Orissa has 78,519 Primitive Tribals.

The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been implementing a 100-per cent Centrally-funded scheme, Development of the Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) for conservation and overall development of the PTGs.This was stated by Minister of Tribal Affairs PR Kyndiah in a reply to a question by BJD MP Mohan Jena in the Lok Sabha. He further added that as per information submitted by the State Government, there were 13 PTGs in Orissa, their total population being 58,225 as per the 1991 census. The PTG-wise population figure of the 2001 census was not available. However, the population of PTGs of Orissa, as per the Base Line Survey conducted by the State Government during 2007 is 78,519.As per a plan submitted by the State Government for the 11th Plan period, it has, for the Mankirdia PTGs inhabiting Jashipur block of Mayurbhanj district, identified certain priority areas fort them such as providing cultivable land, housing, health facilities, residential education, connectivity, drinking water system and irrigation facilities. The Ministry has released Rs 10 crore during current financial year for development of PTGs in the State, including the Mankirdia PTGs, the Minister added.