Bandh in Balikuda, Odisha over NAC tag

Jagatsinghpur: People from all sections of the society participated in the 12-hour strike on Friday demanding the grant of Notified Area Council (NAC) status to Balikuda.

The protesters, under the banner of Aama Balikuda Jan Sachetan Mahamanch, demonstrated outside government offices and threatened to stop the voting if their demands were not met. Forum leader and Balikuda sarpanch Raj Kishore Sahu said repeated appeals were made to the government, but promises made by political leaders during the elections had failed to bring any progress on the issue of NAC status. Sahu said the government’s neglect in the area has disappointed the residents, who have vowed to intensify the agitation if their demands are not met.

In 2011, the Urban Development Department conducted an assessment on revenue generation and other necessary conditions before considering NAC declaration. Subsequently, it asked the district administration, block development officer and tehsildar of Balikuda to investigate the matter. The protesters alleged that despite submitting a report and qualifying Balikuda for ULB status, no action has been taken so far.
Ten villages with a population of 10,000 were identified for inclusion under NAC, but to no avail. Private offices, banks, business establishments and markets remained closed during the bandh.