Protests mount against regional disparity in state’s devpt

Koraput: The Dandakaranya Vikasha Mahamancha (DVM) staged its third consecutive peaceful sit-in protest outside the Nabarangpur district collector’s office on Monday demanding balanced development across Odisha and an end to regional inequality.The protest follows similar demonstrations at Koraput and Rayagada collectorates on Dec 15 and 17, highlighting the continued neglect of undivided Koraput district.Forum convenor Gourachandra Tripathy said Nabarangpur remains underdeveloped even after 78 years of independence. The district lacks basic amenities, including railway connectivity, quality healthcare, higher education institutions and industrial presence.

He said Nabarangpur College despite being over 50 years old still awaits govt recognition.The situation extends beyond Nabarangpur, affecting other districts in former Koraput region. Koraput, Rayagada, and Malkangiri districts face similar challenges with below-average literacy rates, poor infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare facilities. Tripathy blamed weak political representation and lack of influential leadership from the region in the state cabinet for this continued neglect.

“People here are yet to understand what real industrial development means. Basic amenities required for a dignified life are still missing,” he added.The forum criticized the state’s development model, noting that coastal and western Odisha have progressed significantly with universities, medical colleges, and industrial projects. “A substantial portion of the state budget continues to be spent on already developed districts, while backward regions are repeatedly ignored,” Tripathy said.Referring to a report published in March 2025 by NISER and NITI Aayog, Tripathy said Malkangiri, Rayagada, Koraput and Nabarangpur have again been categorised among the most backward districts in the country.Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured balanced growth across the state at Parab-2025 in Koraput. “Development of the state will not remain confined to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri. All regions will be developed equally,” he said. He said on the lines of the Western Odisha Development Council, similar councils are being formed for northern and southern Odisha to ensure infrastructure, education and industrial growth across the state.