Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: From doling out freebies to extending all kinds of support in times of need, Andhra Pradesh's administrative intrusion in Kotia panchayat in Koraput district of Odisha is growing each passing day. However, Odisha government is yet to come up with any concrete strategy to tackle the situation.

Odisha government has so far only put up posters of various welfare schemes in several parts of Kotia gram panchayat. Several posters of recently-launched KALIA scheme with pictures of CM Naveen Patnaik have also been put up in several villages in the region. As per reports, such posters are proving to be totally futile in apprising the locals as they are hardly able to either comprehend the language or the message therein.

Be it Andhra Pradesh government's recently-held Janmabhoomi programme or any other welfare measures, all the posters put up by the neighbouring State are in Telegu, which reportedly has been far more effective in establishing a connect with the local residents.

Soon after Odisha put up posters regarding the KALIA scheme, Andhra Pradesh has geared up to dole out freebies and organize health camps and Aadhar enrolment camps, informed sources.

“We are conducting awareness drives and regularly our health van is available to provide treatment,” said Doctor Sanyasi Rao from Andhra Pradesh.

The Koraput district officials could not be contacted for comments.

“The officials have not briefed us and even people do not know about the schemes due to the language problem. We do not know about the KALIA scheme,” said Bisu Gamel, Sarpanch of Ganjeipadar.

MLA of Salur in Andhra Pradesh, N Rajana Dora, on the other hand informed that both the States are developing and sponsoring schemes to reach out the tribals.

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