No plans for new sub-division in Odisha, says Revenue Minister

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has no plans to accord sub-divisional status to new blocks, informed Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty on Saturday. Such announcement is now being seen as a major setback for the ongoing movement by several outfits and residents demanding sub-division status for Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district.

Clearing the air, the minister said confusion has been created among masses about the formation of sub-division. “There is no proposal currently to form a new sub-division. However, a decision might be taken in future depending on demand from public,” he added.

Meanwhile, Congress and BJP said demand of the residents of Pattamundai is logical and according sub-division status will ensure transparency in the working of administrative system.

“If a new sub-division will be formed, transparency will increase and administration can reach people in a better way. The State government should be sensitive to the demands. It is unfortunate that the minister is saying it cannot increase number of sub divisions,” said Dilip Mohanty, a BJP leader.

Expressing similar views, Congress leader Ganeswar Behera said, “The Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister should understand problems of people of Pattamundai block and consider the genuine demands of the people.”

On May 29, Congress had observed a six-hour bandh demanding sub-division status to the block.