Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards decentralization and local governance, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared the establishment of 34 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) across 20 districts in the state. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the elevation of five existing NACs in four districts to the status of municipalities.
The districts witnessing the upgradation of NACs to municipalities include Boudhgarh in Boudh district, Karanjia in Mayurbhanj, Kantabanji in Balangir, and Chhatrapur and Aska NACs in Ganjam district.
The decision to create new NACs and upgrade existing ones stems from the valuable suggestions received from the public during the recent visit of 5T Chairman Kartik Pandian to various districts. The emphasis is on addressing the evolving needs of development and infrastructure in alignment with the burgeoning population and economic growth.
The newly established Notified Area Councils are strategically distributed across the state to cater to local governance requirements effectively. The districts that will now have new NACs include:
- Pallahara and Chhendipada in Angul district
- Basta and Simulia in Balasore district
- Paikmal and Bheden in Bargarh district
- Agarpada in Bhadrak district
- Belapada and Saintala in Balangir district
- Binjharpur, Panikoili, Jaraka, and Chandikhol in Jajpur district
- Jaipatna in Kalahandi district
- Raikia in Kandhamal district
- Borigumma in Koraput district
- Sinapali in Nuapada district
- Chandili, Muniguda, and Bissam Cuttack in Rayagada district
- Dunguripali in Subarnapur district
- Bonai in Sundargarh district
- Sheragada and Kukudakhandi in Ganjam district
- Kantilo in Nayagarh district
- Tangi and Begunia in Khordha district
- Salipur, Baramba, Narsinghpur, and Niali in Cuttack district
- Betanoti in Mayurbhanj district
- Parjang in Dhenkanal district
- Kantamal in Boudh district