Koraput Administration Launches Special Jana Sunani Programme in Disputed Kotia Region
In a significant move to strengthen administrative outreach and enhance service delivery, the Koraput district administration on Monday launched a special Jana Sunani (public grievance hearing) programme in the border villages of Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block. This initiative aims to address long-standing issues in a region that has been embroiled in a six-decade-old legal dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the ownership of 21 out of its 28 villages.
Direct Interaction with Villagers to Address Core Issues
As part of this proactive measure, senior district and block officials visited Tadivalsa and Arjuvalsa villages, engaging directly with local residents. During these interactions, officials listened to grievances spanning various critical areas, including:
- Revenue and land-related matters
- Implementation of welfare schemes
- Education and healthcare facilities
- Road connectivity and basic amenities
Simultaneously, the administration took the opportunity to inform villagers about numerous government programmes designed to uplift their living standards.
Administration's Commitment to Time-Bound Grievance Redressal
Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan emphasized that the primary objective of the Jana Sunani programme is to bring the administration to the doorstep of the people and ensure that their concerns are addressed in a time-bound manner. He assured that follow-up action would be taken on every complaint received during these sessions.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, officials from multiple departments will participate in the Jana Sunani programmes, including:
- Panchayati Raj
- Agriculture and Horticulture
- Health and Tribal Development
- Education and Veterinary Services
- Forest and ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services)
Issues raised by villagers will be handled on a priority basis, reflecting the administration's commitment to this remote and sensitive border region.
Villagers Welcome Initiative Amid Ongoing Challenges
Local residents have welcomed the Jana Sunani initiative, expressing hope that it will lead to tangible improvements in infrastructure and public services. Ajay Pangi, a resident of Kotia, noted, "We are hopeful that the special Jana Sunani will help bridge the gap between the administration and the people, particularly in Kotia, where access to government services has often been challenging due to its location and the ongoing inter-state dispute."
Schedule and Awareness Campaigns for February
Pottangi Block Development Officer (BDO) Ramakrishna Nayak outlined that the special camps will be conducted throughout February 2024. The sessions are scheduled for 10 am on the following dates:
- February 4, 5, 9, 10
- February 13, 18, 20, 21
- February 25, 27
These programmes will cover multiple villages, including Tadivalsa, Madkar, Dhulipadar, Uppersembi, Phagunaseneri, Kotia, Arjuvalsa, and Phatusinery. During the camps, awareness will be created on key government schemes such as:
- MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme)
- PDS (Public Distribution System)
- Pensions and PM-JAY health insurance
- Mamata and Subhadra schemes
- Education, Aadhaar e-KYC, horticulture, veterinary, and forest schemes
This concerted effort by the Koraput district administration underscores a dedicated approach to improving governance and ensuring faster resolution of pending issues in the Kotia panchayat, a region long affected by geographical isolation and jurisdictional disputes.
