81 February - March - 2017 Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 Introduction: The traditional self-governing institutions such as the village councils and the caste councils have become an important instrument of promoting effective and transparent village self- governance system in Odisha despite the institutionalisation (institutional arrangement) and functioning of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). These institutions are strongly linked with the cultural, social, religious, political and economic matters of the people of the villages, both the tribals and the non-tribals. In the case of the tribals, these institutions still occupy a Traditional Tribal Self-Governance in Odisha: Notes from Two Tribal Districts Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra prominent position in the social, cultural, political and economic life of the tribal people and their villages. While the social and cultural functions have continued since the time immemorial, the political and economic functions in many cases are observed more explicitly in the recent period, in particular after the extension of the Panchayats in the tribal areas(as per the PESA Act). The politico-economic role of the tribal village councils and the caste councils are observed in the form of fostering peoples’ participation in the local democracy and decision-making processes, discussing development plans and programmes Abstract: This paper reviews the functioning of the traditional tribal self-governing institutions in the two tribal districts of Odisha. It tries to shed light on the institutional arrangements and functioning of these institutions, the leadership pattern and interfaces of these institutions with the PRIs in these districts. It reveals that these institutions form an important aspect of the village self-governance system despite the presence of the Panchayats. Their role in influencing local level decision-making processes, resolving local disputes, protecting customs, traditions and cultural practices and fostering local economic development are observed quite vibrant and proactive in nature. This paper argues that despite the institutionalisation of the PRIs, these institutions are still upholding their importance in the polity and the economy of the villages in the tribal areas. However, the functioning of these institutions and decision-making process has observed many changes in the context of the functioning of the Panchayats.