Odisha revenue minister Suresh Pujari visits Kotia

Revenue minister engages with villagers, reviews welfare reach and development plans amid Andhra Pradesh’s competing claims

By Suryanarayan Panda

Koraput, Dec. 20: With fresh concerns surfacing over the alleged presence of Andhra Pradesh officials in the disputed Kotia panchayat, Odisha revenue minister Suresh Pujari on Friday visited the border villages of Koraput district to review the ground situation and reinforce the state government’s administrative outreach.

The minister toured several villages under Kotia panchayat in Pottangi block, interacting with residents and overseeing the distribution of benefits under key welfare schemes. Job cards, social security pensions and ration cards were handed over to beneficiaries, underscoring the state’s continued engagement with communities living in the sensitive border zone. Officials said the visit carried both administrative and symbolic significance at a time when concerns over jurisdictional assertions have resurfaced.

“Kotia is an integral part of Odisha, and the government remains unwavering in its commitment to the region’s development,” Pujari said. He pointed out that multiple infrastructure projects have already been completed in the area, while several others are progressing to improve basic amenities and quality of life.

Responding to reports of repeated alleged intrusions by officials from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the minister said such developments would not affect the people of Kotia or the delivery of welfare programmes. “Our focus is clear—ensuring that all eligible residents continue to receive state-sponsored benefits without disruption,” he said.

During the visit, Pujari reviewed the status of ongoing development works and held discussions with block-level and line department officials. He stressed the importance of coordinated planning to achieve comprehensive development of the border villages.

Priority areas, the minister said, include strengthening road connectivity, expanding electrification, improving education infrastructure and ensuring access to safe drinking water. Departments have been instructed to align their projects with these objectives to ensure visible outcomes on the ground.

Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan said livelihood generation remains a key focus for the district administration. Proposed initiatives include commercial farming, coffee cultivation, pisciculture, poultry and goat rearing, mushroom and ginger farming, broomstick making and skill development programmes to provide sustainable income opportunities.

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh both claim 21 of Kotia’s 28 villages, with the decades-old boundary dispute pending before the Supreme Court since 1968.

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Photograph caption:

Revenue minister Suresh Pujari interacts with officials and villagers during his visit to Kotia panchayat in Odisha’s Koraput district.