The loan amount would be utilised in the Odisha PVTG Empowerment and Livelihoods Improvement Programme (OPELIP). A proposal in this regard was approved at the Cabinet meetig chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
"The state govenrment will avail external assistance from IFAD for an amount of USD 51.20 million (Rs 317.37 crore) for implementation of OPELIP. The total cost of the project Rs 795.41 crore (USD 130.39 million)," state Chief Secretary G C Pati said, adding that the state share would be USD 76.18 million (Rs 464.73 crore).
The programme will be implemented in all 17 micro project areas loated in 12 tribal-dominated districts of the state, Pati said, adding that this would enable improved liveilihood, food and nutrition security for 32,091 PVTG households, 13,965 STs, 5,486 SCs amd 10,814 other category people living in 542 villages within the Micro Project area.
This apart, the programme would also cover 477 other villages adjoining to Micro Project areas over a period of 8 years, Pati said.