The district Congress on Friday called for 12-hour bandh in Malkangiri district protesting against several irregularities including poor health and education infrastructure. The impact of bandh has been felt in seven blocks of Malkangiri district as all the markets, educational institutions remained closed.
The movement of vehicular traffic in different parts of the district has also been affected due to the bandh call.
"We are protesting the step-motherly attitude of the Odisha government towards Malkangiri district. We had given a representation to the Collector. As no step was taken, we were forced to observe the bandh," said Govind Patra, district Congress president.
Patra alleged that earlier district-wise employment was being offered and now it is being done on per state-level basis. As a result, the local youths are deprived of getting employment opportunities. B.Ed College is yet to be made functional for which the youths have to go outside for education. There is no adequate provision of beds at the hospital which also lacks dialysis machines and other equipment, alleged Patra.