BJD former MLA Extends Support to Community Support Staff Agitation in Koraput

Koraput | Sep 26, 2025 - The ongoing sit-in agitation by Community Support Staff in the premises of Koraput Block office entered its fifth day on Friday, with the protest gaining political momentum after former MLA and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Raghuram Podal visited the site and extended his party’s support.

Since September 22, women workers representing six cadres Bank Mitra, Krushi Mitra, Prani Mitra, Mission Shakti, MBK, and CRP (community resource person) have been staging a dharna demanding regularised salaries and permanent recognition of their services.

The protestors allege that despite playing a crucial role in the implementation of various welfare and livelihood schemes at the grassroots, they continue to work under insecure conditions and meagre honorariums.

CRP leader Laxmi Khara, addressing the gathering, said, “We have been working tirelessly at the community level, but the government has not given us the dignity of permanent employment. We will not withdraw from the protest until our demands are met.”

Former MLA Raghuram Podal arrived at the dharna site, where he interacted with the women agitators and assured them of full backing. “The role of community support staff in strengthening rural livelihoods is undeniable. Their demand for stable income is justified, and the government must take urgent steps to address their concerns,” Podal said.

The presence of a senior BJD leader has sent a strong signal of political endorsement, which many observers believe could intensify pressure on the state government to initiate talks with the protestors. The agitation has also drawn wide public sympathy, as the cadres form the backbone of several rural welfare programs in Koraput and across Odisha.