Odisha's Koraput District Reverses Republic Day Non-Veg Food Ban After Public Storm
In a significant reversal, the Koraput district administration in Odisha has officially withdrawn its contentious order that prohibited the sale of non-vegetarian food items on Republic Day. This decision comes merely two days after the initial directive sparked widespread controversy and public outrage across the region.
Administration Issues Fresh Notification Revoking Ban
The district administration issued a fresh notification on Sunday stating, "The instruction was issued purely on the suggestion of the District Level Republic Day Preparatory Committee. Now, after careful consideration, the aforesaid Letter No. 93 dated 23.01.2026 is hereby revoked with immediate effect." This official communication effectively nullifies the previous order that had created considerable unrest among residents and business owners.
Original Order and Subsequent Controversy
The controversy began when Koraput District Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan issued an order on Friday directing tehsildars, block development officers, and executive officers of civic bodies to prohibit non-vegetarian food sales within their jurisdictions on Republic Day. The directive was reportedly issued following concerns raised during preparatory meetings about such sales in major urban areas during student patriotic march-pasts.
However, this order immediately faced strong criticism from various quarters. Many citizens and activists took to social media platforms to question the collector's authority to impose such dietary restrictions, arguing that it represented unnecessary governmental overreach into personal food choices.
Regional Demographics and Public Pressure
The decision to revoke the ban gained particular significance given Koraput's demographic composition. As a predominantly tribal region with Scheduled Tribes comprising over 50% of the district's population, there was growing pressure from community representatives and residents who viewed the original order as culturally insensitive and impractical.
Officials familiar with the matter revealed that the administration faced mounting demands for withdrawal from various stakeholders who emphasized the region's diverse culinary traditions and the importance of respecting cultural practices during national celebrations.
Administrative Response and Future Implications
While District Collector Mahajan did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment on the reversal, the swift revocation demonstrates the administration's responsiveness to public sentiment. This episode highlights the delicate balance authorities must maintain between ceremonial preparations and respecting community traditions during national events.
The incident serves as a reminder of how administrative decisions regarding cultural and dietary matters can quickly become contentious issues in India's diverse social landscape, particularly when they intersect with traditional practices and regional identities.
