A civil society forum demanding IIM in Sambalpur tore the map of Odisha in protest against the proposal of the State Government to establish the institute at Bhubaneswar which they said is already saturated with a plethora of Central institutions.
They set the map on fire as part of their protest, accusing the State Government of neglecting western Odisha of its legitimate due. “Be it the Odisha High Court bench or the IIM, the State Government is apathetic towards the concerns of western Odisha,” alleged forum convenor Sapan Mishra.
At the RDC office here, the forum held as meeting and reiterated the demand for IIM in Sambalpur. “The attitude of the State Government has become clear. Hence, it is right time to demand for a separate State if the western Odisha people want development of the region,” the forum members opined.
They also cited the example of the neighbouring Chhattisgarh State that is heading on the path of progress after getting segregated from Madhya Pradesh. “The same is also aptly applicable to western Odisha and the people here should come forward to demand for a separate State after which only the region could prosper,” they said.
The forum further said that they would meet the Central team coming to Odisha for final selection of the location for the IIM and demand the institute in Sambalpur.
“The Prime Minister and the HRD Minister have already been apprised of the demand of the people here through e mails. After discussion with the Central team, the forum would chalk out further course of action,” Mishra informed.
The forum members further warned that the step motherly attitude of the State Government towards the people of Sambalpur would be reflected in the coming Municipal Corporation election.