TNI Bureau: Reviving a long-pending demand, Odisha Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and Pottangi MLA Rama Chandra Kadam has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant Special Category Status (SCS) to Odisha, arguing that the state continues to grapple with persistent developmental challenges despite its abundant natural resources.

In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister on June 25, Kadam sought enhanced Central assistance and fiscal incentives to address regional disparities and accelerate inclusive development. A copy of the representation has also been forwarded to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for information and necessary action.

Kadam stated that although Odisha is endowed with rich mineral reserves, a long coastline and significant industrial potential, large sections of its population, particularly in tribal and backward regions, continue to face poverty, unemployment and inadequate access to quality healthcare, education, irrigation, transport and digital connectivity.

He highlighted districts such as Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Kandhamal as areas requiring sustained Central support. He also pointed to Odisha’s difficult geographical terrain, substantial Scheduled Tribe population and recurring natural disasters, including cyclones and floods, which have placed a heavy fiscal burden on the state and hindered its development.

Arguing that Special Category Status would provide Odisha with greater financial flexibility and higher Central assistance, Kadam called for a comprehensive development package covering road, rail, air and digital connectivity, healthcare and education infrastructure, irrigation projects, industrialisation, employment generation, tribal welfare, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and improved drinking water, sanitation and housing.

He said such support would help bridge regional imbalances, improve living standards in rural and tribal areas, and enable Odisha to achieve faster and more equitable growth. Kadam urged the Centre to consider the demand in the spirit of cooperative federalism and balanced regional development.