Undivided districts of Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi of Odisha state (popularly known as KBK districts) have since 1992-93 been divided into 8 districts, viz., Kalahandi, Nuapada, Bolangir, Sonepur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Rayagada.KBK accounts for 30.59% geographical area and 19.79% of population of the state of Odisha. These districts share 25% of total CD blocks, 24% of sub-divisions and 24% of total villages in the state. This region has been suffering from both interstate and intra-state disparity. As per 2001 census about 38.72% of population in these districts is Scheduled Tribes (ST) including 4 Primitive Tribal Groups (PTG) like Bondas, Didai, Langia, Sauras and Dangaria Kandhas and 16.78% of population is Scheduled Caste (SC). The percentage of cultivators in this region is 33% and agricultural labourers constitute 44%.

People of this region for cultivation are largely dependent on Rain water. Failure of crop often leads to unemployment and migration and sometimes even starvation in this region. Agriculture despite being major economic activity does not generate adequate employment opportunities for poor. Rainfall is generally erratic and unevenly distributed. Irrigation facilities (both surface and lift) are inadequate. Thus, the region often experiences problem of soil moisture stress. Water retention capacity of soils is generally poor. Yield of rice in the KBK districts is substantially low.

Nabrangpur District Zero: Independence Day Special

Road connectivity is a constraint in the region. Lack of all weather roads is a major handicap for people to access market places, educational institutions and health services. KBK districts are unevenly developed at the intra-district level in terms of per capita income, health facilities, education, access to basic amenities and infrastructure such as surface roads, railways, drinking water, electricity, urban centers, institutional finance, textiles, handlooms and so on. In spite of rich natural resources endowment and amenable setup of aboriginals the desired economic development is yet to take place in KBK region. Existing social and economic infrastructure is highly inadequate to make a frontal attack on poverty and economic backwardness of the region. Agriculture, the prime sector needs to be modernized to enable people to pursue a gainful livelihood.

District Profiles

  1. Socio-economic-Profile-of-Balangir-District
  2. Socio-economic Profile of Kalahandi District
  3. Socio-economic Profile of Koraput District
  4. Socio-economic Profile of Malkangiri District
  5. Socio-economic Profile of Nawarangpur District
  6. Socio-economic Profile of Nuapada District
  7. Socio-economic Profile of Rayagada District
  8. Socio-economic Profile of Sonepur District