Affirming that the Kotia region remains an inseparable part of the state, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari today stated that the Odisha government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests and ensuring the holistic development of Kotia’s residents.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Lok Seva Bhavan, Minister Pujari emphasised Odisha’s pride (Asmita) and self-respect (Abhiman) attached to the region. “Kotia was, is, and will always remain an integral part of Odisha. Neighboring states should refrain from activities like holding elections in Kotia in violation of the Supreme Court’s injunction,” Minister Pujari asserted, adding that all necessary measures are being taken to address every legitimate claim of the local population.
During the meeting, Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan presented a comprehensive progress report detailing the developmental projects executed across various sectors over the past two years.
Key Achievements Highlighted in Review Report
- Housing & Social Security: Under various housing schemes, 921 houses were sanctioned, out of which 641 have been fully constructed. Additionally, 2,070 ration cards have been distributed, and social security pensions under MGNREGA and state programs have reached the grassroots level.
- Road & Connectivity: The Rural Development Department has completed 41 km of roads at an expenditure of ₹41 crore.
- Healthcare Milestones: The region achieved a major healthcare milestone with zero maternal and infant mortality rates. OPD attendance reached 11,862 in 2025–26, with 140 institutional deliveries recorded. 18 mega health camps were conducted to deliver quality care.
- Education & Solar Infrastructure: Kotia now features 19 schools, 2 Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs), and 1,939 enrolled students. A ₹7.19 crore solar power project has been instituted, with state funding approved to expand the PM Surya Ghar Scheme across all households.
- Women Empowerment & Welfare: 105 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) operate across 21 villages, producing 909 Lakhpati Didis. Over 1,098 beneficiaries have received benefits under the state’s flagship Subhadra Yojana.
- Land Rights & Agriculture: Under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2,499 individual land titles (pattas) covering 3,239 acres have been settled. Furthermore, 693 farmers under CM-KISAN and 204 farmers under PM-KISAN have received financial assistance.
- Tourism & Heritage: To boost eco-tourism around Deomali, ₹53 crore has been allocated. In a cultural gesture, a sacred wheel from the Darpadalan chariot of Puri Jagannath Dham’s 2026 Ratha Yatra was installed at the local Kotia Jagannath Temple.
To ensure community-driven governance, Minister Pujari highlighted that a local Partnership Committee (Sahabhagita Committee) will be formed, involving residents to review and fulfill ongoing demands directly.
The review session was attended virtually from Koraput by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha.
Present in person at Lok Seva Bhavan were Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma, ACS to CM Saswata Mishra, ACS Revenue & DM Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, DGP Vinaytosh Mishra, along with departmental secretaries, the Southern Range RDC, and the Koraput Superintendent of Police.
