Recently, labour cooperatives among tribal communities in Odisha were in the news.
The tribes include the Dongria Kondh, Juanga, Lanjia Saura, Saura, Didayi, Paudi Bhuyan and Kandh.
These cooperatives ensure all families of the community have food and no fields remain barren. The feeling of collective belongingness is also strengthened.
Important value additions
Dongria Kondh
They derive their name from dongar, meaning ‘hill’.
They are the members of Khond Tribe.
They are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.
They reside in the Niyamgiri hill range of Odisha.
Language: Kui language (Oral only, not written)
They worship Niyam Raja, the god of the Niyamgiri Forests.
They sustain themselves from the resources of the Niyamgiri forests, practising horticulture and shifting cultivation
They are currently facing displacement and health problems due to the Bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri hills.
