Tribals, dalit outfits demand allocation of bauxite to local industries

Bhubaneswar: When the State government is gearing up to host Utkarsh Odisha conclave to attract big industries to Odisha, thousands of people from various tribal and dalit organizations raised their strong resentment over allocation of raw materials for an industry outside Odisha.

The members from Kodingamali Bikash Parishad, Adivasi Mahasangh (Kodingamali), Harijan Mahasangh (Kodingamali), Adivasi Mahila Sangh (Kodingamali) and Domb Samaj (Kodingamali) have gathered at Koraput and Rayagada Collectorate today to extend their solidarity for the local industry, which is continuously contributing for the socio-economic development of their locality.

The members submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Rayagada and Koraput Collector.

In their memorandum, the associations requested the Chief Minister for protection of their mineral rights and ensuring fair allocation of Odisha’s bauxite resources.

They have come together to express their concerns regarding the allocation of Odisha’s bauxite resources to external entities, urging for transparent and fair practices that prioritize the interests of the state and its people.

Odisha, a state endowed with abundant mineral wealth, has long been recognized as a land of opportunity for industrial growth and socio-economic development.

However, recent developments regarding the allocation of bauxite resources from Kodingamali have raised concerns among local communities.

The outfits said, during Gram Sabha consultations, it was assured that the bauxite would be allocated exclusively to industries investing in Odisha, setting up refineries and smelters, and creating employment opportunities for local communities.

“It is ironic that the important mineral resource has been allocated to an external entity, which has neither invested in Odisha nor contributed to its socio-economic growth, which disregards the promises and undermines the trust of the local population,” read the memorandum.

The tribal communities, who had given up their land with the hope of seeing their region flourish, said they are now feeling betrayed by this decision.

The organizations reiterate that this appeal is not against the government but rather a request to uphold the commitments made to the people of Odisha and sought a favorable decision from the Government for cancellation of allocated bauxite resource to an industry situated outside Odisha within next seven days from submitting this memorandum.

They urge the authorities to halt the allocation of bauxite to external entities, prioritize industries within the state, and ensure transparency in future allocations.