Which districts are known as KBK districts?

Answer 1

The undivided districts of Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi

(popularly known as KBK districts in Orissa) have since 1992-93 been divided into

eight districts: Koraput, Malkangiri, Nawrangpur, Rayagada, Bolangir,

Sonepur, Kalahandi and Nuapada. These eight districts comprise of 14 Subdivisions,

37 Tehsils, 80 CD Blocks, 1,437 Gram Panchayats and 12,293

villages.

Socio Economic Status: The KBK districts account for 19.80%

population over 30.60% geographical area of the State. 89.95% people of

this region still live in villages. Lower population density (153 persons / sq.

km) in comparison to 236 for Orissa indicates difficult living conditions and

an underdeveloped economy. Tribal communities dominate this region. As

per 2001 Census, about 38.41% people of these districts belong to the

Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities including four primitive tribal groups

(PTG), i.e., Bondas, Dadai, Langia, Sauras and Dangaria Kandhas. 44 CD

blocks are included in Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). In addition, 16.25%

population belongs to the Scheduled Castes (SC) communities as per 2001

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Census. The distribution of villages as per SC and ST population during

2001 is given in Table 2. Literacy rates are also far below the State as well

as National averages. Female literacy is only 29.1%

This region is considered one of the poorest regions in the country.

As per an estimate (based on 1999-2000 NSS data) 89.14% people in

Southern Orissa are below poverty line (BPL) 1. As per the 1997 census2 of

BPL families, about 72% families below poverty line live in this region.