Centre for Tribal Studies

The Centre of Tribal Studies at National Law University Odisha has been established to conduct both qualitative and quantitative, action-oriented, and policy research on issues related to tribal welfare. The Centre aims to facilitate high-quality research and analysis on tribal affairs, encompassing its legal, social, economic, and cultural dimensions, with the goal of providing sustainable solutions to broader social, political, and economic issues affecting tribal communities. Additionally, the Centre seeks to develop efficient information and documentation services related to tribal issues both in India and abroad, and to disseminate information and raise awareness. It has organized multiple workshops and seminars to increase awareness of the challenges faced by tribal communities and to foster communication between technical experts and community leaders working in this field.

VISION AND MISSION

Vision

The NLUO Centre for Tribal Studies firmly believes that tribal peoples are entitled to fully enjoy their individual and collective rights as outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This entitlement is based on their own customs, distinct cultural identities, and lived experiences. We envision a space where trained law students can actively contribute through independent and unbiased research, case analysis, policy paper drafting, and other roles. These activities are undertaken with the sole purpose of ensuring the preservation of constitutional guarantees for tribal peoples in India and upholding these rights within the broader international community.

Activities / Events / Research Activities

Awareness camp on July 27 and Aug 10, 2024: The NLUO Centre for Tribal Studies (CTS) organized awareness camps and data collection visits at Valmiki Nagar and Babatilka Nagar, CDA Sector 13, Cuttack (Kutumb Village). The primary goals were to evaluate the effectiveness of pre- and post-matric scholarship schemes and to raise awareness about them. The visit focused on three key schemes:
1. Union Government’s Pre-Matric Scholarship: Provides up to ₹5,000 for day scholars and hostellers in classes 9 and 10 to support their education.
2. Odisha Government’s Post-Matric Scholarship under Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chatra Protsahan Yojna: Supports ST and SC students pursuing higher education, available to both day scholars and hostellers.
3. Biju Yuba Sashaktikaran Yojana (LAPTOP DBT)/Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students: A centrally sponsored scheme for students in classes IX and X.
Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas, 15th November, 2023: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (TRI & Media Division), Government of India, designated November 15 as Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas to honor the birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter Birsa Munda. Under this initiative, the Centre for Tribal Studies organized a ‘Writing and Infographic Presentation Competition’ featuring short articles (up to 1,000 words) and infographics (10 slides). The competition focused on the role of tribal freedom fighters and their contributions to Indian Independence while preserving tribal culture. The sub-themes for submissions included:
1. The role of tribal freedom fighters during Indian Independence;
2. Tribal movements in the Freedom Struggle;
3. Contributions of tribal communities to national history and culture;
4. The role of tribal communities in preserving cultural heritage and national pride.
Kutumb adopted Village Visit on 2nd April 2023: The Centre for Tribal Studies, NLUO visited Munda Sahi village situated at Sector 13, CDA, Cuttack on 2nd April 2023. Munda Sahi is an adopted village under the University’s Kutumb initiative. The majority of the population of the village consists of various tribal groups (both Scheduled Tribes and Tribes). Around 50 residents (women and children) took part in the activities at the village community hall. The activities conducted during the visit were Cleanliness Drive, Awareness on Tribal Rights, Informal interviews with the residents by the Centre. Faculties Dr. Suvashree Panda and Mr. Kumarjeeb Pegu along with students Charmi Sudeepthi, Mitali Rawat, Stuti Horo, Sasretha, Tudu Jesy, Tanistha Mangaraj conducted the programme
MoU signed with Centre for Adivasi Research and Development (CARD) on 30th January, 2022 : Collaboration with CARD will be enhancing the research values of the centre and will be helpful for arranging seminars/webinars with much more success, The centre for Tribal studies plans to establish a Chair Tribal studies, Conduct field visits for research orientation along with the help of district administration in tribal dominated areas.. To prepare research paper on the field trips including the suggestion for development, conducting Webinars, Credit Course/Diploma Course, Legal Awareness Camps in remote areas.
WEBINAR on 23rd of May 2021: The Centre successfully conducted a webinar on ‘Impact on Tribal Tradition and Livelihood Post the Emergence of Naxalism’ with Dr. Kapila Khemundu, Assistant Professor & HOD (I/C), Department of Sociology, Central University of Odisha, Koraput and Dr. Debendra Kumar Biswal, Assistant Professor, Department of Contemporary & Tribal Customary Law, Central University of Jharkhand on 23rd of May, 2021.
The Centre released an Edited Book on ‘Tribal Justice’ which was published by Eastern Book Company on 23rd of October 2020
Webinar on 23rd of October 2020 : The Centre successfully conducted a webinar on ‘Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on tribal communities’ with Dr Jagannath Ambagudia, Dean, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, TISS Guwahati & Mr. Sandeep Kumar Pattnaik, from the Center for Public Policy Alternatives (CPPA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 23rd of October 2020.

Journals / Blogs

Publication as part of Blog series on Jan 3, 2024
Market Mechanism for the Tribal Development authored by Barsha. The author has made an effort to study the genesis of the market mechanism, the evolution and the implication of the mechanism for the overall growth and development of tribal communities. While she has moved from appreciating the historical context to the contemporary issues relating to the market mechanism, it is noted that the market mechanism has boosted the promotion and production of Tribal Products.
Publication as part of Blog Series on 30th August 2023
“THE FOREST RIGHTS ACT,” penned by TANISTHA MANGARAJ. It delves into the Forest Rights Act, exploring the active role of tribal culture in preserving forests, and uncovering recent developments in this field.
Publication as part of Blog series on 21st July 2023
“REDD+ INDIGENOUS RIGHTS,” penned by Stuti Horo. The blog delves into the intersection of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and the fundamental rights of indigenous communities. Whilst noting the significance of acknowledging and safeguarding the rights of these communities

Advisory Board Members

Mr. C.R. Bijoy (Renowned Independent Researcher for Tribal and Indigenous Rights)

Prolific Writer since 1984. Worked with several governmental and non-governmental organisations and forums pertaining to forest and natural resources rights of indigenous tribal peoples in India.

Prof. Usha Ramanathan (Renown Law researcher and expert in THE AREAA OF Law and Poverty)

Dr. Usha Ramanathan is an internationally recognized expert on law and poverty. She is a research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies and teaches environmental, labor, and consumer law at the Indian Law Institute. Dr. Ramanathan is also a guest professor at various global universities and serves as an advisor to NGOs and international organizations, including Amnesty International’s Advisory Panel on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. She has provided expert insights on mental health for the World Health Organization. As the South Asia Editor of the Law, Environment and Development Journal (LEAD Journal), her research focuses on human rights, displacement, torts, and environmental issues. She has published extensively on topics such as the Bhopal gas disaster, the Narmada Valley dams, and slum evictions in Delhi.

Mr. Pranab Choudhary(Co-founder, Landstack)

Mr. Pranab Chaudhury is a development researcher and policy analyst specializing in Natural Resources Management and Livelihoods. His expertise includes Watershed Development, River Basin Management, Forestry, Agroforestry, and Climate Change. He collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders, including global think tanks, donors, NGOs, and government bodies. Chaudhury has a background in project management, capacity building, and policy research, with previous roles as a Plantation Manager and Scientist. His current focus is on Land Governance, and his specialties include Eco-Social Entrepreneurship, Environmental Appraisals, and Climate Change Studies.

Sl no	Name	Course
1.	Anmol Oraon	5^TH YEAR BBALLB
2.	Barsha	4^TH YEAR BALLB
3.	Rahul Ranjan	3^RD YEAR BBALLB
4.	Supriya Kumari	2^ND YEAR BA LAW
5.	Batchu Simhavalli Naga Satwika	2^ND YEAR BBALLB
6.	Harsh Lakra	2^ND YEAR BALLB
7.	Surbhi Lakra	2^ND YEAR BBALLB
8.	Mitali Rawat	4^TH YEAR BBALLB
9.	Priti Singh	4^TH YEAR BALLB
10.	Ananya Rout	3^RD YEAR BALLB

NLUO National Law University Odisha Accredited By NAAC

NLUO National Law University Odisha Accredited By NAAC

Centre for Tribal Studies