Confusion Reigns in Kotia: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Clash Over Aadhaar KYC Updates
Border Dispute Creates Administrative Chaos
Residents of border villages in the Pottangi block of Koraput district, Odisha, are experiencing significant confusion due to overlapping administrative efforts from both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. On March 31, officials from Andhra Pradesh visited Kotia panchayat to facilitate Aadhaar KYC updates, gathering residents in areas with better network access.
This initiative sparked tensions between the Odisha government and local authorities in Koraput and Pottangi. Just 18 days later, on April 17, the Pottangi block administration launched its own Aadhaar KYC process in several villages within Kotia panchayat. The simultaneous KYC operations have left villagers perplexed about the need to undergo Aadhaar verification twice.
Sources indicate that Pottangi block officials conducted Aadhaar updates for women outside the primary school in Fatusineri. Similarly, in Phagunsineri and Uparsembi, women were observed updating their KYC at Anganwadi centers while holding their Aadhaar cards.
During the KYC drive organized by Andhra Pradesh, participation included men, women, and children. In contrast, the current initiative by Odisha is exclusively focused on women, further complicating the situation for residents.
The Odisha-led KYC program is set to run from Thursday to Saturday. Villagers have raised questions about whether this KYC drive is associated with the Subhadra Scheme or other government programs. On the first day alone, 324 KYC updates were successfully completed.
When reached for comment, Pottangi Block Development Officer Ramakrishna Nayak confirmed that the Aadhaar KYC for 618 women, who had previously benefited from the Subhadra Scheme, is being updated. He noted that additional programs will be organized based on instructions from higher authorities, with the current focus solely on women's KYC.
It is important to highlight that the Kotia area consists of 21 villages claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, resulting in administrative overlaps and jurisdictional conflicts.
PNN