Koraput: In a significant reversal, the Koraput district administration has officially withdrawn its controversial order that banned the sale of non-vegetarian food on Republic Day. District Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan issued a fresh notification on Sunday, January 25, revoking the previous directive with immediate effect.
The initial order, dated January 23, had prohibited the sale of meat, fish, chicken, and eggs across the district for the January 26 celebrations. The administration originally stated the decision was based on suggestions from the District Level Republic Day Preparatory Committee to maintain the sanctity and decorum of the national holiday.
However, the move triggered widespread criticism from citizens, traders, and political leaders. Critics argued that such a ban was arbitrary and infringed upon individual dietary freedoms, particularly in a culturally diverse and tribal-dominated district.
Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka was among the prominent voices questioning the necessity of the ban, describing it as unconstitutional and exclusionary.
In the updated notification, the Collector clarified that the ban had been proposed purely as a suggestion during a preparatory meeting. After due consideration of the public feedback and the ensuing debate, the administration decided to rescind the letter. With this revocation, all meat shops and non-vegetarian food outlets in Koraput are permitted to operate as usual on Republic Day.