People of Orissa

The people of Orissa come from a diverse cultural and social background. The tribals that inhabit the hinterland of the state and form the bulk of the population coming from districts like Koraput, Rayagada, Sambalpur and Malkangiri among others. Endemic poverty, tribal populations confined to the remote interior districts and extremely poor infrastructure have hampered the development of the Oriyas. The tribal belt is rich in mineral resources but the benefits rarely reach them; illiteracy, unemployment and exploitation by local landlords and merchants are rife. The majority of the rural population ekes out a subsistence living from agriculture. While urban dwellers have access to medical care and education, those in the interior of the states are bereft of any such basic amenities.