From Hills to Banks: Bonda Tribe’s Begins Journey of Empowerment

Bonda Tribe’s Embraces Banking: A New Era of Financial Literacy.

In a historic step towards financial inclusion, the Bonda tribes, one of the most ancient and isolated tribal communities of Odisha’s Malkangiri district, has begun embracing modern banking facilities. Known for their distinct culture and traditional lifestyle in the remote hills of the Eastern Ghats, the Bondas are now entering a new era of financial literacy and empowerment.

With the proactive efforts of government agencies, local administration, and banking institutions, members of the tribe have opened bank accounts under various financial inclusion schemes. Special awareness camps and workshops were organized in tribal-dominated areas to educate the Bondas about savings, digital transactions, and the importance of secure financial management. For many community members, this marks their first interaction with a bank account and ATM card.

Officials highlighted that the initiative is not only about access to banking services but also about creating self-reliance and reducing exploitation by middlemen. Financial literacy will help the Bondas directly access welfare benefits, manage household income, and explore opportunities in small savings, insurance, and government subsidy programs.

Community leaders welcomed the step, calling it a significant change in the socio-economic landscape of the Bondas. While challenges remain due to connectivity and language barriers, the gradual adoption of banking is seen as a symbol of progress—bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

This milestone is expected to empower the younger generation, encourage entrepreneurship, and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth among the Bonda community, ushering in a new chapter of inclusivity and development.