Bhubaneswar: Congress legislature party leader in the Odisha assembly, Rama Chandra Kadam, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking grant of special category status to Odisha, citing the state’s persistent structural challenges and vulnerability to natural disasters.Kadam who represents Pottangi in the Vidhan Sabha, highlighted that Odisha frequently faces cyclones, floods and other climate-related calamities, which put significant pressure on the state’s finances and development efforts.He argued in the communication that despite progress in infrastructure and welfare sectors, Odisha continues to grapple with limited revenue generation capacity and requires enhanced central support.The MLA stressed that granting special category status would enable the state to receive higher central assistance, concessional funding and tax incentives, which could accelerate industrial growth and support infrastructure development.He also pointed to the plight of backward regions, including tribal-dominated districts, where socio-economic indicators remain below the national average. Kadam emphasised the need for greater investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure.Urging the Prime Minister to take a sympathetic view, the MLA said the special category status would help bridge regional disparities and ensure balanced development in the state.Notably, Odisha has long been demanding special category status, although the Centre has not extended the tag to any new state following the 14th Finance Commission’s recommendations.
