Empowering Tribes, Enriching Lives: OTELP Plus in Action

In the serene landscapes of Odisha, the Odisha Tribal Empowerment & Livelihood Programme Plus (OTELP Plus) stands as a testament to the power of transformative development. SEWAK, at the forefront of this initiative, is reshaping the lives of tribal communities in Kuchinda, Champua, Joda, and Bamra, touching 4200 Scheduled Tribe (ST) households across 39 villages.

Project Scope and Focus

Geographical Reach: OTELP Plus spans 2 Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) areas, covering 2 blocks and 39 villages, symbolizing a broad and inclusive approach.

Core Areas: The project zeroes in on micro-enterprises, vegetable cultivation, and livestock, targeting the most crucial aspects of tribal livelihoods.

Objectives: Building a Sustainable Future

• Capacity Building: At its core, OTELP Plus is about empowering the marginalized tribal groups, enhancing their skills and capabilities.
• Resource Access: Enhancing access to natural resources and increasing its productivity is pivotal, ensuring that tribal communities can thrive in their native lands.
• Off-Farm Enterprise Promotion: Encouraging and facilitating off-farm enterprises opens new avenues for economic growth and diversification.
• Basic Entitlements: Ensuring the basic entitlements of tribal households, OTELP Plus strives to uplift the most vulnerable sections of society.

Major Achievements: A Testament to Resilience

• Land Transformation: 87 hectares of barren land have been turned into productive areas with cashew and mango plantations.
• Soil Conservation: 130 hectares have seen the implementation of staggered trenches and land development, combating soil erosion and enhancing land fertility.
• Employment Generation: A staggering 79,756 man-days of employment have been created, infusing Rs. 17,546,320 into the local economy.
• Economic Empowerment: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been trained in diverse enterprises, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship.
• Support to Vulnerable Households: Aid provided to ST households for setting up small businesses marks a significant step towards self-reliance.
• Agricultural Productivity: Under the “Mo Badi Phala Bagicha” initiative, 250 farmers received high-quality seeds and fertilizers, boosting agricultural yield.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Vision

• Extensive Reach: Covering 2 ITDAs, 2 blocks, and 39 villages, OTELP Plus continues to expand its influence.
• MGNREGA Integration: With 79,834 person-days generated under MGNREGA, the project integrates well with national employment schemes.
• Village-Level Planning: 38 Village Level Development Plans have been formulated, focusing on holistic development.
• Watershed Development: Watershed structures across 2800 acres are enhancing the agricultural potential of the region.
• Continued Focus: The emphasis on micro-enterprises, vegetable cultivation, and livestock remains strong, driving forward the economic engine of tribal communities.

Join Us on This Journey

As SEWAK continues to spearhead the OTELP Plus, we invite you to join us in this journey of empowerment and transformation. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who form the cultural backbone of our state.