109
Sunari, 11, 51, 55
Surguja, 5
Survey & Settlement, 218
382
Swatantra Party, 42, 315, 316
T
Talkundi, 127, 239, 240, 241, 250, 273
teak, 11
Teleibani, 3
Telephone, xii, 173, 174
Teli, 3
Tentuli, 12
Three- Tier Panchayati Raj, 249
Tileibani, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 39, 71, 77,
91, 93, 94, 95, 105, 106, 108, 111,
120, 122, 123, 124, 127, 147, 148,
161, 167, 173, 190, 193, 195, 233,
239, 243, 250, 255, 256, 269, 270,
271, 272, 273, 282, 285, 290, 299,
301, 303, 304, 307, 308, 353
Tomato, 104, 108, 114, 118
tortoise, 64, 67
Trouser, 77
U
Urdu School, xiv, 289
Ushakothi Sanctuary, 10, 13
V
Vaccination, 128
Van Sanrakhyan Samitis, 69
Vikramkhol, 16
Vocational Training, 286, 287
W
Water, xv, xix, 63, 65, 66, 67, 90, 101,
104, 112, 113, 114, 120, 121, 122,
124, 143, 184, 186, 190, 192, 197,
201, 236, 243, 246, 274, 275, 310,
311, 318, 357
Watermelon, 106, 111, 118
Watershed Management, 124
Waterways, xii, 168, 169
Wheat, 98, 99, 110, 208, 209
Wild Boar, 61, 62
Wireless, xii, 175
Y
Yuan Chwang, 14
Yudha Panchamagana’, 34
Z
Zilla Parishad, xiii, xix, 185, 193, 211,
248, 249, 250, 254, 256