Bhubaneswar: During a review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan under chairmanship of Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, he reiterated the State government’s commitment to the overall development of Kotia and safeguard the interests of its residents.

Pujari asserted Kotia was, is and will remain an integral part of Odisha. He also said other states should refrain from conducting elections in the disputed area in violation of the Supreme Court’s directions.

The minister directed officials to ensure that every interest of Kotia’s residents is protected and their demands are addressed.

The meeting reviewed development initiatives undertaken by various state government departments in Kotia. Koraput Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan presented a detailed report on the region’s development over the past two years.

Under various housing schemes implemented by the Panchayati Raj Department, 921 houses have been sanctioned or provided, of which 641 have been completed. The government has also distributed 2,070 ration cards, while benefits under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and various pension schemes have been extended to people at the grassroots level.

The Rural Development Department has completed the construction of 41 km of roads at a cost of Rs 41 crore, the meeting was informed.

Health and Education

Kotia recorded 11,862 outpatient department (OPD) visits in 2025-26, reflecting an increase in healthcare utilisation, according to the report presented at the meeting. A total of 140 deliveries were conducted, with no maternal deaths reported in the region. The authorities also organised 18 mega health camps to improve access to medical services.

The education sector has 19 schools and two Adarsha Vidyalayas, catering to 1,939 students.

To strengthen electricity infrastructure, a solar power project worth Rs 7.19 crore has been planned. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme is also being implemented in the region. The meeting decided that the state government would provide the necessary financial assistance to extend the scheme to all households in the coming days.

Women’s empowerment and welfare schemes

Women’s self-help groups and livelihood initiatives have also received attention. According to the report, 105 self-help groups operate across 21 villages in Kotia, while 909 women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

As many as 1,098 beneficiaries have received assistance under the Subhadra scheme. The government has also made arrangements for piped water and tube wells in the region.

Under the Forest Rights Act, 2,499 land titles covering 3,239 acres have been settled. In addition, 693 beneficiaries have received financial assistance under the CM-KISAN scheme and 204 under the PM-KISAN scheme.

Tourism and cultural initiatives

The state government has earmarked Rs 53 crore for an eco-tourism hub project to promote tourism at Deomali, a prominent natural attraction in Koraput district.

In a cultural initiative, a sacred wheel from the Darpadalana chariot used during this year’s Rath Yatra in Puri has been installed at the Jagannath Temple in Kotia.

Pujari said the government would continue efforts to improve agriculture, healthcare, education and economic self-reliance while promoting the region’s social and cultural development.

He also emphasised the formation of a participatory committee involving local residents to help plan Kotia’s future development and consider their demands.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha joined the meeting virtually from Koraput.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister’s Office Saswat Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Aravind Kumar Padhee, and Director General of Police Binaytosh Mishra attended the meeting.

The Southern Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Koraput Collector, Superintendent of Police and other senior officials also participated.