NAC recognition row sparks bandh in Odisha; 12 hours in Borigumma, 6 in Begunia

A 12-hour bandh is being observed in Borigumma of Koraput district on Friday over the demand for Notified Area Council (NAC) recognition. 

The bandh call has been given by Borigumma Nagarika Mancha. The Forum appealed to residents to keep shops and markets closed till 6 pm, while also urging educational institutions and vehicular movement to remain suspended. Emergency services are exempted from the bandh, with essential medical shops to remain open.

Protest Over Exclusion From NAC List

The agitation follows the Odisha government’s declaration on Independence Day, when Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announced the formation of 21 new NACs. However, the official notification released later mentioned only 12 areas, with Borigumma missing from the list. This led to resentment among the people of Borigumma, who expressed frustration over the exclusion, prompting the Nagarika Mancha to call for today’s 12-hour shutdown.

Begunia Witnesses 6-Hour Bandh

Alongside Borigumma, Begunia in Khordha district is also witnessing a 6-hour bandh over the same demand for NAC recognition. Various parties and organisations have extended their support to the Begunia bandh. Commercial establishments remain closed except for emergency services, which continue to operate.

Minister Assures Announcement

Meanwhile, Odisha Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra assured that the demand for new NACs is under active consideration. He said that on August 31, observed as Local Self-Government Day, the names of nine more NACs would be announced.

He also said that the state government has taken into account the population and the required criteria before finalising the draft. 

“All the necessary paperwork is complete. As per the commitment made by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, the declaration will be fulfilled on the upcoming Local Self-Governance Day,” the Minister said.