Voice from the Hills: A Cry for Justice and True Development in Kashipur, Rayagada (Odisha)
(A People’s Appeal to the Government, Public, and Political Leaders)
✊ “When the voice of the hills meets the silence of power — democracy must listen.”
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| People of Kashipur, Rayagada raise their voice for fair development, equal opportunities, and protection of their land and rights |
This is not just a statement — it’s the living reality of thousands of people in Kashipur, Rayagada, and nearby regions like Kalahandi, Koraput, and undivided districts of South Odisha, where the land is rich with minerals, yet the people remain poor.
The soil of our region holds bauxite, coal, iron ore, and other valuable minerals, but the villages are still struggling for roads, hospitals, electricity, and employment.
Despite being the backbone of industrial Odisha, the local people continue to live a life that feels stuck in the 1960s — even in the year 2025.
Monopoly and Inequality
From NALCO, Adani Groups, Utkal Alumina, Vedanta, to Hindalco, every major mining company seems to run its own system — a kind of corporate monopoly, silently supported by government policies.
People here hoped that if these companies came, they would set up plants locally and generate jobs for youth.
But instead, the hills are being mined, and the raw materials are sent away — leaving behind dust, pollution, and unemployment.
Anyone who dares to question this system faces false charges, police harassment, or gets branded as a “naxalite.”
This is not democracy — this is suppression of voice and rights.
Reality of the PeopleA man earns only ₹350–₹400 per day as a laborer.
- A woman earns just ₹200–₹250 per day
- Youth with ITI, Diploma, BBA, MBA, and Master’s degrees sit at home jobless.
- A family’s annual income rarely crosses ₹40,000–₹60,000, often earned by someone migrating to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or Andhra Pradesh.
Local medical facilities are poor. Even for minor surgeries or emergencies, patients are sent to Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, or Visakhapatnam.
Villages lack proper roads, and electricity cuts last for weeks.
After 25 years of BJD rule and now BJP at the Center, nothing much has changed.
Even though MPs and MLAs belong to different parties, the development for people remains zero.
The Unequal Exchange
The hills like Sijimali, and Sasubahumali have been auctioned by OMC (Odisha Mining Corporation) for mining.
These are the lungs of our land, yet they are being sold piece by piece.
Mining will bring pollution, displacement, and loss of tribal livelihood.
The people won’t get jobs, only promises.
The profits go to the corporations, and the pain stays with the people.
They say Odisha is shining — but it shines because our hills are being cut open.
We send minerals to build Smart Cities, IT Parks, and AIIMS Hospitals in Bhubaneswar —
while our villages remain without electricity, hospitals, or good schools.
The Harsh Truth
Government departments are filled with corruption and middlemen.
Without a bribe, no file moves, no work gets done.
The electricity produced from our minerals is sold to private companies at ₹0.50 per unit,
but the local people are charged ₹4–₹6 per unit, plus meter charges.
This is not development — this is economic injustice.
A Vision for Real Development
We, the people of Kashipur and Rayagada, are not against progress.
We welcome development — but it must be for the people, not against them.
We demand:
✅ Local plants and industries to provide direct employment.
✅ Good hospitals with doctors and emergency care.
✅ Better roads and electricity in every village.
✅ Skill centers and schools for the youth.
✅ Support for small local businesses, tea stalls, tiffin centers, and shops.
We dream that one day, our children will also study in IITs, become doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs, and build a better future right here — in their own homeland.
🌿 “True development is not in taking away from the poor — it is in giving them the power to stand on their own feet.”
The earth is ours, the hills are ours, and so is the hope.
If the government truly believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, then let it begin here —
with the people who gave their land, their minerals, and their peace.
Final Appeal
We are not against mining — we are against mindless exploitation.
We are not against companies — we are against corporate greed without community growth.
Let the government listen. Let the people unite peacefully.
Let development mean dignity — not destruction.
Disclaimer
This article is written under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India,
which guarantees Freedom of Speech and Expression to every citizen.
The purpose of this article is to raise awareness and advocate for fair, lawful, and sustainable development.
It does not intend to provoke, defame, or harm any organization or government body.
It only seeks to voice the genuine concerns of the local people in a peaceful and democratic manner.
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