Demand for new panchayat status gains momentum in Odisha village

Villagers of Girigaon village under Hatadihi block in Keonjhar district have formally demanded the creation of a new panchayat, submitting a petition to the Block Development Officer (BDO). The appeal,  outlines why residents believe their village deserves independent panchayat status and explains how the current administrative structure is causing challenges for them.

Residents Submit Petition to BDO

Villagers of Girigaon gathered at the Hatadihi block office and handed over a memorandum to the BDO urging the government to grant their village recognition as a separate panchayat.

According to the residents, Girigaon is currently governed under Somana Gram Panchayat, which was formed by including more than 13 revenue villages. Over time, this has created a significantly vast and populous panchayat area, leading to administrative delays and difficulties in accessing essential services.

A Call for Better Governance

Local people argue that Girigaon has grown both in population and infrastructural needs, making it necessary to have a more decentralised governance structure. They claim that becoming a separate panchayat will help address developmental issues more efficiently, ensure quicker implementation of welfare schemes, and enhance public participation in local governance.

"Somana Gram Panchayat is located near the riverbank, and during the rainy season we face severe difficulties in reaching the panchayat office. If Somana Gram Panchayat is divided, all seven villages in the area will benefit,” said Jagat Jibana Padhi, a resident of Girigaon village.

Community Voice Growing Stronger

The villagers expressed confidence that the administration will review their demands sympathetically. They emphasised that their request is rooted in a desire for better development, easier access to services, and improved governance at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

With a unified voice and a clear developmental vision, the people of Girigaon have placed their demand before the authorities. The coming weeks will reveal how the administration responds to this call for improved local self-governance.