Kotia residents resent absence of revenue inspector
Koraput: Even as Odisha and Andhra Pradesh remain locked in a nearly six-decade-long legal battle over the ownership of 21 villages under Kotia panchayat in Pottangi block, the absence of a regular revenue inspector (RI) in the area has triggered resentment among people.
Villagers allege that despite the Odisha govt’s repeated claims about prioritising development in Kotia, it is yet to appoint a permanent RI or establish a dedicated RI office for the panchayat.
People are facing many difficulties in completing their revenue-related work as there is no permanent RI or RI office in Kotia. The area is being handled by an in-charge RI and villagers are forced to travel nearly 30 km to the Pottangi tehsil office for minor tasks such as residence, birth, or caste certificates, said Kotia sarpanch Leu Gamel.
Raising the issue at the zilla parishad meeting on Friday, ZP member Tikai Gamel termed the situation administrative negligence and demanded immediate establishment of a permanent RI office in Kotia.
Without a dedicated RI office, Kotia has been left with a significant administrative gap, and the Andhra Pradesh administration is using this opportunity to expand its presence in several villages, she said.
Acknowledging the concerns, Pottangi tehsildar Debendra Dharua said a proposal has already been submitted for constructing a permanent RI office at Kotia along with additional revenue staff. “Currently, Kotia is being managed by an in-charge RI, and we have sought additional staff. We are hopeful that the matter will be resolved soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, after a brief lull, the Andhra Pradesh government organised a tribal fair in Kotia panchayat’s Neradivalasa village on Nov 11 and a health camp at Upper Ganjeipadar on Friday. However, Koraput administration reached the village and asked the Andhra Pradesh health team to go back.
“Health officials from Andhra Pradesh were asked not to conduct the camp as our mobile health unit regularly visits the area and treats villagers. Residents were also advised not to take multiple medicines from both states for the same ailment, as it may cause complications,” said BDO (Pottangi) Ramnath Nayak.
Villagers allege that despite the Odisha govt’s repeated claims about prioritising development in Kotia, it is yet to appoint a permanent RI or establish a dedicated RI office for the panchayat.
People are facing many difficulties in completing their revenue-related work as there is no permanent RI or RI office in Kotia. The area is being handled by an in-charge RI and villagers are forced to travel nearly 30 km to the Pottangi tehsil office for minor tasks such as residence, birth, or caste certificates, said Kotia sarpanch Leu Gamel.
Raising the issue at the zilla parishad meeting on Friday, ZP member Tikai Gamel termed the situation administrative negligence and demanded immediate establishment of a permanent RI office in Kotia.
Without a dedicated RI office, Kotia has been left with a significant administrative gap, and the Andhra Pradesh administration is using this opportunity to expand its presence in several villages, she said.
Acknowledging the concerns, Pottangi tehsildar Debendra Dharua said a proposal has already been submitted for constructing a permanent RI office at Kotia along with additional revenue staff. “Currently, Kotia is being managed by an in-charge RI, and we have sought additional staff. We are hopeful that the matter will be resolved soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, after a brief lull, the Andhra Pradesh government organised a tribal fair in Kotia panchayat’s Neradivalasa village on Nov 11 and a health camp at Upper Ganjeipadar on Friday. However, Koraput administration reached the village and asked the Andhra Pradesh health team to go back.
“Health officials from Andhra Pradesh were asked not to conduct the camp as our mobile health unit regularly visits the area and treats villagers. Residents were also advised not to take multiple medicines from both states for the same ailment, as it may cause complications,” said BDO (Pottangi) Ramnath Nayak.
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