Although forests have historically been the primary source of livelihood for 62 Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers in Odisha, the legal recognition of their individual and community rights over forests came much later, in 2006, through the enactment of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006—commonly referred to as the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
The Initiative on the Forest Economy (IoFE), led by the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB), is collaborating with the Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha, to empower women and promote rural prosperity through a sustainable forest-based economy. This partnership aims to establish women-led community enterprises in the districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar under the transformative Sulabhaa Green Business Enterprise Leadership Cohort.
As part of this initiative, a network of 300 women leaders has been formed. Each Green Shakti Producer Company will integrate at least 1,000 primary producers, directly enhancing the incomes of 30,000 women across the state. Our model aims to federate women’s self-help groups (WSHGs), support the securing of Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) titles at the village level, and provide technological assistance to leverage economies of scale through aggregation and mechanisation. It also seeks to establish direct market linkages with major buyers of forest-based industrial raw materials. Through this collaboration, we are assisting the Department of Mission Shakti in capacity building, strengthening financial inclusion, and advancing skill development among the WSHGs. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 20 lakh women across the six districts.
Malkangiri
In the Kalimela and Khairput blocks of Malkangiri district, our field team has facilitated Community Forest Resource Rights claim-filing, forest boundary mapping, Community Forest Resource Management Committee formation, and bamboo management plans
Bonda Ghati
Our work with the PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) community in Bonda Ghati is serving as a blueprint for habitat rights across Odisha, with the Bonda Development Agency assisting ISB with human resources and groundwork.
Mayurbhanj
We have made facilitation interventions in 11 districts including Mayurbhanj with Vasundhara under the MJJY (Mo Jungle Mo Jami) campaign.
In the areas of Malkangiri district where forest-dependent communities have secured CFRR titles and habitat rights, ISB is supporting the development of management plans by the Community Forest Resource Management Committee (CFRMC).
We are always open to partnerships, ideas, and conversations. Reach out to explore collaboration or to learn more about our work.
Empowering 30 Women-Led Enterprises Across 6 Districts of Odisha
Boundary and Inventory Maps Distribution in Korchi, Maharashtra
Incorporation of Sulabhaa Initiative's first Women-led Community Enterprise: A Step Toward Women Empowerment and Sustainable Development
6th Apr 2025
18th Feb 2025
25th Jan 2025
Our Work in Odisha
Tribal Women Come Together to Share Dreams, Aspirations, and Life’s Lessons at Jungle Rani’s Bichar Charcha Forum
Building Biodiversity Champions: The nCount Training Program for Advanced Ecological Monitoring
Lights, Camera, Forest: Tribal Women Transforming Narratives
16th Mar 2024
16th Feb 2024
26th Dec 2023
Gram Sabha Takes Action Against Bamboo Cutting by a Contractor in Malkangiri, Odisha: Post CFR filling Changes in the Management of the forests
Setting up Ground for Bamboo Sale in Malkangiri, Odisha: Joining Forces with BGPPL to Foster Forest Economy
Jamia Conducted a one-Day Mobile Based Filming Workshop in Malkangiri, Odisha: Empowering Voices of Young Tribal Girls
5th Jul 2023
30th Jun 2023
10th Jun 2023
Maha Gram Sabha Formation of 24 GS in Malkangiri, Odisha: Self-Governance for Sustainable Growth of Forests and Livelihoods
Bonda Tribes in Malkangiri, Odisha Initiate CFRR Recognition Process: First Step towards legally securing their right on the Forest Landscapes
Jamia Conducted a one-Day Mobile Based Filming Workshop in Malkangiri, Odisha: Empowering Voices of Young Tribal Girls
20th Apr 2023
10th Mar 2023
10th Jun 2023