Nabarangpur,July 27 UDN}:An organisational meeting of all Scheduled Caste and Tribal servitors of Kosagumuda Block was held at B.M. Semla Panchayat under Kosagumuda Block in Nabarangpur district.
Dr. Kailash Chandra Behera, Chief Adviser of the Podagad Servitors Charitable Trust, attended the meeting. During the meeting, a Block-level association committee was formed by consensus.
Duryodhan Sira was elected as the President, Sanu Sira as the Secretary, and Padlam Dishari as the Treasurer. Other members of the committee include Ananta Bhatra, Babula Majhi, Makarand Mali, Ravi Bhatra, Raghu Gauda, Lakhi Narayan Gauda, Ballabh Mali, Jagannath Pujari, Mahendra Jani, Banamali Pujari, Jayadev Sira, Gadadhar Sira, Sridhar Sira, Krupa Mali Sira, Baliram Pujari, Pananku Ganda, Jayadev Bishoi and Bidya Sira.
The meeting discussed various issues concerning traditional worship practices, rituals and customs. Scheduled Caste and Tribal priests, Siras, Gunians, Vaidyakaras, Bajaniyas, Mahurias, Gandas and Chalan representatives attended the gathering.
It was decided that a memorandum would be submitted to the Minister of Tribal Development drawing attention to the issues and demands of the community. The participants pointed out that servitors in neighbouring Chhattisgarh are provided with allowances, whereas Tribal servitors in Odisha are reportedly not receiving similar financial assistance. In view of this, the meeting resolved to submit a representation to the Odisha Government seeking appropriate action and support.
The gathering also decided to approach the Tribal Development Council and request necessary steps for the protection and preservation of traditional customs and cultural practices in the coming days.
More than a hundred servitors attended the meeting. It was further decided that a district-level committee would be formed in the future to strengthen the organisation and intensify efforts to press for the demands of the Scheduled Caste and Tribal servitors.
