BJP and BJD at loggerheads over formation of 20 new NACs in Odisha

The Odisha government has embarked on an ambitious plan to establish 20 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) in the first phase of its urban development initiative. 

Preparations have already begun in this regard, with district officials tasked with collecting essential data from local areas. A close collaboration is reportedly maintained between the Urban Development Department and the Panchayati Raj Department to ensure the initiative progresses smoothly.

Political Tensions Surface

The announcement has reportedly ignited political debates between the ruling BJP and the Opposition BJD. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s administration has made a strategic move to increase the number of NACs and Municipalities across the state, directing the district Collectors to gather requisite information from rural sectors.

Efforts are underway to redefine administrative boundaries, aiming for completion by 30 June. The Revenue and Disaster Management Department is overseeing this process, with Polasara in Ganjam planned to undergo transition from an NAC to a Municipality.  

Hopes for Polasara Municipality

Gokulanand Mallik, the Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development and Polasara's Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), has already sent requests for the necessary data to facilitate Polasara's conversion to a Municipality. This move has sparked optimism among Polasara’s residents, who have long advocated for the inclusion of more villages in the NAC or municipal areas due to growing populations and evolving administrative needs.

"The government has not only announced the conversion of Polasara from NAC to Municipality, but also necessary steps are currently being taken for its execution," said a resident of Polasara.

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"We are collecting reports about Polasara in specific formats. We will submit it very soon," said Ganjam Collector, Dibyajyoti Parida.

Historical Context and Current Developments

In prior BJD administrations, promises to create 57 new NACs have been criticised as mere electoral tactics. 
Responding to public demand, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi's government is now reportedly taking definitive steps to actualise this initiative. The Housing and Urban Development Minister has confirmed that 20 new NACs will be initially formed.

"In the first phase, 20 new NACs will be formed. Subsequently, we will move further. This government believes in work and not in rhetoric," said Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra.

"Coordination is being made between the Urban Development Department and the Panchayati Raj Department to ensure that the initiative progresses smoothly," said Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.

Revised Criteria Sparks Debate

Critics from the BJD contend that the criteria for NAC establishment have been modified, allegedly reducing the number of potential NACs. 

"The new government refused to form the number of NACs announced by the previous government, and as a result,t the process of urbanisation got delayed. Now, after one year, the new government has decided to form some new NACs, which are fewer in number as per the requirement. The new government should announce and form the required number of NACs and municipalities as per the criteria," said BJD MLA Goutam Buddha Das.

Notably, various areas throughout the state are now lobbying for NAC status, with several MLAs petitioning the government with specific NAC formation requests.