Bhubaneswar: Kotia was, is and will remain an inseparable part of Odisha, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Tuesday, asserting that the state government would take all necessary steps to protect the region’s identity, territorial interests and the legitimate demands of its people.
Chairing a high-level meeting on the comprehensive development of Kotia at Lokseva Bhawan here, Pujari said other states should refrain from conducting elections in the region in violation of the Supreme Court’s prohibitory order.
The minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to the all-round development of the Kotia cluster of villages and directed officials to ensure that the interests of every resident were protected.
The meeting reviewed developmental initiatives undertaken by various departments over the past two years. Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan presented a detailed report on the progress made in the region.
Under various housing schemes implemented by the Panchayati Raj Department, 921 houses have been sanctioned or provided, of which 641 have been completed, according to the official statement. A total of 2,070 ration cards have been distributed, while benefits under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and other welfare schemes have been extended to people at the grassroots level.
The Rural Development Department has spent ₹41 crore on infrastructure, completing 41 km of roads in the region.
In the health sector, outpatient department (OPD) attendance reached 11,862 in 2025-26, while 140 deliveries were conducted successfully. The maternal mortality rate across the Kotia area remained zero, the statement said. Eighteen mega health camps were also organised to improve access to healthcare.
The education sector has 19 schools and two model schools, serving 1,939 students, reflecting efforts to strengthen educational facilities in the region.
The government has also made arrangements for a solar power project worth ₹7.19 crore, while implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is progressing. The meeting decided that the state government would provide the necessary funds to extend the scheme to all households in Kotia.
Women’s empowerment initiatives have gained momentum across the 21 villages, with 105 self-help groups comprising 909 Mission Shakti women. As many as 1,098 beneficiaries have received assistance under the Subhadra Yojana. Piped water and tubewell facilities have also been provided.
To promote tourism around Deomali, ₹53 crore has been allocated under the Eco-Tourism Hub project. A sacred wheel from the majestic chariot used during the Rath Yatra in Puri was also installed at the Kotia Jagannath Temple this year, the statement said.
Under the Forest Rights Act, 2,499 land titles have been issued, covering 3,239 acres. Financial assistance has reached 693 beneficiaries under the CM-KISAN scheme and 204 under the PM-KISAN scheme.
Emphasising the need to make Kotia residents economically self-reliant, Pujari said the government would continue to prioritise agriculture, healthcare, education and infrastructure alongside social and cultural development.
A participatory committee involving local residents will be formed to guide future development initiatives, he said, adding that the government would consider and address the legitimate demands of the people.
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 in the Chief Minister’s Office Saswat Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra and secretaries of various departments attended the meeting at Lokseva Bhawan. The Southern Division Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Koraput Collector, Superintendent of Police and other senior officials participated virtually.
