An open debate on five public demands was held here where local leaders cutting across party lines, social activists and intellectuals gathered to present their views on the Government’s apathy towards Keonjhar district development. The meeting was called jointly by the District Bar Association, the Kendujhar District Journalists’ Association and the Progressive Citizens’ Forum.
The intellectuals from across the district unanimously agreed that a Government medical college is badly needed in the district considering the poor health status in the area. Setting up a mega steel industry banking on the locally available rich mineral resources can boost economic development of the entire district while upgradation of the Dharnidhar Autonomous College to university can enhance the education system in the district.
The citizens have been demanding an Agriculture University in Keonjhar and extension of rail link to Anandpur, but the demands remain unfulfilled, some speakers lamented. To put pressure on the Government, the speakers proposed district-wide agitation for fulfilment of the demands. A steering committee representing members from different political parties, social organisations and the Press was formed to lead and plan demonstrations and agitation to be held at different places.
Former Minister Niranjan Patnaik, DCC president Banabihari Pahi, Partha Sarathi Pahi, ex-MPs Madhab Sardar, Ananta Nayak and Rahas Bihari Barik, ex-MlAs Mohan Majhi, Bhagirathi Sethi and Chandrasena Naik, senior citizens Kiran Sahu, Shaktidhar Mishra, ChaturBhuja Hota and advocate Rudra Narayan Mahanta, District Journalists’ Association president Dhirendra Rout, Progressive Citizens Forum secretary Malaya Mohapatra and activists Satyabrata Panda, Baroda Das were among those who took active part in the daylong discussions.