ODISHA DISTRICT GAZETTEERS

BOLANGIR

GOPABANDHU ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION

[GAZETTEERS UNIT]
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA
 ODISHA DISTRICT GAZETTEERS

BOLANGIR

DR. TARADATT, IAS

CHIEF EDITOR, GAZETTEERS &
DIRECTOR GENERAL, TRAINING COORDINATION

GOPABANDHU ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION

[GAZETTEERS UNIT]
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA
iii
iv
 PREFACE

The Gazetteer is an authoritative document that describes a District in

all its hues–the economy, society, political and administrative setup, its
history, geography, climate and natural phenomena, biodiversity and natural
resource endowments. It highlights key developments over time in all such
facets, whilst serving as a placeholder for the timelessness of its unique
culture and ethos. It permits viewing a District beyond the prismatic image of
a geographical or administrative unit, since the Gazetteer holistically
captures its socio-cultural diversity, traditions, and practices, the creative
contributions and industriousness of its people and luminaries, and builds on
the economic, commercial and social interplay with the rest of the State and
the country at large. The document which is a centrepiece of the District, is
developed and brought out by the State administration with the cooperation
and contributions of all concerned. Its purpose is to generate awareness,
public consciousness, spirit of cooperation, pride in contribution to the
development of a District, and to serve multifarious interests and address
concerns of the people of a District and others in any way concerned.
Historically, the “Imperial Gazetteers” were prepared by Colonial
administrators for the six Districts of the then Orissa, namely, Angul,
Balasore, Cuttack, Koraput, Puri, and Sambalpur. After Independence, the
Scheme for compilation of District Gazetteers devolved from the Central
Sector to the State Sector in 1957. Within the State, the responsibility for
developing the Gazetteers was transferred from the Revenue Department to
the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration (GAA) in 1999. In this process,
the “District Gazetteers” of all thirteen Districts were published as follows:
Koraput/1966 (Supplement/1984), Mayurbhanj/1967, Bolangir/1968,
Sambalpur/1971, Dhenkanal/1972, Sundargarh/1975, Puri/1977,
Kalahandi/1980, Boudh-Khondmal/1983, Keonjhar/1986, zBalasore/1994,
Ganjam/1995 and Cuttack/1996. The Gazetteers of Balasore/1994,
Ganjam/1995 and Cuttack/1996, however, could not capture the implications
of the reorganisation of these Districts. Though 10 out of 13 Districts had
been reorganised into 27 and the total number of Districts in the State had
gone up to 30, the reality remained to be captured in the Districts‟
Gazetteers.
Be it so, the time is now ripe to build on the rich cache of Gazetteers
available across the Districts in Odisha, and to develop updated documents
that capture the essence of each District as it exists today. The Districts
have evolved over the last couple of decades as a result of various natural
phenomena and unforeseen forces, besides a slew of economic and social
sector reforms undertaken at the National, State and local levels. The
resulting impacts have been more cataclysmic in some Districts than others,
which are reflective of the complex dynamics at work which determine a
v
District‟s state of preparedness and receptivity to change or its absorptive
capacity. This diversity in impacts across Districts is now captured both in
measurable parameters and non-measurable underlying trends and
perceptions in the updated District Gazetteers.
Besides catching up with the developments in each of the thirty
Districts and the environs, it was felt opportune to capture the major shifts in
areas and issues of priority and concern across the districts by suitably
restructuring the document, to recount the post-Independence events in
brief for their historic value and evolutionary impact on the District, and to
bridge an important lacuna, viz. incorporating the role played by freedom
fighters from each District in India‟s Independence, which was sparingly
mentioned in the Gazetteers initially prepared by colonial
administrators.Though the updated Gazetteers draw heavily on the past
Gazetteers of thirteen undivided Districts, the documents were also
restructured to provide for elimination, modification and insertion of some
issues in discussion with the Consulting Editors and District Administration
in order to present a comprehensive and contemporaneous picture of the
Districts.
The task of developing and updating the Gazetteers for the present 30
Districts was initiated in the first week of May 2015. Procedurally, a series of
time-bound initiatives taken since then were bed-rocked on the complete
and continuous involvement of the District Collector and heads of concerned
line departments at the district level in the coverage of issues and
developments over time, coupled with specific participation of a number of
scholars and experts, including some senior serving and retired civil
servants. A standardised synopsis of the District Gazetteer was prepared by
GAA to assist in the development of the initial drafts by each District
Administration. For this exercise, a Committee was constituted by GAA
under the District Collector to steer the development of the initial draft for the
respective District. A number of Sub-Committees comprising officials and
experts were also constituted, again at District level, for drafting specific and
thematic chapters. The initial drafts prepared by the District Administration
were received by GAA starting in August 2015. After in-house scrutiny of
these drafts, detailed comments and suggestions for bridging information
gaps were sent by GAA to enable suitable revisions by the District
Administration. A process of continuous monitoring of the development of
the next stage of drafts was followed, and the second drafts were received
by GAA by the end of October 2015. This revised draft Gazetteer of each
District was then placed for scrutiny at two levels– the first by the public at
large by hosting the drafts at the website of GAA
(gopabandhuacademy.gov.in), and the second by a set of 30 Experts, one
for each District, designated as Consulting Editor.

vi
 Simultaneously, Government in General Administration Department
(GAD) with the approval of Hon‟ble Chief Minister reconstituted the State
Advisory Committee (SAC) and State Working Committee (SWC) on
Gazetteers vide Notification No. 23473 dated 26 September, 2015. The SAC
continues to be headed by Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha. The
SWC hereafter was to be chaired by the Director General, GAA, who had
also been notified as the ex-officio Chief Editor of Gazetteers, besides being
granted functional freedom to prepare and publish the Gazetteers. A series
of meetings were held by DG, GAA with the Consulting Editors appointed for
refinement of the drafts prepared at the District level to discuss and to
ensure accuracy and coherence, quality and content. The Consulting Editors
also visited the respective Districts regularly to interact with senior officials,
governmental and non-governmental organisations and persons concerned
with the preparation of the initial two drafts. The drafts reviewed by DG,
GAA, with the Consulting Editors were forwarded to the District Collectors
for authentication of content and further improvements in quality, wherever
felt necessary.
The final round of discussions with the Consulting Editors was held in
GAA in February through till April 2016, and the draft Gazetteers, finalised at
this stage again in consultation with the District Collectors, were placed
before the SWC. Drafts recommended by it were placed before the SAC for
approval.
Formerly a part of Patna Estate, the district of Balangir was merged
st
with Odisha on the 1 January 1948. The illustrious Rajendra Narayan
Singh Deo, the last ruler of the Princely state of Patna, also became the
Chief Minister of Odisha (1967-71). Balangir District Gazetteer was
published last in 1968 and the necessity of publishing the district gazetteer
afresh arose considering development that has taken place since then
including its bifurcation.
The district administration headed by Dr. M. Muthukumar along with
various officers of line department and local experts have made tremendous
efforts to prepare the initial draft. I sincerely thank him and all those involved
in the process of preparing the draft.
Prof. Gurudev Meher volunteered to accept the challenge of
finetuning the draft within a period of four months. The district gazetteer
would not have seen the dawn of the day without his commitment. I
sincerely thank him.
I convey my sincere gratitude to the members of the State Working
Committee and State Advisory Committee for their valuable inputs and
advice. I will be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge the contribution of
my friends and colleagues in the State Administration and particularly those

vii
at GAA, namely Sri Shashanka Sekhar Acharya, Joint Director (Accounts),
Dr. Rabi Narayan Patra, Deputy Director (Studies), Sri Subrat Kuanr,
Research Officer and Dr. Rabindra Kumar Swain, Compiler.
Finally, despite optimum efforts to plug the obvious limitations and
lacunae in the Gazetteer, factual deficiencies, misspellings and grammatical
errors might be found. The responsibility for all its shortcomings doubtless
remains mine. With an eye to the future, I urge all readers, including
thematic experts, young scholars, and luminaries, to offer their valuable
suggestions for improving the quality and contents of the document for the
next addition with the passage of time.
I would like to thank the people of the District of Balangir for their
contributions over time to the making of the District as we now know it, and
commend this document to them and to all other stakeholders within the
State and beyond.

Dr. Taradatt, IAS

Chief Editor, Gazetteers &
Director General, GAA

viii
 NOTE FROM THE CONSULTING EDITOR
The district of Balangir formerly called Patna state is situated in the
western region of Odisha. The glorious Gandhamardan hills forming the
natural border on the northwest, the Tel meandering along the margin in the
south-east, interspersed with forest covers thick with growth of bamboo, Sal,
Sahaj, Piasal, Dhaura, and Ebony, and sinuous hills crisscrossing it,
Balangir presents a panorama of natural beauty. The district is bounded by
Subarnapur district in the East, Nuapada district in the west, Kalahandi
district in the South and Bargarh district in the north. As the abode of Lord
Hari and Shankar in Gandhamardan hills, Chausathi Yogini at Ranipur-
Jharial and as the seat of the famous seven maidens who excelled in
esoteric practices of Tantrayana, the district is a favourite destination of
pilgrims and tourists.
The District Gazetteer is like an authentic chronicle of a district. The
information contained in it is used as reference by scholars, researchers,
policy planners, development administrators and the general public. The last
edition of the District Gazetteer of Balangir was published in 1968. It has
been felt a necessity to update the gazetteer with regard to the geo-physical
changes, socio-cultural design, socio-political and economic environment of
the district focusing on the distinctive and typical features of the district
keeping such dynamism in sight.
The preparation as well as the final editing of the present edition of the
Gazetteer has been possible today due to the initiative, motivational
inspiration and wholehearted support of the authorities at the Gopabandhu
Academy of Administration, Bhubaneswar led by its Director General, Dr.
Taradatt. While editing the present Gazetteer an earnest attempt has been
made to update it with all the vital information on the district, based on all
records available with the Government of Odisha and Govt. of India.
Adequate attention has been given to the geography, history, demographic
trends, agriculture and irrigation, industries, banking, trade and commerce,
transport and communication, economic trends, general and revenue
administration, law and order and justice, local self-government, education
and culture, medical, public health and family welfare, public life and
voluntary organization, places of interest and tourism of the district.
At different stages of its revision and re-editing, vital information were
solicited from different departments of Government of Odisha for their
incorporation in the gazetteer and irrelevancies and redundancy have been
ironed out to make it comprehensive yet compact in its presentation. The
gazetteer being a compendium of the land and the people, special interest
has been invested to bring out the most unique and defining features of the
district in various spheres of life: living and non-living. To increase
readability and sustain easy comprehension, jargon and cliché are avoided
as far as practicable and the language is deftly lowered to life. A basic
uniformity in structure, style and tenor is endeavoured in all chapters to carry
the tremendous flow of information into a limiting frame which makes them
look a cohesive unit. Few tables, charts and photographs are included in the
running text to complement understanding which obviate further navigation
and save time.
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 As a son of the soil I have innate affinity for the district and I have my
fond memories to cherish as well. I have the honour and privilege to
associate myself with the current edition of the district gazetteer as the
Consulting Editor. I am grateful to Dr. Taradatt, IAS, The Director General,
Gopabandhu Academy of Administration who has assigned this task to me. I
owe a lot to him for his indefatigable zeal in conceptualising, preparing and
finalising the gazetteer augmenting the work with his valuable ideas and
suggestions and extending unstinted support to us. I express my sincere
thanks to Dr. Rabinarayan Patra, Deputy Director (Studies) and all other
members and associates in Gopabandhu Academy who coordinated the
effort at different stages of the programme. The interest and enthusiasm
exhibited by Dr. M. Muthukumar, IAS, Collector, Balangir and Sri Ashok
Kumar Naik, Additional District Magistrate, Balangir whose sincere support
and collaboration add to the ease of the process and other officials and
experts in the preparation and updation of the gazetteer of Balangir, is
remarkable in this regard.
I express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Shiba Prasad Nanda, Retd.
Principal and noted historian of Balangir district, for his invaluable support
and help; not only in the history portion but also on many other entangled
entities found in the first draft. I am thankful to Sri Babu Maharana, (OWS)
District Welfare Officer, Balangir, Sri Manoranjan Mallik, Deputy Director of
Agriculture, Balangir, Sri Rashmi Ranjan Nayak, OFS(S), Divisional Forest
Officer, Balangir, Dr. Rabi Narayan Tripathy, Chief District Medical Officer,
Balangir, Sri Prasanta Kumar Joshi, Block Education Officer, Balangir, Sri
Saroj Kumar Nanda, Dealing Assistatnt (Revenue) Collectorate, Balangir,
Sri Birabara Kumbhar, Dealing Assistant (Development), Collectorate,
Balangir and all other associates of Balangir Collectorate who are related
with the preparation of the gazetteer. Last but not the least, is my friend and
colleague Sri Bhagabat Nath, Retd. Reader in English, to whom I am
especially thankful, for his priceless suggestion on the style and structure of
the draft, at a crucial moment of its compilation.
Finally, I must express my deep gratitude to Goddess Pataneswari, the
prime motivator and arbitrator who infused the spirit in me to accomplish this
massive task assigned to me within the stipulated time.

Gurudev Meher
Consulting Editor

Balangir District Gazetteer

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 CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL
1-36
Brief Historical, Political, Social, Cultural and Geo-physical
Introduction to the district—Origin and Evolution of the Name
of the District—Location, General Boundaries, Area and
Population—Natural Divisions and Land Formation—Hills,
River system and Water Bodies—Geological Formation,
Mines, Minerals and Rocks—Flora and Fauna—Climatic
Condition and weather.

CHAPTER 2 - HISTORY 37-95

Pre-History, Proto-History and Early Historical Perspective of
the District—Archaeology and Inscriptions—Ancient
History—District under Various Dynasties, The
Saravapuriyas—The Somavamsis—The Teluguchodas—
The Kalachuris—The Chauhans—Uprisings and Freedom
Movement in the District—Merger of Patna State—Post-
Independence History of the District—Appendix I- III
96-127
CHAPTER 3 - PEOPLE AND DEMOGRAPHY
Size and Growth Rate of population—Rural-Urban
Population Distribution—Languages—Literacy and Work
participation Rate—Castes and Tribes—Inter-caste
Relations—Religion and Religious beliefs—Manners,
Customs and Traditions—Burial Systems and Funeral
Rites—Marriage and Morals—Home, Community and Social
Lives—Fairs and Festivals—Ceremonial Practices—Folk
Culture and Recreation
128-171
CHAPTER 4 - PEOPLE AND DEMOGRAPHY
Physiographic and Agroclimatic Conditions—Nature and
Types Soil Fertility—Land Utilization Pattern in the District—
Irrigation-Major, Medium, Minor Irrigation Projects;
Traditional Modes of Irrigation—Soil Erosion and Soil
Conservation—Crops Grown in the District and Other
Agricultural Produce—Cropping Pattern and Crop Rotation—
Use of Agricultural Implements, Manures and Fertiliser—
Agricultural Technology and Productivity—Crop Diseases,
Control Mechanism and Crop Protection—Krishi Vikash
Kendra, Soil Testing and State Farms—Agricultural Credit,
Marketing, Processing and Storage and State Support—

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Animal Husbandry, Animal Diseases—Veterinary Health
Facilities—Fisheries and Growth—Forestry: importance,
management, rights and concessions—Natural Calamities,
Disaster Management, Climate Change and Impact on
Agriculture.

CHAPTER 5 - INDUSTRIES
172-185
History and Evolution of Industries in the District—Power
Production and Sources—Mines and Mineral—Mineral
Based and Other Industries in the District—Cottage, Small
and Medium industries, MSMEs—Handicrafts—Labour Laws
and Relations, Protection of Labour, Trade Unionism, Labour
Welfare—Hotel and Hospitality Industry in the District.
186-215
CHAPTER 6 - BANKING, TRADE AND COMMERCE
Evolution of Banking, Trade and Commerce in the District—
Nationalized Banks, Operation and Approaches—Private
Banks in the District—Co-operative Credit and Cooperative
Banks—Self Help Groups and Micro Finance—Life, General
and Crop Insurance—PMJDY, MURDA, DBT in the District—
Trading System, Centres of Trade and Business, Regulated
Markets—Weights and Measures, Then and Now.
216-227
CHAPTER 7 - TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Old Time Communication Systems and Trade Routes in the
District—Road Transport, National and State Highways,
Major District Roads, Other District Roads, Revenue Roads,
Gram Panchayat and Village Roads and Forest Roads—
Travel and Tourist Facilities—Vehicle and Conveyances—
Public Transport—Railways—Postal Services—
Telecommunication—Radio, Television and Wireless
Services
228-239
CHAPTER 8 – ECONOMIC TRENDS
District Domestic Product—Composition and Trends—
General Level of Prices—Wage Payment System and Wage
Rate for Different Categories of Workers—Minimum Wage
System—Standard of Living—Employment and
Unemployment situation in the district, Employment
Potential.

CHAPTER 9 – GENERAL AND REVENUE 240-275

ADMINISTRATION
Historical Background—District Administration, General

xii
Overview—Sub-Divisional Level Administration—Other
District Offices—Background of Revenue Administration
System—Land Revenue System—Past and Present—Land
Tenure System and Tenancy Rights—Survey and
Settlement—Land Reforms Position in the District—Sources
of Revenue of the District—Appendix I
276-300
CHAPTER 10- LAW AND ORDER AND JUSTICE
Pre-Integration Period—Organizational Set-up of Police
Administration—Railway Police, Fire Services—Jail and Jail
Administration, Prisoners‟ Welfare—Judiciary System—
Criminal Court—Civil Court, Bar Associations, Juvenile
Delinquency—Consumer Protection—Vigilance
Administration—Cyber Crime and Mechanisms to Counter
them.
301-321
CHAPTER 11- LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT
Evolution of Local Self Government at the District level—
Municipal Corporation, Municipalities, NACs—Town
Planning and Development—Zilla Parisad and its
Operations—Panchayat Samities and Gram Panchayats—
Palli Sabhas and Their Modus Operandi— Election to Local
Bodies—Dispute Settlement at the Local Level through
Elected Bodies
322-330
CHAPTER 12- EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Historical Background of Education in the District—Education
of SCs, STs, OBCs, Minorities and Women—Gender and
Inter-Caste Differences in Education and Measures to
Address them—Trends in Growth of General and Technical
Educational Institutions including Engineering and Medical
Colleges—University Education—Oriental Schools
System—Literary Periodicals and Magazines—Eminent
Poets and Writers of the District.

CHAPTER 13- MEDICAL, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FAMILY 331-358

WELFARE
Public Health and Medical Facilities in Early Times—Public
Health Activities—Health Facilities and Health Care
System—Vaccination Programme—Maternity and Child
Mortality and Health Care—Family Welfare Programme in
the District—Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation—
Terminal Diseases and their Treatment.

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CHAPTER 14 - PUBLIC LIFE AND VOLUNTARY 359-364
ORGANISATION
Political Parties and Organizations and Pressure Groups—
General and Assembly Elections—Civil Society
Organizations and their Functioning—NGOs and their
Activities—Newspapers and Periodicals Published in the
District—Adult Literacy Activities.
365-396
CHAPTER 15 - PLACE OF INTEREST AND TOURISM
Places of Tourist Interest—Travel and Guide and other
Tourist Facilities—Accommodation in Panthnivas, Yatri
Nivas, Guest House—Appendix I

CHAPTER 16 - MISCELLANEOUS 397-399

BIBLIOGRAPHY 400-404
GLOSSARY 405-408
INDEX 409-410
PHOTOS 412-428

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ABBREVIATIONAL TERMS

ANM : Auxiliary Nurse Midwives

APY : Atal Pension Yojana

ASCAD : Assistance to State for Control of Animal Diseases

ASHA : Accredated Social Health Activist

ASI : Archaeological Survey of India

ASR : Archaeological Survey Report

ATM : Automated Teller Machine

BAGB : Balangir Anchalik Gramya Bank

BC : Business Correspondent

BDCC : Balangir District Central Co-operative Bank

BF : Business Facilitators

BKKY : Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana

BMW : Bio-Medical Waste Management

BRC : Block Resource Centre

CBR : Crude Birth Rate

CBS : Core Banking System

CCIS : Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme

CCTNS : Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems

CDR : Crude Death Rate

CHC : Community Health Centre

CHCO : Comprehensive History and Culture of Orissa

CII : Corpus Inscription Indicarum

CIPA : Common Integrated Police Application

CPR : Couple Protection Rate

xv
CPSK : Cultural Profile of South Kosala

CRC : Cluster Resource Centre

CSO : Civil Society Organisation

CSP : Customer Service Point

CSSM : Child Survival and Safe Motherhood

CVD : Cardio Vascular Disease

DBCS : District Blindness Control Programme

DBT : Direct Benefit Transfer

DCDRF : District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum

DDUGKY : Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojna

DEDS : Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme

DFID : Department of Finance for International Development

DFSL : Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory

DHH : District Headquarter Hospital

DIC : Distrct Industries Center

DLO : District Leprosy Officer

DMHP : District Mental Health Programme

DMO : District Malaria Officer

DPAP : Drought Prone Area Programme

DPHCO : District Public Health Communication Officer

DSMO : District Store Medical Officer

DTO : District T.B. Officer

DWSM : District Water Sanitation Mission

E.I. : Epigraphia Indica

EAS : Employment Assurance Scheme

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ECP : Emergency Contraceptive Pill

ERRP : Economic Rehabilitation of Rural Poor

FFDA : Fish Farmers Development Agency

FRU : First Referral Unit

FSSA : Food Safety & Standard Act

FW & Immn. : Family Welfare & Immunisation

GAAP : Generally Accepted Accounting Principle

HCIP : History and Culture of the Indian People

HGO : Historical Geography of Orissa

HSS : Higher Secondary School

IA : Indian Antiquary

ICDP : Intensive Cotton Development Programme

IDSP : Intregated Disease Surveillance Programme

IEC : Information Education & Communication

IHHL : Individual House Hold Latrine

IMR : Infant Mortality Rate

IRDP : Integrated Rural Development Programme

ITK : Indigenous Technical Knowledge

IUD : Intra Uterine Devices

IWDP : Integrated Watershed Development Programme

IWMP : Integrated Watershed Management Programme

JASB : Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal

JBORS : Journal of Bihar Orissa Research Society

JKHRS : Journal of the Kalinga Historical Research Society

JLG : Joint Liability Group

xvii
JNSI : Journal of the Numismatic Society of India

JOH : Journal of Orissan History

JRY : Jawahar Rozgar Yojana

JSSK : Janani Sishu Surkshya Karyakram

JSY : Janani Surakshya Yojana

KGBV : Kasturaba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya

KIOSKS : A Turkish word generally means a small facilitating center

in different sectors

KVIB : Khadi & Village Industries Board

KVIC : Khadi & Village Industries Comission

LEU : Leprosy Eradication Unit

LWE : Left Wing Extremism

MAS : Mahila Arogya Samiti

MCH : Maternal & Child Health

MDT : Multi Drug Therapy

MFI : Micro Finance Institutes

MGNREGS : Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee

Scheme

MHT : Mobile Health Team

MHU : Mobile Health Unit

MIDH (NHM) : Mission for Integrated Development in Horticulture

MMR : Maternal Mortality Rate

MPHS : Multi Purpose Health Supervisor

MPHW : Multi Purpose Health Worker

MSME : Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises

MSS : Mahila Swasthya Sangh

xviii
MSS : Manuscript

MUDRA : Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd.

MUY : Matshyajibi Unnayan Yojana

MVU : Mobile Veterinary Unit

NACP : National AIDS Control Programme

NADRS : National Animal Disease Reporting System

NAHO : New Aspects on the History of Orissa

NAIS : National Agriculture Insurance Scheme

NBA : Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan

NCD : Non-Communicable Diseases

NFDB : National Fisheries Development Board

NFSM : National food secuirity mission

NGP : Nirmal Gram Puraskar

NHM : National Health Mission

NIDDCP : National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme

NLEP : National Leprosy Eradication Programme

NMHP : National Mental Health Programme

NMMP : National Mission on Medicinal Plants

NMPS : National Mission for Protein Supplements

NMSA : National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture

NPCDCS : National Programme for prevention and Control of Cancer,

Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke
NREP : National Rural Employment Programme

NRHM : National Rural Health Mission

NRLM : National Rural Livelihood Mission

NTCP : National Tobacco Control Programme

xix
NTFP : Non-Timber Forest Products

NUHM : National Urban Health Mission

NVBDCP : National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme

NWDPRA : National Watershed Development Programme in Rural

Area

ODF : Open Defecation Free

ODRAF : Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force

OHC : Orissa History Congress

OHRJ : Orissa Historical Research Journal

OHSDP : Odisha Health System Development Project

OMDSS : Odisha Multi Diseases Surveillance System

OSA : Orissa State Archives

PDE : Promotion of Diary Entrepreneurship

PHC : Primary Health Centre

PHEO : Public Health Education Officer

PMJDY : Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

PMJJBY : Pradhan Mantri Jiban Jyoti Bima Yojana

PMMY : Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

PMS : Post Matric Scholarship

PMSBY : Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana

POS : Point of Sale

PWS : Pipe Water Supply

RBSK : Rastriya Bal Swasthya Karyakrama

RCFCEA : Right of the Children to Free and Compulsory Education

Act

RKS : Rogi Kalyan Samiti

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RKVY : Rastriya Krishi Vikash Yojana

RLEGP : Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme

RLTAP : Revise Long Term Action Plan

RLTAP(ACA) : Revised Long Term Action Plan (Additional Central

Assistance)

RML : Residential Mortgage of loan

RNTCP : Revised National Tuberculosis Programme

RRT : Rapid Response Team

RSBY : Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana

RVP : River Valley Project

RWSS : Rural Water & Sanitation Programme

SBIRSETI : The State Bank of India Rural Self Employment Training

Institute

SBM : Swachha Bharat Mission

SBM(G) : Swachha Bharat Mission Gramin

SCCWO : State Committee for Compilation of Who‟s Who of Orissa

SCH : Sector Health Centre

SDH : Sub-Divisional Hospital

SDT : Self Defence Training

SLWM : Solid Liquid Waste Management

SMC : School Management Committee

SME : School & Mass Education

SNCU : Sick Neonatal Care Unit

SSA : Sub-Service Area

SSA : Sampoorna Sakshyarata Abhiyan

SSA-RTE : Sampoorna Sakshyarata Abhiyan- Right to Education

xxi
SSD : ST / SC Department

SU : Sambalpur University

T.B. : Tuberculosis

TFR : Total Fertility Rate

TSC : Total Sanitation Campaign

UGB : Utkal Grameen Bank

UHND : Urban Health & Nutrition Programme

UIP : Universal Immunisation Programme

UUHO : Utkal University History of Orissa

VS : Vital Statistic

WESCO : Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited

WMT : Watershed Management Team

WORLP : Western Odisha Livelihood Project

xxii
 CHAPTER I

GENERAL

Brief Historical, Political, Social, Cultural and Geo-physical

Introduction of the District:

The territory comprising the district of Balangir was part of the erstwhile
Patna State. The Patna State was an important State in western Odisha
th
under the Chauhans since 14 century AD. The Chauhans were one of the
most powerful rulers who ruled as many as eighteen Garhs in Western
th
Odisha under them. Ramai Deo founded the kingdom of Patna in 14
century, and within a short span became the head of a cluster of eighteen
Garhs. The twelfth king Narasimha Deo handed over to his brother Balaram
Deo the territory lying north of the river Ang. The latter founded the State of
Sambalpur which became the most powerful of the Garhjat clusters and
subsequently the importance of Patna declined. The capital of the Patna
th
State was Patnagarh. During the middle of 16 century Balalaram Deo
shifted the capital to 40 km south of Patnagarh, a centrally located place
called Balaramgarh, later began to be known as Balangir.
The State of Patna was under the possession of the Marathas of
Nagpur since 1755 and was later occupied by the East India Company in
1804 in course of the Second Maratha war but again returned to the Raja of
Nagpur in 1806. In 1818 after the Third Maratha war the Patna State was
again handed back to the Company. Under the British governance, Patna
State was first included in the 'South Bihar and Chotanagpur Mahals', an
administrative division created in 1819 and then in the South-West Frontier
Agency which was organised under Regulation III of 1833. When the
Agency was abolished in 1854, the Patna State came under the jurisdiction
of the Commissioner of Chotanagpur. After the creation of Central Provinces
in 1861, the Patna State along with the States of Bamara, Rairakhol and
Kalahandi and the district of Sambalpur were included in the new province.
All the above States were declared as Feudatory States in 1863 and in 1905
were transferred to Bengal along with the district of Sambalpur to form a part
of the erstwhile Orissa Division.
In 1905, the post of Political Agent was created for the Orissa States
under the Commissioner of Orissa. The Bihar and Orissa Province were
constituted in 1912, and the Orissa States continued to be under the
supervision of the Commissioner of Orissa Division till 1922, when the
Political Agent with his headquarters at Sambalpur was placed directly
under the control of the Governor of Bihar and Orissa. As per Provincial

1
Autonomy under the Government of India Act, 1935, the Patna Feudatory
State was brought under the direct control of the Governor General
exercising his jurisdiction as Crown Representative through the Political
Agent at Sambalpur.
The Chauhan rule ended with the merger of the State of Patna with
st
Orissa on the 1 January, 1948. Sri Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo was the
last ruler of the princely State of Patna. The ex-States of Kalahandi, Patna
and Sonepur were combined together to form a new district called Balangir-
st st
Patana district on 1 January 1948. Subsequently, on 1 November 1949
the ex-States of Patna and Sonepur were separated and they together
formed a new district called Balangir district with 4 subdivisions, namely
Balangir, Patnagarh, Titilagarh and Sonepur. Later, Sonepur Subdivision
was divided and Birmaharajpur Subdivision was formed. Sonepur and
Birmaharajpur sub-divisions were separated from Balangir district to form a
st
new district called Subarnapur with effect from 1 April 1993. The present
territory of Balangir district thus has only three subdivisions of Balangir,
Titilagarh and Patnagarh.
The district of Balangir is flanked in the north-west by the Gandha-
mardan hills, a name of Ramayan fame, and in the south-east by river Tel. It
is traversed by many hill streams and is interspersed with forest covers,
earlier abode of many wild animals like tigers, bison, sambar, deer and
others. The land was believed to be influenced by Tantric culture being the
seat of the famous seven maidens, who excelled in esoteric practices of
Tantrayana. In Ranipur-Jharial, the temple of Chausathi Yogini is situated
and is considered as one of the four such temples in India. Ranipur-Jharial
is also known as „Soma tirtha‟ in scriptures. It comprises a section of
religious faith which combines Saivism, Buddhism, Vaisnavism and
Tantrism. It is also notable for having experimented in the past a republican
form of Government that was later overthrown by Ramai Deo, a Chauhan
youth, whose mother hailed from Mainpuri in north India. The ruins of forts
not only in the urban areas like Patnagarh and Titilagarh but also in the
remote localities like Tusra and Jharial reveal the past glory and
magnificence of the kingdom.
Origin and Evolution of the Name of the District
The district of Balangir was named after the headquarter town of
st
Balangir. On the 1 day of April 1993, Sonepur and Biramaharajpur
subdivisions were separated from Balangir district and a new district named
Subarnapur was formed after reorganization. According to tradition, Balangir
town was established by Balaram Deo, the brother of Narasimha Deo. The
town being founded by Balaram Deo was earlier known as Balaramgarh
from which the name Balangir has been derived.

2
Location, General Boundaries, Area and Population
Balangir district is situated in the western side of the State of Odisha,
extending from 82 41‟ to 83 42‟ East longitude and 20 9‟ to 21 05‟ North.
0 0 0 0

The district is bounded by Subarnapur district in the East, Nuapada district

in the west, Kalahandi district in the South and in the north lies Bargarh
district. The district is flanked in the north-west by Gandhamardan Hills and
in the south-east by river Tel.
According to 2011 census, the population of the district is 16,48,997
out of which male population is 8,30,097 and female population 8,18,990.
The scheduled castes population is 2,94,777 (1,48,356 males and 1,46,421
females) which is 17.9 % of the total population. The Tribal population of the
district is 3,47,164 (1,72,489 males and 1,74,675 females ) which is 21.1%
of the total population of the district. Density of population per sq km is 251
in the district.
Subdivisions, Tehasils and Thanas
The district covers an area of 6575 sq km. and is divided into three
subdivisions, 14 tehasils and 15 police stations. The following Table shows
the extent and population of each subdivision and tehasil of the district.
Subdivision Tehasil & its Population 2011 Census
Headquarters
Area in sq Persons Male Female
km
1 2 3 4 5 6
Balangir Balangir 398.98 1,02,952 52,076 50,876
Puintala 340.78 1,11,635 56,076 54,882
Loisingha 317.60 95,933 48,208 47,740
Agalpur 296.12 96,342 48,208 47,740
Deogaon 432.01 97,645 49,005 48,640
Tusura 205.50 62,229 31,369 30,860
Titlagarh Titlagarh 351.09 1,21,751 60,950 60,801
Saintala 454.43 1,20,206 60,728 59,478
Muribahal 402.73 1,14,839 57,365 57,474
Bangomunda 316.90 1,17,089 59,098 57,991
Kantabanji 337.05 82,781 40,098 41,793
Patnagarh Patnagarh 591.45 1,30,783 65,760 65,023
Khaprakhol 448.39 93,557 46,234 47,323
Belpada 499.17 1,28,916 64,439 64,477
TOTAL 5395.2 676,670 739,619 735,104

Natural Divisions and Land Formation

The western part of the district is an undulating plain, rugged and
isolated, with hill ranges running in various directions. A lofty irregular range
called the Gandhamardan forms the natural boundary to the north-west. The
soil in this area, for the most part, is light and sandy. The main forest area
stretches along the western boundary bordering the Nuapada district, and

3
then turns to the east running parallel to the Gandhamardan range. This
forest tract is broken by occasional clearings and small settlements, but it
mostly consists of thick vegetation in which bamboo of excellent quality
grows and Sal, Sahaj, Piasal, Dhaura, and Ebony form the principal timber.
The crest of the range of Gandhamardan hills is a fine plateau, about 16 km
long, with an average height of 3,000 feet. For the most part, the district lies
on the north-west bank of the Tel, which forms the boundary with the
districts of Kalahandi and Baudh.
Hill System
The Gandhamardan forms a natural boundary to the northwestern side
of the district. This range consists of several hills, the highest among them
being Gandhamardan of 3,296 feet. The smaller hills deserving mention are
Butel (2,670'), Chandli (2,630'), Thuta (2,056'), Bender (1,920'), Patpani and
Chhatardandi. The hill is topped by a cap of high level laterite. Rain water
soaking through the laterite collects under it and then oozes out in springs
on two sides. From the northern crest of this range springs a famous stream
which descends to the foot of the hill in fine water-falls and finally issues
forth to the plains of Nrusinghanath, a famous place of pilgrimage in Bargarh
district. On the southern slope, a similar stream issues from the crest of the
range and is known as Harisankar, a famous tourist spot in Western Odisha.
At the foot of the hill at Nandupala where the stream reaches the plains is a
temple named Harishankar. The crest of this range of hills is the 16 km long
Gandhamardan plateau standing at an average elevation of 3,000 feet.
The Gandhamardan hill was known in early times as Gandhagiri or
Parimalagiri and it may be identified with the "Po lo mo lo ki li" mentioned by
the Chinese pilgrim Yuan Chwang. The Gandhamardan of the Ramayan is
believed to be identified with this range of hills. The next important hilly belt
can be seen quite close to Balangir town and extends on the north-west to
Mahadasani at Borasambar in Bargarh.
River System: Main Rivers and Tributaries
Tel
This river starts from the north-west of the district of Nabarangpur and
flowing through the district of Kalahandi touches the border of district about
6 km to the west of Kesinga railway stat ion. It crosses the boundary
between the districts of Kalahandi and Balangir for a considerable distance
after which it enters into Balangir district about 3km south of Tusra and flows
only about 8 km within the district. It then forms the boundary between this
district and the district of Baudh till it meets the river Mahanadi at Sonepur.
In fact excepting a course of about 8 km, the river forms the eastern
boundary of this district. It had earlier no perennial source of water-supply,
however, maintains a flow of water throughout the year due to release of
water from Indravati Reservoir in Kalahandi district, sufficient to raise paddy
and other crops during rabi season through lift irrigation points in Gudvella
Block area. But during monsoon, the river Tel is the principal source of flood
in Mahanadi. It receives surplus release of water from main reservoir of
Indravati Dam project. The Tel finds mention in the Budhist Jataka stories. In
the Sera Vanijja Jataka it is called Telavaha.
4
Tributaries of the Tel
The Tel is fed by a number of tributaries of which those flowing
inside the district of Balangir are the Undar, the Lanth, the Sungad and
the Suktel. The Undar starts from Nuapada district and drains into the
southern part of the Titilagarh subdivision. The Lanth (also called
Barabhai Lanth) and the Sungad are local streams and take their rise
from the north-western belt of the hills of the district. At the confluence of
Sungad and Tel are found ruins of a medieval fort known as Kharligarh.
The Suktel takes its origin from the slopes of the Gandhamardan
range and flows through the subdivisions of Patnagarh and Balangir. It
meets the Tel a few miles south of its confluence with the Mahanadi in
Subarnapur District.
Ang
This river originates from the hills of Borasamber in the district of
Bargarh and is fed by the streams flowing down the northern slope of the
Gandhamardhan range. In Bargarh district, it first flows in northerly
direction for a short distance and then swerves to the east in wide semi-
circular shape and enters the district of Balangir near Agalpur. It joins the
Mahanadi a few miles up Sonepur town in Subarnapur distrct. A portion of
its course forms the boundary between Sonepur and Balangir district.
This river carries considerable volume of water during the rains, but it
soon dries up in cold season.
Tanks
Balangir boasts of a large number of tanks, which were got excavated
by ex-rulers of the state. These tanks meant either for irrigation or for
drinking water purpose. Many tanks are found in Balangir town- the biggest
of which is called Karanga Kata, earlier utilized by Municipality for supply of
drinking water in the town. Other important tanks in the town are
Maharanisagar associated with some Rani of Chauhan Raj Family, the Gait
Sarovar excavated by Maharaja Pruthiviraj Deo in commemoration of the
visit of Sir Edward Gait, the then Governor of Bihar and Odisha and the
Ghee Kundi, another important tank is located to the south of the town.
In the town of Titilagarh there is a big tank at the foot of the Kumuda
hill which is locally called Deobandh. The town of Patnagarh, being the old
capital of the Chauhan Rajas of Patna, contains a large number of tanks
excavated by different rulers of the State. They are Ramsagar, Bhojsagar,
Hirasagar, Sanisagar, Darpansagar and Bhanusagar. At Loisinga, there are
15 big tanks including Chakradhar Sagar, named after the local Zamindar,
Chakradhar Singh Ray in early 20th century.
Geological Formation, Mines, Minerals and Rocks
The district occupies the Eastern Ghat Super Group of rocks consisting
of Khondalites, Charnockites and Gneissic rocks/Migmatites as one of the
oldest rock groups exposed in the area. Small enclaves of Bengpal Group
represented by one exposure each of quartz mica schist and hornblende
schist occur within gneissic rock in north-eastern corner of the district.

5
Gneissic rock group represented by pophyroblastic granite gneiss and
augen gneiss forms the country rock while Khondalite Group represented by
quartz-garnet-sillimanite gneiss, quartzite, calc-silicate rocks and leptynite
occurs as patches of various dimensions scattered throughout the district.
Larger patches of quartz-silimanite-garnet gneiss occur in central part of the
district disposed in N-S direction while calc-silicate rocks and leptynites,
exposed in the western part of the district, occur as patches and lenticular
bodies of various dimensions. Quartzites also occur as small lenticular
patches. Charnockite Group represented by hypersthene granulite (acid)
and pyroxene granulite (basic) occurs as small patches within gneissic rock
in association with Khondalite group of rocks. The youngest geological
formations of the area are laterite and alluvium, the former occurring
extensively as surface capping on the plains as well as on the 3,000 feet
high Gandhamardan plateau.
The Eastern Ghat Super Group have been intruded by metabasics and
amphibolites which occur as small patches and lenses in NW part of the
district and by other sites covering a large area in NE part (east and north of
Balangir area). Quartz / Pegmatite veins also intrude the country rock. The
Gondwana sediments represented by predominant sandstone intercalated
with shale occur in northern part of the district as also in SE part. The
geological succession in the district is as follows:
Stratigraphy

Age Supergroup Group Litho unit

Cenozoic (Undifferentiated) Quaternary Laterite and Bauxite

Carboniferous to Permian Gondwana Supergroup Sandstone intercalated with

shale

Quartz vein / pegmatite

Proterozoic (Undifferentiated) Intrusive Anorthosite

Metabasic rocks & amphibolite

Gneissic Group Granite gneiss (porphyroblastic

at places), migmatite,
garnetiferous granite gneiss,
augen gneiss

Archaean Eastern Ghat Charnockite Group Acid Charnockite

Super Group Basic Charnockite
Pyroxene granulite
Khondalite Group Leptynite
Quartzite
Calc - silicate rock
Quartz - garnet - sillimanite
gneiss
Bengpal Group Quartz mica schist
Hornblende schist

6
Mineral Resources
The district is endowed with various metallic and non-metallic deposits
of which Gandhamardan bauxite deposit and Sargipalli Titlagarh graphite
deposits are worth mentioning. Besides these, manganese, base metals
limestone, gemstones and dimension stone are reported from the district
both as economically viable deposits and mineral occurrences.
Graphite
Graphites occur as disseminated, banded and lensoid, veins and
stringers and pocket type. The grade of the graphite varies from deposit to
deposit and also within the same deposit. Some of the places of occurrence
are listed below:—

Balangir Subdivision

1. Barghati 2. Uchhabpali
3. Bankiamunda 4. Harbhanga
5. Gambharimal 6. Dameipali
7. Jamuitari 8. Phatamunda
9. Lakhanpur 10.Sikachhida
11.Dudukamal

Patnagarh Subdivision

1. Dhaurakhaman 2. Bender Reserve Forest

3. Beheramunda 4. Landapathar Bahabal
5. Telenpali 6. Bakbahal
7. Chormunda 8. Raju Reserve Forest
9. Pandesara 10. Malikmunda
11. Bhaludunguri 12. Tengrapathar
13. Brahrnani 14. Oriyapali

Titilagarh Subdivision

1. Dharpagad 2. Tikri Reserve Forest

3. Phapsi 4. Barnei Reserve Forest
5. Malisira 6. Ghusuramunda
7. Tentulikhunti 8. Kiribanji Reserve Forest
9. Chandutara
Lead Ore (Galena)
Lead (galena) occurs in a set of quartz veins and in breccia reefs near
Dungripali, Badipara, etc. and in the eastern parts of Saintala and near

7
Limpara. The galena (lead sulphide) is of pure crystalline variety and
contains traces of silver and zinc.
Manganese Ore
The Manganese deposits of this district occur in the highly wear tiered
rocks of the „Khondalite‟ series. Manganese ore also occurs in association
with laterites, in several places. Some of the important occurrences are at (i)
Gadshankar, (ii) Champasar, (iii) Bharatbahal, (iv) Babja, (v) Bhaludungri
(vi) Badipali, (vii) Barjhula, (viii) Saleipali-Jhum kimal Reserve Forest, (ix)
Gerdi, (x) Kumia pali (xi) Tikrapara, Charmunda (xii) Lohadungri, (xiv)
Dungripali in Balangir subdivision, (xv) Kapilbahal, (xvi) Tamian,(xvii)
Dandhpani, (xviii) Dumeri jharan (xix) Thelkochapar. Manganese content in
the ore is usually low, being around 30-35 percent. Besides, the ores are
high in iron and phosphorous content. The phosphorous in the ores in most
of the deposits is higher than the limits prescribed for use in iron and steel
making. These manganese ores can be utilized only by blending. The ore
minerals found in this region are mostly psilomelane. The resource of
manganese ore in the district is expected to be 1.782 million tonne.
Bauxite
A contiguous and homogenous blanket of bauxite occurs on
Gandhamardan plateau on the border of Balangir and Bargarh districts
covering an area of 7.5 sq km. The bauxite capping is confined within
altitudes 900m and 1000m above Mean Sea Level (MSL) The thickness
varies from 4.3m to 35m with average thickness 16.55m. Total resource of
bauxite estimated in the Gandhamardan plateau is of the order of 207
million tonnes. The average chemical composition of this metallurgical grade
bauxite is Al2O3 (45.75%), SiO2 (2.23%), Fe2O3 (23.23%), TiO2 (2.58%), LOI
(23%) and mineralogically it is gibbsitic bauxite.
Mica
It is found to have occured in the pegmatite veins intruding
garnetiferous gneiss and quartz-schists, near Salebhata, Kulasingha,
Ambabhali, Rabanguda, Kuabanus and Siletpara.
Limestone
Crystalline limestone deposits occur in the area around Kantabanjhi of
Titlagarh sub-division of this district. These limestone deposits occur as
small isolated patches and bands composed mainly of well-developed
calcite crystals, phlogopite and diopside. Important crystalline limestone
occurrences are Dhamandanga, Kuliadara, Karlabahali and Hial etc.
Although these crystalline limestone are of cement grade, their isolated
small, patchy occurrences do not make them suitable for commercial
exploitation.
8
Gemstone
Seven numbers of gembelts are identified in this district. They are
Guchhepara-Antarla, Ghunsar-Dehli, Muribahal-Tentulikhunti, Saraibahal-
Sukulimuri. The varieties of gemstones of precious and semi-precious
nature whose occurrences have been recorded in the district include beryl
(emerald, aquamarine, heliodor, goshenite), topaz, quartz (amethyst),
zircon, chrysoberyl, cat‟s eye, garnet, etc.
The gemstones of the district are localized either within zoned and
unzoned pegmatites intruding into Khondalite suite of rocks, calc-silicate
granulites, varieties of gneisses, meta-ultramafites, etc. belonging to Eastern
Ghat Super Group or at their contacts with the country rocks.
Gemstones occur as disseminations, pockets, patches and narrow
linear veins in the host rocks. They are often reworked from their host rocks
and get deposited in colluvial zones.
Basemetal
Basemetal (galena with stains of copper minerals) occurrences are
confined to the Saintala area of the district. Basemetal mineralisation is
localized solely within quartz veins intruding into rocks of Eastern Ghat
Super Group. The contact of these galena bearing quartz veins with the
country rock is sharp. Galena mineralisation is not seen in the country rocks.
Galena in the quartz veins are seen in the form of disseminations, specks,
discontinuous stringers, irregular patches and nodules. The galena
mineralization in the quartz veins appears to be produced by hydrothermal
cavity filling. These basemetal occurrences are by and large uneconomic in
grade and dimension. The galena bearing quartz vein occurrences of the
district are Bhikabahali, Bhuskimal, Ampali, Badipada, San Dungripali,
Brahmani and Kunhari.
Chinaclay
A few reported very low grade china clay occurrences of the district are
located North of Dumerpadar and NE of Chitkamal. The Al2O3% varies from
23.36% to 27.86% with SiO2 varying from 54.92% to 62.96%. Some pockets
of china clay also occur between Loisingha and Bairasar areas.
Quartz
Quartz veins of economic importance have not been reported from any
place of the district. However, good quality quartz in the district are available
from the cores of some zoned pegmatites. The important occurrences are
Kerbera (98.06% SiO2 and1.15%Al2O3), Luharpalli, Bankimunda,
Kadlimunda, Buromal and Jaliabahal.

9
Dimension stone
The anorthosites, varieties of gneisses, calc-silicate granulites and
unweathered Khondalites occurring in the district may be utilized as
dimension stones.

10
Status of Mining Leases in Balangir District
The status of mining leases of different minerals in Balangir District
and their level of production are as follows:

Mineral Number of Mines Level of production

Working Non-working Total
(Tonnes)

Graphite 2 57 59 37

Quartz 1 5 6
Galena 0 1 1 --

Semi-Precious stone 0 1 1 --
Limestone 0 1 1 --
Manganese Ore 0 1 1 --

The mineral sector provides considerable scope for generation of

employment in the District. At present about 20 workers are directly
employed in three working mines. The mines are non-operational due to
want of various statutory clearances required for running the mines. The
mining sector has a potential to generate employment for about 1500
workers when all mines will come to operational stage and an equal number
of workers are likely to be engaged in the activities allied to the mining in
and around the mining areas. There are 17 decorative stone mines in the
District out of which one mine is working at present.
Apart from the above major mineral resources, the District is also rich
in minor mineral resources such as river sand, road metals, morrum, laterite
etc. These sources are being developed by the Revenue and Disaster
Management Department of the State with an objective of meeting the
demands from the construction sector and other allied necessity of the
State. The minor mineral sector is also contributing to a large extent in
employment generation in the rural areas of the District and the State as a
whole.

Forest
The forests of the district are of xerophilous nature due to several
factors, chief amongst which are a poorly distributed rainfall, geological
formation which is very resistant to weathering of the soil being shallow,
sandy and dry and owing to intensive shifting cultivation in the past and
recurring forest fires.

11
 As on 01.01.2015 the total Reserve Forest Area is 1,105.6761 sq km.
Proposed Reserve forest is 3.6321 sq km and Unclassed Forest is
estimated 0.14 sq km. Protected Forest comprises 16.1480 sq km totalling
1182.7792 sq. km. The total forest area during 1981 was 17.99 % of the
total geographical area of Balangir district and the same has moved down to
14.69 % as per the report of the Forest Survey of India, 2013. Under forest
diversion about 4472.05 ha of Forest land have been diverted for non-
forestry activities.
The forests can be classified under five heads according to vegetation:
Sal Forests, Low Mixed Forest , Alluvial Mixed Forest, Teak Forest and
Bamboo.
Sal Forests
Sal grows well in all localities of the district, except swampy, dry, and
rocky areas. The best sal forests occur on flat regular plains, where the soil
is deep loamy sand or sandy loam or where the ground is little broken up by
nallas/streams. Sal grows in patches, due to its gregarious tendency with
the following associates which are common in this area.
In the overwood: Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Sahaj (Terminalia
termontosa), Mahua (Bassia latifolia), Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia), Sal
(Shorea robusta)
In the middle storey: Char (Buchania latifolia), Kendu (Diospyros
melanxaylon), Harida (Terminalia chebula), Anla (phyllanthus emblica),
Dhaman (Grewia latifolia), Senha (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Khair (Accacia
catechu), Sunari (Cassia fistula), Bamboo (Bambusa arundi nacea), Dhasuli
(Woodfordia floribunda), Nil (Indigofera tinotoria), Harstnghar (Nyctanthes
arboratristis), Phoenix acaulis and Grewia species.
The fully grown Sal trees attain a height of 70‟ to 80‟ and a girth of 6‟ to
7‟.

12
13
14
Low Mixed Forests
It occurs in mixed patches with Sal forests, generally occupying the
poor forms of soils in this region. The common species are Sahaj, Dhaura,
Kendu, Hiland, Sisoo, Harida, Mahua (Mohul), Char, Rohan, Sal, Khair and
Chantoo.
Although the growth in height and girth in these patches is usually
poor, some other species such as Bija, Sahaj, Halland and Dhaura, grow up
to a height of 60‟ and a girth of 6‟ on average.
Alluvial Mixed Forests
This type of forest is confined only to the edges of nullahs and flat
ground. The commonest species are Sahaj, Karla (Gleistanthus coolimus),
Behera Mundi (Mitragyna parvifolia), Halland, Padhel (Pterospemum
suaveol.ens), Simul (Bombax malabaricum), Maida (Launaa grandis),
Dhaura (Grewia tillaefolia), Dhoben (Dalbergia paniculata), Keketa
(Garungapinnata) Sisoo, and Khair. This type of forest is densely stocked
with a complete canopy. Sal is found occasionally amidst the patches in
great size.
The following creepers are common in all the above types of forest, the
common species being Siali (Bauhinia vahlii), Mal palas (Butea uperba) and
Gaj (Millettia auriculate).
Teak Forests
Though Teak occurs in almost pure form in Hilipi, Munda, Budharaja,
Karanjkhol, and Chakagujia forest blocks which are well within its natural
zone, the regeneration is poor and deficient. In Chhatardandi forest block, it
is regenerating fairly well but is confined mostly to the compartments where
Teak is found either in pure patches or in mixture.
Besides the natural forest, species introduced by artificial regeneration
in different forest blocks of this District in past years also form a sizable part
of the existing crop. Among all introduced species, Teak has been raised
successfully in most of the blocks either in compact patches or in small
scattered patches alternating with mixed forests.
Though plantation of teak carried out in small scale during the pre-
merger period, and some of the plantations still exist in Bakbahal forest
block, the major programme of Teak Plantation was started from 1956-57
with the constitution of the Teak Plantation Working Circle and provision for
sowing and planting under Coppice Working Circle.
Excellent plantations of Teak exist in compact patches in Bakbahal and
Rajoo Forest Blocks, while those exist in Bender-I, Bornei and Tikhari Forest
blocks are smaller in size and are found in irregular scattered patches. In
15
other forest blocks, Teak Plantations also exist in scattered patches but the
growth is not uniformly good due to wrong selection of the sites or lack of
timely tending operations.
In Balangir area which borders the Khariar and Charbhata blocks in
Sonepur district the most important tree in this sub-type is teak with all sorts
of miscellaneous species of which the most conspicuous are Anogeissus
latifolia and Terminalia temontosa.
Bamboo Forests
It occurs quite extensively on hill slopes. They are commonly found
with a thin overwood, and in scattered patches of variable extent in plains
and valleys as an understorey in all forest types located within the district.
In Gandhamardan, Chandli, Sikerpat, Rajoo, Bakbahal and Lami forest
blocks it occurs over extensively in large areas, often pure in large patches
while in tikhari, Kiribanji, Bender-I, Bender-II, Barnei, Chhatradandi,
Budharaja (Patnagarh Range), Dandel and Patpani blocks, it occurs in
scattered patches with varying density.
In other blocks, however, the bamboo clumps are very scattered.
There is wide variation in quality and growth which varies with the
topography, altitude, drainage, geological formation and biotic interferences.
Large clumps of better quality of bamboo are seen in well-drained hill slopes
of Gandhamardan, Chandli, Sikerpat, Dandel and Patpani blocks,
particularly those which are free from biotic interference whereas the other
blocks located close to populated tracts, are subject to serious deterioration
in the stocking and quality of bamboo due to fire, grazing and illicit felling.
Some common associates are Gadkhair (Acacia dynaldii), Gambhari
(Gmelina arborea), Khair (Acacia catechu), Sisoo (Dalbergia latifolia), Kanta
Palsa (Chochlpermum grosypium), Gundurli (Sterculia urens), Salai
(Boswellia sewata) and Maida (Launaea grandis).
Gandhamardan Hill, Pride of Balangir District
Gandhamardan Hills or Gandhamardan parbat is situated on the
western side of the state expanding to Balangir and Bargarh district of
Odisha as depicted in 'Ramayan' when at the war site the Raj Vaidya
required a particular medicinal plant species to revive critically injured
Laxmana, Hanuman not able to identify the plant had lifted the entire hills on
his shoulders to the war site. Historically it was a seat of Budhist culture and
ruins, in abundant evidence, of that era are still found in the plateau atop the
hills. The champion Chinese traveler Hsuen Tsang was attracted by the
scenic splendor of Gandhamardan during his tour to Dakhin Kosal. He has
spoken of the flowering Buddhist University of PARIMALGIRI (po–lo–mo–lo–
ki–li), which had its campus on the picturesque Gandhamardan hills.
16
Culturally the hill is abode of two famous temples; 'Nrusinghanath' on
northern slopes and 'Harisankar' on southern slopes. Thousands of pilgrims
visit the hill.
The Gandhamardan mountain ranges are a rich source of diversity for
medicinal plants. The Botanical Survey of India has reported the existence
of 220 plant species of medicinal value. Local people, however, claim that
there are more than 500 species of medicinal plants in this area. The flora of
the buffer zone is most vulnerable. Many medicinal plant species such as
Clerodendronindicum, Rauvolfia serpentina and Plumbago zeylanica, which
were once available in plenty, have become scarce. A study recorded 2,700
angiosperms and 125 species of important medicinal plants, out of a total of
220 species of medicinal and quasi-medicinal and economically vital plants.

Such is its richness in medicinal plants that more than 100 traditional
healthcare practitioners live in and around the Gandhamardan hills. These
practitioners provide medical facilities to about 50,000 tribal people. There
are two Ayurvedic colleges and hospitals on both side of Gandhamardan –
one in Bargarh district and the other in Balangir.
Local people have great faith in ayurvedic practitioners and in many
villages, their main occupation is to collect herbs and supply them to
companies such as Dabur and Zandu. Some of these villages include
Khandijharan, Manbhang, Magurmal and Cherengajhanj. A study conducted
17
by M Brahma and H O Saxena of the Regional Research Laboratory (Now
Institute of Materials & Minerals Technology), Bhubaneswar recorded the
medicinal uses of nearly 200 species, out of which they found the uses of 77
to be new or interesting.
Forest Policy and Management
Since 1928, the forests of ex-Patna State were being managed under a
sanctioned Working Plan. It was drawn up by late Meher Chand Gupta, the
State Forest Officer, for a period from 1928 to 1948 but it was revised in
1938 much before the due date for revision, as the construction of the
Raipur-Vizayanagaram railway line passing through the division opened new
avenues for export of forest produce from this division to wider markets.
The revised plan was prepared by the same officer for the period from 1928
to 1953 and was sanctioned by the Durbar. In the 1928 Plan, constitution of
four working circle was proposed viz. High Forest Working Circle, Coppice
Working Circle, Miscellaneous Working Circle and Teak Working Circle.
The working plan was further revised from 1938 to1953 for the Patna
Ex-State Forests in Meher Chand Gupta‟s plan of 1938-53 and Four
Working Circles were constituted namely, selection working Circle, Coppice
Working Circle, Miscellaneous Working Circle and Bamboo Working Circle.
Those areas which are barely exploitable and the portion of certain
blocks where good Sal and Miscellaneous Forest existed were included
under the Selection Working Circle with a view to exploit larger marketable
trees before they deteriorate and where better crop existed. The total area of
this Working Circle was 62,105 acres. These forests were hardly workable
till the merger in 1948, partly due to old departmental system of working with
which the staff could not cope up and partly due to lack of demand.
In Coppice Working Circle emphasis was given to more accessible
forests with a view to cater to the requirement of the people and to export
miscellaneous poles and fuel wood most in demand in Raipur and
Vizianagaram areas respectively. The total area of this Working Circle was
73,808 ha. Repeated coppicing of these forests combined with annual fire
and heavy grazing resulted in speedy retrogression and eventual
degradation of crop. The steep hill slopes in these areas were unfavourable
to this working circle where various factors accelerated the process of
erosion.
In the Miscellaneous Working Circle 9832 ha of forest land was
included and no work was prescribed as the crop comprised miscellaneous
scrub jungle and was unfit for working. In the Bamboo Working Circle total
28,153 ha was included where the blocks contained bamboo in exploitable
quantities within 25.6 kilometres of Harishankar Road railway station. The
heavy backing and maltreatment in the past continued to have their adverse
effects on bamboo forests and the practice of allowing villagers to cut

18
bamboos wherever they liked further accelerated the process of
deterioration of bamboo clumps.
The revised working plan prepared by Sri Meher Chand Gupta from
1938 to 1953 could not be enforced till 1948 because of the outbreak of the
World War II which threw the prescriptions out of gear. The Plan of Sri
Meher Chand Gupta was revised by Sri G.K. Das, Deputy Conservator of
Forests who prepared the plan for a period of 20 year i.e. 1956-57 to 1975-
76. In this revised working plan, eight Working Circles were constituted.
Those Working Circles were (1) Improvement Working Circle, (2) Coppice
Working Circle, (3) Teak Plantation Working Circle, (4) Coppice cum
Afforestation Working Circle, (5) Protection Working Circle, (6) Overlapping
Bamboo Working Circle, (7) Overlapping Khair Working Circle and (8)
Overlapping Sunaribark Working Circle. The past years have witnessed a
great deal of devastation of the forests of Balangir district. Starting with a
heavily depleted and irregular growing stock, scientific management was
introduced in these forest circles in 1928 but the local demand for forest
produce remarkably increased with growing population and the working
plan of Sri G.K. Das, IFS was again revised by Sri Birupakhya Mishra, IFS
from 1980-81 to 1999-2000.
The first full-fledged working plan was prepared for the Reserve
Forests of Balangir Division in 1978. In May 1978 it was decided by the
Chief Conservator of Forests, Odisha that the Reserve Forests of ex-
Sonepur State lying within the jurisdiction of Balangir division would be
included in the plan of Balangir division. Accordingly, all Reserve forests of
the Patna ex-State and Sonepur ex-State together with those freshly
constituted under section 21 of the Orissa Forest Act, 1972 had been
included in this plan. The following working circles were constituted in the
working plan of 1980-81 to 1999-2000. Those are (1) Selection Working
Circle, (2) Coppice Working Circle, (3) Teak Plantation Working Circle, (4)
Rehabilitation Working Circle, (5) Protection Working Circle, (6) Salai
Overlapping Working Circle, (7) Bamboo Overlapping Circle, and (8)
Sunaribark Overlapping Working Circle. In this plan fourteen forest blocks
have been declared as Reserved Forest under Section 21 of the Orissa
Forest Act 1972 between 1975-76 to 1979-80.
In the year 2003, Balangir Forest Division was divided into two
divisions and named as Balangir West Division and Balangir East Division.
After the bifurcation of Balangir Division, the Working Plan was revised and
new Working Plan was drafted by Sri K.C. Dalai, OFS (I), Working Plans
Officer, Bhawanipatna Divison. The revised Working Plan was prepared for
the period from 2007-2008 to 2016-2017 and in this working plan eight
Working Circles were constituted. Those working Circle are as follows
Selection Working Circle, Rehabilitation Working Circle, Plantation Working

19
Circle, Protection Overlapping Working Circle, Bamboo Overlapping
Working Circle, J.F.M. Overlapping Working Circle, NTFP Overlapping
Working Circle and Wildlife Overlapping Working Circle
Flora and Fauna
Forests of Balangir district are situated within the dry deciduous zone.
Sal woods are found almost in pure crop in a few blocks and in the compact
area of the western part of Balangir district. Along the Khariar border
natural teak is found in pure form or as mixture- the crop being generally of
a mixed variety with preponderance of miscellaneous species. Bija, the
other economically important species, is seen scattered throughout forests
and constitutes a low proportion of the crop. Other principal species in the
crop have rare occurrence. Sal also occurs in parts of mixed forests but
forms a small percentage of the stand. The miscellaneous species
constitute the bulk of the crop. The prominent features of forests of this
district are the openness of the crop, high proportion of unsound stems,
poor growth of trees and less economically important species.
The flora of Balangir district consists of many families, which are
common in tropical climate. There is good vegetative growth throughout
wherever conditions are favourable.
On the open country mango groves are found in large numbers. Tal
(Barassus fiabelllifer) and Khajuri (Phoenix sylvestris) are seen topping the
canopy. On the fields Mahua (Bassia Latifolia), Babul (Acacia Arabica) and
other miscellaneous species such as Harida (T. Chebula), and Bahara (T.
belerica) are generally found. Besides, at the outskirts of villages, following
species are commonly found Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Jamun
(Eugenia Jambolana), Bel (Aegle marmelos), Barokoli (Zizyphus jujube),
Maya (Psidium guava), Badhal (Anona squamosa), Bara (F. bengalensis),
Aswatha (F. religiosa),
Amongst the flowering species the following are commonly noticed:
Sunari (Cassia fistula): The Indian Laburnum tree with long pendular
recemes of yellow flowers.
Chakunda (Cassi siamea): With panicles of yellow recome.
Palasa (Butea frondosa): Remarkable for its brilliant scarlet or orange
flowers in summer on the leafless tree. It is also called „The Flame of the
Forest‟.
Siris (Albizzia lebbek): Notable for its green canopy on the top of which are
greenish yellow flowers, conspicuous and aesthetically satisfying.
Kanchan (Bauhinia variegata): It has large blossoms of four white or pink
petals and one petal pink or variegated.
20
Kantapalasa (Cochlospermum gossypium): Conspicuous for its large yellow
flowers growing on dry hill slopes. Its gum is used for food. It is called the
torch tree which is believed to have been carried by postmen, runners and
others during their night marches through the forest.
Krushna Chuda (Poinciana regia): A lovely avenue tree with its brilliantly red
petals in summer.
Amongst flowering shrubs Dhatuli (Woodfordia floribunda), Sefahli or
Harasingar (Nyctanthes arbortristis), Kurai (Holarrhena antidysentrica),
Madhabilata (Hiptagemadablata) and others are notable in this district.
The following are the flora of economic importance.

Vernacular Name Botanical Name

Sal Shorea robusta
Teak Teatona grandis
Gambhari Bmelina arborea
Sisoo Dalbergia latifolia
Bahara Terminalia belerica
Sahaj Terminalia tomentosa
Rohan Soymida febrifuga
Harida Terminalia chebula
Anla Phyllanthus embilica offisinalis
Bhorum Chlorxlon swietenia
Kusum Schleisoera trijuga
Simul Bombax malabaricum
Girungila Sterculia urens
Ritha Randia Sp.
Khair Acacia catechu
Murmuria Helicteris isora
Siali Bauhinia vahlii
Sunari Cassia fistula
Kendu Diospyros melanoxylon
The district has a good source of fodder grasses which would make
good hay. The following are some of the important grasses that are
commonly found Dub grass (Cynodon dactylon) , Musial (Iseilema weightii),
Sukla (Pollinia argentea), Kaila (Andropogon annualatus), Kasa
(Sachharum spontaneum), Khas (Andropogon squarrosus), Tikhari
(Andropogon variety)
Wildlife in Balangir district were found in abundance about a century
ago when the forest cover was profuse and the human population was
inversely proportionate to it. With the escalation of demographic pressure,
the demand for agricultural land and their products increased considerably

21
and resulted in the reduction of the extent and quality of forest land. Thus,
the extent of abode of the wild life also reduced accordingly.
The National Forest Policy, 1988 emphasized the need to conserve
wildlife and their habitat. Not much emphasis had been given in the past
years for conservation of wildlife and their habitat in Balangir district.
However, at present, adequate importance is being given to protect wildlife
through different activities and programme with forest fringe villagers.
Wild life has been considerably depleted over time in this division. No
systematic census of all types of wildlife had been conducted in the past.
The census of wild animal taken up in 2004 is given below.
Census of Wild Animals in 2004
Sl. No. Name of Species Enumerated Total
1 Elephant 40
2 Tiger 03
3 Leopard 17
4 Wild dog 25
5 Sambar 30
6 Spotted deer 300
7 Barking deer 458
8 Mouse deer 10
9 Chousinga 3
10 Wild Buffalo 7
11 Nilagai 5
12 Bison 5
13 Wild Bore 200
14 Bear 104
15 Mangoose 353
16 Monkey 702
17 Peacock 226
18 Great Indian Horn bill 5

In the meantime, the population of wild fauna has increased but the
assessment of which is yet to be taken. Recently, however, the Census of
Elephant and Tiger and Co-predator were taken up and the report was
submitted to the higher authority which is yet to be finalized.
Richness and Distribution
The distribution of fauna is recorded the most in the northwestern part
of Boalngir District particularly in Gandhamardan and Chandili Forest blocks.
Wild animals commonly seen in the division area are Hyaena hyaena

22
(Gadhia), Malureses ursinus (Bhalu), Muntiacus muntijak (Kutra), Herpestes
edwardsil (Mangoose), Hystris indica (Jhinka), Cani aurevs (Bilua),
Presbytis entellus (Hanuman), Sus cristantes (Barha) and others.
The wild life which are seen in some forests but not common are
Viverricula indica (Salia patani), Axis axis (Cheetal / Hareen), Traqutus
memina (Kuranta), Cannon alpinus (Balia kukur), Cervus unicolar
(Sambhar) are seen confined to Gandhamardan block only.
Man-Animal Conflict
Conflicts and controversies involving interactions between human
beings, their communities, and the environment have become defining
issues in the present era. There is a growing awareness of both the physical
effects of people on the environment and the ways in which beliefs, cultural
norms, and economic conditions shape the human response to these
issues.
Population is increasing worldwide. Continued growth in population and
the resulting sprawl of people into previously unsettled land force
individuals, governments, and society as a whole to examine current and
future priorities in regard to lifestyle and the natural world. One of the
serious environmental problems facing humankind today is the loss of
biological diversity. Biodiversity is lost when farmers clear land to increase
crop yield, when loggers clear forests to provide lumber for houses and
furniture, and when city dwellers need more land for homes, schools, and
industry. Cutting old growth forests has encouraged erosion on slopes and
mountains. Wetlands have been drained and rivers dammed and diverted to
provide water for irrigation and drinking water. Overgrazing of grasslands
and the use of fertilizers and pesticides have polluted lakes, rivers, and
streams, creating fragmented habitats where native species have difficulty
surviving.
Demographic shifts and population growth have encouraged people to
live in areas once populated by wild animals. These habitats are
increasingly affected by human imposed changes including roads, new uses
for private and public lands, and the environmental demands associated
with agricultural and urban life. While Government officials,
environmentalists, developers, and industry representatives fashion
regulations designed to protect, preserve, and safeguard both ecosystems
and human beings, wild animals and people continue to come into conflict
with one another. How these issues are resolved will depend on the ways in
which conflicting priorities and questions are addressed.

23
Payment of compassionate amount

The procedure of payment of compassionate amount for human kill

and injuries (permanent/ temporary in nature) by tigers, panthers, and
elephant etc. were laid down by the Government vide notification No. 17636
–8F, 12/83 FFAH dt.20-8-83.
Tables below show the cases of Human kill / injuries and
compassionate amount granted in Balangir division.

Year No.of Wild Animals Killed Total

Elephant Leopard Wild Wild Sambar Barley Others
bear Boar Dear
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14 3 1
2014-15

Wild Animals Rescued:

Year Sl.No Name of the Wild Animals Rescued Remarks

2007-08 - -
2008-09 - -
2009-10 - -
2010-11 - -
2011-12 - -
2012-13 - -
2013-14 - -
2014-15 1 Leopard Sent to
Nandankanan

Human Injury and Death by Wild Animals

Year Human Killed Human Injuries

No.of Compassionate No.of Compassionate
Cases Amount Paid Cases Amount Paid
2007-08 Nil Nil Nil Nil
2008-09 Nil Nil Nil Nil
2009-10 02 200000.00 02 4000.00
2010-11 01 100000.00 Nil Nil
2011-12 03 600000.00 01 5000.00
2012-13 01 200000.00 12 1,30,000.00
2013-14 01 200000.00 01 75,000.00
2014-15 Nil Nil 10 1,20,000.00

24
 In order to check the rate of decline of the elephant population and
to reduce the degree of man-animal conflict, the Government of India and
Government of Odisha have jointly launched „Project Elephant‟ from 1999
onwards. Table below shows the details of compensation paid to local
people for crop damage caused by Elephant in Balangir division.
Elephant Depredation

Year No.of Cases Crop Damaged in Compassionate

(Acres) Payment Paid(Rs.)
2007-08 Nil Nil Nil
2008-09 Nil Nil Nil
2009-10 Nil Nil Nil
2010-11 1020 789.98 7,89,980.00
2011-12 887 374.128 18,70,640.00
2012-13 1135 779.95 54,59,500.00
2013-14 801 43.33 43,33,500.00
2014-15 1880 176.73 17,67,300.00

Injuries to which Fauna is liable

(i) Many forest blocks of this division, where the population of wild
animals were thinned or depleted, become an easy prey to human beings.
Reduction of forest habitats finally leads to the scarcity of food, cover and
shelter for these wild animals.
(ii) Forest fire is another reason for magnitudinal loss of wild animals
abode.
(iii) Increased incidences of cattle grazing have drastically reduced the
availability of grazing and browsing resources for many wild animals.
(iv) Poaching of wild animals continues in this division, for a variety of
reasons including skins, meat, trophies, bones and other animal products.
The detection of cases relating to wild life offences is poor and many go
unreported. Table below reports the number of wildlife offences cases
detected in different years.
No. of Wildlife Cases Detected Year-wise
Year No of Cases Detected
2000-01 4
2001-02 2
2002-03 2
2003-04 -
2004-05 -
2005-06 1
2006-07 -
2007-08 2
2008-09 -
2009-10 -
2010-11 -
2011-12 -
2012-13 1
2013-14 1
2014-15 -
2015-16 2

25
Elephant Depredation in Balangir District under Balangir Forest
Division
Elephant depredation in Loisingha Range area of Balangir Forest
Division is noticed since 2002-03. The villagers in the proximity of Chhelia
and Ghati RF of Loisingha Range often suffer crop damage and at times
human kill by elephants. The wild elephants migrate from the forests of
Sonepur/Boudh and Bargarh Forest Divisions. During the month of
December / January crossing the river Ang, they enter into Chhelia and
Ghati RFs of Loisingha Range. During their stay in Chhelia and Ghati RF,
they often visit adjacent crop fields and cause heavy damage to crops.
When harvesting is over, elephants generally return to their original habitat
by the end of summer following the same course through which they have
come. Equally, the crop condition and terrain over about half of the area is
fully congenial for their stay, but the carrying capacity is insufficient to
provide adequate food to them forcing them to the surrounding villages to
savour cane and paddy crop.
Action Taken to Minimize Elephant Depredation:
The affected villages have been constantly kept in observation by
forest officials and the behavior of elephants and the migrating paths were
regularly studied. The specific path of movement and time the elephants go
out of forests for food and water was understood and villagers were advised
not to move around after the evening and before the sun-rise.
Committees were formed for educating villagers to adopt different
precautionary measures in the villages such as Negipali, Bakti, Keseipali,
Bendra, Nuniapali, Salebhata, Dudka, Badtika, Sankhua, Gaikhai and
others.
Crackers were distributed in the villages for use in the night to disperse
elephants while approaching the villages.
Solar fencing over 7.5 km in Chhelia RF near Gaikhai Reservoir has
been erected to restrict the entry of wild animal in crop fields of the local
people.
Elephant Squads consisting of 10 local youth with a vehicle have been
permanently stationed in Gaikhai village of Loisingha Range. In addition, 4
trackers have been engaged to watch the daily movement of elephants in
the locality so as to avoid man animal conflict. The Squad has been
provided all sorts of equipments like torch lights, Ghanta, fire crackers and
high frequency siren for anti-depredation activities.
Solar street lights and search lights have been provided to villages to
monitor the movement and the driving out of the elephants from their paddy
fields.
26
 Much of the wild fauna is fast vanishing because of hunting by the
„Shikaries‟ and destruction of forests by human beings. The wild mammals
include the following types:
Wild Mammals
(1) Panthera tigris (Tiger/Bagha): These animals are found everywhere in
the forests of the district. Majority of them are game killers while
occasionally one becomes a man-eater.
(2) Panthera pardus (Leopard/Kalara Patria): They are plentiful in every part
of the forest and are usually seen near small hills adjoining cultivated lands
where they prey upon goats and sheep. Not many years ago, a notable
guest of the Maharaja shot a number of leopards in one night by tying baits
on machans on road-side and motoring along at night shooting leopards on
the baits.
(3) Felis chaus (Bana Biradi)
(4) Melursus ursinus (Bear/Bhalu): This is the common Indian Sloth Bear.
Their favourite food is „Mahua‟ flowers but they are very destructive to
sugarcane too.
(5) Herpestes edwardsil (Mongoose/Hatia Neula)
(6) Cnon alpines (Balia Kukura): They are numerous and are extremely
harmful to the game. They are intelligent hunters. They hunt in packs.
(7) Canis aureus (Jackal/Bilua)
(8) Hyaena hyaena (Hyena/Gadhia)
(9) Viverricula indica (Salia patani)
(10) Paradoxurus hermaphrodites (Katasha)
(11) Hystrix indica Porcupine (Jhinka)
(12) Axix axix (Spotted deer/Chittal): These animals are very common and
are found moving in small herds, in low lands near water sources.
(13) Tragutus meminna (Indian mouse-deer/Khuranta)
(14) Muntiacus muntjak (Barking deer/Kutura)
(15) Antilope cervicapra (Black-buck/Antelope/Krushna Sara): These
animals are found in jungles bordering the district of Kalahandi.
(16) Cervus unicolor (Sambar): It is a forest-loving animal generally seen on
high hills. It is the largest of all the Indian deer.

27
 (17) Bos gaurus (Bison/Gayala): These animals were at one time
numerous but their number is getting reduced. They are often found moving
in herds.
(18) Macca mulatta (Bandar/Pati)
(19) Presbytis entellus (Langur/Hanuman): These two are the most common
primates found in forests.
Birds
Most of the birds found in other parts of Odisha are also found in this
district. They are listed below:
(1) Corvus spleendes (Domestic Crow/Pati Kau)
(2) Corvus macrorhynchos (Damara Kua)
(3) Gallus gallus (Jungle fowl/Bana Kukuda)
(4) Gallus domesticus (Domestic fowl)
(5) Pavo cristatus (Peacock/Mayura)
(6) Corcias benghalnsis (Blue Jay/Bhadabhadalia)
(7) Gracula religiosa (Hill mynah/Sari)
(8) Passer domesticus (House sparrow/Chatia)
(9) Milvus migrans (Chila)
(10) Haliastur Indus (Sankha Chila)
(11) Torgus calvus (Vultures /Saguna)
(12) Eudynamys scolopaceas (Koyal/Koili)
(13) Acridotheres tristis (Common mynah)
(14) Halcyon smyrnensis and Alccdoatthis (Kingfisher)
(15) Dicrurus adsimilis (Drongo)
(16) Pycnonotuscafer (Red vental bulbul)
(17) Streptopellia chinensis (Spotted dove)
Among the birds some of the species like Corvus maerorhynchos
(Damara Kua), Passer domesticus (House Sparrow/Chatia) and Torgus
Calvus (Vultures /Saguna) have become almost extinct.

28
Reptiles and Amphibians
This district has its own share of reptiles including a variety of snakes
which are responsible for deaths of a number of human beings every year.
The following is a list of the more common reptiles and amphibians:
Toads
Duttaphrynus melanostictus : (Indian Common Toad verni name –
Sinduria Benga)
Duttaphrynus stomaticus : (Marbelled Toad, Katha Benga)
Duttaphrynus scaber : (Ferguson Toad, Luni Benga)
Frogs
Euphlyctis eyanophlyctis : (Indian skipper frog, Pani Benga)
Fejervarya linnocharis : (Paddy field frog, Kheta Benga)
Holobatrachus tigerinus : (Indian Bull frog, Brahmani Benga)
Hoplobatrachus crassus : (Jerdon‟s Bull frog, Cheli Benga)
Sperotheca rolandae : (Indian Burroming frog, Chhota Matipata
Benga)
Microhyla ornata : (Ornate narrow mouthed frog, Chuin
Benga)
Kalucola toprobanica : (Painted ballon frog, Lal Fuka Benga)
Uperodan globulasus : (Kolthia Benga, Chitra Benga)
Polypedatis maculates : (Common India tree frog, Dian Benga)
Gecko
Hemidactycus flaviviridis : (Indian Haira Gecko, Jhitipiti)
Hemidactycus brokii : (Spotted Indian Haira Gecko, Jhitipiti)
Cnemaspis sp. : (Dwarf Gecko)
Cosymbotul platyrus : (Frilled Haira Gecko)
Sublepharil hardmickii : (Fattailed & leopard Gecko)
Lizards
Calotes versicdor : (Common garden lizard)
Calotes rouxii : (Forest Colates)
Sitana ponticeriana : (Fan- chroated lizard)

29
Mabuya macularia : (Little Schink)
Snakes
(Non-Poisonous)
Eryx johnii : (John‟s earth Boa)
Oligodon arnensis : (Common Kukri snake)
Xenochrophis piscutor : (Checkered Kulback)
Ramphotyphlops brhmines : (Common norm & Blind snake)
Grypolleyplops acutus : (Beaked worm snake, Telisapa)
Python molurus :(Ajagara)
Natrix stolata :(Bamhuni Sapa)
Ptyas mucosus :(Dhamana)
Eryx conicus :(Domundia)
(Poisonous)
Naja naja : (Cobra /Tampa and Gokhara)
Echis carinatus : (Saw scaled viper/Chiti)
Bungarus fasciatus : (Banded krait /Rana)
Other Amphibians and Reptiles-
Gavialis gangeticus (Ghadial/Crocodile): It is commonly found in the
Mahanadi and its tributaries.
Kachuga tectum (Common aquatic tortoise/Kachhapa)
Trionyx gangeticus (Alligator): found in the Mahanadi and its tributaries.
Varanusp Monitor (Lizard/Godhi)
Fish
There are large variety of fish found in rivers and ponds of the district.
The Fishery Department is culturing and cultivating three major Indian carps
and one minor carp.
The following are the most common fish found in the district.
(1) Labeo rohita (Rohi)
(2) Catla catla (Catla /Bhakur)
(3) Cyprinus carpeo (common carp)
(4) Cirrhina mrigala (Mrigal/Mirikali)

30
(5) Amphipnous cuchia (Kuchia)
(6) Notopterus notopterus (Pholi)
(7) Amblypharyngdon mola (Mohurali)
(8) Wallago attu (The Freshwater shark /Balia)
(9) Barbus stigma (Kerandi)
(10) Glossogobius giuris (Baligarada)
(11) Clarius batrachus (Magur)
(12) Heteropneustes fossilis (Singhi)
(13) Ophicephalus marulius (Salo)
(14) Ophicephalus gachua (Chenga)
(15) Mastacembelus armatus (Todi)
Insects
The district abounds in various common insects characteristic to the
peninsular India of which a few can be mentioned:
(1) Mantis religiosa (The Praying mantis)
(2) Neepa sp. (The water scorpion)
(3) Rentra sp. (The water insect)
(4) Beetles, The Tiger beetle, Ground beetle, etc.
(5) A number of colourful butterflies.
Other Invertebrates
(1) Pila sp. (Snail)
(2) Peretima sp. (Earthworm)
Census
The census programme for wild animals like Tiger, Leopard and
Elephant was started by the Forest Department. The objective of this census
is to ascertain the rise or fall in animal population. The Tiger census was
started during the year 1973 and the Elephant Census in the year 1979. As
per 2015 census report, 28 elephants were found in Balangir district and 2
Tiger and 11 Leopards were enumerated during 2014 Census.
Forest Protection
The National Forest Policy, 1988 envisaged co-operation of the people
in conservation and development of forests. In keeping with this policy,

31
Government of Odisha adopted Joint Forest Management approach and
sought community participation for protection and regeneration of forest.
About 524 Vana Surakshya Samities have been formed over an assigned
land of 52,592.5 ha in Balangir district for management of forest wealth in
J.F.M Mode.
Zoological Park at Harishankar
Harishankar which is located at the foothill of Gandhmardan is a place
of pilgrimage and draws a large number of visitors. With the view to provide
a sense of appreciation and love for wild life a Deer Park was established
during 1971 in a small enclosure by the side of the Forest Rest House at
Harishankar and this is an added attraction to visitors. Late N.R. Bohidar,
I.F.S the then DFO, Balangir Forest Division took keen interest for the
establishment and development of this Park. Originally Deer were kept in
this park but subsequently other animals were added to it to make the park
more attractive. With the addition of more animals another site covering an
area of about 25 acre was chosen at the foot of Gandhmardan Hills and
another park was developed in 1972 to provide adequate space for animals.
The second park was under the control of the Range Officer, Khaprakhol
and subsequently one Deer Park was managed by Forest Department at
Harishankar. After reorganisation of Forest Department during 2003, the
Deer park was brought under the control of Range Officer, Harishankar
Range.

Deer Park at Harishankar

32
Climate
The climate of this district which is in the north-eastern corner of the
Deccan plateau is similar to that of the adjoining districts, the heat in
summer, however, being less severe. The year may be divided into four
seasons. The hot season from March to May is followed by the south-west
monsoon season lasting up to about the end of September. October and
November constitute the post-monsoon season. The cold season
continues from December to February.
Rainfall
The average annual rainfall in the district is 1289 mm. The variation in
the annual rainfall from year to year is not large. Rain fall is recorded at 12
stations located in Panchayat Samiti offices in the district except in Titilagarh
and Balangir. In Titilagarh and Balangir, rainfall is recorded in Sub-Collector
office and Office of the Deputy Director, Agriculture respectively. The
heaviest rainfall recorded in 24 hours at any station in the district is 405 mm
in Bangomunda.
Over the years, indiscriminate tree felling and local climate change
have caused serious adverse impact on normal rainfall in the district. The
distribution of rainfall has become erratic and amount of rainfall is
continuously declining in last thirty to forty years. The erratic behaviour of
monsoon both in terms of time and space causes a drought like situation in
the district.
A list of the rainfall recorded since last 15 years is given in Annexure I
at the end of this chapter.
Temperature
There are two meteorological observatories, one at Titilagarh and the
other at Balangir. The hot season commences at the beginning of March
when the mean daily maximum temperature is about 41.4°C (106.5°F) and
the mean daily minimum temperature 27.8°C (82.0° F). During May and
early part of June on individual days the maximum temperature may
sometimes rise to about 47° C (116.6° F). With the onset of the south-west
monsoon by about the second week of June temperatures drop appreciable.
After the south-west monsoon withdraws by about the first week of October,
the day temperatures are nearly the same as in the previous month but the
nights become cooler. From November temperatures decrease
progressively, the drop in night temperatures being more rapid. December is
usually the coldest month with the mean daily maximum temperatures at
28.1 °C (55.8 °F). In the cold season short spells of cold weather occur in
the wake of western disturbances passing across north India and the
minimum temperature sometimes goes down to about 6° or 7 °C (42.8° F).

33
Effects of heat wave and high temperature have been felt in the district due
to shrinkage in green cover over the years and climate change. Titilagarh
and its adjoining areaa experience high temperature of more than 45°C. As
per availability of records, the maximum highest temperature of 48.2°C was
recorded on 27th May 1998 and the lowest minimum was 3.2°C in 1994 on
January 28.
Humidity
The relative humidities are high in the south-west monsoon and post-
monsoon months. The air becomes gradually drier thereafter. Summer is the
driest part of the year with the relative humidity particularly in the afternoons
often going down below 30 percent.
A list of normal of temperature and relative humidity of Balangir and
Titilagarh is appended as Annexure II at the end of this chapter.
Cloudiness
During the south-west monsoon season, skies are generally heavily
overcast. In the summer and post-monsoon months there is moderate
cloudiness, the afternoons being cloudier than the mornings. In other
months the sky is mostly clear or lightly clouded.
Winds
Winds are generally light to moderate. During the south-west monsoon
season the winds are mostly front the south-west or west. In the post-
monsoon and cold seasons winds generally blow from the directions
between the north and north-east. In the summer months, the winds are
variable in direction.
Special Weather Phenomena
Storms and depressions in the Bay of Bengal, during the monsoon
season and in October pass through the district or its neighbourhood and
cause widespread heavy rain and strong winds. Thunderstorms mostly in
the afternoons occur in the summer season and in October. Rain during the
south-west monsoon season is also very often associated with thunder.
Even though there has not been large variation from the normal rainfall,
almost every year there is scarcity in some area or other on account of
irregular distribution of rainfall. Recently this district has experienced
cyclonic effect of Phailine and Hudhud in the month of October of the year
2013 and 2014 respectively. Unseasonal rainfall also damaged crops in the
month of December 2010.

34
 Annexure I

Rainfall Recorded since 1998 to 2006

Month 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Jan 6.40 0.00 0.50 0.00 10.00 0.00 8.30 57.80 0.00
Feb 24.00 0.00 21.40 0.00 0.00 13.60 3.00 9.50 0.00
Mar 43.20 1.50 0.00 4.20 3.30 1.60 5.10 3.50 34.19
Apr 15.00 0.00 3.30 6.20 6.50 10.30 31.70 0.00 9.60
May 24.90 72.80 25.00 33.40 35.90 5.40 11.10 4.50 78.59
Jun 124.90 175.90 184.50 438.80 150.50 85.50 309.70 115.40 142.10
Jul 271.40 214.20 254.00 707.40 116.40 400.70 332.10 415.00 577.30
Aug 156.20 285.20 173.30 293.30 337.10 604.00 244.60 174.00 720.22
Sep 149.00 146.70 114.90 54.50 150.70 369.00 95.70 249.90 109.50
Oct 79.20 32.20 3.90 33.40 14.40 109.30 88.80 107.00 12.50
Nov 23.50 0.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.10 0.00 0.00 11.07
Dec 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 31.70 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 917.70 929.10 780.80 1571.20 824.80 1632.20 1130.10 1136.60 1695.07

Rainfall Recorded since 2007 to 2014

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Month 2007 2008 2009
Jan 0.00 8.83 0.00 9.1 1.14 22.24 1.50 3.14

Feb 18.10 11.89 0.00 0 8.44 2.14 4.49 15.00

Mar 1.40 8.57 2.60 0.5 3.90 1.00 1.21 8.84
Apr 6.93 22.36 0.00 1.4 38.52 10.29 43.78 10.29
May 11.20 1.86 13.40 44.7 19.14 5.26 29.19 157.01
Jun 323.70 267.68 83.80 69.3 105.50 247.93 218.32 70.48
Jul 278.10 335.37 840.00 370.7 198.86 274.09 490.19 573.78
Aug 380.70 505.11 326.20 252.7 347.54 379.54 258.29 339.31
Sep 338.80 472.46 133.40 269.1 415.91 258.14 171.60 204.57
Oct 30.80 6.68 51.70 252.3 5.86 58.75 204.26 29.19
Nov 0.00 0.00 30.6 17.8 0.00 8.51 0.00 0.00
Dec 0.00 0.00 0.00 26.9 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 1389.73 1640.81 1481.7 1114.5 1144.81 1267.89 1422.83 1411.61

35
 Annexure II

Mean Mean
Daily Daily Highest Lowest
MONTH
Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Relative

Temperature Temperature ever recorded ever recorded Humidity (%)

January 27.6 15.7 39.7 1973 Jan 09 6.3 1992 Jan 14 68 48

February 31.0 18.5 38.8 1963 Feb 21 8.3 1992 Feb 12 62 41

March 35.4 22.5 42.3 1972 Mar 30, 10.2 1983 Mar 24 55 37

1990 Mar 23
April 39.3 26.4 49.0 1973 Apr 22 15.5 1992 Apr 01 50 32

May 40.8 27.9 48.3 1973 May 10 16.2 1990 May 01 52 33

June 36.1 26.4 46.0 1967 Jun 03 11.0 1978 Jun 15 69 57

July 30.7 24.5 40.7 1964 Jul 25 11.8 1978 Jul 19 84 79

August 30.2 24.7 39.0 1980 Aug 15 15.4 1978 Aug 28 84 80

September 30.8 24.8 38.4 1960 Sep 11 16.4 1990 Sep 06 82 77

October 30.8 23.1 37.8 1965 Oct 29 11.6 1992 Oct 30 76 67

November 28.6 19.1 36.6 1960 Nov 07 9.1 1992 Nov 30 70 59

December 26.4 15.3 32.6 1967 Dec 01 4.7 1992 Dec 24 69 52

Annual 32.3 22.4 68 55

36
 CHAPTER II

History

The district of Balangir is geographically located between 20 9‟ and

0

20 11‟ north latitudes and 82 41‟ and 84 16‟ east longitudes. The ex-
0 0 0

Patna State comprised the eastern part of south Kosala kingdom in ancient
1
and medieval times.
The circumstance or the time when the word Balangir came into vogue
is not exactly known. For the first time, the name came to prominence in
1871-72 AD when the capital of the Patna State was transferred from
Patnagarh to Balangir.
The district of Balangir like many other districts of Odisha is named
after the headquarters town of Balangir. The town was also the
th
headquarters of the feudatory State of Patna since the eighties of the 19
century. According to tradition, Balangir was established by Balaram Deo,
the brother of Narasingha Deo, the 12th Raja of the Patna State. It is said
that the town being founded by Balaram Deo was named after him as
Balaramgarh from which the present name Balangir has been derived.
There is, however, no recorded evidence to support this theory.
In the opinion of scholars, the name of Balangir is a combination of two
words, Balam (Bamboo) and Gill (Wooden Ravine) which reads as Balangil
and later on began to be known as Balangir.
Pre-History, Proto-History and Early Historical Perspective of the
District
Traces of pre-historic culture have been discovered in different parts of
Balangir district. Its plains, high mountains, rivers, rain fall, flood and thick
forest present extreme conditions for sustenance in which the inhabitants of
early times were living. The rivers such as Tel, Suktel, Ang, Sungad and
Lanth have yielded evidences of different typologies of lithic cultural remains
which indicate their antiquity of thousands of years. The typologies of
different lithic industries were discovered in Tel river valley and its tributaries
which establish their antiquities since pre-historic times. The lithic industry
belonged to the lower, middle and upper Palaeolithic period. The sites are
located on the bank of Tel, Suktel and their tributaries. The banks of the

1
J.B.O.R.S –Yayati’s Copper Plate Charter 3rd regnal year, Patna. Vol – II,1928
P. 106
J.K. Sahu – Historical Geography. N. K. Sahu – N.A.H.O– Vol. I, P – 32. A.S.R –
XVII – PP – 68 – 69
I.A – LXIX – P – 162. J.K.H.R.S – Vol. II, Vidarbha and Mahakosala – P.2, R.C.
Majumdar - Classical Age – P – 321, CII – Vol. III, P-13
37
rivers Suktel, Tel, Ang and Lanth yielded tools for flake blade industry. The
flake blade industry of this region primarily comprises of modules, cores,
scrapers points, flakes, miniature hand axe etc. Neolithic Celts are also
reported from some of the sites. Ring stones are also found in different part
of the district.
Kharligarh (20 27‟ north and 83 33‟ east) is situated at a distance of
0 0

about 1.5 km east of the village Bhuanpara in Tusra Tehasil. The site is on
the confluence of the river Tel and Rahul with its material culture ranging
nd th
from 2 century BCE to 4 century and CE provides evidence of a fortified
metropolitan settlement. Exploration of the surrounding area revealed that
the site was not an isolated area. A series of archaeological sites ranging
from the prehistoric to the early historic period have been documented in the
2
neighbourhood. The excavation yielded potteries of plain red ware, red
slipped ware, black ware, few pieces of tiles, iron objects, stone beads of a
gate, carnelian, terracotta beads, stone beads, bead polisher, copper punch
marked coin, terracotta wheels etc. Its close connection with other important
archaeological sites like Asurgarh, Manamunda, Budhigarh renders
materials for thought on various subjects like early state formation,
urbanisation, trade mechanism, settlement pattern etc.
Archaeology
The art and architecture of the district of Balangir comprise fort,
religious edifices, temple, vihara, a few secular structures etc. on the bank of
the river Tel (Telavaha), Ang, Lanth, Suktel (Suktimati) and Sungad. There
were several towns studded with monuments built under the patronage of
the ruling dynasties. The location of the ex-State of Balangir serves as a
bridge between the north and south Indian culture and tradition. It is natural
that the art and architectural traditions of both parts of India have a free play
in the area. The assimilation of both resulted in a new regional style (Kosali
style) which spread far and wide throughout the local river valley and even to
3
the coastal areas of Odisha with obvious regional variation. The temples of
this region signify important landmarks in the study of central Indian and
Odishian temple architecture.
Among the old monuments of the district, the most remarkable are the
Chausathi Yogini temple, Someswara group of temples and the Vaishanvite

2
S. Pradhan- Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, Vol. II , 2003, PP – 51 –
54
R.N. Dash- “Microlith from Kharligarh.” Orissa Historical Research Journal.
Vol.XXXIII, No.122, PP – 117-118
3
R.N. Mishra – Sculptures in Dahala and South Kosala and their Background –
1987, PP – 99-128
38
brick temple at Ranipur Jharial, the Sauntpur group of temples,
Tentulikhunti, few kosali temples at Kumuda, Sini, Ghodar, Udayapur,
Bijepur, Sirkela, Surda, Durga temple of Kusang, Koseleswer Siva temple of
Patnagarh, Chandi temple at Saintala and Harishankar.
The area between Kumuda and the confluence of Sundar (Under) and
Tel river is replete with archaeological remains dating from Mauryan period
th 4
till 13 century CE. J. D. Beglar who visited this area during 1874-75 stated
that at “Kumra there are some ruins. One mound stands south-east of the
village and yield bricks 15‟‟ long 9‟‟ wide and 3‟‟ thick judging from the
rectilinear direction of the wall it is clearly the site of a temple”. He again
added “Half a mile the west of the perch on a flat rock is a temple of stone
5
consisting of a single cell”. At Kumuda, there is one tri-ratha stone temple
which stands on a platform and is about 20‟ in height. The lateral niches of
this temple are empty and no deity is found in the sanctum. The pabhaga,
bada, gandi and mastaka of this temple are found. The temple at Sinni
consists of a shrine and a Mahamandapa in the front. Both the structures
are erected in square ground plan. The roof of the mandapa has been
damaged and the front wall is packed with burnt bricks. The top of the
temple represents beki, amalaka and the flat khapuri. B.K. Rath rightly
points out that from architectural point of view the temple can be dated back
th 6
to 8 century CE.
In the north of Ghodar village is located a Pancharatha temple with
single cell standing on a stone platform to the east of Ghodar. Two other
sites of fallen temples are found with loose sculptures. One dilapidated
stone temple is found in the village of Udayapur with the shape of
Pancharatha. In the outskirt of Udayapur a huge stone slab was discovered
having the carving of the saptamatrika and is flanked by Virabhadra and
Ganesh on both side. The Saptamatrika panel on a huge stone slab is the
th
only of its kind in the upper Mahanadi valley and can be ascribed to 8
7
century CE.
One Triratha planned temple, built in stone is found at Dekhala in the
Bijepur village. The door jamb and a part of the temple up to the gandi
portion is found. One broken eight armed Mahisamardini image is
worshiped as Chandi inside the broken sanctum. In the outskirt of the

4
J.P. Singh Deo- Some Tantric Esotericism of Orissa, 2003, P -107
5
Archaeological Survey of India– Vol. XIII, P- 137-140
6
B.K. Rath – Recent Archaeological Exploration in Orissa – O.H.C – XV annual
session – 1989, P – 44
7
S. K. Panda- Political and Cultural History of Orissa
39
village Sirekela, there is a single cell type triratha temple where a Siva linga
th 8
is enshrined. This temple can be dated back to 8 century CE.
Kosheleswer Siva temple is located at Daspur Surda. The temple is
situated on a monolithic rock. The rocky surface forms a natural elevation
on the bank of the Rivulet, Lakshmi jore. The temple is of the single cell type
and is built on the triratha plan. The temple elevation has three major parts,
9
Bada, Gandi and Mastaka. The temple is devoid of any Jagamohana.
The inner sanctum or the garva griha of the temple is square-shaped.
On the outer wall of the temple a three lettered inscription is discovered
which has been deciphered by Sri S.N. Rajaguru. From palaeographical
th
point of view, these letters have been attributed to 9 century CE. In the
sub-shrine, in front of the temple is found a structure which seems to be that
th
of Varaha and the antiquity of this image can be assigned to 9 century
10
CE. The Kosaleswara Siva temple of Surda can be taken as one of the
earliest among the existing ancient temples of the upper Mahanadi valley
th 11
and can be assigned to 9 century CE.
The temple of Kusang is pancharatha in plan, the Gandi of the temple
is surrounded by a pancharatha bisama consisting of beki, a huge amalaka,
12
a khapuri and one kalasa. A panel that is fitted to the eastern outer wall of
the jagamohana is the Navagraha and are found in the lintel portion of
Boudh group of temples. In design, Kusangai temple is a prototype of the
Nrusinghanath temple and shares many similar features with the Lingaraj
13
temple of Bhubaneswar. This temple can be placed in the last part of the
th
Somavamsi rule and is assigned to the early part of 11 century AD.
Remnants of temple pillars, one broken Navagraha panel, elephant
motif, temple doorways with lotus scroll motif, base moulding of temple pillar
as well as loose sculptures of Ardhanariswara, Nataraja, Bhairava, Ganesa,
Trivikrama and Kshetrapala were found in the outskirt of the village
Sauntpur. Traces of the cult of Shaktism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism were
found in the locality. Shaktipithas and pedestals are lying all around the field.
The base is square-shaped and has three moulding courses with a small
kirtimukha head carved inside a chaitya window motif which is carved in the
centre of these mouldings. An eight angled portion seems to have formed
the shafts, above which the beams of the jagamohana might have been in

8
O.H.R.J (The Orissa Historical Research Journal) Vol. XXXX – Nos. 1-4, P – 77
9
Silpa Prakasa – I, 107-119, PP - 21 ff, 194-202, PP – 29 ff
10
S.S. Panda – Kosaleswara Siva Temple of Daspur Surda, Balangir Loka Utsava –
2001, PP – 124-127
R.P. Mohapatra – “Tradition in Architecture” Art Tradition of Orissa, Orissa
11

Sahitya Academy, BBSR, Dec.1983, PP 19-21

12
S.S. Panda – Namastasya (Odia), 2007, PP 53-57
13
S.S. Panda. Sculpture Art of Upper Mahanadi Valley PP 348-354
40
 14
the original state. Here at Sauntpur, the doorway design depicts three
round, eight petalled Lotus-Ro-setted motifs connected to one another other
by linings such as the designed gates found in places like Sirpur, Rajim and
Tala, Baidyanath in the upper Mahanadi valley. A comparison of the ruins of
Sauntpur with the ruins of Devrani – Jethani temple of Tala (Chhatisgarh)
gives the impression that both the temple were of similar type. The temple
th
of Tala is dated to 6 century AD. Therefore ascribing a similar date to
15
Sauntpur temple may not be unreasonable.
At Tentelkhunti, ruins of a stone temple are lying scattered not very far
from Tel valley. As it is evident from the ruins, the temple appears to have a
low shikhara over the sanctum. The stone amalakas and other temple
16
sculptures scattered all around. The size of the Shakti pitha and the
volume of ruins give a fair idea of the shape of the temple.
Deogaon as well as its surrounding area is very rich from
archaeological point of view. Many brick mounds and collapsed temple sites
and fortified township locally known as Itagarh is found here. We found here
a medieval temple called Jogeswara Siva temple. Antique pieces of pottery,
semi-precious stone beads and other broken sculpture found in this area
th th 17
ascribable to 7 - 8 century CE have been found in its vicinity.
A hoard of punch marked silver coins was found by one villager named
Gouranga Badi of Ranisarda village, while cutting boulders in a paddy field.
These are known as Punch marked coins which are unlettered and have
different marks like the sun, the bull, the elephant etc. These punch marked
th th
coins might have been circulated between 5 century BCE and 4 century
CE.
Another significant discovery was made on August, 1990 when a 11
year old shepherd boy named Tarun Rana found a hoard of 54 gold coins of
king Mahendraditya who has been taken as a king of Aamararya kula
th
believed to rule in around 6 century CE. The coins were discovered inside
a hollow brick of a brick mound situated in the outskirt of a village named
Dangarmunda under Saintala police station area of Titilagarh Sub-division of
Balangir District. Those coins are round in shape made from the thin sheets
of base gold. The symbols as well as the legend of the king who issued
them are embossed on the obverse side and there is a circle of dots. Below
18
these symbols, the legend of the king Sri Mahendraditya is written. The
discovery of the gold coins of Mahendraditya is very significant due to the
fact that for the first time the gold coins of a king of Sarabhapuriya dynasty
th
could be discovered in the Balangir district. On 6 October, 1990, the
Sindhekela police of Balangir district seized two gold coins of Gangeya
Deva, the Kalachuri king of Dahala Mandala. One gold coin of the Chalukya

14
S. Panda – “Some Archeological Remains of Balangir district.” OHRJ, Vol.
XXXVI – No. 3 & 4, PP – 32-34
J.G. Williams – The Art of Gupta India: Empire and Province. PP – 127-128
15

16
C.B. Patel – Dynastic History of the Nalas Cal. 1990, PP – 237 – 238
17
C.B. Patel – Dynastic History of the Nalas
18
S.S Panda – Sculpture and Art of the Upper Mahanadi Valley P. 354
41
king of Vengi along with ornaments weighing one gram was recovered from
4 villagers of Samianpara village of the Titilagarh Sub-division of Balagnir
District. The weight of the gold coin of Gangeyadeva is 62 grams or one
tola. On both sides there were circle of dots in the edge portion. In the
obverse portion, a four handed Gajalakhmi figure is depicted and in the
reverse side is the legend of Srimad Gangeya Deva written in the
Devanagari scripts of the early medieval period. One similar gold coin of
Gangeyadeva was found at Kirabahal village situated on the left bank of the
19
river Suktel under the Loisingha Police Station of Balangir District.
Inscriptions
A number of copper plate inscriptions have so far been discovered in
the district. The copper plate charters are primarily donative and landative in
character. The genealogist of the donors and the donee, the fiscal and other
rights of the grantees and the designation of the officials incorporated in the
charters are of invaluable aid for the reconstruction of the history of the State
and ascertaining the economic conditions of the people. The benedictory
verses go a long way in providing and gleaning knowledge regarding some
of the features of the religious life of the people.
Mahabhavagupta of Maha Kosala issued a copper plate charter from
th
Kisarkella, Mahavijaya Kataka in his 11 regal year. He was the grandfather
of Mahabhavagupta; the doner has styled himself as Maharajadhiraja
Paramesvara Paramabhattaraka Somakulatilaka Kalingadhipati. These
plates were attached to a circular ring, containing the royal seal with the
emblem of a standing bull and crescent moon at the top. From the emblem
depicted on the royal seal of Kisarkella grant as well as the language and
palaeography of this charter, scholars have assumed Mahabhavagupta to
have flourished before Janmejaya, as Janmejaya‟s seal has Gajalaksmi
20
symbol on it. The charter was issued from Kisarkella which is situated at a
distance of approximately 10 kms east of Balangir town between the river
Suktel and a rivulet Nivritti. It was believed that Mahabhavagupta captured
this place along with the adjoining area while moving deep into the upper
Mahanadi valley of Odisha.
A large number of inscriptions issued by Janmejaya are available to us
and they throw a good deal of light on the historical geography of Balangir
region and the gradual extension of the Somavamsi power in this territory.
From the copper plate charters of Janmejaya, who has been taken as
the first strongest ruler of Somavamsi line in western Odisha, we came to
know that he was the son of Mahabhavagupta Rajadeva. It seems probable
that due to the menace of the Kalachuri of Tripuri, during the time of
Mahabhavagupta, the later Somavamsis were forced to come over to the
Balangir – Kalahandi – Sonepur region of the upper Mahanadi valley of west
Odisha. Mahabhavagupta Janmejaya‟s change of capital from time to time

S.P. Das – Sambalpur Itihas (Odia)

19

20
N.K. Sahu, J.K. Sahu, P.K. Mishra, History of Orissa – PP – 169, XXII, PP – 135-
138
42
testifies to the fact that his entire career was engaged in warfare and
expansion of the empire.
The Patna plate of Janmejaya was issued from the military camp
Murasima identified with Mursund (20‟‟ 50‟ N, 83‟‟ 33‟ East) on the bank of
21
the river Ang . Hiralal who identified Murasima with Mursing observed that
Janmejaya at that time was engaged in consolidating his position on the
right bank of the river Ang so as to launch an invasion on the powerful
Bhanja kingdom. The charter registers the donation of the village Vaka
Vedda identified with Vakevira near Salebhata (Balangir) in angatata Visaya
to the residential villages of three Brahmins (donee) given in the plates as
Loisrnga, Khandaksetra and Lipatunga; which are identified with Loisingha,
Khandapali and Lipursingha respectively. They had migrated from
Pampasarei, Odayasrnga and Konkaledda respectively. Pama Lake is in
south India, Odayasrnga, is Odsing in Athamallik and Konkaledda and is
22
identified with Kokmara near Narasimhanatha.
th
Kalibhana plates of Janmejaya were issued in the 6 reignal year,
Phayuna Sukla, the first tithi from the town Murasima pattana refers to Pota
Visaya with Jamvugrama and Pasitalagrama respectively. Pota has been
identified with the village Pua, Jamvugrama with Jamgaon and Pasitala with
Sivtala. The donee was Bhatta Putra, Govinda, son of Bhattaputra Konda,
who belonged to the Parasara Gotra.
th
In the 8 reignal year of Janmajaya was issued another copper plate
rd
grant from the same Murasima and this grant is also called the 3 Patna
Museum (Balangir) copper plate inscription. It records the donation of the
village Satallama in Kosalodavishaya in favour of Bhattaputra Samthakara.
Satalama is the same as modern Satalma in Satalma in Bargarh district and
Kosaloda has been identified with Kusarda – 16 km north-west of Satalama.
From a set of recently discovered copper plate grants of Janmejaya, it
is found that one grant was issued by Janmejaya on the occasion of his
coronation at Suvarnapura. As three sets of copper plate grants were
discovered on the left bank of river Suktel by a farmer while doing
reclamation work in his paddy field near a village Gopalpur (Balangir) under
the Loisingha Police Station in 1985, these sets are named as Gopalpur
st th
copper plate grants, numbering one (1 reignal year), two (10 reignal year)
th
and three (12 reignal year). The Gopalpur number three copper plate grant
was issued from Murasima.
Ranipur-Jharial copper plate charter was unearthed by two cultivators
while ploughing their paddy field in village Ranipur Jharial. This charter
consists of three plates of copper held together by a circular ring. Each plate
measures 18.5 cm x 12.5 cm while the inner side of the first plate has been
engraved, the remaining ones bear inscriptions on both sides. There are 55
lines of writing. The charter belongs to Somavamsi king Janmejaya
Mahabhava Gupta.

21
B. Mishra – Dynastic History of Medieval Orissa 1933, PP – 66
22
J. K Sahu – Historical Geography of Orissa, New Delhi 1997, PP – 77-78
43
 The charter begins with the auspicious symbol for Siddham and Om.
The donees were Bhattaputra, Narasinga, Damodara, Avanibhatta, Purusa,
Narayana and Airavata. The gift village is called Tunkela situated in the
district of Ksitimandapadhara. The gift village may be identified with Tukla
23
near Khariar situated at a distance of 10 miles from Ranipur-Jharial. The
Visaya Ksitimandapadhara is found mentioned in the Nehena plates of
rd
Sarabhapuriya king Sudevaraja and 3 Gopalpur charter of Janmejaya. S.
24
Agrawal has located this visaya in Khariar.
The two Patna copper plate charters of Yayati, register the grants of the
village Deladeli and Luttaruma in Telatata visaya to a Brahmana of the
village Antaradi in Lavada visaya. The Telatala visaya may be traced on the
bank of Tel River.
nd
The 2 charter of king Bhimaratha, known as Mahakosala historical
society plates was issued from the victorious camp at Kisurkella on the
king‟s 11 reignal year. It records the donation of the village Linjiragrama in
th

Prthura Bhukti to a Bhatta Brahmana. The Mahasandhivigrahim Rudrapatta

25
was the author of this document.
Fresh discoveries of copper plates in this region throw new light to the
history of Somavamsi period and prove that the Somavamsis ruled with the
help of feudatory chiefs. Recent discovery of an epigraphic record from
village Terasingha on the river Tel of present Kalahandi district and now
preserved in Manikyapuri museum of Bhawanipatna was issued from
Udayapur (Udepur, the capital city of the Rastrakuta rulers and
26
Dhakkarisaradeva or Bhanudeva near Titilagarh of Balangir District). The
27
record introduces a line of rulers belonging to the Rastrakuta lineage. This
charter belongs to Dhakkarisaradeva who is described as
Paramamaheswara Rastrakuta Vansodbhava Kulatilaka. It records the
donation of a village called Gosthapataka. JD Beglar who has visited
28
Udayapura areas during 1874-75 has left an account of this region. He
describes the ruins in Sihini. The region between the hillocks of Kumda,
described as the northern limit of this area there are four villages of
archaeological importance namely Kumuda, Sihini, Udayapur and Ghodar.
All these places contain ruins and also temples. Further, the ruin of a fort is
29
still to be seen at the Udayapura on the bank of a rivulet.
Ohakkarisuryadeva was a feudatory of the Somavansi king Yayati I. Later

23
A. M. Sastri – Inscriptions of the Sarabhapuriyas, Panduvamsin and
Somavamsins . Delhi – 1995 – Part – II, P -206
24
S. N. Agrawal – “Studies on Odishian Epic”. PP – 170-173
25
J.P. Singh Deo, C.P.S.K., PP 191-192
26
S. N. Agrawal – The Rastrakutas of Western Odisha O.H.R.J – VOL LIV- Nos
1-2
27
S. N. Agrawal – Two Copper Plate Grants from Western Orissa. Siddhartha
Prakasani Menda, 2001, PP – 5-23
28
Archaeological Survey of India, Report Vol. XIII, P – 183
29
S.N. Agrawal – Op. Cit.
44
on they were driven out of Tel river valley and migrated to Bargarh region
and ruled as Subordinate of the Somavamshis.
Stone Inscriptions
A number of stone inscriptions are also found in the present Balangir
district. The somesvara temple inscription at Ranipur Jharial was believed to
be inscribed by Gagana Siva, a famous Acharya of Mattamayura School of
th
Saivism, who has been ascribed to the middle of 9 century CE. The
inscription reveals that the Somesvara temple was built by Gagana Siva.
Another temple named Kenduvalli, close to the Somesvara at Ranipur
Jharial contains an inscription stating that the temple was constructed by
th
Sudhadevananda, the son of Jogeswara. The record belongs to 10 century
CE. On the top of a rocky elevation called Rakshasa Parvata opposite to the
Kenduvalli temple, there is a small inscription which reveals that the foot
prints were established by the order of Siddhacharya.
At Patnagarh close to the temples of Somesvara and Patneswari, there
is a raised platform with a flight of steps. The first step contains the
fragment of an inscription which reveals that king Someswara donated a
village called Ghasrani in Patna Dandapata for perpetual supply of flower
garland for Somesvara Siva. King Somesvara was very likely the Telugu
th
Choda Somesvara II who ruled towards the end of the 11 century CE.
Inside one of the temple at Harishankar, there is an inscribed image of
Bhairava. The inscription is in proto-odia script. Further, there is a stone
inscription found at Sauntpur near Balangir town but it is badly damaged and
can‟t be read.
Ancient History
Present Balangir district comprised, in ancient and medieval times, the
eastern part of South Kosala. South Kosala was a country of hoary
antiquity. The nomenclature appears to suggest that it was the Ikhsvaku
princes (Ayodhya) of Northern India, who had colonised this region. Pargiter
is of the opinion that Rama‟s long stay in Dandakaranya seems to be the
cause of sgiving rise to the name of Kosala. Another tradition is based on
the Ramayana which traces the foundation of Kosala to Kusa. Early
Buddhist literature like Avadanasataka mentions North and South Kosala as
two distinct territories existing at the time of Gautama Buddha. J.C. Narang
is of the view that upper Mahanadi valley just below the Maikal range was
called Dakshina Kosala. Varahamihira located Kosala in the Agneyakona
along with the countries of Kalinga, Vidharva and Andhra. Cunningham
presents the boundary of Kosala as comprising the whole of upper
Mahanadi valley. The imperial Gazetteer of India puts South Kosala
between 19‟‟ 50‟ and 23‟‟ 7‟ north and 80‟‟ 40‟ and 83‟‟ 38‟ East. But, nothing
definite can be said about the origin of the territory of Dakshina Kosala.
th
During the time of Grammarian Panini (5 Century BCE) a territory
named Taitala Janapada is found to have flourished on the west of Kalinga
and that territory has been associated by some scholars with the modern
town of Titilagarh of Balangir District. Taitala Janapada was famous for
trade in some commodities described by Panini as Kadru, the meaning of

45
 30
which may be either horse or cotton fabrics. According to V.S. Agrawal,
the word Kadru denotes some Tawny coloured materials, probably
31
Rhinoceros hides. To the South east of Titilagarh is situated Kumuda hill.
The area between Kumuda and the confluence of Sunder (Under) and Tel
river is filled with archaeological remains dating from pre-historic period till
th
13 century CE. J.D. Beglar, P.C. Rath, B.C. Chabra, J.P. Singh Deo had
reported some of the ruins at Udayapur, Sinni, Ghodar etc.
32
Scholars are of the view that ancient South Kosala not only included
eastern MP, but also extended over to Odisha, a speculation yet to be
substantiated by proper evidence. The Nanda rule in South Kosala was
short lived. This country along with Kalinga became independent of
Magadhan hegemony during the confusion that prevailed with the fall of the
Nandas and the rise of the Mauryas. After this, Kosala seems to have joined
with Kalinga and formed a confederacy against the aggression of the
imperial Mauryas. This fact is also indicated in the account of Megasthenes
and Lama Taranath. Megasthenes pointed out that there was no good
relation between the people of Magadha and those of the country south of
Vindhyas. Taranath also laid emphasis on the wicked nature of the people
33
living in the South of Vindhyas. The country South of Vindhya was
supposed to be the territory of South Kosala. The empire of Ashoka had
been extended to Andhra, Maharashtra and Gujurat and so it can be inferred
that the territory of South Kosala in eastern MP was included in it. Ashokan
edicts are silent about the territory of South Kosala. But, nothing definite can
be said about the occupation of this region by the Maurya.
It is known from the Jaina Harivamsa that in ancient time one Chedi
prince named Abhichandra founded a kingdom near the Vindya hill in the
valley of the river Suktimati which has been identified with the Suktel river of
Balangir District. That the Chedi kingdom was located close to Kalinga is
known from the Vessantara Jataka, where it is said that the capital of the
Chedi kingdom was only at a distance of only 10 yojanas from Dunnivittha, a
Brahmin village of Kalinga. According to the Chetiya Jataka, the capital of
the Chedi country was Sothiwatinagara which is the same as Suktimatipura
34
of Harivamsa and Suktisahvaya of the Mahabharata (Vana Parva). The
epic (Adi Parva) also states that the capital of the Chedi was situated on the
35
bank of river Suktimati. Sircar identifies the river Suktimati with Suktel. The
ancestors of Kharavela were thus ruling over the territory drained by the
Suktel in Balangir district. On the bank of the river Suktimati, we found
finished and half-finished semi-precious stone beads. Here, the potteries
are black polished of medium fabric with circle. A series of Archaeological

30
Ashtadyayi of Panini – VI – 2.42
31
V.S. Agrawal – India as Known to Panini P – 61
32
D.C.Sircar – Studies in the Geography of Ancient Medieval India, 1960, P – 270,
N.K. Sahu – U.U.H.O – I – P. 130
33
J.K. Sahu – Historical Geography of Orissa – P 60-61
34
N.K. Sahu – N.A.H.O
35
D.C. Sircar – Ancient Geography of India
46
sites on the bank of Suktimati ranging from pre-historic period to medieval
time are yet to be documented.
In the Hathigumpha inscription, Kharavela refers to one Vasu as his
ancestor, who is believed to be, the son of Abhichandra, the founder of the
Chedi kingdom. This Vasu may be identified with Vasu of the Mahabharata
(Adi Parva) where he is described as the king of the Chedis. Kharavela, the
st
third in the line of Chedi rulers was ruling about the middle of the 1 century
BCE and under him Kalinga became the strongest power in India. The
territory comprising the present district of Balangir formed a part of his far-
36
flung empire. Balangir region continued to be under the rule of the Chedis
st nd
during the 1 century AD. But, in the 2 century CE, it came under the
control of the Satavahana.
Gautami putra Satakarni, a mighty ruler of the Satavahana dynasty
extended his sovereignty from the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats. He
is said to have built a magnificent vihara for his philosopher friend Nagarjuna
on the po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li. Kili or Parimalagiri or Gandhyagiri is identified with
Gandhamardana hills on the border of Balangir and Bargarh district.
Gandhamardan hills or Harisankar attained popularity as a centre of
Buddhist learning due to the contribution of Nagarjuna and Arya Deva.
37
Parimalagiri flourished as a Buddhist centre of international importance.
Avadana Sataka states that Buddha lived for 3 months at the then capital of
38
Kosala. The Chinese pilgrim during his visit to South Kosala observed that
there was a mountain called Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li situated 50 miles south-west of
the Capital of Kosala and here king Yin-Oneng (sadvaha) of Satavahana
dynasty has quarried for Nagarjuna a monastery in the mountain. The
monastery was equipped with cloisters and lofty halls. The Halls were in 5
tiers with four courts with temple containing life size images of Buddha of
perfect artistic beauty. By the side of the monastery, there was a stupa. It
was found that the king of Kosala was Kshatriya by birth, a Buddhist in
39
religion and a noted philanthropist.
Recently, Manoj Sabar has found few stone socket sets, phallus type
stone, a stone ring, some iron implements etc. from the foot hill of
Harisankar. Harishankar requires an extensive archaeological survey which
is supposed to be the origin of an unknown civilization.
th
The history of South Kosala remains obscure till the middle of the 4
century CE, when Samudragupta is known to have made his Deccan
campaign against that territory. The Puranas state that prior to the
campaign of Samudragupta, the Meghas were ruling over Kosala and they
40
were quite powerful in the region. N.K. Sahu points out that Mahendra of
Kosala which is mentioned in the Allhabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta

36
N.K. Sahu U.U.H.O - PP 130-132
37
S.P. Tiwari – Comprehensive History of Orissa. PP – 136 – 137
38
R. Mitra – The Sanskrit Buddhist Literature of Nepal – 1971 – P-20
39
Thomas Watters – On Yuan Chwang’s Travel in India. Vol. II – P – 201
40
Pargiter – The Purana Text of the Dynasties of the Kali age – Oxford 1913 –
PP 53-34
47
 41
belonged to the Megha dynasty. The Allahabad pillar inscription of
Samudragupta reveals that the great conqueror in course of his historical
southern campaign defeated Mahendra of Kosala who evidently belonged to
42
the Megha dynasty mentioned in the puranas. This is the earliest known
reference to South Kosala. N. K. Sahu is of the opinion that the Chedi or
Mahameghavahana dynasty, to which Kharavela of Kalinga belonged to,
shifted to their original homeland Kosala after the decline of its rule in
nd
Kalinga in 2 century CE and they began to be known as Megha. The gold
coins found at Patnagarh, with the portrait of a king riding on a horse on the
rd
obverse and a legend of Sri Risavadeva in the character of 3 century CE is
assigned to a king of Megha dynasty. The ruler of Kosala Mahendra whose
name appears first in the list of the kings of Dakshinapatha in the Allahabad
pillar inscription is said to have belonged to the Megha dynasty.
Samudragupta did not annex any kingdom of the South to the Gupta Empire.
Soon after his departure this region witnessed an epoch-making event
namely, the rise of the Nalas.
The Nala was the first known ruling dynasty of this region. The rulers
had Kantara (Bastar, Koraput, Nawarangpur and Kalahandi) and Kosala
43
(Chhatisgarh and West Odisha) under their dominion. They rose to
prominence with their headquarters at Puskari (Podagarh) in the Umarkot
Tehasil of Nawarangpur district of Odisha. Some scholars are of the opinion
that the south and western part of present Balangir district constitute a part
44
of Nala empire.
There was a prolonged struggle between the Nala and the Vakataka.
Finally, the Vakatakas expelled the Nalas from Mahakantara- Kosala
45
region. Mahakantara appears to have lost its separate identity and a
portion of the northern areas of Mahakantara (Koraput, Bastar, Kalahandi)
th 46
became a part of South Kosala during the 6 century CE when the
47
Sarabhapuriyas were ruling over Kosala
This may be deduced from the description of the Chinese Traveller
48
Yuan-Chwang. On the basis of this description, Cunningham mentioned
the geographical extent of south Kosala as comprising the whole of the

41
CII- Vol.III – P-8
42
Proceeding of the Indian History Congress, Bhubaneswar, Session 1977
43
N.K. Sahu – U.U. Vol.I – PP 505-19, J.K. Sahu – Historical Geography of
Odisha, 1997, New Delhi, P – 63, Hiralal Shukla – Prachin Bastar Arthath
Dandkarney Ka Sanskritik Itihas (Hindi), Nagpur, 1978, PP – 56-58, S.C. Behera –
Historical Geography of South Kosala – N.A.H.O – I, P – 24, C.B. Patel – Dynastic
history of Nalas, 1990, PP – 19-21, D.C. Sircar – The Vakatakas, H.C.I.P – Vol. III
– 1970, PP – 183-193
44
H.L. Shukla – OP.Cit – P – 45, N.K. Sahu – Op. Cit – PP – 130, C.B. Patel – Op.
Cit – P – 21
EI. Vol. IX. “Balaghat Plate of Vakataka”. P 133
45
46
U.C. Majhi – History and Culture of Ex-Patna State:A Study (Unpublished Ph. D
thesis, S.U. – P – 32)
S.P. Tiwari – Comprehensive History of Orissa, 1985, PP – 3-5
47

48
Thomas Watter – On Yuan Chwang’s Travel in India – Vol.II, P – 201
48
upper Mahanadi valley and its tributaries from the source of Narmada
(Amarkantak) in the North to the Mahanadi in the south and from the valley
49
of Wein Ganga on the west to the Hasdo and Jonk rivers in the east. But, it
needs further scrutiny to justify the rule of the Nala in the present Balangir
district.
Parvatadvaraka
There are number of epigraphic sources which support the view that
when the Nalas were ruling Bastar – Koraput – Kalahandi region, another
dynasty with its capital at parvatadvaraka were ruling in Tel valley area, i.e.,
50
the southern part of Balangir and northern part of Kalahandi district. So far
only two sets of copper plates belonging to this dynasty are available to us.
The first was the Pipal padar copper plates issued by king Nandaraja from
51
the capital Parvatadvaraka. The second Terasinga copper plates which
record two charters, one issued by king Sobhanadeva from Parvatadwaraka
and the other by his son and successor Tustikara from the capital
52
Tarabhramaraka. These kings were devout worshipper of Goddess
Stambhesvari, a tribal deity which bespeaks their tribal origin. The Capital
town of Parvatadvaraka has not yet been identified. There are numbers of
ruined forts in Balangir region and on the bank of river Tel which if surveyed
suitably would yield important historical results.
Sarabhapuriyas
It is probable that in course of the campaign of Harisena (A vakataka
ruler of Basim branch), Sarabha, the founder of the Sarabhapuriya dynasty
might have assisted the Vakatakas against the Nalas and gained favourable
ground for his rise to political power at the decline of the Vakatakas and the
Nalas. In fact, South Kosala was parcelled out into petty principalities in the
5 – 6 century CE. At this cataclysmic juncture, the Sarabhapuriyas
th th

emerged in the South East trans-Vindhyan and Vindhyan region in the

struggle for imperial supremacy, and they were crowned with spectacular
success. Possibly, this is the first time when the disjoined principalities of
South Kosala came under one political banner (the Sarbhapuriyas). The
rule of the Sarabhapuriyas ushered in a golden era of cultural efflorescence
in the history of South Kosala.
Hoards of coins of Mahendraditya and Prasannamatra (Sarabhapuriya
ruler) are found in Madanpur-Rampur (Kalahandi), Saintala, Khaprakhol,
Lathor (Balangir District), Nehna, Maraguda (Nawapara district and copper
plate charters at Amgura, Khariar, Nawapara district). During the reign of
Sarabhapuriya dynasty the boundary of the empire extended upto
Barapahar range (Bargarh district) as evidenced by the Pipardula copper

49
Cunningham. The Ancient Geography of India. P – 735
50
J.K. Sahu – Historical Geography of Orissa. P – 64, S.S. Panda – Sculptural Art
of upper Mahanadi valley – P – 373
51
The Jhankara, Cuttack, May 1979, PP – 202-203
52
El. Vol. XXX. Terasing copper plate Tustikara-Parvatadvaraka dynasty PP.274-78
, J.K.H.R.S – Vol. II, No.2, PP – 107-110
49
 53
plates. No archaeological work has so far been carried out regarding the
Sarabhapuriya in the present Balangir district. However, it is presumed that
there is no mention of any powerful dynasty ruling over the western part of
Balangir which is adjacent to Khariar (Nawapara) region. In ancient times,
there was no fixed territorial boundary of states as it is found today and was
very much subject to change with the change of political situations.
Circumstantial evidences suggest that western part of present Balangir was
under the Sarabhapuriyas.
The earliest ruler of this royal family was Sarabha, who was a tribal
chief (Sarabha refers to a mythical animal having 8 legs and stronger than a
lion). It was under strong influence of Brahmanical culture (After the Deccan
campaign of Samudragupta this region witnessed the spread of Aryan
culture). At a later stage, there was fusion of tribal and Aryan concepts which
led to the composition of royal panegyrist of the same family which helped to
trace the origin of the dynasty of Amara – Arya – Kula under the influence of
Brahminical school which they claimed to have belonged to Amararya kula.
Sarabha was succeeded by his son Narendra. He asserted his sovereign
status over Kosala by subjugating the existing local chiefs and conferring on
himself the title of Maharaja. The empire was consolidated under the able
chieftainship of Mahendraditya, Prasannamatra, Jayaraja and Sudevaraja as
stated by scholars.
The Sarabhapuriyas had good relations with the Panduvamsis of
Mekala. The Bahamani copper plate grant of Bharatavela reveals that this
king had married a princess of Kosala named Lokaprakasa. Their son
Surabala succeeded to the throne of Mekala. The relations between Kosala
and Mekala became more intimate at the time of Sudevaraja II. It was
believed that Indravala (son of Udayana –represented the younger branch of
the Panduvamsi), being a maha samanta was a man of prowess who helped
Sudevaraja to conquer Sripura. The history of Kosala after Sudevaraja II
and of Mekala after Suravala is not known. On the other hand, a stone
54
inscription preserved at Nagpur museum describes Nannaraja (son of
Indravala) as a great conqueror. It appears that Surabala died issueless and
was succeded by Nannaraja of the younger branch. The son and successor
of Nannaraja was Tivaradeva. Tivaradeva was a great conqueror and it was
because of him that Mekala and Kosala were amalgamated in to one
empire. On gaining the soverignity of kosala he described himself as
55
Kosaladhipati. The present Balangir district was included in the dominion of
the Panduvansis during the rule of Tivara. From the Adhabar charter of his
son Nannaraja, it is learnt that he proceeded on a victorious military
campaign and conquered all the countries as far as Utkala to the east of his
kingdom. But, his control over Utkala was short lived and the circumstances
which forced him to withdraw from Utkala are not known. His Kongada

53
I.H.Q – XIX Pipardula Charter of Narendra (Sarvapuriya) Cal- Govt. of India PP
– 139-146
54
J.R.A.S.C (1905) PP – 617
55
CII – Vol. III, PP – 291-99, El. Vol. VII, Baloda Charter- Tivaradeva. Govt. of
India- PP – 102-107
50
adventure also did not bring him any success. His attempt to bring Kongada
under his control was spoiled as he was defeated by Dharmaraja.
From the time of Nannaraja (son of Tivara) to Balarjuna, Kosala faced a
number of external invasions. Yasovarman of Kanauj, Harsadeva of Assam,
Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga and Govinda III and the Panduvamsi rulers had
to struggle hard for the security and integrity of Kosala.
The Somavamsis
Nothing definite is known about the history of Panduvamsis after
Balarjuna. As the Panduvamsis were described as belonging to the
Somakula, it is generally believed that the Panduvansis rule continued after
Balarjuna being popularly known as the Somavamsis.
The western tract of Odisha which had been a geographical expression
rather than a political entity for a long time preceeding to the time of
56
Janmejaya I, emerged as a royal state called Kosala. Many scholars are of
opinion that there was a gap of at least two generation between the reign of
Balarjuna and Janmejaya. The two Somavamsis king ruling this period are
known to us by their sobriquets namely Mahabhavagupta and
Mahasivagupta. The former is identified with Mahabhavagupta Rajadeva,
the donor of the Mahakosala historical society plates and the latter is
57
described as the father of Janmejaya I. The Somavamsis after Balarjuna
felt that the security of their former capital Sripura was threatened by the rise
of the Kalachuris of Tripuri (modern Jabalpur) on the border of Kosala.
They, therefore, shifted their base to Western Odisha and made vigorous
effort to expand their territories towards the east at the cost of the
Bhaumakaras of Tosali. In between Kosala and Tosali, there was a semi-
independent principality named Khinjali – Mandala (Sonepur – Boudh
region) and it was ruled by the Bhanjas under the suzerainty of the
Bhaumakaras.
Mahabhavagupta Janmejaya - I is known to have ascended the throne
th
of Kosala in the middle of the 9 century CE. Janmejaya pursued an
imperialistic policy of aggrandisement from the beginning of his reign and
became successful to a reasonable extent. His ultimate objective was to
spread his domination as far as Utkala or Tosali of the Bhaumakaras. Even
he made use of matrimonial alliance to fulfil his aim. He married his daughter
Prithvimahadevi (Tribhuvana Mahadevi II) to the Bhaumakara king
Subhakardeva IV. Although he could not succeed to take possession of the
Bhaumakara kingdom, he conquered and annexed Khinjali mandala which
was under the paramountancy of Bhauma Empire.
During the reign of Janmejaya there was long drawn war between
Janmejaya and Ranabhanja (the ruler of Khinjal, mandala – Sonepur – Baud
– Daspalla region) and subsequently the Somavamsis came out victorious.
The victory led to the annexation of Khinjali into Kosala kingdom. It
constituted a province with a new name Odra as revealed from Nagpur

56
D.B. Mishra – History of West Odisha – 2010, P – 76
57
EI- XI. Mahakosala Hostorical Society. Plate Mahabhavagupta P – 92
51
museum inscription of R.Y.8. Odra was recognised as a separate province
and the eastern frontier of Soma dominion touched the western border of the
Bhauma kingdom. Though he conquered Khinjali his war with the
Kalachuris continued. In the copper plate charter of Yayati – I, Janmejaya is
said to have expelled the Chedi (Kalachuri) king Laksmanaraja of Tripuri and
this signify his military glory. He bore the appellation of Swabhavatunga and
Dharma Kandarpa because of his generosity and love for justice.
Janmejaya Mahabhavagupta had probably no time to build a
permanent capital and was found granting charters from his military camps.
For some time, he fixed his headquarters at Murasima from where he issued
th
grants. In his 11 R.Y. he issued a charter from Kiserkella. Again he
transferred his capital to Arama kataka which may be identified with Rampur
in Sonepur district.
Janmejaya was succeeded by his son Yayati – I Mahasivagupta. He
had his capital at Vinitapura identified with modern Binka and later built a
new capital at Yayatinagara identified with Jagati near Boudh. Like his
father Yayati – I started a policy of imperialistic expansion. The charter of
8 reignal year reveals that Yayati – I inherited a war with the Kalachuris
th

from his father and probably this war was decided in favour of the
Kalachuris. Being thus failed in the west, he turned towards the east to
extend his territory at the cost of the Bhaumakaras of Tosali. When Yayati
was ruling over Kosala, his sister Prithvimahadevi was the ruler of
Bhaumakara dominion with her capital at Guhesvara Pataka identified with
modern Jajpur. There was a close relation between Yayati and his sister
and the nobles and chiefs of Tosali were naturally threatened of attack by
the Somavamsis. Prithvi Mahadevi was replaced by Tribhuvana Mahadevi
by a court rebellion in the capital of the Bhaumakaras and that probably
foiled the ambitious designs of Yayati – I. According to some accounts
Yayati-I built Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar.
Mahabhavagupta Bhimaratha succeeded to the throne of Kosala after
his father Yayati - I. During his rule, the Kalachuri ruler Laksmana Raja – II
58

had defeated the lord of Kosala and it had no lasting result. He was
59
succeeded by his son Mahasivagupta Dharmaratha. The Banapur plates
state that Dharmaratha conquered Kongado and Kalinga and appointed his
half brother Indraratha as its Governor. Dharmaratha died issueless and his
half brother Naghusa ascended the throne. His reign witnessed a civil war
between Naghusa and Indraratha. Taking advantage of a civil war, the
Kalachuris of Ratanpur under their king Kalingaraja attacked Kosala and
conquered Raipur – Bilaspur region. During his reign Kosala was invaded
60
61 62
by Paramara king Bhoja and Rajendra chola and probably he was killed

58
E.I – Vol. I. Bilhari Stone Inscription - Kalachuri Laksmanaruja. Govt. of India-
P-251
59
J.A.S.B – VIII. Banapur Plate of Dharmaratha. Cal-1898 PP – 271-276
60
S.P. Nanda – Unpublished Ph.D thesis, S.U. – PP – 13-15
61
H.C.I.P -V, PP – 67-68
62
E.I. Vol. IX. Tirumalai Inscription of Rajendra Chola (Govt. of India) PP – 392-
93
52
in the battle. Kosala passed through a chaotic condition following the Chola
invasion and at this critical juncture Chandihara Yayati was chosen as the
king of the Somavamsi Empire. He was known as Yayati – II. He issued the
Jatesinga Dungri plates in the third reignal year which records the grant of
Brihat Bhusayi in Bhranda Visaya and Maran – Jamura grama in Santo vardi
Khanda of Samvaravadi mandala/Brihat Bhusiya may be identified with
Bharsuja, Bhranda with Bendra, Samvaravadi with Samra, Santovardi with
Sauntpur and Maranjumura with Janmura, all located in between Balangir
and Sonepur. It is also stated in the Jatesinga plates that Yayati – II was
chosen for the throne unanimously by the constituent countries of the Odra
Empire such as Kongoda, Kalinga, Utkala and Kosala. This shows that in
the beginning of the reign of Yayati – II, the Somavansi Empire extended
over the whole of Odisha. But in the later part of his reign, the Ganga king
Vajrahastadeva – V retrieved the fortune of his family and occupied
Kongado and Kosala. However, Yayati – II succeeded in consolidatings his
position by defeating his enemies.
Yayati – II was succeeded by his son Udyotakesari. During his rule, the
Somavamsi dominion faced the danger of invasion from the Kalachuris in
the West and it was probably with the intention to check the Kalachuri
invasion, Udyota Kesari divided his empire into Kosala and Utkala. Prince
Abhimanyu ruled over Kosala and he was succeeded by Kumara
63
Somesvara who assumed the title of the Lord of Paschima Lanka. After
Udyota Kesari, the Somavamsi rulers both in Kosala and Utkala declined in
power. Udyokesari was succeeded by his son Janmejaya – II. Meanwhile,
the Kalachuris had occupied the Western part of Kosala and Prithvideva – I,
the Kalachuri ruler proclaimed himself as the Lord of Kosala . Janmejaya –
64
65
II had to encounter the invasion of the Gangas of Kalinga. It was a critical
time for the Somavamsis with full of external danger from all direction that
must have drained the declining resources of the Somavamsis. At such a
juncture, Karnadeva, the last known Somavansi king ascended the throne.
At that time, the great conqueror of Ratanpur, Jajalladeva – I invaded south
66
Kosala. The last vestige of the Somavamsi rule was wiped out from Odisha
67
by the Ganga chief Chodagangadeva.
The Teluguchodas
A teluguchoda chief named Yasoraja conquered the eastern part of
Kosala for his overlord, the Chindika Naga king of Chakrakota mandala
(modern Bastar in Chhatishgarh). Yasoraja seems to have accompanied
later Chalukya king Somesvara who raided Kosala and conquered
Chakrakota after defeating a king of the Naga dynasty. So far three copper
plate charters of the Telugu chodas have been found in this region and they
are Mahada plates, Kumarisimha plates and Patna museum plates. D.C.
Sircar suggests that Yasoraja conquered Kosala as a lieutant of Chhindika

63
E.I. XXVIII. Sonepur Charter of Somesvaradeva,Telugu Choda. Lines 6-7
64
E.I. Vol.XIX. Amoda Plate Prithvideva-I. P – 75 ff
65
E.I. Vol. IV. Dirghasi Stone Inscription (Ganga) Govt. of India PP – 314-18
66
J.N.S.I – XIII. Jajalladeva’s Gold Coins Finding Place, Sonepur- PP – 191 ff
67
E.I. XII. Karmi Plate- Chodagangadev. P – 240
53
Naga Somesvara and was rewarded with the Governorship of the region.
Yasoraja – I was succeeded by his son Yasorajadeva – II and he was
succeeded by his son somesvaradeva – II, the donor of Mahada plates. He
owed his nominal allegiance to the family of his overlord Chhindika Naga of
Chakra Kota Mandala. When Somesvara II died issueless the throne
68
passed on to the younger branch and Yasoraja III succeeded him. His
successor was Somesvara – III who issued the Kumarasimha and Patna
museum plates. During this time, present Balangir and Sonepur district was
69
ruled by the Teluguchodas. The Kosalesvara siva temple of Patnagarh was
ascribed to the Teluguchoda ruler Someswara. By that time the Kalachuries
had occupied the western part of Kosala. Therefore, the Teluguchoda and
the Kalachuris faced each other and a struggle for supremacy became
70 71
inevitable. The Ratnapur inscription dated CE 1114 reveals that
Jajalladeva – I vanquished Somesvaradeva, the lord of Kosala.
72

The Kalachuris
Almost synchronous with the foundation of the Teluguchoda rule in
easten part of Kosala, a branch of the Kalachuri of Dahala established their
supremacy in Western Kosala with Tummana as the capital. The leader of
this new Kalachuri branch Kalingaraja‟s great grandson Prithivideva claimed
73
himself in the Amoda grant as Sakala Kosaladhipati. The Ratanapur stone
74
inscription describes that Jajalla defeated the king of Daksina Kosala. The
Kalachuris ruled over Western Odisha for about a century. Kalachuri coins
have been found from various parts of this region. It seems that after the
defeat of the Teluguchodas in the hands of the Kalachuris, the region now
comprising present Balangir district as well as the adjacent Nuapada district
75
went under the Kalachuris of Ratanapur. When this region was under the
control of the Kalachuris, the Ganga ruler Chodagangadeva occupied Utkala
in about 1110 CE and extened his territory from the Gangas to the Godavari.
He desired to conquer western Odisha from the hands of the Kalachuris. It
is known from the Mallar inscription that Ratnadeva – II, the son of Jajjala
76

defeated the Ganga king Chodaganga in a fierce battle in the Talahari

Mandala in around 1130 CE. Prithivideva – II is also said to have defeated

68
P.K. Nayak – Comprehensive History and Culture of Orissa (ed) P.K. Mishra –
Vol. I, PP – 240-41
69
S.S. Panda – Op. Cit. P – 348
70
J.K. Sahu – Op. Cit. P – 87
71
CII – Vol. IV, Pt. II, Ratanpur Charter Orithvideva(Kalachuri), VVMirashi
ootcamund-1955. PP – 409-16
72
JoH Vol. I. Sambalpur University Plates issued by Devapya, Burla 1978 No.1,
PP- 1ff
73
CII – Vol.IV, PT – II, Raipur Grant of Prithvideva (Kalachuri), V.V. Mirashi,
Ootcamund- 1955- No75, Line– 1-6
74
CII – Inscription No.78,79,80, 81 -Ratanpur Stone Inscription of Jajalladev
75
S.P. Nanda – Op. Cit.
76
CII. Vol. IV, Raipur Plate of Prithvideva by VVMirashi. Ootcamund-1955 PP –
483-90 PP – 483-90
54
 77
Jatesvara Kamarnava in around 1150 CE. The lost glory of the Ganga
could be recovered by Anangabhimadeva – III. The great grandson of
78

Chodagandadeva could capture the upper Mahanadi valley of Odisha due to

the defeat of the Kalachuri king by Visnu, the general of the Ganga army on
the banks of the Bhima at the outskirt of the Vindhya hills and on the shore
79
of the sea.
The Gangas
It was the victory of General Visnu that enabled the Gangas to occupy
the western part of Odisha during Anangabhimadeva III. Some scholars
th
believe that for some time in the 13 century, this region was occupied by
the Yadavas of Devagiri as twenty seven gold coins were found from
80
Sonepur. Krishna, one of the Yadava king defeated his contemporary
81
Kosala King. The Yadava invasion might have weakened the power of the
Gangas. Further, the Ganga power declined due to the menace they faced
from all sides of their kingdom like that from Bengal, Vijayanagara Empire
82
and the Bahamani kingdom. As learnt from the traditional records, the
Patnagarh area was still under the Ganga Governor posted there. The last
Ganga Governor died issueless and his queen Hemanta Kumari ruled the
country with the help of eight Generals known as Asta – Malliks till the
th
advent of the Chauhans around 14 century CE.
The Chauhans
The early history of Chauhan rulers of Patna is known from a Sanskrit
work Kosalananda written by Pandit Gangadhar Mishra belonging to the first
half of the 16th century AD, a Hindi work called Yayachandrika by Prahllad
Dube written in 1282 A. D. and an Odia work named Nrusingh Mahatmya by
th
Lakshmana Misra who was living in the later part of the 19 century. Major
H. B. Impey, who was a Deputy Commissioner of Sambalpur, prepared on
the 29th May 1863 a note on the Garhjat State of Patna which is of great
help for study of the history of the Chauhan rulers of this ex-State. All these
authorities have written about the origin of the Chauhan rulers in Patna
on the basis of the long preserved tradition and although they differ on
some minor details they agree on the salient point that one Ramai Deo,
scion of the Chauhan ruling family of the Garh- sumbul usurped the throne
of Patna and founded the rule of his dynasty in that territory. Major Impey
writing in 1863 states “the Maharajas of Patna claim direct descent from a
race of Rajpoot Rajahs of Gurh-sumbul near Mynpooree and count back the
83
individuals of this race for 32 generations" .

77
CII – Vol. IV, Part – II, Kharod Inscription of Ratnadeva II by V.V. Mirashi.
Ootcamund-1955 P – 540
78
Cir.1211 – 1238 CE
J.A.S.B. old series – 1898 – Vol. LXVII, PP – 322-326 ff
79
80
OHRJ – II.3, PP – 1-5 ff
81
EI – XXV. Jirjingi Charter, Indravarman-Ganga dynasty – P – 218 f
82
J.P. Singh Deo – Cultural Profile of South Kosala – PP – 260-263
83
Note on the Gurjhat states of Patna by Major H.B. Impey is given in Appendix I
55
 On the basis of the available evidence, it may be said that late Hamir
Deo was killed about the middle of the 14th century AD by the Sultan of
Delhi who was very probably Feroz Shah Toghluq after which his queens
excepting one named Asavati alias Yayati performed the rite of Suttee.
Asavati fled away to save her life and honour and ultimately got shelter at
the residence of a Brahmin of Patna named Chakradhar Panigrahi. There
she gave birth to a son who was named Ramai and the child became
virtually the adopted son of Panigrahi.
It was the time when the territory of Patna was being administered by
a oligarchy consisting of eight Chieftains (Astamallik). These Chieftains
were the Lords of the eight forts (Garhs) which were — (1) Patna-garh, (2)
Kagaon-garh, (3) Salebhata-garh, (4) Jarasingha-garh, (5) Sindhekela-
garh, (6) Kholan-garh (7) Gora-garh, and (8) Komna-garh. These
Chieftains used to rule as head of the territory for one day by turn.
Kosalananda, the Sanskrit work while referring to these eight Chiefs
(whom it calls eight Mantrins) ruling the country by turn like brothers, also
reveals that the real sovereignty was vested in the people who were
selecting and appointing these Mantrins. This work,S further states that
once a ferocious man-eater wrought great devastation and when all
attempts to kill it became futile it was decided by the people that
whosoever would kill the man-eater would be the king of Patna. The
Mantrins also hailed the decision of the people. Subsequently, it was
Ramai Deo, then a young man, who succeeded in killing the tiger; and the
people, true to their promise, appointed him as king. The Yayachandrika,
however, presents a different story. According to it, Chakradhar Panigrahi,
who was virtually the adoptive father of Ramai was one of the eight
Chieftains who were ruling over Patna by turn for a day. When once the
turn of Panigrahi came, he deputed Ramai to run the administration that
day. The young Ramai lavishly rewarded the army and the people and
made them highly satisfied while at the same time he grossly misbehaved
with the other Chieftains. Next time when once again Ramai was deputed
to rule by Chakradhar Panigrahi, he managed to kill all the seven Malliks
with the help of the army and usurped the throne of Patnagarh.
It is difficult to know about the correct evidence regarding the founda-
tion of the Chauhan rule in Patna. This much, however, can be said that
prior to the coming of the Chauhans, the territory of Patna was being ruled
by a popular form of Government which was destroyed by Ramai Deo who
started the monarchical system of Government. Sri L. P. Pandeya remarks,
“A branch of Patna family of the Chauhan dynasty of Orissa, Indian system
of popular Government soon rose to power and importance extending its
sovereignty over 8 Chiefs or Lords of forts or Garhs as they are usually
called”.
84

As Ramai Deo was born about the middle of the 14th century AD, he
usurped the Gadi (throne) of Patna sometime during the second half of that
century. He has been represented as a very ambitious ruler and during his

84
Indian Historical Quarterly Vol- VI P- 568 14. B of R - 8

56
rule he is said to have extended his territory as far as the border of Boudh
in the east by occupying Suvarnapattana (modern Sonepur). He fortified
the capital Patnagarh and constructed there the temples of Pataneswari
and Jagannath. The Kosalananda states that the then Gajapati ruler of
Orissa recognised the authority of Ramai Deo over Patna and gave the
daughter of his brother in marriage to him. After Ramai Deo, his son
Mahalinga Deo became the ruler of Patna. He ruled only for 6 years and
was succeeded by his son Vachharaj Dev. This ruler is known to have
fought with the Chief of Bastar. He reduced the fort of Dantewada, the
capital of Bastar and forced the Chief to sue for peace. The daughter of the
king of Bastar was given in marriage to the son of Vachharaj Dev, who
brought the goddess Bastarani to Patna probably as a trophy of his victory.
After Vachharaj Dev, his son Vaijal Dev-I became the ruler of Patna. The
Kosalananda has, however, given a different account, according to which
Vatsaraj Deva (Vachharaj Dev) was the son of Vaijal Deva and the
grandson of Mahalinga Deo and this account has been accepted by
Prahallad Dube, the author of Jayachandrika and many other scholars of
the subsequent period. But the Nrusimhanath temple inscriptions of Vaijal
Dev clearly reveal that Vaijal was the son of Vachharaj Dev, the ruler of
Patna. This being a contemporary record should be authentic and the date
of it as pointed out above falls on the 14th March, 1413. So Vaijal Dev
th
flourished during the early part of the 15 century AD. Cobden Ramsay
describes his activities on the basis of Kosalananda as follows:
It appears from the Kosalananda, a local work on the history of the
Patna Raj family that Baijal Deva, the third Chief from Ramai Dev, was
the most powerful Chief and extended his dominions far and wide.
He fought with Ram Chandra and Mahaling, Gajapatis of Orissa for six
years. Bamra was reduced to an annual tribute of 16 elephants.
Gangpur, Bonai, and other neighbouring States submitted without a
fight, and Baud and Sirguja also submitted. It is said that 72 Chiefs
were made tributary to Patna by Baijal Deva-I. Dhenkanal was also
subdued and the temple of the golden Mahadeo at Sonpur was
built by him.
The temple of Nrusimhanath on the Gandhamardan hill was built by
Vaijal Deva who granted the revenue of the village for the worship of the
god and maintenance of the temple. His queen Durlava Devi caused to be
.
built another temple on the other side of the same hill for the worship of
Harihara. Probably from his time onwards, the peaks containing the
temples of Nrusimha and Harihara were respectively known as
Nrusimhanath and Harisankar.
Vaijal Dev was succeeded by Bhojaraj Deo, who is said to have built
a fort on the Gandhamardan hills near Nrusimhanath. This fort is known
after him as Bhojagarh and the ruins of it may be seen even at present.
The next ruler, according to Kosalananda, was Biramalla Deva. But in the
list of the kings of Patna furnished by Impey, the name of Prataparudra is
found after Bhojaraj Deo. Biramalla appears to be an epithet rather than a
proper name and so Prataparudra Deo who has been represented as
Pratapamalla by Kosalananda may be said to be a successor of Bhojaraj

57
Deo. The rule of Prataparudra has been referred to by the poet Chaitanya
Das in his Nirgama Mahatmya where he states that he was living in
Khadial (Khariar) during the rule of Prataparudra. This indicates that
Khariar was a part of Patna, during the rule of Prataparudra. The next ruler
was Bhupal Deo, son of Prataparudra Deo. He is known to have improved
the construction of Bhojagarh close to which he established a township
and encouraged people to reside there by giving lands free of rent. Nothing
more is, however, known about this ruler and after him Nagasingh Deo
became the ruler of Patna who on his turn was succeeded by his son
Bikramaditya Deo. In Kosalananda and Jayachandrika, Nagasingh Deo
does not find any place. His name has been restored by Impey from some
documents which we do not get at present. Shri Ram Chandra Mallik, the
writer of Kosala Itihas, seems to have taken this ruler from the lists of
Impey. About Bikramaditya Major Impey writes that the “Maharaja
Bikramaditya Deo, the ninth Rajah of Patna erected a fort in Phooljhur at
Seespalgarh, where its remains are said to be still traceable—a proof of
the unflinching authority then exercised over the Gurjhat States” .
Bikramaditya was succeeded by his son Vaijal Dev II who is known to be
the author of the famous lexicon Prabodha Chandrika. In this work he
states that he was the son of Vikramarka or Bikramaditya, the consort of
Chandrabati, and was the king of Chauhan family of Patna. He further
states that he was the worshipper of Harihara and his Guru and that he
was a powerful munificent and beautiful person, well-versed in Logic and
Tantra.
Mahamahopadhyaya Hara Prasad Sastri wrongly observes the author
of Prabodha Chandrika, the Chauhan ruler of Patna, as a Jagirdar in Bihar
and writes about him as follows:
During the reigns of Jehangir and Shah Jahan, there was a Chauhan
Raja at Patna, whose name was Vijjala or Vaijala, and he had four
Praganas as his Jagir. Following the example of Vidyapati and of Vijjala's
ancestor Vikramaditya, he got one of his Pandits, Jagamohan, to write
a Sanskrit Gazetteer of Eastern India entitled Desavalivivriti. He had a
son named Hiradhara. For the education of Hiradhara in Sanskrit, he
wrote a short grammar entitled Probodha Chandirika in anustup metre
throughout. His objective was to preach the glory of Rama.
The opinion of Pandit Sastri is without doubt untenable as Vaijal Dev
clearly states in the Prabodha Chandrika that his territory Patna was
located to the west of Utkala and that he was a famous Chauhan ruler of
that territory. In the genealogy of Vaijal Dev, Jagirdar of Patna, as
furnished by Pandit Sastri, we find that Vaijal, the author of a Prakrit
Vyakarana; was the grandson of Bikramaditya of Tirhut and the son of
Vaijal was one Banahari. This genealogy is not corroborating the accounts
of Prabodha Chandrika. Thus Vaijal Dev the author of Prabodha Chandrika
is no other than the ruler of Patna in Odisha who flourished during the early
part of the 16th Century AD.
Vaijal Dev was succeeded by his son Hiradhara Deo who has been
represented as a powerful king both by the Kosalananda and
Jayachandrika. Hiradhara encouraged education in his kingdom and
58
established many schools both for general and technical studies. Among
the technical subjects taught in the schools, were Ayurveda, Agriculture
and Industry. According to Sri Rama Chandra Mallik Hiradhara Deo was a
feudatory of Gajapati king Prataparudra who, being defeated by Krishna
Deva Rai of Vijayanagar ceded some territories including Patna to him. Sri
Mallik thus concludes that Hiradhara was paying tribute to the ruler of
Vijayanagar. This, however, seems to be doubtful as no records to
substantiate this opinion have yet been available.
Hiradhara Deo was succeeded by his son Narasimha Deo during
whose rule the kingdom of Patna was very powerful. Balaram Deo, the
brother of Narasimha Deo, was an ambitious and war-like prince who
defeated the Raja of Surguja and took possession of the territory of
Sambalpur. It is said that in one rainy night when the Rani of Narasimha
Deo was in labour, Balaram Deo swam across a hill-stream named
Mayabati which was flowing in between the capital town of Patnagarh and
the village Barapada, and brought the nurse from that village to attend the
Rani. It was as a reward for this courageous and faithful service that
Narasimha Deo gave the north-eastern part of his dominion to Balaram
Deo. Later on, there was a quarrel between these two brothers regarding
the extent of their respective territories. It was, however, amicably settled
by the intervention of the queen mother. Tradition goes that the dowager
queen took her sons to the bed of the river named Surangi and asked the
elder and the younger to sit on her right and the left laps respectively. Then
she told them that the river Surangi should be taken as her own limbs
(Anga), the elder brother should possess the territory to the right of the
river and the younger one to the left of it. The decision of the mother was
accepted by both the brothers and from that time onwards the river was
called Ang and was regarded as the boundary line between Patna and
Sambalpur territories.
It appears that Narasimha Deo placed the Sambalpur region under
the charge of his brother Balaram Deo to check the aggression of the
Haihaya power of Ratanpur. The Haihaya rulers of Ratanpur were casting
longing eyes on Sambalpur territory and particularly Kalyaa Sahai, who
was contemporary of Balaram Deo, was counting 48 Garhs under him
including Patna and Sambalpur. It was very probably to counteract the
aggressive design of the Haihayas that Balaram Deo was given the
Sambalpur tract where he later on assumed the power of a de facto ruler.
After the death of Narasimha Deo, the territory of Patna became weak
and Sambalpur under Balaram Deo acquired great prominence. In fact,
from that time onwards Patna lost her glory and was reduced to an
appendage of Sambalpur.
Hamir Deo, the son and successor of Narasimha Deo, ruled only for
four years and died leaving behind a son who was only 7 months old. His
widow Rani came forward to rule the kingdom on behalf of her minor son,
but she was misguided by the ministers and not being able to face the
chaotic situation that resulted from the mal-administration of the officers,
she left Patna and went to Nandapur where her father was the ruler. Patna
thus plunged into anarchy and confusion. Balaram Deo, who was then the
59
powerful ruler of Sambalpur, sent his son Hrudayanarayan Deo to take up
the charge of administration of Patna till the young prince Pratap Deo, the
son of Hamir Deo, attained the age of majority. Hrudayanarayan Deo thus
became the de facto ruler of Patna and ran the administration according to
the advice of his father. Sometimes after that Balaram Deo died and was
succeeded by Hrudayanarayan Deo to the Gadi of Sambalpur. The Gadi of
Patna became vacant and Hrudayanarayan Deo accompanied by the
Zamindars and Umras personally went to Nandapur and brought back
Pratap Deo and his mother to Patnagarh where the coronation of Pratap
Deo was celebrated with pomp. Pratap Deo had two sons named
Bikramaditya and Gopal Roy. The younger son Gopal Roy was given the
estate of Khariar, where a new branch of Chauhan family was thus
established. Bikramaditya succeeded his father to the Gadi of Patna and
ruled over the kingdom for about 30 years. He was a benevolent ruler and
was loved by his people. After him, his son Mukunda Deo became the ruler
of Patna. The next ruler was Balaram Deo who was succeeded by his son
Hrudesha Deo. During the period of these rulers the royal family of Patna
and that of Sambalpur were considered to be one and indivisible although
the kingdom of Patna was regarded as subservient to Sambalpur.
Hrudesha Deo, the 20th Raja of Patna, died leaving behind two young
sons and the eldest son Raisingh Deo was brought up by his uncle
Bachharaj Singh who had the ambition of usurping the Gadi. He, therefore,
murdered the widow Rani and also made plans to kill the two princes. But
these two boys were taken away by their maternal uncle to Phuljhar where
they were brought up and given education. Raisingh Deo after being grown
up sought the assistance of the Marathas of Nagpur and succeeded in
taking possession of his State by killing his uncle. He had three wives, the
first one being without issue, the second having two sons and the third only
one son. Son of the third queen was the eldest, who was the favourite of
the father. The second Rani, apprehending that the claim of her own sons
would be set aside by the Raja, instigated the people to her cause and to
rise in rebellion. Raisingh Deo, who was then about 80 years old;failed to
control the situation and fled to Sonepur. Patna remained in anarchy for
about three years and during that period the Ranis and their partisans
quarrelled amongst themselves on the question of succession and
property, and fled to Sonepur. The old Rajah, before his death appointed
his grandson Raj Singh Deo, born of his eldest son as successor and put
the royal pugree (turban) on his head who ascended the Gadi at a tender
age. His father Chandra Sekhar Deo ruled the State apparently on behalf
of the son for about five years but he could not stay in Patnas because of
the general disturbance and retired on pilgrimage to Prayaga, where he
died. Pruthviraj Singh could not rule for long and died in 1765 after the
death of his father.
The next Raja was Ramachandra Deo II, the posthumous son of
Pruthviraj Singh. He ascended the Gadi as a baby in 1765 and the widow-
mother managed the administration with the help of the ministers. The
kingdom of Patna suffered from mal-administration taking advantages of
which Sitaram Raju of Vizianagaram extended his power over the territory

60
for some time. Subsequently, however, Patna was under the possession
of the Marathas in 1775.
After attaining the age of majority, Ramachandra Deo ruled with a
strong hand defying at times the authorities of the Marathas. He created the
Zamindari tenures for Atgan and Loisinga and the Khorakposakdari tenure
of Jarasingha.
Patna during the British Rule
During the rule of Ramachandra Deo, the Raja Raghuji Bhonsla of
Nagpur was defeated by the British in 1803 in the Second Anglo-Maratha
War. In course of the war Col. Broughten occupied the fort of Sambalpur on
31st December, 1803 and on 8th January, 1804, Lt. Fountain was
despatched to disperse the Maratha troops who were carrying on
depredation in Sonepur area. He succeeded in routing and dispersing the
Marathas completely from Sonepur. Major Forbes had defeated the
Marathas at the Barmul pass on the 2nd November, 1803. After all these
victorious engagements of the Rajas of Sonepur, Patna and Boudh offered
submission and Major Forbes referred these cases to Lt. Col. Harcourt who
concluded treaties with them.
On 17th December, 1803, Raghuji Bhonsla ceded Odisha to the British
Government in the treaty of Deogaon. The Sambalpur group of States
including Patna and Sonepur were also ceded to the British Government.
Lord Wellesley, the then Governor-General, left India in July 1905 and
Sir George Barlow, who succeeded him followed a feeble policy of 'Non
intervention'. He laid down the principle that “Certain extent of dominion,
local power and revenue, would be cheaply sacrificed for tranquility and
security within a contracted circle and withdraw from every kind of relation
with the Native States to which we were not specifically pledged by Treaty,
and the minor principalities adjacent to or intermixed with the Maratha
possessions were left to their fate”.
In pursuance of, this policy the Sambalpur group of States including
Patna and Sonepur were given back to the Raja of Nagpur in 1806 in spite
of strong protest from the Rani of Sambalpur and Raja Ram Chandra Deo of
Patna. In the meantime, Ramchandra Deo was taken captive by the
Marathas and kept in the fort of Chanda along with other royal prisoners—
Chandra Sekhar Bhanj, title Raja of Baudh, Prithvi Singh, the Raja of
Sonepur, Jayanta Singh, the Raja of Sambalpur and his son Prince
Maharaja Sai—who had been there since 1800. In the 3rd Anglo-Maratha
War Appa Saheb Bhonsla, the Raja of Nagpur, was crushingly defeated on
27th November 1817 at Sitabaldi as a result of which he was deposed and
the Sambalpur group of States reverted to British Government. Raja
Ramachandra Deo was released from Chanda after long confinement of
about fourteen years and was installed on the Gadi of Patna. He died in
1820 at Jarasingha where his second son Jugaraj Singh was the
Kharposdar zamindar and was cremated on the bank of the Sonegarh river.
His fourth Rani performed the rite of Suttee in the funeral pyre.

61
 Ramachandra Deo II was succeeded by his eldest son Bhupal Deo
who was a feeble ruler. During the rule of Ramachandra Deo, the kingdom
of Patna had some territorial loss. The estates of Khariar and Borasambar
seceded from Patna while the Raja of Sonepur took away 82 villages lying
between the Ang and the Tel rivers.
Ramchandra Deo had appealed to the British Government sometime
85
beore his death against forcible possession of 82 villages by the Raja of
Sonepur.
Bhupal Deo presented another petition to George Swinton, Chief
Secretry to Government, Fort William, against Prithvi Singh, the then Raja
of Sonepur. The case was heard by Major Mackenzie in 1829 and as the
Raja of Sonepur could not attend the case a decree was given in favour of
the Raja of Patna. But later on, on the 9th May 1829 the Raja of Sonepur
presented his appeal which was heard by Major Mackenzie during his
Second visit to Sambalpur. The decree was subsequently issued in favour
the Raja of Sonepur. During his rule, a Maratha Chief named Mathuajee
entered the Patna kingdom with a large troop to loot and plunder the
territory. Bhupal Deo fought against the Marathas but was defeated by them
and took shelter in the fort of Bhojpur. The commander of the Bhojpur fort
continued the war and Mathuajee was killed while attacking the Bhojpur
fort. His two wives Andibai and Daryabai collected the retreating troops and
invaded the fort of Bhojpur, but subsequently the Marathas were defeated
and dispersed. Bhupal Deo had also to fight Ramjal Bariha, the zamindar of
Borasambar. In the first battle that took place near the village Badibahal on
the Ang river, the troops of Patna were defeated and the Dewan
Balabhadra Sai was killed. Subsequently, however, Ramjal Bariha was
defeated by Dharam Singh, the zamindar of Atgan. Bhupal Deo honoured
Dharam Singh by conferring on him the title of Mandhata and allowed him
to wear sacred thread. Dharam Singh also suppressed the plundering
hordes who entered into Patna kingdom from Bastar and Bindra Nuagarh.
Raja Bhupal Deo was a kind and generous ruler and he donated large
number of villages to Brahmins and his relatives. He died in 1848 and was
succeeded by his son Hiravajradhar Deo. During his rule Raghuji Bhonsla
III, the Raja of Nagpur, died without any issue and his territory lapsed to the
British Government in the year 1853. The Kingdoms of Patna and Sonepur
thus came under direct administration of the British Government.

85
1. In Pargana Menda 22 villages
2. In Pargana Tarbha 24 villages
3. In Pargana Kudurku 12 villages
4. In Pargana Singari 16 villages
Other villages 8
Total 82 villages

62
 During his time, the Kondhs of Ghumsur and Kondhamals rose
against the British under the leadership of Chakra Bisoyee and the
rebellion spread over to Kalahandi and Patna. The zamindar of Madanpur
in Kalahandi and Dharamsingh Mandhata, the zamindar of Atgan in Patna
rendered help to Chakra Bisoyee. In Kalahandi, the Kondhs attacked the
camp of Lt. Macneill, the Agent in the Hill tracts of Odisha, at a jungle
village called Orla-dhoni. The position of the Agent was extremely critical
for some time. He was saved by Dinabandhu Patnaik, Tahsildar of
Kondhmals, who came to his help with a party of Sebundis. Chakra
Bisoyee came to Patna from Kalahandi where Dharamsingh Mandhata
gave him shelter. In March 1856 Lt. Macdonald, Assistant to the Meriah
Agent in the Odisha hill tracts, sent some troops along with the Sebundis
under Dinabandhu Patnaik to apprehend him at Atgan. Chakra Bisoyee
escaped into the jungle but his principal adherent Bhitar Sardar Bhori was
captured. Dharamsingh Mandhata went to the point of resisting the British
troops by arms and so he was also taken captive. Chakra Bisoyee
escaped to Paralakhemundi where he joined the rebellion of the Sabaras.
Dharamsingh Mandhata, the patriot zamindar of Atgaon who was a pillar of
strength to the Raja of Patna died in the prison.
Hiravajradhar Deo was ruling over Patna at the time of the Sepoy
Mutiny. Surendra Sai, the hero of Sambalpur in his fight against the British,
was getting help and support from the aboriginal people of Patna. One of
his brothers named Ujjal Sai was organising the Kondhs of Patna, for
which the British Government put pressure on the Raja to apprehend him
and suppress the Kondhs. But Hiravajradhar connived at the escape of
Ujjal Sai from his kingdom. This greatly enraged the British and the Raja
was fined one thousand rupees for his negligence. Subsequently however,
.
the Raja captured Ujjal Sai and made him over to Colonel Forster, who
hanged him. The Government was highly pleased and the fine of one
thousand rupees was forthwith remitted.
Surendra Sai was assisted by the Gond zamindars of Sambalpur,
principal among whom were Kamal Singh and Kunjal Singh of Ghes. One
of the lieutenants of Kamal Singh was Salik Ram Bariha who was a patriot
from Patna. Even after surrender of Surendra Sai, Kamal Singh with the
help of Salik Ram continued guerilla war against the British and his
marauding bands committed atrocities in Bargarh subdivision.
Hiravajradhar Deo was warned by the British as he failed to capture
Salik Ram Bariha in his kingdom. He was even threatened that his State
was liable for confiscation under the express order of the Chief
Commissioner. But Major Impey saved the situation by giving him one
more chance to capture Salik Ram Bariha. When Kamal Singh and Salik
Ram Bariha were hiding themselves in the Barapahar range in Baragarh
subdivision, Major Impey personally went there accompanied by an escort
of 60 infantry men, a dozen horsemen and a contingent supplied by the
Raja of Khariar. But he could not capture Kamal Singh and Salik Ram. This
operation ruined the health of Major Impey and he fell ill and died in
December, 1863 at Sambalpur. Subsequently however, Kamal Singh,
Kunjal Singh and Salik Ram Bariha were all arrested in 1866.

63
 The States of Patna and Sonepur were placed under the Government
of the Central Provinces in 1861. During the years 1863-66 when enquiries
were made regarding the status of the feudatory Chiefs, Patna was
recognised as a feudatory State. The same recognition was also extended
to Sonepur in 1867.
Hiravajradhar Deo had three sons named Surpratap Deo, Biswanath
Singh and Dalaganjan Singh. He died in 1866 and was succeeded by
Surpratap Deo. During the rule of this king, the Khonds of Patna rebelled
against the Durbar Government and refused to pay revenue and other
taxes. Some Khonds represented their case before the Deputy
Commissioner of Sambalpur and as the oppressive rule of the Raja was
not appreciated by the Government, the State of Patna was placed under
the rule of the Court of Wards. Surpratap Deo and his brother
Biswanath Singh were taken away to Sambalpur and were kept in confine-
ment there. In 1872, a son of Biswanath Singh was born at Sambalpur and
as Surpratap Deo was issueless, he adopted the baby who was named as
Ramchandra Deo. Surpratap Deo died in the State of Patna which was
under the administration of the Court of Wards from 1871 to 1893. It was
during this period that much improvement was done both in administration
and land revenue system of the State. The Khonds were pacified and the
people enjoyed security of life and property. A Pucca road from Salebhata
to Belgan was constructed during this period and it extended from the
north-eastern to south-eastern border of the State. The present town of
Balangir was planned and constructed and was made the headquarters of
the State. In 1893, Ramchandra Deo was made the ruler of Patna. The first
English School in Balangir was established by him and the road from
Balangir to Tarbha was also constructed during his rule. Ramchandra Deo
shot his wife to death and committed suicide in 1895 and after him his
uncle Dalaganjan Singh was declared the Raja of Patna. It was during his
time that the States of Patna and Sonepur were transferred from the
control of the Central Provinces and placed under the charge of the
Commissioner of Orissa Division in October, 1905.
Dalaganjan Singh established the printing press in Balangir and built
a road from Balangir to Khaprakhol. During the famine of 1900, various
relief works were undertaken to save people from starvation. Dalaganjan
Singh was an enlightened ruler and had good knowledge in Odia, Hindi,
Bengali and Sanskrit. He died in 1910 and was succeeded by his eldest
son Prithwiraj Deo. This ruler improved both agriculture and education of
the State. He used to organise agricultural exhibitions for encouragement
of good cultivation and laid out an experimental garden at Balangir for
imparting agricultural training. During his rule, the High English School was
established in Balangir and was named after him. Pruthviraj Deo was also
a famous builder. He built a temple of Samaleswari at Balangir and a
palace at Sambalpur. Some of the bridges in Patna State were constructed
during his rule, the notable one being the Sonegarh river bridge which was
named 'Wheeler Bridge' to commemorate the visit of Sir Henry Wheeler,
the Lt. Governor, to Balangir. It was also to commemorate the visit of Sir
Edward Gait the Governor, that a large tank named 'Gait Sorobar' was
excavated by him in Balangir. The new palace of Balangir was also
64
 constructed by him and was originally named Badal Mahal. Pruthviraj
Singh died in 1924 and was succeeded by his adopted son Rajendra
Narayan Singh Deo. Rajendra Narayan belongs to the royal family of
Saraikella and is connected with the Chauhan family of Patna through his
mother, the Rani of Saraikella who was the daughter of Ramachandra
Deo. As the new ruler was a minor, the administration of Patna came once
again under the Court of Wards till February 1933 when his investiture
ceremony was performed at Balangir. Under Maharaja Rajendra Narayan
Singh Deo, Patna was considered to be one of the best administered
States of Odisha. The capital town of Balangir was improved and
beautified by good streets, parks and buildings, as well as by street
lighting. The revenue administration was reorganised in the interest of the
peasants and the system of forced labour was abolished, while all the
roads were opened to bullock carts. A college was established in Balangir
which was named as Rajendra College. The State of Patna merged with
Odisha along with other States on 1st January, 1948.
Uprising and Freedom Movement in the District
After the birth of a separate Odisha province, the dormant State‟s
Peoples‟ Conference became active. All India State‟s Peoples‟ Conference
came into existence in 1927. The Congress also urged the princes to grant
and help establish a responsible Government. Within a short period of time,
it became a well knit organization. In Odisha also the State‟s People
86
conference was organized in 1931 . The leaders of the Prajamandals were
arbitrarily arrested in many states. The organization was declared illegal.
Public meetings were banned and civil liberties were curtailed. But, the
leaders of the Garjat sates endeavoured to strengthen their organization to
carry on relentless struggle against the tyrannical rulers. The tide of
Prajamandal in the neighbouring princely states during 1930‟s had a natural
resonance in the state of Patna. Though Prajamandal was not formed in the
state during the decade, yet political awakening had dawned. The
emergence of an educated class in Balangir during 1930‟s was a significant
development. The Prajamandal movement which was motivated to achieve
social equality and freedom from bondage had deeply affected the
intellectuals to a great extent. Prior to this in 1930 an anti-feudal movement
was launched by Satyananda Mishra, Yogeswar Kumra, Dibakar Bohidar,
Chintamani Mishra and others. In 1938 a large crowd under the leadership
of Satyananda Mishra, Chintamani Mishra, Kapileswar Prasad Nanda,
Dibakara Bohidar presented a charter of demands before the ruler. The
charter of demands drafted by Yudhistir Mishra included issues like
restriction on sale of agricultural products, absence of tenancy rights over
landed property, the system of bethi and Rasad, custom duty on salt,
kerosene, cloth, collection of grazing fees, denial of forest rights, absence of
civil liberty, people‟s representation in the govt., opposition to enhancement
of land revenue etc. There were no political activities in the state during Quit
India Movement. But, some youth like Yudhistir Mishra, Chintamani Rath,

86
S.N. Pattnaik. Odisha Swadhinata Angolana. Cuttack, P – 144, 1972

65
Sankarsana Panigrahi, Niranjan Purohit and many others visited various
parts of the state and took up the task of awakening the common men
against feudal rule, untouchability, liquor selling etc. Hand bills signed by
Nabakrushna Choudhury, Sarangadhar Das, Malati Devi calling for Garjat
day were distributed to mobilize public opinion. In Patna state Kissan
agitation was a local manifestation of the Prajamandal movement which was
87
spearheaded by Congress and leftist leaders. Its rising popularity was a
cause of deep annoyance to R.N. Singhdeo, the ruler of Patna State who
88
was bent upon stemming the tide of political unrest. The people of Patna
State held him in high esteem for his enlightened governance and
89
erudition. The enquiry committee constituted by the State Peoples
Conference with H.K. Mahatab as Chairman found that except in Patna and
90
Mayurbhanj, administration in many states was primitive and oppressive.
R.N. Singh deo was an enlightened ruler as well as an able administrator
and an astute politician. As stated by B.R. Patel, the Maharaja had a clean
image and not known to be indulging in vices for which princes were
unpopular. His administration was not generally oppressive and he did not
91
take any measure ostensibly to thwart political opposition.
th
It was on 9 September, 1945, that the people of Patna formed a
political organization known as Patna Krusak Dal which was registered on
nd
2 January, 1946 under the provision of Patna State Registration of
Societies Act and it was affiliated to the All India States Peoples
92
Conference. It was a modified form of Prajamandal organization. Sri
Kapileswar Prasad Nanda and Sri Yudhistir Mishra were the President and
Vice-President of the Patna Krusak Dal respectively. Sri Chintamani Rath
was the secretary of the Dal. The Dal started a no tax campaign under the
leadership of Sri Nanda, Yudhistir Mishra, Chintamani Rath, Satyananda
Mishra, Niranjan Purohit, Sankarsan Panigrahi, Dibakar Bohidar, Smt.
Bargavi Guru and others. They presented an ultimatum to the Chief for
redressal of their grievances. The king having realized the intense desire of
the people to have a responsible government announced the establishment
of a legislative assembly to appease the people. (The State Committee for
compilation of Who‟s who of freedom workers of Orissa (SCCWO),
Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Kalahandi, Balangir Patna district – P – 11). Direct
action such as raiding the police station, hoisting congress flag, instigating
people not to pay tax, etc. were taken recourse to (Memo No.CM/1, 317
from Deputy CM, Patna to Inspector General of Police, Eastern State, OSA).
th
On 19 February, 1947 large number of people attacked the Agalpur Police
Station. (Orissa records, Sambalpur papers, Acc. No.1180, Chief Minister of

87
S. Pradhan – People’s Movement in Princely States – in C.H.C.O (ed) P.K.
Mishra, New Delhi, 1997, P – 374
88
R.N. Mishra – Regionalism and State politics in India 1979, P – 48, 103
89
P.K. Mishra – Political identity – P – 273, M.S. Pati (ed) West Orissa – A study
in ethos
90
H.M. Mahatab – Merger of Princely Stastes, explosion of the Myth in M.N. Das
(ed) side eights on the history and culture of Orissa 1977, P – 300
B.R. Patel – My village, My people P -3
91
92
S. Pradhan – Op. Cit. P – 376
66
Patna State to Political Agent, Chhatishgarh States, D.O. No.32/Confidential,
st
21 February, 1947 OSA). The Krusak Dal decided to start non-cooperation
with the administration demanding civil rights and responsible government.
The King sponsored a political organization under the name Prajamandal
towards the beginning of 1947 (SCCWO – OP.cit. P.IV). It was in 1947, the
King announced to set up a popular government by taking one minister each
from the two political party, i.e., from Prajamandal and Krusak Dal and
another two being nominated by the Raja. Kapileswar Prasad Nanda joined
th
the ministry as the representative of Krusak Party, but, resigned on 18
June, 1947 finding the working of the ministry not up to the expectation as
far as the people‟s interests were concerned. The Chief tactfully forestalled
all the initiative of the people for reforms of the Political system by the timely
announcement of changes in administration to appease the discontentment
93
of the people. The opposition was not so much to the monarch as to
monarchy as a form of Government When there was tussle between the
Prajamanda and Krusak Dal, the leaders of the Dal organized a mass
meeting at Karangakata Bandh Adi. A huge procession consisting of large
number of prople paraded the main streets of Balangir demanding the end of
feudal rule. This meeting was addressed by the Dal leaders and
94
Sarangadhar Das and Malati Choudhury.
The Patna Students Congress, during this period was formed under the
President-ship of Swapnanda Panigrahi and Balaram Khuas was elected as
its Secretary. Other important student leaders were Bighnaraj Patel, Rajani
Bhoi, Bimbadhar Mishra, Narasingha Prasad Nanda, Sudarsan Tripathy,
Shyam Sundar Das, Loknath Tripathy and many others. Some students of
P.R. High School were heavily fined by the Patna State Government for
attending Krusak Dal meeting. In protest against this, a student strike was
launched and supported by the workers of Krusak Dal of rural area on the
advice of Yudhistir Mishra, Chintamani Rath, Narasing Nanda. The students
continued their agitation and demanded an end of the feudal rule. On the
invitation of Lala Raj Kanwar, the student delegates met him and fine was
withdrawn and other cases against them, were dropped. Under the
Presidentship of Panigrahi, a Student‟s Conference of Western Odisha was
95
held and the meeting was addressed by Surendranath Dwivedi. The
th
formation of Garjat Chhatra Sammilani on 10 February, 1946 at Cuttack
extended its moral support to the States movement (Who‟s who compilation
Committee, Orissa Records – Acc. No.50, P – 68 (OSA). The Chhatra
Sammilani spread the anti-feudal movement throughout the length and
breadth of the State. Satyananda Panigrahi and Nityananda Padhi attended
the Nayagarh Prajamandal Sammilani and along with Narsisng Nanda and
Bighnaraj Patel proceeded to Kalahandi to spread the message of Gandhi
like anti-prohibition, untouchability, right to freedom etc. They hoisted the

93
H.K. Mahatab – The beginning of the end – P – 131
Swapnananda Panigrahi – Patnare Swadinata Andolana (Odia) MSS,
94
S.N.
Pattnaik – Orisare Swadhinata Andolan, 1972, P – 81, P.M. Pradhan – Muktipathe
Sainika (Odia) Cuttack, 1978, P – 38
95
S.N. Panigrahi – Patnare Swadinata Andolana (odia) MSS – PP 7 - 8
67
national flag and for which they were exiled from Kalahandi. The active
members of the Patna Student Council were Swapnananda Panigrahi,
Sudarsan Tripathy, Dayanidhi Hota (President, Rajendra College,
Rajanikanta Bhoi, Bhaktabandhu Swain, Narsing Charan Das, Prafulla
Kumar Bohidar, Siddheswar Sai, Shamsunder Das, Sasibhusan Gupta,
Balaram Khuas, Yogiram Kheti, Bijaya Nandi, Nimai Charan Nayak,
Chandramani Naik, Bipin Bihari Sharma, Ms. Bhanumati and others.
The second annual conference of Patna Krusak Dal was held at Gate
Sarober field which was renamed as Gopabandhu Nagar. Large number of
delegates from Garjat states were invited to attend the meeting and a huge
procession was organized which raised the slogan such as “end of feudal
rule, long live Gandhi etc.” The meeting was attended by leaders like
Sarangadhar Das, S.N. Dwivedi, Nabakrushna Choudhury, Malati
Choudhury and others. The volunteers‟ corps included the name of
Swapnanada Panigrahi, Narsing Nanda, Rajani Bhoi, Shyamasundar Das,
Dasrath Sahu, Kapurchan Naik, Purusottam Nath, Rusi Gadtya, Kesab Bhoi,
Narendra Parichha, Gopinath Joshi, Purna Patra, Jugal Nath, Kuber Padhan
and many others.
nd
After the 2 World War, an agitation for the amalgamation of the ex-
states was initiated by the provincial congress leaders and to counter this
agitation, some rulers led by Patna Maharaj started a campaign for formation
96
of a separate territory known as Maha Kosala. This campaign was based
on the theory that the states of Western Odisha together with the district of
Sambalpur were once a part of Kosala territory. By this time, the survey of
the Mahanadi valley Project was undertaken and people were under the
apprehension that hundred of villages would be submerged by the
construction of Hirakud Dam. The people of Sambalpur started an agitation
against this and the opportunity was utilized by the supporter of Maha
97
Kosala movement.
Kapileswar Prasad Nanda and Yudhistir Mishra were closely
associated with the activities of the State‟s Peoples‟ Conference. In 1947,
the delegates from fifty affiliated organization of the State‟s Peoples‟
Conference met at Cuttack. An Executive Committee was constituted with
Sarangadhar Das as President and Kapileswar Prasad Nanda as Vice-
President. Yudhistir Mishra and Dibakar Bohidar were member of the
Committee of the district to launch the Prajamandal movement in Odisha.
The resolution presented by Patna Krusak Dal regarding the declaration of a
st
responsible government by the Durbar by 1 July, 1947 and organization of
a popular government during the interim period (Resolution passed by the
State Krusak Party, File No. C – 30.3.1947 (OSA), Who‟s who freedom
workers – Vol.III, P – 22), Sri Yudhistir Mishra raised this in the meeting of
the council and argued that the fundamental rights conceded to the people
98
by the chamber of princes had not been accepted by the Patna Durbar.

96
R.N. Mishra – OP. Cit. PP 104-106
97
Koshali, with Koshal, Cal. 1946 – PP – 3 - 4
98
P.K. Mishra – The Political History of Orissa. Delhi, 1979, PP – 14-15), The
Samaj – 24.03.1947
68
Yudhistir Mishra represented Patna Krusak Dal in the All India States‟
Peoples‟ Conference held at Gwalior and later on he became member of the
constituent assembly.
Freedom Fighters of Balangir Patna
Late Kapurchan Nayak, Gopalpur, Loisingha, Surendra Thakur, Tusra
Kunja Bihari Meher, Patnagarh, Kapileswar Prasad Nanda, Sakma,
Satyananda Mishra, Chhatamakhana, Narsingh Prasad Nanda, Balangir,
Swapananda Panigrahi, Balangir, Yudhistir Mishra, Balangir, Dibakara
Bohidar, Saintala.
Yogeswar Kumra, Chudapali, Dhruba Nath and Purosottam Nath,
Chantimunda, Chintamani Mishra, Khuntapali, Rishi Gadtya, Bhargavi Guru,
Singhanimunda, Dasarath Sahu, Kudasinga, Jugal Kishore Nath, Nawapara,
Dibakarr Bohidar, Saintala, Kapurchan Nayak and Surendra Thakur were
arrested.
Branches of Kosal Dal were opened at Titilagarh, Saintala,
Bangomunda, Tusura, Kantabanji, Patnagarh, Loisingha, Salebhata (Dainik
Asha – 29.11.1946).
Merger of Patna State
Maharaja R.N. Singh Deo was a widely travelled man and was open to
progressive ideas of reforms. He had introduced co-operative societies and
banking system to provide credit to peasants on easy terms. He took steps
to set up a High Court and a representative assembly with a council of
99
ministers to govern the State. But, soon after India achieved independence
and British paramountancy ended, a section of Orissa rulers under the
leadership of Singh Deo emulating the Nizam of Hydrabad tried to retain the
100
Orissa States and Chhatishgarh States as a separate autonomous entity.
101
Accordingly, the Eastern States Union started functioning. But, the Union
102
had its own weaknesses which had penned its own dissolution and the
103
Government of India decided not to recognize the Eastern State Union.
H.K. Mahatab proposed for a common administration for both the states and
104
the princess of Orissa. Maharaja R.N. Sindh Deo opposed the plan of
105
Mahatab. At this juncture, Sardar Patel, the Home Minister of India urged
106
the rulers of princely states to join hands with the Indian Government.
Sardar Patel took recourse to negotiation for getting the states merged into

99
S. Nanda – Coalition Politics in Orissa, 1979, PP – 42-44
100
P.K. Mishra – OP. Cit. P – 274
101
V.P. Menon – The Story of the Integration of the Indian States – P – 153
102
P.K. Jena – Orissa, a New Province, History of Government and Politics in
Orissa from 1936-48, Cal 1988, P – 238
103
V.P. Menon – OP. Cit. PP 156-157
104
S. Pradhan – OP. Cit. P – 380
105
H.K. Mahatab – Beginning of the end – P – 110
106
V.P. Menon – op. Cit. PP – 99-100
69
 107
the Indian Union. The Nilagiri event forced the authorities to take
108 st
immediate action to settle the affairs in the Orissa states. On 1
December, 1947, the ruler of Patna met Sardar Patel in New Delhi. Finally,
th
Patel arrived at Cuttack on 13 December, 1947 and took the momentous
decision that all the three classes of states would be merged in the
109
province. A memorandum was prepared which proposed merger of states.
Patel anticipated that some rulers might try to evade merger on the plea of
having introduced responsible government and some might claim
autonomous states. The Maharaja of Patna who acted Spokesman for “A”
class state, pointed out that the draft merger agreement did not tally with the
discussion he had with Sardar Patel. He demanded autonomous status for
the states. There were differences in opinion between the princes of „A‟
110

class states and Sardar Patel.

The states were classified as A, B and C on the basis of their revenue.
There were 11 „A‟ class states, 12 „B‟ class and 3 „C‟ class states.
The rulers expressed their unwillingness to sign the merger agreemnt
when Patel warned them, “If you do not accept our proposal, I don‟t take
responsibility for the law and order in your state... you take care of
111
yourself”. The ruler knew pretty well that in the absence of the British
support they had no body to bank upon. They were also afraid of the mass
112
fury, which was about to sweep them from power and position. They
thought it proper to accept the proposal of Sardar Patel as a face saving.
R.N. Singh Deo personally consulted Mahatma Gandhi for a wise solution to
the problem and was the first Orissa feudatory chief to sign the merger
th 113
agreement at Cuttack on 15 December, 1947. The Governments of India
in perpetuity were delegated with the authority to administer the States.
st
From 1 January, 1948, the feudatory states with the exception of
114
Mayurbhanj became integral parts of Odisha.
Initially Patna, Sonepur and Kalahandi states formed the district of Balangir
st
Patna. Subsequently on the 1 November, 1949, the ex-state of Patna and
Sonepur constituted a separate district named Balangir District after the
name of the Headquarter, Balangir. In 1993 Sonepur Constituted a
Separate district.
Post-Independence History of the District
th
The later half of the 20 century ushered in a new era in Balangir
Patna. Generally speaking, people at large found it difficult to adjust
themselves to the new world into which they were thrown after the merger of

107
R.N. Kumar – Role of Sardar Patel in the Integration of India, Muzaffarpur,
1987, P – 76
108
A.C. Pradhan – Integration of the Princely states of Orissa – P – 397
109
V.P. Menon – OP. Cit. P – 163
110
A. C. Pradhan – OP. Cit – P – 400
111
Durga Das – India from Nehru to Curzon and after London. 1969, P – 282
112
D.P. Mishra – People’s Revolt in Orissa. Delhi, 1998 – P – 197
113
Sunil Ghose – Orissa in Turmoil. 1948, P – 63
114
K.M. Patra – Orissa Legislature and Freedom Struggle. 1979, PP – 284-286
70
the ex-State. In the post merger period a huge bureaucratic machinery was
installed which could be moved to action through a cumbersome process
and which lacked the promptness and agility of the previous administration.
After the merger, the people experienced certain economic hardships like
the unusual price rise of essential goods and commodities. The
communication system was very poor. The people also resented the
restriction imposed by the new administration on forest and forest produces
like kenduleaf. It was still a more disheartening situation for the ex-rulers,
Zamindars, Gountias and highly placed local ex-State employees. A sort of
lull came to prevail in the ex-State. At this juncture Rajendra Narayan Singh
Deo, the ex- ruler of Patna rose to the occasion. With his initiative, a new
political party called Koshala Utkala Praja Parishad came into prominence.
In 1950 the Koshala Utkala Praja Parishad was renamed as Ganatantra
Parishad. During the next two decades one would witness the emergence of
R.N. Singh Deo as a successful politician in Odisha centering round whom
a powerful opposition party grew up to play a significant role in the
subsequent democratic experimentation of the country.
During the First General election to the Assembly, Balangir (undivided)
had nine constituencies and all the nine seats were won by the Ganatantra
Parishad. R.N. Singh Deo himself was elected to the first Lok Sabha of
Indian Parliament from the Balangir – Kalahandi Constituency. In the
Second General election again the Ganatantra Parishad occupied all the
nine Assembly seats and one Parliamentary seat of Balangir. R.N. Singh
Deo became the Leader of the Opposition Party. However, in 1959 the
Ganatantra Parishad changed its stance and became an associate of the
Congress and a coalition Ministry was formed with R.N. Singh Deo as the
Minister of Finance in the Cabinet. As per the Third General Election, the
Congress Ministry was formed and R.N. Singh Deo became the Opposition
Party Leader. After the fourth general election Swatantra Party (formerly
Ganatantra Parishad) and Jana Congress Party formed a coalition Ministry
with R.N. Singh Deo as the Chief Minister. In the Fifth and Sixth General
Election to the Odisha Assembly, the popularity of the Swatantra Party
declined to a large extent. R.N. Singh Deo died in 1975 which resulted in a
growing political instability in Balangir. His sons stepped into politics and
became MP, MLA and Minister. On the other hand, after 1975 the Congress,
Janata Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party gradually made their entry into the
politics of the ex-State. The committed Assembly seats of the Swatantra
Party went for other party and MLA of Balangir District became Minister in
both Congress and non-Congress Ministry. After the formation of Sonepur
as a separate district the number of Assembly constituencies of Balangir
reduced. After the death of Biju Pattanaik, his son Naveen Patnaik rose to
prominence and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was formed in the year 2000. BJD
won majority of Assembly seats in Balangir district. Presently, Narasingh
Mishra (Congress Party) represents the Balangir Sadar constituency and
acts as Opposition Party Leader in the Odisha Assembly whereas Ananga
Uday Singh Deo became a Rajya Sabha Member and his son Kalikesh
Narayan Singh Deo elected as MP to the Lok Sabha and both belonged to
the BJD. The Patnagarh Assembly Constituency is represented by the BJP
Leader Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. Three other Constituencies of Balangir

71
district namely Loisingha, Titilagarh and Kantabanji are represented by the
BJD. A significant territorial organisation of this district was enforced in 1992-
93. Balangir district was divided into two districts. Balangir, Titilagarh and
Patnagarh Sub-divisions formed Balangir district while Sonepur and
Birmaharajpur Sub-divisions were combined to form Sonepur district.
Balangir is popularly known for its traditional values and rich cultural
heritage that has percolated into the modern era. The artistic achievements
of the people of this sacred land strike one as being indicative of a superb
vibrant lifestyle in the background of an energized tranquil world of centuries
dating back to historic time. Art, architecture, sculpture, music, painting,
drama of this region is a unique witness to the glories of a robust culture that
had learnt the art of harmonious living encompassing physical,
psychological, aesthetic and spiritual urge within an indissoluble totality.
Various religious beliefs and faiths harmoniously co-exist here. The religious
communities are tolerant and there is hardly any sectarian feeling among the
inhabitants.
In the district of Balangir the tribal populace comprises around 21% of
its total population. Nearly 26 tribal groups have been identified in the district
and few of them like the Gond, Kandh, Saora, Binjhal together form seventy
percent of the tribal population of Balangir district. The co-existence of
Brahminical and Tribal culture led to a creative interaction between the two
which produces a specimen of religious syncretism and cultural interaction.
With the passage of time the non-tribal came closer to the tribal areas and
created myth and legend which created aspiration among the tribal to
achieve Hindu Status. The spread of Brahminical ideology in tribal region
facilitated the process of acculturation among the tribes. Though they absorb
some of the features of the Aryan Society, yet they maintain their own
individuality in respect of their social custom and tradition. However, various
changes in the social set up failed to effect a total annihilation of the cultural
identity of the tribes. The tribal, born and brought up in the lap of nature
nourished a simple and sympathetic outlook unrestrained by the artificialities
of modern life which is amply reflected in their fair and festivities and other
religious and social practices. In the post independent era successive
Governments have undertaken several measures for the upliftment of the
tribal people.
Since independence Balangir witnessed the establishment of a numbe
of educational institutions such as Schools, High Schools, Teachers Training
School, Colleges, Law College, Ayurvedic College, Polytechnique Schools,
Sushree Institute of Technology, Government ITI, Women‟s College etc.
Rajendra College was set up in 1944 with the intention to spread higher
education in the district. Recently a medical College is under construction at
Balangir.
Forest plays an important part in the economy of the district. The
Kenduleaf, Sal seeds, bamboo etc. are plentifully available in the district.
Kendu leaf has received great impetus and these leaves are collected for
export. Large numbers of people earn their livelihood by making bamboo
baskets, mats, bidis etc.

72
 The district is famous for hand woven textiles. Sambalpuri tie and dye
(Bandha) has made rapid progress and it has earned encomium throughout
the country as well as the globe. But gloomy is the picture of the traditional
arts and craft like silver works, wooden and terracotta artefacts etc. which
need Government patronage for its revival. The district is not endowed with
rich minerals like iron and coal. In recent years Powmax plant, Ordnance
Factory etc. have been set up and the proposed Sahara Power Project is
going to be installed very soon. However, many agro-industries failed to
survive in this area due to some unavoidable reason.
The economy of the district is predominantly dependent on agriculture.
Nearly 80 % of the population derive their means of livelihood from
agriculture. The district has no perennial irrigation system. However, a good
numbers of minor irrigation projects have been completed. Lower Suktel
Irrigation Project is one of the major projects in the state which will largely
solve the irrigation problem of the district. The district is rarely affected by
flood but very often drought poses a serious threat for the people due to
uneven distribution of rainfall. Recently the district has experienced cyclonic
effects of Phailin and Hoodhood. Due to unemployment, migration of labour
from the district is a big challenge to the administration. The Government
has initiated several schemes to provide earning to the labour class people.
Many changes are readily noticeable in rural areas. The most important one
is the rate of literacy which has increased significantly over the years and
remote villages and panchayats have been provided with electricity. Road
communication with transport facility has been improved significantly.
Awareness is being developed through media and other agencies. The
standard of living of the people of this district is improving due to the
adoption of several substantial measures by the Government. In the drought
prone area cotton is being cultivated by farmers with renewed interest which
boosts the economy of the district. The empowerment of the weaker
sections can provide stability to agricultural development and expansion in
the other related aspects of agricultural development such as food security,
expansion of horticulture and the like. Successive Governments have
undertaken various works and projects for the conservation of natural
resources and sustainable farming system, giving due emphasis on
production enhancement activities for land owners and livelihood support for
landless families. Democratic decentralization is maintained in decision
making resulting in transparency in transaction of direct funding to
community, empowerment of women etc. Further, Western Odisha livelihood
projects funded by DFID, (UK) for watershed management and livelihood
option for poor community was launched in the district in the last decade of
th
20 century. Such structures are serving the purpose of water conservation.
The Government has initiated a policy to make agriculture a profitable
business.
This district has good road networking system. Transport services have
been facilitated to great extent. Roads to nearby districts have been
renovated and new ones have been constructed to realize the full potential
of tourism in the district and tourists now flock with ease in large numbers to
tourist spots like Harishankar, Ranipur-Jharial etc. The district has rail
network of nearly 200 kilometers; construction of railway line from Khurda to
73
Balangir is a major project, the work, however, is advancing at a snail‟s
pace. This railway line on completion will connect Balangir with coastal
Odisha.
The traditional art and architecture, the fabric painting, the bamboo
craft, the wall painting on traditional lines, the folk songs, the traditional
musical instruments, language and literature of the place bring out the most
unique and defining features of the district. Dance and drama illustrates and
illuminate the variety and diversity of the cultural grandeur of the district.
Important fairs and festivals observed by the people include Nuakhai,
Puspuni, Puojiuntia, Bhaijiuntia, Holi etc. The populace has a propensity for
plain living and high thinking which is the hallmark of Indian culture; appears
to have been the principal feature of the society of Balangir.
APPENDIX I
Notes on the Gurjhat State of Patna by Major H. E. Impey (1863)
The following sketch of the history of the Gurjhat States of Patna is
founded upon the records, genealogical trees (Annexure I) and traditions
maintained by successive Rajahs. Although there may be errors in the
calculation of periods and mistakes in the incidence of events, yet
considering how all Natives of pretension or position strive to keep up a
remembrance of their ancestors through the services of Brahmins, and
how strictly they themselves cherish the links of private history (as
instance the custom of the Hindus to religiously pronounce the names of
three preceding generations while engaged in their ablutions), it may be
assumed that such records and links, when adjusted by other
circumstantial data, as is in this case, will generally form a pretty correct
chain of evidence in respect of main facts.
Origin of the Muharajahs
The Muharajahs of Patna claim direct descent from a race of
115 116 117
Rajpoot Rajahs of Gurh Sumbul near Mynpooree and count back
the individuals of this race for 32 generations.
118
Foundation of One State, Patna from a Cluster of 8 Gurhs
It is narrated that these Rajahs used to be in constant attendance at
119
the Court of Dilhee till the last named Hutumbur Sing, having intrigued
and run off with one of the daughters, was pursued and killed and his family
forced to flee. Amongst the wives of this Rajah was one who escaping
120
arrived enceinte, in Patna, and found refuge with the chief of Kholgurh ,
being one of 8 gurhs, as marginally noted which at that time alone formed

115
Ratpur
116
Garh Sambar
117
Mainpuri
118
Patna, Salabhata, Kangaon, Jhorasinga, Sindeekela, Kholagurh, Goorhagurh,
Koomnagarh
119
Delhi
120
Kolagarh
74
 121
the territories of Patna, being comprised within the three rivers, Ung ,
122
Mahanuddy and Tel and bounded on
123
the west by Khurriars (a possession then of Jeypoor) and
124
Bindanawagurh ; and the chiefs of which took it in turns, a day at a time to
exercise full authority as Rajah over the whole. She was placed in charge of
125
the said Chief's Brahmin at Ramoor , and there gave birth to a boy,
126
named Ramaee Deo. The Chief adopted the boy and subsequently on
his coming of age, himself being sick and weary of rule, resigned his
position to him. Ramaee Deo soon after this succeeded in murdering the
other seven Chiefs, and usurping to himself the whole and permanent
authority of Patna. Finally he married a daughter of the Ruler of Odisha
through whose influence and power he was enabled to maintain his
usurped position.
Extension of territory and dominion to the right of bank of the
Mahanuddy
It would appear during the rule of Ramaee Deo and the two
successors, out of 6 Maharajahs that the territories and dominion of Patna,
became extended beyond the Lug river to the right bank of the Mahanuddy,
embracing:
st
1 -Patna Proper, as now, but with the addition to the west of 3 gurhs,
127 128
viz. Kholagurh, Goorhagurh , and Koomnagurh at present included in
the Gurjhat State of Khurriar, and of 12 villages known then as „Baragam‟
129
‟130
afterwards as „Borasambur and subsequently detached as portion of the
Gurjhat State of that name, and to the east in continuation between the
rivers to Ang and Tel to the Mahanuddy.
nd
2 - As annexed to Patna Proper, all the land embraced within the Ang
131
and Mahanuddy rivers, and bounded on the west by Phooljhur and
132 133
Sarungur , which flow comprises the southern portion of Sambulpore
134
and parts of Sonepore .
rd th th
3 , 4 and 5 - As tributary dependencies, the Gond Gurjhat States
Bindanawagarh, Phooljur and Sarungurh

121
Ang
122
Mahanadi
123
Khariar
124
Bendra Nawagarh
125
Ramur
126
Ramai
127
Gurhagarh
128
Kenmnagarh
129
Garhjat
130
Borasambar
131
Phuljhar
132
Sarangarh
133
Sambalpur
134
Sonepur
75
 The lands and estates lying contiguous to the left bank of the
135
Mahanuddy were, it is believed, at that time attached to Surgooja , with the
exception of the north-western portion of the present Sumbulpore district,
136 137 138
known as Chundurpore and Bhorti which belong to Ruttunpoor .
Subjugation of States and Acquisition of Territory on Left Bank of
Mahanuddy
139
The fourth Maharajah Pirthee Sing Deo subjugated and made
140
tributary to Patna, the three dependencies of Sirgooja, named Bunaee,
141
Gangpoor , and Bamra, and annexed to Patna itself by dispossession from
142 143
the Rajah of Bamra the Zemindaree of Rehracole and so much of the
lands (now) of Sumbulpore on the left bank of the Mahanuddy, as were
contained between Rehracole and Bamra to the east, Bamra and Gangpoor
144
to the north, and to the west, by the river Eebe to its sudden bend
westward and from thence by a line running south, to the spot at the
extremity of the present city of Sumbulpore where now the jail bridge stands.
Erection of a Fort in Phooljhur
145
Maharajah Bikrumadit Deo, the ninth Rajah of Patna, erected a fort
146
in Phooljhur at Seespalgarh, where its remains are said to be still
traceable- a proof of the unflinching authority then exercised over the
Gurjhat States.
Acquisition of the Gurh of Chundurpoor
It is probable that the erection of this advanced post in a tributary State
had, for its aim, as much the extension of dominion, as the maintenance, in
security, of existing dominancy, for no sooner did the next ruler, Maharajah
147 148
Baijul Deo (2nd) succeed to the Guddee , then he advanced to
Chunderpoor and forcibly dispossessed the Ruler of Ruttunpoor of that
„Gurh‟ with its surrounding lands.
There still remained, to complete the circle known afterwards as
the „18 Gurhs‟, first, the three Northern Gurjhat States of Raigarh and
149

135
Surguja
136
Chandrapur
137
Not known
138
Rutanpur
139
Pruthari Sinha
140
Bonai
141
Gangpur
142
Zamindari
143
Rairakhol
144
Ib
145
Birabikramaditya
146
Sisupalgarh
147
Vaijal Deo
148
Gadi
149
Raigarh
76
 150
Suktee (dependencies of Sirgooja), secondly, the centrical tract of land
(now an integral portion of the Sumbulpore district) falling between the Eebe
and the line drawn therefrom, as before observed , to the present
Sumbulpore Jail Bridge, and the Gurjhat State of Sarungurh (also belonging
151
to Surgooja), and lastly the two eastern Gurjat States of Boud and
152
Atmullick .
It never fell to the lot of Patna itself to include these remaining States
and lands within the scope of its authority or possession. The completion of
the circle was not effected till Patna had retired from the banks of the
Mahanuddy, so far as the mouth of the Ang river near Binka, and a new
State had sprung up under its auspices (on the north of the Ang) afterwards
153
known as Sumbulpore . It might therefore seem foreign to the object of
these "Notes" as touching Patna to speak of the rise and power of this
second State. Nevertheless the advance of the latter was so intimately
connected with, and so immediately the result of the dominion of the former
and against the decline of the former so direct an issue of the rise of the
latter, that it is necessary to trace the History of the extension of power
across the Mahanuddy in so far as the grouping of the once known 18
„Gurhs‟ shall be concerned.
Relinquishment by Patna of Territory and Dominion on the Left Bank
154
of the Ang River. Creation of New State of Chowunpoor ,
Subjugation of other States Dependencies of Sirgooja and Acquisition
of further Territory— Erection of Fort of Sumbulpore and Foundation
of Sumbulpore State in lieu of Chowunpoor—
155
Nursing Deo , the 12th Maharajah of Patna, and his brother Bulram
Deo quarrelling, the former made over absolutely to the latter (probably on
compulsion) all such portions of his territories as lay north of the river Ung,
the engagement between the two brothers being, that each was to be
perfectly independent of the other. Bulram Deo taking possession of his
allotment erected a fort on the right bank of the Mahanuddy exactly opposite
the present city of Sumbulpore, at Chowunpoor (where to this day the traces
of his fort are visible) and adopted the title of Rajah of Chowunpoor. Shortly
after this he dispossessed Sirgooja of the dependencies of Suktee, Raigurh,
and Burgurh and of the remaining portion, as before noticed, of Sumbulpore
and finally included Boud and Atmullick (now Gurjhat State of Cuttack)
amongst the number of this tributary Muhals. After this he abandoned the
fort of Chowunpoor, and crossing the river erected a new fort on the
opposite bank. To this he gave the name of Sumbulpore from the number of
Seemul trees that existed then on its site. Then changing his own title to that
of Maharajah of Sumbulpore, he founded a dominion which soon took the
real ascendency over the parent State of Patna.

150
Sakti
151
Boudh
152
Athamallik
153
Sambalpur
154
Chowanpur
155
Narasimha Deo
77
 The two States of Patna and Sumbulpore were now distinct and the
area of the „18 Gurhs‟ was now fully embraced; But as yet this number of
Gurjhat States with independent Chiefs, tributary to the two paramount rulers
of Patna and Sumbulpore were not fully formed.

Enumeration of the 15 ‘Gurhs’ of the Sumbulpore Patna and Group —

The then existing Tributary Gurjhat States attached to Sumbulpore

were Phooljur, Sarungurh, Suktee, Raigurh, Bunnaee, Gangpoor, Bantra,
Boud, Atmullick and by admission of the Sumbulpore Muharajah,
Rehracole. These may be added Chundurpoor retained by the Maharajah
under his own immediate authority. In Patna the only dependency was
Bindanawagurh. The total therefore of the „18 Gurhs‟ or Gurjhat States,
156
during the time of Nursing Deo and Bularam Deo Maharajahs,
respectively of Sumbulpore and Patna was 15.Wanting to complete were
Sonepore in the one case, and Khurriar and Borasambur in the other.
Formation of the 8 remaining Gurjhat States
The necessity of providing for younger sons caused the alienation from
the parent States of Sonepur and Khurriar. Thus Sonepore, as far as the left
of the river Ang (the land on the right to the Tel river till, as before need
belonging to Patna) its chief town being Binka, was constituted independent
tributary Gurjhat State by the 4th Rajah of Sumbalpore, who made it over
157 th
with the title of Rajah to his 2nd son Muddun-Gopaul . And again the 15
Maharajah of Patna giving over three „Gurhs‟ of the original 8 of Patna, viz.,
Kholagurh, Goorhagurh, and Koomragurh, to his younger son Gopaul Ray,
and the latter obtaining Khurriar as a dowry on his marriage with a daughter
158
of the Rajah of Jaipoor , those gurhs merged into Khurriar, and the whole
now constituted one Gurjhat State with the title of Rajah.
159
The last created Gurjhat was Borasambar , the present Chief of
which owes his position to the cunning and power of an ancestor. Originally
Borasambur consisted of eight villages, which went by the name of „Atgaon‟,
and formed a small Zamindari part of the integral estate of Patna. It is stated
that one of the Zamindar of „Atgaon‟ having saved the life of a Sambur deer
by killing a „bora‟ or boar constrictor, which had attacked it, the name of the
Zamindari was changed to Borasambur. Notwithstanding the smallness
originally of the area of the Zamindari the proprietor was a man of some
160
importance- he was Chief of his caste-man, Bhinjawal and, on the
occasion of a new Maharajah being raised to the guddee it was his special
duty to take the latter on his lap and hold over his head the turban of State.
Again the Zamindar held an important position. His lands were situated

156
Balaram Deo
157
Madangopal
158
Jeypur
159
Borasambar
160
Binjhal
78
 161
along on the north side of the range of hills called Goondamardhum which
form part of the northern boundary of Patna, and thus he could hold the
approaches through those hills to Patna for or against any hostile forces. It
would appear that during the first inroads of the Mahrattas, the Zamindar of
Borasambur was successful in guarding these approaches. For this service
he was granted an extension of property on the Patna side. What the real
grant was it is impossible now to say, but when the Maharajah of Patna, in
AD 1818 was released from the captivity, in which he had been kept for 14
years by the Mahrattas, under orders of the British Government and
replaced in possession of his estates by Major Roughsedge, it was found
that the Zamindar had encroached upon a large tract of Patna territory, and
it is said had possessed himself also of some 84 villages of the Phooljur
Gurjhat. Complaint was made by the restored Maharajah of Patna, and he
was forced to retire to his proper side of the hills, a gainer however so far
that he retained the 84 villages of Phooljur and was allowed to hold
possession of Borasambur with them in his own right from that time as an
independent tributary chieftain.
Completion of the 18 Gurhs
Thus then was completed the cluster of the 18 „Gurhs‟ as follows
Patna, Sumbulpore, Sonepoor,Rehracole, Bamra, Gangpoor, Boud,
Atmullick, Phooljhur, Bunnaee, Raigurh, Buragurh, Suktee, Chundurpoo,
Patna, Sarungurh, Bindanawagurh, Khurriar and Borasambur
Loss to Patna of the Land on the Right Bank of the Mahanuddy
between the Ang and Tel Rivers
Before proceeding to notice the ultimate severance and distribution of
these States, it is necessary to refer back briefly to the time of Ram Sing
st
Deo, the 21 Muharajah of Patna. This chieftain, having recovered
possession of his Guddee from one usurping uncle, after a reign of nearly 60
years, and at the age of 80 was ultimately forced, on a general insurrection,
to flee his country. He sought refuge at Binka, the seat of the Rajah of
Sonepoor, and fearful of pursuit or treachery promised the latter a grant of
that portion of his estate which fell between the Ang and Tel, if he would
protect and assist him. The Rajah of Sonepoor was not slow to take
advantage of the offer. The son secured to himself the possession of the
promised land, but assistance was confined to personal protection. The
aged Maharajah, 3 years after died as a refugee in Sonepoor, without blow
being struck for his restoration. This insurrection caused the loss to Patna of
the last relic of its early acquisition.
Gurjhat States brought under direct supervision of the British Govern
ment.
The incursions and depredations of the Mahrattas had now caused the
intervention of the British Government for the protection of the Gurjhat
States. This ultimately resulted (in 1821) after that Boud and Atmullik had

161
Gandhamardan
79
been transferred to Cuttack, in the rest being separately disconnected and
placed under the immediate control and supervision of British agency.
In 1861 the States of Bonai and Gangpoor were transferred to
162
Ranchee , and thus the circle of Gurjhat States becomes reduced to those
exhibited in the annexed Schedule (Annexure II).
Summary
To sum up, reverting to Patna, it may be observed that, between the
th
time of its foundation by Ramaee Deo and the reign of its 12 Muharajah, or
say, during a period of 340 years, Patna had grown, from a comparatively
small State of 8 united gurhs, held by chiefs who each in turn for a day aped
supreme authority over the rest to a powerful province extending in territory
and dominion for miles across the Mahanuddy to the confines of Sarungurh,
and on the left bank from the borders of Athmullick to a line drawn northward
from the west end of the (present) city of Sumbulpore falling in with the river
Eebe, to Gangpoor, and its authority embracing the Gurjhat States,
surrounding these possessions, of Bindanawagarh, Phooljur, Sarungurh,
Gangpoor, Bunnaee and Bamra, that by the abandonment of all its property
and dominion on the north or left side of the Ang river, it relapsed to the area
of its original Gurhs, including the plain between the Tel and Ang rivers, and
to the authority over the one Gurjhat State of Bindanawagurh. That
subsequently at first alienated 3 of its original Gurhs and afterwards had to
relinquish 12 of its most important villages, in return for all which, with
additional lands from other quarters, it obtained control over two newly
created Gurjhat States, viz., Kharriar and Borasambur. That previously to the
last noted relinquishment it had lost the tract of land between the Tel and
Ang rivers, and that lastly being brought itself under the direct control of the
British, it became deprived of the last vestige of its power, the control of its
three tributary States (Bindanawagurh, Kharriar and Borasambur) and thus
finally fell into a smaller circle of power and property than that which it
embraced when, some 600 years before (dating from the usurpation of
Ramaee Deo) it had first sprung into powerful existence.
Such then is the history of the extension and contraction of the
territories and dominions of Patna. Like as its first a sacrifice of ground, and
of prospect of further advancement was owing to family dissension, so also
was the final loss of the last tract of its former acquisitions caused by family
dissensions. In the one instance however it was left with the substances of
conquest, and the opportunities, from arrested ambition of employing such to
the development of its own reserved dominions, but in the other it was
brought ultimately to entire ruin. A glance at the present features of the
country of Patna, and a brief review of the dissensions that occurred during
the time of Rant Sing Deo, and of their results, will serve to explain these
last assertion.

162
Ranchi

80
Description of the Present Area of Patna
It is calculated that the present territories of Patna contain 5,000
square miles although they are dotted, at distant intervals, with a few small
hills, yet it may be stated that they compose a plateau of undulating surface,
so peculiarly favourable for the cultivation of rice, the pulses, oil-seeds and
sugarcane. There are certainly, besides the few scattered hills, interruption
also of gravelly or rocky rises covered with jungle and a few forest trees. But
making allowance for the deduction of these from the general area, there
remains a vast expanse of culturable lands the soil of which is of a good
description.
Present Condition of the Area and Indications of Past Prosperity
Tracts or scrub by jungles have usurped the sites of former fields, and
wild beasts now hold domain where once stood the habitations of men. The
gurh of Patna is now the centre of such a jungle, radiating across or say 20
miles in every direction. Close around the „Gurh‟, as distances varying from
one to two miles, are about 100 tanks, and in the rounding jungle beyond
these, at intervals of four or six miles are said to be the remains of other
tanks, with traces of villages, marked, not only by the general certain
evidence of planted trees, such as the mango, but also by the unmistakeable
proof of old broken tiles, and brick foundations of houses and temples. Nor is
it alone, immediately around the „Gurh‟of Patna, that signs of former welfare
and former energetic rule are to be found. Turning to the southern portion of
163 164
the State, in the Kondhan Zamindaries of Torva and Topa, at Jhoorwal
165 166
in Torva, at Titoola and Odeypoori in Topa, are numerous ruins of solid
buildings, of from one three stories high, and generally through the Kondhan
lands are the walls of neglected temples at distance of two or four mile apart.
Moreover to prove in some measure the earnestness which formerly existed
for developing the country and the respect which is still held for the race of
its once energetic rulers, it is to be remarked that the Khondhs of the oldest
Kondh settlement at Saintala, claim to have been brought to Patna from
Jeypoor by Rumaee Deo, and pride themselves in being still loyal and
khalsa subjects of his descendants. Further indication of decayed prosperity
and past enterprise might be adduced, and not least this, the innate
167
respectability and intelligence of some of the Zamindars and Gountiahs of
old families, but enough perhaps, has been noticed to prove that there is just
ground for the boast of the Patna people, that their country was once thickly
populated, and flourishing of such an extent that even rich merchants were
numbered in it up to the time when anarchy, at first, and the depredations of
the Mahrattas afterwards, compelled them to depart. Till the occurrence of
these events, which now remain to be noticed it is believed then that the
attention of the rulers of Patna, 20 in succession, was given to the welfare
and prosperity of their country and subjects.

163
Tarbha
164
Jharial
165
Titilagarh
166
Udaypur
167
Gauntias
81
Decline of Power and Prosperity
168
Hiradur Shah Deo the 20th Muharajah of Patna died leaving two
169
young sons- the eldest, named Raee Sing Deo , under the guardianship of
170
his younger brother, their uncle, Buckraj Singh . This uncle in view to the
usurption of the Guddee, murdered the mother of the two boys and intended
to kill also the latter. But he was frustrated in this intention, for the boys were
carried off in security to Phooljur by their maternal uncle and there they were
brought up. Raee Sing Deo, on coming of age, sought assistance from
Nagpore, and procuring a force of Mahrattas, proceeded to regain his rights.
He attacked and killed his uncle, and thus obtained possession of his estate.
But however much this was beneficial to himself and pleasing perhaps to a
portion of his subjects, still the country paid heavily at the time of his
restoration, while party spirit and enmity having now been excited, it was to
be expected that, an occasion of offering conflicting interests might again stir
them to a blaze, and again the plains of Patna having now been opened out
to the view of the Mahrattas it might have been regarded as certain that their
greed would spend itself on the first opportunity of home dissensions in
depredatory incursions. And this prospect was indeed brought to issue as
follows: Raee Singh retained his position for many years, but, during this
period, he roused spirit of discontent and rebellion was spreading through
the land, till ultimately it was brought to burst upon the unfortunate
Muharajajh then nearly 80 years old, by the intrigues of his second wife. The
story is that he had three wives, no offspring by the first, two boys by the
second and one son, the eldest of all by the third; the second wife was
fearful that the oldest son by the third Ranee would being his father's
favourite, succeed to the Guddee unless during the Muharajah's life she
should take steps to prevent it. The measures she took for prevention were
exciting; a general rebellion which resulted, as before noted, in the flight of
the Muharajah Raee Sing Deo to Sonepur. The Maharajah however
frustrated the design of his second wife, for he took him with to Sonepur, his
grandson, son of his eldest born, and on his death, 3 years afterwards,
appointed him his successor, by putting the regular pugree on his head.
During these three years the whole of Patna was in a state of perfect
anarchy, the Ranees at Patna were quarrelling for dominion, and their
partisans were pillaging the country indiscriminately around. Life and
property were nowhere secure. All respectable persons fled to Sonepur and
were followed by numbers of the general population. On the death of old
Rajah the people acknowledged his appointed successor who then returned
to Patna. He was however but a youth, and found no one to advise or assist
171
him, except such as bad and hazed in the outrages of the interregnum.
Even his father, dismayed at the state of general disturbance, and
disap pointment at the preference given to his son, retired on a pilgrimage to

168
Hiradhar Singh Deo
169
Rai Singh Deo
170
Batsaraj Singh Deo
171
The writing here in the Ms is very indistinct and unintelligible
82
 172
Allahabad and died there. The young Muharajah, Prithee Singh Deo lived
only three years after succeeding to the Guddee. The next ruler was
173
Ramchundur Deo the captive of the Maharattas, who now had completely
overrun and split the country already so unhappily ripe for spoliation.
It was scarcely to be expected that, after an anarchy of 3 years and a
total disruption of order, under the force of subsequent events that the
Zamindars of the frontier, who had been so long reveling in wild
independency, would soon be brought back into proper subjection,
especially when the power, by entire loss of resource, of the succeeding
Maharajah (father to the present one) was almost utterly paralyzed. Still less
could it be supposed that, within the short space of the reign of that one
Maharajah, the vacuum in the population could be filled up. Yet it is
satisfactory to be able to state, that a move towards a clearance of the
jungle, and an extension of cultivation was certainly being made and that out
of 22 Zamindars four only are complained of and of these four, only one is
rebellious.
Description of land tenures
The various land tenures may be thus described.
st
1 Zemindarees (Zami ndari)
nd
2 Gurhoteeahees (Gurhtiahi)
rd
3 Babooans (Babuan)
th
4 Jageerdars (Jagiridar)
th
5 Sendor Teekas (Sinduratika)
th
6 Barhwnoters (Brahmottara)
th
7 Dhurumoters (Dharmottara)
th
8 Home Villages
Classification of Zemindarees
The Zemindarees may be divided into four parts.
Firstly —Those held as Khoorak-Poshak by near relatives or the
Maharajah.
Secondly—Hereditary holding of Gonds and others in the centre of
Patna.
Thirdly—The Bhinjeer estates(Binjhari estate)

Fourthly—The Kondhmals (Kandhamalas)

Khorak-Poshak Estates
st
Of the 1 part there are two only, but in comparison with the size of
Patna and the present resources of the Muharajah they are far too large.
174
One Jhorasinga, is the property of the Muharajah's uncle Jograj Singh and

172
Prithviraj Singh
173
Rama Chandra Deo
174
Jugaraj Singh
83
was a grant by the late ruler. The other is an allotment by the present
Muharajah to his younger half brother Baijul Singh made however upon
pressure of superior authority.
Insubordination of the Two Khorak-Poshakdars
It is of the proprietors of these two estates that complaint has been
made, and justly, that they do not sufficiently respect the authority of the
Muharajah. This complaint it is hoped will not be of further duration. Jograj
175
Singh, an old man over 80, is a fine specimen of a Rajpoot—Baijul Singh
is a worthless drug consumer.
Of the 2nd sort there are Zemindarees the proprietors all respectable
and loyal.
The Bhinjeers, or estates of Bhinjwal population, are six in number,
lying under the hills of Gondhmardhun and Rabaeedinga which form the
northern and north-western boundaries respectively between Borasambar
and Khurriar. All the Zemindars of these are subject to authority but one,
176
Salik Ram Burhmyas . This man is a reputed harbourer of dacoits—for the
last years he has refused to pay any revenue, and has completely thrown off
his allegiance. The Muharajah was at this moment advancing with a large
force to apprehend him.
There were nine Kondhan estates situated on the southern frontier
bordering on Kalahandy, one only of the chiefs of these is said to be slow to
obey the Muharajh's orders. He was punished a year ago for such
disrespect and as he is decidedly an intelligent man it is hoped that
punishment will have good effect. The rest of the Chiefs are under proper
subjection, and all are regular in the payments of their fixed revenue, but two
who will not admit of a regular assessment but still are ready every three
years, when the Muharajah goes himself to them to make him an equivalent
present, increasing it even if by chance the Muharajah be accompanied by
his mother.
Designation of Gurhotteeahees Jurisdictions
There are 5 Gurhotteeahees, or clusters of villages under the Police
jurisdiction of 5 Gurhotteeahees. The pay of these officers and that of the
pikemen under them, is met by service lands out of one or more of the
village or villages in which their headquarters are located. The circle of a
Guhotteeahee jurisdiction does not only include such service paying villages,
but also contains home villages and rent free tenures. For instance (referring
177
to the schedule attached to these notes), Salabatha is noted as one

175
Vaijal Singh
176
Salik Ram Bariha
177
Salebhata
84
village. But the Gurhotteeahee is resident and deriving his pay in land
produce there has police authority over 21 other villages of which 5 are
Khalsa, 6 Rent free, and 10 Jhageers.
Number of Tenures held by Baboos or Connections of the Muharajah
The Babooans are 3 in number; of these one is rent free, another at
nominal rent, the third peppercorn.
Number of Jagheerdars
The Jaghreedars 27 in number are held by illegitimate offsets or distant
relatives or friends of the Muharajah.
Villages held by Ranees
The Sendoor Teekahs are the marriage portion of various Ranees and
amount to 19 villages.
Grants to Brahmins and Endowments to Temples
The Burhomoters and Dhurumoters are grants and endowments to
Brahmins and temples. The former at 2 festivals according to a scale
present the Muharajah with a golden jineo (Brahminical thread) of a rupee in
value, and one cocoanut.
Number of Home Farms
The Home farms in consequence of the absorbing proportions of the
Khoorak Poshak tenures, amount only to 38 in number.
Revenue and Expenditure
The Revenue derived from the whole estate by the Muharajah at this
present time is shown in the annexed schedule to be Rs. 8,823.

Out of this he has to pay Peshkush Rs. 600

Sums income fixed Rs. 1,000
Body Troops Rs. 1,000
Total Rs. 2,600

Land Produce
The produce of Patna consists of Rice-paddy, khooltie, Til, Mung,
Goor, Castorseed, Linseed, and Cotton, Rice-paddy is only grown in
sufficiency for home consumption. There is a small export of the remaining
produce in cotton to about the extent of 1,200 maunds.
Castes
The Castes inhabiting Patna are Kondhs , Bhooleahs, Bhinjuals,
Keunts, Gonds, Telees, Souras, Ghasees, Khooltas, Gours, Agurias,
Soondees, Gandas
Condition of the Gurjhat State
From all that could be gathered from the village holders and Zamindars
it would appear that Patna is in a quiet and peaceable state. Cattlelifting is
not uncommon and house breaking occasionally perpetrates but it does not
appear that dacoitees or other heinous offences are prevalent except it may
be near Ramoor where a dacoitee was reported a short time back.

MAJOR H. B. IMPEY
Deputy Commissioner
85
 Annexure I

Genealogical Tree of Muharajahs of Patna

Rajahs of Sambargurh
1 Richpal Sing (1)
2 Bhab Sing
3 Dalbhunju Sing
4 Bahan Sing
5 Bhan Sing
6 Nath Sing
7 Kurun Sing
8 Bhun Sing
9 Soor Sing
10 Dheer Sing
11 Chutturpaul Sin
12 Ukhaee Sing (1)
13 Prithee Sing
14 Oujo Sing
15 Kaisaree Sing (1)
16 Murkut Sing
17 Jai Sing
18 Bulwunt Sing
19 Pudun Sing
20 Richpal Sing (2)
21 Nursing Sing
22 Sumoondur Sing
23 Uchit Sing
24 Govind Sing
25 Kaiseree Sing (2)
26 Duswant Sing
27 Ukhaee Sing (2)
28 Dip Sing
29 Dhoul Sing
30 Nag Sing
31 Hutumbur Sing

Rajahs of Patna
1 Rumaee Deo (Ramai Deo)
2 Mahaling Sing
3 Baijal Deo (1)
4 Buckraj Deo (Vatsaraj Deo)
5 Bhojraj Deo
6 Purtab Roodra Deo (Prataparudra Deo)
7 Bhopal Deo (1)
8 Nagsing Deo
9 Bikuramadit (1) Bikramaditya Deo
10 Baijal Deo (2)
11 Bujur Heeradhar Deo (1) (Bajra Hiradhar Deo)
12 Nursing Deo
86
13 Chutturpal Deo (Chhatrapal Deo)
14 Baijal Deo (3)
15 Hirdai Narain Deo (1) (Hruday Narayan Deo)
16 Purtap Deo
17 Bikramadit Deo (2)
18 Mukund Deo
19 Balaram Deo
20 Herdanarain Deo (2) (Hruday Narayan Deo)
21 Raeesing Deo (Raising Deo)
22 Pirthee Raj Sing Deo (Prithvira Sing Deo)
23 Ram Chandra Deo
24 Bhopal Deo (2)
25 Bhujjur Heeradhur Deo (2) (Bajra Hiradhar Deo) Present Rajah

87
 Annexure II
List of the Gurjhat States attached to Sumbulpore in 1861

Sl. Name of Name and Remarks

No Gurjhat State Caste of
present Chiefs
1 Patna Bhujjur Heera Originally a cluster of 8 united
Dhur Deo, gurhs the chiefs
Muharajah, which took it in turn to rule for a
Caste Chowan day under the title of Rajah was
formed into one compact state
under one paramount ruler
Muharajah about 600 years ago by
Ramaee Deo a Rajput who derived
his origin from a race of western
Rajput Rajahs.

2 Bindana- Rajah Was an independent Tributary

Yagarh Oomraosai, state of Patna from the first
(Bendra Caste Gond
Nawagarh)

3 Kharriar Rajah Bussoon Was constituted into an

Chander Sing, independent tributary
Caste Chowan State with title of Rajah by Hiradhur
Deo 15th
Muharajah of Patna for his younger
son Gopaul Roy being composed
of 3 gurhs of the original 8 Patna
gurhs and the area of Khariar given
in dowry to Gapaul Roy by the
Rajah of Jaipore (Madras
Presidency) on his marriage with
the latter's daughter
4 Borassambar Soonder Barhia Created an independent tributary
Zamindar, State by Ram Chandra Deo A. D.
Caste Binjwal 1818 with the sanction of the then
Political Agent being composed of
12 villages originally of Patna
which formed the small
Zamindaree called first Atgaon and
afterwards Borasambar and 84
villages wrested from the Phooljur
State during the inroads of the
Mahrattas
5 Phooljur Rajah Sai, Was an independent tributary state
Caste Gond with title of Rajah from the first
6 Sarangurh Rajah Sangram Was an independent tributary state
Sing, with title of Rajah from the first
Caste Gond
88
7 Suktee Rajah Ranjeet Originally an independent tributary
Sing State of Sergooja without a title
Caste Gond, was brought under the dominion of
Sumbulpore by Balaram Deo
Muharajah of Sumbulpore. The title
of Rajah was created by Narain
Sing last Muharaja of Sumbulpore
8 Raigarh cum
9 Bargarh Raja Ghansham Originally two independent tributary
Sing Caste States of Sergoorjah, the first with
Gond title of Rajah were brought under
the dominion of Sumbulpore by
Balaram Deo, 1st Muharajah of
Sumbulpore. Baragarh being
confiscated in 1833 for the
rebellion of its Chief was made
over to the Raigarh Rajah by the
British Government
10 Bamra Raja Originally an independent State
Tribhooban with title of Rajah, tributary to
Deo, Bahadoor Sergoojah. It comprised with
Caste Chowan Modern Bamra the Zamindari of
Rehracole and the portion of the
lands of the present district of
Sumbulpore that lay between
Bamra and Rehracole on the east
and the river Eebe with a line
continued from the bend thereof to
the west and of the city (present) of
Sumbulpore. It was brought under
the domi¬nion of Sumbulpore by
Balaram Deo, 1st Rajah of
Sumbulpore who deprived it of the
Zamindaree lands above noted.
11 Rehracole Bisson Chunder Was originally a Zamindaree of
Jenamonee Bamra was
created a Tributary Gurjhat State of
Sumbulpore by Balaram Deo, 1st
Maharajah of the Sumbulpore
12 Sonepur Rajah Nilladree Was originally a Zamindaree of
(Niladri ) Sing Patna. Was created a tributary
Deo, Caste State Sumbulpore with title of
Chowan Rajah Bansee Gopal Deo, 4th
(Chauhan) Rajah of Sumbulpore for his
second son

H. B. IMPEY
Major, Deputy Commissioner, Sambalpore

89
 APPENDIX II
Events Leading to Adoption of Shri Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo
(This account has been obtained from Raja Aditya Pratap Singh Deo of
Saraikela)
Maharaja Sur Pratap Singh Deo of Patna (1866— 1871) had no male
heir. He adopted Shri Ram Chandra Singh Deo, the son of his brother
Biswanath Singh Deo. Ram Chandra Singh Deo succeeded Sur Pratap
Singh Deo to the Gadi of Patna after attaining the age of majority in 1893.
Dalganjan Singh, the third brother of Maharaja Sur Pratap Singh Deo, was
not happy with this arrangement and he tried to succeed to the Gadi of
Patna State. His activities annoyed the British Government who banished
him from the State. The order of banishment was, however, withdrawn on
representation of Ram Chandra Singh Deo who wanted that his thread
ceremony would be performed by his uncle Dalganjan Singh. Maharaja Ram
Chandra Singh Deo married the Raj Kumari of Lanjigarh who had been
adopted as a daughter by Srimati Biswas Kumari Devi, the third Maharani of
Kalahandi and the sister of Maharaja Sur Pratap Singh Deo of Patna.
Dalganjan Singh Deo tried to create estrangement between Shri Ram
Chandra Singh Deo and his Maharani, as a result of which relation between
them tended to be unhappy. A proposed trip of Maharaja Ram Chandra
Singh Deo to England could not be materialised as the Maharani, on
persuasion of Dalganjan Singh, filed a petition to the Government opposing
such a trip. This made Maharaja Ram Chandra Singh Deo greatly agitated
and he shot his Maharani to death and himself committed suicide. By that
time he had only a daughter named Padmini Kumari who was one and half
year old and the Maharani was enceinte. After their tragic end, Dalganjan
Singh was allowed by the British Government to succeed to the Gadi of
Patna State. Some interested persons vainly attempted to make Padmini
Kumari, the ruler of Patna State. This led to embitter relationship between
Maharaja Dalganjan Singh Deo and the dowager Maharani of Sur Pratap
Singh Deo, who brought up Padmini Kumari under her fostering care.
When Padmini Kumari was about 5 years of age her marriage with Shri
Aditya Pratap, Yubaraj of Saraikela was arranged by Maharaja Pratap Rudra
Singh Deo of Sonepur and his consort Maharani Amulyamani Devi. The
betrothal ceremony was performed and the ceremonial pan was sent to the
Saraikela house through Babu Upendra Singh of Banksahi.
The marriage of Shri Aditya Pratap Singh with Srimati Padmini Kumari
was celebrated on the 3rd February 1907. Padmini Kumari developed into a
talented lady. She was proficient in five languages—Odia, Bengali, Hindi,
Sanskrit and English. She had considerable skill in embroidery and oil
painting. In later life she exhibited her talent as a poet philosopher. She was

90
a mother of nine children, six sons and three daughters. Her third child
Rajendra Narayan was born on the 31st March 1912.
Maharaja Dalganjan Singh Deo of Patna died in 1910 and was
succeeded by his son Pruthviraj Singh Deo. Pruthiviraj was very fond of his
niece Padmini Kumari and after coming to the Gadi used to take keen
interest in her welfare. Once in 1914 on his way to Calcutta, he broke
journey at Sini Railway Station and sent for Maharaja Aditya Pratap of
Saraikela and his consort Padmini Kumari. He spent the day in company
with the children of Padmini Kumari, particularly with Rajendra who was then
only two years old. In 1917 after the birth of her fifth child Bhupendra,
Padmini Kumari suffered from acute dyspepsia. She was taken to
Sambalpur for a change and stayed in the Sonepur House, as the Patna
House was then occupied by Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo. Maharaja
Aditya Pratap and his Maharani shifted to Patna House on request of
Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh and stayed there for a couple of months. A very
cordial relation developed between the Patna and Saraikela royal families.
Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo had no issue and he wanted to adopt a
son of his brother Patayat Shri Batsaraj Singh Deo. But the first born boy of
the Patayat became deaf and dumb and died at an early age. His second
child was still-born. Shri Batsaraj Singh feared that his children were dying
because of the desire of Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo to take them in
adoption. When the third boy was born to him the Maharaja wanted to adopt
him from his very birth by performing the Nabhi Chhedan ceremony (cutting
of umbilical cord). But the parents firmly refused. Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh
Deo had four other brothers but none of them had any issue by that time. So
the Maharaja being disappointed to get a son from his own family turned
towards the family of his beloved niece, and the natural choice was
Rajendra. Pruthviraj Singh was, however, advised to marry for the second
time so that the second queen could give birth to a son. He married the
daughther of Badalal Harish Chandra Bhanja of Mayurbhanj but no issue
was born to the junior Maharani for several years and it was found that there
was no possibility of a child on medical grounds.
Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo was constructing a new palace called
Badal Mahal. Once he went to see the Palace, while it was under
construction, accompanied by his Dewan Jugal Kishore Tripathi and the
Agency Engineer Becket. The Maharaja was then very weak due to after-
effects of influenza and he was advised not to climb stairs. So the Maharaja
remained in the car in the porch while his Dewan and Becket went upstairs
to see the construction of the palace. They returned a little late and the
Maharaja asked the reason for their delay. They, however, hesitated to say
anything to the Maharaja, but being pressed by him humbly told him that

91
they were discussing so long as to who would occupy the palace after the
Maharaja. This greatly shocked him and he decided to adopt a boy soon.
Shortly after that, Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo met Maharaja Aditya
Pratap at Patna (Bihar) on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wells in
December 1921. Pruthviraj Singh told him that his Dewan would be deputed
to Saraikela for some important talk with him. Aditya Pratap wanted to know
the purpose of the deputation of the Dewan but Pruthviraj Singh only said
that his Dewan would tell him the purpose at Saraikela. It was arranged that
Shri Jugal Kishore Tripathi, Dewan of Patna, would meet the Maharaja of
Saraikela at Saraikela on the 1st January 1922. The Dewan came to
Saraikela on the appointed date and proposed to Maharaja Aditya Pratap to
give one of his younger sons, either Rajendra or Bhupendra, in adoption to
Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo. He wanted to take the horoscopes of both
the boys to get them examined by a renowned Pandit of Banaras proficient
in Bhrugu Samhita and to choose one of them for adoption. He further said
that the education of the boy to be adopted would be the sole concern of
Pruthviraj Singh Deo and there would be no interference from Saraikela
side. Maharaja Aditya Pratap Singh agreed to the proposal but he put forth
the following conditions:
1. That the Government of India's prior sanction be procured for the
adoption.
2. That the approval of Maharanis of Patna was to be taken and that
they should be present at the time of adoption ceremony.
3. That the adoption ceremony was to be performed at Sambalpur in
the presence of the Political Agent.
4. That the voice of the Maharaja of Saraikela be effective in the
matters of selection of guards, servants etc., for the safety of the boy to be
adopted.
The Dewan accepted the suggestions of the Maharaja and promised to
confirm by a letter. He also promised to take necessary steps to procure
approval of Government of India for the proposed adoption. The final choice
of Maharaja Pruthviraj fell upon Rajendra. Maharaja Aditya Pratap wrote to
Political Agent C. L. Philip, I. C. S., informing him all the details of talk with
the Dewan of Patna and requested him to procure the sanction of
Government of India for the proposed adoption. The Political Agent informed
him, as well as the Maharaja of Patna that the Government regarded taking
of adoption as a private and personal matter and that no official sanction
was necessary for the purpose. He, however, agreed to be present at the
adoption ceremony.

92
 It was decided to celebrate the adoption at Sambalpur. On the
appointed day, Maharaja Aditya Pratap Singh came to Sambalpur with his
family and Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo came there with his Dewan but
not with his Maharanis. Adoption ceremony was duly performed in Sonepur
House. Political Agent C. L. Philip was also present. After the ceremony was
over, Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo and his Dewan told Aditya Pratap that
Rajendra Narayan be taken to Saraikela where from he would be sent to the
Mayo College, Ajmer to study there under the guardianship of Principal
Leslie Jones.
In the mean time, Patayat Sri Batsaraj Singh of Patna put forward the
claim before the Government that his son Bhupal Singh had already been
adopted by Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo prior to the adoption of Rajendra
Narayan Singh Deo and prayed for recognition of Bhupal's adoption. Sir
Henry Wheeler, the Governor of Bihar and Orissa, visited Balangir to
ascertain the claim of the Patayat. He tried to meet the Maharaja, who
however evaded him on various pretexts. Sir Henry examined a Bill in which
Patayat Sri Batsaraj Singh had drawn Rs.100 from the Treasury to celebrate
the birthday ceremony of his son Bhupal Singh after the alleged date of the
boy‟s adoption. This proved the falsity of his case and on the report of Sir
Henry Government of India rejected Patayat's claim and recognised the
adoption of Rajendra.
Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo died in 1924. After his death, his
Maharanis represented that Bhupal Singh had been duly adopted by the
Maharaja and as such he should be recognised as the legal heir for the
Gadi. The question of adoption was thus opened again. Maharaja Aditya
Pratap requested the Political Agent to arrange an interview with the
Governor of Bihar and Orissa. The Governor assured the Maharaja that he
would report to the Viceroy and the Governor General his opinion for
recognition of the adoption of Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo.
The representation of the Maharanis was rejected by the Government
of India and Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo was duly recognised as the
adopted son and successor of Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo. Rajendra
Narayan Singh Deo was installed on the Gadi with full ruling powers by Sir
John Sifton, the Governor of Bihar and Orissa, on the 3rd February, 1933.

93
 APPENDIX III
Genealogy of Chauhan Rulers of Patna

Ramai Deva (1360-1385)

|
Mahalinga Deva (1385-1390)
|
Vatsaraja Deva (1390-1410)
|
Vaijal Deva I (1410- 1430)
(Rani Durlabha Devi)
|
Bhojaraj Deva (1430- 1455)
|
Prataprudra Deva I (1455- 1480)
|
Bhupal Deva I (1480- 1500)
|
Vikramaditya Deva I (1500- 1520)
|
Vaijal Deva II (1520-1540)
|
(Rani Chandravati Devi)
|
Bajra Hiradhara Deva (1540- 1570)

Narasimha Deva (1570-1577) Balaram

Deva (Raja of Sambalpur)
|
Hamir Deva (1577- 1581)
|
Pratap Deva II (1581- 1587 & Hrudaya Narayana
Deva (1587-1600) 1600- 1620)

Vikramaditya Deva II (1620) Gopal Rai

(Raja of Khariar)
|
Mukunda Deva (1640- 1670)
|
Balaram Deva (1670- 1678)

Hrudesha Deva (1678- 1685) Vatsaraj Singh

|
Raisingh Deva (1685- 1762)
|
Chandra Shekhara Deva

94
 Pruthviraja Viswanath Purushottam Hiralal
Singh
Deva (1762-1765) Singh Singh
|
Rama Chandra Deva I (1765-1820)

Bhupal Deva (1820-1848)

Yuvaraj Singh
(a. Lakshmi b. Bimala c. Ahalya Dev)
Jamindar of Jarasingha

Bajra Hiradhara Deva

Chandrabhanu Singh
(1848-1866) Vaijala, Ajambara, Hamira, Divya, |
Hatta Hamira and Mukunda Deva
Jagannath Singh

Sura Pratap Deva Viswanath Singh Dalganjan

Singh (1895-1910)
(1866-1871) | |
Ramchandra Deva II Pruthviraj
Deva II (1910-1924)
(1893-1895)
(adopted son of Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo
Sura Pratap Deva) (1924-1947)
(adopted son of Pruthviraj Deva II)

95
 CHAPTER III

PEOPLE AND DEMOGRAPHY

Population

The total population of Balangir district as enumerated in the Census of

2011 was 16,48,997 out of which 8,30,097 were males and 8,18,900
females. The male and female population figures were well-balanced. Out of
3 subdivisions of the district, the Balangir subdivision had the highest popu-
lation, which was 6,64,974 including 3,36,595 males and 3,28,370 females.
Next to that comes Titilagarh subdivision having a population of 6,09,743 of
which 3,06,375 were males and 3,03,368 females. Patnagarh has the
population of 3,74,280 (1,87,127 males, and 18,71,53 females).

Growth of Population

The statement below shows the growth of population of the district from
1971 to 2011
Year Population Variation

1971 1,263,657 + 18.24 %

1981 14,59,113 +15.46 %

1991 12,30,938 +15.64 %

2001 13,37,194 +8.5%

2011 16,48,997 +23.32 %

It may be mentioned here that Census in the year 1991 was conducted
for Sonepur & Birmaharajpur Subdivisions (now comprised Subarnapur
district with effect from 01.04.1993). The population figure mentioned above
in respect of the Census, 1991 for Balangir district excludes two subdivisions
of Subarnapur district.

Distribution of Population- Rural and Urban

There are 5 towns and 1783 villages in the district. The towns are
Balangir, Patnagarh, Kantabanji, Titilagarh and Tushra. Total population is
1,97,381 according to 2011 Census. Out of these towns, Balangir and
Titilagarh are administered by Municipalities and the remaining three are
under Notified Area Councils. Tushra town has been declared as a notified
area with effect from 27.05.2014.

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Language
Odia is the principal language of the district. The other modern Indian
languages spoken in the district are Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Telugu,
Malayalam, Marwari, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu and Punjabi. Non-Indian
languages used in the district are English and Nepali. The rest are tribal
languages.
The Odia language spoken in this district is classed with the western
variety of Odia commonly known as Sambalpuri. This form of Odia is
considerably influenced by Hindi and as such many of the Odia speaking
people of this district can speak and understand Hindi even though they are
unable to read and write the language.
The script used by the people of the district is the same as in other
parts of Odisha. People having a mother-tongue other than Odia follow their
respective scripts.
Literacy and Work Participation Rate
A person aged 7 years and above who can both read and write with
understanding in any language has been taken as literate. It is not
necessary for a person to have received any formal education or passed any
minimum educational standard for being treated as literate. People who
were blind and could read in Braille are treated to be literates.
A person, who can neither read nor write or can only read but cannot
write in any language, is treated as illiterate. All children of age 6 years or
less, even if going to school and have picked up reading and writing are
treated as illiterate.
The literacy percentage of the district is 64.72. Male literacy is 75.85%
and female literacy is 53.50%.
Work Participation Rate
Work participation rate is defined as the percentage of total workers
(main and marginal) to total population. The relation between education and
work participation has remained a subject of study and research in many
fields like demography. In the context of Balangir district, the gender gap in
literacy is high and one of the major concerns of the district. Literacy rate of
women is low in rural set up due to a large number of drop outs among girls.
Educating a girl child is one of the most effective means to counter gender
discrimination and to enhance the status of women. They can help in
producing better citizens by educating their children properly. Moreover,
educational attainment of women is said to be enhancing the women‟s
earning capabilities. Considerable proportion of women workers are
marginal workers in the district. Almost 90 per cent of women workers are
dependent upon agriculture and 98 per cent of rural women workers are
participating in unorganized sector. Nearly 80 percent of rural female
97
workers are either illiterate or educated up to primary level. Work
participation rate of females in rural areas is not encouraging in the district.
Casualisation among female workers is high and is on the rise. When
occupational structures among male and female in the district are compared,
female marginal workers outnumber the males. Out of the total marginal
workers of 3,18,374, the number of female marginal workers is 1,80,701.
Again, female agricultural workers also exceed the male agricultural workers
in the district. The total number of female workers as per 2011 Census is
1,65,719 as against male agriculture workers of 1,65,719 .
The work participation rate of the district as per 2011 Census is 43.7. In
rural area it is estimated 45.0 while that of urban is 34.1.
CASTES AND TRIBES
General Structure of Castes

The Scheduled Caste population of the district according to 2011

Census was 2,94,777. The following seven of these castes are numerically
important, as they constitute 96.6 per cent of the total Scheduled Caste
population.

Name of the Caste Population

Dhoba 14,453
Chamar, Mochi or Satnami 3,302
Dewar, Dhibar 45,670
Dom or Duria Dom 1939
Ganda 2,01,043
Ghasi 6,625
Mehra or Mahar 3,490

(Survey Report of SCSTRTI, Bhubaneswar)

List of Scheduled Castes (other than the list above):
Adi Andhra, Amant or Amat, Badaik, Bagheti, Bajikar, Bauri, Beldar,
Bhata, Bhoi, Chakali, Chandala, Dandasi, Dewar, Dhanwar, Ghantarghada
or Ghantra, Ghogia, Godra, Hadi, Jaggali, Kandra, Karua, Khadala,
Kurunga, Laban, Laheri, Mala, mang, Mangan, Mundapotta, Naik, Paidi,
Pano, Panika, Pantanti, Pap, Relli, Samasi, Sanei, Sidhria, Sindhuria, Siyal,
Tamadia, Tanla, Tior .
Some of the castes above are now extinct (i.e. Bhata, Dandasi, Godra,
Mala, Relli, Mundapotta and Paidi).
A detailed list of community-wise SC population of Balangir district,
Census 2011 is appended as Annexure I at the end of the chapter.

98
Betra
The chief occupation of the people belonging to this Caste is weaving
of baskets made from bamboo and cane. They are tabulated as a Scheduled
Caste. They are mainly found in Tarbha, Kantabanji and Patnagarh areas.
Chamar
The Chamars are also tabulated as one of the Scheduled Castes of the
district. They make shoes and chapals out of leather. They also tan leather
in their own indigenous method. Some of them earn their livelihood by
polishing and repairing shoes. The Dhoba and Bhandari do not serve them
and the Brahmans do not officiate in their religious ceremonies. Widow
remarriage and divorce are traditionally allowed by their caste. They are
mainly found in Sonepur, Balangir and Titilagarh.
Dhoba
They are the washermen caste of Odisha. There are two types of
Dhobas in this district, namely, Udia Dhoba and Telugu dhoba. Washing
clothes of higher castes is their traditional occupation whereas cultivation is
subsidiary. Jajmani system prevails among them. They neither accept water
and cooked food nor wash clothes of such low castes as Ganda, Ghasi,
Hadi, Chamar and others. They are distributed evenly throughout the district.
Ganda
Another Scheduled Caste of the district is the Ganda who serves as
drum beaters on the occasion of marriage of other castes. Their subsidiary
occupation is manual labour. They purchase drums from the Ghasis and no
other caste except the Ghasis accept water and cooked rice from them.
Widow marriage and divorce are allowed by them. Brahmans do not officiate
in their religious functions. Dhobas and Bhandaris do not serve them. They
procure fuel from the jungle to sell in the market. Some of them have taken
to cultivation. There are several sections of the caste of which the following
areimportantSuna, Mahanandia, Dipak, Kumbhar, Tandia, Bayana, Kusa,
Chhatriya, Banki, Nag, Bagh, Sika, Luha, Vesra, Jagadala, Varsagar, Ranbir
and Bibliar.
Ghasi
They are the scavenger caste of the district and making of drums is
their subsidiary occupation. The Ghasis are often found polygamous. No
other caste accepts water or cooked food from them. They occupy the
lowest stratum of the caste hierarchy. They are tabulated under the category
of Scheduled Caste.

99
Keuta
The Keutas are the fisherman caste of Odisha. They have got two
major sections such as Jamatalia and Bharajalia. Most of them have taken
to cultivation as their means of livelihood. Their traditional occupations are
fishing and boating.
There are several sections such as Gingraj, Keuta, Simli, Dhibara,
Jhara and others. The above sections do not practice intermarriage. They
are known by the titles of Behera and Pande etc. There are several
endogamous clans of this caste namely Bagh, Sethi, Pande, Taria,
Donsana, Mahalik, etc. Widow remarriage and divorce are allowed in their
caste.
Luhar
The chief occupation of this caste is iron-smelting and iron-smithy. The
caste name has been derived from the word `luha' which means iron. Their
subsidiary occupation is cultivation.
Sundhi
They are the traditional distillers and liquor sellers of the district. They
are of three types, namely,Kandha Sundhi (Local), Sambalpuri Sundhi (from
Sambalpur) and Dakhini Sundhi (from South)
At present, most of them have shifted over to cultivation to earn their
livelihood. The headman of their caste-assembly is known as Puruseth or
Naik. No marriage is allowed in the same lineage and same clan. Widow
marriage and divorce are prevalent in their community.
General Structure of Tribes
The tribal population of the district is 3,47,164 in 2011 Census, which is
21 percent of the total population of the district.
The following 8 tribes which are numerically important and constitute 97
per cent of the total tribal population.

100
Name of the Scheduled Tribes Total

Binjhal 39,833
Dal 20,405
Gond, Gondo 1,08,128
Khond, Kond or Kondha 92,452
Mirdhas 8,056
6Munda 2,057
Saora,Savar, Saura or Sahara. 50,401

Shabar or Lodha 11,615

(Survey Report of SCSTRTI, Bhubaneswer)

A list of the community-wise ST population of Balangir district,

Census 2011 is furnished at the end of the chapter as Annexure II.
Binjhals
The Binjhals inhabit chiefly the south-west of the district. They are the
earliest inhabitants of the district. Their traditions associate them with
Vindhya hills, and their former home is believed to have been Ratanpur in
Chattisagarh, whence they moved eastward in the direction of Borasambar.
It is said, their original ancestors were twelve archer brothers, the sons of
the goddess Vindhyabasini.
There is an interesting legend current in this district, according to which
the mother of the first Chauhan Raja of Patna had taken shelter in the hut of
a Binjhal, where she gave birth to the son who was named Ramai. This boy
succeeded in getting the throne of Patna and made the Binjhal who had
given shelter to her mother the chief of Borasambar.
The majority of the Binjhals of this district are cultivators and the rest
are farm servants or field labourers. Those who have settled in the plains
have taken to improved methods of rice cultivation. The staple food of the
poor consists of roots and Mahua flower. They eat rice on special occasions.
Cultivators, however, eat rice in the form of `Pakhal' (Cooked rice soaked in
water).
The Binjhals worship all Hindu deities, and also worship arrows, swords
and spears. Bindhyabasini and Nrusinghanath are specially worshipped by
them.
The Binjhals do not employ Brahmans in any ceremony, but every
Binjhal believes in taking `Karna-mantras', that is, Mantras whispered in the

101
ear (Karna). They believe firmly in ghosts or the spirits of the dead, for the
soul of any wicked person may after his death become a malevolent spirit.
The marriage takes place after the girl attains puberty. Special facilities
are given to young girls on festival days to mix with the other sex. Child
marriage is not common among them. Widow marriage and divorce are
allowed. A widow is expected to marry the younger brother of the deceased
husband. The dead are usually buried but persons of advanced age and rich
persons are generally cremated.
Gond
Like Khonds and Binjhals, the Gonds are an important Scheduled Tribe
of the district. This tribe is also found in the districts of Sambalpur,
Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal and Koraput. According to the Census of 1951, their
total number was little below 4 lakhs in Odisha. The Gonds possess a sound
physique, quite well developed shoulders, bulging out chest and have scanty
hair growth over the face. They are generally very industrious and active.
They speak Odia. Recently they have been integrated into Hindu society as
a high ranking caste particularly in the districts of Balangir and Sambalpur.
Keionds (Kandha)
About the Khonds of the ex-Patna State, Cobden Ramsay writes:
The original home of the Khonds is said to have been in the hill tracts of
Boudh and Kimedi, and the order in which the successive Khond tribes
travelled east and northward and the chief places they traversed on their
route through the north-east of Kalahandi in their migration towards Patna
are still mentioned in their ancient lore. The first immigration of the Khonds
into Patna is said to have occurred during the period of the Gangabansi
Rajas, and to have continued late into the period of the Chauhan family. And
the fact that some of the present leading Khond families in Patna still
intermarry in Boudh and in the tracts said to have been traversed by the
Khonds in the course of their movement eastwards, gives colour to their
version of the events connected with their early immigration. The Khonds
now found in the Patna State have assimilated themselves in many ways
into their Hindu brethren. They have taken largely to regular cultivation
though at the same time they continue like all people of these parts to
practice „dahi' cultivation.They have adopted the Odiya language and do
not take water from or intermarry with their wilder brethren living in the hill
tracts of Kalahandi and neighbouring regions.
The process of assimilation of Hindu ideas and customs among this
tribe has become more rapid since the time of Cobden Ramsay. The
development of communications spread of education and closer association

102
with urban life have contributed much towards progressive assimilation of
the Khonds of district into the Hindu fold.
Saoras
They are believed by some authorities to be a dominant branch of the
great Kolarian family of Indian tribes. The language of this tribe has been
included by Grierson in the Munda family. This tribe mostly lives in Koraput
and Ganjam Agency and it is sporadically distributed over almost all the
districts of Odisha. The hill Saoras are not found in the district of Balangir.
The plain Saoras inhabiting the district are very simple and straight forward
in manners. The principal occupation of this tribe in the district is agriculture.
Like the Gonds, the Saoras have also been regarded as a caste in western
Odisha and thus have been given a place in the Hindu Society.
Besides SC/ST, there are a few castes which are regarded as
belonging to other backward classes. Below is the list of OBC's in Balangir
district Aghria, Bania, Bairagi, Bhani, Bhulia, Dumal, Gudia, Kalhara,
Khadura, Kostha, Malli, Suda, Teli, Thanapati, Chasa, Kulta, Gauda,
Kumbhar, Gandhamali
An account of the important Castes of the district is given below.
Aghrias
The Aghrias are said to be decendents of Bidura of the Mahabharat
fame. They claim to have belonged originally to Kshatriya caste. But later on
they adopted agriculture as their profession and were regarded as a
cultivating caste. They are called Aghrias as they came to Odisha from the
Agra region of Uttar Pradesh. The Aghrias are divided into three classes
bearing the surnames Chaudhury, Naik and Patel. Their Caste symbol is
dagger, but it is differently named for the above three classes. The
Chaudhurys call their symbol 'Kull Katar', the Naiks call it „Qamdarlt Katai'
while Meghnadh Katar' is the symbol of the Patels.
The Aghrias do not cultivate onion and do not take meat of goats. They
are very conscious of their caste rules and do not accept cooked food from
any other caste. They however, take water from the Gaudas. The Aghrias
both male and female are industrious. The women, besides helping their
male partners in cultivation, spin cotton in leisure hours. Aghrias are mainly
found in Balangir, Puintula, Loisingha and Agalpur blocks of Balangir district.
Bairagi
They are recruited from different castes. Begging alms and selling
necklaces of beads are their main occupation. They influence people to
become Sanyasies by giving 'mantras' and 'dikshas'. They are sporadically
distributed in the district.

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Bhulias
The Bhulias weave fine cotton cloth. Cultivation is their subsidiary
occupation. Although all weavers have the honorific title of Meher, the
Bhulias claim to occupy the highest rank among them. According to tradition,
the Bhulia came to this region with Ramai Deo, the first Chauhan Raja of ex-
Patna State. Non-weaving Bhulias are generally found as middle-men in the
field of business and they have profitable money-lending business in many
parts of this district. The Bhulias of this district have different Gotras like
other castes and having different sections known as „Bahajit‟, „Kutri‟, „Hero‟,
„Karjit‟, „Nehar‟ etc. Previously, child marriage was very common among
them. But that practice is no longer found. They do not intermarry with other
weaving communities of the district.
Gudia
This caste is named after the word 'One which is made by boiling and
condensing sugarcane juice. Preparation of sweets out of 'gur' or sugar is
their main occupation. Like many others, people of this caste also have
taken to cultivation and service. Members of this caste have the titles of
Sahu, Chopdar and Saraf. It is divided into two classes, viz., Udia and
Jhadua. Previously interdining and intermarriage were forbidden between
these classes, but such restrictions are no longer respected. Widow
marriage is allowed among both the classes.
Khadura
Their traditional occupation is to prepare bangle (Khadu of silver and
alloy metals). Cultivation is their subsidiary occupation. There is no sub-
section under this caste. Formerly, child marriage was common among
them, but now it has gone out of practice. Their caste-assembly is known as
„Panchasghara‟, the „Parma‟ occupying the post of headman. The office of
Panda is hereditary. Divorce and widow marriage is prevalent among them.
Kostha
Kosthas weave only tusser. They purchase eri-cocoons from the
Gandas, who are experts in ericulture. The caste name is perhaps derived
from „Kosa‟ which means the eri-cocoon. There are two sub-classes of the
caste, namely, Laria and Udia. The Larias originally came from the
Chhatisgarh region while the Udias are probably the indigenous Kosthas. No
intermarriage is allowed between these two sections. They have several
clans or bargas, the notable among which are Dhakita, Henduba and
Garkata.

104
Kulta, Sudh and Dumal
These three castes are considered as the agricultural community of the
district, their chief occupation being cultivation of land. Dumals are found in
large numbers in Sonepur area, while Kultas are an important caste in
Patnagarh subdivision. According to tradition the Kultas immigrated from the
ex-State of Baudh where they had settled during the wandering of Rama
whom they accompanied from Northern India. There is an interesting
episode regarding the origin of these three castes. It is said that when Rama
was wandering in the forests of Sambalpur, he once met three brothers and
asked them for water. Out of the brothers one brought him water in a clean
brass pot and as such was called Sudh, meaning 'pure' and the second
brother drew water in a pot of leaves from a well with a rope and hence was
called „Dumar‟. According to Cobden Ramsay this name is derived from the
words dori and mar meaning the chord of rope. The third brother is said to
have brought water in a hollow gourd, and so he was named `Kulta' which
according to the same authority is derived from the words `Kurita' meaning
'bad mannered'. This episode suggests the connection of the three castes
among themselves in Western Odisha. The `Kultas' are probably an off-
shoot of the `Chasa' caste although they do not intermarry with the Chasas.
Gauda
They are the cowherd caste of the district, and are divided into three
sections, such as Jhalia, Nanda and Magadha. According to Cobden
Ramsay, the Magadha Goudas rank last, and are probably a recent
accretion from some aboriginal tribe. The Nand.a Goudas are elsewhere
known as the „Gopapurias‟ and they claim to have been connected with the
family of king Nanda, the adoptive father of Krishna. Little is known about the
Jhalia Goudas. It is not possible to say whether they are the same as the
Mathurapur Goudas found in other districts of Odisha. The traditional
occupation of the caste is tending of cows and selling milk products. Some
of them have shifted over to agriculture as their primary occupation, while
some others have adopted the profession of supplying water for domestic
use among higher castes. The Gouda women go round to sell milk and milk
products. They do not work as field labourers.
Kumbhar
They are the potter caste of the district. Their caste name is derived
from the word `Kumbha' which means an earthern pitcher. Two classes of
Kumbhars, viz. Jharua Kumbhars and Udia Kumbhars are found in the
district. Jharua Kumbhars are those who belong to the forests and are
inferior in social status to the Udia Kumbhars.

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Bhandari
They are the barber caste of Odisha. There are three types of
Bhandaris in the district, namely, Udia Bnandari, Jhadua Bhandari and
Telugu Bhandari. The Udia Bhandaris are superior to other two classes in
matters of social status. Telugu Bhandaris who have settled in the district
are said to have come from the south. The Bhandaris are known by several
titles, such as, Barika, Dakua, Bej, Behera and Tarasia. There are several
Gotras under the caste, e.g. Nagesa, Kasyapa, etc., and Gotra exogamy is
strictly followed by them. The above three sections generally do not
intermarry. Widow Remarriage and divorce are allowed. All upper castes
accept water from the Udia Bhandaris but not from the Jhaduas. Panch is
the headman of their caste assembly. Their primary occupation is
haircutting, shaving and paring of nails. Cultivation is their subsidiary
occupation.
Teli
Oil-pressing and selling of oil are the traditional occupations of this
caste. Two classes of Telis live in this district, viz., Haldia Teli and Ekbaldia
Teli. The Haldia Telis sell haldi (Turmeric) and hence they are so named,
while the Ekbaldia Teliderive their name from the fact that they employ one
ox (Ek-balad) instead of two or more while pressing oil. Cultivation is the
subsidiary occupation of this caste. Widow marriage and divorce are allowed
among them. Like many other castes the Telis have also their caste
assembly to adjudicate minor social offences.
Brahman
The Brahmans, though not in a majority, form the most influential caste
in the district. Before the abolition of intermediaries, they were holding
several villages as Muafi and also enjoyed Muafi lands in several villages
which they got as grants from rulers. Some of them were also carrying on
money-lending business. There are broadly four types of Brahmans in the
district, namely, (1) Jhadua, (2) Udia, (3) Sarua, (4) Halua. The Udia section
of Brahmans claim to be the same as the Utkal section and their traditional
occupation is to officiate as priests at religious rites and functions of other
castes. Their subsidiary occupation is agriculture. In the past, no
intermarriage was allowed among these four sections. Divorce and widow
remarriage are not allowed by any of them.
Karan
The Karans are found in a small minority in this district. They are
generally engaged in service although many of them are at present carrying
on business. Widow Remarriage and divorce are not allowed in thier caste.

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In this district they are known by the titles of Das, Pattanaik, Bahidar,
Mohanti, etc.
Religious Beliefs
Among the religous communities of the district mention may be made
of the Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains and Sikhs. Besides, there are
some Buddhists whose number however is very negligible. The number of
persons professing Hinduism is 1,060,237 of whom 530,114 are males and
530,123 females. The next in numerical order are the Christians who are
5,071 (2,402 males and 2,669 females). The Muslims who come next are
2,364 (1,117 males and 1,247 females). The number of Jains and Sikhs are
732 (399 males and 333 females) and 259 (176 males and 83 females),
respectively. There are only 13 (7 males and 6 females) Buddhists. People
belonging to other religions are only 10 (4 males and 6 females).
The religious communities in the district are tolerant and have friendly
feelings for one another. In the towns of Balangir and Sonepur the Hindus
and the Muslims have very close social relations. The Hindus are seen
taking part in Muslims festivals like Muharram and the Muslims in Hindu
festivals like Dussehra.
Christianity
The Christians of the district mainly belong to the Baptist Mission
(Protestant) and they are mostly concentrated in Balangir subdivision where
as many as 3,587 of them are found. Many of them are tribal people like
Kondhs and Binjhals. The missionary activities started in the ex-State of
Patna in 1893 during the rule of Maharaja Rama Chandra Deo III. The first
mission centre was established at Loisinga in 1897 and the centre at
Balangir was opened in 1911. From a modest beginning the activities of the
mission extended rapidly and there are at present 87 churches in the district.
The main activities are found in the sphere of education. In 1838, attempts
were made for adult literacy and at present twenty adult literacy centres are
running in different parts of the district.
Hinduism
So far as the tribes are concerned, most of them belong to the Hindu
fold, but each tribe is having its specific faith and they all believe in
totemism, sorcery and polytheism.
The Hindus worship various gods and goddesses as in other parts of
India. But different castes are found to be attached to different deities
although communal worship is observed for some important gods and
goddesses. Deities like Durga, Mahalakshmi, Siva and Vishnu are
commonly worshipped by all the Hindus. Besides these deities there are,

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separate caste gods or goddesses, a few instances of which are presented
below.
The Goddess Maheswari is worshipped by the Khaduras, the bangle-
makers of the district. She is worshipped on the Dussehra festivals when
she is appeased by special sacrifices. People of this caste offer worship to
Siva and Vishnu with equal devotion.
Nitaidhobani is the caste goddess of the Dhobas, the washermen of the
district. They believe that she inhabits the bank of the tank on which they put
their stone for washing clothes. On the occasion of Nabanna (eating of the
new paddy crop), ceremonious offerings are made to her. The Dhobas are
more or less Vaishnavite and worship lord Krishna and Vishnu. They also
believe in the presence of spirits, ancestral cult, ghosts, black-magic and
sorcery. Except marriage and funeral rites, other ceremonies are performed
by them without the help of priests.
The Naria Gaudas (a section of the cowherd caste) of the district
worship deities like Patkana, Kanavaora, Mahalakshmi, Kalisunciri and
Mirchu. They do not require Brahmans to officiate in their religious festivals.
They also believe in black-magic, sorcery and ghosts and at times practice
exorcism of ghosts and demi-gods. Some of their village deities are Kalka,
Gangadi, Thakurani, Jadain, Donger, Muili and Bhima. Their forest deities
are known as Donger Devta, Dhanpachen, Tengrabamni and Jadenguda.
The man who exorcises the ghosts and spirits is known as Gunia and one
who officiates at religious function is known as the Dehuri.
The important deities of the Sundhis, the traditional brewers of the
district, are the Dwarseni, Patamaheswari, Samalei and Rakatmalei. At the
time of calamities, they seek help from these goddesses and propitiate them
at intervals by sacrificial offerings. They worship their ancestors' spirits and
make annual offerings of panda to them like other higher castes. They have
also their Dehuris who worship the village deities or the Gramadevatis
known as Bugulen and Gangadei.
The goddess Banjari, also known as Chandi and Ghantaseni, is
worshipped by the barbers (Bhandaris) of the district. Their village deities
are called Bastrani and Thuntimonli. Like other higher caste people, the
Bhandaris perform Lakshmipuja on every Thursday in the month of
Margasira, Mangala puja on every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra and such
other performances as Janmastami and Ekdasi.
The Gandas, one of the Scheduled Castes of the district, regard
Mangala as their highest goddess and also believe that she has seven
sisters known as Satabahen. The forest god is known as `Thardevta' and
`Banjardevta'. The deities of mountains are known as „Budhapahar‟,
„Dongardevta‟ and „Grambati‟. They believe in Dharmadevta (the sun-god),
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Basumata (the earth-goddess), Masandevta (Chandi) and the ghosts, such
as Bhuta and Petni. If adult men die before marriage, they are believed to
become Dangua, a type of ghost in after life. Cock sacrifices are offered to
Mangala and well-to-do persons offer Buka or castrated goat as sacrifice.
Their village deity is known as Thanapati.
Udayaparameswari is the popular goddess among the Kosthas, the
weavers of Tusser cloth in the district. Biswakarma is their vocational deity
and Samaleswari and Budhei are the village deities. They worship both Siva
and Vishnu. `Aguandevta' is their forest-god. The head man of the house or
the 'Sian' worships gods and goddesses. There are 21 types of deities of
small-pox of which Kolthia„ Gundi, Sindhiri, Mugia, Pudamatu, Motijhara and
Milimila are important. If anybody suffers from small-pox the deities are
appeased by offering of milk, flower and incense.
Chaunrasi, Samalei, Barlordevta and Thakurani are the important
deities of the Keutas, the fisherman caste of the district. Gangamata is their
water deity and there are some other deities whom they worship at home.
They believe in the existence of black-magic, sorcery and call for the
assistance of Gunias of other tribes for exorcising ghosts and evil spirits.
Worship of Krishna, Siva and Hanuman are made according to individual
attitude.
The Bhulias are a weaving caste of the district who regard Samaleswari
as their highest goddess and Biswakarma as the vocational deity. They also
worship a number of gods and goddesses namely Hadmai and her consort
Had Gopal, Dhanmai and her consort Dhan Gopal, Kansalei and her consort
Budharaja. Dasmati, the ten sisters and Satbahen, the seven sisters are
worshipped by them. They believe in spirits called Dahaka and Matia.
Manners and Customs
Customs Connected with child-birth
Among most of the castes, the pollution connected with childbirth
continues for a period of seven days. This pollution is known as `Chhutia'.
On the sixth day of child-birth, they worship the Sasthidevi, i.e. goddess of
fate, believed to be the guardian deity for the child. On the 21st day, Ekoisa
or name-giving ceremony is performed. The name is generally suggested by
an astrologer who fixes it by getting the first letter of the name from the
child's zodiac signs. On that day, well-to-do persons arrange feasts which
are attended by agnates as well as friends. The name-giving, first hair-
cutting, as well as the ear-boring ceremonies are performed from the first to
sixth year of the child.
In a Brahmin family, an elderly woman cuts the umbilical cord of a new-
born baby by means of a knife or a piece of broken earthenware. The birth

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pollution continues for a period of 21 days and during this period priestly
functions are restricted. Sasthidevi is worshipped on the sixth day and the
name-giving ceremony is held on the 21st day.
In a Dhoba family on the occasion of child-birth, the umbilical cord is
severed by an old lady of the family. The birth pollution is taken to be over
when the stump of the cord falls between 6 to 9 days of the birth. On 12th
day they have their sacred bath and new earthen pots are allowed in the
kitchen for the purpose of cooking. On the 21st day (Ekoisa) the name-giving
ceremony is performed.
Among the Naria and Gaudas, the customs and manners connected
with child-birth are quite different. The umbilical cord is cut by means of a
broken piece of earthenware. The placenta, etc, are put under a pit dug in a
nearby garden. The mother and the new-born baby are kept in a secluded
hut till the navel stump falls off. The final purification ceremony is observed
on the 21st day when a name is given to the child. Generally grand-father
and grand-mother attend the function and bless the child. On the occasion,
the mother, as well as, the baby is given new clothes to wear.
In a Bhandari family, the midwife or an old woman of the locality cuts
the umbilical cord of the baby. Placenta, etc., are put under a pit generally
dug at the spot where the child is born. They are not buried carelessly
outside the house as they believe that catastrophe may befall the child and
the mother if the placenta, etc. are eaten up by animals. On the 5th day, an
interesting ceremony called „Panchuati' is performed. The pollution
continues for a period of 12 days and the 12th day ceremony is named by
them as `Barajatra'. On the 21st day, Ekoisa ceremony is observed and a
name is given to the baby. A feast called `Suklabhoji' may be offered to
friends and relatives on that occasion. Outsiders coming to attend the feast
bless the child and offer presents. In well-to-do families, the exact time of
birth and zodiac signs, etc., are recorded by maintaining a horoscope which
is prepared by an astrologer.
Among the Bhulias of the district, the pollution (Chhutikia) connected
with child birth continues for a period of 6 days. Name giving ceremony is
performed on the 21st day. There is no elaborate ceremony connected with
1st hair-cutting or ear-boring ceremonies.
Mortuary Rites
The Brahmins generally cremate the dead body. A string cot is laid
upside down and the corpse is placed on it and carried by relatives to the
cremation ground. A piece of new cloth is wrapped over the dead body, and
fried rice, cotton seed and flowers are generally strewn on the road while
carrying it for cremation. A man from Dhoba caste accompanies the party
with his axe to cut the firewood for the purpose of cremation. The barber
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shaves the corpse before it is cremated. The funeral pyre is kindled by the
eldest son who applies fire to the mouth of the deceased and in his absence
it is performed by any other son. The ritual is known as `Mukhagni'. The man
who performs it keeps his sacred thread over the right shoulder. Pinda is
offered at the spot. A Brahmin of another family officiates over the function.
After `Mukhagni' the eldest son immediately leaves the cremation ground
and having a dip in the tank returns to his house. The persons who
accompany the dead to the cremation ground return home after washing
themselves. They are known as `Bahampuria Samaja Bhai'. An incense of
fried rice (Khai) and neem leaf is then prepared for their purification. And the
clothes used by them are washed by the household Dhoba. No cooking is
allowed for that day in the house of the deceased. On the 3rd day a small
hut is built near a tank and food in a new earthen pot is offered to the spirit of
the dead. On the 10th day, shaving and nail paring are done and on the 11th
day, non-vegetarian food which is restricted during the period of mourning is
allowed to all concerned. On the 12th day, Sudda Bhoji (purification feast) is
offered to friends and relatives.
Among the Dhobas, the corpse is either buried or cremated if the
person concerned can afford it. The corpse is carried on a string cot kept
upside down. During the period of mourning the relatives of the deceased
are not allowed to touch fish or meat. On the 10th day, `Sraddha' and `Pinda'
are offered in the name of the deceased and ceremonial haircutting, shaving
and paring of nails are performed. On the 11th day, the members of the
family are allowed to take fish and on 12th day, feast is offered to friends
and relatives. The man who first applies fire to the dead body is entitled to
perform the Sraddha ceremony.
Among all other non-tribal Hindus of the district the manners and
customs connected with the funeral rites conform to the general Brahminical
rites. Muslims and Christians bury the dead and perform mortuary rites
according to their respective customs.
New Religious Movement
In the later part of the 19th century, a new religion named Kumbhipatia
appeared in the district. The preacher of this religion was Bhima Bhoi, an
illiterate Kandha of Rairakhol who was a disciple of Mahima Gosain, the
propounder of Mahima religion in Odisha. The Kumbhipatia faith is a branch
of Mahima religion. The followers of this sect wear the bark of the Kumbhi
trees from which the sect is so named. They regard the cow as a divine
animal and the cow dung as having purifying properties which they use
unsparingly on religious occasions. They condemn the caste system
although they take cooked rice as alms from people of all castes except
those belonging to the Brahmin, Kshatriya, Dhoba Bhandari and Harijan

111
castes. They decry idolatry and in fact, in 1880 a large number of
Kumbhipatias, led by Bhima Bhoi himself, marched all the way to Puri to
challenge the worship of Jagannath. The aggressive Kumbhipatias had a
clash with the Pandas of Jagannath temple at the temple gate where a large
number of people were injured and one succumbed to death. Peace was
restored by the intervention of Police. Bhima Bhoi came back to Sonepur
and founded a monastery at Khalia-pali close to that town. He spent the later
part of his life in composing philosophical works and Bhajans (songs of
prayers) which he was dictating to his disciples. Khaliapali became a place
of pilgrimage and Bhima Bhoi was honoured as a prominent preacher in the
area. He, however, married two wives declaring that he would create one
son and a daughter who would be two ideal personalities in the world. In
fact, a son and a daughter were born of the two wives and they were named
as Kapileswara and Lavanyavati, respectively. BhimaBhoi died at Khaliapali
in 1895 and was entombed in the compound of the monastery. His tomb is
being honoured by the people of the district and by both Kumbhipatias and
non-Kumbhipatias alike. Kapileswara and Lavanyavati led a staunch reli-
gious life at Khaliapali and died a few years back.
Social Life
Property and Inheritance: Family system, matriarchal system and other
forms of inheritances:
Except among Bengalis all Hindus are guided by Mitakshara law of
inheritance as amended by the Hindu Code giving daughters equal right with
sons in the father's share of the ancestral property. The eldest son gets an
additional share on account of his obligation to perform the Sraddha of the
father. Bengalis follow Dayabhag Law.
Joint family system is common among Hindus. But this system is fast
disintegrating.
Those who are issueless generally adopt sons with the object of
perpetuating the lineage and the adopted son is entitled to inherit the
property of the father. Matriarchal system does not exist in the district.
Marriage and Customs
Monogamy, Polygamy and Polyandry
Monogamy is commonly followed by all sections of people. When the
first wife proves sterile or suffers from incurable disease the husband can
take another wife. Keeping of concubines is also not widely practiced and it
is found only among some rich people. In majority of such cases women of
lower castes are generally kept as concubines. The system of polyandry is
unknown in the district. The children of concubines are not entitled to inherit

112
property. This system finds little appreciation in the society and people
having concubines are generally looked down upon.
Traditional Restrictions on Marriage Alliances:
In Hindu society marriages between near relatives are avoided as far
as possible. The institution of marriage is characterised by certain
fundamental rules and conventions, codified or uncodified. Among many
castes, marriage within the same gotra is also strictly prohibited. But
marriage with the maternal uncles's daughter is permitted among certain
castes in the district.
Muslims and Christians have their own law regarding marriage.
Marriage, Customs and Rituals
Rituals connected with marriage in all Hindu castes are mostly alike,
but they vary according to the status of the parties. Before the marriage
negotiations or before fixing of the auspicious day and time for marriage,
some castes have the system of bride price (Harja) which is paid by the
groom to the bride's father or guardian.
In many castes negotiation is taken to be finalised when the bride's
party receives presents consisting of a piece of sari, bangles and sweets
from the groom's party and this function is known as `Kanya-pindhani'. The
day preceding the marriage is known as `Mangalana', and on that day both
the bride and the groom in their respective houses annoint themselves with
turmeric and oil and take sacred bath. Seven married women
(Satabhuasuni) perform this ceremonious bath and the function is called
`Ganasnan'. On the appointed day the groom with his father, friends and
other relatives goes to the bride's house where marriage ceremony is
performed. Honeymoon is observed on the 4th day of marriage in the
groom's house.
Among Brahmins, Karans and other higher castes the marriage rituals
are elaborately performed.
Some castes besides the usual rites perform a symbolic marriage
known locally as „Thulbiha'. The maternal uncle of the bride keeps some
flowers in a pot and the groom before marrying the bride marries the flower
which symbolises her.
Among the Gandas, the groom makes some presents called
„PindhaiVara' comprising two pieces of cloth, oil, turmeric, bangles and
sweets. They call the bride price `riaithi-mula' which at times goes as high as
hundred rupees. On the first day of marriage, the Gandas worship a branch
of Mahul tree which represents prosperity.

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 Among the Kosthas, negotiations of marriage are known as `Radbadal'.
The bride-price among them ranges from ten to forty rupees. After
negotiation, presents are given to the bride which includes ornaments like
Katuria, Banduria, bangles, waist chains (gunchi) sari, etc.
The Binjhals perform adult marriage. Marriage among them is fixed by
a queer custom of rice grain-divination. If they get auspicious signs from it,
the marriage is fixed. Their marriage rites are not so elaborate as in the case
of many other castes.
Dowry system is not prevalent in the district. The bride, while coming to
the house of the groom, brings articles of common use and ornaments and
dresses, indicative of her starting a new home. The groom on this occasion
is not to make any demand and the value of the articles brought by the bride
depends on what her father can afford. And such articles are generally
exhibited before friends and relatives.
Frequency of Inter-caste and Sub-caste Marriages
Inter-caste marriages are generally not observed in the district and
marriage between the caste people and the tribes is almost unknown.
Exceptions are, however, found here and there and society is gradually
tolerating such cases, while caste restrictions are also becoming more and
more feeble. Inter-caste marriage generally does not follow the rites and
practices of the caste marriage and it very often assumes the `Gandharba'
form which is generally solemnised by registration.
Marriage of Widows and Divorcee
Widow marriage is allowed by many castes such as Dhoba, Bhandari,
Gauda, `Gudia, Teli, Bhulia, Dumal, Ganda, Ghasi, Pan, Behera, etc. No
elaborate ceremony is connected with such marriages. Rituals are
performed in case of the marriage of a child widow but in case of adult
widows rituals are observed in a summary manner. The widows are mostly
found marrying either a widower or the younger brother of their deceased
husband. The bride-price for widow marriage is comparatively lower than
that in regular adult marriage. This system is called `Paisamudi'. Many
castes like Kultas, Keutas and Goudas have some special rules regarding
widow marriage. The widow is not allowed to marry in case she has a baby
who is still at the natal stage and is only allowed to take another husband
after complete two years of the child-birth or after the baby has been
weaned.
Cases of divorce are few and far between. Either party has a choice to
divorce, but it is not exercised until and unless reconciliation between
husband and wife becomes possible. In all castes and tribes divorce is
allowed according to their traditional rules. There are very few cases of

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judicial divorce in the district. This trend of divorce is however slowly
increasing in numbers in recent times
The principal reasons for divorce are as follows Adultery by wife,
Sterility of the wife, Incurable disease of husband or wife, Frequent conflict
and quarrel between husband and wife
Rules regarding social customs in many communities prescribe ex-
communication and fines for a man who takes another wife without the
consent of the first or without divorcing her. In case of a second marriage of
the husband the first wife has the liberty to divorce the husband. In case of a
woman, remarriage without divorce is not possible as polyandry is not
allowed in the society.
Among the tribal, widows and divorced women are free to marry again.
Choice in case of a widow generally falls upon the younger brother of the
deceased husband.
Economic Dependence of Women and Their Place in Society
Women are not completely dependent upon men and the degree of
their dependence varies according to their social status. The women of
considerable social status are free to accept service for their livelihood. On
the other hand women belonging to higher castes like Karans and Brahmans
are dependent on their husbands in many respects. Hats and Bazars in the
district are thronged by large number of women of lower and middle class
families, who either maintain small shops or make purchases for domestic
consumption.
Father is regarded as the head of the family in which male member
usually get an upper hand. Now-a-days females are gradually asserting their
rights and are claiming equal treatment with the male folk. The spread of
education has contributed much towards the emancipation of women.
Prostitution, trafficking in Women, Drinking and Gambling etc.
Prostitution as a profession is not in vogue in the district. It is now
illegal throughout the country. Cases of sex crime and adultery are,
however, occasionally reported, but trafficing in women is almost unknown.
Among Scheduled Castes and Adivasis, country liquor is generally used.
Foregin liquor has a restricted market in the district and is only open to those
who can afford it. Gambling was widely prevalent in the past and the month
of Dussehra was regarded as the month of gambling. This practice is
gradually on the deck line due to the attention of the police. At present only
minor types of gambling are found particularly in market places.

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Communal Life
Pilgrim Centres and Jatras
Detailed description on different pilgrimage centres is given in the
Chapter 'Places of Interest‟. Important Jatras observed by the Hindus are
described below.
Sivaratri
The Sivaratri festival is widely observed in India on the 14th day of the
dark fortnight of `Falguna' in honour of Lord Siva. In this district it is
observed at many places like Sonepur, Charda, Baidyanath, Balangir,
Jogisarda, Titilagarh and Patnagarh. Big fairs are held at these places on the
occasion and some of these continue for 3 to 4 days. People from far and
wide assemble in these places and observe the festival praying to Lord Siva
the whole night without sleep.
Patkhanda Jatra
The village of Jarasingha situated 5 miles from Tusra and two miles
from Deogaon is famous for the Patkhanda Jatra which takes place in the
mohth of `Aswina', from 8th to 10th day of the bright fortnight. A man locally
called 'Barna' becomes possessed by the spirit of Goddess `Patkhanda' and
under that condition he is believed to bestow miraculous boons on devotees.
People suffering from mental diseases are brought here for cure and barren
women also come here in large number in the hope of getting children by the
blessing of Goddess Patkhanda.
Ratha Jatra
Like other parts of Odisha, Car Festival is also observed in this district
in the month of `Asar' at places like Sonepur, Balangir, Patnagarh and
Bhaliamunda (in Loisinga P.S.).
Nrusimha Chaturdasi Jatra
This festival is observed on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of
`Baisakh' at Harisankar, a peak of the Gandhamardan range. This festival is
a synthesis of the cults of Hari and Shankar. Large number of pilgrims
gather on this day at this place and take their bath in the perennial waterfall.
Near Harisankar there is a small village named Dhandamunda where a
festival is observed on this very day called Harihara bheta Jatra. It is a very
popular festival in this district.

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Sithalasasthi Jatra
st th
The festival is held in the month of May end and June 1 week (6 day
of the bright fortnight of the Odiya calendar Jestha month). Elaborate rituals
are performed to celebrate the marriage of Siva and Parvati which is
celebrated for three days. Earlier this was being celebrated in the distrcit in
one to two places in Balangir town .This has now been spreading to other
localites nearby following the path of Sambalpur and other western Odisha
town where Sithalsasthi held in a more ceremonious way.
Dhanujatra
This festival is being celebrated in the month of December-January
(during Puoshapurnima time). Bhaler is one of the villages near Balangir
town where it has been celebrated for last one hundred years. Patkhanda
Jatra of Jarasingha is almost the same as the Bali Jatra of Sonepur.
Hanu Jatra
This is also called 'Kalisi Jatra' and is observed on the 10th day of the
bight fortnight of Wartika'. The village Charda, 3 miles from Biaka, is a
famous centre of this Jatra. Besides this, an important festival called
`Chandilipat Jatra' is observed on the full-moon day of Chaitra at Rampur
and Kandado Jatra is observed in the month of `Marghasir at Loisinga. The
latter Jatra is mostly observed by the Gonds of the district.
Folk Dance
Danda Nata
This is mainly a ritual dance and performed during the Chaitra Parva
festival in the month of April. After sonic rituals, the dance begins in the
evening.
Parva Dance is the first item of Danda Nata. A man dressed in coloured
garments (usually a multi-coloured skirt and a tight fitting shirt of local
design) dances at the beginning. The dancer places a piece of cloth on the
shoulders and holds the ends of it in the front with both the hands. He moves
his hands in different directions according to rhythm of the dance. A semi-
circular coloured plat, (made of bamboo sticks and coloured cloth) is
attached to his back. Dance seems to be an invocatory one, in which steps
and movements are of sixteen varieties. Dhol (double sided drum) and a
Mahuri (Sahnai) are the only accompanying instruments in this dance.
When the Parva dance is over, the Veenakara enters the arena. He
also dressed in coloured garments. He holds a country-made lute (Veena)
after which he has been so named. Actually he does not play the Veena, but
the tiny bells attached to it produce the tinkling sound while he moves his
hands. He invokes different deities through songs and dances tuned to
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various types of movements. When the Veenakara finishes his dance, a
male dressed as female, who is locally known as `Thetal (meaning
intermediary) enters the arena. After dancing a while, he invites his inmates
in local dialect. All of them wear cheap local ornaments and trinkets. After
some humorous conversation all of them sing songs in Sambalpuri Odiya,
the `Thetal' being in the front. The melody of this dance has now suffered
considerably due to the influence of film songs.
Lastly, the Danda dancers enact a story from the Ramayan or the
Mahabharat or the Purans through songs and dances. Most of the story
songs are excellent composition of the ancient bards of the locality. During
the enactment of the story-dance, different characters appear, all of whom
sing for themselves and dance. A group of singers also refrains the songs in
chorus. The story-dance seems to be a later addition. Perhaps the
unsophisticated villagers wanted to have more amusement from the dance
for which the latter part was added, which bears resemblance with Jatra
performance.
The dance is important from the religious and social point of view. Most
of the people obey various religious rites of the dance. This dance continues
for a period of 13 to 21 days. The dance is performed by men only. As it is a
ritual dance there is no class distinction for participation. The question of
untouchability is set aside during the dance period, as some untouchables
are generally allowed to take part in it.
Gboomra Dance
`Ghoomra' is a typical drum after which the dance is so named. It is a
clay pitcher, the mouth of which looks like a cylinder. The mouth is covered
with the skin of the monitor lizard known as godhi, and it is played by both
the hands. All the dancers play this drum while dancing. They hang it on the
shoulders and fasten it tightly on the waistband, so that during the dance it
may not swing.
At the beginning, dancers who are all male play with drum and walk
happily in a circular pattern. In the middle, two persons playing on big drums
called Nisan and Khol conduct the spirit of the dance. After dancing for some
time in different forms the dancers make circles and stand in a line after
which a singer sings in praise of Saraswati and other gods and goddesses.
During the dance songs, drums are not played. When the song is over,
dancers dance for some time with various steps and movements. After that,
the prayer song Chhanda, Chaupadi and other literary songs are recited.
Stories from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Purans form the
main source of their songs. Sometimes amorous and humorous songs are
sung in Sambalpuri Odiya. Dancers bend, forward and backward, some time

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in half-squatting position and sometime fully sitting on the ground. The
costume is colourful like that of the Danda and Karma dances.
Dalkhai Dance
This is performed mostly by the teen-aged girls who stand in a line or in
a semi-circular form and sing songs which are commonly known as Dalkhai
songs. They sing for a while and then dance by bending forward in a half-
squatting posture. While singing, they do not dance and the Dhol is played
as the only accompaniment, but during the dance, varieties of drums and
wind instruments are played. The Thor is a big drum which is played with
one stick in the left hand. Nisan, Tanki, Tasa and Mahuri are associate
instruments, all of which form a rich orchestra of folk music inspiring and
vigorously beating to the movements of the dance. The Dhol player dances
with the girls and other musicians sit and play by the side of the dancing
place. Most of musicians are from untouchable class. The different
movements of the hands, legs, knees and hips are given primary importance
at the time of dancing. The dance has no special costume and girls wear
their usual clothes. But during the dance they place a piece of napkin on
shoulders and hold the ends in both the hands. While dancing theymove
their hand's forward and backward alternately in rhythmic order.
Keisabadi Dance
This is a dance where only men take part, each of them holding a stick
two feet in length. They dance in different forms by striking the sticks
according to the rhythm of the songs they sing. The leader sings first and
others follow him. They sing songs in local dialect and in every stanza they
shout `Haijo'. The main theme of the song is derived from the love story of
Radha and Krishna. Most of these are the composition of ancient poets and
bards of the locality. Different types of groupings and formation of intricate
patterns of movements are the peculiarities of this dance.
Indoor Games
Chhaka
Chhaka is an indoor game popular among the women folk of the
district. It is played with the help of 6 pieces of large-sized Cauri shell or their
imitations made of brass or bronze and 16 pieces of multi-coloured wooden
dots. This is a very old game and is played in different parts of western
Odisha including Balangir with local variations. The game is so popular that
a complete set of Cauris' and dots is taken by the bride to her husband's
house after marriage.
In order to play the game, 4 rectangles connected with each other by a
small square in the centre are drawn on the floor. The rectangles are divided
into 24 equal squares which are numbered and the dots move in those
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squares. Four ladies play the game in which players may act individually or
in pairs. The game lasts for hours together and stakes are nominal.
(ii) Ganjapa
This game is popular among the male-folk of western Odisha including
Balangir. It is also played in a different form in the districts of Puri and
Ganjam. The game is probably named after its inventor Ganja Pada. It is
played with cards circular in shape, one and half inches in diametre. The
pack consists of 144 cards divided into 12 suits of 12 cards each, six of the
suits belonging to Ram's division and the remaining six suits to Ravan's
division. Thus the game centres round the famous epic episode of the fight
between Ram and Ravan
Recreation Clubs and Associations

Following are the few old recreation clubs in the districts George
Literary and Social Club, Balangir, Rajendra Club, Titilagarh, Recreation
Club, Titilagarh, Railway Colony Recreation Centre, Titilagarh and Railway
Colony Recreation Club, Kantabanji
Numbers of clubs and associations have increased in recent times in
Balangir dicstrict. These take part in arranging sports, cricket and football
matches and other cultural and literary activities. The villages had their own
„Bhagavat Ghar' where people used to assemble after the day' work to hear
recitation from epics and Purans and spend the evening in religious
discourses and sometimes in gossip. Slowly and gradually this religious
practice is being forgotten in villages.
George Literary and Social Club, Balangir
The club was started in commemoration of the visit of King George V
and his Coronation Durbar in Delhi on 12th December, 1911. The initiative
was taken by Sriram Chandra Mullick, the well-known historian of the ex-
Patna State.. The club building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 27,714 in
1926 and the foundation was laid by Cobden Ramsay, the then Political
Agent. The club had its decline for a period after 1948 It has recently been
revived by the efforts of local enthusiasts. The club has a big library and
spacious reading room. It provides both indoor and outdoor games and
various entertainment facilities.
District Museum, Balangir
In the middle of the 70s, to enrich the rural tourism and culture and to
preserve precious antiquities of the rural areas, Government of Odisha
proposed to establish district museum in the undivided 13 districts of Odisha.
But in Balangir district, the museum could not be established at that time due
to some unavoidable situation. District Culture Officer, Balangir and the then
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 Collector, Balangir took a keen interest for the establishment of a
museum at the district headqaurter. Subsequently, the museum was
established in the year 1995. In the beginning, the District Culture Officer
had played a key role in motivating the rural people to donate age old
specimens and antique pieces for the museum. Many meetings and
seminars had been organised throughout the district for organisation of the
museum. A lot of responses had been recognized and people started to
donate specimens for the museum. These specimens were collected and
arranged in a hall. Then in the year 1996, an independent museum building
was constructed out of MP/MLA/LAD and all specimens were shifted to the
newly constructed museum building.
The Koshal Kalamandal, Balangir is a leading cultural institution which
looks after the socio-cultural activities of the district played a significant role
in formation of the museum. A building has been constructed exclusively for
the proposed museum in Koshal Kalamandal campus which functions from
5th November 2003 onwards.
The museum has collections such as stone sculptures, metal images,
metal objects, Jewellery, terracotta, pottery, glass objects, wooden objects,
textiles, manuscripts, ivory, miniature paintings, oil paintings, anthropological
objects and others. The archaeological collections of the museum though
very few in number are yet culturally very important.
The archaeological collections include
sitting bull, old bricks, Human figurine etc. The
palm leaf manuscript collections of the district
museum are more attractive than any other
objects of the museum for research scholars.
The bamboo made manuscript containers are
also preserved in the museum. But the important
collections of the museum are the tribal artefacts and ornaments of the local
tribes. The wooden objects like Gajabidala are most attractive ones for its
intricate workmenship.

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 The traditional art objects of local areas are fascinating not only for
local visitors but also for research scholars. The museum requires further
renovation and application of modern techniques of display and preservation
for posterity.
Home Life
Types of Dwellings
In rural pockets, Khapar houses are predominant. These houses have
slopes with the availability of space there are courtyards and backyards for a
house. The plinth of a dwelling house is raised to the height of three to three
and half feet above the ground level. The plinth is constructed either of
stone-chips and mud or bricks.
The walls are generally made of mud or brick and earth.
In rural areas, `Khapar' houses and thatched houses are predominant,
whereas in urban areas pucca dwellings and tiled houses are to be seen.
The houses in villages differ considerably from the houses in urban areas.
In urban and semi-urban areas, pucca houses are seen now-a-days
with modern amenities, mostly with toilets, water supply and improved
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kitchens. In urban areas, lower middle class people prefer asbestos or tiled
roof houses. In slum pockets, people prefer temporary houses made up of
khapar as roof and bricks. Toilets are lacking in slum areas. However, most
of houses even in town are constructed without the view of planning
personnel or Authority.
Furniture and decoration
Both in rural and urban areas, well-to-do persons possess furniture like
chairs, tables, cots, almirahs, desks, benches, with modern kitchen
appliances etc. But in urban areas, people have more advanced amenities of
life and better furniture. In a well-to-do family household in urban areas one
can find sofa-sets, chairs, tables, almirahs, television, air-conditioner,
refrigerator with artistic designs.
Furniture sets of cane, like cane chairs, tables and other cane articles
are also found in many households.
Dress and Ornaments
Dress
The costumes of the people of this district do not differ much from
those of other districts of Odisha. Effects of modernity and publicity of
various brands over TV and Internet have certainly shaped the mind of
people over the years in their choice of dresses: both in respect of male and
female in age group of 20-40. Designed shirts and trousers are garments
used by 70-80 percent of people of various age groups.
Dhoti is the common lower garment of the elder male folks of rural
area. It is performed in urban area during festive occasions or marriage
function. A dhoti is generally 40 to 50 inches in width and 4 yards to 5 yards
in length. Now-a-days, the use of trousers and paijamas in urban areas has
to some extent replaced the dhoti.
Sari is the common wear of women. It is a piece of cloth 40 to 50
inches in width and 9 yards to 10 yards in length. It has two colourful and
artistic borders lengthwise. In many handloom saris colourful designs are
woven into the side ends. Sambalpuri pattern of saris are commonly used in
the district. Undergarments like saya, blouse, bodice and brassiers are
rapidly coming into use among women in towns and villages. Salwar and
Kameez, and other garments like shirts, T-shirts, and trousers are prominent
in college going girls.

Ornaments

Various types of ornaments are used by women of this district. The

local names of different ornaments are given below.

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(1) Ear Ornaments— Ganthia, Karnaphula, Jhalka, Kanaphasia, Kananoli,
Sikla and Bentla.
(2) Nose Ornaments— Dandi, Panapatriguna, Guna, NakaputkiGulasuna,
Phulguna and Notha.
(3) Head Ornaments— Sinthi, Gojikathi, Gara, Phiriphira and hairpins
(Kanta), etc.
(4) Neck Ornaments— Necklaces like Kantahimala, Dhanniali, Gutimali,
Gajamala, Jintia, Khagala, Panla, Patramali, Channali, Chainmali.
These ornaments are made of gold or silver or any alloy metals.
(5) Arms : Tada, Bahasuta, Bandana, etc.
(6) Hands : Rupachudi, Kachachudi, Katria, Khadu and KalariKhadu.
(7) Waist : Gunchi and Antasuta.
These are only made of silver or alloy metals and no gold ornaments
for the waist are used.
Now-a-days there is a tendency among women to give up using heavy
and massive ornaments. These ornaments are presently in rare use.
Present day women in the district both in rural and urban area use little
ornament except in ear and neck. On festive and marriage occasions,
women are seen with special ornaments of gold.
Food
The standard of diet of people depends upon their economic status.
Rice is the staple food of the people of the district. Wheat comes next in
importance and the people of lower income group live on millet and suan.
Vegetables form a substantial part of their diet. Fish, meat, milk and egg are
relished by the men of higher income-group. Fruits like mango, guava and
banana are seasonally taken. Milk of cow, buffalo and goat are consumed by
many. So far as vegetables are concerned, potato, tomato, cauliflower,
cabbage, lady's finger ribbed gourd, snake gourd, sweet gourd, pumpkin,
brinjal, radish and bitter gourd are commonly grown and consumed. Pulses
like black gram, red-grain, kulthi and horse-gram, etc. are cultivated for food
and fodder.
Various types of sweet-meat, cakes, and pickles are prepared for
domestic consumption. Non-vegetarian dishes include various kinds of meat
preparations. Some people also take dried fish, crabs, snails and birds of
different types.
Tea is popular even in remote villages. In summer, cold drinks like
`Sharbat' and 'lashi' are enjoyed.

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Amusement and Festivals
Cinema houses are located at Balangir, Titilagarh and Patnagarh. The-
atrical performances are sometimes held on festive occasions. In rural
areas, performances like Dandanata, Dhudki dance as well as dramatic
performances by amateur opera parties are held.
People of this district observe various festivals which are commonly
performed in different parts of Odisha. Some festivals are, however,
specially observed in western Orissa. Among these special festivals,
Nuakhai, Bhaijiuntia and Puajiuntia are the most popular.
The `Nuakhai' ceremony is held sometimes during 'Bhadra Pada'
(August-September) when new paddy of the year ripens. This is observed in
every Hindu home and people on that occasion offer preparation of the new
crops to various gods and to ancestors after which they take food in
ceremonious manner. Both rich and poor wear new clothes and enjoy the
day with good spirit and mirth. The ceremonious observation is an
expression of gratitude for the new life that they are to experience because
of the new crop of the year.
The Puajiuntia and the Bhaijiuntia ceremonies are held on the 8th day
of the dark fortnight and on the 8th day of the bright fortnight respectively in
the month of `Ashwina'. The former is celebrated by mothers and the latter
by sisters wishing long life and prosperity of sons and daughters and of
brothers and sisters respectively. On the occasion of Puajiuntia all mothers
keep fast for the whole day and night and worship the deity called
`Dutibahana'. On the occasion of Bhaijiuntia, sisters worship goddess
`Durga'. New clothes are presented by sons to mothers and also by brothers
to sisters.
Laxhmi Puja is performed on every Thursday in the month of
Margasira. On that occasion, all houses are decorated with flowers, mango
leaves and Alpana painting locally called Jhunti.
Muslims and Christians of the district celebrate their respective
festivals.

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 Annexure I

Community-wise SC Population of Balangir District, Census 2011

Sl. Name of the Caste Populati Sl. Name of the Caste Populati
No. on No. on
1 Adi, Andhra 01 49 Kurunga
2 Amant, Amat 71 50 Laban 318
3 Audhelia 51 Laheri 01
4 Badaik 10 52 Madari 01
5 Bagheti, Baghuti 53 Madiga 07
6 Bajikar 01 54 Mahuria 01
7 Bari 3 55 Mala, Jhala, Malo, Zala 136
8 Bariki 69 56 Mang 44
9 Basor, Burud 01 57 Mangan
10 Bauri, Buna Bauri 25 58 Mehra, Mahar 3,490
11 Bauti 06 59 Mehtar, Bhangi 51
12 Bavuri 24 60 Mewar
13 Bedia, Bejia 36 61 Mundapotta
14 Beldar 07 62 Musahar
15 Bhata 815 63 Nagarchi
16 Bhoi 139 64 Namasudra 61
17 Chachati 65 Paidi
18 Chakali 66 Painda 08
19 Chamar, Mochi 3,302 67 Pamidi
20 Chandala 68 Pan, Pano, Buna Pana 91
21 Chandhai Maru 69 Panchama
22 Dandasi 04 70 Panika 645
23 Dewar, Dhibara 45,670 71 Panka 79
24 Dhanwar 72 Pantani 27
25 Dhoba, Dhobi 14,453 73 Pap
26 Dom, Dumbo, Duria 1,939 74 Pasi 03
27 Dosadha 32 75 Patial, Patikar, Patratanti 64
28 Ganda 201,043 76 Rajna 01
29 Ghantarghada 59 77 Relli
30 Ghasi, Ghasia 6,625 78 Sabakhia
31 Ghogia 129 79 Samasi
32 Ghusuria 01 80 Sanei
33 Ghodagali 81 Sapari 04
34 Godari 82 Sauntia, Santia 05
35 Godra 22 83 Sidhria 04
36 Gokha 18 84 Sinduria 02
37 Gorait, Korait 85 Siyal, Khajuria 22
38 Haddi, Hadi, Hari 20 86 Tamadia
39 Irika 01 87 Tamudia 03
40 Jaggali 88 Tania 27
41 Kandra, Kandara 341 89 Turi 04
42 Karua 14 90 Ujia
43 Katia 06 91 Valimik 09
44 Kela, Sapua Kela, Nalua 194 92 Mangali
45 Khadala 161 93 Mirgan
46 Kodalo, Khodalo Unspecified 14,423
47 Kori 04 Total 294,777
48 Kummari

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 Annexure II
Community-wise ST Population of Balangir District, Census 2011
Sl. Name of the Tribe Pop Sl. Name of the Tribe Pop
No. ulati No. ulati
on on
1 Bagata, Bhakta 10 33 Kol 502
2 Baiga 34 Kolah Loharas, Kol Loharas 113
3 Banjara, Banjari 903 35 Kolha 612
4 Bathudi, Bathuri 20 36 Koli, Malhar 35
5 Bhottada, Dhotada, 09 37 Kondadora 1,61
Bhotra, Bhatra, Bhattara, 5
Bhotora, Bhatara
6 Bhuiya, Bhuyan 92 38 Kora, Khaira, Khayara 757
7 Bhumia 08 39 Korua
8 Bhumij, Teli Bhumij 29 40 Kotia 03
Haladipokhria Bhumij,
Haladi
9 Bhunjia 65 41 Koya, Gumba Koya, Koitur Koya, 100
Kamar Koya, Musara
10 Binjhal, Binjhwar 39, 42 Kulis 2,24
833 0
11 Binjhia, Binjhoa 09 43 Lodha, Nodh, Nodha, Lodh 54
12 Birhor 12 44 Madia
13 Bondo Poroja, Bonda 11 45 Mahali 43
Paroja, Banda Paroja
14 Chenchu 46 Mankidi
15 Dal 20,4 47 Mankirdia, Mankira, Mankidi 73
05
16 Desua Bhumij 48 Matya, Matia 04
17 Dharua, Dhuruba, Dhurva 121 49 Mirdhas, Kuda, Koda 8,
056
18 Didayi, Didai Paroja, Didai 50 Munda, Munda Lohara, Munda 2,05
Mahalis, Nagabanshi Munda, 7
Oriya Munda
19 Gadaba, Bodo Gadaba, 04 51 Mundari 09
Gutob Gadaba, Kapu
Gadaba, Ollara
20 Gandia 03 52 Omanatya, Omanatyo, Amanatya 03
21 Ghara 20 53 Oraon, Dhangar, Uran 160
22 Gond, Gondo, Rajgond, 108, 54 Perenga
Maria Gond, Dhur Gond 128
23 Ho 17 55 Paroja, Parja, Bodo Paroja, 60
Barong Jhodia Paroja, Chhelia
24 Holva 228 56 Pentia
25 Jatapu 09 57 Rajuar 05
26 Juang 03 58 Santal 224
27 Kandha Gauda 1,82 59 Saora, Savar, Saura, Sahara, Arsi 50,4
0 Saora, Based Saora, Bhima 01
28 Kawar, Kanwar 34 60 Shabar, Lodha 11,6
15
29 Kharia, Kharian, Berga 663 61 Sounti 15
Kharia, Dhelki Kharia,
Dudh Kharia
30 Kharwar 05 62 Tharua, Tharua Bindhani 416
31 Khond, Kond, Kandha, 92,4 Unspecified 3,00
Nanguli Kandha, Sitha 52 9
Kandha
32 Kisan, Nagesar, Nagesia 70 Total 347,
164

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 CHAPTER IV

AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

Physiographic and Agro Climatic conditions

Balangir district is one of the hottest districts in the western part of the
state. The climatic condition of the district is generally hot with low humidity
during March to June. Annual normal rainfall of the district is recorded
1289.8 mm. The district is located under West Central Table land Agro
Climatic Zone characterized by hot and sub-humid climate.
This district comprises of two types of agro climatic situation namely
rainfed and dry land. The district may be divided into two physical divisions
as follows.
Hills of the west and south
Plains of north and east
The district is situated in the valleys of river Ang and Tel, two main
tributaries of Mahanadi. Important tributaries of Tel are Lanth, Sonegarh and
Suktel which have fertile valleys. The district is suitable for both extensive
and intensive agricultural operations. The total cultivable area in the district
is 3,46,000 hectares.
Basing on physiographic and irrigation availability, Balangir district is
again divided into four Agro Ecological situations (AES) and characterized
by a hot dry summer and highly erratic rainfall distribution of south-west
monsoon rains, i.e., (i) Plain land irrigated, (ii) Plain land rainfed (iii)
Undulating plain drought prone and (iv) Undulating sub- mountainous tract
rainfed.
Nature & Types of Soil Fertility
Broadly speaking, the Balangir district has red & yellow, red & black,
black, laterite and brown forest soils.
Red & Yellow Soils
The coverage of red soil is seen in almost all areas of Balangir district
except Puintala Block. Mixed red and yellow soils occur as catenary
associations in undulating and rolling terrains which differ in depth, texture,
and colour. Soils are moderately shallow in depth and coarse-textured.
Upland soils are shallower and lighter in texture than low land soils.
Presence of ferruginous concretions and fluctuation of water table imparts a
mixed red and yellow colour to soils. Upland soils are moderately acidic
whereas low land soils are slightly acidic. Low land soils are formed mainly
by acolluvial deposits. Upland soils are low in nitrogen and phosphorous

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content whereas low land soils are moderate in phosphate and high in
potassium. Upland light textured soils are deficient in boron and lowland
soils with rice-rice cropping system are deficient in zinc. Soil acidity can be
corrected through liming. Upland soils are suitable for crops like rice, finger
millet sugarcane, potato, brinjal, tomato and pointed guard. Low and soils
are suitable for paddy following pulse as pyra crops.
Red & Black Soils
These soils occur in mixed form of both red & black soil together in
which black soils occur in patches within the predominant red soils. Red &
black soils are so intermixed that red soils are found in upper ridges whereas
black soil occurs in lower ridges. Soils are light to medium textured having
neutral pH. Black soils are rich in calcium and red soils are predominant with
iron giving catenary formation to soils. Soils are deep with medium fertility
status. Low land soils growing rice are deficient in zinc. Rice, Sugarcane,
Maize, Ragi, Groundnut and all type of vegetables are cultivated
successfully with adequate application of fertilizer.
Black Soil
Red soils are mostly found in Puintala Block and in some part of
Loisingha Block. Black colour of soils is due to presence of titaniferous
magnetite, humins, bitumins etc. these soils are formed due to weathering of
basic rocks in low lying areas. Soils are heavier in texture having clay
content more than 30%. Clay minerals are predominant with smectites due
to which deep crakes are seen to be developed observed during summer.
Effective soil depth extends up to more than 90 cm. Soil pH is neutral to
alkaline having free calcium carbonate modules in profiles. Soils are rich in
calcium but deficient in phosphorus, potassium, zinc and boron. These soils
are suitable for cultivation of rice, bengal gram and cotton etc.
Laterite Soils
Laterite soils are generally distributed in few limited patches in Balangir
district. Lateritic soils are characterized by compact vesicular structure and
are rich in hydrated oxides of iron and aluminium with small amount of
manganese, titanium and quartz. Degraded laterites are honey combed
structure and found in few parts of the District. These soils are loamy sand to
sandy loam in the surface having hard clay pan in the subsoil. Crusting is a
problem in upland literite. Presence of higher amount of exchangeable
aluminium and manganese results in slightly acidic to strongly acidic soil
with pH ranging between 4.5 to 5.8. These soils are poorly fertile with low
organic matter. Available nitrogen and phosphate are low and potash is
moderate. Nitrogen is lost due to leaching and phosphate becomes
unavailable due to fixation by Fe and AI oxides. Cation exchange capacity of
the soil is low and it is low in percentage base saturation. Sulphur is
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absorbed as pyrites or zinc sulphide. Rice, finger millet, miner millets and
sesamum can grow well with proper fertilizer application. Soil fertility is
improved by green manuring and application of lime.
Brown Forest Soil
Brown Forest Soils are mostly found in Khaprakhol, Tureikela,
Bangomunda, Titilagarh, Saintala and Gudvella Block. These soils are
brown to grey brown in colour, light textured and acidic in reaction. Organic
matter and nitrogen content of soils are moderate to high. Phosphorous and
potash content are moderate. Contents of most of the micronutrient are high
barring molybdenum.
As per „Soil Taxonomy‟, soils of Balangir District come under three
orders/ sub-orders, out of four orders i.e., Inceptisols, Alfisols, Entisols and
Verisols found in Odisha. Inceptisols which come under the soil group mixed
red and yellow is found are almost all areas of Balangir district except
Puintala block. Alfisols (Red Soils, Leterite and Lateritic, Brown Forest soils)
are found in Titilagarh, Muribahal, Belpada, Khaprakhol and Patnagarh.
Vertisols are found in all blocks except Balangir, Belpada, Khaprakhol and
Muribahal.
Land Utilization Patterns in the District

Utilization Pattern Area in 000’ha

Geographical Area 657
Forest area 154
Permanent pastures 46
Cultivable waste 18
Land put to non agricultural uses 53
Barren and uncultivable land 23
Other fallow 13
Cultivable area 346

Classification of Cultivable Land

High land - 190,000 ha
Medium - 70,000 ha
Low - 86,000 ha
Irrigation
This district has no perennial irrigation except Hirakud Command area
which covers only three villages in Agalpur Block of this District. This district
has only 18.8% and 4.96% of total cultivated area with flow irrigation system
during khariff and Rabi respectively which is also very negligible as

130
compared to the state average. The irrigation potential created in Balangir
District is 30.8% during khariff and 12.2% during Rabi with an area of
1,06,372 ha and 42,132 ha respectively which includes saving irrigation
systems like Dug wells, Kata, Nalas and WHS.
A list of source-wise irrigation potential in different blocks of balangir
district is furnished as Annexure I at the end of this chapter.
Pani Panchyayat Programme in Different Blocks of Balangir District
Pani Panchyayat Programme has been implemented in different blocks
of Balangir district namely Agalpur, Bangomunda, Belpara, Balangir,
Deogaon, Gudvela, Khaprakhol, Loisingha, Muribahal, Patnagarh, Puitala,
Saintala, Titilagarh and Tureikela.
Crops Grown in the District
Paddy, Maize, Cotton, Kulthi, Arhar, Mung, Biri, Groundnut and
Sugarcane crops are the potential crops in the district. Besides, minor millets
like Gurji and Kudo are also grown in Titilagarh, Bangomunda, Muribahal
and Tureikela block.
Different variety of crops grown in the district are furnished below:
Paddy
Traditional Varieties
Saria, Dhoba Sarian, Kala Krushna, Maliful Jhili, Akul, Kalajira, Sorisha
Fula, Magura, Jhili, Dhalashree, Magura, Mahipal, China, Bharati,
Asamchudi, Geleikhati, Karni, Hiran, Jhali, Kapaanthi, Pustak, Basmati,
Dengbari, Kasanpuri, Majhlijhuli, Tulsibasa, Harishankar, Kanhav, Jhitipiti,
Badachinamal, Suantuti, Basapatri, Salekhai, Jhelka Keri, Rat ka rani, Rani
Saheba, Lendka, Kusuma, Mugudhi, and Luchi etc.
High Yielding Varieties
Most farmers prefer to grow MTU-7029. Other high yielding varieties
generally grown in the district are MTU-1001, MTU-1010, Lalat, Puja,
Surendra, Pratiskya, Padmini, Kanchan, RGL-2332, Tapaswinin, Mahanadi,
Sonam, Satbdi and jogesh.
Hybrid Varieties
KRH-2, RIL-030, RIL-060, RIL-090, Proagro 6201, JK-40, PHB-71,
PAC- 835, N-30, N-89, Durga, Lokanath-505, Lokanath-510, Ariese-6444,
Dhani and durga etc.
list of season-wise estimated area, yield-rate and production of paddy
in different Blocks and Urban areas of Balangir district is given as Annexure
II at the end of the chapter.

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 Mung
Local Varieties
Jayati, Local black, Kadia, Methi, Baisakhi and Jhain.
Iproved varieties
B, K-851, PDM-54, PDM-11, PDM-139, LGG-460 and SML-668 etc.
Biri
Improved varieties
Sarala, T-9, PU-30, PU-31, PU-19, Sekhar-II, Ujala and PDU-1 etc.
Arhar
Upash- 120, Asha, IPCL-87, Laxmi, Prava, Jagruti and Marutietc
Groundnut
AK-12-24, TAG-24, TMV-2 and Smrutietc
Sugarcane
Anakapali, Sabita, CO-62175, 83R23, CO-87044 and CO-86032 etc.
Cotton
MCU-5, Savita, Bunny
Marketing of Agriculture Produce
Marketing of agricultural produce is poor in the district. Systematic
marketing of paddy and cotton through RMC are being organized in each
year by the government. The sugarcane is being procured by the existing
Sugar Mills. The Maize is procured by existing poultry farms. There is no
facility for marketing of other produce. Onion is an important crop grown in
the district. But due to storage problem, farmers are forced to sell onions at
cheaper rates during harvest.
Agro-based Industries
Bijayananda Cooperative Sugar Mills at Deogaon, one private Corn
Flex Industry at Kantabanji, 13 nos of private Ginning unit at Balangir,
Titilagarh, Kantabanji and Patnagarh etc. and 36 Rice Mills are the only Agro
based industries in the district.

132
The farmers are now following the crop rotation as depicted below:-

Farming Situations Remunerative Cropping Systems

Low rainfall Shallow Lateritic soil, Groundnut + Green Gram (6:2)
upland
Low rainfall Shallow Lateritic soil, Arhar + Groundnut (2:6)
upland
Low rainfall Shallow Lateritic soil, Arhar + Rice (2:5)
medium land
Low rainfall Shallow Lateritic soil, Rice –Rice
Low land
Low rainfall, red lateritic and black Rice-Mung
soil, upland
Low rainfall, red lateritic and black Maize-Pulse
soil, upland
Low rainfall, red lateritic and black Rice- Tomato- Okra (only in irrigated
soil, medium land condition
Low rainfall, mixed red and yellow, Rice--Onion/okra/pumpkin
up land
Low rainfall, mixed red and yellow, Rice-Onion-water mellon
up land
Soil Conservation
Directorate of Soil Conservation, Odisha was separated from
Directorate of Agriculture & Food Production, Odisha in the year 1977-78
and functions as Directorate of Soil Conservation under a Director level
officer.
The efforts and programmes of the Department are aimed not only at
providing soil cover to mitigate accumulated soil erosion, but also at
developing rural and farming communities with basic amenities,
infrastructure and incentives for creating sustainable alternative farming
systems with a view to wean them away from destructive traditional methods
of cultivation as well as uplifting the socio-economic status of farmers at
large.

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Objectives
Conservation, development and sustainable management of natural
resources including their use.
Enhancement of agricultural productivity and production in a sustainable
manner.
Restoration of ecological balances in the degraded and fragile rainfed
ecosystems by greening these areas through appropriate combination of
trees, shrubs and grasses.
Reduction in regional disparity between irrigated and rainfed areas.
Creation of sustained employment opportunities for the rural community
including the landless.
Principles
Conservation of natural resources, integrated development of natural
as well as social resources, in situ moisture conservation, sustainable
farming system, adoption of ridge to valley approach, due emphasis on
production enhancement activities for land owners and livelihood support for
landless families, democratic decentralization in decision making,
transparency in transactions, mobilization of community at the village level,
direct funding to community, emphasis on Government participation in
Community‟s plans, contributory approach to empower community, building
upon indigenous innovations, initiatives and ideas, equity for resource-poor
families and empowerment of women, moving away from subsidy oriented
development to self-reliant development, convergence of activities /
schemes of government and non-governmental organizations etc. are some
of the principles adopted for the betterment of agriculture in the district
Functions
The Department has been striving towards conservation of three most
vital natural resources - soils, water and vegetation by implementing various
conservation measures. Accordingly, the Department has taken up the
following as its main functions:
Conservation of natural resources like soil, water and vegetation for
sustainable development and continuing economic progress and improved
way of life of the people
To combat inefficient agricultural practices of shifting cultivation or
Jhumming to preserve, maintain and improve balance in ecology and
environment

134
 Maximum utilization and conservation of soils, water and vegetation in
catchment areas by making judicious use of land according to its
capabilities.
With this in perspective, the Department has taken up the challenging
task of controlling the depletion of natural resources of soils, water and
vegetation through various efforts and programmes with the objective of
conserving these vital resources for achieving sustained food production and
adoption of improved techniques for ensuring food security.
Soil conservation has been taken up in this District since 1962-63
under the control of Kalahandi (Bhawanipatna Office). From March 1964, the
Office of Asst. Soil Conservation Officer (ASCO) has been functioning at
Balangir in 1987, one Soil Conservation Division started functioning at
Balangir headed by Soil Conservation Officer to control four subordinate
offices of ASCOs at Balangir, Patnagarh, Titlagarh and Sonepur.
The main activities of this department are as follows.
Soil & Water Conservation
Soil Erosion Control Measures
Conservation of natural resources
Integrated development of natural as well as social resources
In situ moisture conservation
Sustainable farming systems
Convergence of activities / schemes of government and non-
governmental organizations
Tree plantations including plantations of Cashew, Coffee and Sisal
Development of pastures
Soil Conservation Measures such as contour bunding and nala bunding
Gully control structures, water harvesting structure, stream bank erosion
control, farm ponds, silt retention dams, bench terracing and stone
terracing.

Watershed Development
Odisha Watershed Development Mission is a constituent organization
established in the year 2000 to look after soil and moisture conservation
activities in Watershed areas along with the livelihoods of the inhabitants.
Prior to establishment to this organization the Directorate of Soil
Conservation was the pioneer Department to implement watershed
programme under NWDPRA, RVP, IWDP, DPAP and RLTAP (ACA).
From August 2000, a separate office of Project Director (WORLP) was
opened at Balangir to look after watershed development programmes under
Western Odisha Livelihood Project (WORLP) scheme funded by DFID.
135
Thereafter, all Watershed Development Programmes were brought under
the control of Project Director (WORLP) which was later renamed as Project
Director (Watersheds).
Components of Watershed Development
Adoption of ridge to valley approach
Due emphasis on production enhancement activities for land owners
and livelihood support for landless families, Democratic decentralization in
decision making, Transparency in transactions, mobilization of communities
at the village level with direct funding to communities, Emphasis on
Government participation in Community‟s plans, Contributory approach to
empower the community, Building upon indigenous innovations Initiatives
and ideas,
Equity for resource-poor families and empowerment of women.
After independence, emphasis was given for construction of big water
storage like Hirakud dam, Rengali dam, Indrabati dam and Machkund. After
20 years of operation of such structures siltation was deeply felt. It was due
to erosion of soil mass from their catchment areas. To arrest soil erosion and
increase the life span of big projects, catchment treatment programme were
launched in 1970 under river valley project (RVP) scheme .To implement
RVP in Rengali-Mandira catchment and Machkund catchment the
Department of Soil Conservation was assigned the sole responsibility.
Besides, NWDPRA scheme was launched in 1988 in the same line of
Watershed development in ridge to valley approach along with soil
conservation over 258 blocks in the state out of which all 14 blocks in
th
Balangir district were covered during the 8 plan period. Further, 77
th
watersheds were covered in KBK district under NWDPRA scheme in the 8
th th
plan. Also it was taken up in the 9 plan period and 10 plan period.
Watershed programmes were also taken up under Employment
Assurance Scheme (EAS) by the Department of Panchayati Raj where soil
conservation department was an executing agency. Thereafter DPAP and
IWDP were taken up to implement watershed development programme.
WORLP, a project assisted by DFID, UK for watershed deevelopemnt
plus livelihood option for pro poor communities was launched in 2000 for a
term of 10 years in which 140 watersheds were in all 14 blocks taken up in
District at the rate of 10 watershed in each block. All the Watershed
Development schemes were converged and brought into a single umbrella
under the name IWMP following common guidelines for Watershed
Development 2008 of MoRD.

136
Sl. No Name of the Scheme Total no. of Period of
Watersheds Execution
th
1 NWDPRA-8 14 1992-93 to 1996-
97
th
2 NWDPRA- 8 Extended 14 1992-93 to 1996-
97
th
3 NWDPRA-9 14 1997-98 to 2001-
02
Such structures are serving the purpose of water conservation and to
supplement kharif crops during scarcity of water for cultivation and irrigation.
Different soil conservation measures like loose boulder checks, field
bunding, gully plugs and trenching are adopted on the upstream catchment
to check soil erosion and silt inflow into such projects. Field bunds/contour
helps in in-situ moisture conservation. Cropping practices across slopes also
reduce soil erosion. Plantations also help to hold soil in position. Stone wall,
masonry stone bund, plantation on banks of rivers; also help to control
stream bank erosion.
Details of achievement under IWMP schemes operated watersheds
(117 nos.) of this district are given in following table:
Sl Activity Unit (No/ ha./ rmt/ Achievement
No cu.m)
Land Development (Productive
use)
1 Afforestation ha 6
2 Horticulture(Block Plantation ha 2
)
3 Horticulture ( Backyard) No 3735
4 Other-Agro forestry No 11890
5 Misc. Plantation ha 5
Soil & Moisture Conservation
1 Staggered trenching Rmt 50114
2 Contour Bunding Rmt 1266
3 Graded Bunding Rmt/Ha 43
4 Field bunding ha 60.86
5 Others ( specify) 0
Vegetative and Engineering
Structure
1 Earthen Checks No 16
2 Gully plugs No 154
3 Loose boulder No 118
4 Diversion Bund Rmt 1

137
 5 Others ( Recharge Pit) 36
Water Harvesting Structure
(Renovated)
1 Farm ponds No 0
2 Check dams No 3
3 Percolation tanks No 34
4 Ground Water recharge No 34
structure
Sl. Activity Unit (No/ ha./ rmt/ Achievement
No cu.m)
Water Harvesting Structure
(New Created)
1 Farm ponds No 55
2 Check dams No 71
3 Nallah Bunds No 3
4 Percolation tanks No 582
5 Ground Water recharge No 613
structure
6 Renovation of Tal and Rmt 826
Soaking pit
7 Diversion Channel Rmt 6
8 Others ( specify)-RMS No 107

The ongoing watershed management development under IWMP

scheme continuing in 8 blocks of the district in 12 clusters namely Loisingha
(02), Agalpur, Deogaon (02), Balangir (02), Patnagarh, Belpada, Saintala (2)
and Khaprakhol.
They amalgamated into one office in one district in May‟2011. The
office of soil conservation officer and the office of Project Director
(Watersheds) were restructured and headed by PD, Watersheds cum
Deputy Director, Soil Conservation, Balangir. The staff working in both
organizations were brought under the control of PD, Watersheds cum
Deputy Director, Soil Conservation, Balangir. In order to supervise and
monitor watershed development programme in the district, PIAs are
engaged at block level supported by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of
engineering, social,livelihoods and micro-enterprises. In each cluster of
IWMP watersheds 4 WMT members are engaged. Now, 12 clusters are in
operation engaging 7 PIAs and 21 WMT members.

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Use of Agricultural Implements, Manures, Fertilizers, Agricultural
Technology and Productivity Agricultural Implements/ Farm
Machineries
The farmers generally use locally made implements like
langala(plough), koroda etc. made of wood and iron for cultivation. Now-a-
days, farmers face many problems in arranging huge labours for cultivation.
So, farmers, to increase the productivity of their lands naturally have turned
to mechanized cultivation.
Agricultural productivity depends to a great extent on the availability of
farm power. Agricultural Mechanization through popularization of tractors,
power tillers, transplanter, reapers, combine harvesters and other self-
propelled power driven / manual and bullock drawn implements help farmers
to take up timely and quality agricultural operations, which reduce cost of
production and drudgery to a large extent and improve productivity.
Since last 10 years, 1137 tractors, 872 power tillers, 178 reapers, 18
transplanters, 59 rotavators, 242 axial flow paddy threshers (tractor and
power tiller operated) and power operated paddy threshers , combines
harvestor, 8254 pump sets and 2125 nos of other manual/bullock drawn and
small power driven implements have been popularized under subsidy in our
State. The yearwise supply of farm machineries include tractors, power
tillers, reapers, transplanter, rotavator, hydraulic trailors, power drivers,
power threshers, Combine harvestor, pump sets, M/BD Implements etc.
from 2003-04 to 2013-14.
After launching of RKVY scheme during 2007-08 and formulation of
New Agriculture policy-2008 the State ahead in farm mechanization sector. It
only becomes possible because of the initiative taken by our State
Government that starts infusing more funds for subsidy under farm
mechanization sector over and above the Central Government subsidy.
Since 2011-12, agricultural machinery and implements are being
popularized through on-line e-permit system. It is an innovative step in
simplification of procedures for availing permit to release subsidy and
transparency has been maintained at every step. By way of this programme
anybody can browse the website of Directorate of Agriculture and Food
Production at the address as1.ori.nic.in/agrisnetodisha under the heading
citizen view. The website can be accessed by typing agrisnetodisha in the
address bar and selecting farm mechanization. The Scheme has been highly
appreciated by Government of India and other States.
Adequate steps have been taken and the programme for popularization
of different agricultural machinery / implements during next five year plan
has been chalked out accordingly.

139
Consumption of Chemical Fertilisers
Consumption of Chemical Fertiliser (Kharif and Rabi) in different
Blocks of Balangir District

Sl.N Year / ( in 000' M.T.) Per

o. Block Ha.Consump
tion of
Fertiliser
(kg)
Nitrgeneous Phosphatic Potassic Total
(N) (P) (K) (N+P+K)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 Agalpur 0.91 0.44 0.34 1.69 58.00
Bangomu
2 nda 0.87 0.40 0.32 1.59 51.00
3 Belpara 1.03 0.46 0.36 1.85 42.00
4 Balangir 0.90 0.47 0.32 1.69 58.00
5 Deogaon 0.82 0.42 0.31 1.55 54.00
6 Gudvella 1.03 0.48 0.42 1.93 54.00
Khaprakh
7 ol 0.85 0.43 0.24 1.52 56.00
8 Loisingha 0.94 0.40 0.34 1.68 49.00
9 Muribahal 1.18 0.48 0.42 2.08 42.00
10 Patnagarh 0.84 0.42 0.25 1.51 49.00
11 Puintala 0.86 0.42 0.34 1.62 54.00
12 Saintala 0.84 0.39 0.30 1.53 70.00
13 Titilagarh 0.99 0.46 0.41 1.86 56.00
14 Tureikela 0.76 0.34 0.27 1.37 46.00

Agriculture Technology

Providing appropriate technology to farmers is the basic duty assigned

to Agriculture Department to make available up-to-date technical knowhow
at the doorsteps of farm families. To achieve this objective, extension
agencies are being tuned by ensuring the fundamental principles of training
and visit system.
State Government has already implemented new Agriculture Policy
2013 to make agriculture as profitable business, cooperation from all line
departments such as Co-operation, Irrigation, Power, Horticulture, Soil
Conservation and Revenue Department, which are pivot of administration,
has been solicited to achieve the goal.
After implementation of scheme „Support to State Extension
Programme for Extension Reforms‟ through ATMA, there is a scope for
transfer of technology from the Lab to Land. The extension machineries

140
 works together with scientists under ATMA. Exposure visit, inside and
outside the State, and within the District involving interested farmers of the
District are organized to visit the different Research Stations and also
farmers Field of different areas. Farmers of the District get scope to share
and refresh their experiences among themselves. Agricultural Scientists
interaction programmes are also organized to solve problems of farmers.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Balangir conducts the frontline demonstrations in
the fields of farmers so that farmers can adopt new modern technologies in
cultivation which can be easily transfered to other farmers.
Besides this, a portal has been launched for farmers i.e.
www.farmer.gov.in in which information on farmer oriented activities is
readily available. Another website i.e www.mkisan.gov.in has also been
developed for SMS and other kinds of activities. State Government
organizations in agriculture and allied sectors may use this portal to give
information/ services/ advisories to farmers by SMS in their language,
preference of agricultural practices and locations. By this time, 56789
farmers‟ mobile number have been registered on m-kisan to obtain website
needful messages from various quarters
Productivity of Crops
The productivity of different major crops of Balangir District is
furnished below:-
Productivity in kgs/ha
Year Rice Cereals Pulse Food grains Oilseeds Fibres Sugarcane
2001-02 1527 1481 344 1101 465 228 54911
2002-03 292 313 279 302 423 262 53000
2003-04 1428 1386 343 1055 480 471 65300
2004-05 1086 1069 334 841 583 483 80306
2005-06 1335 1310 336 974 592 703 78680
2006-07 1492 1458 343 1049 597 388 78685
2007-08 1825 1774 352 1249 819 454 78585
2008-09 1451 1426 424 1052 890 440 77865
2009-10 1557 1533 397 1101 846 494 83625
2010-11 1899 1891 468 1327 1116 678 70750
2011-12 430 493 477 486 1291 340 70750
2012-13 3195 3141 494 2014 1231 507 63930
2013-14 3195 3150 492 2047 1268 473 72458

141
 Estimated Area, Yield Rate & Production of Different Major Crops in

Balangir District
(Source-Odisha Agriculture Statistics)
(Area (A) in ha, Yield (Y)rate in quintal Per ha & Production in
quintals(P)
Sl. No. Crop A/Y/P 2009-10 2010-11
Total Autumn Winter Summer
A 200 84 -- -- 84
1 Wheat Y 14.76 13.01 -- -- 13.01
P 2953 1093 -- -- 1093
A 985 1555 1517 13 25
2 Maize Y 6.83 7.73 7.56 11.51 15.99
P 6723 12018 11468 150 400
A 1100 1245 1243 2 --
3 Ragi Y 4.62 4.27 4.27 5.3 --
P 5082 5319 5308 11 --
A 15770 17706 7027 6864 3815
4 Greengram Y 2.42 2.33 2.18 2.27 2.73
P 38185 41315 15319 15581 10415
A 10997 9388 7089 2102 197
5 Blackgram Y 2015 2.43 2.38 2.43 4.3
P 23675 22827 16872 5108 847
A 11866 11661 -- 11661 --
6 Horsegram Y 2065 3.56 -- 3.56 --
P 31445 41513 -- 41513 --
A 4562 5063 3279 1750 34
7 Til Y 1.76 1.97 2.2 1.49 4.25
P 8039 9967 7214 2608 145
A 6097 5980 5156 362 462
8 Groundnut Y 9.71 9.69 9.48 8.98 12.56
P 59217 57933 48879 3251 5803
A 1517 1692 -- 1692 --
9 Mustard Y 1.64 1.47 -- 1.47 --
P 2488 2487 -- 2487 --
A 95 25 -- 25 --
10 Patato Y 84.01 89.97 -- 89.97 --
P 7981 2249 -- 2249 --
A -- -- -- -- --
11 June Y -- -- -- -- --
P -- -- -- -- --
A 544 490 -- 490 --
12 Sugarcane Y 722.12 701.03 -- 701.03 --
P 392833 343505 -- 343505 --

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Crop Diseases, Control MechanismS and Crop Protection
Crop DiseaseS

Major insects, pests and diseases observed in Balangir district are furnished
below:
Sl. Crop Major insets & pests with local Diseases with local name
No name
1 Paddy Stemborer (Ganthi Poka), BPH Blast (MahisaRoga),
(Chakada Poka), Swarming BLB (patrapoda Roga),
caterpillar (Leda poka), Sheath Blight & sheet rot (Kanda
Leaf folder (Patramoda Poka), sadha Roga)
Gundhi bug (Chhagodia Poka)
2 Pulses Spodopter asps (Kalimundi) in Powdery & Mildew (Paunsia Roga)
Mung &Biri in Mung & Biri
Leaf eating caterpillar (Patra kata Seed rot, seedling damage & collar
Poka) in Mung &Biri rot (Sadhapacha Roga)
Aphids (Jaupoka) & white fly YMV (Sahebi Roga)
(DhalaMachhi) Leaf spot rust & Blight
Pod borer (Chhuinbindha Poka) in (PatrachitaRoga&PatrapodaRoga)
Arhar
3 Oilseeds Hairy caterpillar (Sambalua Poka) Root rot, stemrot and collar rot
in groundnut (CheraSadha, Kenda Pacha &
Tobacco caterpillar (Gotipoka) Bekasadha roga), Wilting (Jhaunla
Trips (Ukunia Poka) Roga)
Leaf eating caterpillar (Patra kata
&Patrakhia Poka)
Head Borer (Phulabindha Poka in
sunflower)
4 Cotton Leaf roller (Patramoda Poka) Angular Leaf spot (Kaunika Patra
White fly( Dhala Machhi) Daga Roga)
Aphids (JauPoka), Jassids Wilt (Jhaunla Roga)
(Patradian)
Mealy Bug (DahiaPoka)
Red cotton bug (Lal DagaraPoka)
5 Sugarcane Early Shoot borer Red rot (Nalisadha Roga)
(Sahalakandabindha Poka) Root rot (Cherasadha Roga)
Intenode borer (Pababindha Poka) Wilting (Jhaunla Roga)
Top shoot borer (Aga bindha
Poka)
Termite (Uei), White fly (Dhala
Machhi)

Besides this, panicle mite and foot rot in Kharif Paddy are being
observed recently in some patches. This may pose a problem in future.
Control Mechanisms & Crop Protection
Farmers have their own strategies for management of insects, pests
and diseases in an innovative way by using local Indigenous Technical
Knowledge (ITK). They are not always dependent on chemical pesticides for
crop protection for the following reasons.

143
1. It is not cost effective
2. It pollutes environment
3. It has mammalian toxicity
4. It creates resistance and resurgence in in situ
5. It is not always easily available
Some of the major ITK adopted by farmers are as follows:

1. Destruction of crop remnants of previous crop after harvest

2. Summer ploughing
3. Sun drying of seeds in hot summer and sunny days to destroy seed
borne pathogen and hibernating insects pests.
4. Spraying / sprinkling of diluted cow urine and cow dung extract to
control diseases in paddy.
5. Hand picking, collection & destruction of egg masses, larva & adults
insects pests from affected plots of different crops.
6. Uprooting and destruction of plants affected by wilting and yellow
mosaic virus.
7. Crop rotation in endemic pest affected areas.
8. Use of neem, karanja and different oil cakes available in the local
market.
9. Use of neem oils, neem seed kernel, extract and neem leaf (green &
dried) which is plentily available in the district.
10. Use of FYM and compost enriched with neem extracts, karanja extracts
and fortified with different locally available plant materials.
11. Use of extracts from bel leaf and tobacco leaf along with soap solution
to control lepidopteran larvae and different sucking pests.
12. Installation of bird perchers in vegetable fields and in different field
crops.
13. Use of resistance cultivators of different crops known to the farmers in
the locality.
14. Adjusting the time of sowingearly sowing in paddy and cotton by few
elite farmers to get rid of some major pests.
15. Summer burning and use of fire balls.
16. Use of charcoal dust.
However, with advance in technology and rapid spread of
knowledge through Agriculture Extension personnel including mass media,
farmers are now more inclined towards use of chemical pesticides which are
readily available with different pesticides dealers.

144
Some of the pesticides used by the farmers are as follows:

1. Use of carbendizm for seed treatment

2. Use of granulars like carbofuran, phorate, cartap hydrochloride in paddy
nursery beds and also in main field for control of BPH, Stem borers etc
3. Use of systemic insecticides like Trizophus, Profenophus, Dichlorovos,
Cartap Hydrochloide, Lambda- Cyhalothrinetc to control elepidopterin pests
in paddy, pulses and oilseeds,
4. Use of systemic insecticides like Dimethoate, Imidachloprid Aceptiate,
Acetamaprid, Thiomethoxan to control sucking pests in paddy (BPH, WBPH
and GLH), Pulses, Oilseeds and cotton. The use of these insecticides helps
in controlling white fly, thrips, aphids, mealy bug and different plant hoppers
and leaf hoppers in various crops also.
5. Use of new generation insecticides like spinosad, Emamectin benzoate,
Buprofezin, Novaluron, Flonicamid, etc in high value garden crops for
controlling various pests.
6. Use of syntheicpyrethroides like Cypermethrin, Fenvalerate and
Lambada- Cyhalothrinetc for quick destruction of various insects pests in
vegetables crops.
7. Wide spread use of Prophylatic sprays of fungicides like Carbendazim,
mancozeb, sulpher dust, wettablesulphur copper oxy-chloride etc for control
of various fungal diseases in different crops.
8. Use of systemic fungicides like Tricyclazole, Hexaconazole,
Propicanazoleetc for control of Blast, Helminthosporium leaf spot sheath
blight and sheath rot in paddy. It also helps in control of different airborne,
soil borne & seed borne diseases in externally visible parts in different crops.
9. Use of antibiotics like plantomycin, streptomycin, kasugamycine and
validamycineetc for control of different bacterial diseases in paddy,
vegetables and cotton.
However, initiatives from government sectors for implantation of
schemes like e-pest surveillance and Pest Management Programmes have
helped a lot. Farmers are being advised for need based application of
chemical pesticides. The e-pest surveillance and pest management
programme is being implemented with the following objectives:-

1. Adoption of early warning system.

2. Avoiding population build up of major pests through surveillance and
monitoring,
3. To identify pest endemic areas.
4. Adoption of IPM measures and use of need based pesticides.
Besides, use of Pheromone traps (for Spodoptera, Helicoverpa and
Scirpophaga infestation in different crops), bio-pesticides like NPV, BT,
Trichoderma Virideetc have been introduced and revolutionized pest control
measures in the district for different crops.

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Soil Testing
There is a Soil Testing Laboratory at Balangir District Head Quarter
with a capacity of testing 10000 soil samples per year. There is also
provision for testing secondary micronutrient in the laboratory. Besides this,
soil testing kits have been supplied to each block. One Soil Testing
laboratory is going to be established in Saintala Block with active
participation of Cooperation Department.
State Farms
There are 3 Government Farms in the district. The details of the farms
are furnished below:
Fig in ha.
Name Geogra Cultivable area Paddy Irrigation Year
of the phical Land Potential of
farm Area High Mediu Low Total Khari Rabi estt.
m f
RE 32.530 1.000 9.016 13.05 23.07 19.00 19.0 0 193
Farm 4 0 0 00 8
Mudgha 21.978 8.500 5.730 1.770 16.00 14.02 0 0 196
t 0 0 2
Desil 14.455 4.290 5.910 0 10.20 9.600 0 0 195
0 7

Cultivated areas of the land of farms have been used for production
and multiplication of quality seeds, which are supplied to the farmers.
New Approach Cotton Farming
As Balangir district was reeling under drought like situation time to time,
various alternative methods of cotton farming have been introduced to boost
the economy of farmers. Soil for cotton farming are most suitable in parts of
Patnagarh and Titilagarh Subdivision. Cotton is now one of the major
commercial crops grown in Balangir district. Livelihoods of tribal farmers
mostly depend on its cultivation. It is predominantly cultivated in three major
blocks of Patnagarh subdivision followed by Titilagarh and Balangir. It was
introduced in this district during the mid-eighties in which nearly 150 ha of
area has been cultivated with cotton plantation mostly in Patnagarh
subdivision. The area increased very slowly up to mid nineties during which
only traditional varieties were cultivated excepting few improved variety like
MCU-5.
During mid-nineties hybrid varieties were introduced. The major hybrid
varieties at the beginning were Savita and Bunny. Both varieties belong to
long staple length category having a crop duration of 165 days. After the
privatization of sale of cotton seeds allowed major seed companies to enter
the district market, areas under for cotton farming grew significantly.

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Gradually, all cotton growing areas were covered by Hybrid Cotton seeds.
The area, production and productivity for the last 10 years are as follows.
Sl. No Year Area ( ha) Productivity(Qntl kapas ha) Produtivity (kg lint/ha)

1 2005-06 19494 7.14 238

2 2006-07 20500 8.82 294
3 2007-08 17399 11.04 368
4 2008-09 21837 10.35 345
5 2009-10 19049 12.84 428
6 2010-11 29240 18.72 624
7 2011-12 35330 8.88 296
8 2012-13 38478 14.04 468
9 2013-14 39755 13.05 435
10 2014-15 37858 11.25 375

Due to significant increase in area and productivity, Cotton ginning and

pressing units have been established in the district at different places
namely Balangir, Belpara, Kantabanji, Tusra, Titlagarh, Banjari, Odia pali
and Kapani. The first ginning mill was established during the nineties. Their
number has now increased to eleven.
The rise in area and productivity after the year 2000 is mainly due to
introduction of Mini Mission II of Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC). The
scheme was introduced in the name of Intensive Cotton Development
Programme (ICDP) under MM-II of T.M.C. in the year 2000. Its major
initiatives, which contribute to the increase in cotton productivity under the
above scheme are Farmer Field Schools, Frontline Demonstrations,
Farmers Training, distribution of Plant protection equipments, Bio-agents
along with pheromone traps on subsidized rates, subsidy supply of water
saving devices. Surveillance and monitoring of diseases and pests including
seed treatment with pesticides and conduct of different demonstration
programmes under INM and IPM module has revolutionized cotton
cultivation with increased productivity in Balangir district. Besides,
implementation of RKVY in Cotton farming during the year 2012-13 and
lunching of NFSM Commercial Crop (Cotton) since 2014-15 have also
significantly contributed to the increase in cotton productivity.
All horticultural activities including fruit tree plantations have been
executed through Agriculture Department in all the districts in Odisha till
1979. During 1979, separate Directorate of Horticulture under Agriculture
Department was created at state headquarters for holistic development of
horticulture in all parts of the state. As such, the post of Deputy Director of
Agriculture (Horticulture) was created at district level and Horticulturists at
Sub – Division level with small networks of field staff like gardeners, grafters,
horticulture overseers, Junior Agriculture Officers (Horticulture). All
horticultural activities like fruit tree plantation, vegetable, floriculture and
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spices and other programmes etc.have been implemented for the benefit of
the horticultural farms and farmers. The agro climatic condition of Balangir
district is quite suitable for horticultural development. Upland (54.8%) and
medium land (20.3%) account for 75% of total cultivated area which can be
brought into the fold of horticulture crops which mostly include fruit tree
plantations, vegetables and spices and condiments like onion and chilly.
Since the creation of the Department of Horticulture, innovative scheme i.e
in situ Mango Plantations was launched during 1979 – 1983 in farmers field
with a view to establishing considerable numbers of commercial, grafted
mango plantations, which started yielding within 3-4 years of planting. It
helped the poor farmers to earn their livelihood by growing mango orchards.
It helped to check Soil erosion and through this programme, vast areas of
upland and medium land could be converted to good number of grafted
mango orchards both on private land and Government land. Subsequently,
over the years, Fruit Tree Plantation programmes have been undertaken
under different schemes like ERRP, IRDP, JRY, EAS and MGNREGS.
Balangir district being in the western part of the State is an area, where
annual rainfall limits to only four months in the monsoon and thereafter there
is occasional rainfall with a relatively low humidity. And therefore, there is a
great potential for horticultural sector in the district. Currently, mango is the
main fruit which is grown very successfully in the district. Apart from mango,
other fruit crops like banana, papaya, lime etc. are also grown in the district.
The district, despite its acute water scarcity has earned a good name in the
production of vegetables. The district is one of the highest onion producing
districts in the State producing almost 25% of the total production of onion.
Apart from onion, chilli etc. are also widely grown in the district. However,
flower production has not gained much momentum due to adverse climatic
condition of the district. Crop wise area and production of fruits, vegetables
and flowers are mentioned below.
Area and Production of Horticultural Crops in Balangir District

A. Fruits

Sl. No. Crop Name Area in ha. Production Productivity

1 Mango 9354 24356 MT. 5.34 MT / ha.
2 Banana 1560 29524 MT 20.56 MT / ha.
3 Citrus 684 5020 MT 9.49 MT / ha.
4 Papaya 108 2289 MT 23.60 MT / ha.
5 Others 4202 36036 MT 10.37 MT / ha.

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B. Vegetables & Spices

Sl. No. Crop Name Area in ha. Production Productivity

1 Brinjal 4517 73446 MT 16.26 MT / ha.
2 Tomato 4186 57892 MT 13.83 MT / ha.
3 Onion 8548 123006 MT 14.39 MT / ha.
4 Garlic 402 1419 MT 3.53 MT / ha.
5 Chilly 2346 2349 MT 0.84 MT / ha.
6 Pointed Gourd 36 445 MT 12.36 MT / ha.
7 Sweet Potato 864 7893 MT 9.24 MT / ha.
8 Bitter Gourd 560 7246 MT 12.94 MT / ha.
9 Beans 436 2472 MT 5.67 MT / ha.
10 Reddish 402 3996 MT 9.94 MT / ha.
11 Potato 651 11822 MT 18.16 MT / ha.
12 Others 13216 146962 MT 11.12 MT / ha.

C. Flowers

Sl. No. Crop Name Area in ha. Production Productivity

1 Rose 36.00 1.97 Lakh / ha. 71.00 Lakh / ha
2 Gladioli 40.00 0.89 Lakh / ha. 35.60 Lakh / ha
3 Tube rose 16.00 23.64 Qtls. / ha. 378.00 Qtls. / ha.
4 Marigold 79.00 88.34 Qtls. / ha. 6979.00 Qtls. / ha.

Various schemes are under implementation in Balangir district for a

holistic development of Horticulture. They are as follows.
1. Mission for Integrated Development in Horticulture (MIDH) (NHM)
2. Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY)
3. State Plan Schemes
4. On Farm Water Management under NMSA (National Mission on
Sustainable Agriculture)
5. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS)
6. National Mission on Medicinal Plants (NMMP)
Mission for Integrated Development in Horticulture (MIDH)
The National Horticulture Mission scheme has been introduced in the
district in 2005-06. From 2014-15, the scheme was subsumed with several
small schemes and is now being operated under a larger scheme called
Mission for Integrated Development in Horticulture (MIDH). Various
components like area expansion of fruits, vegetables and flowers are
undertaken with a provision of subsidy which ranges from 40% to 75% of the
total cost of production of respective crops. Apart from that, various post
harvest management schemes such as pack house, low cost onion storage
structures, and establishment of cold stores are under implementation in the

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district. Organic farming is also adopted in farmers‟ fields by implementation
of a component called Organic Adoption and Certification. Besides, flower
cultivation is also promoted by supplying planting materials to farmers free of
cost. Under this component, rose, gladioli, lilium and marigold cultivation are
promoted. Marketing of produce and other human resource development
programmes like training and exposure visits are also undertaken for the
farmers of district. Protected cultivation in shade net houses and poly
houses are also taken up in farmers‟ fields in which subsidy as high as 70%
is given to the farmers. Individual farm ponds and community ponds are also
implemented in the district for which subsidy is available. All subsidies are
transferred to individual farmers‟ bank accounts on line.
Rastriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY)

The Rastriya Krushi Vikash Yojana (RKVY) has been introduced in the
district in 2008-09. The following are some of the activities carried out under
the scheme.

1. 2MT Onion Storage Structures: This is a small structure meant for

storing of onions during the time of harvest and later disposing at a higher
price.
2. Small Vermi Compost Unit: This is taken up for production of high
quality vermicompost in farmers‟ fields.
3. Vermi Hatchery: This is taken up for production of earthworms for use in
vermicompost pits.
4. Potato Cultivation: Under this scheme, subsidy is given to farmers for
area expansion of potato.
5. Single Line Trellis: This activity is taken up in light cucurbit crops and
light solanaceous crops for better yield and less incidence of diseases.

State Plan Scheme

The following activities are taken up under this scheme.

1. Intercropping in fruit orchards: Intercropping is taken up in orchards to

make up the loss due to long gestation period of fruit crops.
2. Banana Plantations: Tissue culture banana plantations are promoted to
lift the economic status of the farmers.
3. Input Subsidy: Under this scheme, any farmer requiring plantation in
very small patches is assisted with a subsidy.
4. Single Line Trellis: This activity is taken up in light cucurbit crops and
light solanaceous crops for better yield and less incidence of diseases.

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On Farm Water Management under NMSA
Drip: Drip irrigation is promoted in the district for effective use of irrigation
water. Subsidy is given to the farmers to the tune of maximum 75 to 90% for
Non DPAP and DPAP areas respectively.
1. Sprinkler: Sprinkler irrigation is promoted in the district for effective
use of irrigation water in light duty crops. Subsidy is given to farmers to the
tune of maximum 75 to 90% for Non-DPAP and DPAP areas respectively.
2. Sprinkler under OLIC: Sprinklers are also provided to farmers in
convergence with BKVY cluster bore well pr ogrammes of OLIC.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS)

During 2012-13 MGNREGS Scheme was started under Horticulture

Department in Balangir District. Under MGNREGS, Medium Density Mango
Plantations have been done in Balangir district. In this scheme, Grafted
mango plantations are taken up in individual fields of SC/ST/BPL farmers.
The entire cost is borne by the Government in 60:40 ratios of labour: inputs.

National Mission on Medicinal Plants (NMMP)

Various medicinal plants like Aswagandha, Aloe Vera, Tulsi, Ashoke,

Aonla, Bel etc. are promoted in the district. Appropriate subsidy is available
for each crop. Besides, storage go downs and drying sheds are constructed
by farmers in which 50% subsidy is given to farmers.

Future Prospects of Horticulture in the District

There is a great prospect for protected cultivation in the district. Since

the climatic condition of the district is harsh, cultivation of high value
vegetables and flowers can be taken up in the district in an extensive way.
Some very successful models have been installed in the district in
Dhauradadar village of Agalpur Block, Ghodar village of Titilagarh Block etc.

Animal Husbandry

Livestock production has always been an integral part of rural livelihood

systems in Balangir district. The predominant farming system in Balangir is
mixed crop. Livestock farming system and over 90% of farms of all
categories conform to this farming system .The livestock resource in
Balangir is impressive in number across all species constituting a natural
resources base with immense livelihood implication, with growth in
productivity level quite satisfactory over the last few years. About 80% of all
livestock are owned by marginal/small/landless farmers, holders and

151
landless. Cattle are popular.The sector has ample scope to substantially
enhance the production to meet the domestic market demand and create
employment and income generating opportunities for the rural poor and
enhancing their food and livelihood security. The climatic condition prevailing
in the district is almost suitable for commercial livestock farming since
natural calamities such as cyclone, flood etc. have less impact in
comparision to other parts of the State.

Activities

1. To make ARD an engine of growth of rural economy providing income

and livelihood opportunity to people.
2. To make dairying a viable livelihood option for small, marginal farmers
and landless person by strengthening all forward and backward linkages.
3. To enable poor farmers to improve productivity of animals like sheep,
goat and pigs.
4. To make backyard poultry a popular and viable subsidiary farming
activity in rural areas.
5. Achieve self sufficiency / surplus in milk, meat and egg production.
6. Enhance per capita availability of milk, eggs and meat including poultry
meat.
7. Enhance availability of feed and fodder for economic dairy farming.
8. Provide efficient veterinary services at the doorsteps of farmers.

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General Information
Per Capita availability of milk 124.64 g./day
Per Capita availability of eggs 122 / year
Per Capita availability of meat 2.0376 kg/year
9. Livestock Wealth
Cattle Indigenous 412,841

Cattle Cross Bred 41,548

Total Cattle 454,389

Buffalo 89,075

Sheep 132,308

Goat 313,402

Pig 1,839

Poultry (Indigenous) 792,559

No of Layer Farms with capacity 7 Nos, 8.01 lakhs

No of Commercial layer birds reared 8.1 lakhs

No of Broiler farms 21Nos

Total No of broiler birds Capacity/ Reared 1.40 lakh /1.03 lakh

ARD Infrastructure

CDVO Office 01
SDVO Office 03
No. of Vet. Dispensary/ Veterinary Hospital 21

No. of Livestock Aid Center 114

No. of Mobile A.I Centers 135
LITC 01
District Poultry Farm 01

Deogaon Goat Farm 01

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Role of the Institutions

CDVO Office: The CDVO Office is situated at Balangir district head-

quarter. The Chief District Veterinary Officer is the apex supervising and
monitoring authority in ARD sector of the district.
SDVO Office: There is one office of the Sub-divisional Veterinary
Officer functioning at each sub divisional head quarter to monitor and
supervise the activities of Veterinary Institutions.
VH/VDs/ LACs: These institutions provide veterinary and animal
husbandry services to the livestock farmers of the district at Block/GP levels.
LITC (Livestock Inspector Training Centre): The Livestock
Inspectors‟ Training Centre was established in the district in 1961 to train
selected candidates from different districts. It is situated near the Govt. ITI,
Larkipali of Balangir town. It has one office building with training centre and
hostel facilities for 100 nos of trainees.
District Poultry Farm, Balangir
District Poultry Farm, Balangir was established in the year
1961-62. The farm is located at Larkipali, 2kms east of Balangir town over
an area of 5 acres of land. The Farm is maintaining poultry birds to make
them available to the people of Balangir and neighbour district and educate
the people concerned in poultry keeping. The farm is supplying chicks to
beneficiaries under different Government schemes. The farm can
accommodate 6000 Birds and 2 boarder Houses for rearing of chicks with
hatchery.
Many private Entrepreneurs have come up with their Poultry Projects to
boost egg and meat production through Layer and Broiler poultry. In poultry
nd
sector, Balangir is 2 in Odisha in meat and egg production.
Sheep Breeding Farm, Deogaon: The farm was established on
19.04.1973 at village Deogaon, Dist-Balangir covering a total area of 138.91
Acres. The farm is situated at a distance of 25 km from Balangir District
head quarters on NH-201 towards Bhawanipatna. The total land is divided in
to two patches by a road from NH-201 to Tusra. The farm was established
with an objective to produce Graded Malpura sheep and rams which were to
be sold to farmers of the district and neighbouring districts for genetic up-
gradation of local breeds.
The sheep breeding farm was converted to Goat Breeding Farm from
09.05.2011. Now Ganjam goats are reared in the farm. The capacity of the
goat breeding farm is 200 adult goats.

154
 The objective of the farm is to produce breedable goats and and to sell
these to farmers of the district and adjacent district for genetic up-gradation
of local goats. There are three sheds to house 200 adult goats and their
kids.
Two patches of forest land are wire net fenced enclosing approximately
7.5 acres of land for fodder cultivation.
Veterinary Health Facilities
The following veterinary health facilities are rendered with comparative
figures for 4 years.
Year Cases Vaccination Castration Artificial
treated done Insemination
2011- 256,209 1,291,000 33,841 35,125
12
2012- 266,476 1,009,135 33,004 33,355
13
2013- 302,192 907,070 32,518 42,293
14
2014- 490,665 1,241,930 37,986 57,437
15
Animal Diseases

The principal animal diseases are Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, Black

quarter, Foot and Mouth disease, Anthrax, Ranikhet disease, Fowl pox and
Rabbies. These are all contagious. Vaccinations against these diseases are
going on every year in the district by the field functionaries and during the
last 3 years there is no outbreak of any diseases reported from any part of
the district.
14 MVUs (Mobile Veterinary Units) are in operation in all 14 blocks to
reach interior pockets of the district.
Health camps
Health camps of different types such as (a) Intensive GP level health
camps (b) Fertility Camp (c) Deworming camps and (d) ASCAD health
camps are going on in routine manner to treat livestock with different
ailments to improve general health condition of cattle, buffalos and other
livestock with an objective to make them more productive .
National Animal Disease Reporting System
This involves computerised network, which brings about a linkage
between each block, district and state with the centralised Animal Disease
Database at national level which helps to analyse and interpret data

155
regarding the incidence of various diseases of livestock and poultry. All 14
blocks of Balangir district are connected to the NADRS portal and are
regularly uploading the disease data.
Development in Animal Husbandry Programmes
Dairy Development
Central sponsored scheme such as DEDS(Dairy Entrepreneurship
Development Scheme) and State sponsored scheme such as PDE (
Promotion of Dairy Entrepreneurship), Small term Interest sub-vention and
Long term interest sub-vention are being implemented in the district to
enhance milk production.
For dairy development in the district, a programme named „Kalyani‟
under BAIF is going to (a) create opportunities for gainful self employment to
rural poor by producing cross breeds/ improved breeds from non-descript
cattle and buffalo, (b) to impart training to farmers on scientific management
of CB cattle and ( c) to support calf rearing and animal health care.
1. Date of Opening Center- 02.03.2011
2. No. of CDC- 15
3. No. of Block - 03 (Balangir, Deogaon and Puintala)
4. No. of Village - 313
5. Gram Panchayat- 64
6. Population -154215
7. Cattle Population-

A. Crossbreed -8,347 , B. ND-8,988 , C. Buffalo- 1,880

BKN Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. Balangir

The BKN Regional Cooperative Milk Producers‟ Union is the

organization playing a vital role in development of dairy activities in the
district through dairy co-operative societies. There are 126 such societies
functioning in the district of which 55 are registered. Eight nos of societies
are exclusively women dairy co-op societies with 176 women members
enrolled. At present the member strength of all societies taken together is
4518. Out of 14 blocks 9 blocks (except Khaprakhol block in Patnagarh
subdivision and 4 blocks namely Titilagarh, Bangomunda, Muribahal and
Tureikela in Titilagarh subdivision) are covered under the milk routes. As of
now 17 bulk cooler plants with an overall capacity of 40,000 litre per day
(LPD) chilling have been established in these 9 blocks. At present, through
these societies 31,000 litre much is being collected daily and are marketed
by the Union.

156
 Milk Procurement (LPD) of Balangir Dist.
30,000

25,000 23854

20,000
16,195
15,000
10,895 11,479
8,947
10,000
5,471
3,992 4,451 4,240 4,391 4,452
5,000

-
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Poultry Development
Four Mother unit are formed with the source? recommendation of
concerned BVO of the Blocks:
(1) Loisinga Block, (2) Balangir Block (At Chudapali VD Area) (3) Deogaon
Block, (4) Belpada Block.

Rural Backyard Poultry Development

Chicks Distributed through Mother Units
Mother Unit Target (Beneficiaries) Chicks Distributed Completed/Balance

Deogaon 222 9,990 Completed

Belpada 224 10,080 Completed

Balangir 222 9990 Completed

(Chudapali)

Loisinga 222 9,990 Completed

TOTAL 890 40,050

Sheep and Goat Development

For improvement in productivity of goats of the district, Govt. sponsored
schemes like NMPS (National Mission for Protein Supplements) is working
on since 2011-12. So far 59 goat units have been established in the district.
Under the same, 4 Goat Clusters have been established in the district at
Patnagarh, Loisingha, Bandhpada and Titilagarh. Goat Scouts provided
vaccination, fast aid and deworming to goats in these clusters.

157
 Goat Development Programme ( Under BAIF)
BAIF Goat Development Centre Information
Blocks in which goat development programme has been taken up are :
Titilagarh, Bangomunda, Turekela, Belpada (Mandal) and Muriubahal
Activities taken-up by BAIF

Sl. 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Activity
No Achievement Achievement Achievement Achievement Achievement

1 Deworming 20,347 50,330 49,275 40,842 3,304

2 Vaccination 6,160 22,377 17,043 18,272 3,005

3 Group Training 69 276 196 204 0

Goat Keepers 0
10
4 Training 10 05 270
5 Buck Supply …….. 274 62 …….. 0

6 Buck Service …….. 251 47 9,207 2,564

7 Kidding …….. …….. 490 7,020 3,664

8 Weight Monitoring …….. 22,959 31,359 38,415 12,510

Fisheries
Fish culture is not only a profitable avenue but also provides gainful
employment and solves the unemployment hazards of State/country. At
present educated youths working women/fishermen/ cooperatives of rural
areas are adopting pisciculture as their prime livelihood and gaining
employment and income to uplift their socio-economic status. The average
per capita consumption of Balangir district is 9.5 kg which in comparison to
the state average of 9.13 kg.
In Balangir, the resources for growth of pisciculture are vast and varied
in shape of private owned ponds, public Ponds, katas, MIP, reservoir, water
logged areas in culture sector and river/ canals under capture fisheries
sector but the major portion of them have not yet been covered under
scientific pisciculture due to various geo-climatic problems. However, efforts
are being made to introduce scientific culture system in major portion of
resources.
General Features
Out of 14 blocks of the district mainly 8 blocks have potential for
pisciculture and the rest are found to have carrying moderate potential for
pisciculture. Generally the type of soil in Balangir district are termed as black
cotton, milky and rocky which are less suitable for pisciculture, and this soil
can be conducive for pisciculture if prolongation of culture practices are
158
made by deposit of silt over the basin of water bodies. Besides, although
annual rainfall recorded to be 1444 mm, it does not generally rain in time for
which pisciculture activities suffer a lot and as at the time in early summer
most of water bodies get dried. The seasonal water bodies retain water only
for 6 to 7 month in a year, whereas normal culture period needs at least 10
months. At this point, scientific method can be adopted which is termed as
short duration pisciculture. The source of water mainly comprises the
rainwater which comes late and as a result, water bodies do not retain
enough water for the whole culture period. The alternative arrangement
through digging of deep bore well, also proved futile since ground water
layers are not traced everywhere. The details are given below:
Sl. Particulars Description
No.
1 No. of Block 14
2 No. of Sub-division 03
3 Population 16,48,997
[(S.C.-2,94,777)
(ST-3,47,164)]
4 Expected fish demand of the Dist.( in MT) 10,000
5 Annual per capita consumption (kg.) 9.50
6 Own Fish Production (MT) 7,714
7 Fish import from other source (deficit in MT) 2,286
8 Annual Rainfall 1,444 mm
9 Soil Type Black Cotton, milky, rocky.
10 Source of water Rain fed
11 Water retentively of ponds Seasonal 95% and perennial 5%

Resources Available
There are 4,868.89 ha of ponds/tanks available under Culture Fisheries
sector out of which 3,271.76 ha are found to be suitable for pisciculture. The
public ponds covering 4,241.91 ha available in different blocks of the district
are found unsuitable due to seasonal and derelict conditions with infestation
of aquatic weeds. Those ponds can be taken up for pisciculture after their
reclamation. Due to short retention of water in ponds, private farmers are not
paying interest to convert their land into pisciculture units. However, they
have been encouraged to excavate ponds with extra depth under NMPS
(National Mission for Protein Supplements) for better pisciculture. Similarly
under Captive Fisheries sector although 1403.29 ha of reservoir/MIPs are
available yet 702.0 ha have been brought under fisheries management
through PFCS/SHG. Sometimes, drop outs are found to be the main cause
due to irregular leasing, derelict condition and aquatic weed infestation.
These water bodies are also seasonal in nature.
The present fish production in the district is 7,714 MT which is far below
the present fish demand of the district (10,000 MT). The river and canals
measuring 3975 ha in seven riverine sources are also producing less
quantity of fish due to mass killing of mother fish / fingerings and other illegal
practices by fishermen. In this context, sizeable fish seeds are required to be

159
released in such water bodies by the Government to enhance fish population
and its regulation of fishing regularly by enforcing Fisheries Act.
At present major species such as Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, Grass Carp, Cy.
Carpio and Silver Carp are being cultured in water bodies of farmers. In few
cases introduction of new species such as Labeo-fimbriatus, Serrana, Jarda,
Mola and Bata are being cultured as inter crop to enhance fish production of
the district and these species fetch a good market price of Rs 80 to 120 per
kg in Balangir.
Farm Gate Price of Species (Rs/Kg)
i) Indian Major Carps 120
ii) Minor Carp 80-120
iii) Cat Fish 100
Different Schemes Operated
Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA)
Beneficiaries, irrespective of their economic status are being given
technical and logistic support through FFDA for promotion of pisciculture in
Inland area. The FFDA assists fishermen to access to institutional finance
for excavation of new pond as well as renovation of existing ponds. The aim
of the FFDA is to augment fish production. The FFDA also provide
backended subsidy assistance to fish farmers under Bank Finance as well
as under own source development and enhancing fish production. The
subsidy assistance is available only for once to a beneficiary and is up to
5ha water area. The subsidy is 20% and 25% for general & SC/ST
respectively with funding pattern of 75%. Central share and 25% State share
under Central Sponsored Plan Scheme (CSPS).
National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
National Fisheries Development Board aims to realize the Potential
through scientific, managerial and financial support to fish farmers and
entrepreneurs through state. Various schemes are implemented for
development of fisheries and for enhancing fish production. Under this
scheme, there is no fixed limit of 5ha water area for the subsidy assistance.
One can avail subsidy up to unlimited water area.
National Mission for Protein Supplement (NMPS)
Excavation of new tank with input assistance is encouraged under
NMPS (RKVY) for excavation of 1 to 5ha water area. The project cost is Rs
4.0 lakh/ha and 40% subsidy of the project cost is given to all categories.
Fish yield must be minimum 5.0MT/ha. Subsidy limit to an individual is up to
development of 5 ha of water area.

160
New programme of State Government (STATE PLAN)
The State Government has introduced a number of new programmes
from 2013-14 for enhancement of production and productivity. New
programmes are given hereunder.
Interest Subvention on Credit Support to Fish Farmers
Short Term Loan:
The scheme aims at providing adequate and timely credit support from
the banking system under a single window to fish farmers for pisciculture
and other needs. Fish farmers under taking scientific fish farming in their
existing fish ponds and availing short term loan are eligible to avail short
term loan up to Rs 3 lakh for one year by way of interest subvention @5%.
Further an interest incentive of 3% will be allowed for repayment of loan in
time. Thus, a farmer will be charged @4% interest only with interest
subvention by the State Government.
Long term loan for fisheries development:
Fish farmers can avail the benefit up to Rs 10 lakh term loan with
interest subsidy subvention of 3%. Additional interest subvention of 2% will
be provided to farmer for regular and timely repayment of loan instalment
dues.
Promotion of Intensive Aquaculture: For promotion of Intensive
Aquaculture, additional subsidy of 25% is being provided by the State Govt.
over and above the exiting subsidy( Gen-20% & SC/ST-25%) from FFDA
and NFDB. For NMPS programme, 10% additional subsidy is being
provided by the State Govt. However the ceiling of maximum subsidy is up
to 50% to each beneficiary and it is backended subsidy. Again the subsidy
for pond development is being provided maximum up to 5ha water area per
beneficiary under FFDA and NMPS.
Matshyajibi Unnayan Yojana (MUY): The MUY is a special welfare
package for fish folk of Odisha. It consists of 14 programmes declared by
Hon‟ble Chief Minister, Odisha on 09.12.2011 to provide social security and
livelihood support to fishermen community of Odisha. Five components are
funded by rastriya krushi vikas yojana (RKVY) and other programmes are
introduced in collaboration with other departments of the State Programme
under MUY implemented in the District are hereunder:
Assistance for Net & Boat for Inland Fishers: The scheme aims at
increasing the fishing efficiency and livelihood support to fishermen engaged
in reservoirs and rivers. Subsidy of 50% limited Rs 12,500/- is admissible
under RKVY.

161
Assistance for fish marketing infrastructure for fishermen/women: To
provide livelihood to fishermen engaged in fish marketing and to sale their
product in hygienic conditions, fishermen are provided with subsidy from
RKVY as under:
Cycle with Icebox-50% of the cost limited to Rs 2,000/-
Motor Cycle/ Moped with Ice box- 25% of the cost limited to Rs 7,500/-
Auto Rickshaw with Ice box-25% of the cost limited to Rs 35,000/-
Financial Assistance to fishermen / women SHG: Provision of revolving
fund of Rs 10,000/- is announced to be given (WCD Department Rs 5,000/-
& Fisheries Department Rs 5,000/-) to fisher women SHG to carry on fishery
activities. This is a State Scheme.
Award of Scholarships to meritorious children of fishermen
community: This is a State Scheme in which one time financial assistance
is provided to the meritorious children of fishermen community for higher
education basing on the marks of last HSC examination in the following
manner:
Mark above 70% :- Rs 7,500/-
Mark above 60% :- Rs 5,000/-
Mark above 50% :- Rs 3,000/-
Matshyajibi Basagruha Yojana: This is also a State Scheme. Under the
scheme poor active fishers are assisted to construct dwelling houses. The
cost of each such dwelling house is Rs 90,000/- and out of the same, grant
is Rs 75,000/- and beneficiary contribution is Rs 15,000/- Funds for
implementation are placed with P.D, DRDA by the Director of Fisheries,
Odisha annually.
Mo-kudia Scheme for fishermen: Active fishermen, who are genuinely
poor but are included in the BPL list and having no pucca house are
provided with house through Panchayatiraj Department. This is a State
Scheme.
Progress of Mastyajibi Unnayan Yojana

In this sector generally fishers adjacent to rivers / canals are being benefitted
and achievements are given under:

Items No. of units provided Subsidy provided

(Rs)
Net & Boat 32 4,00,000/-
Infrastructure
Cycle with Icebox 49 98,000/-
Moped with Icebox 04 30,000/-
Scholarship to children of fishers 146 6,73,000/-

162
Awareness for Popularization of Pisciculture

District Level Exhibition/ Awareness Camps/ Work Shops/ Skill up

gradation Training:

These programmes are normally organized at District headquarters with

participation of public, interested fish farmers, ZP members, PS members
and Bankers etc to generate awareness on different programmes of fisheries
department for implementation. Regarding Skill upgradation, training is
imparted to fish farmers to upgrade their skills for better production of fish.

Buyers/ Sellers Meet:

This is a programme organized at the District headquarters with an
intention to bring buyers and sellers together, i.e. all stakeholders to one
platform to ensure an interaction between fish farmers and suppliers of
different critical inputs required for pisculture, which may contribute to
increase fish production and popularize pisculture in both rural and urban
areas.
Present Fish Culture Practices & Area ( ha)
Generally, in Pond fisheries three kinds of culture practices are carried
out in the district viz. Traditional, Extensive, Semi- intensive and Intensive. In
reservoirs, Cage Culture, Pen Culture Practices can be taken-up but are yet
to be introduced due to early shallowness of water bodies before summer.
Although in some cases scientific culture is adopted, traditional culture
practices are still prevalent in some public waterbodies due to community
use and non- leasing.
i) Traditional: 121.61 ha
ii) Advanced Extensive: 2200.97 ha
iii) Semi-intensive & intensive: 1303.44 ha
Total 3626.02 ha
Present Demand of Seed (in Lakh)
Keeping in view the maintenance of seasonal ponds, farmers are
advised to stock their waterbodies with advanced fingerlings or yearlings in
order to yield more fish production in a short period. The present demand of
seeds is shown below:
Demand
i) Fry - 40 lakhs
ii) Fingerlings/Yearlings - 20 lakhs (Fry conversion: 40 lakhs)
Total 480 lakhs

163
Present Sources of Seed Production
In Balangir, considering the area brought under pisciculture the
requirement of fry works out to 480 lakh. The sectorwise fish production and
supply are given below:
Govt/ OPDC 80 lakhs
PVT producer/ Traders 400 lakhs
Total 480 lakhs
Due to seasonal nature of waterbodies, fish farmers of Balangir and
particularly of Patnagarh produce fingerlings/yearlings with increased
productivity. Similarly, 5 private farmers have raised fingerlings/yearlings and
to supply the same within the district and adjacent district.

Sl. Name Capacity of Quantity of Spawn (in Disposal ( in lakh)

No. Hatchery in lakh) Produced. Retained Sold
Million (Own out
stocking)
1 Shri Bhikari 100 650 50 600
Meher
2 Shri Pravakar 100 400 350 50
Patra
3 Shri Kedar 50 250 250 52
Meher
4 Zahid Ali 50 250 190 60
5 Shri Ranjan 50 100 40 60
Meher

Apart from above 6 Govt. fish farms out of which only 3 farms viz.
Loisingha, Patnagarhand Dhamandanga are available in the district, but are
not functional due to shortage of manpower and funds. Now, the same have
been leased out to private parties. Lease holders are also producing
fry/fingerlings and sold them out within and outside the district.
Fish Production (in MT)
The present demand of fish keeping the population in mind (16.0 lakhs
by 2011 census) comes to 10,000 MT per annum. By 2014-15, fish
production from different sources has been estimated to be 7,714 MT with
average production of 2,341 kg/ha and rest 2286 MT have been procured
from other districts and other states. Annual per capita consumption of the
district is 9.50 kg which is little higher than national average of 9.13 kg.
Although there is a lot of potential in Balangir District to enhance fish
production to the demand level, all available and suitable water shortages
could not be converted to scientific culture system on account of seasonal
water bodies and financial depravity of farmers to carry out scientific
pisciculture in case of private ponds and public ponds are also sub-optimally
used on long terms basis. In this context long-term leasing of suitable public
ponds need be carefully considered.

164
 Moreover, Balangir has a good potential for improvement of capture
fisheries by releasing fish seed for continuous period of three years so that
fish population and production is enhanced.
Major Problems of Fish Farmers
Late stocking and late production of fish seed.
Palletized feeds are occasionally used due to high cost.
Early dry up of water bodies and failure of deep bore well installations.
Most farmers are not financially worthy to carry out fish culture in a
continuous terms.
Bankers should come forward to render institutional credit to farmers on
simplified way.
Awareness to be intensified through field functionaries of the District.
Lack of training in latest technologies.
Non-availability of sophisticated lab in the District for testing of water and soil
of farmers ponds
Forests
Type of Forests
Total area of forest cover in Balangir district as per 2013 assessment
is 6575 km. out of which very dense forest amounts to 69 Sq km, mixed
dense forest 222 km and open forest 966 km. of various blocks in the
district Tureikela, Khaprakhol, Muribahal and Saintala have higher reserve
forest areas followed by Titilagarh, Balangir and Gudvela. The rest of the
blocks have little reserved forest but have considerable area under forests of
other categories.
It covers approximately 14.69 per cent of the total geographical area of
the district. Forests have been classified into five categories, namely, Sal
forests, low mixed forests, alluvial mixed forests, teak forests and bamboo
forests. Forests provide protection against and reduces impact of natural
calamities like droughts, floods and cyclones. It provide livelihood for weaker
sections of the society and also provide a wide variety of products of
commercial value such as timber, lac, resins, oilseeds, kendu leaves, and
medicinal plants.

165
Economic importance
Forests play an important part in the economy of the district. People
depend on it for supply of timber and bamboos for manufacture of
agricultural and domestic implements and also for fuel. The actual timber
requirements of the people consist of Sal, Bija and miscellaneous species
and Khair. Other trees such as Dhaura, Sahaj, Aijun and Bamboos are in
constant demand for basket making and for fencing purposes. Houses are
invariably thatched with thatching grass although straw is used in Balangir
and Salebhatta areas where thatching grass is not available. In Titilagarh
and Patnagarh subdivisions, houses are mostly tiled. Rolling of Bidis from
Kendu leaves has received great impetus and these leaves are collected in
large quantities for export outside the district.
Requirements of people in respect of other minor produce are chiefly
edible fruits, seeds, thorny shrubs for fencing and Sal leaves for leaf cups
and plates. Leading shoots of Sal coppice are in great demand for use as
tooth brushes and fibres of Palas and Siali and other species for ropes.
Greater part of local supplies of forest produce used to be drawn from
outside reserve forests with. But the increasing population and larger
demand for free grants, village forests are disappearing and so the
pressure has now fallen on reserved forests.
Balangir district is one of the most important districts in terms of
Government‟s revenue from minor forest produce. The district holds top
place in Kendu leaves production both in terms of quantity and quality. It is
also one of the top producers of Mahua flowers in the State. Kendu leaves
and Mahua flowers constitute the first and second most important NTFPs of
the district in terms of value of output. The district is the largest producer of
Neem Seeds, 2nd largest producer of Char seeds and Babul seeds, 3rd
largest producer of Bantulsi seeds and 5th largest producer of Chakunda
seeds.
Employment in Forest Operations
Large number of local labourers, find employment in forest operations
especially in kendu leaves collection. The Kendu leaf Divisions of Forest
Department Balangir, Patnagarh and Titilagarh employ about 50,000
labourers annually in coppice plucking, storing, processing and export
operations.
Forest Industry
Forest produce like Kendu leaf and bamboo are two principal raw
materials to feed the Bidi and paper industries respectively. The Bidi industry
which is solely run by man-power locally employed. Other industries, such
as saw mills and furniture workshops etc. also operate in the district.

166
Minor Forest Produce
Bamboo
Since 1951, bamboos in some parts of Khaprakhol and Mohakhand
Ranges were leased out to M/S. Bengal Paper Mills Limited. Bamboos from
the rest of the Division are consumed locally. On an average, 60,000
bamboos are being supplied at concessional rate to tenants for their
domestic use.
Large numbers of people earn their livelihood by making bamboo
baskets, mats and other things. Use of bamboos in construction of houses
particularly in rural areas is found considerable.
Following List depicts a picture of production of minor forest produce in
the district. The table reflects approximate quantities of production of
different minor forest produce.
NTFP Item Approx. Quantity (qtl.)
1. Kendu Leaves 90,000
2. Mahua Flowers 2,00,000
3. Sal Seed 2,400
4. Neem Seeds 1,500
5. Babul Seeds 1,500
6. Genduli Gum 90
7. Char Seed 145
8. Bantulsi 2000
9. Chakunda Seeds 450
10. Harida 500
11. Hill Broom 100
12. Thorn Broom 450
13. Siali Leaves 145
14. Bahada 170

Kendu Leaves
Balangir district is the largest producer of Kendu Leaves in the state.
The district produces roughly 15% of the state‟s total production. However,
due to better quality of leaves in the district, Balangir‟s contribution to the
total sale revenues of the State is roughly 25%. Three Kendu Leaf Divisions,
Balangir, Patnagarh and Titilagarh cover the district.

Mahua Flowers
The Flowers of Mahua (Madhuca indica) are an important minor forest
produce from the view point of tribal people. Mahuli is a dominant liquor
locally browed and consumed by tribals and other people. Balangir is an
important producer of Mahua flowers in the State. The annual reported
production of Mahua flowers in the district hovers around 150,000 quintals.

167
Mahua Seed
Mahua seed (or Tola) is also an important NTFP from the angle of
consumption needs. Mahua oil is the primary cooking medium in most of the
rural areas of the district. Most of Mahua seed production is used to supply
oil at the household level.
Other Forest Produce are Khair (Acasia catechu), Lac, Myrbolan and
Sabai Grass collected in small quantities.
Natural Calamities
Entire Balangir district is vulnerable to frequent droughts. Failure of
crops is mainly attributed to insufficient or unevenly distributed rainfall and
as a result, scarcity often overtakes the territory.
Almost fifty years back in the year 1965, the district was in the grip of a
severe drought as there was inadequate rainfall singularly marked by its
erratic and uneven distribution. There was only 863 mm of rain during the
year as against the annual average of 1422 mm. Even this little rainfall was
so erratic in nature that cultivation could hardly derive any benefit and as a
result, towards the end of October 1965, paddy crop failed leaving behind
withered stumps.
Major Past Calamities
From 1974 to 2014 a number of natural disasters have been reported
affecting the lives and livlihood of about 13 lakh people of Balangir district.
Droughts occurred in 1974, 1979, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2000,
2004, 2005 and 2011. This district was also affected by flood in 1982, 2006,
2007 and 2008. Unseasonal rains occurred in the month of December 2010
damaging crops in fields. There was pest attack on cotton in 2001.
Floods: Though Balangir is a drought prone district, heavy rains lead to
flash floods in some river systems flowing throughout the district. However,
over the period, due to increase in road connectivity to remote areas of the
district, a major part of the district does not get affected due to flood.
However, there are some pockets of the districts which are cut off during
flood.
The details are given below.

Sl. No. Block Name of the G.P. Name of the Inaccessible Villages
1 Agalpur Budula Dengjuri
2 Loisingha Dunguripali Magurbeda
3 Jamut Tilkamal
4 Gudvela Jamut Tikripada
4 Jamut Raxibhata

168
 6 Jamut Lattara
7 Ghuna Tarsuguda
8 Ghuna Bagbahal
9 Biramunda Sandhisara
10 Biramunda Demuhan
11 Kuturla Hatisara
12 Bodobahal Kendughat
Deogaon
13 Kultapada Singatimal
14 Goudgoth Ratakhandi
15 Muribahal Chalki Bankel
16 Siskela Siskela
17 Ghunsar Babulba
Saintala
18 Kansar Kansar
19 Belgaon Belgaon

Drought:Drought has become a perennial and recurring phenomenon

in this region andthe major cause of concern is that the frequency of drought
is increasing rapidly.The District has faced drought during 1996, 1998, 2000,
2002, and 2009.Almost 80% area of the district is proneto drought. During
2003, Gudvela block has received more than 300 mm of rainfall in a single
day.Due to the global climate change the occurrence of natural hazards will
be more frequent thereby making poor community more vulnerable and the
resultant impact more devastating. The whole district is coming under earth
quake zone –II (Low damage risk zone). The district is also coming under
wind and cyclone moderate damage risk zone. During last 15 years (2001-
2015) maximum human casualty occurred due to lightening followed by
sunstroke. Human casualty has also occurred in flood and cyclone.

169
Annexure

Source-wise Irrigation Potential in Different Blocks of Balangir District

(Area in Hectare)

Major /
Sl. Year / Medium
Minor Irrigation Project
No. Block/ ULB Irrigation
Other
Project Total
Sources
Kha Ra
rif bi Flow Lift
Khar Ra Khar Ra Khari Ra Khar Ra
iff bi iff bi ff bi iff bi
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
539 14 16
1 Agalpur 1 201 560 2 1480 80 1699 0 9130 83
Bangomund 94 95
2 a 0 0 1039 16 940 0 2398 0 4377 6
50 39 11
3 Belpara 787 240 3027 6 392 2 1163 0 5369 36
11 72 83
4 Balangir 0 0 1838 0 722 2 1766 0 4326 2
13 14
5 Deogaon 0 0 1308 68 1397 97 2380 0 5085 65
15 15
6 Gudvella 0 0 193 0 1519 19 1713 0 3425 25
25 13 15
7 Khaprakhol 558 266 1988 5 1306 06 2345 0 5927 57
96 10
8 Loisingha 58 0 1665 80 962 2 1517 0 4202 42
10 38 48
9 Muribahal 0 0 1004 0 380 0 963 0 2347 0
11 12
10 Patnagarh 0 0 2469 97 1188 88 1741 0 5398 85
53 58
11 Puintala 0 0 1550 45 536 6 2124 0 4210 1
12 12
12 Saintala 0 0 754 4 1232 32 471 0 2457 36
50 16 21
13 Titilagarh 540 0 1572 1 1644 44 1549 0 5306 45
23 25
14 Tureikela 0 0 1258 20 236 6 2534 0 4028 6

170
 Annexure II

Season-wise Estimated Area, Yield-rate and Production of Paddy in

different Blocks and Urban area of Balangir District

[Area in |Hectares, Yield rate in Qtls / Hect and

Production in Qtls

Sl Year / Autumn Winter Summer Total

. Blocks /
N ULB
o.
Ar Yie Prod Are Yie Prod Ar Yie Pro Are Yie Prod
ea ld u- a ld u- ea ld du- a ld u-
rat ctio rat ctio rat ctio rat ctio
e n e n e n e n
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
1 Agalpur 36 11. 4090 989 30. 3002 39 30. 1215 139 25. 3533
95 07 4 2 36 86 7 61 3 84 27 43
2 Bangom 64 23. 1540 679 40. 2722 65 26. 1711 133 32. 4280
unda 44 91 71 3 08 79 32 02 18 61
3 Belpara 61 16. 1034 114 32. 3721 91 35. 3211 176 27. 4788
72 76 31 11 62 80 29 74 09 22
4 Balangir 42 15. 6652 105 42. 4482 12 27. 336 148 34. 5151
67 59 3 89 34 98 96 68 65 57
5 Deogaon 39 15. 6161 102 47. 4872 26 44. 1155 144 38. 5604
54 58 7 41 58 60 0 43 1 55 77 28
6 Khaprak 37 10. 3885 103 34. 3581 9 51. 463 140 28. 3974
hol 08 48 1 20 7 15 44 37 31 29
7 Loisingh 32 12. 4125 103 29. 3029 61 51. 3126 136 25. 3473
a 83 57 5 21 35 63 24 65 42 44
8 Muribah 76 17. 1324 804 43. 3474 29 24. 719 157 30. 4805
al 58 29 19 9 17 53 8 36 54 91
9 Patnagar 67 12. 8560 134 36. 4964 56 38. 2144 202 28. 5841
h 67 65 9 37 94 06 28 60 83 59
10 Puintala 45 21. 9986 136 33. 4509 50 26. 1311 182 30. 5521
43 98 3 37 07 81 22 30 29 55
11 Saintala 75 12. 9492 110 29. 3279 27 47. 1315 187 23. 4359
11 64 9 06 79 03 9 15 5 96 2 87
12 Gudvella 31 14. 4364 474 38. 1822 84 44. 3736 869 30. 2633
00 08 6 6 41 95 7 11 0 3 29 01
13 Titilagarh 72 12. 8818 961 27. 2605 10 28. 2906 179 21. 3778
67 14 9 4 1 56 20 5 7 01 11 12
14 Tureikela 48 16. 8102 493 28. 1388 94 19. 1804 989 22. 2216
63 66 8 7 13 61 19 4 41 93
41 13. 34. 2632 117 27. 3209
ULB 7 83 5766 755 87 6 -- -- -- 2 36 2

171
 CHAPTER V

INDUSTRIES

History and Evolution of Industries in the District

Cottage industries were flourishing in the district as it is evident from
the use of iron by way of smelting of iron ore. Skilled persons were engaged
in those days for making of agricultural implements like plough shares,
sickles, axe and weapons of ancient warfare like swords, daggers, arrows,
and shields. Although it is not possible to say when this cottage industry
started, it continued right up to modern times and stopped only when scrap
iron became available from different sources. Even today village blacksmiths
make ploughshares, sickles and arrow heads in their smithies out of scrap.
The existence of mediaeval temples from 10th to 14th centuries shows
that there must have been large number of skilled workmen employed in
carving and engraving on stone and these workmen were not confined to
any particular area. Brick structures in ruins at Ranipur Jharial, Titilagarh and
Tusra could only have been made by brick layers molding clay and burning
raw bricks.
The district is famous today for hand-woven textiles. Spinning and
weaving of high quality materials must have been existed in mediaeval times
as is evident from apparel shown on stone figures in mediaeval temples. The
textiles were made not merely of cotton, but probably also of tussar silk. The
weaving of tussar silk today is of an equal standard of excellence with that of
cotton fabrics.
Images of deities made of brass and bell metal are found in old temples
and they are brought to remote village markets (hats) for sale. The braziers
excelled in brass and bell metal casting in mediaeval times.
Other industries which existed in early times were making bamboo
mats and baskets, making ropes from thatching grass and sabai grass, clay
pottery and extraction of oil from oil seeds, etc.
Present Day Village Industries
A village industry of outstanding excellence is weaving, of both cotton
and silk fabrics. Coarse clothes even with attractive design are woven by
scheduled caste communities, Gandas and Panas and finer variety is
generally woven by Bhulias. Other communities in the trade such as Kulis
and others are also involved in making coarse materials like gamuchha and
sarees. Silk sarees are also made by few Bhulia caste people in the distrct.
Other materials commonly woven by above castes are door screens, bed
sheets, etc.

172
 Power Sector in the District
Electricity was first made available to Balangir town in 1911 from a
thermal station. The initial installed capacity of the power house was then 12
K. W. only. Electric power was supplied to the town of Titilagarh from 15th
March 1957 from a power house installed with 4 A. C. generating sets. It had
an installed capacity of 619 K.W. Electricity from Hydro-electric project was
made available at Balangir on the 2nd May 1964 and at Titilagarh on the 9th
April 1965. The towns and villages connected to the 33/11 K.V. line in
Balangir substation are Balangir, Chudapali, Bhainsa, Rampur, Patnagarh,
Tarbha, Saragaj, Bhainsar, Sibtola and Sonepur. The following places are
connected to the 33/11 K.V. sub-station: Titilagarh 11, Bangomunda,
Gohirapadar and Kantabanji.
A list of division-wise consumption of electricity in Balangir district for
the year 2010-11 is furnished in Annexure I at the end of the chapter.
Power supply to domestic and industrial purpose is managed by
WESCO (Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha limited). WESCO is
a public limited company to carry out the distribution and retail supply
business of electricity in the entire region of Odisha. Before 1997, Odisha
State Electricity Board was overseeing the aspect of distribution and supply
of electricity in the district.
Name of Electrical Subdivisions and Sections under BED, Balangir
Sub- Large Medium Small Other
Name of Section Office
division Section name Industry Industry Industrycategory of Total
Division Location
name >110Kva<110Kva consumers
1. Section-I Balangir Power House Balangir 0 1 12 44724485
Balanngir-2. Section-II Balangir Palace Line Balangir 3 8 24 6577 6609
1 3. Section-III Balangir Laltikra Balangir 0 1 7 3866 3874
4. Section-IV Balangir Sudpada Balangir 0 5 15 3952 3972
1. REC Puintala Puintala 3 9 35 5602 5649
Balanngir-
BED 2.Chudapali Chudapali 0 8 33 3330 3371
2
Balangir 3. Chhatamakhana Chhatamakhana 5 13 42 4209 4269
1. Loisinga Loisinga 2 5 26 4493 4526
Loisinga 2. Salevata Salevata 0 1 15 4945 4961
3.Agalpur Agalpur 0 0 13 4522 4537
1. Tusra Tusra 7 13 29 5731 5780
Tusura
2. Deogaon Deogaon 2 7 24 3771 3804
49 Tarva ( Under Tarva 3 3 8 2508
Villages Subarnapur District)
of
Puintala
SED
Block
Subarnapur
coming
under
Sonepur
Division

173
 Name of Electrical Subdivision and Sections under TED, Titilagarh

Sub- Section Large Medium Small Other

Name of
division Section name Office Industry Industry Industry category of Total
Division
name Location >110Kva <110Kva consumers

1.Titilagarh
Titilagarh 2
No-I 9 31 5872 5914

Titilagarh 2.Titilagarh
Titilagarh 4
No-II 16 38 9591 9649

3.Sindhekela Sindhekela 1 3 43 5423 5470

1.Saintala Saintala 1 4 38 7453 7496

Saintala
2.Belgaon Belgaon 7 4 32 9520 9563

1.Kantabanji Kantabanji 8 17 46 3963 4034

TED Kantabanji 2.Tureikela Kantabanji 0 4 33 11548 11585

Titilagarh
3.Muribahal Muribahal 1 2 22 8306 8331

1.Patnagarh
Patnagarh 1
No-I 7 30 5529 5567

2.Patnagarh
Patnagarh 1
No-II 4 27 7234 7266
Patnagarh
3.Patnagarh
Patnagarh 0
No-III 1 16 7700 7717

4.Belpada Belpada 10 8 31 13151 13200

5.Khaparakhol Khaparakhol 1 2 34 12865 12902

District
Total 62 155 704 163625 167039

174
Status of Village Electrification

No.
No. of No. of village Electrified No. of UE
Sl. No. Name of Block of
Villages (Partially) Villages
G.P.

1 Agalpur 18 102 102

2 Loisinga 18 107 107
3 Balangir 23 123 123
4 Puintala 24 134 134
5 Deogaon 23 126 126
6 Gudvela 12 92 90 2
7 Saintala 20 137 137
8 Patnagarh 26 164 164
9 Khaparakhol 18 132 132
10 Belpada 22 119 119
11 Titilagarh 22 130 130
12 Muribahal 18 157 157
13 Turekela 19 108 108
14 Bangomunda 22 133 133
Total 285 1764 1762 2

Solar power
This district has four units of solar plants at Balangir (2), Deogaon and
Patnagarh generating around 36 MW of electricity which are distributed by
WESCO.
Mining
History of Mining in the district
Mining activities of the district started 100 years back. A prospecting
license for graphite was given in the year 1917 which lasted for 6 years. A
mining lease was granted in the year 1923 but no operation was carried out.
In 1937-38, graphite was found in isolated pockets of 14 villages. Graphite
occurs mostly in the form of disseminations, thin bands in pockets in the
highly siliceous, gneissic rocks in several locations in the district. Some of
the important occurrences are listed below.
1. Barghat 2. Bankiamunda 3. Gambharimal 4. Jamjuri 5. lakshanpur 6.
Dudukamal 7. Uchhabpali 8. Haravanga 9.Daamaipali 10. Patharmunda
11. Sikachida 12.Ganjaudar 13. Tentelkhunti 14. Gaindimal.

175
 Graphite was exported in the form of plumbago, graphite lumps and
powder for pencil and paint industries but presently the use of graphite
extends to gun powder industries, railways and steel plants. The main
consumers were Tata Iron and Steel Company, Indian Iron and Steel
Company and Steel Authority of India Limited and Bhilai. In 1954 permission
was granted to raise graphite in 16 villages covering an area of 139,74
acres. In the year 2014-15 mining lease for graphite was given to 47 villages
covering an area of 29,423,182 ha. Total royalty from graphite in the year
2014 was estimated Rs. 11,23,323/-.
Manganese had also been found in some places and mined in a small
scale. In 1940, 377 tons were exported. In 1941, there was a mineral survey
of Balangir district and neighbouring areas. Manganese was found in more
than 70 villages. In 1954, a prospecting license for manganese was given
covering an area of 1,23,735 acres producing a licensing fee of Rs. 1,300. A
mining lease was executed in the year 1997 but was suspended due to want
of statutory clearances.
In the year 2001 and 1997 mining permission was granted for Gem
stone in favor of M/s S.S.G. Pvt. Limited in village Kendumundi covering an
area of 12.076 ha and Galena in favor of Sri B.L. Pansari in village Badipada
respectively.
In 2015-16, 58 Mining Licenses have been granted . Out of them, 47 for
graphite, 8 for quartz, and 1 for gemstone cover total area of 29,663.757 ha.
In addition, 17 decorative stone mining licenses are granted in the district.
Graphite, Manganese, Quartz ore are the only minerals that are mined
in the district. Most of the graphite produced in the district is utilized in plants
set up by Agrawal Graphite Industries, G.R. Graphite Industries, Indusmin
Graphite Industries, Mishra Graphite Industries and National Carbon
Product. Figures of production for the last three years are as follows.
Mineral 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
Manganese Nil Nil Nil
Graphite Nil Nil 912.618
Quartz Nil Nil Nil

The Mining Revenue of the District collected for the period from 2010-11
to 2014-15 for both major and minor mineral is given below.

Year Revenue collected in Rs.

2010-11 148,639,537

2011-12 151,008,993

2012-13 210,241,530

176
2013-14 198,282,413

2014-15 239,338,860

District Industries Centers have been set up in each district of the State
st
with effect from 1 July 1978. Consequent upon establishment of District
Industries Centers, the Offices of the District Industries Officers, Project
Officers, Rural Industries Projects and Zonal Deputy Director have been
abolished. The District Industries Centre will be the only agency to deal with
all services and support required for promotion, establishment and follow up
action in respect of small and village Industries. This organization has been
equipped with techno managerial staff, marketing experts and economists to
locate and assist entrepreneurs belonging to small and village sectors. The
range of functions of a District Industries Centre cover economic
investigation of a district‟s raw materials, credit facilities, effective marketing
assistance with common facilities for quality control and establish close
linkage with development departments, financing agencies etc.
From 1978, 7 Industrial Policy resolutions have been formulated by the
Government. The one which is now in force is IPR of 2007. Beside this
2009 MSME development policy is also in force where the following type of
incentives and other facilities have been provided to the entrepreneur.
1. Capital investment subsidy
2. Interest subsidy
3. Entry tax exemption
4. Entertainment tax exemption
6. Exemption on payment of premium of land conversion
7. Electricity duty exemption
8. Providing of IDCO land in concessional rate
9. Marketing support
Existing Status of Industrial Estates/Areas/Growth Centres in the
District of Balangir
Sl. Name of Total Land Prevailing Total Sheds No of No of units
No. Industry Land (in Alloted(in Land Rate Sheds Allotted/used vacant in
Estate/Area Acres) Acres) Per sheds operation
Acre/Rs.
In lakh

1 Balangir Zone 13.460 8.513 7.00 18 17 1 10

A
2. Balangir 89.580 43.162 5.50 - - - 03
Zone-B
3. Balangir NID 168.130 72.866 4.50 - - - 04
(Phase I)

4. Balangir NID 395.890 131.310 3.50 - - - 03

(Phase II)

5. Kantabanji 9.470 8.523 10.00 06 06 - 05

6. Titilagarh 17.460 9.093 10.00 15 11 4 11

7. Patnagarh 10.291 0.000 10.00 - - - -

otal 704.281 273.467 - 39 34 5 36

177
Industrial Scenario of Balangir District (2010-11)

Sl. Head Unit Particulars

No
1. Registered Industrial Unit Nos 1270
2. Total Industrial Unit Nos 4557
3. Registered Medium and Large Unit Nos 5

4. Estimated. No. of Daily Worker Employed in Small Scale Nos 29635

Industries

5. Employment in Large and Medium Industries Nos 3652

6. No. of Industrial Area Nos 7

7. Investment of Small Scale Industries In 14444.84
Lacs
8. Turnover of Medium and Large Scale Industries In NA
Lacs

Details of Existing Micro and Small Enterprises and Artisan Units in

the District (As on 2011-12)

Nic Code Type of Number of Investment Employment

No. Industry Units (Lakh Rs.)

20 and 22 Agro based 1344 5361.62 6334

23, 24, 25 Textile based 473 1324.63 5886
and 26

27. Wood/wooden based furniture 221 195 1286

28 Paper and Paper products 95 227.15 622
29 Leather based 25 57.59 223
31 Chemical/Chemical based 108 367.38 808
30 Rubber, Plastic and petro 65 694.48 419
based
32 Mineral based (GandC) 229 2435.5 5136
33 and 35 Metal based (Steel Fab.) and 400 1386.09 2817
Engineering units

36 Electrical machinery and 15 41.26 93

electronics
97 Repairing and servicing 1581 3223.86 5907
01 Others 216 868.5 1174

178
Large Scale Industries / Public Sector Undertakings

Sl. Name and address of the unit Investment Employment Item of production
No (Rs. in (Nos)
lakh)
1. Ordnance Factory, Badamal, 54400 2400 Defense Production
Saintala, Balangir (ammunition)

2 GKW Piomex Steels Ltd., 8724 551 Alloyed Steel

Turla, Titilagarh, Balangir

3 Rashabh Mining Pvt. Ltd., 808 51 Granite Slab/Tiles

Titilagarh, Balangir

Medium Scale Enterprises

Sl. Name and address of the unit Investment Employment Item of production
No (Rs. in
lakh)
1. M/s. Vijayananda Cooperative 5488 500 Sugar and Spirit
Sugar Mills Ltd., Sagarpali,
Deogaon, Balangir

2 M/s. Spa Straw Board Industries 773 150 Writing/Printing/

(P) Ltd., Charmora, Titilagarh, Kra Paper
Balangir

Service Enterprises
Positive growth is noticed with respect to service enterprises like
transport and repairing services. There is also every scope for service
enterprises with respect to handloom and handicraft sector. As handloom
and textile industries are prominent activities of the district, there is scope for
services like silk twisting, dying, sizing, knitting, and jari works in the district
for master weaver and enterprises.
A detailed list of activities of small scale, handicrafts and cottage and
handloom industries in Balangir district is appended as Annexure II at the
end of the chapter.
Potential Areas for Service Industry
Activities under service and business sectors generally require less
capital and intensive labour. It is widely feasible in the district because of the
growing need for these services. The following servicing units are identified
in the districts.
1) Modern Automobile Workshop/Body Building
2) Two wheeler/Auto Rickshaw Repairing unit
3) Agro Servicing Centres
179
 4) Retreading of tyres
5) Reconditioning of Battery
6) Electrical repairing shop/Motor Winding/Transformer Repairing
7) Beauty parlor
8) Cyber café/Computer Data Processing/Hardware Repairing
9) Colour Photo Laboratory
10) Digital Photo studio
11) Dry Cleaning
12) Audio and video shooting/editing and servicing centre
13) Silk Twisting/Handloom Dyeing/Sizing/Knitting
14) Restaurant /Hotel
15) Mobile Repairing
16) Xeroxing
17) Electrical
18) Tailoring and Jari Works
Potential for new MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)

Taking into consideration the availability of raw materials and local demand,
following resource oriented demand based MSMEs are suggested.

1. Plantation and extraction of herbal Ayurvedic medicines and cosmetics.

2. Rice Mill
3. Chuda Mill
4. Cold storage/rural godown/Dehydrated Onion
5. Leaf cup and plates
6. Jam, Jelly and Squash
7. Tomato Product, Ketchup, Chutney
8. Pickle
9. Kendu Leaf Product/Bidi
10. Oil Mill
11. Dal Mill
12. Spices Grinding
13. Cattle/Poultry Feed
14. Bread/Bakery/Biscuit
15. Food Mixture
17. Voltage Stabilizer
18. Readymade Garment
19. Agriculture implements
20. Cement products
21. Leather Bag Manufacturing/Shoe
22. Aluminium Utensil/Furniture
23. Fabrication/steel furniture
24. Agarbati/Candle
25. Granite Cutting/Polishing
180
26. Printing Press/Exercise Book
27. Packaged Drinking Water
28. Galvanised Product
29. Fly ash Brick
30. Cotton Ginning
31. Art Textile
32. Disposable Plastic Syringe/Needle
33. Rice Bran Oil
34. Neem Based Product
35. Mushroom Processing
36. Graphite Based Units
37. Handloom Fabrics
38. Terracotta
39. Jute and Hemp Rope
40. Brass Metal
41. Durry and Carpet Weaving
42. Terracotta
43. Diary Product
Existing Clusters of Micro and Small Enterprise

Details of Major Clusters

Manufacturing Sector

1. Rice Mill Cluster at Balangir

2. Granite Cluster at Balangi
Handicraft Sector

1. Terracotta Cluster at i) Puintala, ii) Bagapalli and Manhiva, iii) Silatapada

and Kutumdala, iv) Saintala, v) Titilagarh
2. Durry, Carpet Cluster at i) Chandanbhati, ii) Raximunda, iii) Tallijuni
3. Soft Toys at Balangir
4. Punja Dari at i) Khaprakhol, ii) Muribahal.
5. Wood Carving Talapadipada
6. Bamboo Craft at Bhutilalbahal
7. Applique at Loisinga
PMEGP
Prime Ministers Employment Generation programme (PMEGP) has
th
been announced by the Government of India on 15 August, 2008 and
implemented from 2008-09 by 3 departments i.e., D.I.C, KVIB and KVIC.
The following nos of entrepreneurs have been benefited by the scheme. The
year wise position is mentioned below.

181
Sl. no Year DIC KVIB
No Inv Emp.(No) No Inv Emp.(No)
(Rs. in lakh) (Rs. in lakh)
1 2008-09 21 32.97 122 35 46.74 105
2 2009-10 36 85.40 262 28 71.08 64
3 2010-11 41 85.31 242 27 73.64 101
4 2011-12 28 57.80 128 13 44.42 53
5 2012-13 24 49.72 85 20 36.26 80
6 2013-14 26 59.42 15 23 64.62 70
7 2014-15 24 77.09 4 16 35.72 106
Source:

Handicraft Sector
In Balangir district handicraft like terracotta, paddy craft, brass and bell
metal, Applique, tie and dye, durry weaving, dhokra casting and art textiles
are functioning. Out of the above terracotta is a most vibrant craft in the
district where 405 artisans have been covered. Paddy craft is a languishing
craft of the district. For its development Government provides training to
beneficiaries and artisans for this trade. At present, there are 60 persons
have been trained in this trade. Besides, the above boost up has been given
to appliqué trade in the district by training 205 artisans mostly schedule tribe
ladies. The following schemes have been provided by the Director,
Handicrafts and Cottage Industries for implementation in the district.
Craft Village Scheme
Director, Handicraft and Cottage Industries, Odisha, Bhubaneswar
developed handicraft training programme under RLTAP (State Window) on
cluster basis for the year 2004-05 and 2005-06 for development of different
trades are mentioned below. Likewise, during the year 2006-07 and 2007-
08, Collector, Balangir provided funds for implementation of handicraft
cluster development programme under RLTAP (District Window). Under the
state window, 34 SHGs and under district window 14 SHGs have been
covered and trained. Out of the above, 24 SHGs from state window and 10
SHGs under the district window have been provided bank linkages.
Labour Laws and Relations, Protection of Labour, Trade Unionism and
Labour Welfare
The following labour laws are relevant to the district:
1. Minimum Wages Act, 1948
2. Payment of Wages Act, 1936
3. Factories Act, 1948
4. Child labour(Prohibition and Regulation Act), 1986
5. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
6. Payment of bonus Act, 1965
182
7. Trade union Act,1926
8. Gratuity Act,1972
9. Employee‟s Compensation Act, 1923
10. Odisha Industrial Establishment (National and festival holidays
)Act,1969.
11. Inter-State Migrant Women Act, 1979.
A District Labour Officer has been posted in the district to oversee the
welfare of industrial workers. He is responsible for the implementation of
various labour laws enacted for welfare of workers. He is responsible for
verification of trade unions and conducts conciliation under the Industrial
Dispute Act., 1947. District Labour Officer inspects implementation of
various laws relating to the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
The Assistant Labour Commissioner‟s office also functions in the
district. It looks after the workmen compensation and payment of gratuity.
Hotel and Hospitality Industries
There are 16 hotels constructed in Balangir district. In Commercial
centers of Balngir, Kantabanji and Titilagarh, hotels have been set up.
Though no star hotels are there, still hotels provide good services and
facilities to tourists and other visitors to the district. Few of these hotels have
restaurants and Bar facilities.
Some of the hotels of Balangir district may be mentioned here.
1. Raj Mahal Hotel (P) Limited, Balangir, 2. Hotel Blue Lagoon, Balangir 3.
Hotel Classic, Balangir, 4. Hotel Sam, Titilagarh, 5. Hotel Swayam, Balangir
,6. Hotel Bhamar, Balangir, 7. Hotel Alishan, Kantabanji.

183
 Annexure I
Division-Wise Consumption of Electricity in Balangir District, 2010-11
( In Million Units )
Sl. Balanjgi Titilagar
No. Category of Consumers / Division r h
1 2 3 4
a)
1 Domestic Urban 30.565 16.359
b) Rural 23.067 29.273
2 Kutir Jyoti 0.014 0.755
a)
3 Commercial Urban 5.030 2.305
b) Rural 1.400 1.265
4 Commercial (Over 10 KW) 7.093 6.067
5 Small Industries 2.552 3.003
6 Medium Industries 3.313 3.889
7 |Irrigation a) OLIC 2.539 1.152
b)Privat
e 2.885 2.540

8 Public Lighting 0.268 1.089

9 Public Water Works (Below 100 KW) 1.120 1.547
10 Public Institution (below 100 KW) 1.128 0.913
L.T. (Total) 80.974 70.157

1 Large Industries (below 132 KV) 5.153 8.591

2 Mini Steel Plant 0.000 0.000
3 General Purpose 1.354 2.540
4 Bulk-Supply domestic 0.000 0.000
5 Public Water Works (above 100 KW) 6.700 0.869
6 Public Institution (above 100 KW) 0.248 0.000
H.T. (Total) 13.455 12.000
1 Heavy Industries 0.000 0.000
2 Power Intensive Industries 0.000 7.722
3 Railway traction 0.000 0.000
4 Large Industries (at 132 KV) 0.000 14.376
E.H.T. (Total) 0.000 22.098
GRAND TOTAL 94.429 104.255

184
 Annexure II

fS Small Scale, Handicrafts and Cottage and Handloom Industries in Balangir

District

Sl. No. Name Magnitude

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
A. Small Scale Industries

1 No. Of S.S.I. Units Established 187.00 191.00 191.00

2 Total capital investment (Rs. in lakhs) 1049.38 875.69 1611.00
3 Employment Generated (In numbers ) 1339.00 1131.00 898.00

B. Cottage Industries
1 No. Of S.S.I. Units Established 172.00 5795.00 578.00
2 Total capital investment (Rs. in lakhs) 713.35 483.74 190.50
3 Employment Generated (In numbers ) 1144.00 12371.00 1156.00

C. Handloom Industries
No. Of Looms 1051.00 736.00 796.00
Total Capital Inventstment (Rs. in lakhs) 755.62 839.32 1015.91
Production (in lakh Sq.Mt.) 4.55 4.39 4.70
Employment generated (in Numbers ) 2102.00 1472.00 1592.00

185
 CHAPTER VI

BANKING, TRADE AND COMMERCE

Economic History
st
Balangir district was formed on 1 November 1948. However, quite
before that the economy of Balangir district was opened to the outside world
after the construction of Raipur-Vizianagaram Railway line in the year 1934.
With the opening of Railway line, business persons from places like
Bombay, Nagpur and other commercial centres started coming to Balangir to
have trade and commercial activities which posed a serious settling threat.
Initially, they settled at the Railway head-centres like Titilagarh, Kantabanji
and Lathor. Slowly they spread their commercial activities and settled at
other centres with rural markets (hats) like Balangir, Loisingha, Tusra,
Bangomunda, Belpada, Sindhekela etc.
In the year 1964 the Railway line from Jharsuguda to Titilagarh was
opened for traffic. Thereafter market around Balangir, Loisingha and
Saintala also came up. The businesspersons were mostly engaged in the
procurement of agricultural commodities like paddy, oilseeds, kendu leaf,
bamboo, timber and other minor forests products and cereals.
The Railway Heads/Stations helped in handling the import and export
activities in the District. The main exportable commodities were paddy, rice,
mung, biri, kulthi, gurji, ragi, til, onion, gram, neem seed, kendu leaf, timber,
mahua, broom, graphite etc. Main imports at that time happened to be yarn,
cotton, salt, wheat, sugar, edible oils, kerosene, cement, potato, dry fish,
molasses, fancy goods, hardware etc. They exported them to different
commercial centres outside the district.
The trading communities also engaged themselves in paying poor
farmers in advance and obtaining their crops at a cheap rate during the
harvest season and in the process functioned as money lenders to
producers and petty traders.
From the settlement report of 1937 of Patna ex-State, it is also revealed
that the Bhulia Mehers of Patnagarh and Titilagarh subdivisions, the
Agharias of Balangir subdivision and some rich land-owning Brahmins were
operating as village money lenders. These money lenders were also rich
land-owning agriculturists and almost all of them were lending paddy to the
poor villagers in need.The sundhis in Titilagarh (who were deriving great
profit from liquor shops and distilleries), Gujaratis and Marwaris (who settled
at market places of Balangir, Patnagarh, Titilagarh, Kantabanji, Tusra and
Loisingha)were also operating as money lenders among Adibashis by

186
engaging agents to go round the villages for purchasing the products from
these people and advancing petty sums to be repaid in kind at harvesting
time. Paddy lending was also practiced by many Agharias and Bhulias which
were being repaid after the harvest at even 25% rate of interest.
Before opening of the Raipur-Vizianagaram Railway line, trade was
being conducted in the form of exchange. The tribal people of this District
were carrying their marketable goods and agricultural products to the
markets of Tusra, Dhandamunda, Bangomunda, Loisingha, Binka, and
Tarbha. To these markets traders were regularly visiting with foreign goods
including goods of their area. There was exchange of goods among
themselves. These markets along with others subsequently flourished with
the opening of new roads and availability of vehicular traffics. Hundreds of
carts and even a few trucks were seen to have deployed in the market day in
rural markets which were previously accessible to pack bullocks and pack
ponies of traders.
With advancements of the area, the markets were seen selling and
purchasing many foreign made fancy goods and articles of daily use.
Traders also started coming from neighbouring areas of Sambalpur, Raipur,
Vizinagaram, Waltair, Ankapali, Kakinada, Nagpur, and Bilaspur. Opening of
new railway line from Sambalpur to Titilagarh increased the importance of
market of Balangir district.
The Wazib-ul-Urz of the settlement of 1937 reveals that businessmen
and moneylenders were keeping landed properties as mortgage (security).
They were also lending against mortgage/pledge of gold/silver ornaments,
utensils, implements, household goods, furniture, and some time house-
sites. Usually they were charging high rate of interest but when debtors had
no assets to be given as security they were deliberately charging very
prohibitive/exorbitant rates (from 150% to 300%).
Evolution of Banking as an Institution
In the year 1934 a Co-operative Bank was established in the district
and in 1956 it was amalgamated with the Co-operative bank at Sonepur and
was named as Balangir District Central Co-operative Bank (BDCC).
No bank existed in the District till 1943. The people were too poor to
afford for any savings. The money lenders though were meeting the
requirements for short term credits, their numbers were negligible. Further,
the cooperative structure could not meet the volume of credit requirements.
Thus it paved the way for Banks to appear as institutions to meet both the
savings as well as the credit requirements which prompted the State Bank of
India (SBI) to open its branch at Balangir in July 1957 and in May 1959 at
Titilagarh. Between the sixties and seventies SBI and other Nationalized
Banks opened branches at different important /strategic business centres.
187
 In the year 1975 Government of India felt that both the Co-operatives
including the commercial banks as outlets for credit failed to meet the
requirements of the rural populace and as such created Regional Rural Bank
as an alternate structure to cater to the need of the people. Accordingly,
Balangir Anchalik Gramya Bank (BAGB) was established in October 1975
with its Head Office at Balangir. With the passage of time and the
subsequent amalgamation processes BAGB was renamed as Utkal
Grameen Bank (UGB).
In the later part of the nineties, it was further observed that the credit
requirement of the poorest of the poor could not be met even with the
creation of RRBs in the banking sector. As a result, the concept of SHG
emerged and became functional to cater to the micro credit needs of the
rural poor particularly of the women folk. Not only the Bankers but also many
micro finance institutes (MFIs) entered into the scenario and as such now
10934 nos. of SHGs are functional in the district and playing a vital role for
the socio-economic development of the district.
From 2000 onwards there has been a sea change in the Banking arena
of Balangir district. There was technological improvisation like
computerization and subsequently the introduction of CBS platform in all the
banks by which a customer is considered as a customer of the Bank and not
of a particular branch of the Bank.
Further new Banking outlets like ATMs, KIOSKS, B.Cs, CSPs, POS,
Internet Banking, Mobile Banking etc. have been provided for easy access to
Banking transaction on 24x7 basis for the customers.
Gradually a considerable number of other Banking players both from
public sector and private sector have opened branches not only at Balangir
town but also at Blocks and at GP level.
The details of the number of branches (bankwise) including other
banking outlets of Balangir district are furnished here:
Banking Outlets in the District as on 31.03.2015
Sl.No. Name of Bank Branches Rural Semi- ATMs BC/CSP/Kiosk
urban
01 State Bank of India(Lead 23 12 11 69 120
Bank)
02 Allahabad Bank 04 02 02 2 1
03 Andhra Bank 07 04 03 4 4
04 Bank of Baroda 05 02 03 2 10
05 Bank of India 03 0 03 2 2
06 Central Bank of India 04 02 02 4 2
07 Indian Overseas Bank 02 0 02 5 4
08 ICICI Bank 01 0 01 5 -
09 Punjab National Bank 05 01 04 3 2
10 UCO Bank 02 0 02 2 3
11 United Bank of India 03 0 03 5 9

188
 12 Axis Bank 03 0 03 11 -
13 Canara Bank 02 0 02 2 -
14 Union Bank of India 01 0 01 1 -
15 Syndicate Bank 03 01 02 3 2
16. IDBI Bank 02 0 01 2 -
17. HDFC 02 0 02 3 -
18 Indian Bank 02 01 01 2 -
19 Oriental Bank of 01 0 01 1 -
Commerce
20 DCB Bank 02 0 02 1 -
21 Federal Bank 01 0 01 1 -
Total Commercial Bank 78 26 51 130 159
20 Utkal Grameen Bank 45 39 6 - 63
21 Balangir DCCB 14 08 06 - -
TOTAL 137 73 63 130 222

State Bank of India is having the lead responsibility in banking sector in

Balangir district.
SUMMARY
RRBs :- 45
DCCB :- 14
S B I :- 23
Public Sector Banks :- 46
Private Sector Banks :- 09
TOTAL 137

Changes in the Approach to Banking

The service area approach has been adopted to bring an orderly and
planned development of specific villages earmarked as „Service Area‟ for
each banking branch, on the basis of local conditions. The approach also
contemplates continuous monitoring of progress in the implementation of
credit plan in their respective service area.
The Lead Bank scheme was formulated in Dec 69, under which each
district had been assigned to different banks (Public/Private) to act as
consortium leader to coordinate the efforts of all credit institutions in the
allotted district particularly in the matters such as branch expansion and
credit planning. The role of „lead bank‟ in Balangir district has been given to
State Bank of India.
The District Credit Plan is under lead bank System which aims at
overall development of a district through the coordinated effort of banks
acting in unison with the developmental organs of the State Government at
the district level. It makes the credit institutions and the Government
departments fully conscious of their respective role and responsibility in the
formulation as well as implementation of the credit plan. The implementation
of the credit plan is being reviewed at quarterly interval at Block level and
DCC meeting.

189
 The Credit Plan for Balangir district for 2015-16

Housing Other Priority Non Priority

3% Sector Sector Crop Loan
16% 5% 25%
Education
1%

MSE Term Loan

12% 12%
Indirect Allied
Agriculture Agriculture
17% 9%

(Rs. in Lakh)

Crop Loan 22965

Term Loan 11000
Allied Agriculture 8951
Indirect Agriculture 15519
MSE 11003
Education 1157
Housing 3371
Other Priority Sector 14603
Non Priority Sector 4392
Total Plan 92960

A list of non-agricultural credit co-operative societies in different blocks

and urban areas in balangir district is furnished in Annexure I at the end of
this chapter.
It was observed that banking facility is enjoyed by a small group of
people having sound means. To cover all and to extend banking facility for
all, different schemes were launched under „Financial Inclusion‟ which
includes meeting the credit needs of the people belonging to the low income
group, giving access to the payment system and providing remittance facility
to them. In order to ensure that these people do not encounter difficulties in

190
opening bank accounts the „Know your Customer‟ or KYC procedure has
been simplified.
Government is taking steps to open at least one brick and mortar
branch in each bankless Gram Panchayat (2014-2019). In Balangir district,
out of 285 G.Ps, 222 G.Ps. are unbanked.
Further, to expand the availability of banking service in rural areas with
the objective of ensuring greater financial inclusion and increasing the
outreach of the banking sector, RBI in public interest permitted banks to use
the services of Non-governmental organizations/Self help groups/,
Microfinance institutions and other civil society organizations as
intermediaries in providing financial and Banking service through Business
Correspondent (BC) and Business facilitators (BF) model. This
facilitates banks to open S.B. accounts and to do cash in/cash out
transactions (Up to Rs 10000/-) at a location much closure to the rural
habitation through the BCs /BFs.
In order to educate the people of rural and urban areas with regard to
various financial products and services available from the financial sector
and to make them aware of the advantages of being connected to that free
„Financial Literacy Counselling‟ has been taken up by the banks at the
instance of RBI. Presently, one such centre is functioning at Balangir which
is sponsored by State Bank of India.
In Balangir district, State Bank of India has undertaken the task of skill
development for the rural youth preferably from families of below poverty line
(BPL) category and to provide them hand holding support for assured credit
linkage with banks. The State Bank of India Rural Self Employment
Training Institute (SBIRSETI) at Balangir provides free training with
residential accommodation with a capacity of 30 candidates at a time which
covers different trades suitable to the area and demand.
Self Help Groups
The SHGs are considered to be the most effective and supplementary
credit delivery system for linking the poorest of the poor with the banks. They
play a major role for expansion of micro credit. They are promoted by ICDS,
NGOs, Banks and other departments of Government. The approach was to
strengthen the socio-economic status of Women of the district. Balangir
district being a LWE (Left Wing Extremism) district, the scheme for
promotion of Women SHGs is being implemented through Anchor NGOs like
RIHAI, Sanjog, and Debdutta club. They are serving as facilitator in the
formation of SHG, tracking, monitoring of the groups and are being
responsible for loan repayments. This programme aims to reduce poverty by
enabling the poor households to access gainful self employment.

191
SHG Position as on 31.03.2015

SL NO. Particulars As on 31.03.2015

1 No. of SHGs formed 10934
2 No. of SHGs credit linked as on 31 March 2015 9561
3 Percentage of Women SHGs 99
4 Average Loan per SHG(Rs.) 110000
5 No. of WSHGs formed and savings linked through Anchor NGO 1235

Financing through Joint Liability Group (JLG)

JLG is an informal group comprising of 4-10 individuals coming
together for the purpose of availing bank loan either individually or through
the group mechanism against mutual guarantee. The JLG mode of financing
serves as collateral substitute for loans provided to the small, marginal,
tenant farmers, oral leases, sharecroppers etc. It also enables the banks to
reach farmers through group approach and cluster approach.
Differential Rate of Interest Scheme
Under the DRI scheme, banks provide individual loans up to Rs
15000/-at a concessional rate of interest of 4 % to the weaker sections of the
community for engaging in productive and gainful activities. However, for
persons with disabilities (PWD) a sum of Rs 5000/- for purchase of aids ,
appliances and equipments can be granted apart from the loan amount of
Rs 15000/- . In order to ensure that persons belonging to SC/STs also derive
benefit under DRI scheme, banks have been advised to grant such advance
to SC/STs to the extent of not less than 40% of total DRI advance. The
target under DRI scheme continues to be 1% of the previous year‟s total
advances.
Benchmark for Advances
The followings are some of the prescribed norms to be followed by the
banks:
The credit deposit ratio of the banks should be 60%
The priority sector advances should be minimum 40% of the total
advances.
The agriculture advances should be minimum 18% of the total
advances.
The share of weaker section advances to be minimum 25% of total
priority
sector advances.
DRI advances should be minimum 1% of previous year‟s gross bank
credit.

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Refinancing Institutions
Agricultural finance NABARD
Industrial finance SIDBI
SBF finance MUDRA
Latest Development in the Role of Banking
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
The PMJDY is executed in the mission mode which comprises the following
six pillars which is to be achieved in two phases:
1. Universal access to banking facilities: Mapping of each district into Sub
Service Area (SSA) catering to 1000-1500 households in a manner that
every habitation has access to banking facilities within a reasonable distance
of 5 kms.
2. Providing basic banking Accounts with overdraft facilities and Rupay card
to all households
3. Financial literacy programme
4. Creation of credit guarantee fund.
5. Miro insurance.
6. Unorganised Pension scheme.
Under the mission, the first 3 pillars were given thrust in the first year.
In the second phase of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Jojana, three ambitious
social security schemes pertaining to the Insurance and Pension sectors,
namely Pradhan Mantri Jiban Jyoty Bima Jojana(PMJJBY) for life insurance,
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Jojana (PMSBY) for accident insurance
and Atal Pension Yojana(APY)- pension plan for unorganised sectors to
move towards creating a Universal Social Security System which targeted
especially the poor and the underprivileged were launched by Hon‟ble
Prime Minister on 9.5.2015.
Accordingly, Balangir district having 230 SSAs have opened 307848
nos. of PMJDY accounts by the banks. The details are furnished below.
Position as on 30.09.2015

S.No Bank‟s Name PMJDY Rupay Card PMSBY PMJJBY APY

Issued
1 Allahbad bank 2307 - 335 282
2 Andhra Bank 4517 3376 907 81
3 Axis 382 382 258 82 6
4 Bank of Baroda 9111 2666 713 29
5 Bank of India 1730 827 438 5
6 Canara Bank 970 370 37
7 CBI 3889 2035 1491 28
8 DCCB

193
 9 HDFC 120 120 03
10 ICICI 10 60
11 Indian bank 2607 1307 700 237 13
12 IOB 749 494
13 IDBI 1370 645 1051 200
14 OBC 903 790 380 01
15 PNB 3450 3200 134
16 Syndicate Bank 5178 3082 4003 572 31
17 UCO Bank 2016 272 104 02
18 UBI 810 180 11
19 Union Bank 3016 992 180 11
21 UGB 64675 64675 104403 14894
23 D C B Bank
24 SBI 201512 65614 12084 531

25 FEDERAL Bank 215 215 41 16

26 Corporation
Bank
27 Post Office
TOTAL 307848 69661 192216 34456 750

Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Limited (MUDRA)

Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency limited (MUDRA) was

launched by the Hon‟ble Prime Minister on 08.04.2015 as a new financial
entity for developing financial institutions through refinance who are lending
to micro enterprises engaged in manufacturing, trading, and service sector
up to Rs. 10 lakhs. This is aimed to increase the access of small borrowers
to credit from formal financial sectors. There are three categories of
MUDRA loans :

Sishu : covering loans up to Rs.50000/-

Kishor: covering loans above Rs. 50000/- and up to Rs.5 lakhs

Tarun: covering loans above Rs.5 lakhs and up to Rs. 10 lakhs.

Presently MUDRA is functioning as an offshoot of SIDBI (Small Industrial

Developmental Bank of India).
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

As per extant policy of the Government, any financial assistance given by

different schemes are to be deposited in the beneficiary bank accounts
directly to eradicate the chance of misappropriation. Accordingly, as on
31.03.2015, banks have opened 93240 accounts through which
government‟s financial help is directly credited to the benificiaries‟ accounts.
The department and scheme wise details are as given below.

194
 SL NO. Name of the Deptt. Name of the scheme No. of A/Cs
1 Dist.Welfare Office Post matric-SC 19754
Post matric-OBC 9141
Post matric-ST 9881
Prematric-SC 14256
Prematric-ST 14274
2 Dist.Education Office NMMS 202
Incentive for Girl Child 6321
3 Health Deptt. Janani Suraksha Yojana 17886
4 NCLP Children under Child Labour Project 1525
TOTAL
93240

Banking Key Indicators (As on 31.03.2015)

Rs. in lakhs.
SL.NO. Deposi Advances
Name Of Financing No. of t CD
Institutions. Branch Ratio
%
7745.8
1 Allahabad Bank 4 4 4811.22 62
8086.9
2 Andhra Bank 7 9 4336.12 54
5859.4
3 Bank of Baroda 5 9 3813.41 65
8375.8
4 Bank of India 3 2 2246.49 27
5360.1
5 Canara Bank 2 5 1055.35 20
4696.0
6 Central Bank of India 4 0 2120.00 45
12846.
7 IDBI Bank 2 00 847.11 7
2420.8
8 Indian Bank 2 1 178.87 7
3803.0
9 Indian Overseas Bank 2 0 951.00 25
10 Oriental Bank of Comm. 1 440.00 308.00 70
5935.4
11 Punjab National Bank 5 1 3663.21 62
154300
12 State Bank of India 23 .00 89919.26 58
2438.3
13 Syndicate Bank 3 2 879.02 36
4144.4
14 UCO Bank 2 5 3212.39 78
3268.2
15 Union Bank Of India 1 5 1120.54 34
16 United Bank Of India 3 3970.4 2821.51 71

195
 2
233690
Total Public Sector Bank 70 .95 122283.50 52
11900.
17 Axis Bank 3 25 2175.25 11
3427.7
18 HDFC Bank 2 0 3582.78 105
4347.7
19 ICICI Bank 1 4 1320.51 30
20 DCB Bank Ltd. 2 637.10 1004.89 158
21 Federal Bank 1 140.77 26.17 19
20453.
Total of Private Sector Bank 9 56 8109.60 40
45556.
22 Utkal Grameen Bank 45 30 29932.13 66
32541.
23 Dist. Central Co-operative Bank 14 57 42896.95 132
332242
Grand Total 137 .38 203222.18 61

Advance Position (As on 31.03.2015)

(Rs. In lakh)
Agl. DRI Priority Weaker SC/ST Adv. Advance
SL. Advances Loan. Sector Section Advan To To
No. Name of Advan Advanc ces Minori Women
Banks ces es ty
Allahabad 4408.0 1135.7 520.3
1 Bank 2608.69 13.05 3 2615.52 3 3 842.2
Andhra 4215.0 469.0
2 bank 2599.85 8.10 5 1662.31 520.03 21.9 0
Bank of 3268.0 220.8
3 Baroda 981.05 13.35 0 599.00 289.85 0.32 9
Bank of 2199.4 815.0
4 India 648.44 0.00 0 482.36 241.55 0.00 0
Canara
5 Bank 206.24 16.15 874.52 283.64 55.80 24.66 45.22
1850.2 194.0
6 C.B.I 775.52 3.00 1 755.00 191.45 26.00 0
7 IDBI 370.64 0 592.19 0.00 28.80 1.80 67.20
Indian
8 Bank 30.54 0.19 108.32 14.30 8.54 0.00 18.32
287.6
9 I.O.B. 492.25 8.34 924.86 332.62 178.38 39.60 0
10 O.B.C. 135.18 0 265.84 81.64 16.94 1.41 27.01
3457.5 289.6
11 P.N.B. 2170.20 2.65 1 1425.12 502.71 20.34 9
59665. 20150.4 11854. 3420. 6375.
12 S.B.I. 20670.21 58.86 68 5 26 36 49
Syndicate
13 Bank 350.8 2.25 681.00 351.59 141.59 45.95 97.70
14 UCO Bank 1556.11 2.68 3186.2 1121.89 462.50 3.26 836.4

196
 4 5
Union 1081.7 121.0
15 Bank 462.8 2.70 5 225.15 105.00 0.00 5
2771.7 180.0
16 U.B.I. 1201.90 2.60 8 1468.00 505.00 16.00 0
Total Public 89550. 31568.5 16238. 4141. 1088
Sector 35260.42 133.92 38 9 13 93 6.82
17 AXIS 593.77 0 651.10 7.32 7.32 0.00 2.50
1894.4 195.5
18 HDFC 1025.51 0 0 909.40 77.00 8.56 4
1104.1 186.9
19 ICICI 742.76 0 4 314.77 40.83 34.24 0
20 DCB 356.99 0 989.77 208.46 0 3.07 52.57
Federal
21 Bank 20.36 0 20.37 3.66 0 0.00 0.30
Total of Private 4659.7 437.8
Sector Bank 2739.39 0 8 1443.61 125.15 45.87 1
22 U.G,B, 21481.33 0 27407.60 10152.00 12743.49 311.67 4489.82

23 BDCC 32390.90 0 34579.86 34317.56 1189.86 0.00 857.94

GT 91872.04 133.92 156197.6 77481.76 30296.63 4499.47 16672.3

2 9
Cooperative Sector

The Balangir Cooperative Division started its functioning since the year
1979 with three circle offices namely Balangir, Titilagarh and Sonepur Circle.
Prior to that it was under the Kalahandi Deputy Registrar of Cooperative
Societies, Cooperative Division. Later on two new circles were created
bifurcating Balangir Circle and Sonepur Circle. Now five circles namely
Balangir, Patnagarh, Titilagarh, Sonepur, Birmaharajpur circle covering all
Revenue Divisions of both Balangir and Sonepur District are functioning
under this Division.

The Deputy Registrar of Coop. Societies, Balangir Division is the

District Registering authority of all Central Cooperative Societies and Asst.
Registrar of Cooperative Societies is the sub-divisional registering authority
within their circle. They are the key for promotion and extension of
cooperative movement in the district. They are assisted by SARCS,
Inspectors and CEOs in their work.

This Division comprises of several central and primary Societies.

The abstract of Cooperative societies (circle-wise) is furnished below:-

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 1) Balangir Circle: it covers six blocks Societies covered
namely,
i) Balangir I) PACS-71 Nos.
ii) Puintala II) CARD Bank-1 No.
iii) Loinsingha III) SHBCS – 1 No.
iv) Agalpur IV) RCMS-1 No.(under
v) Deogaon liquidation)
vi) Gudvella V) Non-Agril CS- 14
Nos.
VI) Central CS – 1 No.

2) Titilagarh Circle- it covers five blocks Societies covered

namely,
i) Titilagarh I) PACS-55 Nos.
ii) Muribahal II) CARD Bank-1 No.
iii) Bangomunda III) SHBCS – 1 No.
iv) Turekela IV) RCMS-1 No.(under
v) Saintala liquidation)
V) Non-Agril CS- 5
Nos.
VI) MPCS – 3 Nos.

3) Patnagarh Circle: it covers 3 blocks Societies covered

namely,
i) Patnagarh I) PACS-32 Nos.
ii) Belpada II) CARD Bank-1
iii) Khaprakhol No.
III) SHBCS – 1 No.
IV) Non-Agril CS- 2
Nos.
V) MPCS – 1 Nos.

Functioning of Societies:-
1) Paddy Procurement: The State Govt. has entrusted the
responsibility of procurement of paddy in the State to the Cooperative
Department. Being the agent of Odisha State Civil Supply Corporation the
primary societies under this division have participated in the operation of
paddy procurement since 2009-10 and continuing as such till date. During
the year 2009-10 only 93 Nos. selected PACS in Balangir District introduced
P-PAS system under pilot project. During 2014-15 all the PACS in Balangir
participated in Paddy procurement operation with P-PAS system in four
blocks of Balangir District i.e. Balangir, Puintala, Patnagarh and Deogaon
block.
The procurement position of PACS in Balangir District for the last two
years is given below:

198
 KMS 2013-14 KMS2014-15
Sl. Name of district Paddy procured Paddy procured
No.
No. of farmers Qntl. Of paddy
No. of farmers Qntl. Of paddy

1 Balangir 44570 2331531.07 46432 232644.678

A list of Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies in different blocks of

Balangir district is appended as Annexure II at the end of this chapter.

Insurance: Odisha is prone to natural calamities like flood, cyclone and

draught. The crop insurance has been proved to be a ray of hope for the
farmers. Comprehensive crop insurance scheme (CCIS) was introduced in
1985-86 and National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) has been
implemented in our state since 1999-2000 Rabi season. The Cooperatives
have been playing vital role in rendering service to the loanee member as
well as non-loanee members through the scheme. Besides, the weather
based agricultural insurance scheme implemented on a pilot basis from
Khariff-2008 season only for paddy crops. The weather based agricultural
insurance scheme is applicable where the non-loanee farmers can choose
between NACS and WBCIS only in paddy crop covering under the scheme.
For non-loanee farmers the cut off date for deposit of insurance premium is
31 July of every year.

Investment on loan: 158 Nos. of PACS covering all 381 Nos. of GPs of
Balangir and Sonepur District functioning under this Division are affiliated to
District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd. Balangir. They are providing short
term seasonal loan to their member farmers during both Khariff and Rabi
season at a very marginal interest. They achievement they realized in this
regard during 2014-15 is furnished below:-

Khariff-2014 Rabi-2015

No. of No. of Amount invested No. of No. of Amount inverted

PACS Farmer (in lakh) PACS Farmer (in lakh)
158 32602 11783.28 158 16327 6628.68

Sale of seeds: The primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies under this

Division have started selling of paddy seeds to the farmers within their area
of operation at MRP rate. 58 Nos. of PACS have participated during the year
2014-15. They buy paddy seeds from Odisha State Seeds Corporation and
sell it to the farmers without transportation charge.

199
Sale of Fertilizer: All the Primary Cooperative Societies under this division
are affiliated to OSCMF. All the PACS are lifting chemical fertilizer from
OSCMF and providing those to their members on loan.

Role of District Central Cooperative Bank

The Balangir District Central Coop. Bank is the only financing bank to
whom all the PACS of both the Districts are affiliated. The area of operation
the Bank is confined to the whole area of both Balangir and Sonepur District.
Dr. M. Muthukumar, IAS Collector and District Magistrate, Balangir was the
management in-charge of the Bank up to 30.04.2015 and Sri Laxman Ku.
Meher after Cooperative Election of DCCB Ltd., Balangir took over the
charge of the President of the Bank on Dt.01.05.2015. The bank has
following 21 Nos. of branches:
1. DCCB, Balangir Branch 2. DCCB Patnagarh Branch
3. DCCB, SADAR Branch 4. DCCB Titilagarh Branch
5. DCCB Loisingha Branch 6. DCCB Saintala Branch
7. DCCB Duduka Branch 8. DCCB Belpada Branch
9. DCCB Tusra Branch 10. DCCB Lathore Branch
11. DCCB Deogaon Branch 12. DCCB Kantabanji Branch
13. DCCB Jarasingha Branch 14. DCCB Sonepur Branch
15. DCCB Mahila Branch, Balangir 16. DCCB Tarva Branch
17. DCCB Dunguripai 18. DCCB Binika Branch
19. DCCB Ullunda Branch 20. DCCB Birmaharajpur
21. DCCB Sonepur Mahila Branch

The Bank is providing short term, medium term and long term loans
to the members through their respective Societies. The CBS system of
transaction has been recently introduced in all the above branches.
The financial position of Balangir District Central Coop. Bank Ltd. is
furnished in Annexure III.
REGULATED MARKETS

Regulated Market Committee, Patnagarh

Performance for the Year 2014-15
The regulated market committee, Patnagarh has been established by
the State Govt. vide notification no 2501/Coop Dt. 24/2/2005 of Government
of Odisha Cooperation Department. Accordingly, the RMC, Patnagarh
started functioning with effect from 23/02/2009 after the bifurcation of the
Kantabanji RMC.
Constitution of Market Committee
The first Market Committee was constituted of 17 (Seventeen)
Members, out of whom 8(eight) members are from agriculturists. 4(Four)
members are from traders, 2(Two) members from local representatives and

200
remaining 3(Three) are nominated by the State Government vide Notification
No.18922 Dt.01.11.2007 of the Government of Odisha Cooperation
Department. The Sub-Collector, Patnagarh is the Chairman of the Market
Committee.
Area of Operation
It covers the entire area of Patnagarh Revenue Sub-division in the
District of Balangir.
Aims and Operation
The aims and objectives of the establishment of RMC, Patnagarh is to
provide better regulation of buying & selling of Notified Agricultural Produce
by way of establishing Market Yards and ensure remunerative price to the
producers and sellers.
Notified Commodity
The following commodities have been notified vide Notification No.2501
Dt.24.02.2005 of the Government of Odisha Cooperation Department.
Existing Market Yard
A) Jogimunda Market Yard — AC. 4.95 has been purchased by the
RMC, Kantabanji.
B) Mandal Market Yard — AC. 2.82 has been purchased by RMC,
Kantabanji.
Grading Equipment Available
1. Weigh Bridge 30 MT capacity— 1No.(Jogimunda
M. Yard ) 2.Weigh Bridge 50 MT capacity— 1No.
(Mandal M. Mandal M.Yard)
3. Electronic Weighing Machine — 68 Nos.
4. Moisture Meter - 50 Nos.
5. Analysis Kit - 39 Nos.
6. Set of Seives — 35 Nos.
7. Mini Grader - 34 Nos.
8. Tarpaulin - 270 Nos.
9. Polythine - 225 Nos.
10. Boma - 40 Nos.
11. Anamal Plate - 70 Nos.

The above Grading equipment supplied to PACs (32 No.) for quality analysis
of paddy. Also a team of RMC Personnel move all PACs with a hired vehicle
for quality determination of paddy as and when required.

201
Regulated Market Committee, Kantabanji
The Regulated market Committee, Kantabanji has been established on
30th June 1959 vide notification No. 20614 of Government of Odisha under
section 3 of OAPM Act 1956 covering whole revenue Sub-Division of
Titilagarh including Titilagarh & Kantabanji municipality. Now it has 5 nos. of
own market yards having large infrastructure facilities being available in
every market yards are as follows.

Titilagarh Sub-Market Yard

1. Office cum Godown-1 nos.

2. Covered Cattle shed-2 nos.
3. Pindy- 5 nos.
4. Covered shed-4 nos.
5. Weigh bridge electronic 40 MT-1 no.
6. Sundry shop- 3 nos.
7. Farmer and trader rest shed
8. Internal Concrete road
9. Compound wall
10. Open well
11. Mast light
Grading equipment
Mini grader, Moisture meter, analysis kit, Weighing scale, Tarpaulin
Muribahal Sub-Market Yard

1. Godown 500 MT
2. Covered shed
3. Open pucca Plat form-4 nos.
4. Weigh bridge 40 Mt
5. Farmer information centre
6. Concrete road
7. Tube well
Grading equipment
Mini grader, Moisture meter, analysis kit
Weighingscale, Tarpaulin.

202
Bangomunda Market Yard
1. Godown 500 MT
2. Covered shed
3. Open pucca Platform-4 nos.
4. Weigh bridge 40 Mt
5. Farmer information centre
6. Concrete road J. Boundary wall
8. Tube well
9. Grading equipment - Mini grader, Moisture meter, Weighing scale,
Tarpaulin.
Sindhekela Market Yard

1. Godown 500 MT
2. Covered shed
3. Open pucca Plat form-4 nos.
4. Weigh bridge 40 Mt
5. Farmer information centre
6. Concrete road
7. Boundary wall
8. Tube well-2 nos.
9. Grading equipment - Mini grader , Moisture meter,
Weighing scale, Tarpaulin.
The Main aims and objectives of this RMC are to improve the efficiency
in the marketing system as follows- .
a. To prevent the exploitation of farmers by overcoming the handicaps
in the marketing of their products.
b. To make the marketing system most effective and efficient so that
farmers may get better prices for their produce, and to ensure that the goods
are made available to consumers at reasonable prices.
c. To provide incentive prices to farmers for inducing them to increase
the production both in terms of quantity and quality.
d. To promote an orderly marketing of agricultural produce by
improving the infrastructural facilities.
The RMC is collecting market fees on different notified agricultural
commodity notified by the Govt. for the RMC.

203
 Now, it has developed some of its own markets namely, Cattle market
of Titilagarh and Kantabanji setting up every Saturday and Wednesday of
the week respectively in these yards. Besides, there is a weekly vegetable
market held every wednesday at Sindhekela yard and Onion markets at
Kantabanji yards functioning during the month from March to July on every
Saturday as well as cotton and paddy procurement continue to be held
during the KMS in every year in all its yards.
Now, it has a saving of about 14 crore of rupees as its own funds in
different banks under its jurisdiction. The whole income of RMC is exempted
from income tax vide Order No. 102(FN0275/64/70-ITJ) dated 16th June
1970 of government of India.
Recently, this RMC has proposed establishment of a new market yard
in the uncovered block at Bibina of Saintala Block for which 10 Acres. of
Government land has been selected by Saintla Tehasil on final stage of its
approval.
Regulated Market Committee Balangir
The Regulated market Committee, Balangir has been established by
the Govt. vide Notification No. 2642/CF dt.13.2.1965 under provision of
section 3(1) of the OAPM Act 1956. The market Committee started
functioning w.e.f 31.3.1965.
Area of Operation
The Market area of the Committee is covered to Revenue Sub-Division
Balangir of Balangir District and Tarva police station area of Sonepur District
vide notificationNo.17160/AC(C) dt.24.9.1987. After creation of Subarnapur
District the Tarva Police Station area was merged with Dunguripali R.M.C.
Market Yards
At present the Committee is having 6 nos of market yards including the
main market yard at Balangir.

Name of the market yard Area

1. Balangir main market yard Ac.1.843

2. Tusra market yard Ac.3.28
3. Bhutiarbahal market yard Ac.6.48
4. Chudapali market yard Ac.0.90
5. Bhaliamunda market yard Ac.2.90
6. Bijakhaman market yard Ac.5.00
In the above market yard, the R.M.C. Balangir has provided
infrastructure for farmers as well as traders. So far the R.M.C. has spent
about Rs 2,74,98,070.00 for providing infrastructure in the above market
yards.

204
Rural Market

4 nos of rural markets are being managed by the Market Committee as

follows.

1. Chudapali vegetable market weekly

2. Bhutiarbahal vegetable market -do-
3. Tusra Vegetable & Cattle market -do-
4. Bhaliamunda vegetable & cattle market -do-
Marketing Co-Operative Societies in Different Blocks and Urban Area in Balangir District

( Rs. in Llakh )
Sl. No Year / Block No. Of Membership Share Working Business Profit (+) or
societies (No) Capital Capital turnover Loss (-)
by Govt.
1 Agalpur 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2 Bangomunda 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
3 Belpara 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
4 Balangir 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
5 Deogaon 1 333 0.00 16.16 1.89 0.13(-)
6 Gudvella 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
7 Khaprakhol 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
8 Loisingha 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
9 Muribahal 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
10 Patnagarh 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
11 Puintala 1 287 0.00 22.24 4.19 0.23(-)
12 Saintala 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
13 Titilagarh 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
14 Tureikela 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

ULB
1 Balangir (M) 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2 Kantabanji (NAC) 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
3 Patnagarh (NAC) 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
4 Titilagarh (NAC) 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

205
Weights & Measures
Historical Background
Before the introduction of metric system the history of Indian system of
measurement can be divided in to mainly three periods- the pre-Akabar
period, the period of Akabar and the British colonial period.
During pre-Akabar periods weights & measures system varied from
region to region, commodity to commodity and rural to urban. Indigenous
weights and measures of India varied according to
i) Commodity or thing to be measured (grain, gold, silver, liquids
length and area).
ii) Locality (the same term may mean different thing in different parts of
the country.
iii) Period (the meaning of the same terms changes over time)
iv) Peculiarities of a purely local context

Grains and liquid, for example, are weighed and measured by a unit system
as follow:
5 tola = 1 chhatank, 16 chhatank = 1 ser, 40 ser =1 maund and 20
Maund = 1 khandi
For precious metal: 5 masha= 1 gunja, 16 masha= 1 tola.
For distance and area: such as angula, vitasti, hasta, vamsh (length of
bamboo rod) and kosha is about 2 miles
During pre-Akbar periods the weight of various seeds especially rice,
wheat and Ratika and Gunja are considered as unit and length of arms and
width of finger are considered as unit of measurement.
It is interesting to note that during Akabar period barley corn was used
as unit of weight.
British accepted barely corn a unit for weighing gold. They minted coins
using wheat barry as the standard. They also introduced their own system of
weighing gold (troy ounce) commodities in pound/ cwt/ ton and roads in
furlong and miles.
In 1939 govt. of India passed the standards of weights & measures Act
that came to effect in 1942. This allows tola / seer / mound system coexist
with pound / cwt / ton system.
In 1941 the Punjab weights & measures Act provided a sense of
uniformity to the metric system. In 1956 the government of India passed the
standards of weights & measures system to introduce metric system based
on Punjab Act. The metric system began in Oct-1958, making metric weight
mandatory by Oct-1960 and metric measure mandatory by April 1962. In
1956 metric conversion, the Government of India defined the standards of
weights & measures Act ( No 89 of 1956) amended in 1960 as follows :

206
Indian system British system metric system
1 tola 0.375 toz 11.66375g
1 ser (80 tola) 2.5 t lb = 2.057lb 0.93310 kg
1 maund (40 ser) 100 troy lb 37.324 kg
The current definition as per UN is
1 tola = 11.664g
1 ser (80 tola) = 933.10 g
1 mound (40 ser) = 37.324g
In 1950, miles and furlongs were common markers on road in India.
1 inch was considered to be the unit of common length.
Conversion:
12 inch = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard, 660 feet = 1 furlong
5280 feet = 1 mile = 8 Furlong, 22 yard = 1 chain, 1 acre = 1 chain x 1
furlong
Conversion:
1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 foot = 30.48 cm
1 yard = 0.914 m, 1 mile = 1.61 km
Weights and Measures Organization in Balangir District
In exercising of powers conferred by sub sec (1) and (2) of sec-15 of
O.W & M (Enf) Act, 1958 (Orissa Act 20 of 1958) the state government
appointed Sri K.K Murty & Sri P.C. Patra as Inspector of weights &
measures (metric) and posted at Balangir and Titilagarh respectively vide
th
Notification dated 7 June, 1961 of Development (Marketing) Department,
th
Bhubaneswar with effect from 15 June, 1961.
For more effective enforcement of weights & measures law and
supervision of the inspectorial units the Government created Balangir Zone
with headquarter at Balangir, the area of operation comprising Balangir
district and Kalahandi district vide order No 30120 dt.17.07.1980 of Food
and Civil Supplies department. Prior to that Balangir district was under
Sambalpur Zone and Sri P. K Mohaparta, Asst Controller was in-charge of
st
Balangir Zone and Sri Simanchal Das was the 1 Asst. Controller of the
newly created Balangir Zone. Kalahandi district was separated from Balangir
Zone vide order No 28014 dt.25.09.84. The nomenclature weights &
measures was substituted by the nomenclature legal Metrology with effect

207
 th
from 18 March, 1993. Subarnapur district is separated from Balangir Zone
w. e. f. 11.05.2015 and Sri B.K. Dash, is the first Assistant Controller (Legal
Metrology) of Balangir district. The Assistant Controller‟s office is situated at
the district headquarters. Apart from that, there are two Inspectorial units at
Balangir and Titilagarh. The office of the Assitant Controller of Legal
Metrology, Balangir and Balangir Inspectorial Unit is functioning in a rented
building situated at Maszid chowk, Balangir. The office of the Sr. Inspector of
Legal Metrology, Titilagarh is functioning in a rented building situated at
Jagannathpara, Titilagarh. The area of operation of Balangir unit covers
Balangir Sub-division and the area of operation of Titilagarh unit covers
Titilagarh sub-division and Patnagarh subdivision.
The traders produce their weights & measures and weighing and
measuring instrument at the office of the Inspectorial unit, where there is a
working standard laboratory. As it is not feasible for the distance traders to
produce their weights & measures for re-verification, stamping camps were
organized at different places of the district for re-verification and stamping of
the same. Camps in the following places are organized for Balangir and
Titilagarh Inspectorial units. They are Mahimunda, Bileisarda, Bandhapada,
Chandanbhati, Kusanga, Gudvela, Tusra, Deogaon, Chudapali, Agalpur,
Salebhata, Loisinga, Bairasar for Balangir and Jogimunda, Belpada, Lathor,
Muribahal, Patnagarh, Turekela, Kantabanji, Dhandamunda, Bangamunda,
Sindhekela and Saintala for Titilagarh.

Staff Position of Legal Metrology, Balangir

Name of Sanctioned Men in Name of the present employees Vacancy

the Post Strength position position
Assistant 1 1 Sri Binaya Kumar Dash --
Controller
Senior 2 1 Sri B.B.N Dash 1
Inspector
Inspector 1 1 Sri R.R. Duria --
Senior Clerk 1 1 Sri S. Ch. Bhoi --
Junior Clerk 1 1 Sri R. K. Sahu --
Peon 1 --- -- 1
Manual 3 2 Sri B. Munda 1
Assistant Sri N. Behera
Chowkidar 1 -- -- 1
Total 11 7 -- 4

Indian Laws on Weights & Measures and their Enforcement

1) Standards of weights & measures Act, 1956

208
 Uniform standards of weights and measures based on the metric system
were established in the country, for the first time, by a parliamentary Act-
the standards of weights and measures Act, 1956. The act envisaged
change over to the metric system in all the sectors of the economy within a
period of ten years. The standards established by the 1956 Act were
enforced in accordance with the provision of the laws adopted by the
states for the purpose. Accordingly, the state of Orissa in the Ninth year of
the Republic of India passed the Orissa Act 20 of 1958 and got the
th
approval of the Governor on the 8 July 1958, first published in the
th
extraordinary issue of the Orissa Gazette dated the 14 July 1958 which is
called the Orissa weights & measures ( Enforcement) Act, 1958 and in
exercise of the powers conferred by sec 44 of the O.W & M ( Enf) Act,
1958 the state government implemented a rule namely Orissa weights and
th
measures (Enforcement) Rules 1960 vide Notification dated 25 July
1960 by the Government of Orissa, Development (Marketing) Department,
Bhubaneswar.

2) Standards of weights and measures Act,1976

In order to establish the international system of units, the modern and

revised from of the metric system and to align our laws with the international
practices as well as to remove certain deficiencies a comprehensive
legislation, namely, the standards of weights and measures Act, 1976 was
enacted by parliament. The Act which has since replaced the 1956 Act
provides for:
1. Establishment of the international system of units (S.I), the modern and
refined form of metric system.
2. Formulation of specification of weights and measures and weighing/
measuring instrument as regards their metrological and technical
characteristics.
3. Approval ( before manufactures) of model of weighing and measuring
instrument
4. Establishment of an institute to provide training in Legal Metrology and
for carrying out researches in legal metrology and other allied branches of
knowledge.
5. Regulation of packaged commodities sold or intended to be sold in the
course of inter-state trade or commerce.
6. Creation of a national hierarchy of local standards.
7. Regulation of the procedure for verification and stamping of weights
and measures sent from one states to another
8. Control and regulation of export and import of weights and measures
and packaged commodities.
9. Surveys and collection of statistics for facilitating planning and
enforcement (which is called the standard Act)

209
3) Standards of weights and measures (Enforcement) Act, 1985:
In order to ensure uniformity in the enforcement procedure, the standards of
weights and measures (Enforcement) Act 1985 was enacted by parliament.
It could be possible to have a parliamentary legislation on the „enforcement
of weights and measures‟ as the subject was transferred from the state list to
the concurrent by the 42 Amendment to constitution. The Act which is to
replace the existing weights & measures ( Enforcement) Acts of the states
provides better protection to the consumer by ensuring metrological
accuracy in commercial transactions, industrial measurement and
measurement needed for ensuring public health and human safety.

The main features of the Act are as follows:

1.Extension of Legal control to cover commercial transaction, Industrial
measurements and measurement involved in ensuring public health and
human safety.
2.Creation of effective enforcement machinery in the states.
3. Registration of users of weights & measures which are subject to
periodical verification
4.Regulation of manufacture. Repair and sale of weights and measures
5. Regulation of packaged commodities sold or distributed in the course of
inter-state commerce.
6.Regulation of state of commodities sold by heaps.
The standards of weights and measures (Enforcement) Act 1985 came
st
in to force on 1 April, 1989 in Orissa.
In exercising the powers conferred by sub sec-(1) of sec-72 of the
standards of weights and measures (Enf) Act, 1985, the state government in
consultation with the central government, made a rule namely the Orissa
Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Rule, 1993 which came
th
into force on 6 July, 1993
4. The Legal Metrology Act, 2009
The objective of the act is to establish and enforce standards of weights
and measures, regulate trade and commerce in weights and measures and
other goods which are sold or distributed by weight, measure or number and
for issues related with or incidental. It was enacted by parliament in the
st
sixtieth year of the Republic of India which came into force on 1 April 2011
in Odisha.
5. Orissa Legal Metrology Enforcement Rule, 2011

210
 In exercising powers conferred by sub sec (1) of sec 53 of the Legal
Metrology Act, 2009 and after consultation with the central government the
state government has formulated the rule known as Orissa Legal Metrology
st
(Enforcement) Rule, 2011 which come into force on 1 April 2011.
Weights & Measures Used in Balangir District
Prior to metric system, the weights and measures used in Balangir district
were as follows:
i. For food grains- Dry measures made of tin are used in this series: Budi,
Gidha, Sola, Adda, Khandi/ Khande, Puduga / Puda & Postma.
2 Budi = one Gidha,
2 Gidha = one Sola
2 Sola = one Adda,
4 Adda = one Mana
20 Adda = one Khandi/ Khande
8 Khandi = one Puduga / Puda
Also 8 Adda = one Kuta
8 Kuta = one Postana
Adda = 16 chatank
ii. Grocery Items: Round Iron Beam scale having two pans were found to
be used weights of Ser series – ¼ ser, ½ ser, one ser
Ser = 80 tolas = 16 chatank
Paw = 4 chhatank = ¼ ser
iii. Utensil items were weighed by Bisa made of either wood / Iron /
Aluminium having one pan balance. On the body of the bisa there were
marking of ¼ ser, ½ ser, ser, 2 ser etc. and the pan suspended with a strong
thread. The panwere either made of tin or bamboo wood.
iv. Gold & Silver: were weighed with the help of metallic round beam scale
(small size) having two pans and the weights used were Rati, Massa, Tola/
Vari. Rati is a small red seed with black spot at one end
8 Rati = one Massa
12 Massa = one Tola
Conversion:
8 Rati = 1 Massa + 0.9071856 gm
12 massa = 1 Tola = 10.886 gm
80 Tola = 1 ser = 870.89 gm
1 Rati = 0.1133 gm
v. Liquid like oil and milk: were measured with dry measure made of tin in
the series Budi, Gidha, Sola, Adda.
vi. Linear Measure: the term like Angula, Hata, Gira, Gaja, Inch and foot
were found to be used. For cloth trade Gaja badi was used and for weaving
Length was measured by hand. For distance terms like furlongs, miles and
kosha were used.
vii. For area measurement, terms like Bian (full stretch of both hand),
211
Khandi (chain), Acres and decimil were found to be used. 100 decimil = one
Acre
viii. For water the word like gallon and cubic foot and for petroleum units
such as Barrel were used.
1 cubic foot = 0.028316846592 cubic metre
1 gallon = 0.004546087 cubic metre
1 Barrel = 0.158987294928 cubic metre
Exchange of Agriculture commodities and forest produce were common in
the trade transaction (Heap measurement)
Weights/Measures Instruments Used after the Introduction of Metric
System at Balangir District:-

1 a) Bullion weights of the series:

1 kg, 500 gm, 200gm, 100 gm, 50 gm , 20 gm 10 gm, 5 gm, 2 gm &
1 gm, 500 mg, 200 mg , 100 mg , 50 mg & 20 mg.
b) Cylindrical knob type weights of the series 200 gm, 100 gm, 50 gm, 20
gm, 10 gm, 5 gm, 2 gm, 1 gm.
(c) Hexagonal Iron weights of the series: 50 kg, 20 kg, 10 kg, 5 kg, 2 kg, 1
kg, 500 gm, 200 gm, 100 gm & 50 gm
2. Capacity Measures:-
Conical capacity measures : 20 l, 10 l, 5l, 2l, 1l, 500ml, 200ml, 100ml
Dipping type: 1ltr, 500 ml, 200 ml, 100 ml, 50 ml, 20 ml
Pouring type -do-
3. Length measure:
Non flexible of the series
1m and 0.5 m
4. Beam scale class „B‟ of 500gm, 200gm, 100gm
5. Beam scales class „C‟ and „D‟
Denomination- 300 kg, 200 kg, 100 kg, 50 kg, 20 kg, 10kg, 5kg, 2kg,
1kgm, 500gm
200 gm, 100 gm
6. Non automatic weighing instrument (mechanical) Class-III – 500 kg, 300
kg,
100 kg, 50 kg
7. Non Automatic weighing instrument (Electronic) –Class-III
100t, 80t, 60t, 50t, 30t, 2t, 1t, 200 kg, 150 kg, 100 kg, 60 kg, 30 kg, 20 kg,
10 kg
8. Non Automatic weighing instrument electronics Class-I and II
60kg, 30kg, 1kg, 600gm, 300gm
9. Automatic weighing instrument of capacity -120t
10. Land Measurement: On registration record the word like Square Foot
and Acre are still noticed to be used instead of metre

212
 But in pata terms such as acre and decimil are also used however it is
converted to hectare which is generally used in pata.
According to Survey of India:
1 Square Foot = 0.092903 Square metre
1 Acre = 4046.8561 Square metre = 0.40468561 hectare
In the rural area the weights, measures, weighing and measuring
instrument of mechanical type are commonly used. In urban area 7 to 8 per
cent traders were found using electronics weighing instrument
Jewellery Items
The show rooms are dominated by electronic weighing instruments.
The workshops are dominated by mechanical type of weighing
instruments.
For bulk weighment (for truck) there are 60 nos of Road Weigh Bridges
at Balangir district.
For weighment of goods transported by Railways there is an Automatic
Railway Weigh Bridge at Titilagarh.
In recent decades the off take of pre packed goods has gained
popularity on account of the ease and convenience with which they can be
transported and marketed, weighing and measuring in the presence of the
purchaser are now tending to be gradually reduced to a few selected items.
Aims and Objective of Legal Metrology
i. To eradicate use of non standard weights and measures etc and to
introduce standard weights & measures in their place.
ii. To enforce the prescribed standards of weights & measures.
iii. To detect violation of provisions of law by defaulters and initiate
legal action against them.
iv. In the process of above to collect revenue in shape of stamping
fees, compounding fees etc. to augment resources of the state.
Year wise Achievement of Legal Metrology Balangir District

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Target 30,00,000/-
21,50,000/- 21,50,000/- 25,18,000/- 30,20,000/- (Up to July-15)
5,39,000/-
Total
24,92,379/- 20,81,100/- 28,33,409/- 24,98,720/- 5,28,295/-
achievement
No of traders
weight &
16502 9909 15311 12298 2335
measure
verified
171 165 169 193 53

213
 Annexure I

Non-Agricultural Credit Co-Operative Societies in Different Blocks and

Urban Areas in Balangir District

(Rs. in Lakh)

Sl. Year / Block No. of Membershi Workin Loans Loan Loans

No societie p (No) g advance s outstandin
s Capital d over g
due
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 Agalpur 1 56 4.60 0.00 0.43 0.46
Bangomund
2 a 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
3 Belpara 1 55 5.30 0.00 4.17 5.12
4 Balangir 22 1208 213.08 59.37 83.48 139.40
5 Deogaon 1 62 4.79 0.00 2.11 3.12
6 Gudvella 2 120 10.71 0.00 2.13 2.39
7 Khaprakhol 1 53 7.25 0.00 4.91 6.78
8 Loisingha 1 71 4.21 0.00 0.10 2.37
9 Muribahal 3 192 17.42 0.00 14.94 19.43
10 Patnagarh 1 58 6.72 0.00 2.47 7.76
11 Puintala 2 191 25.76 0.00 0.92 20.70
12 Saintala 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
13 Titilagarh 5 447 80.30 0.00 1.04 52.79
14 Tureikela 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

214
 Annexure II

Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies in Different Blocks of

Balangir District

(Rs. in Lakh)

Sl. No Year / Block No. of Membership Working Loans Loans Loans

societies (No) Capital advanced over due outstanding
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 Agalpur 13 16321 806.23 843.51 188.73 358.65
2 Bangomunda 11 16294 698.32 735.30 154.25 635.08
3 Belpara 13 18121 1282.30 391.13 321.51 571.09
4 Balangir 16 19863 1053.21 653.18 445.32 873.82
5 Deogaon 13 16684 775.91 535.46 217.64 512.38
6 Gudvella 7 18906 533.16 342.86 214.85 361.97
7 Khaprakhol 10 15633 584.28 432.10 209.31 257.89
8 Loisingha 11 17258 641.27 541.54 140.84 457.02
9 Muribahal 13 20332 897.37 435.95 197.81 718.33
10 Patnagarh 16 19153 800.32 922.70 380.21 841.07
11 Puintala 12 19247 611.20 566.65 140.15 611.83
12 Saintala 9 15604 568.46 359.24 418.92 735.64
13 Titilagarh 12 16388 734.22 646.90 134.97 398.96
14 Tureikela 9 19514 817.57 942.36 152.25 811.34
Annexure III

Financial Position of Balangir District Central Coop. Bank Ltd

Sl. 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 2008- 2009- 2010- 2011 - 2012- 2013- 2014-
No 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15
877.131161.61262.41330.91453.41517.11600.31705.81992.02289.13221.73557.14277.64835.6
0 0 6 1 4 6 6 9 1 4 0 0 2
98.18 110.75111.78113.14113.41114.10114.91115.91115.88117.744258.84703.64564.55162.2
0 2 9 9
975.311272.31374.11444.11566.81631.21715.21821.72107.92406.87480.58260.78842.19997.9
5 8 0 2 4 7 7 7 5 4 2 9 1
7971.89191.510215.10788.11134.12642.15207.17652.22759.26147.28960.36372.43127.44946.
3 3 35 56 62 62 80 97 27 96 51 39 41 64
6815.07845.38005.19766.612604.13476.14813.12339.13914.17474.16322.15785.17711.21339.
5 9 1 0 35 05 27 54 50 63 33 12 15 35
1945.22519.92669.92690.33237.92964.44160.26613.58870.58998.812945.15783.18684.17533.
0 2 6 1 2 3 1 1 1 5 32 28 37 75
12567.14243.15000.18012.20295.23563.24153.21456.25778.32278.38788.43654.49642.59476.
72 74 52 07 75 37 84 87 57 24 72 64 12 33
17296.20315.22045.24651.28761.33317.36163.36661.45277.52850.59958.70974.80077.90084.
07 23 15 05 94 62 90 61 40 28 11 37 70 52
1.34 1.43 1.11 1.12 1.10 0.82 0.90 1.01 0.97 1.11 1.06 0.92 1.07 1.19
105.66548.81427.37499.3235.26 23.67 198.81256.07398.031750.5424.802238.6
6 3
24.58 0.35 0.65 0.35 0.77 0.90 1.08 1.24 1.87 0.54 - - - -
5072.14995.14913.34812.3
5 7 6 7
1.00
147.77169.77185.41216.54243.64208.88270.46 411.33495.13633.17754.97976.411087.7

215
 CHAPTER VII

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Old Time Communication Systems and Trade Routes

The work of construction and maintenance of the communication
system in the Patna state rested with the rulers. Few important roads of
urgent necessity were being maintained by the rulers such as Balangir to
Patnagarh, Balangir to Salebhata, Balangir to Bairasar road and the road
linking to Kalahandi via Belgaon. These roads were murramed and bridged
roads. By 1933, the Public Works Department was started in Patna State.
The normal staff of this Department comprised few employees, namely the
State Engineer, one Supervisor and two Overseers and the rest being in the
estimating and clerical branch. The Department was keen to maintain all
buildings, roads, bridges and culverts in the State.
After 1943 post-war reconstruction programmes were taken up by the
Ex-rulers. A long-range programme formulated in this connection included
metalling and widening of the main roads from Balangir to Salebhata,
Titilagarh, Kantabanji and Bairasar. The improvement of the road from
Balangir to Kantabanji via Patnagarh was then considered to be one of the
urgent necessities. It was further decided to include in the programme
construction of bridges on streams, rivulets and nalas found on any of the
above roads.
The following roads within the ex-State of Patna were receiving due
attention in matters of repair and construction of bridges:
1. Balangir-Salebhata Road.
2. Balangir-Bairasar Road.
3. Balangir-Titilagarh Road.
4. Balangir-Kantabanji Road.
Even after independence, above mentioned roads assumed utmost
importance due to road network connecting other neighbouring districts
and state capital Bhubaneswar as well as other important cities and towns
such as Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Roukela, and Jharsuguda.
During last forty years, road network of the district improved gradually
linking to Block and Tehasil headquarters, important places like
Harishankar, Ranipur-Jharial and other important villages. Apart from being
managed by the Roads and Buildings Department, roads and bridges are
also maintained by National Highway division, and Rural works division.
Rural works department constructs the road under Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojna connecting villages with towns. The quality of the roads has
also been improved significantly in terms of strengthening and widening
with block topped and concrete.

216
Road Transport
There are 3 numbers of National Highways passing through the district.
They are (1) NH-26 which passes from Salebhata to Belgaon of the District
(31/0 to 127 km). (2) NH-57 which covers the distance from Balangir to
Bairasar of the district and extend beyond up to Sonepur (0/0 to 50 km) and
(3) NH-59 which starts from Bangomunda and touches Belgaon. These
roads are under the control and management of National Highway
Department, Balangir.
Balangir district has two (R&B) divisions under Works department. One
is located at Balangir & another is at Kantabanji.
Balangir (R&B) Division
Balangir (R&B) Division is under the Works department of government
of Odisha, The Executive Engineer being the head of the administrative unit
of this division. There are 3 sub-divisions and 10 nos of sections are under
the control of this division, who are working at field.
Organisational Set up:-
The Balangir (R&B) Division has been constituted with the following
sub-divisions & sections as follows-
Sub-Division :-
Balangir (R&B) Sub-Division No-I
Balangir (R&B) Sub-Division –II
Tusra (R&B) Sub-Division
Function of the Division :-
A. Road Sector: The Total length of road till date is 334.83 Km out of
which state highway (SH) comprises 25.00 Km & Other District Road (ODR)
comprises 309.83. Km out of which 218.45 Km has been developed under
NABARD, K.B.K (RLTAP), SARCA, ACA, STATE PLAN and non-plan
scheme during last 5 years, and single lane of road comprises 225.68 Km.
Intermediate lane covers 107.40 Km & double lane covers 1.75 Km. 3 major
bridges and 2 minor bridge works have been completed during last 5 years.
A detailed List of SH and ODR of Balangir Division is furnished in
Annexure
Kantabanji (R&B) Division
It has 100.10 km of road under state highway as Chudapali-
Patanagarh-Kantabanji-Chandotatora road of Balangir-Kantabanji-
Chandotatora state highway. Other roads come under MDR & ODR
category. Following is the total length of roads and nos of bridges under
Kantabanji division.
Length of State Highway - 109.00 Km
Length of MDR - 126 Km
Length of ODR - 299.925 Km
Total road length - 534.925 Km
Minors bridges - 37 nos , Major bridges - 25 nos

217
218
 The roads under National Highway are all two lane roads and are well
maintained by the Department. Bangomunda to Belgaon portion which is
under National highway 59 is under the process of renovation in terms of
widening and strengthening. The roads under the road and buildings division
of Works department are also very well maintained. Construction for
strengthening and widening of state Highway from Balangir to Patanagarh
has been taken up by the concerned division of Road and Building Division
of Works department.
Roads under Rural Works Division
st
Rural Works Division was established in 1 January 1975 as Project
Division, Balangir for the maintenance of all rural roads & building works of
Balangir District. Subsequently, it was renamed as Rural Works Division,
Balangir during the year 2000 to look after all types of works of rural areas of
Balangir District. In the month of July 2006, Titilagarh Division was
separated with jurisdiction of 4 nos of blocks such as (i) Titilagarh, (ii)
st
Muribahal, (iii) Bangomunda and (iv) Tureikella. From 1 January of 2015,
one more division namely, Rural Works Division, Patnagarh was created.
These three divisions of rural works are each headed by an Executive
Engineer. This department is responsible for construction and repair of roads
in rural sector linking to Panchayats and block headquarters. Pradhanmantri
Gramya SadakYojna is taken up by the department since 2000-01 to give
coverage in rural networks in villages. The department is also taking up big
and high level bridges for rural road network. All the roads that are taken up
by rural works department have black-topping.
Considering the above description, the district has overall good road
network in the entire locality. Transport service has been facilitated to a
considerable extent keeping pace with the increase in the number of
vehicles ranging from motor cycles to four wheelers. Even the most interior
villages have been well connected. Roads to nearby districts namely
Kalahandi, Nuapada and Bargarh have been renovated and tourists flock to
Harishankar and Ranipur jharial throughout the year in large numbers.
Inspection Bungalows have been constructed along the road side at
Balangir, Deogaon, Saintala, Belgan, Burda and Salebhata. Some of these
Inspection Bungalows were constructed before independence.
Bairasar-Balangir--Kantabanji-Chandutara Road
This road was constructed during the period of Durbar Administration. It
passes through, Bairasar Balangir, Patnagarh, Belpara, Kantabanji,
Bangomunda, Sindhekela and Chandutara. At Chandutara it connects
Khariar-Bhawanipatna Road.

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 There are Inspection Bungalows at Bairasar, Patnagarh, Kantabanji
and Balangir, all of which were constructed during the Durbar period.
Patnagarh-Padmapur Road
The road starts from Patnagarh and covers a length of 20.8 kilometers
through this district and enters into Bargarh district. The road was
constructed during Durbar administration. Due to good road facilitates
tourists from Chhatisgarh state visit Harishankar in large numbers.
Patnagarh-Harisankar-Khaprakhol-Lathor Road
The length of the road is 48 kilometer and this was constructed during
the Durbar Administration with murram surfaced. Renovation and
Improvements have been made to raise it to M. D. R. standard.
Titilagarh-Saintala Road
The road starts from National Highway No. 26 at Saintala and meets
National Highway No.57 at Titilagarh. The road comprises 33 km of
distance. The road was constructed during Durbar Administration. This road
is also a link to Indian Ordnance factory at Badmal from Balangir and
Titilagarh. There is an Inspection Bungalow located at Titilagarh.
Titilagarh-Sindhekela Road
This is also a well maintained road linking to Sindhekela. This road
touches the Kantabanji-Chadutara road at Sindhekela.
Public Transport
Prior to 1945, the management of the motor transport services in the
State was vested with private operators. It was in June 1945 that the Patna
Durbar Administration took over its management. In 1948, the Government
of Orissa introduced the State Transport Services in the district. The routes
from the town of Balangir to Cuttack, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Titilagarh,
Patnagarh, Kantabanii, Khariar, Lathor, Sonepur, Tarbha, Agalpur,
Bhawanipatna, Tusra, Baudh and Belpara were nationalised.
Present mode of transport in the district can be visualized from the
table below with different kinds of vehicles registered in the regional
transport office. Both urban and rural population are preferring two wheelers
for timely travel. Private cars and other four wheelers are on the rise in urban
and rural area. Private contract carriages also ply in the district as well as to
the outside routes of the district. Buses under Odisha state transport
corporation ply through the various routes of the district and important towns
of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Phulbani, Bhawanipatna, Jeypore,
and Damanjodi.

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 Motor Vehicles Registered and Motor Vehicles plying in Balangir District
( in number )
Sl. Number Registered
No. Vehicles During Motor vehicle on road
2008- 2009- 2010- 2008- 2009- 2010-
09 10 11 09 10 11
5265 6455 7346
1 Motor cycles, scooters & Mopeds 6530 7664 8915 5 3 8
Three wheelers & Auto
2 Rickshaws 2 0 6 365 98 104
3 Jeeps and Station Wagons 2 4 4 619 1211 1215
4 Private Cars 228 317 455 881 2111 2566
5 Taxies 91 113 0 1437 922 922
Buses (Contract Carriages &
6 Stage Carriages) 4 8 16 175 634 650
7 Truck and Lorries 148 211 109 1431 2333 2587
8 Tractors and Trailors 361 335 429 2157 4539 4968
9 Miscellaneous Vehicles. 23 11 259 1056 496 612
1019 6077 7689 8709
Total 7389 8663 3 6 9 2
Private Buses and Night Express 117
OSRTC (9 routes) 14
Bus Routes:

There are 19 Private Bus routes and 9 Nos of Govt. Bus routes in this district
as follows.

Private Bus Routes:

1. Balangir to Bargarh
2. Balangir to Kantabanji
3. Balangir to Titilagarh
4. Balangir to Sonepur
5. Balangir to Nuapada
6. Balangir to Padampur
7. Balangir to Binka
8. Balangir to Agalpur
9. Balangir to Bhubaneswar
10. Balangir to Charbhata
11. Balangir to Harishankar
12. Balangir to Khariar
13. Balangir to Tusra
14. Balangir to Kalahandi
15. Balangir to Mukhiguda
16. Balangir to Kesinga

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17. Balangir to Lathor
18. Balangir to Boudh
19. Balangir to Baliguda via Madanpur Rampur, Tumudibandh
Govt. Bus Rutes:
1. Balangir to Berehmpur- 02
2. Balangir to Phulbani - 01
3. Balangir to Khariarroad- 01
4. Balangir to Kalahandi- 02
5. Balangir to Damanjodi- 02
6. Balangir to Padampur- 01

Railways
This district has rail network of 168 kilometers. The first railway line was
constructed in the year 1932 linking this district to Visakhapatnam and
Raipur. Important places of Titilagrh, Kantabanji, Harishankar road (Lathore)
were connected. The second rail route was made operational in the year
1964 from Sambalpur to Titilagarh, which passes through Khaliapali,
loisingha, Balangir, Deogaon, Saintala, Badmal and Siker stations of the
district. Titilagarh railway station was developed into a junction. At present
passengers and goods trains are running on the line. Several Expresses and
Superfast trains run on two routes connecting important major cities like
Kolkota, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Tiruanantapuram, Bangalore, Hyderabad,
Siridi, Azmir, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal and Ahemadabad.
The rail route of Sambalpur to Titilagarh passing through the district
which used to be a single track is now in the process of doubling. It is an
important rail link connecting industrial town of Damanjodi, Angul,
Jharsuguda and Rourkela. It is also establishes a link to the port city of
Visakhapatanam in Andhra Pradesh. Goods transport in this route has
increased significantly in recent years.
Construction of railway line from Balangir to Khorda, however, is
progressing at a slower pace. This railway line on completion will connect
Subarnapur, Boudh, Nayagarh and Khorda district. Though from Khorda
side, rail started rolling up to Rajsunakhala in Nayagarh district, no initiative
yet has been taken up by Railway Authorities to begin the construction of
railway line from Balangir end.
Travel and Tourist Facilities
Tourist places like Harishankar, Ranipur-Jharial are well connected with
different transport facilities like bus and private vehicles on hire are available
from Balangir and other places of the district like Titilagarh, Kanatabanji, and
Patnagarh. Hotels are available in all above mentioned places for
accomodation of tourists. In Harishankar, Forest Inspection Bunglow,

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Revenue Bunglow, Yatrinivas under the control of B.D.O khaprakhol are
available. Apart from this, a Panthnivas of Odisha Tourism Development
corporation will also be available to tourists in near future. Building of
Panthnivas has already been completed.
There are inspection bungalows scattered all over important roadside
places. Many of these bungalows were constructed by the then Rulers
during Durbar Administration and some have been constructed by the Public
Works Department of the Government of Orissa. For convenience of the
State Government employees on duty a number of rest-sheds had also been
constructed which are being maintained by the Revenue Department. There
are also rest-sheds maintained by Forest Department in the district. A list of
Inspection Bungalows and rest-sheds has been given at the end of the
Chapter. A tourist office is functioning in district headquarters with District
Tourist Officer as head. However, presently District Tourist officer,
Subarnapur is in charge of the tourism of this district.
Posts
Postal service was introduced by ex-Patna state in 1908. There was a
daily service available between Balangir and Sambalpur and between
Sambalpur and Sonepur. Besides the Post Office at headquarters, there
were letter boxes at School houses of all important villages in ex-Patna
State. During durbar administration motor mail service from Balangir to
Titilagarh and from Balangir to Bargarh was functioning. A motor mail
service between Balangir and Patnagarh was also introduced with effect
from 1st November, 1939.
Balangir Postal Division consists of two revenue Districts namely,
Balangir and Subarnapur. The Headquarter of the Postal Administration is
located at Balangir.
Now in Balangir, Postal facilities are available for the public through its
network of one Head Post office, 42 Sub Post offices, 244 Branch Post
offices and 30 Panchayat Sanchar Seva Kendras.
Head post Office
Balangir Head Post Office is under the charge of a Postmaster in
Higher Selection Grade-I (HSG-I) who is assisted by one Dy. Postmaster
(HSG-I) and four Assistant Postmasters. This office is fully computerized and
works from 0930 hours to 1730 hours.
Balangir Head Post Office was selected under Pilot Project Post Office
„Project Arrow Phase-II‟ for improvement of service quality and ambience in
which service is provided to general public. Under the scheme, action on two
streams i.e. getting core right and to modernize the infrastructure of the Post
Office; was taken up and was completed by 1st week of January 2009.
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 Subsequently, Balangir HO was inaugurated as Project Arrow Post
Office Phase-II w.e.f. 22.01.09. As a part of the programme the service
quality, mail delivery, office service, remittances and savings bank have
been upgraded to meet the customer satisfaction. Similarly, Civil and
Electrical maintenance work have been completed and the counters are
modernized to provide quality service to the people.
All amenities like writing table, dust bin, kiosk information machine,
drinking water etc. have also been provided for the members of public. Four
acrylic boards showing the citizen charter, hours of business,
advertisements and information boards have been installed in the public hall
for the benefit of customers.
Twelve Postmen manage the delivery work of the office. One postman
is exclusively engaged for delivery of speed post articles throughout the
town. Most of the postal services offered by India Post are available in the
Head Post Office. A philatelic counter also functions for the benefit of the
philatelists.
Various Postal Facilities
1. Sale of Postal Stamps/Stationeries including Meghdoot Post Card,
Revenue Stamps, Central Recruitment Fee Stamps
2. Registration, Parcel, VP, Insured, Speed Post, Express Parcel Post
3. Money Order, Indian Postal Order
4. Savings Bank, Saving Certificates
5. Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance
6. Telephone Revenue Collection
7. Sale of Mutual Funds and Oriental Insurance Policies
8. Instant Money Order (iMO)
9. Electronic Money Order (eMO)
10. International Money Transfer Service) IMTS
11. e-Post
12. e-Payment
13. Speed Post Passport Service
14. Sale of UPSC application Forms
15. Delivery of Postal articles (Only by Delivery Post Offices)
16. New Pension Scheme (NPS)
Telecommunication
During 1933-34, installation of telephone system between Balangir and
Kantabanji, a distance of about 50 miles, was taken up. It was during 1935-
38 that the telephone line from Patnagarh was extended up to Kantabanji.
By 1940, there were established one combined Post and Telegraph Sub-
Office at Balangir, one Sub-Post Office at Titilagarh and ten Branch Post
Offices.

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 There were telephone exchanges at Balangir, Kantabanji, Titilagarh
and Tarbha. Balangir exchange was opened on the 25th February 1957. The
exchange at Titilagarh was opened on the 28th February 1960. Now Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is one of the leading service providers in
Balangir District. Balangir Telecom is headed by one Telecom District
Manager (TDM) with headquartes at Balangir town. It provides different
services like land line connection, mobile connectivity, Internet broadband
etc.
Radio Station and Doordarshan
One radio station with FM band under the control of All India Radio is
functioning in Balangir from 1993.This radio station covers the whole of the
district and nearby districts like Sonepur and Bargarh and Nuapada.
Doordarshan (television transmitters centres) has also been set up in
Balangir, Titilagarh, Patnagarh, Kanatabanji and in Tusra town of the district.
Air-Strip
In 1967, an air-strip having a runway of 1371.6/92 meter, has been
constructed by the State Government at a cost of Rs. 4,19,000 near
Sargada on the Deogaon—Tusra Road. A plan for expansion of the air-strip
is expected very soon.

List of Circuit Houses and Inspection Bungalows

1. Circuit House, at Balangir

2. Inspection Bungalow, Balangir, P.O. Balangir,
3. I. B., Burda, P.O. Loisinga
4. I. B., Salebhata, P.O. Salebhata
5. I. B., Deogaon, P.O. Deogaon
6. I. B., Saintala, P.O. Saintala
7. I. B., Belgan, P.O. Belgan
8. I. B., Titilagarh, P.O. Titilagarh
9. I. B., Kantabanji, P.O. Kantabanji
10. I. B., Bairasar

Forest Rest Sheds

1. Rest-Shed, Lathor, P.O. Harisankar
2. Rest-Shed, Harisankar
3. Rest-Shed, Mahakhand, P.O. Kantabanji
4. Rest-Shed, Muribahal, P.O. Kantabanji

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 Annexure I

Sl Name of the Road Category 4 lane 2 lane Intermediate Total

No. length length lane length Length

1 2 3 4 5 6 8

1 Balangir-Kantabanji- S.H.-42 6.00 6.00

Bangomunda-Chandotora
road
6.00
2 Balangir-Arjunpur-Tusura- O.D.R. 1.00 35.80 50.00
Deogaon road
3 Tusura-Gudvella road O.D.R. 10.40 12.00

4 Deogaon-Tikirapara road O.D.R. 33.00 37.00

(25.00 km.+ 12.00 km.)
5 Loisingha-Bharsuja road O.D.R. 3.00 25.00

6 Approach road to Circuit O.D.R. 2.20 2.20

House at Balangir
7 Approach road to P.W.D. O.D.R. 2.00
Coloney at Balangir
8 Approach road to P.W.D. O.D.R. 2.00
Store & Office at Balangir
9 Approach road to O.D.R. 2.00 2.00
Rajendra College at
Balangir
10 P.R.High School to O.D.R. 0.75 1.48 2.23
Railway Station road
11 Chuinbandh-Lokapara O.D.R. 1.50 22.00
road
12 Patharchepa-Bhainsa via O.D.R. 9.00 32.00
Sibtala road
13 Barapudugia-Bhutiarbahal O.D.R. 20.00
road
14 Atagaon to Deogaon RD ODR 22.80
road via Uparjhar-
Mahalai&Jarasingha road.

15 Deogaon to Desandh ODR 35.00

R.D. Road via
Sarasbahal, Kuturla,
Mursingh, Bilaspur-
Gambharimal road.

226
16 From N.H.-201 Chowk to ODR 0.830 0.830
Helipad Manaharapur,
Balangir.

17 From Rajendra Club ODR 0.500 0.500

Tulsinagar to Circuit
House, Balangir.
18 From District Judge ODR 0.450 0.450
residence to Sagarpara
Shiv Mandir.
19 From P.P. Academy ODR 0.460
Chowk to Damodar
Mishra, Telighotpara.
20 From RajaniBhoiChowk to ODR 1.170
Malpara Rabi Sahu.
21 From ODR 0.540 0.540
MetakaniMandirChowk to
Athagaon road Malpara.
22 From Athagaon road ODR 0.383 0.383
MasizidChowk via M.B.
DharmasalaKhadalpara to
BhagabatMandir.
23 From Gandhi Statue ODR 0.315 0.315
Chowk to Govt. Hospital.
24 From Thikadarpada ODR 0.840
Durgamandap Chowk to
Talpalipara road.
25 From Patnagarh road to ODR 0.450
Sambaleswari Hospital
Talpalipara.
1 Circuit House to Baba ODR 2.00
Matha (Khujenpali)

2 PWD Road to Sadeipali ODR 2.20

3 P.P. Academy Chowk to Patna Hotel Chowk- ODR 1.38

Patna Hotel Chowk to Samalai Temple Chowk
and HariharNarsingh Home towards N.H. Road,
Sonepur Via-MangalaMandir, Balangir
Total 0 1.75 283.75

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 CHAPTER VIII

ECONOMIC TRENDS

District Domestic Product: Trends and Composition

The district of Balangir which extends over an area of 6575 sq. km

is ranked tenth among the thirty districts of the State in area and
population. The density of population of the district is 251 persons per
square kilometre while the State average is 270. Its per captia income
was Rs.25,000 in 2013-14 as compared to the State and all-India
averages of Rs. 25,891 and Rs. 39,904, respectively. Structurally, its
economy is predominantly dependent on agriculture. The district has no
perennial irrigation system. Hirakud Command area covers only four
villages in Agalpur Block. All the Irrigation Projects existing in the district
irrigate after attaining a good monsoon shower. The district has only 18.8
% and 4.96 % of total cultivated area with flow irrigation system during
Kharif and Rabi respectively which is also very negligible to the state
average. The irrigation potential created in Balangir District is 30.8 %
during Kharif & 12.2% during Rabi with an area of 106372 ha. & 42132 ha
respectively which includes the life saving irrigation systems like Dug
wells, Katas, Nalas and WHS. This district has not yet benefitted from the
bigger irrigation projects like Lower Suktel Project. It is expected that
substantial portion of the district will be covered under irrigation of these
projects in coming years. A good numbers of minor irrigation projects
have been completed in last few decades in the district. Paddy, Maize,
Cotton, Kulthi, Arhar, Biri, Groundnut & Sugarcane crops are the potential
crops in the district. The district, despite its acute water scarcity has
earned a good name in the state so far as vegetable production is
concerned. The district is the one of the highest onion producing districts
in the whole state producing almost 25% of the total production of onion in
the state. Apart from onion, chilly is also widely grown in the district. The
average yield rate of paddy is about 49 quintal per hectare in the district.
After 1990 poultry farming in the district has increased. Many private
Entrepreneurs have come up with their Poultry Projects to boost the egg
and meat production through Layer and Broiler poultry farming. Balangir
nd
is 2 in the state in the production of eggs after Ganjam. Consumption of
chemical fertilizers and introduction of farm mechanization in large scale
has improved the production of crops and vegetables. The district is very
rarely affected by flood but in some years drought poses a major problem
for the people due to insufficient or uneven distribution of rains.

About 78 per cent of the population derive their means of livelihood

from agriculture whereas about 60 per cent of the total income is derived

228
from agriculture. The land on the southern parts of Balangir is strewn with
undulating patches of forests generally unsuitable for cultivation. Yet here
and there considerable patches of fertile lands and prosperous villages
are met with.

The district is not endowed with rich minerals like iron and coal. Few
deposits of inferior manganese and graphite of Patnagarh subdivision have
been utilized in recent years. But these mineral resources are too
inadequate to provide a base for the development of large-scale industries.
There is rich deposit of minerals on the Gandhamardan range. The range is
rich in flora and fauna. Because of inaccessibility of the area, difficult
transport and high cost of extraction, the hidden treasures of the land remain
unexplored. The Government have likewise not taken any move in this
direction. Thus the area, rich in natural resources, remains unexplored and
neglected.

In recent years 37 numbers of rice mills have been established in the

district.

As regards mineral based industry, there are 41 nos of industries

established in the district, those industries are mainly based on graphite,
Stone crushing and Granite cutting and polishing.

There are 16 Hotel industries have been established in the district.

These Hotels have been registered with the DIC. The impact of development
is gradually perceptible.

General Level of Prices

Economy of the district is based on agriculture. Paddy is chief crop of

the district. Other agricultural products of the district are Maize, greengram,
blackgram, Groundnut, Mustard, Potato and onion. Apart from these other
consumable commodities and non consumable commodities are imported.
Good Monsoon brings better harvesting of agricultural products .Though
people living below poverty line are provided with subsidized rice by
Government with sufficient quantity for consumption by the family
members, they have to depend on other commodities like Dal, oil,
vegetables mostly potato and onion . Prices of these products are high in
comparison to rice. Paddy produced by farmers is hardly consumed by the
people of the district except the farming class. Ministry of Agriculture,
Government of India decides and fixes the minimum support prices for
paddy to be procured by Government Agencies and subsequently provided
to Rice-millers for production of rice. Following table shows the minimum
support prices for paddy during last five years.

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 Minimum support prices
Year Commodity Variety
(per quintal)
Common Rs1080
2011-12
Grade-A Rs 1110
Common Rs 1000
2010-11
Grade-A Rs1030
Common Rs 1250
2012-13
Grade-A Rs 1280
Paddy
Common Rs 1310
2013-14
Grade-A Rs 1345
Common Rs1410
2015-16
Grade-A Rs 1450
Common Rs1360
2014-15
Grade-A Rs 1400

Price of rice in open market however differs. Coarse variety of rice

sells at Rs 20 to 30 rupees. Other varieties of rice are sold at higher price.
Coarse rice is preferred in the district among common people. Rice is
never cheaper during or after harvest as it was found twenty to thirty years
ago throughout the district when the producer was obliged to sell in order
to procure the means to pay the rent and to liquidate his debt. Wheat is
available in the open market and also available in fair price shops for
consumption of common people.

After Paddy, Cotton cultivation is one of the major commercial crops

which have improved the economic condition of farmers of the district.
Farmers of drought-affected parts of Patnagarh and Titilagarh Subdivision
adopt cotton farming. Its minimum support price is also determined by the
Government and collected by agencies appointed by the Government.

Broadly speaking, general price level is the average price of goods and
services available in the economy. A change in general price level over a
general period of a time is known as inflation. For most common consumer
goods, prices are determined by producers and distribution channel. Prices
and quantities of all goods and services determined the overall price level.

Over the years, the prices of commodities like Dal, onion and edible
oil have increased abnormally and consumers have been heavily affected by
it. This is found to be the result of low yield. Usually in a season there is
fluctuation of prices after large scale yield of products. But in spite of that
prices remain high and continue for longer period due to the illicit hoarding
by unscrupulous businesspersons and overall inflationary pressures.

230
Wage Payment System and Wage Rate for Different Categories of
Workers

Agriculture is the predominant source of livelihood for the people of the

district, whether they work as cultivators of their own land or provide wage
labour for others. Out of total population of 16.49 lakhs (2011 census), the
working population is 720601. Among them cultivators are 166565 and
agriculture labourers are 326416, and 28650 workers are employed in
household industry. Four out of five of these main workers are either own
cultivators or agricultural labourers. The remaining categories for main
workers include construction work, trade and commerce, livestock, forestry,
fishing and allied activities, mining and quarrying, manufacturing and
processing, servicing and repairing in the household and non household
industry, construction, and transport, storage and communication. In busy
seasons of farm operations labourers are in great demand and during those
few months they get ample work. But during the rest of the year employment
facilities are very much irregular and uncertain. The conditions of the
agricultural farm labourers more than a half century ago were quite different
from present system of engagement of labourers in the district. Field
labourers were called Guti or Halia and were being engaged on annual
contract. They used to get wages in shape of paddy and clothes and were
also supplied with food. Now, this system of Guti or Halia is nonexistent.

It is a well-known fact that agricultural labourer constitutes the lowest

income group in the community. Moreover, for a considerable part of the
year the rural labourer does not find any employment. As such, the daily
wage which he earns is not a proper indication of his total earnings.
Labourers are also employed for particular work on contractual basis i.e.
construction works. Mostly skilled or semi-skilled labourers prefer to be
employed in contractual basis. Some labourers work under a particular
employer day after day during certain season, there is no claim to such
work and even there is no agreement or understanding of any kind for any
employment beyond particular period of employment for which they are
engaged. A few of them work as domestic servants or are employed in
some other work assigned to them by their employer.

Payment of wages

In farm operation male agricultural labourers are paid Rs 120 to 150

per day in the district. Female labourers are paid little less than their male
counterpart. Payment on minimum wage scale fixed by Government is
hardly followed. Similar is the situation for other casual labourers in the
district. Skilled and semi skilled labourers get more than the casual
labourers.

231
 There are 4 nos of stages of employment, followed in farm operation in
the district with regard to payment of wages for the agricultural labour. The
first category of labour utilized for tilling or ploughing the land, normally
engaged from 6 A.M. to 12 Noon and 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. for 8 hours in a day
for which they are paid Rs.150/- with one time fooding, payment is normally
paid to them at the end of every week during the season.

Secondly, both male and female labourers are engaged during planting
of paddy saplings in the field. The male agriculture labourers are used for
carrying sapling and the female labourers plant them. Male labours are paid
Rs 150/ for 5 hours of work i.e. 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. and the female labourers
are being paid Rs.100 to 120 with one time food for reaping work. This
structure however varies from place to place in the district and wages vary
according to the volume of work. Next stage is the weeding stage when
labourers are engaged for removing the weeds and other undesirable
grasses that grow in the field with paddy. Here also the labourers are paid
Rs. 100 to Rs. 150.

Harvesting of paddy is an important part of the operation. It normally

begins from the month of November to January depending upon the duration
of the paddy in the Kharif season. Generally male agricultural labourers are
engaged in the work and are being paid Rs.150/- for 7 hours of working
starting from i.e. in 7 A.M. to 12 Noon and 3 P.M. to 5 P.M.

Sometimes the labourers work on contractual basis and the rates of

wages usually fixed is Rs.1700/- to1800/- per an acre of land for harvesting.

Minimum wages system

Labour department of Government of Odisha fixes the minimum

rates of wages payable to the Unskilled, Skilled, Highly skilled categories
of employees employed in 88 employments as mentioned in the schedule
of notification published on 24th July 2015. As per the notification the wage
rate for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled is Rs. 200, Rs.
220, Rs. 240 and Rs. 260 respectively. Payment of wages according to
notification of Government is usually followed in industrial units, Kendu leaf
collection, manufacturing units, construction works, projects, roads, private
and public road transport etc. Above wage rate is also followed in
employment programme like MGNREGA of Panachayat Raj Department
executed in Blocks and Panchayats.

Standard of Living
Standard of living refers to way of living of people of certain
geographical area. It depends on agricultural production, industries in the

232
area, cottage industries and employment situation and other socio-economic
factors. The standard of living includes factors such as income, quality and
availability of employment, class disparity, poverty rate, quality and
affordability of housing, hours of work required to purchase necessities,
gross domestic product, inflation rate, access to quality healthcare, quality
and availability of education, life expectancy, incidence of disease, cost of
goods and services, infrastructure, national economic growth, economic and
political stability, political and religious freedom, environmental quality,
climate and safety. The standard of living is closely related to quality of life.
Agriculture is the predominant source of livelihood for the people of the
district, whether they are cultivators of their own land or provide wage labour
for others. Out of total population of 16.49 lakhs (2011 census), the working
population is 720601. Among them cultivators are 166565 and agriculture
labourers are 326416, and further 28650 nos of workers are employed in
household industry. Four out of five of these main workers were either
cultivators of their own lands or agricultural labourers. The remaining
categories of main workers involve construction work, trade and commerce,
livestock, forestry, fishing and allied activities, mining and quarrying,
manufacturing and processing, servicing and repairing in the household and
non household industry, construction, and transport, storage and
communication. The percentage of Scheduled caste and Scheduled tribe
population is 17.88% and 21.05% respectively. Most of these people are
either landless or having marginal holdings. The district presents mostly a
picture of single crop agricultural economy where paddy is the principal crop.
The major non paddy crops cultivated in the district as Kharif crops are
cotton, maize, Moong and Biri. The major rabi crops are cereals, pulses, oil
seeds, vegetables.
It is a good trend to observe that rural pockets of Balangir district in
recent years witnessed a positive transformations such as development of
roads, transport and communication networks. Infrastructure development
and performance of the agriculture can be focused here while discussing
standard of living of Balangir district.
Rural household is improving slowly by adapting to changes in life style
in terms of use of consumer goods and fancy articles. In last forty to fifty
years many changes are noticeable in rural pockets. The most important are
the ways the rate of literacy has increased and villages have been provided
with electricity. Road communication with transport facility has improved a lot
even to remote corner of the district facilitating mobility and transport of
goods. Cell phone connectivity has improved in last ten to fifteen tears.
Awareness is being generated through media and other agencies. Gradually
rural masses begin to prefer constructing building with bricks and concrete,
although substantial portion of rural mass still adopt old method of house

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construction with materials easily available nearby. Local-made nuria tiles
are preferred with brick wall where there is a considerable increase in the
use of cement and rod in rural housing.
In spite of this unstable condition it can be said that the standard of
living of the people of this district is improving due to adoption of improved
agricultural techniques, execution of irrigation projects, use of improved
seeds and manures and above all, production of rice which has been
doubled with the adoption of many high yield varieties. More important thrust
has been given for crop diversification. In the drought prone area of
Patanagarh and Titilagarh Sub-division, cotton is being cultivated by farmers
which boost the economy of district. The Pulses, maize, and oil-seeds are
grown in the district in plenty. Different kinds of vegetables such as
Potatoes, Onions, brinjals, pumpkins, radish, and tomatoes are grown more
or less throughout the district. Cauliflowers, cabbages and other winter
vegetables are also grown and cultivation of these crops is becoming
increasingly popular. Collection of milk has also increased to 31,000 its daily.
In poultry sector, the district is one of the leading producers in Odisha and is
nd
ranked 2 in the production of eggs after Ganjam district. Consumption of
meat, fish, milk and egg and other nutrient rich food has increased in the
urban households. In the rural pockets of the district, consumption of meat
has also increased significantly.
In recent years, the influence of urban life through the modern means
of communication has been noticed to some extent on the food habits and
luxuries even in the remotest corners of the district. Beverages like tea,
coffee and soft drink are becoming quite common in villages along with
motor cycles and fancy shops, stationery and ready-made cloth shops and
medicine stores.
Consumption of cereals claims 60 per cent of in the rural area as
against 38 per cent in the urban area. Rice is being provided at subsidized
price through public distribution out lets in every panchayat of the district. In
recent years consumption of wheat supplied through PDS has increased in
rural area. As regards other non-food items of consumption, the urban
people spend a greater proportion of their total income than the rural people
in general. Urban people make more consumption on fuel for vehicles,
entertainment through television media, gadgets, home cooking by use of
LPG cylinder, electricity charges, cell phone,
Another area of consumption which has increased significantly over the
years is energy by both urban and rural consumer. Consumption of energy
used for heating, lighting and household appliances has increased in
different ways both in urban and rural area. Nearly 71% households in urban
areas and over 21% in rural areas reported consumption of LPG for

234
households. Electricity is consumed by 96% households in urban areas and
74% in rural areas. However, the percentage of households reported using
firewood still remains high in both urban and rural area. Now more
consumption has been reported in use of petrol, education, medical care,
telephone and cable TV subscription in both rural and urban households. It
can be deduced that rural people depend on the home grown products for
their food items rather on market. Urban consumers are totally dependent on
market for both food and non-food items and other household materials. But
gradually, it is noticed that the rural folk are also attracted to consumerism
developed by urban people on non-food items.
Employment and Unemployment Situation in the District
Census data 2011 indicates the status of the workers in the district. It
classifies workers as main and marginal workers. Main workers are those
who participated in any economically productive activity for not less than six
months and marginal workers are those participated in any economically
productive activity less than six months. The cultivators and agricultural
workers are among main workers. We have already discussed previously
that in Balangir district, out of total population of 16.49 lakhs (2011 census),
the working population is 720601. Among them cultivators are 166565 and
agriculture labourers are 326416, and further 28650 workers are in
household industry. Typically, economic activities have been grouped into
three broad sectors such as primary, secondary, and tertiary. The primary
sector includes agriculture and allied sectors like animal husbandry and
fisheries, mining and quarrying. The secondary sector consists of
manufacturing, electricity and construction subsectors. The tertiary sector
involves various services including public administration. The economy of
the district is primarily dependant on agriculture. The total labour force of the
district is the sum of those working or engaged in economic activity and
those who are seeking employment. The unemployment situation arises
when there is scarcity of work for the workers. Non-availability of adequate
employment opportunities in the organized and unorganized sector has
posed serious challenges. Apart from agricultural activities, other areas of
employment are few. Migration of labour from different blocks of the district
namely Belpada, Patnagarh, Khaparakhol, Bangomunda, Muribahal,
Tureikela, and Saintala, is also a challenge for the district administration
despite execution of wage employment programme. In last fifty years, the
district experienced many drought-like situations due to uncertainty and
uneven distribution of monsoon. Employment in the farm sector is badly hit
during drought conditions in the district. The daily wage earners in farm
sector having no alternative employment migrate to other states like Andhra
Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka etc. in search employment.

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 Government initiated food for work scheme and other measures long
back to provide earning to labour class people for a small period of time till
the condition for agriculture improved. Government has taken several steps
to provide employment to labour force in the past. In the year 1980
Government introduced National Rural Employment (NREP) in order to
provide additional gainful employment. RLEGP was introduced from 15th
August, 1983 with the objective of improving and expanding employment
opportunities for the rural landless with a view to provide guarantee of
employment to at least one member of every landless household up to 100
days in a year and creating durable assets for strengthening the
infrastructure so as to meet the growing requirements of the rural economy.
By merging the two above wage employment programme – National Rural
Employment programme (NREP) and Rural Landless Employment
Guarantee Programme (RLEGP), the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY) was
started with effect from April 1, 1989 on 80:20 cost sharing basis between
the centre and the States. The main objective of the yojana was additional
gainful employment for the unemployed and under-employed persons in
rural areas. One of the significant efforts was the enactment of the Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Act 2005, an important step towards
realization of the right to work and to ensure livelihood security for the
households in the rural areas of the district. This scheme provides at least
100 days of guaranteed wage employment in each financial year to every
household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual labour.
This scheme has also been implemented in Balangir district. Employment
under MGNREGA has not been visible except in few cases in the blocks of
Muribahal, Belpada, Tureikela and Bangomunda where migration of people
from landless, small and marginal families still continues to occur.
Employment Potential
Employment Exchange: One Employment office or Employment Exchange
under the Department of labour and Employment is functioning at Balangir
for the entire district. It undertakes registration of eligible unemployed
persons with an aim to provide them possible placements in public sector
establishments. It also renders employment assistance to the jobseekers
and assists the employer in meeting their man power requirements. In order
to assist the District Employment Exchange to serve job-seekers more
effectively, there are two more Employment Sub-offices located at
Patnagarh and Titilagarh.
Employment Mission Society was launched in the year 2005. Since
then the following programmes are being conducted by the State
Employment Mission through the district Employment Exchange.

236
 Placement Linked Training Programme: Placement Linked Training
Programmes are being conducted by Employment Mission through the PIAs
in different trades as per the MES syllabus. The training programme is free
of cost. After completion of training, the successful trainees are provided
with NCVT certificates as well as placement assistance by the PIAs. The
following PIAs are operating in Balangir district for providing Placement
Linked Training Programme.

Sl. Name of Address of the Training Center Name Duration Educational

No. the PIA of the of training Qualification
trade required.
1 AIISECT Tikrapara,Balangir Tally 500 HSC
2 AISECT Raghunathpara,Titilagarh Tally 500 HSC
3 IIIM Babajipara,Patnagarh BPO 500 HSC

Skill Development Training Centre: To provide logistic support to the

PIAs and encourage them for opening of training centres at District Level a
Skill Development Training Centre is established at Durgapali. The centre
will be leased out to the PIAs for running PLTP training programmes of
Odisha State Employment Mission.
Block Level Counselling Camp: Block Level Counselling Camps are
being organized in every block for identification of candidates for Placement
Linked Training Programme, Job Fair and Pre-Recruitment Training Camp.
In this camp all the PIAs operating in the District as well as the other PIAs
signed MOU with Government of Odisha for participating and conducting
counselling of the participants.
Job Fair: Job Fairs are being organized at District Level. The
employees from the organized sectors from and outside the state are invited
to participate in the event and select the unemployed interested youths of
the district as per their requirement. Odisha State Employment Mission
provides all logistic support to the employees during the fair. The candidates
were selected through the Block Level Counselling camps; the Block
Development Officers see to their participation in the job fair. A list of the nos
of job offered year-wise Trade or Sector is furnished at the end of the
chapter as Annexure I.
Pre-Recruitment Training Camp: Pre-Recruitment Training Camps
are organized for the candidates who are interested to join the Military and
Para-Military Forces. The duration of the training programme is of 15 days
for 50 trainees. The trainees are trained for both physical and written test by
experts.

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 Registration of Candidates: Besides Employment Mission activities,
registration of name of the un-employed youths is being carried out at the
Employment Exchanges. For the purpose of registration of name, a
candidate has to produce the following documents:-
a. All original educational certificates and mark sheets
b. Residential certificate issued within one year
c. Caste certificate in case of SC/ST/OBC/SEBC

Other Employment Opportunities

The potential of the district in providing employment opportunities in the

field of Agriculture and ISB sector and MSME is satisfactory. But such
potential has never been exploited to a considerable extent.
In the following sectors potential for Employment can be explored
because of the district‟s agro-climatic condition.
- Cultivation of cotton, maize, sunflower
- Undertaking Horticultural Planatations, mainlymango, banana, Papaya
and drumsticks
- Allied activities of Goatery, Pisciculture,
- Handloom, Handicrafts, especially terracotta, Durry and Carpet
weaving, Brass metal utensils making etc.
- Transport sector
- Small industries units of spices-making, coal briquette units

MSME Units

- For manufacture of medicines, paper cups and plate making

- Rice bran oil, spices, poultry food, cattle feed

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 Annexure I

No of job offered

Year Wise Trade or Sector Inside State Outside State

G4s Security Solution Chennai 0 123
Mayur Syntex 0 33
Shahi Export 0 71
Sri Rajasthan Syntax Ltd 0 49
2012-2013 0 276

Eureka Home Care 21 0

G4s Bhubaneswar 29 0
G4s Security Solution Chennai 0 73
K1 Security 167 0
Mayur Mill 0 26
Nahar Spinning Mill 0 46
Sri Rajasthan Syntax Ltd 0 16
Ziquita Health Care 21 0
2013-2014 238 161

Ably 30 0
Arundhuti Jewellers 16 0
CIPET Balasore 55 0
CVRC 57 0
Eureka Forbes 12 0
G4 Security 163 0
Gram Tarang 73 0
Minerva Motors 67 0
OSL Security 31 0
Paiyks Security 186 0
Planet Solution 50 0
RIHM 49 0
Rswm 0 51
SSEPL 101 0
Top Guarding Security 95 0
2014-2015 985 51
Grand Total 1223 488

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 CHAPTER IX

GENERAL AND REVENUE ADMINISTRATION

Historical Background
After the Third Maratha war, Patna and Sonepur along with Sambalpur
and other neighbouring states came under the permanent possession of the
British. Patna state was in central provinces like other states of Sonepur,
Sambalpur, Kalahandi and Rairakhol since 1861. Patna state with other
states of Sonepur, Kalahandi and Samabalpur was declared Feudatory
states in 1863 and was vested with administrative power. The Feudatory
Chief began to administer his own state with laws and regulation
promulgated by him. In 1905, States of Patna, with other states of
Sambalpur, Sonepur, Kalahandi and Raira-khol was taken from the central
provinces and amalgamated with Odisha. The privileges and status of the
Feudatory Chiefs of these States were clearly defined and recorded. Thus,
the Feudal Chief of Patna became the supreme head of the State in all
branches of administration and was also begun to be known as the
Maharaja. State of Patna was divided into three sub-divisions called
Balangir, Patnagarh and Titilagarh. The sub-divisions were under Sub-
Divisional Officers who exercised both executive and Judiciary functions. In
Patna state, village Panchayat system was introduced in the year 1939. A
legislative assembly was also reported to have been established in the year
1943 and a cabinet in the year 1947 with four ministers.
After Independence, the Government of India took up the issue of
merger of Odisha States and subsequently all the States except Mayurbhanj
merged with Odisha on the 1st January 1948. On that day the district of
Balangir-Patna was formed comprising the ex-States of Kalahandi, Patna
and Sonepur. But as the district, later on was found unwieldy for purposes of
administration the ex-States of Patna and Sonepur were separated on the
1st November, 1949 and the new district of Balangir was formed comprising
st
these two ex-States. On 1 April, 1993, Sonepur and Birmaharajpur sub-
divisions were separated from Balangir district and a new district Called
Subarnapur was formed.
District Administration (Background of Revenue Administration in
Patna Estate): General Overview
The general administration of the district is vested in the Collector who
also functions as the Magistrate of the district. The District Officer, therefore,
combines in him the responsibilities of carrying on the revenue
administration as well as functions of the supreme magistrate of the district
for maintenance of law and order. The Collector is assisted by an Additional
District Magistrate who is also empowered under several laws to perform
240
duties and responsibilities of the ADM of the district. The Collector is
responsible for revenue administration of the district including collection of
land revenue and maintenance of revenue records. For the purposes of
revenue administration, the district has been divided into three subdivisions
viz. Balangir, Patnagarh and Titilagarh. Each Subdivision has been divided
in to Tehasils. Balangir subdivision has six tehasils namely Agalpur,
Loisingha, Puintula, Balangir, Deogaon & Tusra. Patanagarh sub-division
has three tehsils namely Patanagarh, Belpara & Khaparakhopl. Similarly,
Titilagarh sub-division has 5 tehasils namely, Kanatabanji, Banagomunda,
Muribahal, Titilagarh and Saintala. Tehsils have been formed in each Block
headquarter and co-terminus with the boundary of Block. In Balangir district
fourteen tehsils are functioning. The Tehsil is the basic unit of revenue
administration in the field level and is placed under the charge of a Group –
A Officer designated as Tehsildar who belongs to the cadre of the Orissa
Administrative Service. In his absence an officer of Odisha Revenue Service
is kept in charge of the Tehasil to perform duties and functions of the
Tehasildar and Addl. Tehasildar. The Tehasildar and Addl. Tehasildar are
responsible for collection of land revenue and maintenance of revenue
records. Besides they are empowered through different statutes to hold
Revenue Court for disposal of lease of Government lands, mutation,
encroachment, certificate and other miscellaneous revenue cases. Each
Tehsil is divided into revenue circles under the charge of a Revenue
Inspector for the purpose of maintenance of tenant wise records, collection
of land revenue, submit information regarding maintenance of Govt. land etc.
in each village under their charge besides disposal of undisputed mutation
cases. A revenue circle comprises several revenue villages. The Revenue
Supervisors have been posted in each Tehasil to supervise the work of RI
circles in the field as per the provisions of Manual of Tehasil Accounts. The
Collector being the Chief Revenue Officer of the District is under the general
control and superintendence of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner of
Northern Division with headquarters at Sambalpur. The Collector has the
appellate and revisional powers under different statute of Revenue Law in
the matter of disposal of revenue cases by the Tehasildar, Sub-Collector and
ADM. Similarly, the Sub-Collector and ADM are empowered to hold
Revenue Court including the appellate court empowered by different
statutes.
For co-ordination of various aspects of Revenue Administration as well
as for effective control over the field officers, there is a Revenue Section in
the Collectorate under the charge of an Officer of the Orissa Administrative
Service or Subordinate Administrative Service assisted by other ministerial
staffs. But as the Collector is generally engrossed with a multitude of issues
and tasks relating to general and developmental administrations, the

241
Additional District Magistrate closely supervises all matters of the district
administration and monitors all revenue matters in the district.
The Collector also functions as the seniormost Executive Magistrate of
the district being appointed by the State under the provision of Section 20 of
the Cr.PC. He is primarily responsible for the maintenance of law and order
in the district. He exercises all powers under the provisions of the Code of
Criminal Procedure for prevention of breach of peace as well as for
maintenance of law and order. He has supervisory powers over the
subordinate Executive Magistrates including administration of jails and lock-
ups in the district. The Addl. District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional District
Magistrate for the sub-division and Executive Magistrate are appointed
under section 20 of the Cr.PC and perform duties and functions accordingly
in their respective jurisdiction. In exigency, Special Executive Magistrates
are also appointed by the Government under section 21 of Cr.PC for a
particular area for performance of particular function.
The Collector also acts as Chief Development Officer and has also
been made responsible for the implementation of all development schemes
including the rural development and has been given full control over officers
of various departments posted in the district. He is entrusted with the
responsibility to monitor their work and ensure that their work is purposeful.
He has power to co-ordinate the activities of various departmental district
heads so as to facilitate an integrated and all-round development of the
area. Also he makes an assessment of the work performed by the district
rd
heads of some of the departments at the end of the year. After 73
amendment act of the Indian Constitution, strengthening of Panchayats are
done in three-tier PRI system such as Grama Panchayat in the primary level,
the Panchayat Samiti in the secondary level and the Zilla Parishad at the
District level by enactment of state laws, i.e, Odisha Gram Panchayat Act /
Rules, Odisha Panchayat Samiti Act/Rules and Odisha Zilla Parishad
Act/Rules. The Collector is the Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Paraishad and
Chairman of District Rural Development Agency which looks after Rural
development schemes implemented through Gram Panchayat, Panchayat
Samiti and other departmental agencies. In the three-tier PRI system the
Gram Panchayat at the village level plays a vital role to prepare plan and
estimate for various poverty alleviation and development programme
through Palli Sabha/Gram Sabha and submit it to the forum of Panchayat
Samiti for their assent and onward transmission to Zilla Parishad for
allocation of funds by the Govt. for their implementation. The Zilla Parishad
represented by elected members take a vital role for supervision and
implementation of different schemes in the village level.
The Collector assesses the performances of the executives of Zilla
Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Gram Panchayat at a regular interval to

242
ensure proper implementation of various development programmes of the
Govt. including funds management. He supervises all works and takes
steps to remove difficulties which the field functionaries experience during
project implementation. The Project Director, District Rural Development
Agency assisted by sub-ordinates closely supervises the implementation of
various schemes at Gram Panchayat and Panchayt Samiti level under the
administrative control and supervision of Collector. The PD, DRDA is
appointed by the Govt. from amongst the cadre of the Odisha Administrative
Service (S). The Block Development Officer appointed by the Government is
generally from the Odisha Administrative Service cadre. He is the Executive
Officer of the Panchayat Samiti assisted by other Extension Officers and
Panchayat Executive Officers (PEO) who are appointed in each GP to
perform duties of an Executive Officer of the Gram Panchayat. The
Collector has a general control over the working of other Department‟s
offices in the district. The working of Panchayati Raj Department, ST & SC
Development, and Civil Supplies Departments are under the direct
supervision of the Collector in view of their relative importance. One District
Welfare Officer is posted in District office of the ST&SC Development
Department to supervise and inspect the work of the field level officials such
as Welfare Extension officer (WEO) in Block and Asst. District Welfare
Officer (ADWO) in the Sub-division office. Assistant District Welfare Officers
have been posted in the sub-division office to inspect various welfare
programmes subject to the control of Sub-Collector. An ex-Cadre Officer
designated as the District Information and Public Relations Officer is in
charge of the Publicity Wing of the Collectorate. An Officer of the Supply
Department known as the Civil Supplies Officer works under the immediate
control of the Collector. Similarly, Grama Panchayat matters are dealt with in
a section of the Collectorate known as Grama Panchayat Section under the
charge of an Officer known as the District Panchayat Officer. The Excise
Administration of the district is directly under the charge of the
Superintendent of Excise but the Collector functions as the head of the
Excise Administration of the District. All these categories of works are the
routine works of the District Magistrate. In addition to these works, he also
functions as the District Election officer. He is assigned the responsibility to
conduct and supervise all the election works and activities at the district level
during Parliament and Assembly elections under the direct supervision of
CEO & ECI. He also performs the duty of the returning officer in the
elections to the Lok Sabha.
There is a District Treasury at Balangir under the charge of an Officer
of the Orissa Finance Service (Senior Branch) and there are Sub-Treasuries
functioning at Patnagarh, Titilagarh, loisingha, Kantabanji, Tusra. The
District Magistrate looks into the affairs of the District Treasury and the Sub-
Treasuries. In the Subdivisions, the Sub-divisional Officers are in over-all
243
charge of the Sub-Treasuries whose monthly accounts are verified by them.
The Additional District Magistrate is the ex-officio District Registrar. He is
assisted by a District Sub-Registrar with headquarters at Balangir. There are
local offices of the Sub-Registrar in the subdivisions.
The office of the Collector is known as the Collectorate. It is the nerve
centre of the district administration. It consists of several sections, each
under the charge of a Deputy or Assistant Collector. At times, an Officer is
also kept in charge of more than one section. Depending upon the vacancies
in the Collectorate, some of the sections are under the charge of the
Additional District Magistrate while others which are directly under the
control of the Collector are the policy matter and over-all control and
supervision of the system. The Government have sanctioned duty posts of
six Deputy Collectors and two Assistant Collectors in the District Office but
this number varies from time to time. Some of the important sections of the
Collectorate are Revenue, General, Judicial, Development, Emergency
(Disaster Management), Election, Census, Record Room, Library, Forms
and Stationery, Nizarat, Land acquisition, Welfare, Publicity, Grama
Panchayat and Land Records. Each section is kept under the charge of a
senior assistant and there is a post of Office Superintendent for the
Collectorate whose duty is to co-ordinate and control the activities of various
sections in the District Office. The Office Superintendent is the head
ministerial officer of the Collectorate. The Additional District Magistrate
generally looks after the internal administrative affairs of the Collectorate
which is subject to the general control of the Collector. The routine matters
are disposed of by the Additional District Magistrate who refers important
matters to the Collector for his decision.
Sub-Divisional Level Administration
For administrative convenience, the district has been divided into three
sub-divisions under the charge of a Sub-Collector in each Sub-Division who
belongs to the cadre of the Orissa Administrative Service (SB). At times,
Junior Officers of the Indian Administrative Service are also kept in charge of
the subdivisions. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate also holds Criminal court
under preventive sections of the Criminal Procedure Code. They are
responsible for the maintenance of law and order in their respective
jurisdiction. At Sub-divisional level, Sub-collectors are assisted by one to two
officers of Odisha Administrative services or Odisha Revenue services for
disposal of criminal, revenue and certificate cases.
There are fourteen Development Blocks in Balangir. Each Block is kept
under the charge of a Gazetted Officer known as Block Development Officer.
The office of the Sub-divisional Officer is a miniature Collectorate, having all
the similar sections as function in the Collectorate. The Sub-collector is the

244
Sub-divisional head and has general control over the Sub-divisional staffs of
the other departments. Under the supervision and control of Sub-Collector,
the PDS and Social Security are provided to beneficiaries through respective
Panchayat Samitis. The Sub-Collector discharges all duties and
responsibilities in respect of all matters under his jurisdiction concerning all
sectors like Collectorate subject to control and supervision of Collector. He is
directly responsible for the smooth implementation of the programmes of the
Panchayat Samitis and proper land revenue administration by the Tehsildar.
The Sub-Collector s of the district of Balangir have the powers under the
provisions of Odisha Land Reforms Act 1960 to enquire into every petition
filed by a member of any Scheduled Tribe and Schedule caste praying for
permission to transfer whole or part of his holding to a Scheduled Tribe and
Scheduled Caste person. He is the competent authority under this law either
to permit the transfer or reject the application. He may also, on its own
motion or on the application filed by the successors of any previous
transferor, enquire into the matter to establish validity of such transfer and
pass order to restore it back to the person he considers entitled to possess
it. In respect of his sub-division, he has powers for supervision over the
Police Administration. The Sub-Collector is the appellate authority who is
empowered in the various statute like Odisha Misc. Certificate Rules, Odisha
Mutation Manual, Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, Odisha
Land Reforms Act, Odisha Minor Minerals Concession Amendment Rules
either to annual or upheld the orders passed by the Tehasildars in such
matters within his jurisdiction. Similar to the ADM and Collector and ADC
are vested with the powers of Appellate and Revisional Authority against the
impugned orders passed by the authority down below, the Board of Revenue
has the power to review every revenue matters as per statutory provisions.
There are several other offices of the Government of Odisha which
function under the immediate control of their district level heads.
Other District Offices
The important Departments in the district are Public Works, Veterinary,
Forest, Industry, Agriculture, Medical, Co-operative and Education
department. The organisational set-up of each of these Departments in the
district is presented below.
Works Department (Roads & Buildings)
This Department is responsible for construction and maintenance of
roads, buildings and bridges. It executes all works relating to construction of
buildings and roads required by all departments of Government except such
works as are transferred to the administration of the departments concerned
or entrusted for execution to a State Government. At times, works of non-
government agencies are also taken up by it.

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 Balangir district has two divisions located at Balangir and Kantabanji.
Each of the division is headed by an Executive Engineer. Each Division is
again divided into Sub-Divisions and looked after by an Assistant Engineer.
Executive Engineer is responsible to the Superintending Engineer.
Balangir is also the headquarters of Balangir circle headed by
Superintending Engineer who looks after the affairs of 3 other districts
including Balangir. These districts are Kalahandi, Nuapada and Subarnapur.
Electricity Department
Power supply to domestic and industrial purpose is managed by
WESCO (Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha limited). WESCO is
a public limited company to carry out the distribution and retail supply
business of electricity in the entire region of Odisha. Before 1997, Odisha
State Electricty Board was looking the aspect of distribution and supply of
electricity in the District.
Balangir district has two divisions under WESCO. Balangir is the
headquarters of Balangir Electric Division and another is located at Titilagarh
for Titilagarh Electric Division. Each division is headed by an Executive
Engineer. Again, Balangir Electric Division has 4 Sub-Divisions namely
Balangir-1, Balangir-2, Loisingha, and Tusra. Parts of Puintula Block are
managed by Sonepur Electric subdivision at Tarva of Subarnapur district.
Similarly, Titilagarh has four electric subdivisions placed at Titilagarh,
Saintala, Kanatabanji and Patnagarh.
Rural Works Department
The district has three divisions of the Rural Works Department located
at Balangir, Patnagarh and Titilagarh. Each division is headed by an
Executive Engineer who is assisted by Assistant Engineers. Works related to
road and buildings of rural area are looked after by this department.
Public Health Department
It is headed by one Executive Engineer with headquarters at Balangir.
He is responsible for supply of drinking water in all urban areas of the
district.
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation
This department looks after provision for supply of drinking water in
rural areas. It is headed by an Executive Engineer with headquarter at
Balangir. It is accountable for sanitation in rural areas.

246
Animal Resources Department (Veterinary)
Chief District Veterinary Officer is the apex supervising and monitoring
authority in ARD sector of the district. His Office is situated at Balangir
district headquarters. At Sub-divisional level Sub-divisional Veterinary Officer
functions at each Sub-divisional head quarter to monitor and supervise the
activities of Veterinary Institutions. There are 21 numbers of Veterinary
dispensaries and hospitals in the district. These provide veterinary and
animal husbandry services to the livestock farmers of the district at Block/GP
levels. Apart from this there are 114 numbers of live stock aid centre and
135 numbers of mobile units have been engaged to oversee veterinary
services in the district.
Forest Department
The Balangir Forest Division covers the entire district. The Divisional
Forest Office is located at Balangir. The Divisional Forest Officer is the head
of the division. There are three Assistant Conservators of Forests to assist
the Divisional Forest Officer. The division consists of 11 ranges out of which
three are in charge of Forest Rangers. The ranges are divided into sections
in charge of Foresters who are assisted by a Forest Guard each.
Balangir Forest division comes under the Chief conservator of Forest,
Bhawanipatna circle.
Industries Department
The District Industries Office was established at Balangir on 1st May
1957 to look after the industrial development of Balangir and Kalahandi
districts and Baudh subdivision of Baudh-Khondmals district. The office
represents the Directorate of Industries, Orissa, at district level. District
Industries Centres have been set up in each district of the State with effect
st
from 1 July 1978. Consequently on the introduction of District Industries
Centres, the offices of the District Industries Officers, Project Officers, Rural
Industries Projects and Zonal Deputy Director have been abolished. The
District Industries Centre is only agency to deal with all services and support
required for promotion, establishment and follow up action in respect of
small and village Industries. This organization has been equipped with
techno-managerial marketing experts and economists to locate and assist
entrepreneurs belonging to small and village sectors. The range of functions
of a District Industries Centre cover economic investigation of a district‟s raw
materials, credit facilities, effective marketing assistance with common
facilities for quality control and establish close linkage with development
departments, financing agencies etc.

247
Agriculture Department
Dy. Director, Agriculture is the supervising authority of agricultural
activities of the district. His office is located at Balangir. He is assisted by
three District Agricultural officers of Patanagarh, Titialagarh and Balangir
Sub-division.
Health Department
The Chief District Medical officer, having his headquarters at Balangir,
has jurisdiction over the whole district regarding the medical institutions and
the staff. He is the Superintendent of the hospital located at the district
headquarter Balangir. He is also assisted by three numbers of Additional
District Medical officers. At Sub-divisional level, Sub-divisional Hospitals at
Patnagarh and Titilagarh are under the control of Sub-divisional Medical
officers. There are 17 numbers of Community Health Centres and 42
numbers of Primary Heath Centres in the districts. Balangir District Hospital,
three sub-divisional Hospitals and Hospital at Kantabanji have been
declared as first referral units. There are 174 M.B.B.S and more qualified
doctors employed in different hospitals of the district.
Co-operative Department
The Balangir Cooperative Division started its functioning since the year
1979 with three circle offices namely Balangir, Titilagarh and Sonepur Circle.
Prior to that, it was under the Kalahandi Deputy Registrar of Cooperative
Societies, Cooperative Division. Later on, two new circles were created
bifurcating Balangir Circle and Sonepur Circle. Now three circles namely
Balangir, Patnagarh and Titilagarh are functioning in the District.
The Deputy Registrar of Coop Societies, Balangir Division is the District
Registering authority of all Central Coop. Societies and Asst. Registrar of
Coop. Societies are the sub-divisional registering authority within their circle.
They are the key for promotion and extension of cooperative movement and
both the district. They are assisted by SARCS, Inspectors and CEOs in their
work.
Education Department
Education in the district is looked after by the District Education Officer
as a whole. Previously, Block Education Officer was known as Circle
Inspector of schools. Presently, Block Education Officers have been posted
in Block level to make the supervision prominent in the field level. District
Education Officer exercises administrative control over secondary level in
the district where as Block Education officer exercises control over primary
level.

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Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is the comprehensive and integrated flagship
programme of Government of India to attain universal elementary education.
After the closure of DPEP on 30th June 2003, SSA Programme was
launched in Balangir district. From 1st April 2010, the RCFCE Act (Right of
the children to free and compulsory education Act) is being implemented
along with SSA in the state.
One District Project Coordinator appointed by the Government
supervises the affairs and management of Sarva Sikkshya Abhiyan in the
district which is subject to the administrative control of the Collector.
Social Welfare Department
The Department has an elaborate field formation with the District Social
Welfare Officer (DSWO) to assist the Collector in each District and a Sub-
divisional Social Welfare Officer (SSWO) in every sub-division to oversee
the affairs of the department. Besides, there are Social Educational
Organizers (SEOs) and Lady Social Educational Organizers (LSEOs) at the
Block level who assist the Block Administration in implementing the social
welfare programmes. In the district, each ICDS project is headed by a Child
Development Project Officer (CDPO), the project is further divided into 5-6
Sectors. Each sector is headed by a Supervisor, who oversees the work of
20-25 Anganwadi Centres (AWC) functioning at the village level. The Sub-
Collector is the Chairman of all ICDS Project within his jurisdiction who
controls and supervises the works of all CDPOs and AWWs and ensures
smooth implementation of the programme. He has the power to act as the
Chairman of the Selection Committee for engagement of AWWs as per
guidelines of Govt. in W & CD Department. He is vested with the special
power to remove AWW with due procedures in case of rural sectors. In case
of urban sector, the ADM is invested with such powers.
W omen & Child Development
The department aims at the holistic development of women and
children. Further, it renders a whole array of services meant for children up
to 6 years of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers belonging to the
poorest families. It is entrusted with the following responsibilities.
1. To provide food security, meeting the special nutritional needs of
specific target group.
2. To provide safety for old, infirm and destitute.
3. To assist physically challenged and disabled.
4. To coordinate the effort of NGO/ Voluntary Organization and aid
agencies working in the field of social development.
5. To coordinate the programme designed for social and economic
improvement of women including "Mission Sakti".

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Regional Transport Office
The office was opened in the year 1968 near the Collectorate Office,
Balangir. The RTO Office, Balangir is functioning in its own building since
15/08/1988. Prior to this, the department was under the jurisdiction of the
Superintendent of Police, Balangir.
The office is headed by the Regional Transport Officer. One Motor
Vehicle Inspector, Enforcement staff and ministerial staff work under him.
This office has many sections like Smart section and Permit Section, Cash
counter etc. Learning license online test is being conducted in the office.
There is provision for registration and VCR section. One record room is
there to keep the old records in proper manner. The total building is under
CCTV surveillance. The entire office building is equipped with 2 MBPS
network connection and 24X 7 hours Internet Facility.
Public Health Department
A Public Health Division is working in Balangir district. The Executive
Engineer is the authorised head of this division who looks after the water
supply system in Urban Areas of Balangir & Titlagarh Municipalities, in
NACs of Patnagarh, Kanatabanji and Tusra.
District Rural Development Agency
DRDA has traditionally been the principal organ at the district level to
oversee the implementation of anti-poverty programmes of the Ministry of
Rural Development. This agency was created originally to implement the
Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP). Subsequently, the
DRDAs were entrusted with a number of programmes of both state and
central governments. From 1 April 1999 a separate DRDA Administration
has been introduced to take care of the administrative costs. This aims at
strengthening the DRDAs and to make them more professional in managing
the anti-poverty programmes and hence establishes an effective link
between the ministry and the district level.
DRDA, Balangir was previously functioning as SFDA since 03/01/1971.
Subsequently, it has been renamed as DRDA in accordance with Agriculture
and Co-operation Department resolution No. 3951/AC dated 30/01/1981. It
is registered as DRDA, Balangir vide registration No.18931/14/84-85 dated
30.04.1984 covering all 20 blocks of the undivided Balangir district. After re-
organisation of new district of Subarnapur, six blocks pertaining to Sonepur
and Birmaharajpur Sub-division were separated with effect from 01/04/1993
from this Agency vide notification No.14210 / Rev dated 27/03/1993 of
Government in Revenue & Excise Department. After bifurcation the
jurisdiction of this Agency is comprised of 14 blocks and three sub-divisions
having 6 tehasils. President of Zilla Parishad is the Chairman of the DRDA

250
Governing Body, Collector of Balangir works as the CEO of DRDA/ZP and
Project Director, DRDA is the ex-officio Secretary of Zilla Parishad who acts
as the chief implementing and monitoring authority for rural developments.
Rural development and poverty alleviation programmes are being
implemented on a decentralized basis, keeping in view the large
geographical areas, the administrative requirements and the need to involve
grassroots-level officials and the community in the implementation of the
programme. The Ministry of Rural Areas & Employment, at central level, has
been implementing these programmes. The Ministry is responsible for the
release of central share of funds, policy formulation, overall guidance,
monitoring and evaluation of the programmes. At the State level
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj Department and Director Spl.
Projects and Addl. Secretary to Government, PR Department are
responsible for the implementation of the rural development programmes. At
the District level, the programmes are being implemented through the
DRDAs (District Rural Development Agencies). The governing body of
DRDA includes Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative
Assemblies (MLAs), District level officials of Development Departments,
Bankers, NGO's and representatives of weaker sections of the society. The
Chairman, Zilla Parishad used to be the Chairman of the Governing Board.
The Governing body at the district level provides guidance and directions to
DRDA. The body in DRDA is responsible for actual implementation headed
by Collector-cum-Chief Executive Officer of DRDA.
Many Schemes of the Central and State Governments are introduced
from time to time. Several schemes are available providing support to
different components of Rural Development. Schemes are also periodically
modified to reflect the experience over the years. The task of DRDA is to
identify the needs of the rural population and reach the appropriate schemes
where they are needed. In implementing the schemes, the role of the DRDA
has been technical, managerial and financial. Thus DRDA is not only a body
to disburse the funds for the schemes but also provide appropriate
managerial and technical support.
District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) are district level
development execution and monitoring agencies created under the Indian
Societies Registration Act. Substantial sums of rural development funds of
government of India were transferred and routed through them under various
Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Being purely a financial resource for rural
development the DRDAs are extremely important institutions at the district
level.
The nodal Agency is entrusted with the work of overseeing and
implementing major poverty alleviation programme of central and state govt.

251
The major flagship programme which are being implemented the Rural
Housing programme i.e. Indira Awaas Yojana and Biju Pakka Gruha Yojana
under which Pucca houses are given to houseless poor people, Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) under
which wage employment is given to rural job seekers for creation of
permanent rural assets/ infrastructures like Water Harvesting Structures,
Tanks, irrigation sources, drought proofing works, rural connectivity works,
land development and other community works. Another flagship anti-poverty
programme is NRLM (i.e. National Rural Livelihood Mission) under which
livelihood support is extended to SHGs through revolving funds and credit
linkage. Producers groups are also formed and developed into micro-
economic enterprises by skill development under the scheme, DDUGKY and
skill development training is imparted to unemployed educated youth.
Background of Revenue Administration in Patna Ex-state
In 1948, two former states of Patna and Sonepur were carved out of
Eastern state Agency and by combining them, Balangir District was formed.
The main Sub-Divisions of Patna ex-state were (1) Khalsa or directly
administered country and two estates held by relations of Maharaja, one at
Jarasingha and the other is at Agalpur. (2) 5 hereditary estates are in
Atgaon, Loisingha, Pandarapani, Bahalbuka and in Mandal. (3) Binjhal
estates at Remute, Nandupala, Bhanpur, Khaprakhol and Khuripani (4)
clusters of villages called Garhtiahis and (5) nine Khond Mahals
th
During 19 century, land revenue administration of Patna State was
being carried on by leasing out villages to the highest bidder who were later
known as Gauntias. The lease given to Gauntias was for 4 years. There
was no right of rayat over the land and he could be rejected at the will of
Gauntias. Nazrana was being paid by the Gauntias. The village assessment
of Malgujari was distributed on all rayati land including those held by the
Gauntias as a rayat. The Gauntias enjoyed all the bhogra lands rent free in
return for the Nazrana paid by them. This system of Revenue Administration
in the Patna State continued up to 1871. The tenant was however ignorant
of the rent he had to pay. The tenant was under the mercy of the Gountia,
who was making a source of profit for the Gauntia. During this system, all
sorts of levy were collected from villages for marriage in the ruler‟s family or
for visits of important persons. Unpaid labour was imposed upon tenants.
In 1871, a new settlement was made under British Administration. In
that year, after a summery enquiry, leases were given to Gauntias who in
return had to sign Kabuliyats which was newly introduced at that time. This
settlement was made for only 5 years. The demand of cess was collected
from tenants with rent in this system. Charges were made in the grant of
lease and in collection of demand to be collected in three instalments on the

252
full moon day of Ashadha, Kartika, and Phalguna. Gountia used to enjoy
bhogra lands rent free and appropriating the rents of new tenants on new
lands.
Though a fresh rent settlement was conducted in 1876 by Captain
Bowie, the then Deputy Commissioner, Sambalpur, with not much changes,
the Gountias and the tenants were left to themselves to apportion the
increased demand and subsequently the demand of revenue increased.
The next Settlement was conducted in the year 1885 by Berry. During
this settlement also a newly broken up land by the Gauntias was introduced
and the land was being enjoyed by the Gauntia himself get under the
cultivation by the tenant and enjoyed by them rent free for first 3 years and
subsequently paying the rent to Gauntias and the abandoned land by
tenants were being cultivated by Gauntias and leased to them at a very
lenient price.
In the year 1895-96, a regular settlement was made under the
supervision of Sri Sahani. Better cultivated lands were regularly surveyed by
plain table. The other details of the settlement like preparation of maps,
Khasra and Jamabandi were made. Soil was divided according to position
into or high land, mal or high embanked land, berna or low land, bahal or
lowest land where water supply was never deficient. Rent was calculated by
means of soil factor and unit rates. In determining the rate of land, the
condition of the village was taken. During this settlement, the remuneration
of Gauntias was changed. The Gauntias were supposed to assign land to
the village servants like Bhandas, Jhankar, Naria as their remuneration for
the service offered by them to the village. Tribal heads such as Umrah
received remuneration in cash.
The next settlement of the State was carried out under the supervision
of Sri Kamal Lochan Pujhari, Settlement Officer in the year 1903. He
completed the survey and settlement of Kandhan Pragana and Khalsa area
of Balangir Sub-Division, Agalpur estate and also in Patnagarh Sub-Division.
After Sri Pujhari, revision settlement of Kandhan Pragana, Kalsai area,
Agalpur Estate and Patnagarh Sub-Division was taken up by Sri Daitari
Mishra, Settlement Officer. He also made regular settlement of the
Jamindaris of Bangomunda, Loisingha, Atgaon and Kharposdari of
Jarasingha. This settlement was completed in the year in1919.This type
settlement was in accordance with the system followed in the central
provinces.
The next survey and settlement operation commenced under the
supervision of Sri Satish Chandra Benarjee in the year 1932 and were
completed in the year 1937. It was a revisional one. This settlement was
done according to Bihar and Odisha Survey and Settlement Technical

253
Rules. New classifications of land were adopted during this settlement, viz;
Bahal, Berna and Malsama. Accordingly, bari land were also divided into
Barimamuli, Bari Khari, Baripani, and Kharipani. In this settlement fruit
orchards were recorded as Bagicha. The important part is that uncultivated
land were also recorded as House, Roads, Gochar, Temple, Cremation
grounds, Waste land and Jungle etc. Settlement of Waste lands was divided
into two categories, viz (1) State Anabadi, and (2) Thekadar Anabadi Khata.
The land in Thekadar Anabadi Khata can be used for the purpose of
cultivation. Adopting these changes, there was an overall increase of
revenue by 47 percent in comparison to previous settlement of 1919.
The following important records were prepared during 1932-37
settlement Khewat, Khatian, Irrigation Khata, Wajib-ul-arz, Thekadari Umrahi
and Kabuliyat.
1. Khewat — It was the record of proprietary interest of the village and gave
a description of status of those who were entitled to receive rent from the
intermediate tenure holders. It also contained the revenue payable by each
Khewatdar of the area covered by each Khewat. The Patna State Sarkar
was recorded as the sole proprietor and the Kharposhdars, Zamindars,
Umrahs, Gat ties and Maunders were recorded as intermediate tenure-
holders.
2. Khatian— It was the most important part of Record-of-Rights and
contained a full description of the lands of the villages arranged holding-
wise, particulars of Khatadars, status, area and rent payable on each
holding.
3. Irrigation Khatian— It contained detailed description of the lands irrigated
from the state water reservoir as well as description of such water reservoir.
It did not contain the entire irrigated area of the village because the lands
irrigated from the wells as well as private reservoirs were not entered in this
record.
4. Wajib-ul-arz — It was a detailed embodiment of the right and liabilities of
the rayats and the Thekadars of the village concerned. It defined the status
of Thekadar, the extent of his interest in the village and the mutual
relationship between the rayats and Thekadars.
5. Kabuliyats— Kabuliyats executed by Umrahs and Thekadar embodied the
conditions on which they held Umrahi and Thekadari Tenures.
Three copies of the Record-of-Rights were prepared during 1932-37
settlement. The State copy was consigned to the District Record Room, the
Malik copy was supplied to the Thekadars of the villages concerned and the
rayati copy was supplied to the rayats concerned. The five big tenure-
holders i.e. Kharposhdar of Jarasingha and Agalpur and the Zamindars of

254
Bangomunda, Atgan and Loisinga were supplied with a copy of khewat and
Teriz which gave them all necessary information in regard to the villages in
their tenure. The Umrahs were supplied with a copy of Kabuliyat executed
by them and also a demand list of the revenue and cess payable by the
Thekadars under them. The whole-village-maufidars were supplied with a
copy of the khewat.
Land Tenure System
Zamindars and Kharposhdars
There were five big tenure holders in Patna ex-State. Two of them
were related to Raj family and they were granted the tenures for their
maintenance so they were known as Kharposhdars. They were the
Kharposhdars of Jarasingha and Agalpur. The Kharposhdari tenure of
Jarasingha was created by Maharaja Ram Chandra Singh Deo (1765 to
1820) for the maintenance of his second son Jugaraja Singh. The
Kharposhdari tenure of Agalpur was created in 1884 by Maharaja Bhupal
Singh Deo for the maintenance of his six sons through his second wife. The
zamindaris of Atgan, Bangomunda and Loisinga were created at different
times for rewarding the fore-fathers of those Zamindar families who rendered
valuable military services to the then Ruling Chiefs of Patna in subduing
rebellions within the State and in resisting invasion from outside. The status
of these tenures as well as the obligations, duties, rights and privileges were
embodied in the Sanad granted by the Ruling Chiefs to the Kharsposhdars
and Zamindars. These tenures were impartible and resumable for breach of
conditions laid down in the Sanad and liable to lapse in absence of direct
heir in case of Kharposhdari and near-heir in case of Zamindari. Succession
to these tenures was governed by the law of primogeniture subject to the
approval of the Ruler. The Kharposhdars and zamindars have to attend the
Ruler's Durbar and to perform such other duties as imposed on them from
time to time and were held responsible for the proper management of their
estates. They had the right to collect and appropriate land revenue and
cesses, revenue from country liquor, pounds and ferries subject to their
control. They had to pay to the ex-State Takoli and cesses fixed from time to
time. A comparative statement of Takoli payment of the Kharposhdars and
Zamindars is given below :—

255
 Compartive Statement of Takoli Payments of the Khraposhdars and Zamindars

Settlement 1903-1919 Settlement 1932-1937

Total
Total P.
Name of Khar- P. C. Amount Percen-
C.
poshdars and P. C. P. C. of Amount tage of
assets of
Zami 1.(1ars of of assets assess- of increase
the
assess- of the ment Takoli
assess-
ment Takoli assess-
Estate
Estate

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Kharposhdar,
Jarasingha.
37,179 8.7 3,230 52,676 26.1 13,750 326

Kharposhdar,
Agalpur
20879 9.9 2060 31452 26 8177 297

Zamindar, 2.6 5,585

Bangomunda 21743 44662 40 17855 220

Zamindar,
Loisinga
18562 12.7 2,350 25087 25 6274 167

Zamindar,
Atgan
19631 12.2 2400 25623 22.6 5800 142

Mc Gavin, once the Dewan of the ex-State writes in his note on the tenures:

what is of special interest is the incontestable proof that Loisingha, Atgaon

and Bangomunda are not zamindaris, properly speaking at all , but jagir
grants made by the Patna Chiefs on certain conditions and in return for
certain services. It is true neither condition nor services are constant or well
defined, and considering the times and circumstances in which they were
granted, this is not to be wondered at.

Besides these big tenure-holders, there were also some petty tenure holders
who were known as Umrahs and one of them, the tenure-holder of
Sindhekala, was known as Gartia. There were 23 such petty tenure-holders
direct under the state having 5 to 53 villages under them. There were also
some Umrahs under the Zamindars and Kharposhdars.

256
 The Zamindaris of Atgan and Bangomunda were resumed prior to
merger. The Zamindari of Loisinga was vested in the State of Orissa as per
Revenue Department notification No. 7007-29/52—R, dated the 27th
November, 1952 and that of Agalpur and Jarasingha as per Revenue
Department notifications No. 7008-E.A.-29/52-R.dated the 27th November
1952 and No. 7009-E.A.-29/5 dated the 27th November 1952, respectively.
The Umrah tenures vested in the State of Orissa as per Revenue
Department notifications No. 28430-E.A.-l/8-59-R. dated 1st July 1959.
Genesis of Gauntia System
The existence of headman in each village probably arose from the day
jungles began to be cleared and villages settled by the early inhabitants. The
earliest settler was naturally looked upon by the late settler with reverence
and his word used to be given due weight. In course of time these village
headmen were found to be men of responsibility, whom the Ruler made
responsible for revenue of the village and as such, they were treated as
Officers of the Ruler as time passed. The cultivators were expected to pay
the revenue to him but from the point of view of the Rulers, it mattered little
to them whether all the revenue had been collected or not. The Ruler on the
other hand did not bother himself to know how the revenue was collected by
the headmen. The headman was remunerated by land which was rent-free
for his part in collection of revenue and maintenance of peace in the village.
Gaunti Tenures
The Gauntias or the village headmen had no proprietary right in their
villages and though they claimed the right of hereditary succession to their
respective villages to be governed by law of primogeniture their claim had
never been recognised. They held on short-term lease and cases were not
infrequent in which a Gauntia of long standing was ousted from his village to
make room for a fresh one on consideration of Nazarana. Although no legal
right of these Thekadars over their respective villages was recognised by the
ex-State Government, they had, according to the notion of the people, a
strong moral claim to remain in possession so long as they paid the revenue
assessed on their tenures. Thekadars and Gauntias were in the beginning
identical. But later Thekadars who were given protected status became
Gauntias.
Till the Land Revenue Act, 1940 came into force in the Ex-State, the
Thekadars were holding the tenures under a Kabuliyat executed by them the
said Act defined them as persons who had accepted the assessments of the
villages. The duties of Thekadars have been recorded in the Wazib-ul-Arz
and Thekadari Kabuliyat. The Thekadars were appointed for 15 years or till
the next settlement. These persons were authorised to collect rent from the
tenants and pay the same to the authorities. They were held responsible for

257
the administration of village affairs. The remuneration paid to these tenure-
holders was 20 per cent of the gross assets of their respective villages. But
the bhogra lands in their possession were valued at ordinary rayati rates.
The tenures could be inherited only during the period of a settlement.
The Thekadars had no right to transfer in any way their interest in the village
in whole or in part. Only one person was eligible to inherit the Thika.
Inheritance through female heir or even by an adoption was not banned. Co-
sharers, as related in Wazib-ul-Arz (1937) had no right over village except
bhogra lands. In the Land Revenue Act, 1940 this condition was replaced
and provision were made to share bhogra by amicable settlement. Almost all
Thekadars had their co-shares who by amicable arrangement with the
Thekadars used to enjoy certain share of Bhogra lands till the existence of
Thekadars. The ex-State Government did not recognise such amicable
arrangements though Thekadar's right in sub-letting the lands was never
disputed. But in such cases rayati rights did not accrue to the co-sharers in
such lands on the strength of the lease, whatever the period of lease may
be.
Under the Kabuliyat, the Thekadars were to continue for a period of 15
years or till the next settlement. The period of 15 years expired on 1st April,
1950. As per orders contained in Revenue Department letter No. 14340
dated 19th December 1949, the Thekadari system in the ex-Patna State was
abolished with effect from 1st April 1950 and the bhogra lands were settled
in rayati tenancy with the Thekadars and their co-sharers according to their
possession as determined by Revenue Authorities. Bhogra conversion work
in the Khalsa area was taken up in1950 in the Umrahi area in 1951 and in
the Kharposhdari and Zamindari area in 1953. The Gauntia as the
villageheadman was primarily responsible for the efficient village
management; but after the abolition of the Gauntia system this responsibility
was partly entrusted to the newly created Grama Panchayats and the
Revenue authorities directly took charge of the Dharsas (village roads),
Deraghars (Rest Houses) and the tanks and Katas only in matters of
regulating irrigation from such sources.
Umrahs
There were 22 Umrahi tenures in the Patna ex-State as ascertained
during 1932-37 settlement. But such tenures were not constant as owing to
default in payment or breach of conditions laid down in the Umrahi Kabuliyat
as certain Umrahs were ejected and new Umrahs were not necessarily
appointed in their places. And again the Chief could create Umrahi tenures if
felt necessary. The Umrahs were middle-men between the State and
Thekadars and more similar to Thekadars in holding their tenures on a
Kabuliyat for the period of the settlement. The Umrah was a Thekadar of at
least one village in his circle. The Thekadars used to pay land revenue to the
Umrah who deposited the same in the treasury. In villages where there were
258
Sikimi Thekadars the land revenue was paid by the Sikimi Thekadar to the
Ash Thekadar who in turn paid the same to the Umrah. The remuneration of
Umrahs unlike that of Thekadars was not uniform but varied from 5 to 17 per
cent of the total Thica Jama of the villages under them. In certain cases the
Umrahs had lands recorded as bhogra villages (other than their Thekadar
villages) under them. As per the terms of the Umrahi kabuliyat, the tenure
could be transferred with the sanction of the State. The Umrah was
responsible for the revenue or all the villages under him and had few duties
to perform apart from payment of land revenue. The Umrah could not eject a
Thekadar but could nominate one for a vacant post. In practice, the tenure
could be surrendered although there is no such corresponding provision
either in the kabuliyat or in the Land Revenue Act. The Umrahi tenures
vested in the State of Orissa as per Revenue Department Notification No.
28430—E. A.-L-815-R., dated 1st July, 1959.
Maufi Tenures
Maufi tenures were held either rent-free or on payment of quit-rent and
were created by the ex-State for secular or religious services, for
maintenance or as remuneration to some continuing service. An entire
village or groups of villages or even a portion of a village or even a few plots
could be given as maufi. There were following types of maufis in the ex-
State.

(a) Debottar Maufi

(b) Brahmottar Maufi
(c) Babuan maufi
(d) Khorakposhak maufi (Bharanposhan maufi)
(e) Sindur Tika maufi
(f) Ardha Jama maufi
(g) Mrutaha Panchaka Dan Maufi

All these maufis have been abolished as per Revenue Departments Notification No. 58745,
dated the 7th September, 1965.
Besides, Jagirs were granted for various pruposes and they were as follows —
(i) Chaukidar Jagir
(iii) Jhankar Jagir
(iii) Nariha Jagir
(iv) Negi Jagir.
(v) Kamar Jagir
(vi) Kumbhar Jagir

(vii) Dhoba Jagir

259
 According to Home Department Notification No. 5703-P., dated the
27th February, 1965 Chaukidari and Jhankar systems have been abolished
from Balangir subdivision, with effect from 1st May, 1965 and according to
Home Department Notification No. 12418-P., dated 5th May, 1965 these
systems have been abolished from Patnagarh and Titilagarh subdivisions
with effect from 1st July, 1965. Jagirs mentioned against serial (iii) to (viii)
have been abolished with effect from the 30th March, 1963 in accordance
with the Revenue Department Notification No. 20547 dated the 30th March,
1963.
A Jhankar in Balangir district functions both as a watchman and the
village priest. His office is, therefore, partly affected by the Orissa Offices of
Village Police (Abolition) Act of 1964 so far as he functions as the village
watchman. According to the provisions of the aforesaid Act 50 per cent of
the jagir lands held by the Jhankars ought to be retained as such because of
the duties performed by them as the village priests. But immediately after the
abolition of the Chowkidari and Jhankar system in the district, the Revenue
field staff prepared a land schedule for the entire jagir lands held by the
Chowkidars and Jhankars upon which settlement proceedings were initiated.
Such an action by the Revenue staff gave rise to protest by the Jhankars
and the Tehasildars after field enquiry in each case settled the entire Jagir
lands of the Chowkidar and only half of the jagir land held by the Jhankars
reserving the remaining 50 per cent of jagir to be enjoyed by the Jhankars in
consideration of worship performed by them. In case where the recorded
Jhankaris are not performing the worship of the village deity either himself or
through his legal heirs, usually another person of the same caste does the
worship. So in such cases which are really very few, the district authorities
have recorded the Jhankri lands in the name of the respective deity with a
mention of the present priest in the remarks column of the Jamabandi.
Rayati Holdings
"Tenant" (Rayat), as described in Patna State Tenancy Act, 1944,
"means primarily a person who holds land for the purpose of cultivating it by
himself or by members of his family or by hired servants and is or but for a
special contract would be liable to pay rent or cesses for such land and
includes also the successors-in-interest of such persons but not a farmer or
Thekadar." The Patna State Tenancy Act, 1944 classified the tenants
(rayats) into six categories, namely

(a) Occupancy Tenant.

(b) Ordinary Tenant.
(c) Under Tenant.
(d) Village Service Tenant.

260
 (e) Other Service Tenant.
(g) Maufi Tenant.

No tenant had previously any right to transfer his lands by sale, gift or
otherwise but under transfer rules framed in 1935, transfers by sale gift or
mortgage, could be effected with the pervious sanction of the State. When
permission for transfer was applied under these rules a fee of 25 per cent of
the consideration was levied if the transfer was by sale or gift. In case of
sale, the State used to put it to auction to derive maximum price. No fee was
levied on mortgages. Conditions regarding transfer, surrender and sub-lease
of rayati holdings were embodied in the Wazib-ul-Arz. The Land Revenue
Act which came into force in 1940 did not prescribe the rights of the rayats
though it mentioned the liabilities and penalties. The incidences of various
tenures were precisely embodied in the Patna State Tenancy Act, 1944 and
the conditions regarding transfer of holding were narrated in the Rules under
the Patna State Tenancy Act. The Administration of Orissa States Order,
1948 which came into force in Patna ex-State on 1st January 1948 provided
that an occupancy tenant would be entitled to transfer his holdings freely
without any 'fee' out of the consideration money subject to the restriction that
no transfer of a holding from a member of an aboriginal tribe to a member of
non-aboriginal tribe should be valid unless such transfer was made with the
prior permission of the administration of the State Government. The
aboriginal tribe was defined in the said order to mean any tribe that may
from time to time be notified as such by the provincial Government for the
purpose of the order. Those provisions were repeated in section 7 of the
Orissa Merged States Laws Act, 1950. Since aboriginal tribe for the purpose
was defined in Revenue Department Notification No. 24507R dated 22.5.62,
the restrictions regarding transfer of rayati holding by aboriginal tribes
remained inoperative till 22nd May, 1962.
Although the term of 1932-37 settlement was fixed for 15 years, the
next settlement operation which is the current one started in November,
1963. To begin with, Titilagarh subdivision was taken up under section 36 (i)
(c) of the Orissa Survey and Settlement Act, 1958 (Act III of 1959) according
to orders issued in Revenue Department Notification No. 56188.3-444-63/R.
dated 26th September 1963 and operations are in progress. Settlement
operations under section 36 (i) (c) of the O.S. & S. Act, 1958 (Act III of 1959)
in Patnagarh subdivision were taken up from November, 1964 according to
orders issued in Revenue Department Notification No. S-435/64-61600 R.
dated 21st September 1964 and operations are in progress. Settlement
operations are yet to commence in Balangir subdivision.

261
Collection of Rent and Cess
The rents were realised in three instalments. The kists were in July,
November and March. But towards the later part of the Darbar
Administration there were only two kists. During the settlement of 1871 all
payments in kind were converted to cash.
Besides land revenue, school cess was paid at the rate of two annas
per rupee of rental. Dispensary cess was paid at the rate of two annas per
rupee of rental. There were also patwari cess at the rate of one aloha and
rasad iama Cess at the rate of one anna per rupee of rental. All cesses have
been consolidated at 25 percent of the rental except those which were levied
as a tax or fee.
Arrears of land revenue were recovered by arrest and detention and by
sale of movable or immovable property or by ejectment from the village,
tenure or holdings.
History of the System of Assessment
Mr. R. K. Rarnadhyani describes about the origin of land revenues in
Orissa and Chhatisgarh ex-States:
The petty rulers who hewed out kingdoms for themselves though they
imported a higher civilisation into these backward areas, do not at first seem
to have taken any steps to introduce any organised system of management,
and it is very likely that the old tribe system of villages, managed almost
entirely by village headmen, survived undisturbed for a considerable period.
All that the early rulers were interested primarily was to obtain sufficient
revenue for themselves and for the purpose of settling up defence against
neighbouring monarchs, whose ambition could at any time result in an
attempt at enlargement of their territories at the expense of neighbouring
princes. Under the old Hindu system as devised and expounded by Manu,
proprietary right in land of the persons who settled on that land and made it
fit for cultivation was recognised by the king who claimed only a portion of
the revenue; but it is doubtful if this principle was ever recognised in the
Orissa states though most of the rulers claim Rajput origin. The question
cannot in any case have been troublesome one in those days when the
sword was the final arbiter-in most matters, and Almost certainly, the
revenue system was simply that of making certain demands upon the village
headmen who were left to distribute the burden of the demand upon the
cultivators in their village in any manner they considered suitable, this being
more or less on a par with the Takoli or quit-rent payable, by Zamindars or
the tribute paid by the chief to the paramount power, in which a detailed
consideration of how the amount was raised does not find place. Thus there
was no system of assessment of revenue by the State. Each villager was
called upon to pay as much as he would bear and agreed to pay, without, of
262
course any understanding that there would be no additional demand for
special reason but probably the villager agreeing to original demands must
have anticipated that this was not the only burden.
"As regards the distribution of the burden of a village among the
cultivators", he continues, though a village might have constituted of
cultivators as well as agriculturists and other artisans the burden would
naturally be borne by agriculturists proper only. In those days there can have
been extremely few agricultural labourers, and the artisans who formed a
part of the village organisation were almost entirely maintained for their
purposes by the cultivators of the village and consequently it was only the
cultivators who could bear the burden of taxation. This, incidentally, seems
to be the origin of the rent-free holdings enjoyed by such people as
blacksmiths, braziers, carpenters and others.
There was no systematic distribution of the assessment among the
individual agriculturists and areas where cultivation was more or less settled,
the seed capacity of a field was the unit according to which assessment was
made. After the conquest of Marathas in 1755 AD both the ex-States
followed the Maratha system of land revenue assessment known as from
aggregate to detail'. In this system the demand on a village was fixed
according to the nature of season and the total demand was then distributed
among the cultivators by the village headmen. Assessment by allotment of a
factor to a holding or field as mentioned earlier was in vogue in Patna ex-
State during this period. After the establishment of British rule, settlements in
the line of Central Province system were conducted in both the ex-States
and for assessment of land revenue, the soil factors and village units were
taken into consideration. No report is available to give a detailed picture of
the rent assessment in early settlements.
Relationship between Landlord and Tenants
During Durbar administration, the Rulers of both the ex-State were the
supreme landlords of their respective territories and Zamindars Thekadars
and Gauntias were intermediaries. Thekadars and Gauntias were regarded
as headmen of their villages and in all important matters, their guidance by
rayats were sought and followed. Once upon a time, these intermediaries
were most powerful and corruptions like extracting more from the rayats,
neglecting to issue proper rent receipts to them, utilising the services of
rayats as bethi for their personal cause and putting them in trouble in many
other ways were common in both the ex-States. Gradually the powers of
these intermediaries were curtailed down by the Rulers and strict measures
were taken to deal with the breaches when detected.
In States level also besides rent on land, the rayats were forced to pay
in cash like different cesses and in kinds like magan, rasad etc. The rent and

263
cesses were subject to frequent change by the authorities. The bethi system
was prevalent up to Forties in both the .ex-States; Custom duty was charged
on necessary articles brought from outside the ex-States. It shows that there
were always attempts to increase the income of the ex-States, no matter
what happened to the peasantry.
Though in comparison to the ex-States of Sonepur, Patna gave some
concessions, utilised some of its fund for public purpose and allowed more
rights to be enjoyed by its peasants over land, there was discontentment
among the rayats in both the ex-States till these were merged with the State
of Orissa and the intermediary system abolished.
Agrarian Movement
Prajamandal movenment had its influence in both the ex-States People
and were organised at intervals to put forth before the Rulers their
grievances, such as, abolition of bethi, magan, rasad, various unnecessary
cesses, custom and export duties, remission of rent, non-interference of
State authorities in the social matters, allowing of more rights on the land
and trees and many others.
Patna was liberal in giving consideration to these grievances but
oppression of the organisers on account of this was not infrequent in
Sonepur.
Administrative set-up
Rulers of both the ex-States were the highest authorities in all revenue
matters. Both had the powers to appoint or remove the village headmen.
They had also the powers to hear appeals from the orders of their
subordinate officers in revenue matters. They also exercised criminal and
civil powers. The Ruler of Patna was assisted by a Revenue Minister, 3 Sub
divisional Officers and the Tehasildar. The Ruler of Sonepur was assisted by
one Dewan, 3 Sub divisional Officers and two Tehsildars. The Sub-divisional
Officers and the Tehasildar in both the ex-States mostly looked after the
collection of land revenue in addition to doing civil and criminal works.
After merger of Patna ex-State with the State of Orissa the three old,
subdivisions of the ex-State, namely, Patnagarh, Balangir and Titilagarh,
continue as three subdivisions in the district of Balangir. The tehsils of
Balangir, Patnagarh and Titilagarh are coterminous with the respective
Subdivisions.
The Tehsildars are the Chief Revenue Officers of the tehsils whereas
the Subdivisional Officers are the Chief Revenue Officers of the subdivision.
Tehsildars and the Sub-Divisional Officers are con-trolled by the Collector of
the district. A statement showing annual demand and collection of land
revenue of the district is given in separately at the end of the chapter.
264
Estate Abolition
The present district of Balangir had four estates i. e.,
Jarasingha,Loisinga, Agalpur, and Birakishore Babu's Wards Estate. Out of
the estates mentioned above, the estates of Jarasingha, Agalpur and
Loisinga have vested in the Government with effect from the 1st December,
1952. After abolition of these estates, they were first administered by Anchal
and subsequently came under the regular pattern of revenue administration.
Bhoodan
An extent of 412.47 acres of land has been donated to the „Orissa
Bhoodan Jagyan Samiti‟ in the district. All the above lands have already
been distributed to landless needy families. All the lands donated were
individual gifts and there was no gramdan village in the district. The
Bhoodan work is now at standstill.
Land Reforms
Consequent upon the progressive legislation relating to agrarian
reforms and land tenures after gradual abolition of intermediary interest, the
Odisha Land Reforms Act, 1960 came in to force w.e.f. 01.10.1965. Better
rights on agriculturist have been conferred and increase of food products
ensured. The provision of ceiling on holding of land by individual rayats has
been introduced in the above act, according to which no person is allowed to
hold more than 10 standard acres of land excluding homestead lands or
tanks with their embankments or both, up to a maximum extent of 3 Acres in
the aggregate provided that where the person is a family consisting of more
than five members, the ceiling area in respect of such person shall be 10
(ten) standard acre increased by two standard acres for each member in
excess of five, so however, that ceiling area shall not exceed eighteen
standard acres. As a result Ac 9823.44 acres of land from Landlords and
surplus land holders have been taken from them and vested with
government. All the above acres vested lands were distributed among
number of of landless families of the district.
Similarly, the prohibitory provision of the above enactment restricted
transfer of lands held by scheduled caste people and people belonging to
scheduled tribes to non SC & non ST people. Restoration provision was also
provided in the above act for restoration of the lands of SC/ST people held
by Non S.C/S.T. people without prior permission by Revenue Officers to that
effect. As on the beginning of 2015, S.C./S.T. lands to the tune of Ac
5217.77 have been restored back to 3683 S.C./S.T. people as the same
were found to be violative of the OLR Act.
Prohibitory provisions were also enacted to restrict conversion of
agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. Without prior permission from

265
competent authority and payment of specified premium, if any, conversion is
made in violation of OLR Act then eviction of the raiyat from the land is
prescribed with recording it in Govt. Khata.
Forest Land
For preservation of Forest of different Kissams, the Government of
India has enacted forest conservation Act 1980. Use of Forest land for any
non-forest use was strictly prohibited under enactment as above and
encroachments prior to the enactments were allowed to be regularized
according to eligibilities. 6579 cases of encroachment on forest land prior to
the coming up forest conservation Act covering an area of 3304.322 (ha)
have been detected.
Consequent upon enactment of ST & Others Traditional Forest
Dwellers Act 2006 lands encroached by aboriginal Tribes were allowed to be
settled with them. 1960 nos. of ST people who were found eligible have
been issued with pattas.
REVENUE COLLECTION
The district is having the following demand on land revenue. The
details have been mentioned in a categorized way. Year wise collection out
of the demand is also tabled below against each for good reference of
people of Balangir and others. Apart from land revenue , a type of revenue is
also collected from fisheries, quarries (minor minerals like stone and sand),
Morrum, other earthen materials, Hats and Fairs, Ferry Ghats, Government
Orchards, Stray trees standing on Government Land are being classified as
Sairat source.This is not a permanent source of revenue. So demand under
sairat is fluctuated every year. Revenue is collected as long as the source is
viable and potential. It depends upon the existence or extinction of stock of
the minerals or materials. Further, Miscellaneous revenue like royalty,
penalty & assessment, premium etc. are also collected. Water rate like
CBWR (Compulsory Basic Water Rate) and RWR (Rabi Water Rate) in
which RWR is fluctuating in nature while CBWR is permanent demand. The
tenants are to pay it compulsorily.
Revenue Collection position of last five years of all sources of this district is
tabled below.

Revenue Collection of The District (Year wise)

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Sl.N
Item of Revenue Demand
o
1 Land Revenue 3342930.81 3324125.05 3339511 3427240.09 3579601.66
10106779.0 18339767.5 21755976.0
2 Sairat 7730396.00 12613748.4
0 0 0
3 Misc. Revenue 115005213. 122441852. 123546743. 145060544. 130114538.

266
 95 30 6 40 58
Water rate (
4 2077219.20 1038431.20 2104823.05 2074633.80 2160669.70
CBWR)
5 ( RWR) 428634.30 434636.80 461550.25 194481.45 201677.05
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Sl.N
Item of Revenue Collection
o
1 Land Revenue 1870407.28 2094942.54 2628098.21 3028263.8 3097877.16
10756596.0 21897991.0
2 Sairat 8755670.00 23031527 16713198.5
0 0
121786985. 116781512. 141069404. 152789276. 187484723.
3 Misc. Revenue
75 03 03 5 01
Water rate (
4 698585.35 514152.33 1093498.65 1312600.95 1229093.90
CBWR)
5 ( RWR) 54658.00 28857.15 74302.05 107494.15 165195.25
6 Others 2378186.64 2833728.32 2607116.54

Sairat Sources in the District

Sl. Tehasil Category Total No of Bala No. of Bala No. Tot

No of No.of source nce source nce of al
Sources Sour s s duly sourc
ces transfe declar es
rred to ed by detec
GPs compe ted
tent
authori
ty as
extinct

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fishery 2064 2063 1 0 1 0 1

Orchard 30 30 0 0 0 0 0

Ferry ghat 4 4 0 0 0 0 0
Balangir
Hats and
1 9 9 0 0 0 0 0
Fairs

Stone &
27 0 27 0 27 0 27
sand

Tehasil
2134 2106 28 0 28 0 28
Total

Puintala Fishery 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
2
Stone
20 0 20 0 20 0 20
&Sand

267
 Tehasil
21 0 21 0 21 0 21
Total

Agalpur Fishery 12 0 12 0 12 0 12

Stone &
18 0 18 0 18 0 18
3 Sand

Tehasil
30 0 30 0 30 0 30
Total

Stone &
4 30 0 30 0 30 3 33
Loisingha Sand

Tusra Fishery 10 7 3 0 3 0 3

Orchard 12 12 0 0 0 0 0

Ferry ghat 9 9 0 0 0 0 0

Hat and
11 11 0 0 0 0 0
Fair
5
Tank &
594 594 0 0 0 0 0
Kata

Stone &
18 10 8 0 8 0 8
Sand

Tehasil
654 643 11 0 11 0 11
Total

Deogaon Fishery 5 0 5 0 5 0 5

Stone &
20 0 20 0 20 0 20
6 sand

Tehasil
25 0 25 0 25 0 25
total

Saintala Fishery 3 0 3 0 3 0 3

Stone &
17 0 17 0 17 0 17
7 sand

Tehasil
20 0 20 0 20 0 20
total

Titilagarh Fishery 608 607 1 0 1 0 1

8 Orchard 81 81 0 0 0 0 0

Ferry ghat 15 15 0 0 0 0 0

268
 Market 29 29 0 0 0 0 0

Cattle
27 27 0 0 0 0 0
Pond

Stone &
20 0 20 0 20 1 21
sand

Tank and
455 455 0 0 0 0 0
kata

Tehasil
1235 1214 21 0 21 1 22
Total

Stone &
9 7 0 7 0 7 0 7
Muribahal sand

Kantabanj
1872 1872 0 0 0 0 0
i Fishery

Orchard 9 9 0 0 0 0 0

Ferry ghat 2 2 0 0 0 0 0

Cattle
10 10 0 0 0 0 0
Pond
10
Hat and
15 15 0 0 0 0 0
Fair

Stone &
17 0 17 0 17 0 17
sand

Tehasil
1925 1908 17 0 17 0 17
total

Bangomu Stone &

11 22 0 22 0 22 3 25
nda sand

Patnagarh Fishery 1164 1164 0 0 0 0 0

orchard 15 15 0 0 0 0 0

Ferry ghat 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

Pisci
1112 1112 0 0 0 0 0
12 culture

Others 33 33 0 0 0 0 0

Stone &
14 0 14 0 14 0 14
sand

2339 2325 14 0 14 0 14
Tehasil

269
 total

Stone &
13 14 0 14 0 14 1 15
Belpada sand

Khaprakh Stone &

14 8 0 8 0 8 0 8
ol sand

GRAND 27
8464 8196 268 0 268 8
TOTAL 6

Certification and Assessment of Compulsory Basic Water Rate of Balangir District

(Area in Ac.)

Sl Name of Sources Area Area Area Area not Area yet

. the Tehsil of certified by assesse reporte getting to be
n irrigatio Engg.Deptt d to d as irrigatio assesse
o n . Water govt. n d
Rate
land

1 Agalpur MAJOR 1674.00 1394.31 13.00 266.69 0.00

Total 1674.00 1394.31 13.00 266.69 0.00

1 Agalpur MEDIUM 9673.90 9312.38 0.00 361.52 0.00

2 Loisingha MEDIUM 174.68 174.68 0.00 0.00 0.00

3 Tusra MEDIUM 791.47 721.13 0.00 70.34 0.00

4 Titilagarh MEDIUM 936.01 936.01 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 Kantabanji MEDIUM 556.22 556.22 0.00 0.00 0.00

6 Belpada MEDIUM 1160.56 1117.19 0.00 43.37 0.00

7 Khaprakhol MEDIUM 1355.25 1053.25 0.00 302.00 0.00

Total 14648.09 13870.86 0.00 777.23 0.00

1 Balangir MINOR 1406.24 1356.68 0.00 49.56 0.00

2 Puintala MINOR 1899.08 1810.38 46.00 42.70 0.00

3 Agalpur MINOR 1399.80 1353.20 0.00 46.60 0.00

270
4 Loisingha MINOR 1191.94 1191.94 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 Tusra MINOR 2161.18 1150.77 238.75 771.66 0.00

6 Deogaon MINOR 1918.59 1918.59 0.00 0.00 0.00

7 Titilagarh MINOR 4596.72 4405.20 0.00 191.52 0.00

8 Saintala MINOR 1822.57 1822.57 0.00 0.00 0.00

9 Muribahal MINOR 1103.72 1003.72 0.00 100.00 0.00

10 Kantabanji MINOR 217.15 201.34 0.00 15.81 0.00

Bangomund
11 a MINOR 875.48 787.81 0.00 87.67 0.00

12 Patnagarh MINOR 4089.16 3958.01 0.00 0.00 131.15

13 Belpada MINOR 5165.55 3512.97 703.62 948.96 0.00

14 Khaprakhol MINOR 2870.12 2720.12 0.00 150.00 0.00

Total 30717.30 27193.30 988.37 2404.48 131.15

GRAND TOTAL 47039.39 42458.47 1001.37 3448.40 131.15

Excise Revenue:

Collection of Excise Revenue of Balangir District.

Year Target fixed Collection

2000-2001 4,47,22,979/-

2001-2002 4,98,39,680/-

2002-2003 6,15,96,000/- 4,74,18,179/-

2003-2004 6,15,96,000/- 7,70,43,385/-

2004-2005 5,64,52,000/- 5,46,73,109/-

2005-2006 9,07,48,000/- 6,28,96,036/-

2006-2007 9,10,00,000/- 6,68,93,189/-

2007-2008 9,80,00,000/- 7,84,70,513/-

2008-2009 9,65,00,000/- 9,65,20,532/-

2009-2010 11,50,00,000/- 10,24,45,539/-

2010-2011 13,50,00,000/- 11,64,79,666/-

271
2011-2012 13,50,00,000/- 12,07,61,185/-

2012-2013 14,50,00,000/- 13,94,00,870/-

2013-2014 17,,70,00,000/- 17,37,87,966/-

2014-2015 20,00,00,000/- 22,27,55,565/-

2015-16 up to July, 15 25,00,00,000/- 07,98,92,061/-

Balangir being a predominantly agrarian district like some other districts

of Odisha, after independence relied on land reforms to remove the
bottlenecks that inherited land system put on the development of agriculture,
agrarian economy and the welfare of the large mass of peasantry. Under the
prodding of the Planning Commission the Government of Odisha has
adopted several land reform measures pertaining to the four main aspect of
land reforms viz. abolition of intermediaries, tenancy reforms, ceiling on land
holding and distribution of surplus, and consolidation of fragmented holdings
through legislations as noted below. The four major types of reforms, that
have been carried out in the said legislations have been for (1) abolition of
intermediaries, (2) tenancy reform designed to fix maximum rents to improve
security of tenure, (3) ceiling on land ownership and distribution of surplus,
and (4)consolidation of fragmented holdings.
The first piece of legislation that was enacted in Odisha soon after
independence in the field of tenancy reforms was the Orissa Tenants
Protection Act, 1948. Following the country‟s independence and
apprehending the abolition of the intermediaries, the landed proprietors and
persons holding varying subordinate proprietary rights in land resorted to
large scale eviction of tenants mostly the share croppers. To provide
protection to these bhaga-chasis, the Orissa Tenants Protection Act was
enacted. Under the Act, landholders owning 33 or more acres of land were
debarred from evicting tenants from the land they cultivated. The Act
prescribed the quantum of rent payable by different types of tenants for
different areas of the State but the law was not full-proof against eviction. In
the wake of the operation of the Act large-scale eviction of tenants from their
lands was reported in various parts of the state. The Act was applicable to
the coastal districts only and it provided for the protection of a special class
of tenants i.e., the share-croppers. But the legislation was the first attempt in
post-independence period to regulate the relations between the share-
croppers and the landlords, which prior to the enactment of the law was
governed by customary practices or by contract between a share-cropper
and a landlord. However the Act which had exhibited certain defects in its
working was replaced later by the Orissa Tenants Relief Act in 1955. The
Act conferred additional rights on the tenants with regard to the quantum of
rent and in the matter of eviction. It provided that no tenant in lawful
st
cultivation of any land on the 1 day of July 1954 or at any time thereafter
could be evicted from such land by the landlord. It reduced the prevailing
rd th
rate of produce rent on the gross produce from 1/3 to 1/6 for occupancy
th th
tenants and from 2/5 to 1/4 for non-occupancy tenants with 420 objects of

272
providing substantial relief to the tenants from the excessive levy of rent. But
again the small cultivators, particularly in the coastal districts, could not take
full advantage of the provisions of the Act as they had to prove their rights in
the courts. Nevertheless, the Act had made the tenants conscious to a great
extent about their rights especially in the district of Cuttack and Puri, as
indicated by the number of cases instituted under the Act in these districts.
In the independent India, the first land settlement of the district was
taken up in the seventies as per the provisions of the Odisha survey and
settlement Act and rules thereof promulgated by the government of Odisha.
Notifications for settlement of land have been issued on different dates for
different Tehasil of the district. The settlement operation was completed in
the year 1978 and the Record of Rights was finally published in the year
1978.
However, the measures undertaken in the district in the field of land
reforms during the post independence period introduced certain reforms in
favour of the cultivating classes. And the new legislations have succeeded to
a great extent in eliminating the feudal elements in the countryside, in saving
the poor tenants from the various types of exploitations to which they had
been subjected to during the colonial rule, and most importantly, have
released a substantial amount of land for distribution among the landless
and land poor.
The various legislations that were promulgated by the governments and
implemented in the district are as follows:-
The Odisha Survey and Settlement Act and Rules
The Odisha Consolidation of Holding and prevention of fragmentation Act
and Rules
The Odisha Government land Settlement Act and Rules
Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act and Rules
Odisha Hindu Religious Endowments Act and Rules
Odisha Mutation Manual
Odisha Estates Abolition Act and rules
Odisha Tenancy Act.
The Land Acquisition Act
The Forest Conservation Act
Odisha Public Demand Recovery Act
S.T. & O.T.F.D. Act. 2006. Registration Act
Survey & Settlement under Odisha Survey & Settlement Act, 1958.
The previous settlement of 1932-37 settlement was fixed for 15 years.
The next settlement under Odisha Survey and Settlement Act, 1958 was
taken up in Titilagarh Sub-Division in the year 1963 according to Order
issued in Revenue Department Notification No.56188.S 444 – 63/R Dtd.26
th

273
September, 1963. Then Patnagarh Sub-Division was taken up from
November, 1964. After that, Balangir Sub-Division was taken up. Final
ROR in the above settlement was published by 1976 in three Sub-Divisions
of Balangir District.
Modernization of Land Records:
In the way of modernizing and bringing efficiency to the land revenue
administration as well as to make it citizen-centric, technological intervention
has been envisaged under the centrally sponsored Digital India Land
Records Modernization Programme. Major focus of the Programme is on
citizen services. Various components of the programme are underway in the
district which in brief have been outlined below.
Under this programme, all textual data of records of rights are being
updated and computerized. Data conversion of all textual records has been
completed in respect of all Tahasils of the District and has been hoisted in
the Bhulekh website. Computerized RoRs are being issued to the citizens.
Re-entry of RoR data is being done on continuous basis for further updation.
Cadastral map-sheets of all the villages of the district have been digitized
and mosaicised. All those maps have been integrated with the textual RoR
data of bhulekh website for public view and official use. Steps have been
taken to make the mutation process transaction based in which notices of all
transactions registered in the registration offices are sent by the registering
officers to the concerned tahasil offices for initiation of mutation proceedings.
There have been sharp decline in the application based mutation cases
during the last 2-3 years. Further all Tahasildars have been instructed
suitably to dispose all un-contested mutation cases within a maximum period
of three months. People have been greatly benefitted due to quicker up-
dation of land records.
In line of computerizing the Tahasil offices of the district, Tahasil level
computer cells have been made functional in all Tahasils of the district.
Information technology is being use for maintaining village wise property
records and for providing services to citizens in a better way.
All the Tahasil offices have been provided with broadband internet
connectivity. In addition, virtual private network over Broad Band (VPNoBB)
has been provided in the Tahasil offices for secure data transmission. The
VPNoBB connectivity is being used to transmit the updated RoR data from
the concerned tahasils to the NIC Head-quarters through File Transfer
Protocol (FTP) for reflection of the same in the bhulekh website. Steps have
been also taken to provide connectivity through Odisha State Wide Area
Network (OSWAN) to all Sub-Collectorates, Tahasils and Registration
offices of the district. The District Head Quarters are already connected with
OSWAN.
In order to replace the existing system of physical storing and
maintenance of land records which has a lot of shortcomings and
inconvenience, Modern Record Rooms in Tahasil offices are being created
under DILRMP. In these Modern Record Rooms, valuable revenue case
records shall be stored electronically through document management
system software after their scanning. Maintenance of land records in the
274
dematerialized format shall go a long way in long-term storage of the
valuable revenue case records as well as in providing better citizen centric
services. As of now, Modern record rooms have been made functional in all
Tahasils of the district.
Under DILRMP, all the Registration Offices of the district have been
computerized with adequate hardware, software. All the Registration offices
are connected to the Central Server at the State level through a dedicated
software on Virtual Private Network(VPN) mode.Bio-metric authentication
system has already been put in place in all the Registration offices. Data
Entry of Valuation details, legacy encumbrance Data and scanning of old
documents in respect of all records from 1995 to date has been
accomplished. Citizens are being provided immediate services such as
Encumbrance Certificates (E.C.) and Certified Copies (C.C.) at the
Registration offices.
Hi-Tech survey operation using Aerial Photography followed by Ground
Truthing by Electronic Total Station (ETS) and Differential Global Positioning
System (DGPS) has been started in the district under DILRMP. All areas
except those declared as urban areas and as forest areas are being covered
under the programme. Necessary Ground Control Points have already been
installed in the district. These Ground Control Points have been established
taking the reference of existing Survey Pillars of Survey of India for the sake
of accuracy and uniformity. One private agency namely M/s IIC
Technologies Ltd. has been engaged by the State Government to undertake
Hi-Tech Survey operation in the district. Digital map preparation depicting
the ground reality in most accurate manner under Hi-Tech survey is
expected to bring paradigm shift in the land record management and shall
bring efficiency in the public delivery system.

Collectorate Building, Balangir in the 1960s

275
 CHAPTER X
LAW AND ORDER AND JUSTICE

Pre-Integration Period
About the police administration in the Ex-State of Sonepur, Cobden-
Ramsay writes in 1908, “the police force is now entirely under the control of
the Chief: formerly the Zamidars entertained and paid for their own police
but since 1904 the force has been made entirely a state force and the
Zamidars pay a police Takoli or contribution. The Chief‟s uncle is the
Superintendent of Police and he was trained in Sambalpur, Where he holds
the rank of an Honorary Assistant District Superintendent of Police: the force
is the direct charge of a capable Inspector from the British Police. The force
178
consists of 05 sub-Inspectors, 23 Head Constables and 149 constables.”
It is not definitely known when a police system was introduced in the
ex-State of Patna. But Cobden-Ramsay points out in Feudatory States of
Odisha that “the Police force consists of one Inspector, one Circle Inspector,
seven Chief Constables, 40 Head Constables and 172 men besides
Chaukidars (Village Watchmen) and Paiks (State Militia).”
st
At the time of merger on 1 January 1948, the ex-Patna State had six
Police stations and eleven outposts grouped in three circles, each under a
circle Inspector. The headquarters of the Police Circles were Balangir,
Patnagarh and Titilagarh. The Police force consisted of 01 Superintendent
of Police, 01 Assistant Superintendent of Police, 03 Circle Inspectors, 01
Reserve Inspector, 10 Sub-Inspectors, 31 Assistant sub-Inspectors, 12
Havldars, 23 writer constables, 06 Sawar Constables, 208 constables
including Armory Guard and Buglers, 03 drill Inspectors, 01 Drill Naik, 06
clerks, 01 Daftri and 10 Town Choukidars, totalling 323 in number.
st
The Ex-State of Sonepur, on the other hand, on the 1 January 1948
had 05 Police Stations and 06 outposts and the strength of the police force
was 142 which included one Superintendent of Police, 01 Inspector, 06 Sub-
Inspectors, 23 ASIs, 01 Drill Instructor, 08 writer constables, 32 armed
Reserved Constables and 69 Ordinary Reserve Constables.
At that time, there was a joint armed police force for the Eastern States
Agency to which both these ex-States along with other ex-states contributed
their force. This force could act only under the orders of the Ruling Chief or
his Chief Executive Officer. There was provision for emergency.
Neither the Ruling Chief Officer nor his Chief Executive Officer was
capable of passing or issuing an order. In that event the Resident could act
at his discretion.

178
Cobden Ramsay˗ Feudatory States of Odisha
276
Organisational Set-up of Police Administration
In the year 1993, Sonepur and Birmaharajpur were separated from
Balangir district and a new district was formed named Subarnapur. So the
police establishment of Balangir district is bifurcated w.e.f. 01.04.1993. At
the beginning Balangir district was left with thirteen police stations. In the
year 2012 one energy P.S. was established w.e.f. 09.04.2012. Again, in the
year 204 two more Police stations were established namely Lathore P.S.
and Larambha P.S by upgradation of 02 OPs namely Larambha OP and
Lathor O.P. Lathor P.S. and Larambha P.S. started functioning w.e.f.
27.08.2014 and 29.04.2014 respectively. At present, Balangir District is
constituted with 16 police stations and 08 OPs and 05 beat houses. They
are under 03 SDPOs namely Sadar SDPO, Patnagarh SDPO and Titilagarh
SDPO. One Dy. S.P. level officer remains in charge of SDPO office to
control his/her jurisdiction.
Name of PSs
The following are the P.Ss located in Balangir district.
Town P.S. Sadar P.S. Tusra P.S. Loisingha P.S. Energy P.S.
Patnagarh P.S. Belpada P.S. Khaprakhol P.S. Lathore P.S. Larambha P.S.
Titilagarh P.S. Kantabanji P.S. Saintala P.S. Bangomunda P.S. Sindhekela
P.S. &Tureiekela P.S.
Name of Ops
The following are the O.Ps established in Balangir district.
Dunguripali O.P., Agalpur O.P., Deogaon O.P., Bandhapada O.P.,
Harishankar O.P. Badmal O.P.,Belgaon O.P. Muribahal O.P.
Name of Beat House
There are four Beat houses namely Chudapali beat House, Bairasar
Beat House, Salebhata Beat House and Gudvela Beat House.
SDPOs Jurisdiction:

Name of Name of P.S. comes under Name of O.P. comes Name of Beat
SDPO under houses comes
under
SDPO Town, Sadar, Tusra, Loisingha, Dunguripali, Agalpur, Bairansar,
Sadar Energy Deogaon, Badhapada Chudapali,
Salebhata, Gudvela
SDPO Patnagarh, Belpada, Harishakar
Patnagarh Khaprakho, Larambha, Lathor

SDPO Titilagarh, Kantabanji, Saintala, Muribahal, Badmal,

Titilagarh Sindhekela, Bangomunda, Belgaon
Tureikeala

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District Police Office, Balangir
The D.P.O. Balangir is functioning in the district w.e.f 14.01.1981,
situated at Rugudipada by the side of National Highway No. 206 in front of
SBI, Balangir. It has 07 sections such as Establishment Section, Account
Section, DCRB Section, HRPC Section and Con-Section. The ministerial
staffs are managing the D.P.O. headed by one O.S. The strength of DPO is
as follows:

Name of the Post Sanctioned Strength

Office Superintendent 01
Head Clerk 01
Senior Clerks/ Jr. Acct. 03
Junior Clerk 10
Dafatari 01
The Balangir Police district presently constitutes the following
Officers/persons as given below:

Regular Police Force

Name of the Post Sanctioned Strength.

S.P. 01
Addl. S.P. 01
Dy. S.P. 03
SDPOs 03
Inspectors 19
Sub-Inspectors 57
Asst. Sub-Inspectors 100
CI Havildar 17
Constables 529
F.Os 15
G.R.s 604
Organisation of Reserve

Name of the Post Sanctioned Strength.

R.I. 01
Sergent 01
DSIs/SIs Armed 02
Havildar Major 03
Havildar 35
LNK 10
APR Constables 206
Cook 03
Visti 03
Barber 01
Sweeper 03
Dhobi 01

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Organisation of Striking Force

The following are the strength of Striking force which are being
deployed to the following places out of above strength.

Name of the S.F. Sanctioned Strength.

Titilagarh 4 Hav. 2 LNK and 16 Constable
Kantabanji 4 Hav. 2 LNK and 16 Constable
L.T.R. 13 Constables
Police Motor Transport of Balangir District

Type of Vehicles No. of Vehicles Available.

Heavy Vehicles 21
Light Vehicles 44
Motor Cycles 58
MTSI 01
Dr.Hav. 11
Astt.Driver 28
Police Pigeon Services

Due to implementation of modern communication technology, the police

pigeon services have been discontinued W.E.F. 31.05.2008.

V.H.F. Communication

For immediate communication of information on crime, criminals, natural

calamities and Office, VHF station is functioning at all PSs/OPs of this
District. Constables are managing the same.

Wireless Service

The police wireless service is functioning at DPO building. The following staff
are posted to the police wireless station of DPO, Balangir by the S.P. Signal
Odisha Cuttack. They are directly controlled and regulated by the S.P.
Signal, Cuttack.

Staff of Wireless Station

SI 02

ASIs WT 06

R.T.C. 01

Vigilance Unit

The Vigilance unit headed by the Dy. S.P. is functioning since 1999
within the jurisdiction of Balangir District. The vigilance unit is under
administrative control of the Superintendent of Police, Vigilance, Sambalpur.
The staff position of the vigilance unit is given below:

279
Dy. S.P. 01
Inspector 03
ASI 01
Constable 04
Asst. Driver 01
Orderly 02
Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force Unit (ODRAF)

The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force Unit was created in the year
2009 vide G.O. No. PDA-1180/2007-37126 dated. 7.8.2009 communicated
vide S.P. Headquarters memo No. 33470/Force dated. 20.08.2009. The staff
strength of ODRAF unit is as follows:

Deputy Subedar 02

APR Havildar Major 02

APR Havildar 12

APR Constable 62

APR Lance Naik 06

Driver Havildar 04

Asst. Driver 04

Helper Constable 05

Attendant 02

The ODRAF unit of Balangir District is mobilised during natural calamities

like flood, cyclone, earthquake, railway accident, etc. The ODRAF Unit is
working with utmost sincerity during the occasions.

District Forensic Science Laboratoty (DFSL)

The DFSL, Balangir is functioning at District Headquarters to provide

scientific aids to the investigation. The following are the sanctioned strength
of DFSL, Balangir.

Utilization of DFSL, Balangir from the year 2000 is furnished below.

Year No. of Times

2000 32
2001 22
2002 22
2003 39
2004 45
2005 46
2006 48

280
 2007 48
2008 61
2009 100
2010 11
2011 85
2012 60
2013 78
2014 85
Dog Squad

At present there are two numbers of trained Dogs deployed for bomb
detection and detection of clues in investigation of criminal cases. To look
after them two trained constables are being deputed.
Crime figure of Balangir District of last 10 years
The Crime figure for last 10 Years under different Major Head is
furnished below:
Year Murder Dacoit Robbery Burglary Theft Swind Rape Rioting M.V. Misc. Total
2005 39 3 35 72 171 27 37 66 178 1520 2148
2006 32 9 26 79 149 40 40 61 196 1757 2389
2007 38 7 37 71 143 48 53 102 212 1808 2519
2008 30 7 33 98 161 50 34 98 189 1767 2467
2009 44 7 37 76 145 34 46 109 235 2111 2844
2010 34 8 36 110 152 42 48 95 256 1717 2498
2011 31 12 47 106 175 68 52 81 270 1593 2435
2012 44 20 45 125 202 59 51 109 265 1661 2581
2013 37 27 45 121 185 66 44 85 253 1541 2404
2014 26 13 59 129 199 43 56 64 252 1890 2731

Registrations of cases are increasing significantly over the years

keeping pace with the increase in population. Motor vehicle accident cases
and Burglary cases are increasing at a higher rate as compared to other
heads of crime. It is the poor infrastructure facilities such as narrow roads,
lack of pucca roads and mal-managed bridges which are highly responsible
for frequent motor vehicle Accident in the District.
Information on courts
There are having 06 Police Court office at Balangir district namely
Sadar court, Loisingha court, Saintala court, Titilagrh court, Kantabanji court
and Patnagarh court. CSIs/CASIs are in charge of these courts. Saintala
court was established in the year 2014.
Home Guards Establishments
Besides Police Personnel, Home Guards plays a vital role for
maintaining of Law and order situation. At Police Station they are doing
messenger work, sometimes engaged for spying and collection of
intelligence. At present total strength of HGs at Balangir District are 650. For

281
the management and control of HSs one Commandant is being appointed to
monitor their duty and activities.
The P.S./OP wise sanctioned strength of HGs are as follows:

Name of the Post Sanction Strength

Headquarters/Town P.S. 191
Sadar P.S. 24
Dunguripali O.P. 11
Patnagarh P.S. 50
Larambha P.S. 05
Kantabanji P.S. 50
Muribahal O.P. 10
Titilagarh P.S. 100
Tusra P.S. 18
Deogaon O.P. 16
Bandhapada O.P. 06
Loisingha P.S. 22
Salebhata O.P. 07
Agalpur O.P. 10
Belpada P.S. 22
Khaprakhol P.S. 10
Harishankar O.P. 04
Lathor O.P. 10
Tureikela P.S. 12
Bangomunda P.S. 22
Sindhekela P.S. 10
Saintala P.S. 20
Belgaon O.P. 05
Badmal O.P. 04
Tikrapada O.P. 11
Grama-Rakshi

The Orissa Grama-Rakshi Ordinance, 1967 has been promulgated in

January 1967 and 1,069 posts of Grama-Rakshis have been sanctioned to
be appointed in this district during that period. The Balangir District was
divided in to Sonepur and Balangir District in the year 1993 wef
01.04.1993.and after bifurcation the sanctioned strength of Grama-Rakshis
is 604. The Post wise sanctioned strength of Grama-Rakhis is furnished
below.

Sl. No. Name of the PS/OP Sanctioned Strength

1 Town PS 04
2 Sadar PS 58
3 Dunguripali OP 27
4 Loisingha PS 28
5 Salevata OP 13
6 Agalpur OP 18
7 Tusra PS 37
8 Deogaon OP 19
9 Bandhapada OP 15
10 Patnagarh PS ` 43

282
 11 Larambha OP 17
12 Belpada PS 43
13 Khaprakhol PS 18
14 Lathor OP 12
15 Harisankar OP 06
16 Titilagarh PS 53
17 Sindhekela PS 36
18 Kantabanji PS 19
19 Muribahal OP 10
20 Bangomunda PS 31
21 Tureikela PS 30
22 Saintala PS 28
23 Belgaon OP 09
24 Tikrapada OP 20
25 Badmal OP 10
Total 604

LAW & ORDER AND ANTICIPATED LAW & ORDER

Lower Suktel Irrigation Project
Lower Suktel Irrigation Project (LSIP) is a major irrigation project on
river Suktel, a tributary of river Tel of Mahanadi Basin was taken up under
AIBP in the year 1999-2000 at Magurbeda under Dunguripali Outpost, P.S
Sadar, Dist. Balangir in a catchment area of 1,230 sq.km with an irrigation
potential of 31,830 ha. Beside this it is also estimated to supply 17.89 Mcum
(20 Cusec) water to Balangir town.
The proposed earth dam is 1410 mtrs long with left and right dykes and
having spillway of 177 meters along with 10 Radial Gates. Earth dam
construction work has not been started, where as spill way construction work
is in progress; 7.35 kms approach road to the dam site has been completed
and diversion road near village Bandhanghore has been taken up. In the
project area 29 villages are affected out of which 15 villages will be
submerged fully where as 14 will be partially submerged thereby affecting
9212 families. List of affected families have been finalized and rehabilitation
and resettlement for 1266 families have been taken up at R.R.Colony
(Larkipali), Sadaipali and Khujenpali villages. Govt. lands have also been
identified in Dudukasira and Hardatal for rehabilitation of the rest 880
families.
In 2001, the affected families got united and formed a forum namely
„Lower Suktel Budi Anchal Sangram Agragami Sangha‟ and resorted to
agitation and violence resulting in registration of 07 cases including two
cases of Patnagarh P.S. and the rest 05 of Sadar P.S.. In the last review
meeting on 18.09.2010 it was decided to review the cases registered against
the displaced persons and a proposal for withdrawal of all 07 cases were
submitted in the interest of the general public vide letter No. 159 dated
05.01.2011.
Further, on 11.06.2012 members of „Lower Suktel Irrigation Project
Action Committee‟ staged office hrs. Dharna/Demonstration before the

283
Collectorate, Balangir demanding adequate compensation/rehabilitation to
the displaced persons of the proposed project and the expedite of Lower
Suktel Irrigation Project. During agitation they restrained the officials to enter
inside the office resulting hampering of official works.
On 18.06.2012 from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm they again resorted to Balangir
Bundh supported by different political parties, Bar Association, Chamber of
Commerce, Citizen Committee etc. During Bundh they picketed in groups,
closed down shops, business establishments, Govt. offices, Banks etc and
paralyzed vehicular traffic. They staged Dharana in front of Collectorate,
Balangir and blocked the road by burning tyres at Kacheri Chowk. In this
connection a case vide town PS Case No.167 dated.18.06.2012
U/S.143/145/283/341/149 IPC against the President, Lower Suktel Action
Committee and others has been registered and investigated into.
On 19.06.2012 from 7.00 AM to 11.00 AM again the villagers of
Badtelenpali, Khuntpali, Kankaria, Badmal, Khaksabahal and others resorted
to Rast-Roko (Road blockade) on Balangir-Patnagarh road at Shibtala
chowk on the same demands. In this connection a case vide Sadar PS Case
No.171 dated.19.06.2012 U/S.143/341/283/149 IPC has been registered
and investigated into.
On 20.06.2012 from 11.00 AM to 05.00 PM the villagers of
Badtelenpali, Khuntpali, Kankaria, Badmal, Khaksabahal (about 250 nos)
including ladies supported by Lower Suktel Action Committee, Balangir
resorted to Rasta-Roko on Balangir-Patnagarh road at Barapudigia Chowk
on the same demands and demanding immediate unconditional release of
the arrested persons involved in Sadar PS Case No.171 dated.19.06.2012
U/S.143/341/283/149 IPC. In this connection a case vide Sadar PS Case
No.173 dated.20.06.2012 U/S.143/341/283/149 IPC against the concerned
& 250 others has been registered and investigated into. They lifted Rasta
Roko at 5.30 PM after release of 45 persons on court bail.
On 27.08.2012 members of Lower Suktel Irrigation Project Action
Committee, Balangir (About 25) resorted to „Relay Hunger Strike‟ at
Collectorate, Balangir demanding expeditious construction work of the
project and proper rehabilitation of the displaced persons etc.
Supporting the same cause, members of Citizen Committee, Balangir
(about 100) and the members of Lower Suktel Irrigation Project Action
Committee supported by Congress, BJP, KKD, Truck & Bus operator
Association, Zilla Adivasi Kalyan Sangha, Balangir, Chamber of Commerce
and Bar Association observed Balangir Town Bundh on 31.08.2012 from
6.00 am to 6.00 pm demanding rehabilitation, adequate compensation, early
and effective construction of project. During Bundh, all the Business
Establishments, Educational Institutions, Govt. Offices, Banks were
remained closed and Vehicular traffic was paralyzed.
Protesting against Government for not responding to activities, again
on 27.08.2012, the members of Lower Suktel Irrigation Project Action
Committee, Balangir resorted to Relay Hunger Strike before Collectorate,
Balangir. During their hunger strikes most of the members have been

284
hospitalized for their deteriorating health condition. Excepting the members
of BJD, almost all parties / organizations are supporting the hunger strike.
In the meanwhile a meeting was conducted at Bhubaneswar under the
chairmanship of Honble CM, Odisha, Hon‟ble MLA, Balangir and other
district administration officers, where the work of the project was reviewed
and it was decided to start the spill way work of the project from
27.09.2012.
But the members of Action Committee have demanded discussion with
Secretary level officers instead of District level officers.
On 14.09.2012 members of Hirakud Bisthapita Kalyan Sangha and
others participated in the Hunger Strike / Dharna demanding the same
cause.
Further, in the evening of 11.09.2012 a meeting was held at Law
College, Balangir, and irrespective of all parties (except BJD) decided to
resort to dharana on 15.09.2012 at 08.00 AM at Collectorate Balangir by
locking the main gate paralyzing the whole work of the day. They are also
contemplating to go for Rasta Roko on Balangir-Patnagarh main road and
not to allow Sri A.U. Singhdeo, MLA & Shri K.N.Singhdeo, MP, Balangir to
enter in the Balangir town if no action will be taken by the Government within
72 hrs i.e. from 12.09.2012 morning to 15.09.2012 morning.
As per their decision, on 15.09.2012 from 09.00 am to 05.00 pm they
locked up the main gate of Collectorate, Balangir protesting for the fulfillment
of their demands. On the same day, the Special Secretary to Government of
Odisha, Water Recourses Department visited Balangir and discussed the
issue with the members of Action Committee at Collectorate, Balangir from
5.00 pm to 7.00 pm and at Lower Suktel I.B. Balangir from 8.00 pm to 10.00
pm on their demands. During discussion they decided that one team of
delegates of action committee will proceed to BBSR to discuss the issue
with the Hon‟ble Chief Minister of Odisha before 27.09.2012 and called off
their hunger strike.
On the other hand, the members of the Suktel Budi Anchal Sangram
Parishad are vehemently opposing the Project. Confidential inputs gathered
so far reveal that they are likely to strongly oppose the Project with tooth and
nail. They are planning for a stiff violent résistance for the construction works
at the site. They intend to make the site as a prohibited area from 26.9.2012
onwards by keeping their armed supporters to prohibit others to the project
site. They are found prepared to resort to violence by taking the law to their
hands.
In this context, apprehension of a very serious law & order situation
cannot be ruled out in this area. Mobilization of force and massive police
arrangement may be required to face the situation and to guard against
further breach of peace on the score.
However, the situation is under close surveillance.

285
Proposed Sahara Power Project under Titilagarh PS
Thermal power project is a major thermal project of Sahara India
Pariwar Ltd. to be established in an area of 943.52 acres of land of villages
Serko, Pudapadar, Ghantbahali, Sagunmunda, Mahada, Luthurbandh and
Jamjore under Luthurbandh and Ghantbahali GPs in Titilagarh Tehasil under
Titilagarh PS of Balangir district. In this connection an M.O.U. was signed on
09.04.2010. Due to the proposed project, 375 families of the above villages
will be affected. The cost of the project is around 10,000 crores.
The affected villagers of six villages are protesting the construction of
the project and have been resorted to dharna / meeting / rally etc. The forum
with the name of Sahara Pratirodh Sangram Samiti is protesting against the
entry of Sahara Company into their villages.
Again, on 29.11.2010 the dispute between the pro group and anti-
Sahara power plant in the areas has started and still continuing with strong
protest. The members of the Zilla Adivasi Kalyan Sangha, Balangir are also
protesting against the proposed project.
Steps are being taken to bring the situation under control.
Kosal Kranti Dal (KKD)
The members of Kosal Kranti Dal (KKD) are demanding formation of
the separate Kosal State. The members are being organizing rally and
demonstration in massive scale encompassing Kalahandi, Balangir,
Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, Sundergarh, Nawarangpur, Nuapada and
Boudh District, which may lead to serious law and order situation in future.
The Manch is staging agitational activities in the shape of Bundh, Rasta-
Roko, Gherao, Dharna, Rail Roko, and Rally etc.
Teachers Association
The members of OSSTA and Block Grant High School Teachers
Associaton, Balangir unit are frequently resorting to agitational programmes
like Rally, Dharana and demonstration before DEO (District Education
Officers) and B.E.O. (Block Education Officers) as well as at Collectorate,
Balangir demanding regularization of their pay band and 100 percent grant
in add instead of Block grant and fulfilment of other demands.
Their activities are closely observed by the authorities.
Activities of Zilla Adivasi Kalyan Sangha
The Zilla Adivasi Kalyan Sangha, Balangir emerged during 2008 and
has been organizing agitational activities protesting against „Fake Caste
Certificate‟ and Fake Caste certificate holders in service and students
pursuing study, availing facilities meant for the Adivasis. The Sangha
organized meeting, rally, demonstration, gherao and dharna etc in Balangir,
Kantabanji, Titilagarh, Tusra, Loisingha, Duduka, Muribahal, Patnagarh
areas on the same demand such as Right on Jungle, Jami and Jala, enquiry
on fake adivasi certificates and other demands. They are mobilizing Adivasi
from bordering Kalahandi, Sonepur, Bargarh, Boudh, Kandhamal and
Samalpur to participate in the rally. They are organizing rally every year in
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protest for the fulfilment of their demands and during rally they are
extensively costumed with their traditional weapons and march with beating
of drums etc. The leaders of the said Sangha used to deliver speeches on
the above demands against the Government resulting in law & order
situations.
Establishment of Permanent High Court Bench in Balangir
The Bar Association members of Balangir district have been organising
Cease Work agitation on the last Friday of the month demanding
establishment of permanent High Court Bench in Balangir. During Cease
Work agitation, they do not allow the Magistrates to hold court work. They
used to indulge in other activities such as Chaka-Jam, Rally, Picketing in the
State Government and Central Government offices. Similarly, The Bar
Association members of Patngarh, Kantabanji and Titilagarh have also
joined their hands supporting the said agitations. The Western Orissa Bar
Association has started a movement for establishment of permanent High
Court Bench in Western Orissa and the Balangir Bar Association is strongly
supporting the cause organizing Cease Work activities demanding
establishment of permanent court bench in Balangir.
Animal Sacrifice (Sulia Yatra)
Sulia Yatra, a traditional ritual of the Kandha tribal community, is
performed with great pomp and show at Khairguda under Tusra P.S. and
Mirdhapali under Sadar P.S. of Balangir district. The Adivasis have deep
religious feelings and belief on the demigod Sulia Baba and used to observe
st
the Yatra on 1 Tuesday of bright fortnight in the month of Pausha every
year. In the name of Sulia Baba, thousand of animals are sacrificed on that
particular day. SuliaYatra is primarily a festival of animal sacrifice and people
in the recent years are found to react strongly against the violence inflicted
upon animals in the Yatra as a part of the ritual.
During the year 2005 Debasis Biswal, Santanu Nayak, Hemanta Kumar
Panda and others of Balangir started protesting against the animal sacrifice
forming a Manch namely Sulia Sanskar Manch and filed writ petition vide
No. W.P.(C) No. 20057 of 2009.
After the restriction imposed by the Hon‟ble High Court, the District
Administration have been trying to stop animal sacrifice but sacrifice of
animals could not be stopped completely.
However, The Adivasi community while celebrating the festival wants to
continue the animal sacrifice and the cause is being supported by the
devotees of Sulia.
Students’ Agitation
The student of different colleges like Rajendra College, Govt.
women‟s college, Govt Ayurvedic College and Govt Sanskrit college of
Balangir town have been organizing Meeting / Rally / Dharna /
Demonstration etc. demanding posting of lecturers in the different colleges
of Balangir town resulting in law & order situation.

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Left Wing Extremism
Left Wing Extremism activities have been started in Balangir district
since 2003. P.S.s namely Khaprakhol, Tureiekela, Saintala, Tusra, Lathor,
Larambha are affected by Maoist activities. In order to counter their activities
CRPF forces, SOG, are being deployed in those areas. In the District level
DVF are being deployed. In the year 2011 one lady moist was killed in the
encounter and recently another lady moist was arrested. The entire Maoist
are coming from Chhatisgarh area and residing at Harisankar, Tureikela and
Lathore areas. In the District level one Anti-Naxalite Cell has been opened to
check their movement.
Railway Police
The Government Railway Police stations are located in Balangir,
Titlagarh and Kanatbanji Railway Stations in the district. These are
administered from Rourkela by the Superintendent of Railway Police, Orissa.
The cases generally detected relate to theft of properties belonging to
passengers or of those which are carried in trains at Railway risk.
JAIL & JAIL ADMINISTRATION AND PRISIONERS’ WELFARE
Balangir District Jail
District Jail, Balangir was established in the year 1904. This Jail spans
over 34.795 Acres of land out of which 5.269 acres of land is under Home
Department, 15.520 acres is under Revenue Department and 14.006 acres
is under P.W.D. Department. It is situated adjacent to the District Head
Quarters Hospital, Balangir. Maintenance of security and Discipline along
with welfare, reforms and rehabilitation of prisoners is the prime motto of
this institution.
The Jail is headed by the Superintendent who is an O.J.S. officer
supported with staff such as a Jailor, an Assistant Jailor, two Sub-Assistant
Jailors, one Chief Head Warder, five Head Warders, twenty six male
Warders and four Female Warders. The Guarding staff guard the prisoners
round the clock in three shifts. The first shift is from 6 A.M. to 12.00 Noon;
the second shift is from 12.00 Noon to 6 P.M. and the third shift is from 6
P.M. to 6 A.M. The Female Warders guard the female prisoners. There are
9(nine) Male Wards, one Young Offenders‟ Ward , One Hospital Ward , one
Observation Ward , one Segregation Ward , 8(eight ) cells . There is one 10
bedded capacity Indoor Hospital along with an outdoor. One full time Jail
Medical Officer provides medical treatment to the sick prisoners. There is
also a sanctioned post of Pharmacist for the Jail Hospital. Male Wards are
used to accommodate Convict and under trial prisoners who are kept in
separate wards. Female prisoners are confined in two Female wards which
are within a separate enclosure. Cells are used for confinement of hard core
prisoners, Naxalites, Maoists etc. The sanctioned strength of this Jail is 392
which comprises of 364 male and 28 female prisoners. The prison
population is now 331 out of which 317 are male prisoners and 14 are
female. Out of 317 male 119 are convicts and 198 are under-trial prisoner.
Out of 14 female prisoners three are convicts and rest 11 are under trial. At
present, five under-trial Maoist prisoners are confined in this Jail.

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Literacy & Education
A Jail School is functioning by hiring services of a Teacher on daily
wages basis who has retired from this Jail as School teacher. Jail school
aims to make illiterate prisoners literate. A considerable number of books
are available in the jail library for wide reading of the inmates.
Religious Discourse And Yoga
The Prajapita Bramhakumari IswaryaViswaVidyalaya, Balangir is
regularly holding taking classes on Raja Yoga & other religious practices.
Satsang and Pravachan are being held time to time to develop a sense
spirituality among the inmates.
Supply of Study Material & Text Books to the Children of Needy & Poor
Convicts
On 02.08.2014 John Augustus Prison and Social Welfare Services,
Athagarh unit provided 92 (Ninety two) sets of text books of standard IX and
X and provided study material for Class VI, VII & VIII for children of poor
prisoners of this Jail.
John Augustus Prison and Social Welfare Services, Athagarh unit has
been requested vide Office letter No. 200 dated 13.04.2015 for supply of
127 sets of Text Books and Study Materials for School going children of
poor prisoners of this Jail covering classes from 6th to 10th.
Legal Awareness and legal services
Para Legal Volunteers as well as Legal Aid Counsel are visiting the Jail
every two days of the week. A Legal Clinic is operating inside the Jail in
association with District Legal Services Authority, Balangir. In this clinic, the
U.T.Ps who have not availed any advocates were identified and legal aid
counsels have been provided to them to defend their cases. 20 nos of
U.T.Ps have been provided Legal Aid Counsel during the year 2014 and
during the year 2015, three U.T.Ps have been provided Legal Aid Counsel.
CCTV Facilities: The Jail is strictly under CCTV surveillance. One
CCTV System with 7 cameras is available. Recently, a new CCTV system
with 16 cameras has been installed to guard the activities of the prisoner in
the Jail premises.
Jammer Provision: No Jammer is available in District Jail, Balangir.
Video Conferencing: Video Conferencing facility has been installed but
has become defunct since 10.12.2013. Two posts of V.C.O. are lying vacant
which is required to be filled up.
Security Provision Available: Considerable amount of security
provisions are available in the Jail. 18 nos. of Walkie Talkies are available.
One Electric Siren and one Hand Operated Siren are available. One Night
Vision Binocular is available. Four nos. of Watch Towers have been
constructed around the four corners of the Jail, but these could not be made
operational for want of staff.

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 Staff positions includes one Superintendent, one Medical officer, one
Jailor, one Asst. Jailor, two Sub-Asst. Jailors, farmacist, Clerk Cum typist,
Chief Head Warder, Head warders and warders, female warders, School
teacher, Tech. Assistant, peon sweeper etc.
Titilagarh Sub-Jail
Titilagarh Sub-jail started functioning in 1930. There are 6 wards in the
jail. The sanctioned capacity of the jail is 170. Present strength is 145
including five female prisoners.
Staff position includes one Jailor cum superintendent, one Assistant
jailor and one Sub-Assistant Jailor, Head warders, Male warders (8 nos),
Female warders (2 nos), Sweeper, Pharmacist, Doctor etc.
Two posts of male warders and one post of female warder are lying
vacant. Doctor has been appointed on contractual basis for the treatment of
the inmates.
Welfare Activities
The prisoners are provided with telephone facilities to contact their
family members and advocate in the time of need. Prison Smart Course was
conducted by the „Art of living‟, Titilagarh at regular interval. Sample drugs
were collected from the Drugs Inspector, Balangir free of cost for the use of
prisoners. One sensitization programme about RNTCP (Tuberculosis) has
been organized inside the Jail, Dr. Subhasis Mohanty (M.D), DTO, Balangir
and Dr. Prasanta Kumar Hota, S.D.M.O, Titilagarh delivered lectures on TB
& HIV to the inmates. World Aids Day was observed in the Jail Campus with
co-operation of the ICTC, SDH, Titilagarh, Red Ribbon Club, Titilagarh and
Youth Red Cross of Govt. Women‟s College, Titilagarh on 01.12.13
Demonstration on „Acupressure & Massage Therapy‟ has been organized to
create awareness among the inmates on 15.09.13 A Legal Awareness
Camp was organized on 12.01.14 inside the Jail campus with co-operation
of the Taluk Legal Services Committee, Titilagarh. One spiritual programme
was organized on 18.01.14 with the co-operation of ISKCON,
Bhubaneswar„Adult Education‟ programme has been introduced to literate
the illiterate prisoners. The office has collected 82 nos. of books, 160 nos. of
copy, 70 nos. of pencils, and 02 nos. of blackboards from the BEO,
Titilagarh. One literate prisoner is engaged as voluntary teacher to teach
them.
The office has collected 354 nos. of books for Jail library from the
outsiders at free of cost.
One hour of Bhajan and Sankirtan is being held on daily in the jail campus.
Text books and Study Materials for the school going children of the
Prisoners ranging from Std.VI to X are being provided with the help of John
Augustus Prison and Social Welfare Services, Athagarh.

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Petitions & Legal Aid:-
No of petition issued to the Prisoners 18
Nos of Post Cards issued to the Prisoners 45
Nos. of Legal Aid assistance submitted 06
Schedule capacity
Male-164, Female-06 Total=170
Population as on 10.09.15:
Convict- 04 UTP- 150 Total=154
The Female prisoners are accommodated in separate enclosures. They
are provided with Colour T.V and other indoor games for their entertainment.
Sanitation, Conservancy & Hygiene
Education & Recreation:-
One local N.G.O named Bharat Vikash Parisad has opened a library
and different kinds of books are donated by them for the use of prisoners.
The Prisoners are provided with sports items like Ludu, Carom, Chess, etc.
Besides, they are provided with colour T.V. Sets, Mrudanga, Kubaja, etc. for
their entertainment.
Health
The Jail has no indoor medical facilities. There is one Pharmacist and
one Medical Officer posted on contractual basis to manage the Jail Hospital.
Daily average of OPD patient is 35.
Patnagarh Sub-Jail
The Jail has been established in the Year 1962. It is situated adjacent
to the Patnagarh town. Earlier, one doctor in the rank of Asst. Surgeon
(Local S.D.M.O.) was posted as the superintendent of the institution from
1962 to 1987. Chronologically, Dr. B.D. Hota was the first superintendent
(1962) and Dr. R.N. Rao was the last superintendent (1987) of Patnagarh
Sub-jail. After that the post was begun to be filled up by one officer in the
rank of jailor promoted from the Asst. Jailor who had qualified the
departmental higher standard examination. In this regard Mr. P.C. Sahoo
was the first departmental Jailor-cum-Superintendent.
Statistics of inmates in jail
This section will display the statistics of the inmates of the jail i.e.
number of male inmates, number of female-inmates, expenditure for
inmates, inmates detained, diet chart of inmates etc.

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Prisoners Details

Scheduled Capacity

Male Female Total

[A] CONVICTS
R.I. - Nil -
S.I. - - -
Civil Nil Nil Nil
[B] UNDER-TRIALS
Remand - - -
Sessions - - -
Total 88 11 99

Prisoners Strength
Prison population as on 29.11.2014

[A] CONVICTS Male Female Total

R.I. 06 - 06
S.I. 01 - 01
Civil - - Nil
[B] UNDER TRIALS
Remand 29 02 31
Sessions 27 01 28
Total 63 03 66
[C] Details of Under-trial Prisoners
Male Female Total
Less than 3 months 37 02 393 months to
less than 6 months 09 01 10 6 month to less
than 1 years 08 - 08
1 year to less than 11/2 years 03 - 03

11/2 years to less than 2 years 01 - 01

2 years and above 05 - 05

TOTAL 63 03 66
[D] U.T.Ps. detained more than the prescribed sentence - NIL

[E] Number of Juvenile U.T.Ps. below the age of 16 years - NIL

[F] Number of mentally unsound prisoner. - NIL
[G] Number of prisoner suffering from major disease
i.e. T.B., Leprosy, H.I.V., Heart diseases etc. - NIL

[H] CONVICTS Male Female Total

Death Sentence - - NIL.

Life Imprisonment 02 - 02
10 Year & above 00 - 00
5 Year & above 02 - 02
1 Year & above 01 - 01
Month & above 02 - 02
Less than 1 month - - Nil
Total 07 Nil 07

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The Assistant Surgeon is the Superintendent of the Jail who is supported
by one Lower Division Clerk, one Head Warder, six Warders and one
Sweeper. There is a Diet Committee which makes direct purchase and
supply of food articles to the sub-jail. There are three non-official visitors
appointed by the District Magistrate for two years.

Kantabanji Sub-Jail
One new Sub-Jail in Kanatabanji having the capacity of 250 nos. of
prisoners has been constructed by the Odisha State Police Housing &
Welfare Corporation, Bhawanipatna Division. The sub-jail has not yet been
made functional.
JUDICIARY SYSTEM OF THE DISTRICT
Balangir was earlier named as Balangir Patna. Prior to independence
the feudatory state of Patna, Sonepur and Kalahandi were being
administered by three different ruling chiefs. After their integration with
Orissa, they constituted a new district called Balangir-Patna District with a
new Judgeship and Sessions Division styled as Balangir-Patna Judgeship
st
and Sessions division. On the 1 November, 1949 the Ex-State of Patna
and Sonepur together formed a separate district. After the formation of this
district, the judgeship and Sessions division came to be known as Balangir-
Kalahandi Judgeship and Sessions division with headquarters at Balangir.
The District and Sessions Judge held circuit at Bhawanipatna and Sonepur
for disposal of cases. The Munsif stationed at Titilagarh also acted as Ex-
officio Munsif of Nawapara and held circuits at Nawapara for disposal of
contested suits of that Sub-division. With the passing of time and in the
larger interest of public demand, the judgeship of Kalahandi was formed
th
and bifurcated from its parent judgeship i.e. Balangir on 27 February,
1982 and subsequently, the Judgeship of Sonepur was formed and was
separated from Balangir on 23.6.2012.
At present the judgeship of Balangir consists of the following Civil and
Criminal Courts.
1. District and Sessions Judge, Balangir.
2. Addl. District Judge-cum-Special Judge (Vigilance), Balangir.
3. Judge, Family Court, Balangir.
4. Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Balangir.
nd
5. 2 Addl. District and Sessions Judge, Balangir.
6. Presiding Officer, Special Court under S.C. & ST (POA) Act.
7. Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Titilagah
8 Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Patnagarh
9. C.J.M-cum-Asst. Sessions Judge(Principal Magistrate) Juvenile
Justic Board, Balangir.
10. Registrar-cum-Asst. Sessions Judge(STC) Balangir.
11. Civil Judge (Senior Division) Balangir.
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12. Civil Judge (Senior Division) Titilagarh
13. Civil Judge (Senior Division) Patnagarh
14. Civil Judge (Senior Division) Kantabanji.
15. S.D.J.M Balangir.
16. Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum- S.D.J.M Patnagarh.
17. Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum- S.D.J.M Titilagarh.
18. Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum- J.M.F.C Balangir.
19. Addl. Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum- J.M.F.C Loisingha.
20. Addl. Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum- J.M.F.C Kantabanji.
21. Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum- J.M.F.C Saintala.
22. J.M.F.C-I Balangir.
23. J.M.F.C-II, Balangir.
24. J.M.F.C Titilagarh.
25. Special Judicial Magistrate, Balangir.
26. Special Railway Magistrate, Kantabanji.

st
From the 1 November, 1960 a Registrar has been appointed for the
Judgeship who relieves the District Judge of the routine administrative
duties. Over and above his normal functions, the District Judge also acts as
ex-officio Registrar of Orissa High Court as far this judgeship is concerned.
He receives appeals and cases preferred before the High Court and
transmits the relevant records to the court after serving notice on the parties
under intimation to the advocate concerned.
The Acts and Laws applicable to the State of Odisha and India at large
are applicable to this judgeship in addition to some local laws, mostly in
revenue matters, that were in force during the pre-merger time. The year-
wise number of civil and criminal cases instituted, disposed of and pending
in different courts of this judgeship for the last three years is furnished below.

Year Institution Disposal Pendency at the end

of the year

Civil Criminal Civil Criminal Civil Criminal

2012 1168 9336 999 8795 4543 20230

2013 979 11375 958 11718 4571 20112

2014 1211 9135 1190 11212 4637 20689

Average 1119 9949 1049 10575 4584 20344

Total 11068 11624 24927

(Civ.+Crl.)

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Criminal Justice
Presently, except the Civil judge (Senior Division) Balangir, all the
counter parts in the judgeship have been vested with Sessions power and
the Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Addl. Civil Judge (Junior Division) of
this judgeship including S.D.J.Ms have been empowered to deal with
magisterial power to deal with criminal cases. From time to time the
Sessions Judge transfers sessions cases to the Additional and Assistant
Sessions Judges of the headquarters station. In the recent past, to meet the
public demand, on 10.8.2015 two courts of District Judge cadre, one the
nd
2 Additional District and Sessions Judge, for Balangir station and another
Special Court for dealing with cases under S.C. & S.T.(POA) Act cases
having jurisdiction over the entire revenue district of Balangir have started
functioning from that date. A Family Court having its presiding Officer in
the cadre of District Judge has also started functioning in the
headquarters station Balangir with effect from 6.7.2013 to deal with
matrimonial disputes. The Special Judge (Vigilance) having jurisdiction over
Balangir and Sonepur districts started functioning on 23.6.2007.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Balangir has been declared as the
Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, Balangir to try cases of the
juvenile in conflict with law.
In the meantime, the District Legal Services Authority has been
constituted with effect from 23.12.1996 and the District and Sessions Judge,
Balangir is declared the Ex-officio Chairman of the District Legal Services
Authority and the Registrar, Civil Courts, Balangir is presently functioning
as the Secretary in charge of the District Legal Services Authority since
transfer of its independent Secretary of the cadre of Civil Judged (Senior
Division). Under the District Legal Services Authority, Balangir, four Taluk
Legal Services Committees are functioning i.e at Titilagarh, Patnagarh,
Kantabanji and Loisingha. Besides, a Permanent LokAdalat, to deal with
various utility services, started functioning on 12.3.2012 having a
Chairperson in the cadre of District Judge. Sri Dukhishyam Chaulia, a Retd.
District Judge, was the First Chairperson of the Permanent Lok Adalat,
Balangir. By this time, the Lok Adalat and the Chairperson of the Permanent
Lok Adalat have been provided with good infrastructural facilities and a new
building was opened on 3.11.2012 which has housed the Permanent Lok
Adalat and also acts as Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre. Under District
Legal Services Authority, a Mediation Centre is also functioning for
mediation of different cases and disputes as mentioned in the decision of
the Honourable court reported in Afcons Infrastructure limited and Another
Vrs. Cherian Varkey construction company private limited and others, on
conciliation. It is pertinent to mention herewith that the District Legal
Services Authority, Balangir has rendered remarkable services in the field

295
of disposal of cases by way of conciliation and through A.D.R mechanism,
Lok Adalat and Legal Awareness camps which has been recognized by the
State Legal Service Authority and has been awarded as best District Legal
Services Authority of West Zone for the year 2014-15 with a trophy and
certificate.
Nature of Cases Handled
Civil Suits are generally simple in nature. Suits for ejectment, recovery
of possession, partition, adoption, maintenance etc, are common. The
prevailing crimes in the district are murder, theft and burglary. Generally,
murder cases arise out of land dispute or love affairs.
Bar Association
Bar Association, Balangir
The Oldest Bar Association in the district is the Patna Bar Association
founded in the year 1938 consisting of seven members, out of whom 5 were
Law Graduates and the rest two were Muktiars. Late Sri KapileswarPrasasd
Nanda was the first registered Lawyer of Patna State. Presently the District
Bar Association has around 600 enrolled members and also the number of
enrollment is increasing in numbers, day by day. Also in the outlying station
such as Titilagarh, Patnagarh, Kantabanji, Loisingha, Saintala have their
own Bar Association and the strength of Bar members has also reached
to a considerable extent.
Consumer Protection
Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is an Act of the Parliament of
India enacted in 1986 to protect the interests of consumers in India. It makes
provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities
for the settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected
therewith.
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (DCDRF): Also known as
the „District Forum‟, established by the State Government in each district of
the State. The District Forum shall have jurisdiction to entertain complaints
where the value of the goods or services and the compensation, if any,
claimed does not exceed rupees twenty lakhs. District Consumer Dispute
Redressal Forum, Balangir functions within the jurisdiction of Balangir
District since 1994. It is functioning under the Food Supplies and Consumer
Welfare Department, Orissa, Bhubaneswar. This Office/Forum provides
justice to the consumers with clean records and supporting materials.
The President, District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, declared to be
the Head of the office who is in charge of both Administration and the
Judicial. The president presides over the bench with the help of two
members (Male and Lady) as supporting staff and bench clerk (Senior
296
Steno) to perform clerical work. If anybody filed a complaint against the
opposite party in this forum, then the case is placed before the bench for
admission and after admission notice is sent to the opposite party for filing
version. After filing version the case stands posted for hearing. After hearing
in the presence of both the parties, the president and members pronounce
their judgment in the open forum.

There are two Senior Clerks in this office (Forum).The senior most
Senior Clerk is in charge of Accounts, stock and stores and another Senior
Clerk is in charge of establishment section, report returns and library. There
is one Junior Clerk in this office that is in charge of Issue, Dairy & type.
There are two peons and one Night watch man.

The Civil Supply Officer, Balangir is working as Drawing and Disbursing

officer in this forum.

The Additional District Magistrate, Balangir is working as District

Consumer Protection Officer of this forum. He is the authority to take
decision about the Consumer Awareness Programmes, launched by the
Government.
Fire services
At present there are 11 Fire Stations working in different places of
Balangir district. The Fire Stations at Balangir, Patnagarh and Titilagarh are
oldest Fire Stations in the district. Government of Odisha has decided to set
up Fire Stations in each of the Blocks. Presently, three nos. of Fire Stations
have been set up in Muribahal Block, Mahimunda of Puintala Block and at
Kantabanji. Each Fire Stations should have staff strength of one Station
Officer, one Assistant Station Officer, two Leading Firemen and Five to six
Firemen. There is acute shortage of Assistant Fire Officers who are to be
posted as Station Officers. There are only three nos. of Station Officers
posted at Balangir, Titilagarh and Patnagarh. All the Fire
Stations are equipped with modern fire fighting equipments and for rescue
operations. Apart from dealing with fire fighting operations , the staffs of
Fire Stations are engaged in rescue operations in road accidents,
floodsituation,drowning,natural and manmade disaster,fire prevention and
protection duty and any other emergency in the district. The Fire Stations are
connected through a wireless network .In all newly opened Fire Stations
telephone services have not yet been provided and the Fire Stations are
functioning in Block Office premises temporarily or through other
arrangements. Fire services in the district is equipped with thge following:
1.Total water tenders/motor fire engine 13 nos

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 2.Total towing tenders 11 nos
3.Total WADIA Pump 13 nos
4.Total quick response units 03 nos
5. Total two wheeler motorcycle mist units 01 nos.
Staff position includes the sanctioned strength of one Asst. Fire
Officer, 10 stations, 04 Asst Station Officers, 22 Leading Fire Men, 12 Driver
Havildars, 11 Fire Man Driver, 116 Fire Fighters and 33 nos of Homeguards.
However some of the posts are lying vacant.

Cyber Crime and Counter Mechanism

Cyber crimes and related criminal activities through the use of
computers and internet are on the rise in the district. Some of the common
cyber crimes detected in the area are hacking, cyber stalking,
softwarepiracy, credit card fraud and phising. To tackle the issue of Cyber
crimes, Cyber Crime Cell has been opened up in the district.
The internet users in Balangir are increasing in number. With the
advancement of technology the risk of data theft and hacking has also
increased significantly. Many cases have been registered for prank calls to
people citing as bank official or misappropriating call from RBI for ATM Card
No, Account No., Address & ATM Pin No. etc.
This is the most commonly identified type of technology based crime
although not fully comes under the purview Cyber Crime is still involved
under the IT (Amendment) Act-2008.
The Government has taken up smarter implementation of a number of
e-governance projects. Many government processes have been automated
by implementation of web-based or stand alone applications. A number of
software applications serving Government-to-Citizen (G2C), Government-to
–Business (G2B) & Govt. to Govt. (G2G) are being implemented in Balangir
district.
Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) project
aims to create a comprehensive and integrated system for enhancing the
efficiency and effective policing at all levels and especially at the Police
Station level including citizen services which are the integral part of CCTNS
project. The CCTNS project envisions to create services that can be availed
directly by the citizens through the nearest available mode such as internet,
police station etc. This also implies that the police personnel would have
access to citizen complaints and requests from different sources in a real
time manner; which will enable faster means of resolution to a complaint or
service request from the citizen. Crime and Criminal Tracking Network &

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Systems (CCTNS) is a plan scheme conceived in the light of experience of a
non-plan scheme namely – Common Integrated Police Application (CIPA).
CCTNS is a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan of
Govt of India. CCTNS aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated
system for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of policing through
adopting principle of e-Governance and creation of a nationwide networking
infrastructure for evolution of IT-enabled-state-of-the-art tracking system
around investigation of crime and detection of criminals.
Objectives of ‘CCTNS’
1. Make the Police functioning citizen friendly and more transparent by
automating the functioning of Police Stations.
2. Improve delivery of citizen-centric services through effective usage
of ICT.
3. Provide the Investigating Officers of the Civil Police with tools,
technology and information to facilitate investigation of crime and detection
of criminals
4. Improve Police functioning in various other areas such as Law and
Order, Traffic Management etc.
5. Facilitate Interaction and sharing of Information among Police
Stations, Districts, State/UT headquarters and other Police Agencies.
6. Assist senior Police Officers in better management of Police Force
7. Keep track of the progress of Cases, including in Courts
8. Reduce manual and redundant Records keeping
Benefits to Citizens
1. Multiple channels to access services from police.
2. Simplified process for registering petitions/complaints.
3. Simplified process for accessing general services such as requests
for certificates, verifications, and permissions etc.
4. Simplified process and accurate means of tracking the progress of
the case during trials.
5. Simplified and easy access to view and generate reports on
unclaimed/recovered vehicles, property, and missing persons.
6. Simplified process and channel for grievance registration.
7. Faster and assured response from police to any emergency calls for
assistance.

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Cyber Cases Registered in Balngir District in 2015

1 Town P.S. case No-02 dt.3.1.15 U/s. 420 IPC/66 I.T.Act

2 Town P.S. case No-33 dt.6.2.15 U/s. 420/409/120(b)/465/468/497-A

IPC/66 I.T.Act
3 Town P.S. case No-34 dt.6.2.15 U/s. 420/409/120(b)/465/468/497-A
IPC/66 I.T.Act
4 Town P.S. case No-270 dt.17.8.15 U/s. 420 IPC/66 I.T.Act

5 Town P.S. case No-345 dt.8.10.15 U/s. 420 IPC/66 I.T.Act

6 Tusra P.S. case No-68 dt.2.5.15 U/s. 420 IPC/66 I.T.Act

7 Loisingha P.S. case No-84 dt.15.5.15 U/s. 379 IPC/66 I.T.Act

8 Bangomunda P.S. case No-90 dt.6.7.15 U/s. 465/469/471/500/507

IPC/66-C I.T.Act
9 Patnagarh P.S. case No-169 dt.30.08.15 U/s. 420/34 IPC/66 I.T.Act

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 CHAPTER XI

LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT

Evolution of Local Self Government at District Level

The constitution of India was adopted by the Indian constituent
assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950.
Article 40 of the Constitution which enshrines one of the
Directive Principles of State Policy lays down that the State shall take
steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such
powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as
units of self-government. Panchayati Raj institutions have been in existence
since then. later it was observed that these institutions have not been
able to acquire the status and dignity of viable and responsive
people's bodies due to a number of reasons including absence of
regular elections, prolonged supersession, insufficient
representation of weaker sections like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
Tribes and women, inadequate decentralization of powers and lack of
financial resources.
The bill of the constitution (73rd Act) 1992 was introduced in the Lok
Sabha on 16th September 1991. The 73RD Amendment inserted a new part
IX in the constitution which contains Article 243 and 243- A to 243- 0.
Section 4 of the Amendment inserted a new i.e. eleventh schedule to the
constitution where the Panchayats may be devolved with the powers and
responsibilities of the state legislature by law.
The main provisions which the state statutes provided so for
1. Creation of a state Election commission to conduct elections to PRIs
2. Financial commission was set up
3. Elections to the PRIs held regularly since 1997 at the end of five
years tenure of PRIs
4. Creation of 3-tier panchayat Raj structure at Zilla, Block, and village
levels
5. Reservation for woman in panchayats, Reservation of seats for
SC/ST in Panchayats
6. Indirect election to the post of Chairman at the intermediate and
apex tiers
7. Creation of gram sabhas
Local self Government comprises of Panchayati Raj Institutions and
Urban local bodies. In Balangir district there are five urban local bodies in
301
five towns, namely Balangir and Titilagarh Municipalities, Patanagarh,
Kantabanji, and Tusra Notified area councils. There are 284 Gram
Panchayats, 14 Panchayat Samities and Zilla Parishad in the district.
Elections to the above Panchayatiraj Institutions have been held regularly
since 1997. Apart from this Elections are held regularly for five urban local
bodies of Balangir, Titilagarh, Kantabanji, Patanagarh and Tusra. Provisions
have been made for reservation of woman candidates, ST and SC
candidates in PRI bodies and urban local bodies. Election to these three tier
systems and urban local bodies are made generally at an interval of 5 years
basing on Odisha Gram Panchayat Election Rules, 1965, Odisha Panchayat
Samiti Election Rules, 1991, Odisha Zilla Parishad Election Rules, 1994 and
Urban local bodies Election Rules, 1994 in the spirit of 73rd Amendment to
the Constitution. Election to local bodies (3-tier Panchayat Raj system) has
been held in the district since 1997 under the superintendence, direction and
control of State Election Commission, Odisha.
MUNICIPALITIES AND NACs
Balangir Municipality
The present town of Balangir is hardly a century old. The old Balangir
which was founded in the 16th Century A. D. by Balaram Deo is probably
represented by the present Junhadiha (Old site) close to Balangir town to
the north. The new Balangir is a planned town. It was established by the
Court of Wards in 1871 and the capital of the ex-State was transferred from
Patnagarh to the new township in 1872.
In April 1938, a Municipal Committee consisting of 15 members was
formed in Balangir under the Patna State Municipality Act. Balangir,
according to this Act, was divided into five wards. Out of the 15 members, 10
were being nominated by the Durbar and the remaining 5 were being elected
from the five wards. Franchise was first introduced in 1939 when the number
of wards increased to 6. The Municipal Committee, after election of July
1939, consisted of 7 ex officio members and 2 non official members
nominated by the Durbar and 6 elected ward members. The area of the
Municipality was 1,300 acres which extended to 1,400 acres in 1940.
The Orissa Municipal Act, 1950 came into force in Balangir Municipality
on the 16th April 1951. The new Municipal Council, consisting of 11
representatives including one Scheduled Caste member, started functioning
with effect from the 18th June 1951 and continued till 23rd January 1957
after which they all resigned and the council was dissolved. The
management of the Municipality was then taken over by the Government
and in 1958 a fresh election took place and a council consisting of 12
Councillors was elected including one from the Scheduled Tribes. The
Municipal area is divided into 21 wards. Now the council consist of 21

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councillors including 01 from Scheduled Tribes, 03 from Scheduled Caste
and 06 from Backward Class Citizens. Chairman and other members were
elected in the urban election held in the month of June and July 2014.
The Municipal area now covers 32.77 Sq Km and the total population of
98211 as per 2011 census. Total road maintained by the municipality is
422.988 kms.
Financial Resources
The Municipality draws its income from different taxes and fees. It also
receives grants from the State Government.
Special Achievements
The Municipality was awarded as the best municipality in 2012. The
Municipality maintains parks, roads and civic centres. It is receiving
Government grants for the improvement of the park. It also earns from its
own shopping complexes.
Public health is looked after by the staff supplied by Government, their
conveyance, allowance being paid by the Municipality which also supplies
medicines and disinfectants.
Titilagarh Municipality
The Titilagarh Notified Area Council was constituted on 17th November
1951 with 9 members with an area of 5 square miles consisting of 9 wards. It
has been declared as Titilagarh Municipality vide Notification No 4906 dated
24.3.14 of Housing and Urban Development Department Government of
Odisha. It consists of 15 wards represented by 15 councilors- 01 from
Scheduled Tribes, 02 from Scheduled Caste and 05 from Backward Class
Citizens. According to 2011 census the total population of the Notified Area
Council is 31258.
Patnagarh Notified Area Council
The Patnagarh Notified Area Council was constituted on 6th January
1964. According to Notification No. 9136, dated 11th September 1962 of
Health and Local Self-Government, Patnagarh town and the area covered by
the villages of Brahmapur, Tikapali, Nafrisagar, Kukurmunda and Rampur
have been declared as Notified Area. Initially Patnagarh Notified Area
Council had 12.8 square kilometers in area and was divided into 12 wards.
Subsequently the boundary of the NAC was revised in accordance with the
Notified Area Council which now covers an area of 18.26 Sq km and
consists of 15 wards represented by 15 councillors- 02 from Scheduled
Tribes, 02 from Scheduled Caste and 04 from Backward Class Citizens.
According to 2011 census the total population of the Notified Area Council is
21,024.
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Kantabanji Notified Area Council
The Notified Area Council of Kantabanji was constituted on the 17th
November 1965 covering 4.8 square kilometers. The area of the NAC has
been extended. Now the Notified Area Council consists of 16 wards
represented by 16 councilors- 03 from Scheduled Tribes and 01 from
Scheduled Caste and 05 from Backward Class Citizens. According to 2011
census the total population of the Notified Area Council is 21778.
Tusra Notified Area Council
The Notified Area Council of Tusra was constituted vide Notification No.
11272 Dt 29.5.14 of Housing and Urban Development Department,
Government of Odisha. The Notified Area Council has an area of 10.12 Sq
st
Km. The 1 Election to the council took place during April 2015 and consists
of 11 wards represented by 11 councillors- 02 from Scheduled Tribes, 02
from Scheduled Caste and 03 from Backward Class Citizens. According to
2011 census the total population of the Notified Area Council is 10,638.
Statement Showing Receipts and Expenditure of the ULBs

Name of the ULB Year Receipts

Expenditure

Balangir Municipality 2013-14 109050886 193862359

2014-15 143392118 109050886

Titilagarh Municipality 2013-14 65552722 60796518

2014-15 70879421 74157041

Patnagarh NAC 2013-14 74358606 68653090

2014-15 64032153 78455117

Kantabanji NAC 2013-14 81195543 117754150

2014-15 97801902 122256330

Town Planning and Development

The Town Planning Unit, Balangir was constituted as per Govt.

Notification No. TP-Estt. 8/80 31145/UD, Dt. 29.07.1980 of the Government
Housing & Urban Development Department and started functioning from
st
15.11.1980. The office is functioning on monthly rent basis in the 1 floor of
Special Planning Authority, Balangir building against sanctioned strength of
11 posts including the officer. The Officer-in-charge, Town Planning Unit,
Balangir is in additional charge of S.P.A, Balangir, Titilagarh, Patnagarh &
Sonepur which have been constituted as per the provisions of O.T.P & I.T

304
Act, 1956. The Town Planning Unit, Balangir under the Directorate of Town
Planning, Odisha, Bhubaneswar is the Master Plan Preparing Agency and
the concerned Special Planning Authority are plan executing and
implementing Balangir: The Master Plan for Balangir has been published
under section 32 of the O.T.P & I.T Act, 1956 vide Notification No.310-
34/83/BSPA., Dt.20.05.1983 comprising of Balangir Municipal area and 6
rural adjoining villages namely Puintala, Sadeipali, Podapali, Gandhrel ,
Talpali and Larkipali. The revision of the Master Plan of Balangir has already
been initiated using GIS/RS based technology. The preparation of GIS
based Master Plan primarily covers 14 villages (8 mouzas from urban
segment i.e. Municipal area.) and 6 villages from rural segment). For the
above mouzas, there exists one Master Plan which was prepared on
conventional method. Subsequently, other 13 mouzas, namely, Barkani,
Madhiapali, Dumerpali, Gaintala, Bagbhadi, Kalsaipali, Khujenpali,
Malmanda, Birmunda, Rinbachan, Pakhanchepa, Dhumamara and
Khamarmunda have been included within the ambit of Master Plan.
Coverage as per the decision of Adhoc Committee held on 18.11.2010. The
considered views of the Collector & District Magistrate, Balangir have
already been communicated to the R.D.C (ND) Sambalpur. The considered
views of the R.D.C (ND) Sambalpur regarding the above inclusion of the 13
mouzas were taken within the ambit of preparation of Master Plan. The
Master Plan area have a population of 1,20,513 according to the 2011 final
population figure and covers an area of 86.00sq.mts. The Master Plan works
has been assigned to the consultant N.F Infratech New Delhi for preparation
of Master Plan for Balangir Master Plan area vide Order No.TP-Dev-
150/2013(pt) 12824/HUD., Dt.18.05.15 and according to the letter
No.2275/DTP., Dt.26.0515 of the Director of Town Planning, Odisha,
Bhubaneswar.

Titilagarh
Titilagarh Master Plan has been prepared and published under section
32 of the O.T.P & I.T Act,1956 vide Notification No.69-MP-1/98/TSPA.,
Dt.23/07/1998 comprising of 2 revenue mouzas of Titilagarh N.A.C and 4
adjoining rural villages namely; Bhatipara, Satighat, Turla and Bandhupala.
Patnagarh
The Master Plan for Patnagarh has been prepared under section 32 of
the Act and published vide Notification No. MP-I-1/2006-67/PSPA., dated
07.07.2006, comprising of 2 revenue mouzas like Patnagarh „Ka‟ and
Patnagarh „Kha‟ of Patnagarh N.A.C and other one adjoining rural village
namely, Beherabandh.

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Kantabanji
The proposed Master Plan area comprises of 3 revenue village,
namely, Kantabanji „KA‟, Kantabanji „KHA‟ and Kantabanji „Ga‟ of the N.A.C
and other 7 adjoining rural mouza namely, Dabri, Dumerchuan, Birna,
Beherensilet, Kurli, Chatuanka and Kukurahad. The Collector, Balangir and
R.D.C (ND) Sambalpur have already communicated their considered views
vide their letter No.1609/Rev., Dt.14.09.2001 and letter No.135/RDC.,
Dt.22.01.2002 respectively to the Govt. The Act extension proposal is
pending at Government level.
PANCHAYATI RAJ
Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis
With the enactment of the Orissa Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad
Act, 1959 (Orissa Act 7 o f 1959), the Zilla Parishads and the Panchayat
Samitis came into existence with effect from the 1st April 1961. It has given
complete shape to the Panchayti Raj administraticn in three tiers, the Zilla
Parishad at district level, the Panchayat Samiti at Block level and the
Panchayat at village level.
Gram Panchayats
There are 284 Gram Panchayats functioning in the district. The Gram
Panchayats are functioning according to Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964.
The Gram Panchayats are responsible for execution of development work in
their respective areas. Gram Panchayats are conducting Gram Sabha and
Palli Sabha for selection of beneficiaries under different schemes of
Government of Odisha. The names of the Gram Panchayats are listed in
Annexure I at the end of the chapter.
All the public properties like tank, markets, ghat, ferries, cattle pounds
etc. have been transferred to Gram Panchayats.
The management of Minor Forest Produce was transferred to the
control of Gram Panchayat since March 2000 and 68 MFP items are being
managed by the G.Ps. since 2000-2001 trading year. The minimum
procurement price for 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 were fixed by the District
Level Price Fixation Committee under the Chairmanship of Collector,
Balangir and approved by the R.D.C. ND, Sambalpur and communicated to
all the Gram Panchayats of the district. Subsequently, the procedure for
fixation of minimum price of MFP has been revised in the Orissa Gram
Panchayat Minor Forest Administration Rule, 2002 and accordingly the
minimum price of procurement of the different MFP payable to primary
gatherers were approved in the Panchayat Samiti meetings every year in the
month of September from 2002-03 trading year onwards. Accordingly

306
Panchayat Samitis are fixing the minimum price on MFP in each trading
year.
Further the Sal Seed is included in the list of „Minor Forest Produce‟ as
69 items as per notification of the Government in Forest and Environment
Department Resolution No. SF (C)-6/2005-3695 dated 02.032006. As such
the Block Development Officer of Balangir district fixes a minimum price of
the Sal Seeds in the Panchayat Samiti Meeting for the next trading year.
Out of all the MFP items Mahua flower, Thorn broom, Siali leaves and
Tamarind are predominantly being traded in the district. The primary
gatherers are getting better price on MFP due to management by the Gram
Panchayats.
List of 69 MFP (Minor Forest Produce) entrusted with G.P.
69 Minor Forest Produce entrusted with Gram Panchayat are as
follows:
Tamarind, Mahua Flower, Brooms, Thom Brooms, Fool Jhadu, Broom
Grass, Kochila Seed, Harida, Bahada, Ainla, Ritha Phal, Bhalia , Cleaning
Nut, Honey, Siali leaf, Sabai Grass, Mengo Kemel, Thatch Grass, Simulu
Cotton, Palua, Dhatuki Flower, Putrani, Sikakal, Jungle Jada, Palas Seed,
Siali Seed, Indra Jaba, Gila Seed, Bena Cher, Bana Haldi ,Gaba, Tulasi,
Bana Kalathi, Kantha Padma, Talmakhan Seed, Baidanka Seed, Landa
Baguli, Kamala Gund Fruit, Bagh Nakhi Seed, Landa Baguli, Bela, Bhuin
Limba, Khajuri Patia, Rohini Fruit, Bhrusunga Leaf, Fena Fena Fruit, Rasana
Root, Sidha Fruit, Satabari, Katha lai, Antundi lai, Khelua lai, Suam lai,
Eksira Fruit, Katha Chhatu, Sapamasina Grass, Ananta Root, Antia Pata,
Nageswar Flower, Mankada Kendu, Antundi Fruit, Mahul Seed, Kusuma
Seed, Karanji Seed, Neem Seed, Char Seed, Chakunda Seed, Babul Seed,
Baibirang Seed and Sal Seeds.
Financial Resources
In order to augment their resources the Gram Panchayts are imposing
panchayat tax, Vehicle tax, market tax and licensees on trades. Many of
them derive income from pisciculture, cattle pounds etc. Gram Panchayats
also receive grants out of sale proceeds of Kendu leaves. The main items of
expenditure of the Gram Panchayats concern development works.
Zilla Parisad and Panchayat Samitis
Balangir Zilla Parishad comprises 14 Panchayat Samitis of the district.
There are 34 Zilla Parishad Members in Balangir Zilla Parishad. The
Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Zilla Parishad are elected amongst the
34 Zilla Parishad Members. Under the Original Act, the Members of
Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament of the District were also

307
members of Zilla Parishad but with the amendment of the Act in 1961(Act
XXIV of 1961), they are no longer members although they are entitled to be
issued with notice for Zilla Parishad Meetings and to have the right to
participate in the discussions even though they do not have the right to vote
in the meetings.
The Zilla Parishad meets once in three months. The general meeting of
the Parishad takes place in the month of January, April, July and October.
Special meetings are also convened according to special need and urgency.
Balangir Zilla Parishad of the district has 34 Zilla Parishad Members.
The Parishad consists of the following members, namely:
a. One member elected directly on the basis of adult suffrage from
every constituency within the Parishad area.
b. Chairman of each Samiti situated within the district.
c. Every member of the House of the People and of the State
Legislative Assembly representing Constituencies which comprise wholly or
partly the member of the Parishad.
d. Members of the Council of states who are registered as electors
within the area of the Parishad.
Every Parishad, unless sooner dissolved under OZP Act,1991 shall
continue for five years from the date appointed from its first meeting.
Panchayat Samitis
Out of 14 Panchayat Samitis in Balangir District 6 are in Balangir
Subdivision, 5 are in Titilagarh Subdivision and 3 are in Patnagarh
Subdivision. The Statement below will show the particulars of Panchayat
Samitis in different Subdivisions and their headquarters. Further particulars
about individual Panchayat Samitis are given below:
Name of Subdivision Name of Panchayat Name of Panchayat Samiti
Samiti headquarters
Balangir Sub division Balangir Balangir
Puintala Puintala
Loisingha Loisingha
Agalpur Agalpur
Deogoan Deogoan
Gudvella Gudvella

Titilagarh Subdivision Titilagarh Titilagarh

Muribahal Muribahal
Turekela Turekela
Saintala Saintala
Bangomunda Bangomunda

Patnagarh Subdivision Patnagarh Patnagarh

Khaprakhol Khaprakhol
Belpada Belpada

308
Gram Sabha, Pallisabha and its Modus Operandi
Gram Sabha and Its Functions
Gram Sabha and its functions are as given below:
(1) There shall be at least two meetings- one in February and another
in June every year held by the members of the Gram Sasan and such others
meetings as may be prescribed.
(2) a. The quorum for the meetings of the Gram Sabha shall be one-
tenth of the members of the Gram Sasan.
b. In the event of there being no quorum at any Gram Sabha it shall
stand adjourned to a future day of which notice shall be given in the
prescribed manner and no quorum shall be necessary for any such
adjourned meeting.
(3) The Gram Sasan shall have the power to-
a. approve the plans, programs and projects for social and economic
development, programs and project are taken up for implementation by the
Gram Panchayat
b. indentify or select persons as beneficiaries under the poverty
alleviation or similar other programs provided that every Gram Panchayat
shall be required to obtain from the Gram Sasan a certification of utilization
of funds by that Panchayat for the plans, programs and projects referred to
in clauses (a) and (b).
c. Consider and approve the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat
including the supplementary or revised budget.
d. Consider levy of all taxes, rates, rents and fees and enhancement of
rates thereof.
e. Organize community service and drawing up and implementation of
agricultural production plans.
f. Consider all such matters as may be referred to it by the Gram
Panchayat for its decision.
g. Call for such information and date from the Gram Panchayat as it
may consider necessary; and
h. Consider such other matters as may be prescribed.
(4) Subject to the provisions of Sub-section (1) the meetings of the
Gram Sasan shall be convened by such authority, in such manner and at
such time and intervals as may be prescribed.
(5) The business of the Gram Sasan at the Gram Sabhas shall be
conducted and the record of the proceedings thereof shall be maintained in
the prescribed manner.

309
Palli Sabha and its function
Palli Sabha and its modus operandi are mentioned at Section 6 of
Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964 as follows:
(1) For every village within the Gram, there shall be constituted by the
State Government a Palli Sabha, provided that where the area comprised
within a ward constituted for the Gram under Section 8 consist of more than
one village there shall be only one Palli Sabha for such ward.
(2) Each Palli Sabha shall consist of all persons registered by virtue of
the Representation of the People Act, 1950 in so much of the electoral roll
for any Assembly Constituency for the time being in force as relates to the
area in respect of the Palli Sabha and the said portion of the roll shall be
deemed to be electoral roll of the Palli Sabha.
(3) The Palli Sabha shall meet annually in February every year and
may also meet at other times in manner prescribed.
(4) The person representing the Palli Sabha area in the Gram
Panchayat if there be more than one such person, one from the list of all
such persons in order of preference to be determined by the Gram
Panchayat, shall preside over the meeting of the Palli Sabha and in absence
of all such persons at the meeting at the appointed time, those present at the
meeting may elect one from amongst themselves to preside over the
meeting.
(5) (a) The quorum for the meeting of the Palli Sabha shall stand
adjourned to future day for which notice shall be given in the prescribed
manner and no quorum shall be necessary for any such adjourned meeting.
(b) Provided that if any member of the Palli Sabha files a complaint
either in writing or in person in the next meeting of the Gram Panchayat
challenging that the proceedings have not been correctly recorded by the
President, the Gram Panchayat may in its discretion, summon another
meeting of the Palli Sabha, to consider the same issue or issues, to be held
in the presence of a member of the Panchayat in this behalf; and the
recorded proceedings of this meeting, if duly countersigned by the said
member of the Panchayat shall be taken to be final.
(6) It shall be the duty of the Palli sabha at its annual meeting in
February each year to give its recommendations to the Gram Panchayat in
respect of the following matters in so far as such matters relate to the Palli
Sabha area, namely:
(a) the development works and programme that may be taken up
during the ensuing year, and

310
 (b) the annual budget estimate submitted by the GramPanchayat under
Sub-section (1) of Section 98.
Election to local bodies
Article-40 of the Constitution of India provides for the State to take
steps to organise village Panchayats and endow them with such powers and
authority so as to enable them to function as units of self-Government,
rd
Consequent upon the Constitution (73 Amendments) Act, 1992, details of
provision have been made in the Constitution for the 3 tier Panchayats in
every State and also providing for the constitution and election to these
Panchayats under a constitutional authority. Three tier Panchayati Raj
System functioning in all the District of Odisha are 1. Gram Panchayat at
Panchayat level 2. Panchayat Samiti Odisha at Block Level and 3. Zilla
Parishad at District Level which are governed by Gram Panchayat Act,1964,
Odisha Panchayat Samiti act, 1959 and Odisha Zilla Parishad Act,1991
respectively.
The State Election Commission, Odisha constituted under Article 243-K of
the Constitution of India is vested with the powers of superintendence,
direction and control of preparation of electoral roll for and conduct of
elections to the 3-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies.
Election to these three systems and urban local bodies are made generally
at an interval of 5 years basing on Odisha Gram Panchayat Election Rules,
1965, Odisha Panchayat Samiti Election Rules, 1991, Odisha Zilla Parishad
Election Rules, 1994 and Urban local bodies Election Rules, 1994 in the
rd
spirit of 73 Amendment to the Constitution. Election to local bodies (3-tier
Panchayat Raj system) has been held in the district since 1997 under the
superintendence, direction and control of State Election Commission,
Odisha.The last Election to 3-TIER Panchayat raj system was held in the
district in 2012 and Election to urban local bodies was held in 2013 for
Kantabanji and Patnagarh, in 2014 for Balangir and Titilagarh and in 2015
for Tusra. Apart from this, Bye-election to Panchayat Raj bodies and urban
local bodies are also held when there is vacancy of members of PRI bodies
and ULB bodies due to death or resignation.
The conduct of General Election to 3-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions is
a great challenging task before the Election Officer/ Supervisory Officers/
Polling Personnel drafted for election duty for successful completion of free,
fair and peaceful election. The Officers and staff drafted for election duty
should maintain high standard of impartiality and neutrality in discharging
their duties. The Collector of the District as Election Officer is responsible for
overall conduct of elections to the Panchayati Raj Institutions within the
district.

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 Ward Members of each ward of the Gram Panchayats, Sarapanch of
the each Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti Members of each Panchayat
have been elected directly by the voters of the respective Gram Panchayat.
Zilla Parishad Members representing the Zilla Parishad have been elected
by the voters of concerned Zilla Parishad Zone. There are 34 Zilla Parishad
Zone in Balangir district comprising of 284 Gram Panchayats.
The Block wise nos. of wards, Sarapanch, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla
Parishad Members in Balangir district are as follows:
Sl. Name of the No. of Ward Sarapanch Panchayat Zilla Parishad
No Block Members Samiti Members Member

1 Agalpur 236 20 18 02
2 Balangir 277 20 22 02
3 Deogaon 281 23 24 02
4 Gudvella 143 11 12 02
5 Loisingha 220 13 18 02
6 Puintala 316 73 29 03
7 Belpada 278 05 22 03
8 Khaprakhol 231 07 18 02
9 Patnagarh 338 16 26 03
10 Titilagarh 264 28 23 03
11 Turekela 212 11 19 02
12 Saintala 252 21 20 03
13 Muribahal 209 18 18 03
14 Bangomunda 270 28 24 02
Total 3527 258 293 34

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 Annexure I

List of Gram Panchayats in Balangir District

Name of the Block Name of the Gram Panchayats Population

Agalpur Agalpur 7183

Agalpur Babufasad 5264
Agalpur Badtika 4244
Agalpur Bakti 4053
Agalpur Bendra 4938
Agalpur Bharsuja 7458
Agalpur Budula 6501
Agalpur Duduka 4913
Agalpur Jharnipali 4283
Agalpur Kutasingha 5847
Agalpur Nagaon (A) 7079
Agalpur Nagaon (B) 4682
Agalpur Nuniapali 3700
Agalpur Patuapali 3800
Agalpur Rinbachan 3437
Agalpur Roth 3078
Agalpur Salebhata 7174
Agalpur Uparbahal 5408
Total 93042
Balangir Baidipali 3234
Balangir Barapudugia 4598
Balangir Barkani 2794
Balangir Bhundimuhan 6835
Balangir Bhutiarbahal 4544
Balangir Bidighat 2917
Balangir Chandanbhati 6640
Balangir Chikalbahal 3321
Balangir Chudapali 5802
Balangir Jhankarpali 8313
Balangir Khaliapali 2681
Balangir Khujenpali 3845
Balangir Khuntpali 3372

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Balangir Kudasingha 4196
Balangir Madhiapali 4285
Balangir Manhira 5017
Balangir Mirdhapali 4953
Balangir Sadeipali 4369
Balangir Sahajbahal 2341
Balangir Sakma 5097
Balangir Sibtala 5307
Balangir Sikachhida 4168
Balangir Tusrabahal 2708
Total 101337
Deogaon Arjunpur 3048
Deogaon Badbahal 4107
Deogaon Badbandh 3967
Deogaon Bandhpada 3252
Deogaon Bramhanijore 3136
Deogaon Deogaon 4997
Deogaon Desandh 3571
Deogaon Dhandamal 3232
Deogaon Gaibahal 4890
Deogaon Gaurgoth 4436
Deogaon Jarasingha 4616
Deogaon Kultapada 3418
Deogaon Kuturla 7380
Deogaon Landapathar 4210
Deogaon Mahalei 5637
Deogaon Makundapur 4955
Deogaon Ramchandrapur 6460
Deogaon Salepali 3621
Deogaon Sarasmal 3499
Deogaon Sikuan 2274
Deogaon Singhamunda 3426
Deogaon Udar 5372
Deogaon Uparjhar 4142
Total 97646
Gudvella Badangomunda 2067

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Gudvella Biramunda 3487
Gudvella Chinched 2945
Gudvella Ghuna 4588
Gudvella Gudvella 8544
Gudvella Jamut 5076
Gudvella Madhekela 4110
Gudvella Nuapada 4859
Gudvella Rusuda 5914
Gudvella Samara 3399
Gudvella Tentulikhunti 5385
Total 50374
Loisingha Badibahal 5295
Loisingha Badimunda 2992
Loisingha Budhipadar 4166
Loisingha Burda 3563
Loisingha G.S.Dungripali 7461
Loisingha Hirapur 5601
Loisingha Jharmunda 4491
Loisingha Jogisarda 5296
Loisingha Kandajuri 3156
Loisingha Kusang 6239
Loisingha Kusmel 7056
Loisingha Kutenpali 4940
Loisingha Loisingha 9165
Loisingha Ratakhandi 6612
Loisingha Rengali 4767
Loisingha Sargad 4296
Loisingha Taliudar 6771
Loisingha Uparbahal 4071
Total 95938
Puintala Ankariapadar 3384
Puintala Atgaon 6621
Puintala Bahalpadar 7555
Puintala Bairasar 4130
Puintala Bandhapada 3329
Puintala Bhaler 4530

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Puintala Bileisarda 3602
Puintala Bubel 5760
Puintala Chhatamakhana 5258
Puintala Chhatapipal 5741
Puintala Daspur 4914
Puintala Durgapali 2245
Puintala Gaintala 4147
Puintala Jamgaon 5657
Puintala Khaliapali 4269
Puintala Kurul 3404
Puintala Lokapada 3373
Puintala Mahimunda 4972
Puintala Malmunda 3076
Puintala Patharla 5506
Puintala Pipirda 3202
Puintala Puintala 3776
Puintala Randa 6224
Puintala Sauntapur 7427
Total 112102
Patnagarh Balipata 4621
Patnagarh Baneimunda 6295
Patnagarh Barpadar 3959
Patnagarh Batharla 3434
Patnagarh Bhainsa 6248
Patnagarh Dangbahal 5916
Patnagarh Deulgaon 3450
Patnagarh Dhubalpara 5117
Patnagarh Fatamunda 5018
Patnagarh Gangasagar 4862
Patnagarh Gerda 3704
Patnagarh Ghasian 3223
Patnagarh Ghuchepali 3472
Patnagarh Jogimunda 8333
Patnagarh Kendumundi 7345
Patnagarh Khuntsamalai 3742
Patnagarh Larambha 7067

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Patnagarh Maruan 5821
Patnagarh Mundomahul 4534
Patnagarh Pandamunda 8047
Patnagarh Salepali 4992
Patnagarh Solbandh 3281
Patnagarh Sunamudi 4195
Patnagarh Tamian 4863
Patnagarh Tendapadar 5256
Patnagarh Ulba 3988
Total 130783
Belpada Bagdor 7561
Belpada Bahabal 3601
Belpada Beheramunda 4238
Belpada Belpara 11040
Belpada Bharuapali 5215
Belpada Dhumabhata 7535
Belpada Gambhari 8208
Belpada Ghagurli 6866
Belpada Juba 6901
Belpada Kandhenjhula 4572
Belpada Kanut 5012
Belpada Kapani 8390
Belpada Madhyapur 2986
Belpada Mandal 4969
Belpada Nunhad 6327
Belpada Pandrijore 5790
Belpada Parlimal 4870
Belpada Salandi 5207
Belpada Sarmuhan 5360
Belpada Sihini 2567
Belpada Sulekela 5804
Belpada Tentelmunda 5897
Total 128916
Khaprakhol Baghmund 6791
Khaprakhol Bender 3080
Khaprakhol Bhanpur 4538

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Khaprakhol Damaipali 3561
Khaprakhol Dhandamunda 7208
Khaprakhol Ghunsar 6783
Khaprakhol Karuanjhar 3243
Khaprakhol Khaprakhol 5648
Khaprakhol Lathor 9163
Khaprakhol Luhasingha 7061
Khaprakhol Maharapadar 4473
Khaprakhol Matiabhata 4805
Khaprakhol Nandupala 2519
Khaprakhol Odiapali 4872
Khaprakhol Padiabahal 6033
Khaprakhol Rengali 4539
Khaprakhol Tankapani 4647
Khaprakhol Telenpali 4897
Total 93861
Bangomunda Alanda 5998
Bangomunda Arsatula 4338
Bangomunda Baldha 3198
Bangomunda Bangomunda 7530
Bangomunda Belpara 7850
Bangomunda Bhalumunda 4747
Bangomunda Bhuslad 3588
Bangomunda Biripali 4099
Bangomunda Chandotora 6613
Bangomunda Chulifunka 6128
Bangomunda Dedgaon 3826
Bangomunda Gandharla 5949
Bangomunda Jamkhunta 5101
Bangomunda Jhalap 4141
Bangomunda Jharial 4669
Bangomunda Jurabandh 4054
Bangomunda Kapilabhata 6077
Bangomunda Khaira 4426
Bangomunda Kundabutula 3378
Bangomunda Mundpadar 7454

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Bangomunda Sindhekela 7769
Bangomunda Themera 5647
Total 116580
Muribahal Badsaimara 6906
Muribahal Bankel 7213
Muribahal Sirol 5117
Muribahal Chalki 6604
Muribahal Chanabahal 5136
Muribahal Dangarpada 5790
Muribahal Ganrei 7489
Muribahal Goimund 4318
Muribahal Gudighat 4901
Muribahal Haldi 9900
Muribahal Ichhapara 5238
Muribahal Lakhana 5723
Muribahal Lebda 6189
Muribahal Malisira 9203
Muribahal Muribahal 6592
Muribahal Patrapali 5663
Muribahal Tentelkhunti 6219
Muribahal Tupaudar 6638
Total 114839
Saintala Ampali 4128
Saintala Belgaon 6743
Saintala Bhadra 8066
Saintala Budabahal 6707
Saintala Deng 3923
Saintala Dharapgarh 5054
Saintala Dungripali 5429
Saintala Gandapatrapali 5374
Saintala Ghunsar 5794
Saintala Jhinkidungri 4941
Saintala Jurabandh 4960
Saintala Kandhakelgaon 5416
Saintala Kansar 4669
Saintala Karamtala 8142

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Saintala Kermeli 4954
Saintala Kuikeda 4222
Saintala Kumbhari 5287
Saintala Saintala 9298
Saintala Siskela 5566
Saintala Tikrapara 6102
Total 114775
Titilagarh Adabahal 4905
Titilagarh Bandupala 9741
Titilagarh Banjipadar 3964
Titilagarh Bhalegaon 4659
Titilagarh Bijepur 8682
Titilagarh Binekela 5465
Titilagarh Digsira 5527
Titilagarh Ghantabahali 4118
Titilagarh Ghodar 3531
Titilagarh Jagua 7856
Titilagarh Kholan 6896
Titilagarh Kursud 6095
Titilagarh Kuskela 2614
Titilagarh Luthurbandh 4914
Titilagarh Mahulpada 3663
Titilagarh Manigaon 5449
Titilagarh Marlad 3604
Titilagarh Naren 4828
Titilagarh Parasara 9016
Titilagarh Sagadghat 4483
Titilagarh Sihini 7429
Titilagarh Siluan 3226
Total 120665
Turekela Badbanki 6287
Turekela Baddakla 3073
Turekela Buromal 5735
Turekela Chatuanka 5275
Turekela Chaulsukha 4256
Turekela Dhamandanga 6876

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Turekela Dholmandal 2769
Turekela Ghunesh 4070
Turekela Halanbhata 3496
Turekela Hial 6874
Turekela Jharni 4311
Turekela Kameimunda 3025
Turekela Kandei 2733
Turekela Karuanmunda 4154
Turekela Khagsa 3339
Turekela Kuibahal 3807
Turekela Mahakhand 3408
Turekela Mahulpati 3059
Turekela Turekela 6234
Total 82781
Grand total 1453639

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 CHAPTER XII

EDUCATION AND CULTURE

Historical Background
During the reign of the Chauhan dynasty, Sanskrit education was
greatly encouraged. King Vaijal Deva, one of the early Chauhan rulers of
Patna, has compiled an admirable lexicon known as Vaijal Chandrika (also
known as Prabodha Chandrika) which is highly acclaimed throughout India.
Many poets and philosophers of repute also flourished in Patna state under
the patronage of the Chauhan kings. The spread of education was, however,
not very remarkable during the 18th and 19th centuries. Wandering teachers
called Abadhanas were holding primary classes in towns and villages where
they were teaching only reading, writing and arithmetic. The village
Pathasalas were maintained by the villagers where the Abadhanas were
being engaged for teaching. The influence of Western education came to be
felt in this area towards the end of the 19th century A. D. It was in 1894 that
an English School was started at Balangir by the then Maharaja
Ramachandra and English education was introduced in 1891. By 1907-1908
there were one Middle English and one Middle Vernacular School in
Balangir. The early part of 20th century witnessed appreciable progress in
English education.
Education of SCs, STs, OBCs, Minorities And Women
Balangir district has a population of 16.49 lakhs as per 2011 census.
The Scheduled Caste population is 294777(17.88%) and the Scheduled
Tribe population is 347164(21.05%).
For educational development of ST & SC students the following
numbers of School & Colleges are functioning in the district by the SSD
Department, Government of Odisha:
1. Nos of HSS 01
2. Nos of Girl High School 02
3. Nos of Boys High School 04
4. Nos of Ashram School 19
5. Nos of Sevashram 09
10517 nos. of ST & SC students are perusing their studies in the above
Schools.
Apart from providing free education to ST & SC students, the
Government has also constructed many hostels in the district.

Now, 6436 nos. of ST & SC students are residing in the above hostels
& pursuing their studies with Government fund.

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 Pre-Matric Scholarship & Post Scholarship are also being awarded to
all SC/ST/SEBC & Minorities students of the district to uplift their status of
education.
Gender and Inter-Caste Differences in Education and Measures to
Address them
Problems of gender disparity and discrimination occur in relation to
schooling. Achieving gender equality in and through education has been a
long standing goal of educational policy of Government of India. Accordingly,
several steps have been taken to provide educational facilities to all section
of society. The gender concerns have been brought to the center stage of
policy making prompting adoption of special measures for the education of
the girl students in India. The demand for elementary education and
schooling has considerably increased with an increase in female literacy
which was lower in early decades has increased remarkably leading to an
upsurge in enrollment of boys and girls.
As discussed above, education of SCs and STs, OBCs and Women
have been given adequate importance by ST, SC development Department.
Particularly for enrollment of girls, Girls‟ hostels have been set up in the
district. Separate Girls high schools have been constructed with hostel
facilities in the interior parts of the districts, so that more girls can be
educated in the process.
Other Measures
Educational facilities at different level
Almost all the revenue villages and habitation having adequate no of
children (as per Govt.norm) are covered up by providing Schooling facilities.
There are 2278 nos of Govt. aided Schools at Elementary level out of which
1301 are Primary and 977 are Upper Primary school with having 6220
teachers in position. A list of the position of education in Balangir district is
given at the end of the chapter as Annexure I.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is the comprehensive and integrated flagship
programme of Govt of India to attain universal elementary education.
Block Resource Centre (BRC)
In each block (BRC) one ABEO-cum-BRCC are in position to provide
academic support, and to monitor different initiatives at schools point.
Cluster Resource Centre (CRC)
Each block (BRC) has been divided into 10/17 cluster areas taking
10/15 schools in one cluster. To provide academic support, monitor different
initiatives at schools point, 204 Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator
(CRCC) are in position against the requirement of 209 all over the district.

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Free Text Book
Free Text books for students of Class-I to Class-VIII of all Government
& Government Aided schools are provided through the TBPM,
Bhubaneswar. MS & ME department enable itself to open selling counters in
Balangir and Titilagarh BEO office for private school children. For the year
2015-16, 81% of total required NT books have been received and distributed
at the school points.

Provision of Uniform
As an incentive to the student, there is a provision of two sets of
uniform for all girls and SC, ST & BPL boys of Government Schools under
SSA-RTE. The unit cost is Rs. 400/- per child for two sets of uniform. The
funds will be released to School Management Committee for the distribution
of school uniform.
Education of the Girl Students
Programme for Self Defense Training to Upper Primary School Girls is
being conducted in 185 Nos. of schools. Through this training, girls are
physically and mentally empowered to face the challenges in life.
ST/SC Education
SRUJAN is an integrated cluster based programme in which the
community, children, teachers, tribal youths, field functionaries are to be
actively involved. This is a concept drawn from the past experience and also
from the ideas of National Curriculum Framework 2005, which connects the
culture of the society with the culture of the school. This is basically a child
friendly, community based, culturally supported teacher driven programme in
which the activities are taken up to promote the creativity and talent of every
individual child.
Activities
Art & Local Handicraft, Traditional Music, Song & Dance, One act Play,
Elocution, Fancy Dress, Science Project, Math Mela are being organized
and performed under this programme.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV)
The objective of KGBV is to ensure access and quality education to the
girls of disadvantaged groups of society by setting up Residential Schools
with boarding facilities at Elementary Level. During the year 2015-16, 1300
Nos. of girl students are enrolled in 13 Nos. of K.G.B.V. Hostels functioning
in 13 Blocks of Balangir District (except Agalpur Block).

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Trends and Growth of General and Technical Educational Institutions,
Engineering and Medical Colleges
Balangir town was center of all educational institutions in the past and
presently it has the same trend and is one of the educational hubs in the
district. It has considerable numbers of High schools and colleges along with
many Enliglish medium schools have come up in last fifteen to twenty years.
In other parts of the district, in Patnagarh, Titilagarh, kantabanji and Tusra,
there are many English medium schools and Colleges functioning since
long. Many such institutions in rural areas, particularly in Block headquarters
have also been established. In rural set up, many Plus two colleges and Plus
three Colleges have been opened with private endeavour and getting
Government recognition at later stage.
Few Prominent Educational Institutions of the District
Rajendra College (Autonomous), Balangir
Rajendra Autonomous College is situated at an ideal site and owes its
inception to the magnanimous philanthropy of late Rajendra Narayan
Singhdeo, the then ruler of the erstwhile Patna State and later the Chief
rd
Minister of Odisha. The College was founded by him on 3 July 1944. As the
first College of Western Odisha it was affiliated to Utkal University with
Intermediate of Arts and Commerce. It was upgraded to a Degree College in
July 1946 with the introduction of BA (Pass) class. The institution attained
the status of a full-fledged degree college after the affiliation of the B.Com
st
class in 1964-65 and B.Sc. class in 1965-66. Since 1 January 1967 the
College has been running under Sambalpur University. PG teaching started
from the session 1978-79 in Commerce stream for the first time in Odisha.
The College was granted Autonomy for a period of 5 years w.e.f.
01.04.2002 by the U.G.C and it was extended subsequently. Since 2003-04
+2 Arts, Science is also running in Rajendra College Campus as Junior
College. In Rajendra Autonomous College the students‟ strength is 1936.
There are Honours in 16 departments viz. Hindi, English, Odia, Sanskrit,
History, Economics, Political Science, Geography, Mathematics, Statistics,
Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Commerce and Self- financing
honours in Computer Science. PG is opened in 7 departments such as
History, Economics, Political Science, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and
Commerce. There are 65 teaching posts sanctioned by the government. The
Library of Rajendra College is the biggest one in Western Odisha.
A study centre of IGNOU was opened on 01.10.1987 in the Arts Block
of the College which was later shifted to New Commerce Block where it is
running now. From this Centre Certified Diploma, Degree and Post Graduate
courses are being offered. Now the student strength of Rajendra

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Autonomous College Study Centre, IGNOU is 1500. The study centre for
Odisha State Open University is also going to be opened soon.
There is a Guest House near Principal‟s Bunglow. Among the other
facilities provided to the students are Dispensary, Canteen, Post Office,
Students Information Bureau, facilities for photocopies (in the Library) etc.
The dispensary is running from 10 AM to 1 PM on all working days. The
College canteen time is 7 AM to 5 PM. Students information Bureau is
operating in collaboration with the District Employment Exchange. The
College provides facility to outgoing students on career counseling.
There are 3 Hostels for 294 men students and 51 women students.
Ladies Hostel is situated in the staff colony with the strength of 51. The new
Hostel accommodates 150 and PG Hostel 144 men students.
In the College NSS, NCC, Red Cross and Red Ribbon Club is running
with success. There is also an upper Primary School in the College Campus
which was started by the then Principal Md. Fakhruddin in 1985-86.
While opening the College in the year 1944, the founder of the college
the then Patna Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo envisioned to raise
this to a University. From its initiation the College has been passing through
various stages of development- the intermediate level, a degree College, a
Post Graduate College to a lead College and at present it has become an
Autonomous College.
Women's College, Balangir
The Women's College, Balangir was established in 1962. It provides
education up to Graduation in Arts with subjects namely, History,
Psychology, Economics, Home Science, Odia, Philosophy and English.
There are 1473 students enrolled during 2014-20145 (700 from +2 wing and
773 from +3 wing) and the faculty strength is 26 including the Principal.
There is hostel facility available for the students. Orissa Government took
st
over the management of the college from 1 October 1965. Prior to this, it
was a privately operated college.
Law College, Balangir
It was founded in 1982. It offers three years law programme (LLB) at
under graduate level. Total students enrolled during 2014-2015 are 240 and
total staff position is 15.
Jawaharlal College, Patnagarh
th
Jawaharlal College Patnagarh was established on 26 January 1964.
The College provides honours teaching in English, Odia, Political Science,
History and Economics in Arts and Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science,
Botany, Zoology and Mathematics in Science for both boys and girls. The
326
team of faculty comprises of 37 teachers, 28 Administrative and 21 technical
staff members. The College is affiliated to CHSE Odisha and Sambalpur
University, Jyoti Vihar. It is also recognized under 2(f) and 12(B) of UGC.The
College campus is sprawled over an area of 46.63 acres of land.
D.A.V College, Titilagarh- It is one of the oldest colleges in the district.
It was established in 1968.
Bidya Bhusan Sanskrit College
George Sanskrit Toll was established in the year 1912. It was upgraded
to Bidya Bhusan Sanskrit College in 1948 catering education from Prathama
to Acharya. The first Principal was Madhaba Chandra Nanda in 1954.
Eminent Professor like Ladukeswar Satpathy, Pandit Purna Chandra
Tripathy had worked in this College. Later on Acharya classes were
withdrawn and the College was separated from Prathama and Madhyama
wing with Shastri Class at the top level. Prathama and Madhyama Branches
are under School & Mass Education Department while the College comes
under Higher Secondary Department at present.
Apart from these colleges, there are more than fifty plus two colleges
and fifteen numbers of Degree colleges functioning in the district.
Technical Colleges One Engineering College namely, Sushree institute
of Technical Education, Balangir is opened in Balangir town. Other Technical
Institutions include Govt. ITI and Polytechnics. Many Private ITIs are also
functioning in the district.
Medical College- One medical college is being constructed in Balangir
with the help of Government assistance. This was a long pending demand of
the public of the district which is finally going to be fulfilled.
Some Old and Prominent High Schools
Prithwiraj High School, Balangir
In the year 1892, an English Medium School was established by
Maharaja Sri Ramachandra Dev. It was upgraded to a High School. The first
batch of Matriculation appeared through M.R. High School, Sonepur and in
1917 the students of this school appeared the same through Sambalpur
Centre under Calcutta University. The school was named after the then King
Prithwi Raj Singh Deo who ruled over the Patna State from 1910 to 1924.
The school is remarkable for facilitating female education even at that period
of time.
Some eminent alumni of the School are as follows:
Air Marshall Saroj Jena, Matriculation, 1941

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Naba Kishor Mishra, Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly, Matriculation,
1937
st
Kapileswar Prasad Mishra, Matriculation in 1921, Eminent Lawyer, 1
Minister from Balangir District to represent in 1948 in Orissa Cabinet
Ainthu Sahu, 1944
Muralidhar Guru, Matriculation in 1954, MLA and Minister of State, Orissa in
1977
Kishor Mohan Mishra, Matriculation in 1943, Additional Secretary to
Government, Law Dept. Additional Judicial Commissioner, Goa, Daman,
Diu. Member Additional Tribunal.
Balakrushna Behera, Matriculation in 1944, Secretary Law Department,
Judge in Orissa High Court
Yudhisthir Mishra, Matriculation in 1934, MP, Member of Senate, Sambalpur
University 1968-78, Vice-Chancellor Sambalpur University, Member of World
Peace and Disarmament.
Krushna Chandra Panda, Matriculation in 1934, Member of Rajya Sabha
Ajit Kumar Tripathy, IAS, Matriculation in 1964, Chief Secretary
Dr. Srinnibas Udgata, Recipient of Padmashree and Sarala Awatrd
Prof. Madhusudan Pati, Recipient of Atibadi Jagannath Award
P.P. Academy, Balangir
In the heart of Balangir town the school was established with Classes
th
up to 6 . It was recognised in 1961 and the first batch appeared for
Matriculation Examination in the year 1968. The School received Grant –in-
Aid in 1964 and direct payment in 1974. It was taken over by the
Government on 07.06.1994.
Late Chandra Sekhar Panda donated the land for the School, and was
managing it for a long time.
Sri Sujit Dash passed Matriculation Examination from this school in
1976. He got Allied Service and now is employed in Defence Academy,
Chennai.
Sri Rabi Narayan Nanda who passed his Matriculation in 1976 was the
Minister of State in Education.
Govt. Girl’s High School, Balangir
Govt. Girl‟s High School, Balangir was established in 1892. It caters to
the need of girl‟s education in the district. At present the roll strength is 1093.

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 Students of this School like Madhuri Mehta (2004-05), Rosnara Parbin
(2004-05) played cricket at National level representing the state.
Literary & Cultural Societies
Followings are some of the literary and cultural societies functioning in
Balangir district. Some of these are very old societies believed to have been
established in 1950s and 60s. These societies undertake and organize
literary and cultural activities, and promote them as well.
1. Literary & Social Club, Balangir.
2. Atmaprakashani, Balangir.
3. Rangakara, Balangir.
4. Koshal Kalamandal, Balangir.
5. Ladies Club, Balangir.
6. Zilla Lekhaka Parishad, Balangir.
7. Bhumika, Balangir.
8. Nataraj Kala Parishad, Balangir.
9. Pancham, Balangir.
10. Lok Utsav Committee, Balangir.
11. Ashok Chandan Smruti Trust, Patnagarh.
12. Sahitya Sanskruti, Titilagarh.
13. Radharani Sanskrutika Parishad, Balangir.
14. Sur Mandir, Balangir.
15. Tulasi Natak Kala Parishad, Balangir.
16. Sur Jhankar, Balangir.
17. Dulduli Kala Parishad, Balangir.
18. Purna Chandra Ratha Smruti Trust, Balangir.
Literary Periodicals and Magazine
Periodical magazines are published in the district such as Patana
Dipika (Patna State Gazette), Chaturanga, Tikisipahi, Bagulia, Hakua,
Abhyudaya.
Eminent poets and writers have been awarded at national level as well
as state level for their outstanding performance and contribution to literature
and society. Some of them may be mentioned here:
1. Dr. Srinibash Udgata has been awarded with Padmashree and Sarala
award. He has been awarded Padmashree for his work „Bidya bachaspati‟
2. Prof. Madhusudan Pati has been awarded Odisha Sahitya Academy
Award (Atibadi Sahitya Samman).
3. Sri Natya Bhushan Jagadananda Chhuriahas been awarded Sarala
Awardand Sahitya Academy Award. Apart from this Following eminent
personalities have been awarded for their best performances
4. Sri Manoj Panda( Story Writer) Sarala Awardees( Barna Bagicha)

329
5. Guru Ghasiram Mishra- Paschima Odisha Sanskruti sammana/Odisha
and award from cultural department Odisha.
6. Sri Banchha Nidhi Pattnayak- Odisha Culture Department Award
7. Sri Khetrabasi Nayak- Kendra Sahitya Academy Yuba Award(Dadan)

Annexure I

Education in Rural / Urban Areas of Balangir District

Sl. Categories of School / Teachers / Enrollment
No. School / Colleges Colleges Lecturers
Go Priv Go Priv Go Priv Tot
vt. ate All vt. ate All vt. ate al
163 16 331 34 808 840
1 Primary 2 36 68 0 112 22 32 3263 95

54 246 25 565 576

2 Middle 516 26 2 6 116 82 68 1044 12

Secondary / Higher 30 19 224 3871 409

3 Secondary 14 286 0 88 1887 75 0 0 50

Colleges (Gen. 65 241 1075 131

4 Education ) 5 50 55 61 597 8 2 6 68

5 Colleges (Diploma) 0 1 1 0 30 30 0 425 425

Colleges (Tech.
6 Degree) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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 CHAPTER XIII

MEDICAL, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Public Health and Medical Facilities in Early Times

Ayurvedic and other indigenous systems of treatment were being
practiced in the district in the past and the ex-rulers of Patna were
patronising the Ayurvedic system. The practitioners were called Baidyas or
Kavirajas. During the rule of Maharaja Ramchandra Singh Deo and
Dalganjan Singh Deo of ex-Patna State (from 1870-1910) there were many
well-known Kavirajas notable among whom were Bhartdari Behera,
Narayan Dash and Dinabandhu Behera. These three were being regarded
as Raj-Baidyas or State Kavirajas.
An Ayurvedic College was set up by the Ex-rulers in 1941for
imparting education up to the degree of Ayurvedacharya in the George
Sanskrit Tol, Balangir. Ayurvedic pharmacy was introduced in 1945 and a
branch Ayurvedic dispensary at Bangomunda was opened in 1946-47. An
Ayurvedic garden at mount Harisankar was raised with rare medical herbs.
Apart from Ayurvedic system of cure, the people were practicing
magic cure with the help of witch doctors. This practice is rapidly being
discontinued due to the impact of modern culture and general awareness.
The Western system of Allopathic treatment was introduced in the ex-
Patna when it was under the administration of Court or Wards (1871-
1893). In 1907 there was an Allopathic Dispensary at Balangir, a
description of which is given by Cobden Ramsay, "There is a fine
dispensary at headquarters with excellent accommodation for males and
females and a separate Ward for low caste patients. The institution is in
charge of an Assistant Surgeon and Civil Hospital Assistant and is well
found with surgical instruments and Medicines". The dispensary at
Titilagarh was started in 1913 and that of Patnagarh in 1914. In 1921 the
dispensary at Tusra started functioning. In commemoration of the Silver
Jubilee of King George V an X- Ray and Electro-therapy institution was
established in September 1937. By that year Balangir town alone had three
medical institutions, viz. (a) General Hospital, (b) X-Ray and Electro-
therapy, and (c) Maharani Kailash Kumara DCI Maternity Ward. There
were four other dispensaries in ex-Patna State located at Tusra,
Patnagarh, Belpara and Titilagarh. In 1938 two more institutions- Palace
dispensary and Leprosy Hospital at Loisinga were started. In addition to
these, there were two maternity and child welfare centres at Belpara and
Patnagarh and two leprosy clinics at Balangir and Patnagarh.

331
 CHAPTER XIII

MEDICAL, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Public Health and Medical Facilities in Early Times

Ayurvedic and other indigenous systems of treatment were being
practiced in the district in the past and the ex-rulers of Patna were
patronising the Ayurvedic system. The practitioners were called Baidyas or
Kavirajas. During the rule of Maharaja Ramchandra Singh Deo and
Dalganjan Singh Deo of ex-Patna State (from 1870-1910) there were many
well-known Kavirajas notable among whom were Bhartdari Behera,
Narayan Dash and Dinabandhu Behera. These three were being regarded
as Raj-Baidyas or State Kavirajas.
An Ayurvedic College was set up by the Ex-rulers in 1941for
imparting education up to the degree of Ayurvedacharya in the George
Sanskrit Tol, Balangir. Ayurvedic pharmacy was introduced in 1945 and a
branch Ayurvedic dispensary at Bangomunda was opened in 1946-47. An
Ayurvedic garden at mount Harisankar was raised with rare medical herbs.
Apart from Ayurvedic system of cure, the people were practicing
magic cure with the help of witch doctors. This practice is rapidly being
discontinued due to the impact of modern culture and general awareness.
The Western system of Allopathic treatment was introduced in the ex-
Patna when it was under the administration of Court or Wards (1871-
1893). In 1907 there was an Allopathic Dispensary at Balangir, a
description of which is given by Cobden Ramsay, "There is a fine
dispensary at headquarters with excellent accommodation for males and
females and a separate Ward for low caste patients. The institution is in
charge of an Assistant Surgeon and Civil Hospital Assistant and is well
found with surgical instruments and Medicines". The dispensary at
Titilagarh was started in 1913 and that of Patnagarh in 1914. In 1921 the
dispensary at Tusra started functioning. In commemoration of the Silver
Jubilee of King George V an X- Ray and Electro-therapy institution was
established in September 1937. By that year Balangir town alone had three
medical institutions, viz. (a) General Hospital, (b) X-Ray and Electro-
therapy, and (c) Maharani Kailash Kumara DCI Maternity Ward. There
were four other dispensaries in ex-Patna State located at Tusra,
Patnagarh, Belpara and Titilagarh. In 1938 two more institutions- Palace
dispensary and Leprosy Hospital at Loisinga were started. In addition to
these, there were two maternity and child welfare centres at Belpara and
Patnagarh and two leprosy clinics at Balangir and Patnagarh.

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Present Health Service Scenario in Balangir District

The health system in Balangir district functions scheme-wise such as 1.

Public Health, 2. Medical, 3. Family Welfare & Immnunisation, 4. Leprosy, 5.
TB and 6. Malaria with wing offices designated as Asst. District Medical
Officer(Medical), Asst. District Medical Officer(FW & Immn.), Asst. District
Medical Officer (PH), District T.B. Officer, District Leprosy Officer and District
Malaria Officer over all under the control of the Chief District Medical Officer
as Head of the Programmes.
Initially the Health Infrastructure of undivided Balangir District was
consisting of one District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), three Sub-divisional
Medical Officer (SDH) and twenty Primary Health Centre (PHC) and Govt.
Hospital at Tusra, Harishankar, Kantabanji and Gambhari. After the
separation of Subarnapur District from Balangir, there remained 01 District
Headquarters Hospital, 02 Sub-Divisional Hospital, 15 CHCs. Later on, the
system has been developed by upgrading Sector Health Centres (SHC) as
PHC (New) in 44 nos. and PHCs as Community Health Centre in 15 nos.
with sanction of Specialist Posts, enhancement of beds, strengthening of
staff position with mobility support.

District Headquarters Hospital, Balangir

The total demography and infrastructure of the medical and public
health service in the district are appended at the end of the chapter as
Annexure I.
I. Public Health Activities
During 1970-80, the Public Health Programme was supervised by the
Asst. District Med. Officer (PH) for the undivided district of Balangir,
supported by two Food Inspector ,i.e. Balangir Head quarter and SDH,
Titilagarh, MPHS(Male),MPHW(Male)Sanitary Inspector, Vaccinators Senior
Helper , disinfector etc.

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 Two Medical Officers designated as one Asst. Health Officer for
undivided district and one Municipal Medical Officer for Balangir Municipality
were looking after the sanitation, food and other health activities. The main
objectives of the scheme were control of epidemic, outbreaks, surveillance
and Registration of Birth and Death.
(i) Programme on Prevention and Control of Outbreaks
That during the period1970-80, there was no electricity in the distant
villages and there was also no communication to the remote villages of the
undivided district. Taking into account all the difficulties, public health staffs
were covering and complying at the remote areas to control any outbreak
during rainy season, floods. During the period undivided district was full of
forest. The employees had to walk, due to lack of transport facilities.
The field staffs were engaged in disinfection, sanitation work and also
were facilitating welfare programmes. In between 1992-2000, the post of
ADMO (PH) was re-designated as ADMO (PH.Mal/Fil/Lep) and supervising
the programme of Public Health, Malaria /Filaria and Leprosy.
(ii) Programme on Food Safety & Standard Act (FSSA)
The existing Prevention of Food Adulteration act 1954 has been
replaced by Food Safety and Standard act 2006 & regulation 2011 during
the year 2012 in Odisha. Accordingly, the post of Food Inspector has been
re-designated as Food Safety Officer. Later on out of two post of Food
Inspector, the post of Titilagarh has been abolished. Now the present Food
Safety Officer is manage both of Balangir and Subarnapur districts. The
ADMO (PH) of the district has been declared as the Designated Officer,
Food Safety of this district. The main rule and objective is the monitoring of
„food safety‟ and create awareness among the public regarding „food Safety‟
and „safe drinking water‟ through IEC activities and enforcement. Besides
this Public Health wing is also monitoring the quality of MDM, Chatua under
Emergency Feeding programme randomly through sample surveillance and
awareness.
(iii) Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation
Although supply of drinking water is the primary responsibility of
RWSS, the health department also remains vigilant as this is absolutely
essential for prevention & control of many water borne diseases. Analysis of
supply water is done regularly for chlorination by the health staffs. During
rainy season and outbreak the health staffs also do chlorination of tube wells
and dug wells as people use the same for domestic purposes.
In addition to the sanitation activities done by RWSS the health
department undertakes few activities to strengthen the system. During rainy
season an amount of Rs.250/- is spent for cleaning purposes in the village
333
on every Saturday under Gaon Kalyan Samiti (GKS). Under MDD (Malaria
Dengue Diarrhoea) Campaign mass cleaning is done in health institutions
and school premises etc. Public awareness on sanitation is also created
through IEC (Information Education Communication) and BCC (Behavior
Change Communication) at regular interval.
(iv) National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (NIDDCP)
The National Goiter Control Programme (NGCP) 1964 is replaced by
National iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (NIDDCP) during
the year 1989. The Public Health wing is monitoring IDD control programme,
the ADMO (PH) Balangir is designated as Nodal Officer, IDD and the Food
Safety Officer is working under her supervision. The main objective of the
programme is to reduce the IDD prevalence rate in the district through IEC
to monitor mass awareness for use of iodised salt and surveillance of iodine
content though sample testing by the Food Safety Officer at State Public
Health Lab.
(v) National Tabacco Control Programme (NTCP & COTPA)
During the year 2003, the Public Health wing was also entrusted to
monitor the Tobacco control Programme. The ADMO (PH) is working as
Nodal Officer, COTPA and the Food Safety Officer working as supported
staffs. Recently Balangir district has been selected as a special district for
Tabacco control programe, and simultaneously different manpower going to
be posted.The main objectives of the programme is to control the use of
„Tabacco & Cigarrette‟ through IEC activities and enforcement. In addition to
our staffs, other designated officials are also entrusted in this programme in
enforcement. During 2013, another act was introduced namely „Ban of pan
masala added with Tabacco and Nicotine as ingredients‟ which has also
being monitored by the public health wing supported by Food Safety Officer
under supervision of ADMO(PH).
(vi) District Blindness Control Programme (DBCS)
The District Blindness control programme was introduced in the district
under the supervision of ADMO (PH) to control curable blindness and also to
organize regular eye camps at the different areas of the district. Some
NGOs, Missionaries Hospitals were also involved in conducting extra
capsular surgery with I.O.L. in Hospitals with O.T. facilities ,as per guideline.
(vii) School Health Programme
The School Health Programme under Public Health scheme was
supervised by the School Medical Officer who was visiting the school in
undivided district in regular interval for better health care of school children.
But presently the post of School Medical Officer is abolished.

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(viii) Odisha Health System Development Project (OHSDP)
The Odisha Health System Development project (OHSDP) was
introduced in the district during the year 1999-2000. Under the programme
manpower was recruited at different institution and infrastructure work was
developed in this district. Besides this logistics were provided to strengthen
the health system in the district. Two building for ANM training centres at
Loising and Kholan, Three eye ward each at SDH, Patnagarh, Titilagarh and
DHH, Balangir were built by OHSDP funds, in which now O & G,OT ward is
presently functioning under supervision of newly created post of Add. Chief
District Medical Officer, Balangir.
One Medical Officer with Mobile Health Team under Public Health
scheme was functioning for better surveillance and access to remote areas
when required. Later on RLTAP programme, Mobile Health units (14 nos)
were introduced in all CHCs, which were functioning till 2014 and re-
designated as RBSK(Rastriya Bala Surakshya Karyakarma).
(ix) Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
Previously, the public health wing was accountable for prevention &
control of communicable diseases like diarrhoea, hepatitis etc. After 1999
super cyclone the Odisha multi diseases surveillance system (OMDSS) was
formulated which took care of prevention and control of eleven diseases of
public Health importance like Diarrhea, dysentery, malaria, jaundice,
measles ,encephalitis etc .till 2004.Then it was replaced by Integrated
Diseases Surveillance Programme during the year 2004,which is still
continuing, under the supervision of ADMO(PH)as Nodal Officer. Recent
development of the programme is that, supporting staffs have been recruited
with One Data Manager and DEO with latest IT facilities. Besides, one
Epidemiologist is there to assist in the programme.
The main aim and objectives of IDSP is to establish a decentralized
district-based system of surveillance for communicable and non-
communicable diseases so that timely and effective public health actions
can be initiated in response to health challenges in the urban and rural
areas. The IDSP deals with 20 epidemic prone diseases .The grass root
level workers collect the data which are compiled, analyzed and transmitted
to high levels in a regular weekly manner. The main objectives of IDSP
remain surveillance and prevention & control of outbreaks. It is intended to
detect early warning signals of impending outbreaks and help initiate an
effective response in a timely manner.
There is an epidemic cell functioning round the clock at District Head
Quarter throughout the year and similarly for a specific period the control
rooms are functioning at CHC levels. Rapid Response Team (RRT) have
been constituted at all levels starting from District to block levels. Recently
keeping on view of water borne diseases, water quality monitoring is being
done regularly at all areas by way of sample testing with OT & H2S test kit.

335
One integrated public Health Laboratory is going to function shortly for
facilitation of the public health work.
(x) National Programme for Prevention and Control of cancer, Diabetes,
Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
India is experiencing a rapid health transition with a rising burden of
Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cancer , diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, stroke, etc which cause significant morbidity and mortality both in
Urban and Rural Population, with considerable loss in potentially productive
years (aged 35-64 years) of life. There are some common potential and
preventable risk factors for NCDs. They are tobacco consumption, alcohol
intake, bad dietary habits, sedentary life style etc.
The Government of India launched a flagship programme called the
national Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005 with the objective of
expanding access to quality health care to rural populations by undertaking
architectural corrections in the institutional mechanism for health care
delivery. The NCD programme presently designated as NPCDCS aims at
integration of NCD interventions in the NRHM framework for optimization of
scarce resources and provision of seamless services to the end customer /
patients for ensuring long term sustainability. The National Programme for
Health Care of Elderly has also been integrated with this programme.NCD
cells have been constituted at various levels in 2013. Balangir has one
District NCD cell and 17 reporting units situated at sub divisional and CHC
levels. The ADMO (PH) is the Nodal Officer with a supportive staff consisting
of Epidemiologist, Finance cum Logistic Officer, Programme Assistant, Data
entry operator. There is a NCD complex including one 6 beded ICU, 10
beded Geriatric Ward in the Hospital Premises. The main aim & objectives of
the programme are:
1. Prevent and control common NCDs through behavior and life style
changes,
2. Provide early diagnosis and management of common NCDs,
3. Build capacity at various levels of health care for prevention, diagnosis
and treatment of common NCDs,
4. Train human resource within the public health setup viz doctors,
paramedics and nursing staff to cope with the increasing burden of NCDs,
5. Establish and develop capacity for palliative and rehabilitative care.
Massive screening of population above 30 years of age, Pregnant Women,
TB Patients and School Children is being conducted regularly.

336
 No. of persons found No. of persons found High Blood
No. of
with Random Blood Pressure with Systolic more than
Year Persons
Sugar more than 140 140 mmHg and diastolic more than
Screened
mg/dl 90 mmHg
2011-12 54531 4638 386
2012-13 207404 14572 7233
2013-14 452187 19962 11866
2014-15 61666 4713 2712
2015-16 38887 2774 2489

38 nos of Cancer patients have been referred to AHRCC, Cuttack for

better treatment. 577 nos of patients have been treated in ICU and 656 nos
of patients have been treated in 10 beded Geriatric Ward at NCD complex till
July 2015. 3151 nos of physiotherapy patients treated and 10996 nos of
patients have been counseled. For IEC activities Multi Colour Printed Tin
sheet showing 10 different messages regarding Diabetes, CVD, Stroke and
Health Care of Elderly have been distributed to all medical institutions in
Balangir district. Different Health Days World Hypertension day, World
Diabetes day, International day for Elderly and National Cancer Day have
been observed at District level for public awareness.
(xi) Treatment of Terminal Diseases
The seriously ill patients are treated in the six bedded ICU situated in
the hospital premises. As many of these patients are in their terminal stages
the treatment is done meticulously with specially trained doctors and staff
nurses. There is an attached Oxygen Plant (Main-fold System) to supply
oxygen round the clock. All life saving medicines with equipments are kept
ready to save the life of a patient.
(xii) National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)
As the NRHM was dealing with the Rural Population, a new project, the
Urban Health Mission was initiated during the year 2015 to catch up the
urban slum population. The aims and objectives are fundamentally similar to
NRHM. The recruitment of Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS), ASHA, ANM have
already been completed. ADMO(PH)is the Nodal Officer for the programme.
Two numbers of Urban PHCs are proposed to function in this urban slum
area of Balangir. The weekly Urban Health & Nutrition
Programme(UHND)has also already been started in the Urban sub centre
level.

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(xiii) Vital Statistic Programme (VS)
In the year 1969, Birth & Deaths Rule was framed in India. Previously
the registration of Birth and death was registered at Municipalty / NACs for
Urban areas and at local Police Station for Rural areas. They forwarded the
detail report to the District Health Office, for compilation. But during 1984 it
was functioned at CHC/PHCs level for rural areas and Municipalty / NACs
for urban areas. They were submitted their report to the District Office. The
District vital Statistics section of PH. wing supported by one Statistical
Investigator, one Statistical Assistant, one V.S. clerk and every registration
units supported by one V.S. Clerk each, under the supervision of
ADMO(PH). Now to facilitate the onwards transmission of Birth and Death
report through IT system, a Data Processing Assistant (DPA)has been
posted in this programme. The brief data on registration of Birth and death is
as follows:
Birth Death Infant Death
Year
Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total
2010 21736 12090 33826 1923 9471 11394 234 711 945
2011 21495 12931 34426 1977 9161 11138 319 610 929
2012 22342 11428 33770 2223 10014 12237 461 565 1026
2013 17407 11103 28510 2287 9513 11800 403 373 776
2014 20608 11551 32159 2340 10079 12419 285 343 628
2015(till 6667 3988 10655 1663 4063 5726 39 118 157
Aug)

(xiv) District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)

The proposal for implementation of various tertiary level care and
other related activities to be undertaken under the National Mental health
th
Programme (NMHP) during the 12 plan year plan period include inter-alia,
Manpower Development Schemes, Information Education & communication
(IEC) activities, Training support for the State Mental health authorities. In
this context the District Mental Health Programme has been started in 2007
at Balangir district supported by Seven members of technical team
consisting of a Psychiatrist/ Program Officer, Clinical Psychologist/
Psychologist, Psychiatric Social Worker/ Social Worker, Psychiatric Nurse/
Trained Nurse, Community Nurse, Record Keeper, Case Registry Assistant
for providing secondary level Mental Health care at district level. The main
aim & objectives of the programme are to develop special technique and
expertise & Neurological procedures and standardize the practice in the
district, to develop quality of human resource in the field of Neurosurgery in
the district, to develop inter-departmental co-ordination for activating
research and project such as head injury, Oncology, Neurobiology, the
neurosurgery would begin by catering to Neurological patients from the
adjoining areas and could progress to become a zonal referral centre., to
organize periodic trainings for DMHP teams in clinical and managerial skills

338
to help them and understand common mental disorder, treatment plans, to
generate awareness on Mental Illnesses, treatment, removal of stigma
associated with the disease and dissemination of information on the
legislative provision by different IEC activities.

Patient Figure of Mental OPD & IPD at District Headquarter Hospital, Balangir for the Year
2012-15
Sl. Name of the 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
No diseases. OPD IP OPD IP OPD IP OPD IP OPD IP
. D D D D D
1 Anxiety 36 15 57 0 84 59 21 15 198 89
Bipolar
2 42 3 84 4 110 9 66 5 302 21
Disorder
3 Dementia 1 0 9 0 11 1 7 2 28 3
4 Depression 32 0 25 0 38 4 13 14 108 18
10
5 Epilespy 39 21 40 31 37 32 23 16 139
0
Mental
6 21 0 35 0 31 0 19 0 106 0
Retardation
7 Neurosis 134 0 127 16 149 32 61 17 471 65
8 OCD 21 0 25 0 23 0 15 1 84 1
21
9 Psychosis 241 41 239 52 330 84 191 37 1001
4
Schizophreni
10 44 9 69 4 85 11 45 2 243 26
a
Subs Used
11 21 0 32 3 25 4 14 4 92 11
Disorder
Child Mental
12 Health 2 0 2 0 6 0 0 0 10 0
Problem
13 Other 329 0 363 0 273 82 109 7 1074 89
110 11 120 31 12 63
New Patients 963 89 584 3856
7 0 2 8 0 7
222 255 314
Old Patients 846 8768 0
4 4 4
318 366 11 434 31 143 12 1262 63
Total Patients 89
7 1 0 6 8 0 0 4 7

(xv) National AIDS Control Programme in Balangir District

National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) was started in Balangir
district during 2002 with a motive to prevent & Control HIV/AIDS by
educating the people. That programme includes District Programme
Manager, District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU), District ICTC
(Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre) Supervisor, Monitoring &
Evaluation Assistant, Programme Assistants, Counselors, Laboratory
Technicians with Assistant District Medical Officer as Nodal Officer/ District
AIDS Control Officer (DACO) and Chief District Medical Officer as Head of
the programme.

339
Ongoing Activities / Facilities under NACP in Balangir District
District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU) - 01
Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre (ICTC) - 15
Facility based- ICTC - 03
Anti Retroviral Therapy Centre (ARTC) - 01
Designated STI/RTI Clinic (DSRC) - 02
(Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI))
Targeted Intervention (TI) Projectfor Male having Sex with Male (MSM) and
Female Sex Worker (FSW) - 01
Targeted Intervention + (TI+ Pehchan) for MSM - 01
Community Support Centre (CSC ) for PLHIV - 01
The client infected in Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV) is being
identified in ICTC and they are being registered at Anti Retroviral Therapy
Centre located at Balangir for free ART Treatment.
1. Special focus is being given to the area where migrated labourers
returning to their villages after a long period by conducting special health
camp for them.
2. DAPCU led single window model on social protection scheme for
People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), Most at Risk Population (MARP) &
Children affected by AIDS (CABA) is being implemented.
II. National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
Leprosy was highly prevalent in Balangir district prior to the
implementation of National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). Due to
its successful implementation in 1983 and introduction of MDT(Multidrug
Therapy) thereafter in 1991, the Prevalence Rate of Leprosy (case per
10000 population) has came down from 138 (March 1991) to 2.66 (March
2015) . NLEP was a vertical programme until 2003 when it was integrated
with the General Health Care System.
Year-wise Status of the District
2009- 2010- 2012- 2013- 2014-
Component by 31st March 2011-12
10 11 13 14 15
New case Detection 447 476 782 733 982 650
Release from treatment (RFT) 449 502 638 691 714 837
Cases under Treatment 257 225 362 395 645 457
Prevalence Rate (PR) 1.71 1.49 2.37 2.39 3.68 2.66
Annual New Case Detection
29.90 31.52 51.20 44.47 56.09 37.90
Rate (ANCDR)
GII disability Proportion 1.11 0.42 1.53 0.27 2.74 1.69
Female Proportion 28.85 27.52 32.22 29.46 25.66 25.07
Child Proportion 8.05 6.93 6.26 8.45 5.80 6.92

340
Objectives:
The salient objectives of the programme are as follows:
Decrease the burden of leprosy, Early case detection, Prompt and improved
case management, Prevention and reduction of disability burden by
strengthening the DPMR (Disability , Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation)
services, Reduction in stigma, Involvement of all health care personnel,
Intensive IEC (Information Education & Communication).
Programme
In Balangir district three institutions were functioning with a goal to
eliminate/eradicate the disease i.e.to reduces the burden. They were LEU
(Leprosy Eradiation Unit) at Titilagarh, Loisingha and MLCU (Modified
Leprosy Control Unit) at Patnagarh.
In 2011 all the independent units were merged and currently a single
institution is functioning as District Leprosy Office in Balangir Headquarter.
The District leprosy officer is supported by District Leprosy Consultant (DLC)
and Physiotechnician (PT). At block level either PMW (paramedical worker
for leprosy) or the general health care staffs are managing the programme.
All the ASHAs in the district were trained and they are getting an
incentive of Rs.850 for (MB type) and Rs.650 for (PB type) of leprosy. Their
services are utilised to suspect the cases, early referral to treatment centers
and treatment follow up.
Traditionally RCS (Reconstructive Surgery) of deformities in Leprosy
was being conducted in specialised hospitals in the country but now such
surgeries are performed in this District Headquarter Hospital with the support
of surgeons, general OT staff and physiotechnician. Till date 110 numbers of
cases were already operated in our institution since 2011. Moreover a sum
of Rs.8000/- are paid to each RCS patients in 3 installments.
Apart from the IEC/BCC and routine efforts, Special drives like
Intensive Case Detection Drive (ICDD) or Block Leprosy Awareness
Campaign (BLAC) was introduced in high endemic blocks of the district
since 2010-11 in phase manner. Besides detecting the undetected cases,
the benefit of ICDD have enduring affect on awareness about Leprosy,
reduce the stigma in society through IEC, healthy contact examination and
involvement of GKS in the process.
Vision

The immediate goals of the programme (by March 2017) are

To reduce the burden of the disease(PR to less than 1 per 10000

population), Reduction of new G- II disability cases by 35% and Reduction of
341
stigma. But the ultimate goal is to realize Leprosy free status for the people
of the district.

III. National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)

National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is the

nodal agency in the district to deal with the vector borne diseases such as
Malaria, Filaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanise Encephalities and Kala-
zar.
This Programme is headed by the District Malaria Officer under the
administrative control of Chief District Medical Officer, Balangir. In the State
level, the Programme is headed by Joint Director of Health Services
(NVBDCP), Odisha. The National Directorate is headed by the Director,
NVBDCP which act as the nodal agency in programme planning,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation and policy formulation in the
country. The programme has been implemented in the different parts of the
country as per the disease endemicity. Orissa being an endemic state to
malaria, the Malaria programme under NVBDCP has been run in the district
in the support of Externally Aided Agency Support to the programme of the
state time to time.
In 2009, additional man power support has been given to the district in
the form of Malaria Technical Supervisor (3 nos) and Sentinel Site Technical
Coordinator (3 Nos) to map the malaria endemicity in the district and to
assist in the disease. Further in 2012 the malaria programme in the district in
further assisted by support of human resources like District VBD Consultant,
Finance and Logistics Assistant and Data entry Operator along with increase
in strength of Malaria Technical Supervisor.
The Malaria Programme is evaluated by and indicator „Annual Parasite
Incidence‟ which was calculated out by taking into consideration nos of
malaria positive cases detected in 1000 population of the district.
The year wise analysis of API in Balangir district is as follows.

20
District API 2002-2014
14.5
11 10.3 9.8 8.6 8.4
7.6 7.5 6.7 6.47
4.3 2.7 3.87
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

It indicates that the trend has been declined till 2012 and now it has
been upsurging. The reason behind the present increase is the use of
342
bivalent RDK which covers both Pv and Pf cases of the village level and now
in each village level the Fever Treatment Depo has been functional and run
by the ASHA. The CHC wise status is as follows:

CHC wise API 2014

25 23.08

20 17.42
15
9.68
10 6.41 7.8
3.9 3.96 4.23 3.75 3.66
5 1.57 3.03 2.64 1.75 API
0

st
The dengue was 1 reported in the district in 2011 and the
vulnerable status of the district is as follows:

IV.Revised National Tuberculosis Programme (RNTCP)

History

Prior to launching of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme

in Balangir District National TB Control Programme was in place. The NTP
was started in 1963 in India & continued till the launch of RNTCP in a
phased manner in different districts of Odisha.

343
Human Resources
DTO, Asst. Surgeon TB Clinic, Radiographer, Health Visitor (M),
Laboratory Assistant, Treatment Organiser. One mobile team was there to
visit field & conduct Montoux test in < 5 year children.
All PHC & PHC (N) were acting as Treatment point.DTC OPD was
functioning twice a day. In morning patients gives sputum & in the afternoon
pt given treatment after X-ray was done in MMR. In undivided Balangir
district treatment & diagnostic facility available in 20 blocks.
Treatment Pattern
Patients are given monthly medication by opening a card in which
address, x-ray finding, sputum result, date of receiving medicine is recorded.
If a patient does not turn up for medicine one letter was issued & if no
response Health visitors were visiting to retrieve them.
Starting of Programme (RNTCP)
nd
RNTCP Launched in Balangir District in 22 January 2004. Balangir
was divided into 4 Tuberculosis Unit & 18 Designated Microscopy Centre. All
health staffs were trained in a phased manner. Upgradation of laboratory in
all DMC is done.
Infrastructure
DTC (District TB Centre) – 1, TU (Tuberculosis Unit) – 6,
DMC(Designated Microscopy Centre) – 18, PHI( Peripheral Health institute)
- 59 DP (DOTs Provider) – 1673
BOLANGIR

Agalpur

Chudapalli
Laisingha
Khaprakhol Ghasia
n
Patnagarh Puintala
Bolangir
Jamgaon
Belpada
Deogaon
Boudh
TureIkela Saintala District
Tentelkhunti
Kantabanji
Muribahal Gudvella
Sindheikela
Kholan
Bangomunda
Titilagarh

344
Human Resources
HUMAN RESOURCES
Name of the post Sanctioned In position vacancy
DTO 1 1 0
MOTU 4 4 0
STS 6 4 2
STLS 4 3 1
TBHV 2 2 0
Accountant 1 1 0
LT 4 2 2
District PMDT & 1 1 0
TBHIV Coordinator
DEO 1 0 1
DPC 1 0 1
PPM Coordinator 1 0 1

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of TB patients is done as per diagnostic algorithm. For each
Chest symptomatic two sputum samples (One Spot & one morning) is
tested. If found positive treatment as sputum Positive TB is done, If samples
are negative then decision taken after Chest X-ray & Clinical finding. In Exra-
pulmonary cases other investigations like FNAC, Histopathological study are
done. In paediatric cases Montoux test is done.
All TB patients are sent to ICTC, & for RBS testing.
MDR TB is diagnosed by sending Sputum for culture to ATDT Cuttack (IRL).
Treatment pattern
Two categories of treatment – CAT I & CAT II For MDR patients CAT
IV & CAT V for XDR patients are provided. For each patients of TB two
treatment cards are prepared. One original kept at DMC & another duplicate
kept with DP. Another third card is kept by the Health worker of that area.
Patients are getting medicine (freely) from trained DOTs Providers.
Directly Observation of Treatment (DOTs) is the mainstay of the treatment
Any person in the community who is acceptable, accessible & accountable
except family member of the patient can be a DOTs Provider (DP), Prior to
starting of medicine for MDR pts they are sent to DOTs Plus Site (VSS MC
Burla) for pre evaluation & treatment initiation.
Objective
1. To achieve and maintain 90% cure rate among sputum positive case
2. To achieve 90% sputum positive case detection from the community
st
after achieving the 1 objective.

345
Description

For diagnosis the following activities are done

a. Functioning of good quality laboratory (Binocular microscope)
b. Training to all health staff on R N T C P
c. To train AWW\ASHA and community volunteers for functioning as a
DOTs providers
d. To reach un-reachable area for diagnosis and treatment of all TB
patients
e. To monitor good quality of DOTs and sputum follow-up
f. Conduct I E C activities at different level like community, P R I member,
students etc.
Present Development

1. From 4 TB unit to 6 T U.
2. From June 2013 the Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB
is running successfully
3. TB-HIV cross referral and H I V testing of T B patients has increased
from 52% to 92%
4. Honorarium is provided to DOTs provider on regular basis
5. Fund reimbursement to M D R TB patients.
6. On-line NIKSHYA entry of all T B patients
7. Involvement of private practitioner/register health establishment on TB
notification
8. Liaisoining and networking with related departments(ESI, Railway, Jail
hospital, Ordinance factory)
9. All ASHAs trained on R N T C P.
Physical Achievement
2015 (upto
2011 2012 2013 2014
June,15)
Total case load 2291 2211 1940 2014 1062
Total No. of NSP 825 768 742 719 395
Total No. of NSN 746 747 543 572 239
344 (upto 2Q
Total patient cured 766 726 674
14)
Total patient treatment 529 (upto
1220 1235 1016
completed 2Q,14

RNTCP is running successfully in our district achieving the target that is

set smoothly. With the launching of PMDT programme & recently supplied
LED microscope & with the help of NRHM, DAPCU, NCD the programme is
expected to „achieve reach all & treat all‟ objective.

346
Other Medical Activities
(i) Central Store
There is a Central store located inside the DHH Campus which
distributes medicines to all Health Institutions of Balangir District. The
Central Ware House keeps the stock of all essential Medicines &
consumables to meet any emergency. Further the store distributes medicine
during Health Camps in the District. State Drug Management Unit, Odisha
supplies the medicine to Central Ware House for distribution to all the Health
Institutions of the District Concern.
The ADMO (Med), Balangir is the Store Medical Officer of the District
supported by 1 Technical Store Keeper, 1 Pharmacist & 1 System-in-
charge.
(ii) Rogi Kalyan Samiti
The Rogi Kalyan Samiti, Balangir was registered under District
Registrar of Societies, Balangir from 18.11.2006. There is one Governing
Body under the chairmanship of Collector & one Executive Body under the
Chairmanship of CDMO, Balangir. There are total 36 members in the
Governing Body with all MLAs of the District, Local MP, Zilla Parishad
President, Block Chairman, PRI members & others. There are total 14
members in the Executive Body with the line agencies & in house members
for execution of works for the decisions of the Governing Body.
The RKS takes decisions for development of the Hospital & patient
welfare.
(iii) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)
RSBY is a Government sponsored scheme for the BPL population of
India. The majority of the financing, about 75 percent, is provided by the
Government of India (GOI), while the remainder is paid by the respective
state government. Government of India‟s contribution is 90 percent in case
of North-eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir and respective state
Governments need to pay only 10% of the premium.
RSBY has been launched by Ministry of Labour and Employment,
Government of India to provide health insurance coverage for Below Poverty
Line (BPL) families. The objective of RSBY is to provide protection to BPL
households from financial liabilities arising out of health shocks that involve
hospitalization. Beneficiaries under RSBY are entitled to hospitalization
coverage up to Rs. 30,000/- for most of the diseases that require
hospitalization. Government has even fixed the package rates for the
hospitals for a large number of interventions. Pre-existing conditions are
covered from day one and there is no age limit. Coverage extends to five

347
members of the family which includes the head of household, spouse and up
to three dependents. Beneficiaries need to pay only Rs. 30/- as registration
fee which amount shall be used for incurring administrative expenses under
the scheme.
(iv) Biju Krushaka Kalyan Yojana
Odisha lives in its Villages and farmers are its backbone. They toil hard
to feed the nation. They suffer in silence and when they are affected by
ailments and diseases, pay heavy economic, social and emotional price. The
most important and major cause of our farmers falling to poverty trap is the
financial hazards and deprivation that health related expenses bring to them.
Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana is brought in as a tribute to the Farmers and
their families to provide them health security. It is an earnest effort to provide
them financial support through health and accident insurance as a part of the
commitment of the welfare state. Rural Odisha houses 83% of the total
population of the state. One of the major insecurities for rural populace and
farmers is absence of health cover for such farmers and their family
members. Insecurity relating to absence of health cover, heavy expenditure
on medical care and hospitalization and recourse to inadequate and
incompetent treatment is not only a social and psychological burden borne
by these populace but there are significant economic costs resulting from
loss of earning and progressive deterioration of health. Thus, with a view to
providing health insurance cover to farmers in the Rural Odisha and their
families, the Government of Odisha has announced the „Biju Krushak Kalyan
Yojana‟.
(v) BMW at DHH, Balangir
The Bio-Medical Waste Management is at work since 2012 in DHH,
Balangir. It is done by an outsourcing agency since 2013. The agency
follows all the statutory guidelines at the time of handling of BMW & submits
the reports on daily basis. The ADMO (Med) is the Nodal Officer for District
Headquarters Hospital, Balangir and ADMO (PH) is the Nodal Officer of
BMW of all health institutions of Balangir District.
The DHH, Balangir has its authorization for handling of BMW till
31.03.2018.
(vi) Pathology Department, DDH, Balangir
Pathology department started in 1968 at Old T.B. Building. There was
no Pathologist, only Hematology like D.C., M.P., TLC, HB %, ESR, Routine
and Microscopic examination of Stool & Urine were done by two Lab.
Technician. One Pathologist was posted since 1974 when chemical test like
Blood Sugar, Syrum Uria, Syrum Creatinin etc. were introduced. In 1985

348
Pathology was shifted to Blood Bank building which consisted of seven Lab.
Technician in addition.
QBC machine was installed to detect malaria parasite by WOCD in
2004. 80 to 100 QBC are tested every day. A semi auto analyzer was
supplied in 2006 which taking care of all chemical tests. Now ELISA and
CBC machine are supplied by Public Health which are going to function very
soon.
(vii) Odisha Red Cross Blood Bank, Balangir
Odisha Red Cross Blood Bank, Balangir started functioning from
th
10 October, 1968 in its own building. Staff position includes Blood Bank
Officer I/C, Laboratory Technician, Counsellor, Clerk, System Support
Engineer, Attendant and Sweeper. It is well-equipped with all modern
instruments and equipments. Test methods involve Five mandatory tests
done by ELISA (HIV, HCV, HBs Ag, VDRL & Malaria). Dist. Collector &
Magistrate and Chief District Medical Officer act as the Chairman and Vice-
Chairman of the Managing Committee respectively. Emergency Officer,
Collectorate works as the Secretary and the Blood Bank Officer is entrusted
with convening the various plans and programmes of the organization.
Family Welfare Activities
India launched the National Family Planning Programme in 1951 with
the objective of reducing the birth rate to the extent necessary to stabilize
the population at a level consistent with the requirement of the National
economy. The Family Welfare Programme in India is recognized as a priority
area. The approach under the programme during the First and Second Five
Year Plans was mainly „Clinical‟ under which facilities for provision of
services were created. However, on the basis of data brought out by the
1961 census, clinical approach adopted in the first two plans was replaced
by „Extension and Education Approach‟ which envisaged expansion of
services facilities along with spread of message of small family norm. In the
IV Plan (1969-74), high priority was accorded to the programme and it was
proposed to reduce birth rate from 35 per thousand to 32 per thousand by
the end of plan.
The objective of the V plan (1974-79) was to bring down the birth rate
to 30 per thousand by the end of 1978-79 by increasing integration of family
planning services with those of Health, Maternal and Child Health (MCH)
and Nutrition, so that the programme became more readily acceptable.. The
name of the programme also was changed to Family Welfare from Family
Planning.

349
 In the VI Plan (1980-85), certain long-term demographic goals of
reaching net reproduction rate of unity were envisaged. The Family Welfare
Programme during VII five year plan (1985-90) was continued on a purely
voluntary basis with emphasis on promoting spacing methods, securing
maximum community participation and promoting maternal and child health
care.
The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) was launched in 1985 to
provide universal coverage of infants and pregnant women with
immunization against identified vaccine preventable diseases and extended
to all the districts in the country.
The approach adopted during the Seventh Five Year Plan was
continued during 1990-92. For effective community participation, Mahila
Swasthya Sanghs (MSS) at village level was constituted in 1990-91. MSS
consists of 15 persons, 10 representing the varied social segments in the
community and five functionaries involved in women's welfare activities at
village level such as the Adult Education Instructor, Angan Wadi Worker,
Primary School Teacher, Mahila Mukhya Sevika and the Dai. Auxiliary Nurse
Midwife (ANM) is the Member-Convenor.
From the year 1992-93, the UIP has been strengthened and expanded
into the Child Survival and Safe Motherhood (CSSM) Project. It involves
sustaining the high immunization coverage level under UIP, and augmenting
activities under Oral Rehydration Therapy, prophylaxis for control of
blindness in children and control of acute respiratory infections. Under the
Safe Motherhood component, training of traditional birth attendants,
provision of aseptic delivery kits and strengthening of first referral units to
deal with high risk and obstetric emergencies were being taken up.
To impart new dynamism to the Family Welfare Programme, several
new initiatives were introduced and ongoing schemes were revamped in the
Eighth Plan (1992-97). Realizing that Government efforts alone in
propagating and motivating the people for adaptation of small family norm
would not be sufficient, greater stress has been laid on the involvement of
NGOs to supplement and complement the Government efforts. Reduction in
the population growth rate has been recognized as one of the priority
objectives during the Ninth & Tenth Plan period. The strategies are:
i) To assess the needs for reproductive and child health at PHC level and
undertake area specific micro planning.
ii) To provide need-based, demand-driven, high quality, integrated
reproductive and child health care reducing the infant and maternal morbidity
and mortality resulting in a reduction in the desired level of fertility.

350
Family Planning
(i) Contraceptive
The National Family Welfare Programme provides the following
contraceptive services for spacing births:
a) Condoms
b) Oral Contraceptive Pill
c) Intra Uterine Devices (IUD)
Whereas condoms and oral contraceptive pills are being provided through
free distribution scheme and social marketing scheme, IUD is being provided
only under free distribution scheme. Under Social Marketing Programme,
contraceptives, both condoms and oral pills are sold at subsidized rates.
Copper-T
Cu-T is one of the important spacing methods offered under the Family
Welfare Programme. Cu-T is supplied free of cost to all the States/UTs by
Govt. of India for insertion at the PHCs, Sub-Centers and Hospitals by
trained Medical Practitioners/trained Health Workers.
The earlier version of Cu-T 200 „B‟ (IUDs) has been replaced by Cu-T
380-A from 2002-03 onwards which provides protection for a longer
period(about 10 years) as against Cu-T 200 „B‟ which provided protection for
about 3 years only.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
ECP was introduced under Family Welfare Programme during 2002-03.
The emergency contraceptive is the method that can be used to prevent
unwanted pregnancy after an unprotected act of sexual intercourse
(including sexual assault, rape or sexual coercion) or in contraceptive failure.
Emergency Contraceptive is to be taken on prescription of Medical
Practitioners.
(ii) Terminal Method
Under National Family Welfare Programme following Terminal/
Permanent Methods are being provided to the eligible couples.
A) Tubectomy
i) Mini Lap Tubectomy
ii) Laparoscopic Tubectomy (Laparoscopic sterilization is a relatively
quicker method of female sterilization.)

351
B) Vasectomy
i) Conventional Vasectomy
ii) No-Scalpel Vasectomy
It is one of the most effective contraceptive methods available for
males. It is an improvement on the conventional vasectomy with practically
no side effects or complications. This new method is now being offered to
men who have completed their families. The No-Scalpel Vasectomy project
is being implemented in the country to help men adopt male sterilization and
thus promote male participation in the Family Welfare programme.
(iii) Reproductive and Child Health (RCH)
RCH-II (1st April 2005) Aim: 1. Reduction of IMR, MMR and TFR, 2.
Increase of CPR and Immunization coverage. Goals: 1. Reduction of
decadal growth to 16.2% (2001-2011) 2. Reduction of IMR :<30/1000 live
birth by 2010, 3. Reduction of MMR to <100/100000 live births by 2010, 4.
Reduction of TFR to 2.1 by 2010, 5. Increase CPR to 65%, Immunization
Coverage to100%, ANC to 89% & Rural Institutional deliveries to 80%.
Objectives of RCH II
Immediate objective: Improve Routine Immunisation - Reduce the
Unmet need for Contraception - Provide an integrated Service delivery for
basic Reproductive & Child health Care. Medium Term Objective: Bring TFR
to Replacement level by 2010. Long term objective: Population Stabilization
RCH-II: Flagship programme under NRHM launched on 1st April 2005,
Special focus under RCH-II: 1. Essential obstetric care: - Institutional
delivery - Delivery by SBA 2. Emergency Obstetric Care: Operationalizing
FRU - PHC 24 ˣ 7 delivery services 3. Essential Newborn Care / Care of the
sick Newborn
Components of RCH II
Population stabilization, Maternal health, IMNCI, Adolescent health,
Control of RTIs/STIs, Urban health & Tribal health. Main streaming gender
and equity • Intersectoral and donor convergence • Behavior Change
Communication (BCC) • Public Private Partnership (PPP) • Monitoring,
Evaluation and Health Management Information System • Community
Participation • Procurement and Logistics.
New Interventions
1. Basic Em Obstetric Care (BEmOC) 2. Comprehensive Em Obstetric
Care (CEmOC) 3. Facility based Newborn Care 4. Janani Suraksha Yojna 5.
Janani Sishu Suraksha Karyakram 6. Village Health & Nutrition Day (VHND)
7. Integrated Management of Neonatal & Childhood Illness (IMNCI)
352
RMNCH+A:
1. This is a comprehensive strategy for improving the maternal and
child health outcomes, under NRHM, 2. It is based on the evidence that
maternal and child health cannot be improved in isolation as adolescent
health and family planning have an important bearing on the outcomes. 3.
This strategy encompasses various high impact interventions across the life
cycle.
Over these years expected level of achievement (ELA) in respect of
various components of RCH of implementation is assessed to meet the
unmet need. The impact of the programme can be judged from the following

2001 2011 2013- 2014-

14 15

BALANGIR

BALANGIR

BALANGIR

BALANGIR
Indicators

1 Birth Rate (per 1000 Population) 23 19 18 19

Infant Mortality Rate (per 1000
2 101 45 37 39
Population)

3 Maternal Mortality Ratio (per 1 lac birth) 308 287 199 168

4 Institutional Deliveries % age 53 86 89 92

5 Couple Protected by any modern method. 39 41 42 46

demographic indicators.
(iv) National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in 2005. It is

playing a vital role in different health activities. Various programmes are
running under this scheme like Family planning, immunization, Maternal
health, Child Health etc. The primary objective of the programmes under the
health system is to reduce the maternal and child death in the district and
also reduce the birth rate. High improvement occurred in case of Institutional
deliveries after lunching of NRHM and its Janani Surakhya Yojna scheme
(JSY). Under the JSY scheme the rural beneficiaries are getting Rs. 1400/-
and urban beneficiaries are getting Rs. 1000/- after delivery only at the
facility (DHH/SDH/CHC/PHC /OH/SC).

353
 In the recent few years some health indicators reflect that the health
scenario has been improved after the lunch of NRHM scheme. There are
some major health indicators as given below that reflect the status of the
health system in a wide sense.
(v) Janani Sisu Surakshya Karyakram(JSSK)
1. Total 14 designated institutions identified for JSSK scheme
2. Manpower are positioned in 14 designated institutions as per mandate
to provide 24x7 service
3. Scheme implemented from 1 November‟11
st

4. 3 months buffer medicine stock are available at designated institutions

5. Cashless delivery ensured in above institutions
(vi) Vaccination Programme (Immunisation Activities)
A Programme was launched by UNICEF during 1990-92 for
immunization under the name of Universal Immunisation Programme (U.I.P).
The objective of this programme was to protect the under five children from
six vital diseases like Tuberculosis, Diptheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus,
Polio and Measles. Every Monday and Wednesday have been selected as
Immunisation day when all the children avail their due doses of vaccination
at all the health institutions including the Sub-Centres.
Cold Chain Rooms are constructed at every CHC, Sub-Divisional and
District Level for proper storage of the vaccines.
(vii) Introduction of AYUSH
Govt. of India has introduced the AYUSH services through NHM for
better health care delivery in rural area i.e. in CHCs, PHCs and through
MMT.
(viii) Sick Neonatal Care Unit (SNCU)
A well equipped SNCU is functioning in this district since 24.06.2012
consisting of 13 nos. of Radiant Warmer, 06 nos. of Phototherapy Units,
Oxygen Concentrator, Infusion Set etc. There two trained Medical Officers
and ten trained Staff Nurses who are working round the clock. It has 12 beds
which takes care of both in-borne and out-borne babies. There is significant
improvement in survival of pre-term and pre-mature (low birth wight) babies
due to this facility.
(ix) MCH Complex
The construction of MCH Complex aiming to take care of mother and
children inside the District Headquarters Hospital Campus is in progress with
estimated cost of Rs.1571.80 Lacs. The Hon‟ble Chief Minister of Odisha
had laid the foundation stone of the project on Dt. 29.01.2013. The expected
date of completion of project is 31.12.2015. The Complex will be having 125
354
bedded consisting of ANC wards, PNC Wards, SNCU, ICU, Labour Room,
Paediatric ward & DEIC.
(x) Medical College
The proposed Medical College is under construction at Chantiapalli,
Balangir on an area of 27.047 acres. The foundation stone was laid done by
Hon‟ble Chief Minister, Odisha on dated 30.08.2015. The work has already
been started by Saporji & Palonji Pvt. Ltd. with a budget of Rs.187.29 Crore
& expected to be completed by the end of March, 2017. This will definitely
promote the health care service system of Western Odisha.

D.W.S.M (District Water Sanitation Mission)

From 1999 a demand driven approach under the total sanitation
campaign (TSC) lunched which emphasized on Nirmal Gram Puraskar
(NGP) through the DWSM, Balangir. In this programme financial incentives
were provided to Below Poverty Line (BPL) house hold for construction &
usages of IHHL.
The Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA)
The successive programme of Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC)
started from 2012. Under NBA the incentives for IHHL were enhanced in
convergence with MGNREGA. To accelerate the effort to achieve universal
sanitation coverage, the Swachha Bharat Mission Gramin SBM(G) lunched
nd
on 2 October,2014 with objectives of improving the quality of life of people
as well as improving the level of cleanliness in rural area through SLWM
(Solid Liquid Waste Management) activities and making Gram Panchayat
Open Defecation Free (ODF).
The details of works executed / taken up by RWS&S Division, Balangir

355
and DWSM, Balangir in the district are as follows:
1. Total nos of PWS (Pipe water supply) commissioned: 462
2. Total nos of ongoing PWS: 38
3. Total nos of spot sources: 19297
4. Total nos of new scheme during 2015 -16: 56
D.W.S.M
1. IHHL Completed: 12906
Public Health Department, Balangir Division provides drinking water in
two Municipal areas of Balangir and Titilagarh, and in three notified area
council of Patanagarh, Kantabanji and Tusra. In these towns, drinking water
is provided through house connections and stand posts.

356
 Annexure I

Demography

1 Area Covered 6575 Sq km

2 Total Population (as Census 2011) 1648574

Male 831349
Female 817225
3 Child Population
0-1 Year Child 34151
1-6 year Child 172813
Male 106090
Female 100874
4 No of Village 1792
5 No of Block 14
6 No. of GPs 285
7 Density of Population 251
8 Sex Ratio 983/1000 Male
Total Literacy Rate 65.50%
9 Male Literacy Rate 77.08%
Female Literacy Rate 53.77%
10 Natural Growth Rate 10.6
11 Crude Birth Rate (CBR) 21.1
12 Crude Death Rate (CDR) 10.5
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)(Dist-
13 198/100000
Data)

14 Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) (Dist –Data) 45/1000

15 Couple Protection Rate (CPR) 48

16 No. of Eligible Couples 304978
17 TFR 2.4

357
 Health Infrastructure
1 No of District Hospitals 1
2 No of Sub-divisional Hospital 2
3 No of CHC 15
4 No of CHCs with Building 15
5 No of CHCs Selected for up-gradation to IPHS Standard 15
6 No of CHCs with Specialists 15
7 No of CHCs where Facility Survey is completed 8
8 No of FRU Declared 5
9 No of FRU working 3
10 No. of PHC( Sector Level) 42
14 No of PHC with 3 staff Nurses 0
15 No of PHCs with upgraded OT 0
16 No of CHCs with upgrade OT 10
No of institutions undertaken
17 8
24 X 7
18 Mobile Health Unit in Position 28
19 No of Private Hospitals Accredited Under JSY 2
20 Postpartum Centre 4
21 No of S/C 226
22 No. of Immunization point 954
23 No. of Other Hospitals 2
24 No of Sectors 50
25 No of S/C in Govt. Building 86
26 No. of A.N.M. Training Schools 1
27 No. of District Training Unit 1
28 No. of Ayurvedic Hospitals 1
29 No. of Homoeopathic Hospitals 0
30 Total No of ASHA the District 1346

358
 CHAPTER XIV

PUBLIC LIFE AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION

Political Parties and Organizations and Pressure Groups

After independence, the first General Election under the constitution of
India was held in 1951-52. The major political parties participated in the
General Elections were (1) Indian National Congress (2) Praja socialist Party
and (3) Ganatantra or SwatantraParty. These Parties contested General
Election held in 1957 and in midterm election held in 1961. In 1967 General
Election three parties contested for Election i.e. Indian National Congress,
Swatantra party and Jana Sangha. In 1971 General Election Indian National
congress, Swatantra Party are the main parties contested for Election. In
General Election of 1977, a new party called Janata party was formed and
contested election with Indian National Congress. Janata Dal came to power
in centre. In 1980 General Election, Congress-I party under the leadership of
late Indira Gandhi was formed andcontested election with Janata Party.
Congress led by Indira Gandhi won and formed the government at centre. In
1980 Assembly Election in Odisha, Congress led by Indira Gandhi won with
majority. In the Assembly Constituencies of Balangir, Congress –I won in
many seats. After the sad demise of Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on
st
October 31 of 1984, General Election was held and Indian National
Congress came to power in centre as well as in assembly Elections of 1985.
In the General Election of 1989 and Assembly Election of 1990, Janata Party
won the Lok Sabha seat and few assembly seats respectively. In 1991
General Election for Lok Sabha, many seats were own by Indian National
Congress. In 1995 assembly election, though Indian National congress
came to power still few assembly seats were retained by Janata Party. In
General Election to Lok Sabha held in 1996 Sri Sarat Patnaik of Indian
National Congress won the Balangir Lok Sabha seat. Smt. SangeetaKumari
Singh Deo of Bharatiya Janata Party emerged winner for Balangir Lok
Sabha seat in the the Election held in 1998, 1999 and 2004. Kalikesh
Narayan Singh Deo of Biju Janata Dal won Lok Sabha seat for Balangir in
the General Election held in 2009 and 2014. In the Assembly Election, since
2000, Biju Janata Dal is the major party in the district which won in majority
of seats in the election.
From above, it can be seen that Biju Janta Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party,
and Indian National congress are the leading political Parties in the district
for the last fifteen years.
Apart from the said political parties, there are different organizations in
the district that influence political parties and government officials to achieve
their interest. These organizations may be small or big. These are the

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organized group of people fighting for common interest. Presently, such
organized groups are seen in villages and towns of the district. Even for very
smaller issues, they influence the administration to make their problem
solved. Quite common are road blocked carried out by few organized people
due to any accident or, farmer‟s death; protest by member of Women Self
help Groups for closure of liquor shop in village, and non-availability of rice
or other commodities under public distribute system due to inefficiency or
negligence by government officials. These groups work like a pressure
group to exert pressure techniques on administration for taking quick
decisions.
Pressure Groups
The presence and role of specific Pressure Groups augment and
supplement the role and purposes of the political parties. They are part of
the wider political process. The pressure groups do not themselves want to
form the Government, but they try to influence the decisions of the
Government. Thus, every pressure group has three elements:
1. An organized group of people
2. The common interests
3. Exercise influence on the decisions of the Government
In short, the pressure groups cause the legislators, or ministers or
bureaucrats to act in a particular way by offering arguments or employing
other techniques as the case may be.
It may be pointed out that the „pressure groups‟ is a term applied to
those interest groups (e.g., Trade Unions like the I.N.T.U.C. and the
C.I.T.U.) who use different pressure tactics including extra-Constitutional
methods (dharna and gherao) to pursue their goals.
Following are the few pressure groups in the district on different
issues.
1. BarAssociation, Balangir: Balangir Bar Association along with other
organization is demanding and organizing protests for creation of High
Court Bench in the district since long, Zilla Adivasi Kalyan Sangha: It seeks
intervention of Government on issues related to tribals of the district. Major
issues are action against persons employed in Govt Job by obtaining fake
caste certificate, issues related to Tribal land and others, Zilla Krushak
Mahasangha: It demands intervention of Government over various issues of
famers in the district, Koshal Ekta Manch is demanding a separate Koshal
state in the district, Balangir Action Committee: It demands early completion
of Lower suktel irrigation project and seeks intervention of Government for
payment to displaced persons, Citizen Committee, Balangir: It seeks

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intervention of district administration in solving the various problems of the
town like regular supply of electricity and water in the town of Balangir. Apart
from this, Opposition political parties in town also put forth various issues for
solution by the Government.
General and Assembly Elections
The First General Election under the Constitution of India took place in
1951-52. Since then General Elections held in 1957, 1961(mid-term), 1967,
1971, 1974 (Assembly Election), 1977, 1980, 1985, 1989, 1990 (assembly
Election), 1991, 1995(Assembly Election), 1996, 1998, 1999,
2000(Assembly Election) 2004, 2009, and 2014.
Balangir Lok Sabha constituency
It is is one of the 21 Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies
in Odisha. Before delimitation in 2008, the legislative assembly segments,
which constituted this parliamentary constituency, were:
Titilagarh, Kantabanji, Patnagarh, Saintala,Loisinga and Balangir.
Following delimitation, at present this 10-Balangir constituency comprises
the following legislative assembly segments:Birmaharajpur , Sonepur
Loisingha , Patanagarh , Balangir , Titilagarh , Kanatabanji .
Out of the above, Birmaharajpur and Sonepur assembly
constituencies are in Subarnapur district. Rest constituencies are in
Balangir district. Noted that Loisingha Assembly Constituency is reserved
only for Scheduled Caste candidates.
General Election-2014
Simultaneous General Election to Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha 2014
th
held in the district on 10 APRIL 2014. Kalikesh Narayan Singhdeo of Biju
Janata Dal won the Balangir Lok Sabha seat defeating his nearest rival Smt.
Sangeeta Kumari Singhdeo of Bharatiya Janata Party by a margin of
104,229 votes. Following is the Constituency wise results in the district.
Sl Name of the Nanme of the candidates Votes polled
No constituency
1 66-Loisingha 1. Jogendra Behera , BJD 64346 (W)
2. Pranab Chandra Kumbhar, INC 41,486
2. 67-Patanagarh 1.Kanak ardanSingh Deo,BJP 74,372(W)
2. Prakruti Devi Singh Deo, BJD. 60,719
3. 68-Balangir 1.Narasingha Mishra INC 61,730(W)
2. Ananga Udaya Singh Deo, BJD 49,476
4. 69-Titilagarh 1.Tukuni Sahu, BJD 71,858(W)
2.Surendra Singh Bhoi, INC 57,836
5. 70-Kantabanji 1. Ayub Khan, BJD 55,252(W)
2. Santosh Singh Saluja, INC 51,384

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List of Members of Parliament of 10- Balangir PC since 1962:
1. 2014: Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Biju Janata Dal
2. 2009: Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Biju Janata Dal
3. 2004: Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Bharatiya Janata Party
4. 1999: Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Bharatiya Janata Party
5. 1998: Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Bharatiya Janata Party
6. 1996: Sarat Pattanayak, Indian National Congress
7. 1991: Sarat Pattanayak, Indian National Congress
8. 1989: Balgopal Mishra, Janata Dal
9. 1984: Nityananda Mishra, Indian National Congress
10. 1980: Nityananda Mishra, Indian National Congress
11. 1977: AinthuSahoo, Janata Party
12. 1971: R.R. Singh Deo, Swatantra Party
13. 1967: R.R. Singh Deo, Swatantra Party
14. 1962: Hrushikesh Mahanand, Ganatantra Parishad (Later Swatantra
Party)
Civil society organization and their functioning
Civil society Organizations (CSOs) are private, non profit distributing,
self-governing, voluntary organizations. Many such organizations are
working in the district. These may be distinguished in five main types of Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs) viz. religious, community based,
philanthropic, expert groups and trade unions.
Followings are the religious Civil Society Organizations working in the
district Aurubindo Yoga Mandir, Yuga Nirman -GayatriParivar , Arya Samaj
Divine life Society , Brahma Kumaris , Satya Sai SevaSanstha , Chinmaya
Mission (fields of intervention are education, health, emergency relief and
basic assistance (food, clothing, shelter etc.) Community based
organization are also found in large number in the districts of which can be
listed here Brahmin Mahasbha , Yadav Mahasabha , Agharaia Mahasabha
,Khandayat Mahasabha, Zilla Karan Samaj Mahasabha , Lakshyaghar
Ganada Samaj , Baisya Tilak Mahasabha , Kulta Mahasabha , Binjhal
Mahasabha ,. Dumal Mahasabha
Another type of civil society organizations found in the districts are the
trade unions, which are labour and worker society associations operating in
the district to promote their interests.
Few of them are as follows Shramika Adhikar Mancha, Balangir , Badhei O
Mistry Sangha Patnagarh , Biswakarma Raj Mistry Sangha , All India
Central Council of Trade Unions, Bhubaneswer.

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NGOs and their Activities
Many registered NGOs are working in the district. They are
independent bodies engaged in philanthropic activities in the district. Few
NGOs are expertise in the matter of Rural Development, Forest and
Environment, Agriculture, Watershed and Health sector.
A non government organization is an organization that is neither a part
of the Government nor a organization of profit business. NGOs may be
funded by Government, foundations or private persons. NGOs are highly
diverse group of organizations engaged in wide range of activies. There are
many non-Government Organizations registered under Societies
Registration Act, 1860.
Newspapers and Periodicals such as Patana Dipika (Patna State
Gazette), Chaturanga, Tikisipahi, Bagulia, Hakua, Abhyudaya etc. are
regularly published in the district.
Adult Literacy Activities
The Saakshar Bharat Programme was lunched at National Literacy
th
Mission Authority New Delhi on 8 September 2009. In Balangir District it
st
was launched on 1 January 2011.
The Programme has been functioning at village level and G.P.level.
There are 356219 numbers of illiterate in our district as per the survey
report. In this regard 20613 numbers of Volunteer Teachers were selected
for providing education to them without honorarium on voluntary basis. The
Zilla Sakshyarata Abhijan Samati have been suppling the teaching and
learning materials to the learners from time to time.
There are 570 numbers of Loka Sikshya Kendra Preraks appointed in
285 G.Ps along with 14 Block Co-ordinators and four District Co-ordinators
have also been appointed for monitoring the performance of the Volunteers
Teachers and Loka Sikshya Kendra Preraks. The honorarium fixed by the
National Literacy Mission Authority New Delhi is Rs. 2000/- for per Prerak
and Rs. 6000/- for per Co-ordinator for monitoring and supervision of the
Volunteer Teachers and Lokasikshya Kendra Preraks.

In the mean time 5 Model Adult Education Centre have been opened in
this District at following places.

Sl. No Name of the Block Name of the G.P

1 Balangir Sibtala
2 Puintala Gaintala
3 Loisingha Burda
4 Deogaon Singhamunda
5 Saintala Ghunsar

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 Two neo learners assessment tests are being held each year during
March and August. Accordingly, 9 numbers of assessment tests have
already been conducted till date and 181590 illiterates have been made
literate till August, 2015.
List of Registered Trade Unions issuing Certificate of Employment to
construction workers for registration as beneficiaries under Odisha Building
& Other Construction Workers Welfare Board in Balangir district
Sl. Name & Address of the registered Trade Registered No. & Name of the Authorized
No. Union Date Member
1 Odisha NirmanShramika Sangha, AITUC 1027-CTC, Sri Ramakrushna Panda
Officed, 3R/156, Unit 9 Road No2, 07.08.2013
Bhubaneswar
2 All India Central Council of Trade Union 15.05.2008 Sri BanbihariBehera
(A.I.C.C.T.U) A-13 NagabhusanBhawan,
Ashok Nagar Bhubaneswar
2 Odisha Forest, Wood, Agriculture and Building 473-CTC, Sri Bibhudatta Mishra
construction workers Union Affiliated to 27.04.1995
A.I.T.U.C, Qr No.-3R/156, Unit-9, Road No-2,
Bhubaneswar-751022
4 Odisha KrushiEbamGraminaMazdoor Sangha, 654CTC, 13.12.1998 Sri Arun Kumar Sahu
DattatryaBhawan, Plot No-D/476, Sector-8, Sri Siba Narayan Putrohit
CDA, Cuttack-14, Odisha
5 ShramikaAdhikar Mancha, AT-Kapsipali, Po- Sri Raghunath Rana
Odiapali, Via-Khaprakhol, Dist.-Balangir, Pin-
767028
6 Badhei O Mistry Sangha Patnagarh, At- 325-SBP Sri Sunil Kumar Goel
BiswakarmaMandap, Po-Patnagarh, Dist-
Balangir
7 Biswakarma Building Construction & Wood 489-CTC-1995, Sri Krushna Chandra
Worker Union 5 RF-1, Unit-3, Road 14.07.1995 Sahu
Bhubaneswar Affiliated with I.N.T.U.C and
INBCWWF
8 Odisha NirmanMazdoor Sabha Affiliated to 851/CTC, Sri Gokul Rana
Hind Mazdoor Sabha and BWI, Qrs No-VA- 19.10.2006 Smt. Malabika Mishra
8/1, Unit-2, Bhubaneswar-751009, Odisha
9 Biswakarma Raj Mistry Sangha Ghuchepali, 330/SBP, Sri Narayan Sahu
Agalpur, Dist- Balangir 19.08.2014

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 CHAPTER XV

PLACES OF INTEREST AND TOURISM

Agalpur
Agalpur is a big village situated on the bank of river Ang with a
population of 4,237 according to 2011 census. It is now the Tehsil
Headquarter of Agalpur tehsil. It is 50 kilometer from Balangir. A straight
road connects this village with Salebhata, another village of the same tehsil
on Balangir-Baragarh route. The village was earlier a Zamindari under ex-
Patna state. The Zamindari was abolished in the year 1952 under Estate
Abolition Act, 1951.
Atgan
The village is located in the Balangir police station, 10 kilmeter to the
south-east of Balangir. It was the seat of a Zamindari, the Chief of which
belonged to the Kondh tribe. In 1937 the Zamindari of Atgan consisted of 79
villages with an area of 66 square mile excluding reserved and protected
forests.
The population of the village according to 2011 census was 1830. It is
now a Gram Panchayat Headquarter endowed with a High School and
Revenue Inspector‟s office. Atgaon comes under Puintula Block and newly
created Puintula Tehsil.
Bairasar
A village in Balangir police-station, 18 kilometer from Balangir on
Balangir-Sonepur Road. It is a junction for many villages of both Balangir
and Subarnapur district. On the road is situated an Inspection Bunglow
under National Highway Department. The Population of this village is
recorded 815 according to 2011 census.
Badmal
The place is situated on Saintala-Titilagarh road. It assumes its
significance for setting up of an ordnance factory. Late Prime Minister Smt.
Indira Gandhi laid the foundation stone of this Factory on October 29th 1984.
The factory is situated with a spread of 12,200 acres encompassing hills &
hillocks with forest clad surroundings. The vision of setting up a huge
ammunition factory dedicated to manufacture of medium and heavy calibre
ammunition has brought this backward region of KBK belt of Orissa to lime
light. The project was sanctioned in 1989. Today, this factory is one of the
youngest fully operational ordnance factories of India in the Ordnance
Factories family. The factory has a sprawling residential area of 2,360 acres
for a very well planned colony of 1541 quarters and having 1770 acres of

365
reserve forest. It boasts of a water reservoir named Dumerbahal Water
Reservoir, considered to be the pride of the project. It has an area of 1539
acres which suppies water to the Factory.
Badmal is located at a distance of 20 km from Titilagarh Railway
Junction of East Coast Railways. Keeping in view the importace of the
ordanance factory, a railway station in Badmal has also been made
functional with stoppages for Express and Superfast trains. Balangir district
headquarter is 50 km away from the factory. Entire factory area is covered
with dense forest and is declared a restricted zone with a long 28 kilometer
perimeter wall under tight secuirity.
Bangomunda
A village in Titilagrh Sub-division located thirty Kilometer north-west of
Titilagrh connecting Sindhekela, Kantabanji, and Khariar in Nuapada District.
Bangomunda road is also connected with Muribahal. The village comprised
mainly of Adivasi families and was the seat a Zamindari under ex-Patna
State. Bangomunda is a Block and Tehsil headquarter, with other
Government offices. Population of Bangomunda according to 2011 Census
is 5,759.
Belpara
It is a village with a police-station at a distance of 23 kilometer south-
west of Patnagarh on Patnagarh-Kanatabanji Road. It is a meeting place of
various roads; different roads from here lead to Turekela, Kantabanji,
Deogaon, Patnagarh and Khaprakhol. Situated on the north bank of the river
Lanth, the village comprises mainly of Bhulia (weaver) population. It has a
Block office and a Headquarter for Tehsil. A privately run High School, a
College, a Hospital and a Rest House are located here. It is a big village with
population of 9454 according to 2011 census and is considered one of most
populated villages in Balangir district. Many urban characteristic features are
found here as it is developed to be a growing business center. Bhulia caste
population are mostly business class people in the village. The village
Goddess Barabhai Lanth is widely revered and worshipped in this area.
Balangir
The existence of Balangir dates back to 16th century. It was an obscure
village till 1871 when the Court of Wards administration during the minority
of the then Ruler Ram Chandra Deo III shifted the capital from Patna-garh to
Balangir. Immediate steps were taken to build a planned township. Balangir
town was a planned town, the plan being prepared by Pandit Chintamani
Nanda Bidyabhusan for a square-shaped town equipped with roads criss-
crossing one another at right angles was accepted and the new township
was constructed to the south of the old village. Balangir was selected to be

366
headquarters not only because of its climate but also for its admirable
location on the route connecting the headquarters of Sambalpur with that of
Kalahandi. Sir Douglas, the then Deputy Commissioner of Sambalpur, got
the sanction of the Government and transferred the headquarters from
Patnagarh to the new town of Balangir in 1872. Old Balangir is now known
as JunhaDihi meaning the old house site.
The Ex-rulers of the State built dispensary, many office buildings
including present Collectotrate building, established High English School and
Dalganjan Press. Other contributions made by the rulers are excavations of
big tanks called Karanga Kata, Pratapsagar and Gopalji temple. A beautiful
temple of God Nrusingha was also built during the time. Balangir grew in
size and grandeur during the rule of Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo who
established a High English School, a Sanskrit Tol, George Literary Club and
fine temple of Samaleswari. New Palace building called Sailasri Palace was
constructed amidst charming background of green hills.
There are a number of temples in the town. Some of the important ones
include Pateneswari temple wherein is worshipped Goddess Patneswari
believed to be the Presiding Diety of Balangir, Lokanath Baba Temple,
Jagganath Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple and Durga Temple. The town
also has places of worship for other religions and sects. Sunni Masjid for
Muslims is located in Tikra para, and one Gurudwara for Sikh people is
located on Ramai talakies road. Several Churches are also there in the
town. Prominent among them are Roman Catholic Church at Rugudipada
and Protestant church near College Chowk.
A hill-stream named as Lakshmi flowing on her rocky bed takes a
serpentine course in the town. The stream has been bridged at three
different places as the town extends on the left bank at Adarsha Pada of the
town.
Balangir town has a population of 98,948 according to 2011 census.
Balangir town is an important trade centre in western Odisha and is well
connected with many cities of India through railways. The headquarter town
has bus connectivity with all parts of the district as well as other district
headquarters. One of the oldest colleges namely Rajendra College was set
up in the year 1944. There is a women‟s college in the town. One
Government Ayurvedic College functions in Tulsinagar of the town.
Presently the town has a private Engineering college, diploma engineering
college, polytechnics, Industrial training institutes, many Odia and English
medium schools, One central school (Kendriya Vidyalaya No-2) and a law
college. Food Craft Institute functions as State Institute of Hotel
Management with its own infrastructure. It has a Municipal Council.
Construction of a medical college is also underway. Bar Association of

367
Balangir and other intellectuals have demanded setting up of High court
bench in Balangir for quite some years keeping in view of the long distance
from Odisha High Court at Cuttack.
Chudapali
A village on the Balangir-Patnagarh Road in Balangir Sadar police-
station. It is situated twenty kilometer to the west of Balangir. The place is
important for setting up of an Ashram School for education of the tribal
students. Population of this village is 2,921 according to 2011 census.
Deogaon
A village in Tusra police-station on Balangir-Titilagarh Road, 18
kilometer south of Balangir. Different roads lead from here towards Tusra in
the east and Muribahal Railway station in the west. Deogaon is located on
the left bank of the Sonegar river which has been bridged. The bridge is
named as Wheeler bridge after Sir Henry Wheeler, the then Lieutenant
Governor of Bengal, who opened it at the time of his visit to the ex-Patna
State during the rule of Maharaja Pruthviraj Singh Deo.
Deogaon as well as its surrounding area is very rich from the
archaeological point of view. Many brick mounds and collapsed temple sites
179
and a fortified township locally called Itagarh is found here. In and around
th th
Yogisagar we found a number of sculptures ascribable to 7 and 8 century
th
AD on systematic consideration. Deogaon finds mention in a record of 5
century AD when the Parvatadwaraka dynasty was ruling on the right bank
of the river Rahul and Tel. Various antiquities in the shape of pottery, semi-
precious stone beads, broken sculptures etc. have been found in its
180
vicinity. The sculpture of a royal personage with sword and shield in both
hands is kept inside the Siva temple. It was believed to be the sculpture of a
181
royal person belonging to the Kalachuri dynasty.
.
There is a big tank here called Jogi Sagar with an area of 104 6 acres.
Lotus flowers blossom luxuriantly in the tank. The population of the village
according to 2011 Census was 2,138. It is a Tehsil headqurters with Block
office.
Dhandamunda
A village in Khaprakhol police-station, situated on the Patnagarh-
Harisankar Road. It is about 10 kilometer north-east of Khaprakhol and 12
kilometer south-east of Harisankar. On every Nrusimha Chatrudasi
(fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of Baisakh) day, a large fair is held at

179
OHRJ- XXXVI- Nos.3, 4, P. 40-43
180
C.B. Patel. op.cit. P. 240
181
D.Chopdar- NAHO-VIII- P. 23
368
Harisankar and pilgrims on their way witness a festival called Harihara
Bheta. Population of the village is 3,360 according to 2011 census.
Dharpagad
A village in Saintala police-station situated about 16 kilometer south-
west of Saintala. It is an old village inhabited mostly by Dal Khonds, whose
chief was formerly exercising the power of a Zamindar. The villagers point
out an old papal tree that commemorates the settlement of the Chauhan
family in the village. There is a big tank called Dasmati Sagar, covering an
area of 119 acres, equipped with stone embankment and bathing ghats. The
villagers believe the tank to be the habitant of some water nymph and as
such considered sacred. The bank of the tank is studded with shrines
dedicated to Chandi, Duarsuni, Samalai, Pataneswari, Siva and Vishnu, all
of whom are worshipped by non-Brahmins. There are some Brahmin settlers
in the village, who have come from Sonepur during the early part of this
century. The Jagannath temple inside the village is managed by Brahmins. It
is now a Gram Panchayat headquarter. Population of the village according
to 2011 Census is 2,098.
Dudka
A village where Block office of Agalpur is situated. The road from
Salebhata to Agalpur passes through Dudka which is eight kilometer from
Salebhata and twelve kilometer from Agalpur. The village is situated on the
southern bank of Ang river and is populated mostly by Agharia cultivators. it
is noted for cotton and sugarcane cultivation. Population of the village
according to 2011 Census is 3,137.
Ghasian
A village located on the right bank of the Suktel in Patnagarh police-
station. Majority of the people are Gouda by caste. According to tradition,
Maharaja Narasimha Deo awarded this village to one Ghasiani (Sweeper
woman) for the service rendered at the time of confinement of the Rani. A
pre-Chauhan inscription found near Someswara temple of Patnagarh
reveals that king Someswara belonging to Telugu-Choda family (12th
century A. D.) donated the village Ghasrani in Patna Dandapata for
perpetual supply of flower garlands to God Someswara The name Ghasian
is believed to have been derived from Ghasrani. This indicates that the
village is quite old and it existed long before the approach of Chauhans to
Patnagarh. This village is now a Panchayat headquarter. The population of
the village Ghasian according to 2011 census is 3,223.
Harishankar
A place of pilgrimage on the southern slope of the Gandhamardan hills
which stand along Balangir-Bargarh border. It is located in Khaprakhol
369
police-station and is approachable by a road from Khaprakhol which is well-
connected by roads with Patnagarh and Balangir in the east and Lathor on
the Raipur-Vizianagram railway in the south. The Railway Station at Lathor
bears the name Harisankar Road. Harisankar is 30 kilometer from
Harisankar Road Railway Station. Harishankar is also approachable from
Padampur in Baragarh district via Patnagarh or Dhandamunda.

Harishankar Temple

The Gandhamardan hills extend over several kilometers in east-west

direction. On the northern side of the hill range inside Bargarh district is
situated the famous Nrusimhanath temple. On its southern slope almost at
the foot of the hills is located Harisankar. Harisankar and Nrusimhanath are
linked by a difficult path across densely wooded mountainous tract. The
track, about 16 kilometers in length, is rarely traversed except by pilgrims on
the auspicious occasion of Nrusingha Chaturdasi. They consider a journey
on the route to and from Harisankar as most sacred.
Harisankar has an additional charm of being a place of uncommon
natural beauty, with a high range of hills serves as a background of forest
clad surroundings with some perennial springs and successive water falls.
A perennial stream trickles down the slope of the hills and at one point
forms a small waterfall called Papanasini (the destroyer of sin). Piligrims
enjoy a sacred bath in this waterfall. The fall does not attain any great
height. A natural pool capable of storing 3 to 4 feet of water is formed here
by a hollow in the liege granite bed. The surplus water rolls down the bed
which descends like a flight of steps. Near the pool is installed a figure of
dancing Ganesh.

370
 th
The main temple of Harisankar built in the 15 century AD is
dedicated to Lord Shiva which stands down the stream beside the flow.
There is a myth related to the construction of the temple. Once an old man,
belonging to Kandha tribe while digging out some roots in that spot came
across a stone underneath which a spring was oozing out. That night he
saw in dream Lord Siva's presence at the place where he found the stone.
The Kandha narrated his experience before the Ruler Ramai Deo who
himself had a similar dream. A temple was thereafter built there to enshrine
Siva. Close to the main temple of Harisankar there are two small
temples—one dedicated to Bhairavi, a form of Sakti of Lord Siva and the
other, to Lord Jagannath. Inside the Bhairavi temple there is a stone image
containing a small inscription in proto Odiya script.
N.K. Sahu has identified Gandhmardan hill with Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li or
Khandagiri of the account of Hueuntsang. The hill is considered as a
reservoir of valuable medicinal herbs. Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li used to be a great
vihara of the Mahayanists and attained popularity as a centre of Buddhist
learning due to the contribution of Nagarjuna and Arayadeva. The monastery
is equipped with cloisters and fifty halls. The halls were in five tiers each with
four courts with temples containing golden life size images of Buddha of
182
perfect artistic beauty. By the side of the monastery there was a stupa. A
Jain image is also found at Harishankar, however, with the increasing
popularity of Saivism, Buddhism and Jainism gradually declined.
Numerous sculptures housed in the tiles shed near the temple are
found at Harishankar and many of them on stylistic consideration can be
th th
assigned to a period between 6 -8 century CE. The present outer gate of
the temple is heavily plastered suggesting its close resemblance with the
gateway of Mukteswar temple of Bhubaneswar in design which shows that
183
probably a temple existed here in early medieval period. As stated by P.C.
Rath the present temple at Harishankar built by Queen Durlabha Devi, wife
of Baijal Deo of Chauhan dynasty (1413 CE) must have been built on the
184
ruins of an old monument.
The name Harisankar signifies the confluence of the cults of
Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
Harisankar is visited by pilgrims mainly on two occasions. As usual,
Sivaratri attracts a fair gathering on the spot. But the most crowded festival
here is on Nrusingha Chaturdasi (the fourteenth day in the bright fortnight of
Baisaklut) when thousands of devotees from far and near throng the place.
The day is also observed at Nrusimhanath temple where a greater number

182
Thomas Watters - Vol. II- P. 201
183
C.B. Patel - Op-cit. P. 248-54
184
J.K.H.R.S- Vol. I- P. 227-34
371
of people gather for performing religious rites and rituals. Many pilgrims
consider it their duty to visit both the sacred spots on the same day and
traverse the hills on foot.
The Rulers of Ex-Patna state utilized this place as summer resort. In
the summer when the temperature records above 42 degree Celsius, one
finds Harishankar moderately cool. Near Harisankar there is an inspection
Bungalow maintained by the Forest Department. Construction of Panthnivas
of tourism department has also been completed. A revenue rest shed is also
constructed there. A panthasala is maintained by Block Development
Officer, Khaprakhol. To make the place more attractive for tourists Forest
Department also manages a deer park near Forest Bungalow in
Harishankar.
Jarashigha
The village is situated in Tusra police-station and is approachable
from Tusra and Deogaon. Now it comes under the revenue jurisdiction of
newly created Deogaon Tehsil. It is notable for the Patkhanda Jatra (fair)
which is held during Dussehra festival. Jarasingha used to be a
Khorposhdari Estate, created by Maharaja Ram Chandra Singh Deo (1765-
1820). At the time of the Settlement of 1937, the estate comprised of 228
villages with an area of 242 square miles excluding reserved and protected
forest. Jarasingha comes under Deogaon Block and Tehsil. It is a Panchayat
headquarter and has an Office of Revenue Inspector, a college, a High
school and other institutions. Population of this village according to 2011
census is 2,548.
Jogisarda
The village in Loisinga police-station, seven kilometer from Loisinga is
famous for the temple of Jogeswar Siva. There is a beautiful tank called
Deulabandha near the temple. The temple and the Bandha were constructed
by the former Zamindars of Loisinga. Jogeswar Siva is widely renowned not
only in Balangir district but also in the neighbouring districts of Bargarh and
Subarnapur and devotees throng the place in large number to perform
penance by fasting days together and lying prostrate on the floor of the
temple with the hope of getting boons. The population of the village as per
2011census is 1,562.
Kantabanji
This town came into existence soon after the railway line from
Vizianagaram to Raipur was laid in the year 1937. It is a trade center with
important railhead in Titilagarh Sub-division. The distance from Balangir is
85 kilometer by road and 50 kilometer from Titilagarh. Timber was being
exported earlier from this place. Formerly, a locoshed was functioning in the

372
spacious area of railway department near railway station. The town is well
connected to many cities like Raipur, Nagpur, Mumbai and Delhi. This town
is administered by a Notified Area Council. It is a Tehsil headquarter with
other offices like police station, Office of Executive Engineer, Road and
buildings, a sub-treasury and office of Commercial Tax Officer. A court of
JMFC also functions here. Population of the town according to 2011 census
is 22,819. 92% of the population are hindus, 3% muslims and less than 1%
population Sikhs living in the town.
Loisinga
A fairly big village with a police-station situated on the Bargarh-Balangir
road 18 kilometer to the north of Balangir. It has a railway station on the
Sambalpur-Titilagarh line. Loisinga is an old village. It finds mention in a
Copper Plate grant of the Somavamsi king Janamejaya who ruled in the 9th
century A.D. Loisinga, during later times, became the seat of an Adivasi
Zamindar under the Chauhan ruler of Patna. At the time of the settlement of
1937, the Zamindari of Loisinga consisted of 51 villages with an area of 57
square miles excluding the reserved and protected forest. The Zamindari
was abolished in 1952 under the Orissa Estates Abolition Act. Every year in
the month of Margasir a festival called „Kandado Jatra‟ is held here when on
this occasion large number of Gonds flock to the place. Population of the
village according to 2011 Census was 6,220. Loisingha is tehsil headquarter
with a Panchayat Samiti Office, a college, and other institutions.
Mahagaon
Mahagaon is situated some 10 km away from Titilagarh in between
Ranipur –Jharial and Titilagarh. There is one unique seated male figure in
the posture Yogasana found in the western side of Mahagaon Siva Temple.
It is of the height of 2‟ and breadth of 18”. On the pedestal a bull is carved in
the profile and in both sides there are two human figures. There is an oval
shaped lotus petalled prabhavali behind his head. This figure has Kundals
worn in his ears. In his raised upper left hand he holds a Danda while in his
upper right hand, he holds an akasamala. Both his lower hands are placed
on his thighs. It seems to be the yoga Dakshinamurti of lord Siva. Another
sculpture of considerable importance found at Mahagaon is the dancing
185
figure of a Bhairava with Urdhalinga. It is a unique figure of the Urdhalinga
(penis erectus) dancing Bhairava and has got much similarity with that of a
dancing Bhairava enshrined in the pillared Mandap amidst the Chausathi
Yogini at Ranipur –Jharial.
186
Circumstantial evidences, remnants of
varieties of antiquities as well as our preliminary investigation suggest that
there was possibility of human settlement in this region in the hoary past.

185
OHRJ- Vol.XXXX, No. 1-4, P-66
186
OHRJ- Vol.XXXX-No. 1-4, P-65
373
Further, Kharligarh, Asurgarh (where we find traces of human settlement)
are not far away from the site. But a proper and thorough investigation is yet
required to garner more knowledge on the matter and the historical
significance thereof.
Muribahal
A village in Kantabanji police-station situated 18 kilometer north-west of
Titilagarh. Roads from this place lead to Deogaon, Titilagarh and
Bangomunda. It is also a Railway Station on the Raipur-Vizianagaram line
and a business centre. Muribahal is a Tehsil as well as Block headquarter
with a public Health centre, police out-post and other educational institutions
including a plus two college. Population of the village according to 2011
Census is 2,801.
Patnagarh
Headquarter town of a subdivision of the same name is situated 40
kilometer west of Balangir. Roads from Patnagarh run in different directions
to Lorambha, Khaprakhol, Belpara and Mandal. Patnagarh is well connected
to Padampur, Paikmal, and Nrusingnath of Baragarh District. Patnagarh
used to be the Capital town of the Kingdom of Patna under the Chauhan rule
from its foundation in the middle of the 14th century A. D. till 1872 when
Balangir became the seat of the Durbar Government. Patnagarh is long
since known as Kaunri Patna or Kumari Patna after the seven Tantric
maidens who lived in this township for some time and practised esoteric
rites.
The fort area of Patnagarh is of archeological importance. On the east
of the fort there was a high platform. The fort is a square one with mud
ramparts surrounded by a moat. A ruined brick temple stood on a stone
basement is found near the main gate facing north. The ruined brick temple
which is of stellate plan is the oldest archaeological remains of the fort.
Patnagarh or Kuanripatna has enjoyed the status of an urban settlement and
it has passed through the rule of many royal dynasties. The Kosalesvar Siva
temple of Patnagarh consists of a Vimana, Mukhasala and Nandi mandapa
in front of the Jagamohana hall. The design of an umbrella shaped semi-
circular medallion in the inner side of the temple can be ascribed to early
187
days of the Somavansi rule in this part of Odisha.
The town has some fine temples, notable among which are the temple
of Someswara ascribed to king Someswara 11 of the 12th century A. D. and
of Pataneswari, ascribed to Ramai Deo the first Chauhan king belonging to
the 14th century A. D. The temples of Jagannath and Samaleswari were
built by later Chauhan rulers. Close to the temples of Someswara and

187
C.R.Das - Temples of Orissa, Delhi, 1982, P. 42
374
Pataneswari there is a raised platform with a flight of steps. It is reported that
the throne of the Rulers of Patna was being placed on this platform and as
such it is known as Simhasanavedi. On a smooth stone on the first step of
the platform is found a small inscription which reveals the rule of the king.

Patneswari Temple, Patnagarh

It is now being mangaged by a Notified Area Council, and has few

decent streets and fine buildings. The court building is probably the oldest
one in the district. There is a College named after Jawaharlal Nehru, late
Prime Minister of India. The town has a population of 21,024 according to
2011 census.
Ranipur and Jharial
They are in fact two adjacent villages in Sindhekela police-station
approachable by a well-maintained road from Titilagarh. J. D. Beglar, who
visited it during his tour in 1874-75 has left a graphic account of the place.
There are extensive ruins of medieval monuments at Ranipur-Jharial.
There is an outcrop of fiat rocks on which large numbers of temples are
perched. The out-crop forms a gently rising elevation of about 200 feet at its
highest point. At the south-western side of the rocks a tank has been formed
by embanking the valley. The existing ruins cover a space of about half a
mile long and quarter of a mile wide. Beglar counted 57 temples on the spot
near the bank of the tank in various stages of preservation. He recorded that
there were in ancient times about 120 temples at that place. At present
hardly 50 temples could be counted and most of them are found in decaying
condition. The largest temple of the group is that of Someswara Siva, which
375
stands on the hank of the tank. It was constructed by a famous Saiva
Acharya named Gagana Siva whose inscription is found on the lintel of the
temple. At Ranod in Madhya Pradesh, we find an important inscription of a
Saiva Acharya named Vyoma Siva, who may be identified with Gagana Siva
of Someswara temple inscription at Ranipur-Jharial. Vyomasiva is variously
named in the Ranod inscription, such as Gaganesa, Vyomasambhu and
Gagana Sasimauli. So Gagana Siva may also be a variant of his name. In
Someswara inscription, Gagana Siva is described as well-versed in all the
Saiva Sidhantas and as the disciple of Isana Saivacharya, who was the
head of the establishment of Valkeswara Karahata and was emigrant of
Karanjakheta. Karahata has been identified with Karahad in Maharastra and
Karanjakheta is very likely the same as modern Karanjia in Mayurbhanj
district. Gagana Siva calls himself as an imigrant of Teramba Griha which
was situated to the North (Uttara Teramba Griha). Teramba Griha is
mentioned as Teramba in an old inscription at Ranod. Some scholars have
identified Terambi with Terahi in Madhya Pradesh. But it may be identified
with the village Termra on the Tong Jor about seven miles to the north of
Ranipur-Jharial.
If Gagana Siva is identical with Vyoma Siva, he may be regarded as
the author of Vyomamati, a commentary on Prasastapada's Bhashya on the
Vaiseshika system. Famous scholars of medieval India like Gunaratna and
Rajsekhara have referred to Vyomamati. The Editors of Kavyamimamsa
(written by Rajasekhara) are of opinion that the author lived about 880-920
A. D. In the Ranod inscription Gagana Siva is compared with Sankaracharya
who probably died in 820 A.D. So Vyoma Siva alias Gagana Shiva may be
attributed to the middle of the 9th century A. D. and that is also the date of
the Someswara temple of Ranipur-Jharial.
Gagana Siva belonged to the Matta Mayura School of Saivism which
was once popular in Odisha. The genealogy of the preceptor of Matta
Mayurantha, the propounder of this School of Saivism is stated below.
Kadamba Guhadhivasin (Inhabitant of Kadamba Guha)
Sankhamathikadhipati (The Lord of Sankha Matha) Terambipala (The
protector of Terambi)
Amardakatittha Natha (The Lord of AmardakaTirtha) Matta Mayura
Natha
Some of the places associated with these Acharyas may be identified
in Odisha. Kadambaguha may be the same as Kadamba Giri in Vaddadi
(Koraput district). Sankhamatha may be identified with Puri which is called
Sankhatirtha, Terambi or Teramba is the same as Tamra near Ranipur-
Jharial and Amardaka Tirtha may be identified with Amarda in Mayurbhanj
district. In the Ranod inscription, we find description of places called
376
Ranipadra which was the seat of a famous matha. This Ranipadra is
probably no other than Ranipur-Jharial of Balangir district.
As a monumental site of antiquarian value, Ranipur Jharial is located
on a rocky outcrop having great historical importance. No other place in
Western Odisha is known so far to display such a large variety of temples
and antiquities as these are observed in this monumental centre. Varieties
th
of temples, sculptures, lithic inscription and antiquities ranging between 6
th
and 16 century AD establish an imperishable testimonial of the cultural
efflorescence of Mattamayura, Saivism, Vaishavism, Saktism, Yogini cult,
Tantric Buddhism and many other minor cults found in thick cluster in this
place. In fact, it is a citadel of glorious cultural reminiscences of the district
188
of Balangir.
The Someswar temple is a modest stone structure built on the edge of
189
a rocky surface and there is an inscription on the lintel. The inscription
records the construction of the temple by Acharya Gagana Siva and
th
paleographically the inscription belongs to 10 century. The temple with an
approximate height of 25‟ shows a least modified and easy survival of Gupta
norm in a single square tri-ratha sanctuary roofed by a curvilinear tower with
buttressed stand on a low plinth and is divided horizontally into pabhaga,
jungha and Gandi. The Pabhaga has a single projection. The
Parswadevata niches are absent on jungha except on the West arm side.
The Sikhara is without decoration. The mastaka consists of beki, amalaka
and Khapuri but Kalasa and ayudha are missing. A narrow antarala
connects the garbhagriha with Mukhasala. In the Mukhasala stand four
pillars supporting the ceiling of the roof. The base of the central pillar is of a
Khura design. The Mukhasala is also without decoration.
The temple of 64 yoginis is of special interest not only from the stand
point of antiquity but also for its religious significance. This is a hypaethral
temple with niches to enshrine 64 yoginis. In the middle there is a figure of
three-faced Shiva embracing Parbati. Out of 64 yoginis only 48 are in site
and the rest are completely broken or removed. The cult of yogini worship
was prevalent in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha in the 9th Century A. D. At
Bheraghat near Jabalpur as well as at Khajuraho we find similar temples of
64 yoginis belonging to the same period. In Odisha besides Ranipur-Jharial
another hypaethral temple of 64 yoginis was built at Hirapur on the river
Bhargavi in Puri district. Detailed description of the Yoginis of Ranipur-

U.C. Majhi – History and Culture of Ex-Patna State: A Study (Unpublished Ph.D
188

thesis, S.U., 1912,

PP – 282-285
189
EI – XXIV. Ganjam Grant of Madhavaraja II( Sailodbhava dynasty) – PP –
207-209
377
Jharial can be found from the Report of Beglar given as Appendix I at the
end of the chapter.
Another important monument of Ranipur-Jharial is the Brick temple
dedicated to Vishnu. It is in a dilapidated condition, its Jagamohana being
completely broken and although the top of Vimana is now gone, the present
height of it is nearly 60 feet. The temple stands on a platform made of sand-
stone which according to Beglar was 90 feet long and 37 feet wide. The
presiding deity of the temple is not found at present, but the images of
Varaha, Narasimha and Hanuman are still to be seen on the outer walls of
the Vimana. These sculptures indicate that it was originally a Vishnu temple.
In the Vamana Purana we find reference to a sacred place (Thirtha) in Utkal
known as Somatirtha, where Siva named Somasitala and Gopal were being
worshipped. Somasitala is probably the same as Someswara whose temple
as noted above was built by Gagan Siva and the brick temple very likely
enshrined the image of Gopal. Somatirtha of Vamana Purana may therefore
be identified with Ranipur-Jharial.
Saintala
A village on the Balangir-Titilagarh road situated at 21 mile to south of
Balangir. It has also a railway station on the Sambalpur-Titilagarh line. The
village is notable for an old Chandi temple which is now in ruins. The
goddess who is a form of Mahisharnardini Durga has now been installed on
the mound formed by the ruins of her former temple some sculptural pieces
and the broken door jamb with the figures of Ganga and Jamuna have been
preserved and they indicate a high standard of workmanship of the old
temple. Two broken images of Vishnu surrounded by his ten incarnations
have been discovered in the village and those have been attributed to the
9th century A. D. The fact that the ideology of ten incarnations of Vishnu was
known in this part as early as the 9th century A. D. is very significant
especially because such ideology had not been developed in the coastal
region of Odisha in that period. Saintala has a police-station and a P. W. D.
Inspection Bungalow.
Salebhata
A village in Loisinga police-station on the Bargarh-Balangir road
situated 20 mile north of Balangir. It is situated on the right bank of the Ang
where the river is spanned by a beautiful bridge. It being the border village of
the ex-Patna State, toll was being collected here during Durbar
administration. On the bank of river Ang, there were two medeaval temples,
one dedicated to Chandi and the other to Sun God. The Chandi temple is
now non-existent, while the temple of Sun has been completely renovated
and a marble stone image of the god was installed inside it. Close to this
temple stands a broken image of twenty armed Mahishamardini Durga

378
beautifully chiselled out of red sand-stone. It is a unique piece of sculpture
and is being worshipped on ceremonial occasions. An Inspection Bungalow
is located on the bank of Ang river. Population of the village is recorded
3,571 in 2011 Census.
Sindhekela
A village with a police-station in Titilagarh Subdivsion two miles north of
Under river. A road from Kantabanji leads to this place via Bangomunda and
proceeds further to meet the Bhawanipatna-Khariar road south of the river.
The village is a trade centre of local importance. It has a High School and a
rest-shed. Population of the village according to 2011 Census is 5,734.
Sountpur
Sountpur is a small village located some 10 km away from Balangir
town is of considerable importance. The Jatesingha Dunguri plates mention
about the Santovaradi Khanta which is identified with Sauntpur which is not
far away from Kisarkela (located between the river Suktel and rivulet Nivritti,
190
in the east of Balangir Town). In the outskirts of the village there are
remnants of temple pillars, one broken Nava graham panel, elephant motif,
temple doorway, motif with lotus scroll, base moulding of temple pillars as
well as loose sculptures of Arddhanarisvara, Bhairava, Ganesa, Trivikrama
Vishnu etc. Here we find the existence of Vaisnavism, saivism and
191
Saktism. Further, a broken four handed Ganesa is found to be seated in
ardhaparayankasana is found in southern parsvadevata niche of the
Mahagaon temple, The Ganesa is without any ornamentation which signifies
that it is an early representation of Ganesa from the econographic point of
view. In the Mahagaon temple one panel containing Astagraha is kept in the
open room attached to the sanctum sanctorium. This seems to be the only
Astagraha panel in the upper Mahanadi valley of Odisha.
Titilagarh
Headquarter town of a Sub-division of the same name located 66
kilometer south-west of Balangir, with which it is connected by both rail and
road. Titilagarh is a railway junction, being the meeting place of the Raipur-
Vizianagaram and the Sambalpur-Titilagarh lines. This town is one of the
important commercial centres of the distrct. Few industries like GKW
Powmex Steels, Rasbah Mining Private Limited are established near
Titilagarh town. This Place like Kantabanji also connects to many important
cities of India. Being a Sub-divisional headquarter, other Government

190
E.I XXII. Mahakosala Hostorical Society, Plate Kusarkella Mahabhivagupta PP
135 -138
191
J.K.H.R.S- Vol. II, No. 2, Sept 1947, PP 12-13
379
offices, Subdivisional hospital and educational institutions are there in
Titilagarh. It has a Municipal council.
It is one of the hottest towns in summer. The temperature rises beyond
45 degree Celsius. Rising in temperature in the town is attributed to
intopography. Titilagarh and nearby areas have many hillocks of Granite,
rocky surface and depletation of forests led to rise in temperatutre during
summer.
Titilagarh is a very old town. Its antiquity dates back to the days of
Panini, the famous Gramarian of 5th century B. C. who refers to Taitila
Janapada of which Taitila or the modern Titilagarh was one of the
headquarters.
The cave temple, described by Beglar has a pillared hall in the front, a
construction of about 1900 A.D. This hall is 38' 7" by 28'7". In front of the
hall, there is a „Jupa Stambha‟ with remains of a sacrificial pit (Homa
Kunda).
To the north-west of the cave temple is a newly built temple wherein a
Sati-pillar is worshipped as Chandi. On the crest of the Kumuda hill is a
temple called Rangi Deur with images inside. Sivaratri festival is observed at
Kumuda for a week when a large Mela (fair) is held at the place. Population
of the town according to 2011 Census is 34,067.
Turekela
The village is in Titilagarh Sub-division and is headquarter of the police-
station. It is connected by roads with Patnagarh, Kantabanji and Harisankar
road which is the nearest railway station. The place is beautifully located
amidst a dense forest. Turekela is a block headquarter. Population of the
village according to 2011 Census is 2,184.
Tusra
A village in Balangir Subdivision with a police-station. It is situated near
the western bank of Tel and is connected by separate roads with Balangir,
Deogaon, Saintala and Belgan. Tusra possesses some traditions about its
former glory. Local historian Erroneon sly connects the name of the village
with Tosali or sometimes with `Tamasulia' of Hathigumpha Inscription and
claims the place to be the capital of Kalinga. About five mile from this place
is a village called Kharligarh, which is claimed as the degenerated form of
Kharvelagarh or the fort of Kharvel. Antiquity of Kharligarh comprises a large
medieval fort of burnt bricks of larger sizes, now in ruins. It is reported that
the fort walls originally were about 90' wide and 70' high. The history of the
fort is not known. Tusra is noted for its local trade. A weekly market is held
here on every Friday when people from Baudh, Kandhamal and Kalahandi

380
districts assemble to carry on business. Population of the village according
to 2011 Census is 4,823.
Chausathi Yogini Temple
The circular and the hypaethral Yogini temple in Ranipur – Jharial is
perched upon a rocky floor. The exterior circumference of its wall is
measured 169‟ – 3” in length while its inner circumference is measured 145‟
– 11”. A small mandapa roof is perched upon the rocky floor at the centre of
the Yogini temple. This pavilion exhibits on its surface image of Nataraja
Siva with three faces, eight hands and erectus penis. The image holds by his
two hands a serpent and by the other six hands a rosary, a skull, a trident, a
pot etc. and the image of Ganesa. Nandi and eight handed parvati are also
found there. The hypaethral Yogini temple exhibits on the inner side of its
circular wall 64 niches and they are poised to start their dance with the
divine dancer (Siva). Each of the niches is measured 1‟6” in breadth and
3‟2” in height. Presently, 48 niches contain images. Ranipur – Jharial was
the ancient Someswara Linga- Adipitha depicted in Yogini tantra. The term
Adipitha or Primal centre in the Yogini tantra must signify the first place for
192 th
the tantric veneration of the Yoginis. The temple could be dated to 10
193
century AD.

Chausathi Yogini Temple

R. P. Mishra – Fragments in Indian culture – PP – 425-426

192

C. L. Fabri – History of the art of Orissa, 1974 – P – 76, V. Dehija – Jogini Cult
193

and temples. 1986, P – 11

381
Indralath Brick Temple
The most unique specimen of post-Gupta brick structure of the site is
the Indralath brick temple. It is Pancharatha in Plan and has voussoir
194
arch. This temple closely resembles with the Laksmana temple at Sirpur,
Savari Temple at Kharod, Keutan temple at Pujaripali. From stylistic
consideration and height the temple at Ranipur – Jharial is the tallest among
all brick temples. It represents the swan song of a once vigorous tradition
195
transplated on Odishan soil. The temple consists of a vimana and a
Jogamohana. The stone door frame used in the temple is of the same type
of Laksmaneswar temple at Sirpur. The door frame was of carved stone,
196
similar to the door frame of the brick temple in the central provinces. The
garbhagriha stand supported by four stone pillars. Ceiling carved with a
beautifully designed lotus is found in the sanctum. There is no well-marked
division between the bada and Gandi. The mastaka portion is completely
damaged. Fine themes of Indian epics and puranas are found on the
exterior wall of this temple. In the opinion of
K. N. Mahapatra as all other temples of this place belong to Saivism, it may
be taken as the only Vaisnava monument, which is called the temple of
197
Gopala in the Vamana Purana. There is close resemblance between the
198
Indralath brick temple and Vishnu temple of Bhitargaon.

Indralath Brick Temple

194
P. K. Agrawal – Gupta Temple Architecture – P – 49
195
T. Donaldson – “Decorative Programme of the Super Structure on the Orissan,
Rekha Deul”. Sidelights on the History and Culture of Orissa. M. N. Das (ed), P –
586
196
ASI – 1908 – 09, P – 14
197
O.H.R.J – Vol. XXIII, Nos – 1 – 4, P – 91
J. Fergusson – History of Indian Archaeology – Vol. I, P – 327 ff
198

382
 Another brick temple (Chhelia temple) of eight angled star is found near
Ranipur – Jharial. At present only the base upto the plinth level exists.
There are no sculptures available to be associated with the shrine. This
199
temple seems to be of the same period of the Budhi Komna temple.
Bhima Dunguri
It is located in a scenic place. There are some places of interest at the
hill (Dunguri) itself. One of them is called Baba Math where Bhim Baba is
worshipped. This is also a good picnic spot. Large number of visitors gather
here.
Bhimdunguri is situated in Deogaon Block under Tusra Police Station
which is hardly 20 Km away from the district headquarter. The Dunguri is
famous for its natural beauty as well as caves lie scattered at different
places of the hilly area. The panoramic view of this area is unparallel during
the spring season, the beautiful landscape being a special attraction for
tourists. Some images of deities are found at various part of the hill and this
might be a ritual spot associated with the cult of mother goddess. We found
few antiquities and potteries as well as a broken brick structure in a
dilapidated condition nearby the cave. A linear representation of an unknown
figure is found which is placed around 30 ft from the main passage. The
upper portion of the cave in Bhimdunguri is engraved with linear grooves,
geometrical patterns and other marks like square, rectangle, cross, circle
etc. but the most dominant is the mark resembling female genital engraved
in a stone. We also found some stone sockets, ring stones etc. in the area.
There is also evidence of megalithism in some stone boulders in one part of
the hill top of Bhimdunguri. Other important findings include remains of
hearth with reed marks, hand stone and mullers, perforated stones, burnt
bricks ( 18” X 8”X5” ) etc. Further, from Gudvella to Arjunpur there is a
chain of hills with numbers of caves, forts etc.
Local people here celebrate Girigobardhan Puja during the month of
Kartika purnima every year with great pomp and gaiety. Side by side Mela
and Sankirtan are also organized on this auspicious occasion. There is also
a good all weather motorable road connected to this place from Balangir
town. This place has been identified as tourist centre in the district by
Department of Tourism & Culture. The place, however, needs further
development in terms of connectivity and accommodation.

199
N.K. Sahu – OP. Cit. P – 41
383
Kusangai Temple
The Temple of Kusang is Pancharatha in plan. The entire structure is
divided into three parts Bada, Gandi and Mastaka. It is standing on a stone
platform. The pabhaga looks like a broad moulding. The Raha section in the
east, west and south sides are converted into parsva devata niches. The
Bandhaba portion consists of two mouldings of Khura and Pata which occur
in between lower and upper Jangha. In the Raha portion Vyala figures are
placed on three sides on projected platform. The Gandi is surrounded by a
Pancharatha Bisama consisting of Beki , a huge amalaka, a Khapuri and
200
one Kalasa. In the northern outer wall of the Jagamohan is fitted a panel
depicting the Bhoga Murti of Vishnu. In design Kusangai Temple is a proto
type of the Nrusinghanath temple near Padampur Subdivision and has got
much similarity with the Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar. The Kusangai
temple can be placed in the last part of the Somavansi rule. Remnants of
different varieties of antiquities as well as preliminary investigation suggest
that there is possibility of human settlement in this region in distant past.
Kumuda Pahad
Another major tourist attraction is Kumuda Pahad in Titilagarh town.
Kumuda Pahad is a natural splendorous place of great tourist interest. As its
name suggest, it is a hilly area where Lord Dhabaleswar is embodied in a
very big natural spacious caves measuring an area of 80 feet by 40 feet.
There are also 3 other caves nearby. The temple is located 40 feet above
from the foothill. It is a small temple in its kind but a most famous one in this
area due to its religious significance. Large number of visitors visits the
temple with a hope to get blessing from Lord Dhabaleswar who is believed
to be the most benevolent and merciful to his devotees. Thousands of
visitors pay visit to the temple during the month of Shravana and Shivaratri.

200
S.S. Panda – Namastasyei (Odia) PP 53-57, Balangir, 2007
384
 The place bears great religious essence due to existence of Lord Shree
Ram Temple in its vicinity. A small reservoir on the top of the hill adds to
beauty of the hilly landscape. There is also a reservoir covering a large area
where water sports activities can be performed. This is an ideal place for
weekend leisure tourists. Kumuda Pahada is 0.5 km away from Titilagarh
town. Some reasonable priced hotels and stay homes are available here.
The place has also been declared as a tourist place by the Department of
Tourism and culture recently.
Travel and Guide
Travel facilities to main tourist centers like Harisankar and Ranipur
Jharial are available from the towns of Balangir, Patnagarh, Titilagarh and
Kantabanji. Apart from regular bus travels, other modes of transport such as
hiring small vehicles like car, jeeps, and cabs are also available from all
these places. Local guides are available for tourists at both the places.
Hotel Facilities
Hotels are available in Balangir, Titilagarh and Kantabanji. Tourists can
stay at these places and visit Ranipur-Jharial and Harisankar.
Panthanivas
One Panthanivas has been constructed at Harisankar but it has not yet
started functioning. Another panthasala is available which is under the
control of the Block Development Officer, Khaparakhol who may be
contacted in advance for a stay in the panthasala. A Forest rest house is
available for tourists in Harisankar. DFO, Balangir can be contacted in
advance for accomodation in this forest rest house. In Ranipur-Jharial, no
such accommodation is available for tourists. Tourists can stay in hotels
either in Kanatabanji or Titilagarh town.

385
Tourist Centres Identified by Department of Tourism, Government of
Odisha

Sl.No Name of Tourist Importance Brief Description Year of

Centre Identification
1 Harishankar Religious Centre- It is situated in the 1973
Shrine of Lord Hari Patnagarh
and Shankar Subdivision at a
distance of 81 kms
from Balangir & 43
kms from Patnagarh.
2 Jogisarada Religious Centre- It is situated in 1973
Shrine of Jogeswar Balangir district at a
Pataneswari distance of 25 kms.
4 kms from Buruda
Chowk and 5 kms
from Loisingha
3 Patnagarh Religious Centre- It is the subdivisional 1973
Shrine of Goddess headquarters of
Pataneswari Patnagarh at a
distance of 35 kms
from Balangir
4 Ranipur Jharial Chausathi Yogini It is situated in 1973
Shrine Titilagarh subdivision
under Bangomunda
block at a distance of
104 kms from
Balangir
5 Saintala Religious Centre- It is situated in 1973
Shrine of Goddess Titilagarh subdivision
Chandi on at a distance of 32
Mahisamardini form kms from Balangir
and 34 kms from
Titilagarh
6 Tureikela Scenic Spot- Forest It is situated under 1973
and Wild life Bangomunda block
in Kantabanji Tehasil
at a distance of 95
kms from Balangir
and 15 kms from
Kantabanji
7 Balangir District Headquarters District 1994
and strategic point to headquarters, 320
visit the places of kms from
Tourist interest in the Bhubaneswar
district
8 Gaikhai MIP Scenic Spot-Hill & It is situated under 1998
Water mass Loisingha block at a
distance of 26 kms
from Balangir

386
387
 APPENDIX I
201
RANIPUR—JHARIAL

By J. D. Beglar

The ruins at Ranipur-Jural, in the southern portion of the Patna State,

close to Temra on the Tong Nagla, or Tong-jor, are of much greater extent
and greater importance than those at Patna; they are traditionally ascribed to
a Rani, but her name has been forgotten.
The modern village is situated in the fertile plains immediately to the
south-west of the large out crop of flat rock on which the temples are
perched; at the south-western foot of the out crop of rock is a tank formed by
embanking the valley, and there is another close to it nearly dry; the out crop
of rock forms a large gently rising elevation, which may be about 200 feet
high at its highest point. Near its north-eastern end it is divided into two parts
by a valley which runs northwards, and which had once been formed into a
large tank, and is now formed into a succession of small ones for irrigation
by embankments thrown across; to the east of the ruins, near its south-
eastern end, is a small hamlet, and to its north-east is the village of
Malgasura on the east bank of the Tong-jor, the whole of the existing ruins
cover a space of about half a mile long by not even a quarter mile wide, but
within this small space they lie in thick clusters. I will enumerate them from
the west end.
The first group situated on the south-west and consists of 17 temples
which face east and west still standing, the remains of two others, and the
outline of the foundations of a third, marked on the rocky surface with chisel
marks. These temples are all exclusively of cut stone, the stone being
evidently the same as the rock on which they stand, and from which they
have been quarried. The temples were evidently built of stone cut to shape,
but the final smoothing of the exteriors were performed after the temples
were finished, as the chisel marks on the rock were evidently made in cutting
to shape the outside of the lowest course of blocks; this remark once made
is applicable to everyone of the stone temples in the place.
The second group consists of five temples perched higher up on the
elevation, to the east of the first group and near the southern limits of the
rocky outcrop; of these, two face north and three face east. There are
besides the remains of three others, making a total of eight, all of small size
and all of cut stone. The third group, to the west of the first group; consists of
four temples; one large and three very small, all of which face east; there is
the ruin of another near the edge of the tank. "The fourth group, which is so

201
Archeological Survey of India Vol. XIII No. 49 Ranipur-Jural
388
close to the third group that they may almost be regarded as one group,
consists of twenty-four temples standing and in ruins, some large; others
small. Of the large ones, the northernmost one is a plain cell 13 feet square,
ornamented with pilasters along the walls and roofed by long slabs resting
on the side-walls, the clear span being first diminished by corbelling out
several courses; the roof is pyramidal exteriorly, as may be seen in the
photograph, and is a curious instance of the occurrence in the same place of
the purely Dravidian and the upper Indian forms of roofing, for the other
temples are roofed in the usual style of the north of India tower roofs. The
temples face east and are Saivic.
To the south of this are two small temples, also with pyramidal roof and
also facing east; opposite these is a small one facing west, also with a
pyramidal roof, and one very small example of the tower-roofed class;
behind these are two others, one large and one small, both facing east and
both having tower roofs, the larger one being ornamented exteriorly with
plain lines of mouldings, and with chambers along the edge of each block
forming the tower; facing these, and consequently facing west, are three
temples (two of which are small, with tower roofs) and the remains of a
fourth and of a fifth and sixth near the edge of the tank. Such of these
temples whose object of worship can be ascertained with certainty or
probability were Saivic, but this is not the case with the largest temple of the
entire group, which is clearly Vaishnavic, judging from the figure of Lakshmi
202
over the entrance, with elephants pouring water over her head. If,
however, we carefully examine this temple, it is found to have once been
203
Saivic also like the others, for the inscription over the entrance to the
Sanctum (the only inscription in the whole of the innumerable temples here),
it is found to open with an invocation to Siva, while, to increase the
confusion, a figure of Buddha is seen sculptured on the Jamb of the
entrance. Lying about within three mahamandapa of the temple are figures
of Parvati, Nandi, and an Argha with a lotus sculptured in the centre, also a
statute of a Nagni while in the cell, the floor of which has been dug into most
probably for buried treasure in the cavity into which the Argha, now in the
mahamandapa, evidently fitted. This gives us some help in clearing up the

202
The figure is of Gajalakshmi, which adores the lintel of Saivite as well as
Vaishnavite temples in Orissa. Mr. Beglar's observation about its vaisnavite feature
is not well founded.
203
The temple to which the inscription belongs is Someswara, Siva. The
inscription, incised by a Yogi Gaganasiva Chariya, records devotion to the
deity Someswar Mr. Beglar's is observation about conversion of the
templets thus untenable.

389
mystery, for it is clear that the existing statues are those which were objects
of worship last, and consequently the temple was originally either Buddhistic
of Vaishnavic. It is of note, too, that the inscription, though deeply and boldly
out, is cut right through the centre square boss of the architrave over the
entrance, which is usually occupied by sculpture, and through which it could
never have been the intention of the builders of the temple to carry the
inscription. It is further of note that the inscription records the name
"Sameswara Deva" as "Bhattaraka Parameswar" remembering that the title
of Bhattaraka is generally affected by Buddhists (although I can see no
reason why it should be so affected by them alone), it seems to favour the
supposition that the Sameswara of the inscription, who was evidently the
Raja of the country, was a Buddhist, and consequently that the temple was a
Buddhist one before its conversion into a Saivic temple; but as it is evident
from the unimpeachable testimony of the figure over the entrance that it was
also Vaishnavic (Unless, indeed, we assume the figure to be itself also
Buddhist-supposition by no means impossible, for such figures are to be
found among the Bara hut Buddhist sculptures), it follows that the temple
was first Vaishnavic, next Buddhist, and finally Saivic.
The occurrence of so many temples at this spot is sufficiently
accounted for by the inscription which records the existence here of a Tirth,
or place of pilgrimage, and I have no doubt about careful perusal and
translation of the inscription, which consists of four long lines and two short
ones, would throw much light on the ancient importance of this spot and
identity of one of the many ancient Tirths mentioned in the Hindu sacred
literature. The characters of the inscription would place it as early as the
ninth century; and as then the object of worship within had been changed, at
least once and probably twice, I think the latest date which we can assign to
the building of this temple must be the eight century of our era and this,
supposing, as I do, the temple to have been originally Vaishnavic, would
correspond with the flourishing period of Vaishnavism in other parts of the
district, as shown from the remains at Patna (vide ante).
The style of the building is very massive, the pillars and pilaster within
being extremely heavy and perfectly plain, and the general massivesness of
the building being intensified exteriorly by a plain heavy tower roof over the
sanctum, and an extremely flat pyramidal roof over the mahamandapa; the
whole temple is built of cut stone, but curiously enough, bricks also occur in
the pyramidal roof over the mahamandapa. I presume they formed a sort of
screen over the stone roof inside and were plastered over to keep out rain.
Facing this temple is the ruin of a small one, lying outside which is a
Sati pillar, half burried and uniscribed, representing on its sculptured
compartment a man and one woman.

390
 To the south of the large temple is a small temple facing south, with a
plain pyramidal roof and the remains of a very small one, and behind the
great temple are the scattered remains of some ten temples of which two
were large ones, and the partially standing ruin of a small one.
To the west of these and near the local top of the flattish outcrop of
rock on which temples stand, are the quarries whence stone for building the
temples were obtained.
There are accordingly no less than 57 temples on or near the banks of
the tank in various stages of preservation and decay but there must once
have existed brick temples also, as numerous brick-bats are lying about
scattered on the banks of the tank; of these even the sites are unknown; and
they must have been dismantled and the materials carried off long ago to the
adjacent village.
The central cluster is perched on and about the highest point of the
rocky plateau; on the highest spot are the ruins of a modernised temple of
204
brick and stone of no special interest; facing it and to its east is a small
mound, the ruins of a temple of cut stone, and lying near it are several
fragments of sculpture, one of which represents Vishnu on Garud, and
another is a seated figure of Buddha, to the west of the central mound is a
group of three temples, all standing, one facing east, one north and one
west, all small, and all of the tower roofed pattern with single square cells, to
west of these, and on a commanding, though not the highest point of the
plateau, is an open circular in closure enshrining the sixty-four Joginis and a
highly indecent three-headed and eight-armed figure of Siva, in the middle,
under a Chhatri on four pillars; to the west of this are the remains of some
temples of no particular interest.
The interesting and unique temple or inclosure of the sixty-four Joginis
deserves a detailed description beyond what can be furnished by the plans
and sections. Of its antiquity there can be no doubt, and as in style of work
and execution it approaches closests to the great inscribed temple which I
have already assigned to the eighth century of our era, I cannot assign it to a
later date than the ninth century, or about the same period when a similar
temple to the same sixty-four Joginis was built, of which the ruins now exist
at Bhera Ghat near Jatalpur, and to which period also I would assign the
Chausat Jogina temple of Khajuraho. Entering by the east entrance and
going round in the direction of the hands of a watch, there are—

204
Another such temple of similar plan, dedicted to sixty-four Joginis is at Hirapur
near Bhubaneswar
391
lst— A three-headed two armed dancing female, holding a trident
2nd— A two-armed female with a lotus in each hand, dancing; on the
pedestal are seven horses
3rd— A two armed female broken and lying on the ground; one hand holds a
mace.
4th— A two-armed female, one hand at her naval, in the attitude of Buddha,
the other arm broken
5th— A lion-headed female, two-armed, trident in one and a cup in her left
hand
6th—A stout flabby female with breasts hanging down, holds a noose, and is
represented as dancing
7th— A four-armed female; all hands broken
8th, 9th and 10th— These three are missing
1l th— A two-armed dancing female, left hand on her knee; right broken
12th— A three-headed four-armed figure, holding the trident, the rosary, and
an hour-glass; the fourth-arm missing
13th— A skeleton figure seated en her hands
14th— A six or eight-armed female, with one pair of hands she is pulling
wide her mouth, with the remaining unbroken ones she holds an hour-glass,
a sword, a cup, and she is dancing on a prostrate male figure
15 — Missing
th

16th— A lion-headed four-armed figure; one of the unbroken hands holds a

native lamp (chirag), the other holds a frog which she is eating; she is
represented dancing
17th— A horse-headed dancing female, four-armed, holding in her unbroken
hands a club, an hour-glass, and a rosary
18th— A goat-headed dancing female, holding in her unbroken hands a
mace, a trident, and a pestle
19th— A horse-headed four-armed dancing female holding a sword, a bow
and arrow, one hand being broken
20th— A lion-headed four-armed dancing female figure; two hands at her
breast like the figures of Siva at Secninarayan; two broken
21st— A goat or other animal-headed eight-armed dancing female figure,
one band at her navel as if holding up something; the rest of her unbroken
hands hold a sword, a rosary, a mace, and a vajra

392
22nd— An elephant-headed four-armed dancing female, holding in her one
unbroken hand a club
23rd— A boar-headed four-armed female; two hands hold up her breasts,
two others hold a club and a rosary.
24th— A cow-headed horned four-armed female; all hands broken
25th— A four-armed dancing female figure; one hand on her knee and one
at her breast, the others hold a club and a cup
26th— A four-armed female; two hands engaged in putting on her anklet one
holds a rosary, what the other holds cannot be identified
27th— A bear-headed four-armed female; the two unbroken hands hold a
rosary and a lotus
28th— A serpent-headed four-armed figure; one hand on her knee, another
at her breast, the others hold an alms dish or cup and a trident
29th— A two-armed female, holding in her existing hand a trident
30th— A two-armed figure, holding a cup and a trident
31st— A two-armed figure; one hand holds a trident the other broken
32nd— Missing, but a four-armed skeleton figure is lying broken on the floor
in front of the niche, and near it a seven-headed two-armed standing male
figure
33rd— A two-armed female, holding a trident in one hand
34th—A two-armed female, holding a trident and a cup
35th, 36th and 37th— Similar to the last
38th— A four-armed female, holding a trident, an hour-glass, a cup; the
fourth hand broken
39th— A two-armed female, holding a rosary and an hour-glass
40th— Missing, but a two-armed female is lying on the ground
41st—Missing
42nd— A stout two-armed female, holding a trident (one hand broken)
43rd— A two-armed female, holding a sword and having a child on her knee
44th— A horse-headed female, four-armed, one of which holds a trident,
one other what looks like bags or pestles; the objects held by two other
hands are not recognizable
45th— A two-armed buffalo-headed figure, holding a trident and a noose

393
46th— A four-armed female; two hands joined over her head, two others
joined near her navel
47th— An antelope-headed female, two armed, holding a sword in one hand
48th— A two-armed female; one hand on her knee, the other holds a trident
49th— A two-armed female; one hand on her knee, the other displaying
some object
50th— Missing
51st— A two-armed female, in an indecent posture; she is rubbing her
teenth with a finger of one of her hands for a tooth-brush, the other hold
what may be either a mirror or a cup
52nd— A two-armed female; holds a club in one hand, the other displays
some object
53rd— A two-armed female, holding in her hands a sword and a cup
54th— A four-armed female; one hand at her chest displaying something,
the other holds a club
55th— A four-armed female; holds a bow, an arrow, and a bunch of
something which looks like flowers or fruit; the fourth hand is broken off
56th— A two armed female; holds in the existing hand a pair of pincers
57th— A two-armed female; holds a noose in one hand. VI at she holds in
the other I cannot recognise
58th— Missing, but on the floor in front lies a female with her hands at her
navel
59th— A two-armed female, holding a club and a cup
60th— A two-armed female; one hand raised to her fore-head, the other
holding an almond-shaped hollow article
61st— A two-armed female; holding a club and stick
62nd— Missing, but on the floor in front, lies a female, two-armed, one hand
holding a club

63rd and 64th— Missing

In the century of the circular in closure is a small chhatra on four pillars

enshrining an eight-armed and a three-headed male, holding in two of his
hands a snake and in the others a cup, an hour-glass, a rosary, a skull, a
trident, and an indistinct object. He evidently represents Siva, and has Nandi
for her symbol on the pedestal; Ganesa stands at her side, the figure is
outrageously indecent, and probably for this reason in particular attracts the
394
worship of the devout more than other figures; there are some smaller
figures also, among them Parvati, eight-armed, and a few fragments, but the
whole Saivic.
It appears the inclosure had its principal opening originally at the south
side, which is now shut up and converted into a niche, enshrining the large
figure described as No. 14. Subsequently the small door to the east was
substituted in place of it; but why this change was made I have been unable
to determine or even guess. I can only point to a similar change in the
original position of the principal entrance in the temple at Bhera Ghat as a
curious coincidence.
On the northern rock, which is separated from the one just noticed with
its remains by a valley formed by embankments in to a succession of tanks,
are the remains of several temples; first is a group of two temples facing
east, and to east; of these, about 50 yard off, two others, also facing east;
opposite to and facing these two are two others, and one more, which also
faces west. There are besides these seven temples ruins of some ten
others, mostly in such a state that only the sites can be said to exist. None of
these temples are or were large except two, which unfortunately are mere
heaps of cut stone at present; none were sculptured, and none probably
inscribed, so that there has not been much loss in their destruction.
A short-distance from these temples is a single temple of brick on a
high raised platform; at present there exists only the sanctum and its
attached antarala, but there can be little doubt, from the great extent of the
terrace in front, on which the temple stands, that it once had a large
mahamandapa of some kind in front. The temple is of brick, and not
particularly remarkable in any way, but it is clearly of the northern type of
architecture, and although it is not possible with any certainty to assign its
age, there can, I conceive, be little doubt that it must be placed a century
anterior to the numerous small plain stone temples which dot the bare rock
above noticed. The basement mouldings are plain, but massive, and devoid
of the elaborateness which became a principal feature in later temple
architecture, and the existence in particular of the kumbha-shaped moulding
(the Greek ovolo) goes for to support the antiquity which I would assign to it.
The temple faces south, the cell is only 10 feet square but the walls are
massive, and the platform on which it stands is more that 90 feet long by 37
feet in width; the material is exclusively brick, wall shaped and wall burnt, 13
inches long by 9 inches wide and 2 thick; the architraves are naturally of
stone, as is also the inner roof of the sanctum, which is constructed in the
usual style of intersecting squares. At the time of my visit there was an
accumulation of bats dung in the chamber to the depth of fully 4 feet. The
opening in front is not in the usual style of a tall triangle, so that taken
altogether the temple is a specimen of the Sirpur style of brick temples;

395
details of the plan, Section, & c., will be more easily obtained by a reference
to the plates and photographs than by any description.
No legends or traditions exist regarding this temple. At a short distance
from the temple are extensive ruins of buildings which were doubtless!
palaces or welling-houses; they are not of any special interest, as they
clearly belong to a past Muhammadan period, but they are of importance as
showing that the place was the seat of some grandee, if not of the Raja
himself, till within about 300 years at least. I suspect the name Ranipur Jural
is derived from these palaces, having been built by, or having been the
residence of, the Queen for the time being, as the ruins are universally said
to be ruins of a mahal. Jural means, so far as I could gather, a valley or
rather a fertile cultivated valley and the name would therefore mean the
fertile valley city of the Queen, a perfectly appropriate name.

396
 CHAPTER XVI

MISCELLANEOUS

Balangir is located about 330 km west of the state capital,

Bhubaneswar. Despite having some mineral reserves, the district is
characterized by poor natural resource endowments and infrastructure.
Poverty is still a concern, with over 60 percent of households estimated to
fall below the poverty line. Literacy rate of the district has increased
significantly over the last decade which is estimated to be 64.72 per cent.
Male literacy is 75.85% and female literacy is 53.50%.
Balangir is characterized by poor soils, has very limited irrigation
infrastructure, and suffers from recurrent droughts. Farmers often grow more
than one crop every year in fertile lands located in lowland areas and with
high water retention capacity, but these comprise only about one-fifth of the
total cultivated land.
A very unequal landholding structure also contributes to the high levels
of poverty and vulnerability in agricultural sector. One-third of agricultural
holdings occupy two-thirds of total agricultural land. Scheduled tribes and
castes are particularly disadvantaged in terms of access to land who
comprise over 35 percent of the district population but cultivate only a few
percent of the total agricultural area. However, in predominantly tribal
villages scheduled tribes tend to have better access to land. Land
distribution is likely to worsen over time as a result of land sales and
mortgages by the poorest which are becoming increasingly common in times
of distress. Land alienation is largely linked to indebtedness. Rice is the
major harvesting crop in the district. Maize is cultivated mostly for home
consumption. Millet is still grown in the area but has lost the importance it
once had as a staple food. Oilseeds are also grown is small quantities.
Vegetable cultivation in homestead gardens is becoming increasingly
popular, and while most of the produce is consumed by the farming
household, vegetable growers with access to wells tend to operate on a
more commercial scale. Cotton cultivation, in drought affected pockets in
Patnagarh and Titilagarh subdivision has raised hope among farmers to
boost their economy.
Balangir stands out as one of the most important districts in Odisha in
terms of non-timber forest produce collection. It ranks highest as producer of
kendu leaves used in the manufacturing of bidis (traditional hand-rolled
cigarettes). Mahua flowers and seeds, used in food and edible oil production
are another important forest produce. Non-timber forest produce collection is
especially significant for the poor and the women, and despite the very low

397
returns associated with this activity, it provides an important source of
income during the lean agricultural season.
Non-farming enterprises in Balangir district consist essentially of small
units which use mostly family labour and cater to the demand of the local
markets. The district comprises only one large scale industrial unit producing
defense equipment and four medium-sized enterprises. The remaining
industrial units are classified as small-scale.
Another major concern of the district is migration from Balangir district.
A large number of poor people migrate from the district in search of wage
employment. This is intimately linked to indebtedness. Some of the
moneylenders in the villages and local towns also act as agents for labour
contractors in the brick kilns of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana receiving a
commission on a pro-rata basis for every labourer supplied I addition to a
share of the value of their production. In this context, migration is often
resorted to as a way of repaying outstanding loans, with the advances
normally paid by contractors being fully or partially to settle their debt.
Migrants who travel outside the state normally stay in the destination area
for periods of three to eight months. In the irrigated areas of the state the
period of stay tends to be shorter. After repaying the advances used to fund
travelling and living expenses, migrants are generally left with little or no
savings to bring home back.
Significant public investment in agriculture is essential for direct and
indirect employment generation, and the overall development of Balangir
district. There is potential to develop irrigation infrastructure especially in the
lowlands, and this is an area that deserves urgent attention. Major irrigation
project like Lower Suktel Irrigation project is under way and needs its
completion for irrigation in Balangir Subdivision. 110 villages of Titilagarh
subdivision will be irrigated by Lower Indra Project in Nuapada district. Mega
lift irrigation project by drawing water from the river Tel in villages of Saintala
and Gudvella will be another venture in irrigation sector.
This district is not endowed with rich minerals like iron and coal.
However, there is a potential for small industries. Through Agricultural based
industries such as food processing, live stock based industries can be set
up. Bolangir has seen considerable improvement in the last three decades.
The problem of widespread abject poverty has been addressed to a great
extent. However, skill development is the key to bring in sustainable
development in the livelihoods of the people. The development machinery
needs to identify the skill gaps by proper accessment of the market
requirements. Improvement of skills by clear identification of the backward
and forward linkages and resulting in significance economic returns. The

398
entrepreneurs with such renewed skills should have access to bank
finances.
Balangir is one of the prime districts in poultry farming. The district is
second in production of eggs in the state. Investments should focus more on
live stock sector and Horticulture.
Government and civil society take initiatives to improve the working
conditions of migrants in destination areas and to mitigate the negative
consequences for the households involved which could have a very
significant impact on their present and future standard of life. Migration in
Balangir district is often associated with exploitative practices and health
hazards. Areas that deserve special attention include compliance with
minimum wage and child labour legislation, working schedules, housing
conditions, provision of health services, the role of labour contractors, and
the health risks associated with male workers‟ involvement with sex workers.
Government institutions and NGOs with responsibilities in these areas need
to work closely with employers to avoid undermining work opportunities for
migrant labour. Timely implementation of works programmes like
MGNREGA will ensure employment generation in the lean period. In health
sector, shortage of doctors and other infrastructure facilities cause a problem
in providing better services. In the absence of this, people of this district go
outside for better treatment. Apart from eradication of poverty, infrastructure
development in education and health sector in interior areas needs
immediate attention for an all round development of the district.

399
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404
 GLOSSARY

Aksamala : A string of beads, a rosary

Amalaka : This is one of the constituent parts, „cogged-wheel‟ stone

crowning of the shikhara, in the Nagara type of Indian temples. It
resembles the seed of an amalok (amalaka in Sanskrit). It is
circular in shape and is symbolically placed at the apex of the
shrine.

Antarala : An intermediate space in a temple; an antechamber or vestibule

between the main shrine and the ardhamandapa; usually found in
North Indian temples.

Argha : A small copper pot in the shape of yoni, popularly used to offer
padjal to the deity or to worshipper.

Asana : Seat or throne; the leg position or sitting postures assumed by

deities and religious practitioner.

Ayudha :Emblem or sacred weapon of deities; generally we come across

the Trishula and the Chakra.

Bada : The wall of a temple as separate from the tower above it.

Bandhana : Series of horizontal moulding on wall

Baranda :Moulding, single or multiple, serves primarily as a cushion or base

for the soaring gandi or trunk of curvilinear spire.

Beki :The recessed circular portion on the top of the tower on which the
amalaka rest.

Bhoga Murti : The idol of offerings

Bisama : Top moulding of the Gandi, generally undecorated.

Chaitya : A sacred spot, sometimes associated with a relic, funeral pyre, or

burial. It may be marked by a tree or mound, and surrounded by a
sacred railing or vedika. A stupa is a type of chaitya.

Chaitya Window : In order to light up the interior of chaitya caves, horse shoe-
shaped arch windows were constructed, and came to be called as
such.

Danda : A staff or mace

405
Gandi : An architectural term meaning a trunk pyramidal roof above the
bada, Shikhara.

Garbhagriha : Sanctum sanctorum of a temple. The inner,principal compartment

of a temple in which the major image or linga is placed and, as
such, the container of the seed of manifestation.

Homa Kunda : Sacrificial pit

Jagamohan : Odishian architectural term for a mandapa; hall in front of a

shrine.

Jungha : Vertical portion between pabhaga and the baranda.

Kalasa : “Pitcher”- a crowning member of the sikhara; also a half-round

moulding.

Khapuri : Skull slightly curved stone slab covering the roof.

Khura : Lowermost moulding used in pista or pabhaga

Kirtimukha :A decorative device in the form of a lion or demon mask placed

above doorways and niches of temples or at the top of the halo or
back-slab of sculpted images. It is intended to drive away evil and
protect the devout.

Lingam :Lingam is the symbol of Shiva. It is a phallus, almost always

standing on the female genital organ, and it is deified in Shiva
temples. The worship of a Shiva Lingam continues from the days
of the Indus Valley Civilization about 3000 BCE, when genital
worship was a form of ensuring fertility and productivity.

Mahamandapa : A large mandapa, usually with many pillars, preceding the central
shrine area.

Mandapa :The hall or porch-like area, usually pillared, in a religious structure.

A mandapa may be attached to the shrine area directly, or may
precede a transitional space, before the shrine, or may be
completely detached from the portion of the temple that contains
the shrine. It may also be entirely enclosed, partially enclosed, or
open without walls.

Mastaka : The head or crowning elements above the spire or gandi of a

Hindu temple tower.

Mukhasala : The frontal porch or Jagamohana

406
Nandi : A bull and a Vahana (vehicle) of Shiva, Nandi is also found as a
statue in front of Shiva temples. At times, independent Nandi
shrines can also be seen.

Navagraha :The nine planets Ravi, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati,

Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu worshipped in Hinduism for good
luck or to overcome adversity, bad luck or misfortune arising from
past karmas or birth related defects; They are found in most Hindu
temples either grouped together on a panel or on a pedestal in
commonly visible areas of the temple. Devotees usually propitiate
these gods before offering prayers to the main deity in the sanctum
sanctorum of the temple.

Pabhaga : The lowermost zone of the wall (vedika) with its horizontal
moulding.

Pancharatha :"Five-ratha"; the side of a pedestal or a building that is offset so

that its length is divided into five sections.

Parsvadevata : A side-deity; secondary deities of an iconographic program,

usually placed in subsidiary niches in a temple.

Pata : Figure; Plain broad stone band

Pista : In Odishian architecture, the platform or base comprising the

lower portion of a temple.

Pitha : Seat or throne. The pedestal of an image or linga.

Prabhavali : An ornate piece, rich in flowery decorative details.

Raha : The central projection in the shape of a broad off-set.

Ratha : A cart or chariot. Sometimes used to refer to the temple that

serves as the "chariot" of a deity, even though this is immovable.
The term also refers to the pedestal of an image or the base of a
building that houses an image. In form, the pedestal or base may
be off-set, in which case, the ratha is defined by the number of its
sections.

Shikhara : The spire or tower over the shrine of a temple.

Stambha : Pillar; frequently a free-standing pillar. Also known as a lath.

Stupa : A crest or summit. It may be made in a miniature or votive form,

but even its smaller versions often contain relics.

407
Triratha : "Tri-ratha"; the side of a pedestal that is offset so that its length is
divided into five sections.

Tirtha : A holy site; a place of pilgrimage.

Urdhalinga : Erected male genital organ, ascribed to Lord Shiva.

Vihara : A monastery; may be either free-standing or rock-cut.

Vimana : The shrine portion of a temple and its superstructure.

Yogasana : Any of various bodily positions assumed in yogic practices.

Yogini : A female yogi or ascetic who practices yoga. A female devotee,

attendant of Durga, one of a class of sixty four goddesses.

408
INDEX

A
H
Adivasi Kalyan Sangha, 284, 286, 360
Agrarian Movement, 264 Handicraft,, 324
Harisankar, 4, 17, 47, 57, 116, 220, 225,
283, 288, 331, 368, 370, 371, 372,
B
380, 385
Balangir Anchalik Gramya Bank, xv,
188 J
Balangir Cooperative Division, 197,
248 Jaina Harivamsa, 46
Balangir District Jail, 288 Jewellery Items, 213
Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana, xv, 348
Brown Forest Soils, 130 K
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya,
C 324
Chakradhar Panigrahi, 56 Kharligarh,, 374, 380
Consumer Protection, xiii, 296, 297
Craft Village Scheme, 182 L
Labour Laws, xii, 182
D Land Reforms, xii, 245, 265
Direct Benefit Transfer, xvi, 194 Literacy & Education, 289
District Administration, vi, xii, 240, 287 Lord Wellesley, 61
District Credit Plan, 189
District Domestic Product, xii, 228 M
District Industries Centre, 177, 247
District Police Office,, 278 Mahabhavagupta, 42, 51, 52
Dog Squad, 281 Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Singh
Deo, 65, 326
Mahendraditya, 41, 49, 50
E Mahua Flowers, 167
Economic History, 186 Major Forbes, 61
Major H. B. Impey,, 55
Marathas, 1, 60, 61, 62, 263
F Market Yards, 201, 204
Forest Land, 266 Maufi Tenures, 259
Mining, 11, 175, 176, 179, 379
Mudra, xx
G
Goat Breeding Farm, 154 N
Goddess Pataneswari, x, 386
Gurhotteeahees, 84 Neolithic Celts, 38

409
Nuakhai,, 74, 125 Religious Discourse And Yoga, 289
Revenue Collection, 224, 266
O Rural Market, 205

Ordnance Factory, 73, 179

S
Origin and Evolution, xi, 2
Somavamsis, xi, 42, 44, 51, 52, 53
P Special Weather, 34
Sub-Divisional Level Administration,
Patna Krusak Dal, 66, 68 244
Placement Linked Training, 237
Post Office, 194, 223, 224, 326
T
Power Sector, 173
Public Health, xiii, xvi, xx, 246, 250, 331, Telecommunication, xii, 224
332, 333, 334, 335, 349, 356 The Chauhans, xi, 1, 55
Tourist Facilities, xii, xiv, 222
R
U
Railways, xii, 213, 222, 366
Rajendra College, 65, 68, 72, 226, 287, Umrahs,, 254
325, 367
Ramai Deo, 1, 2, 55, 56, 86, 104, 371, W
374
Rayati Holdings, 260 Watershed Development, xvii, xx, 135,
Refinancing Institutions, 193 136
Regulated Market Committee, 200, Women‟s College, 72, 290
202, 204

410
411
 PHOTOS

Chousathi Yogini

412
Ranipur Jharial

413
Harishankar Temple

414
Stream at Harishankar Temple

415
Siva Mandir, Surda

416
417
Siva Temple, Jogisurda

Siva Temple, Khujenpali

418
Duarsani- Sindhekela Chandi

419
Samleswari Temple, Balangir

420
Chutkuchuta Dalkhai

Dulduli Ghudka

421
 Mailaajada
Kalanga

Nachnia Rasarkeli

422
423
424
425
426
427
428