ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Between Law and Reality: Examining Tribal Self-Governance in Rayagada and Koraput Districts of Odisha

Abstract In 2036, Odisha will complete one hundred years as a linguistic state. As we look toward this milestone and dream of a developed Odisha, it is important to ask, whose voices define development, and who actually benefits from it? At the same time, questions of indigenous autonomy, inclusion and justice became significant. This paper examines tribal self-governance in the districts of Rayagada and Koraput, where strong constitutional safeguards such as the Fifth Schedule, PESA (1996), and the Forest Rights Act (2006) exist in principle; however, their implementation often reveals a gap between law and reality. Through case studies of Niyamgiri, Narayanpatna, and Sijhimali, the paper highlights the limitations of processes such as consent, participation, and rights recognition in practice. Simultaneously, it shows that tribal communities still seek their autonomy by relying on the traditional institutions, collective mobilisation and on the support of the civil society. The study argues that a connection between legal provisions and realities has to be bridged to realize meaningful and inclusive development. It recommends that the tribal communities are not to be seen as an obstacle, but as an active participant whose rights, knowledge, practices, and voices must be central to Odisha’s development trajectory. Keywords: (Tribal self-Governance, PESA, Fifth Schedule, Niyamgiri, Narayanpatna, Sijhimali, Gram Sabha, Odisha 2036)