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

ii

iii

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,

v

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.

vi

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

vii

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

viii

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

ix

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

x

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

xi

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

xii

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

xiii

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

xiv

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

xv

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

xviii

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.

59

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.

60

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.

61

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.

62

Bear (Ursus thebetanus)

Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Monkey( Mocaca mulatata) Elephant (Elephas maximus)

Pangolin (Manis Javanica) Wild Boar (Sus Scarfa)

63

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

64

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

67

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.

71

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.

72

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.

73

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.

74

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%.

75

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

76

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.

77

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.

78

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

79

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.

80

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.

81

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.

82

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-

83

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

84

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

88

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

89

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.

91

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

92

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.

95

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

96

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

124

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

125

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.

126

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

127

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

128

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.

129

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

130

Binjhapuri cow Murrah Female Buffalo Jafarabadi Male

Indigenous Pig Black Bengal Goat

Vanaraja Backyard Poultry Khaki Cambel Duck

131

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.

132

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.

133

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.

134

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.

135

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

136

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

137

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.

138

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.

139

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

140

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

141

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.

146

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.

152

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.

157

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.

158

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.

159

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

160

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.

161

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.

162

163

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

164

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 .

165

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

166

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.

167

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

168

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

169

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

170

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.

171

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.

172

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

173

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

174

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

182

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

204

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

209

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.

210

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

217

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

219

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.

220

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

221

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,

222

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.

223

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.

225

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/-.

226

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.

228

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

229

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

231

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 -

232

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.

233

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

236

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,

237

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.

239

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).

240

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.

241

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.

242

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.

243

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.

244

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.

245

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

246

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

247

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

248

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.

249

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

250

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

251

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.

252

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

253

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

Sl. N

o.

Sl. N

o.

Nam

e o

f th

e

Blo

ck

Tota

l N

o. o

f

Word

s

S.C S.T. SEBC U.R.

Man

Wom

an

Tota

l

Man

Wom

an

Tota

l

Man

Wom

an

Tota

l

Man

Wom

an

Tota

l

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

Sl. N

o.

Nam

e o

f th

e B

lock

To

tal N

o.

of

G.P

s

S.C S.T. SEBC. U.R.

Ma

n

Wom

an

To

tal

Ma

n

Wom

an

To

tal

Ma

n

Wom

an

To

tal

Ma

n

Wom

an

To

tal

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

Sl. N

o.

Nam

e o

f th

e B

lock

To

tal N

o.

of G

.Ps/

PS

Constitu

ency S.C S.T. SEBC U.R.

Ma

n

Wom

an

To

tal

Ma

n

Wom

an

To

tal

Ma

n

Wom

an

To

tal

Ma

n

Wom

an

To

tal

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

269

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

292

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

293

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.

294

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

295

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

296

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.

297

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.

298

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

299

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-

300

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

301

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.

302

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

303

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

304

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.

305

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.

319

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:

320

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,

321

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 ]

322

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

323

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.

324

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.

325

326

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

327

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

328

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

329

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.

330

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

331

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

332

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.

333

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.

334

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

335

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.

336

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

337

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

338

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

339

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

340

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

341

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

342

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

343

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

344

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.

345

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.

346

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

347

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.

348

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

352

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

***

353

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

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Golden Book of India,’ a genealogical and biographical dictionary of the ruling princes, chiefs, nobles, and other personages, titled or decorated, of the Indian empire’ by Sir Lethbridge, Roper (1840-1919), published by Macmillan, London (1893).

The Sydney Morning Herald Friday, the 13th April, 1842 edition

‘Upahara’quarterly magazine April 1935, Publisher: Primary and Secondary School Tteachers’ Society of Bamada.

5th

Report of the Affair of East India company-1912 Abahana by Raja SatchidanandaTribhuban Deb,(1913) AHS- Key Highlights for Odisha- by Bishnupad Sethy, Odisha Review- Sep-2012

Annual Health Survey Bulletin-2012-13,The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, New Delhi-110011)

Arthashastra by Kautilya

Badakumar,Balabhadra Granthabali- 1932.

Balabhadra Granthabali, Odisha Sahitya Academy Bamanda Aitihasika Album by Sri Prafulla Kumar Mohapatra Bamandara Katha O Byatha by Pandit.Madhubhusan Guru, Ankita Printers, Deogarh.

Bamanda Revenue Rule(1983)

Basudeb Granthabali by Dr. PhanidraBhusan Nanda, PragatiUtkal Sangha Rourkela (2009.)

Behera, Nigamananda,‘Odia Kabyasahityaku Bamanda Rajabansara Dana’ research disertation,Sambalpur University,(1991)

Brahma, Ramachandra, BasudebSudhal Deb

Centenary Souvenir, R.B.D. High School,(1983)Deogarh Cobbden-Ramsay, L.E.B., ICS, Bengal Gazetteers:(Feudatory States of Odisha,(1910)

Cunningham. Sir Alexander, The Ancient Geography of India (1871)

Dash,Anirudhha, VeerSurendra Sai, (Bidyapuri, Cuttack)

Dash,Shiba Prasad, Sambalpur Itihash, 2nd

Edition, Odisha Sahitya Academy Publication Dwibedy. Niranjan, Bamanda Itihas Gangadeb. Raj Kishore, Ganga Bansha O Bamanda Rajbansa Gountia. Gunanidhi, Bamanda Praja Mandala Andolan

Hassan,Kumar, Sambalpurra Swadhinata Sangram

Health Status of the District of India, Ashis Bose and MithuAdhikary, Independent Commission on Development and Health in India, New Delhi-2008.

Indian Princely States (A-J)- By World Statesman.- World Statesman.org

Jalandhar Deb Rachanabali, Odisha Sahitya Academy (1977) Kara, Balakrushna, Bamanda Itihas

362

Khosla, K.R. His Imperial Majesty King George V and the Princes of India and the Indian Empire (1937) Lee-Warner Willim Sir, The Native States of India (1910) Letter from Edmonsture, Secretary to Government to Major General Wellesley (4

thMarch 1804)0

Madala Panji

Mallick, RamChandra, Sankshipta Koshala; Patana Itihas Manasingha, Mayadhara , A History of Odia Literature, Sahitya Akademy, New Delhi

(1962)

Mishra,Radhakanta, Surendra Sai

Mohapatra, Bipin Bihari, Bamanda Diary O Vramana Kahani

Mukharjee. P, History of Odisha in 19th

century, (1964) Nanda, Fanidra Bhuban, Basudeb Granthabali Nanda, Fanindra Bhusan, Sambalpur Hitaiseni-EkaAdhyayana Nanda, Fanindra Bhusan, Satchidananda Granthavali

Nanda,Fanindra Bhusan, Basudeb Granthavali, PragatiUtkal Sangha, Rourkela

(2003)

Odisha District Gazetteer: ‘Sambalpur’ by Shri NilamaniSenapati, Chief Editor, Shri BhabakrusnaMahanti, State Editor,(1971) ,Odisha Government press, Cuttack-3

Odishan Record,Vol-II Padhi, S.C. (Editor), The Native States of India, British relation with Chiefs and Raja’s of Odisha, Aitchison’ Narrative, (1986) Panda, Bidyarnna, Agni Pathara Pathika Panda, Deepak Kumar, Sambalpur Itihas Panda, Deepak Kumar, Veer Surendra Sai

Pliny, Natural History

Ramsay, L.E.B.Cobbden, Feudatory States of Bihar and Odisha, List of ruling chiefs and leading personages ,1924 Revenue Niyamavali- Bamanda State-1929. SachidanandaGranthabali

Sahu and Mishra, History of Odisha,

Sahu, Gorekh, Kosal Pradesh

Sahu, Jangya Kumar, Koshalananda Kabyam (Odia translation of the Sanskrit)

Sahu, Jangya Kumar, Odisha Itihas- Part-I and II

Selection from Nagpur Residency Records,Vol-I The Gazetteer of India, Odisha, Dhenkanal, 1972, Tripathy.Gobinda Chandra, Agnitirtha-Kolabirara Kranti Gatha

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