The Big Picture In the heart of Odisha lies a story of stark contrasts – a tale of two regions sharing one state but living very different realities. The Koshal region, despite contributing nearly half of Odisha’s resources, finds itself caught in a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment, leading to growing calls for statehood.
The Numbers Tell a Story Koshal’s Contribution to Odisha:
- 39% of population
- 59% of land area
- 76% of manufacturing value
- 66% of forest resources
- Nearly 100% of key minerals
- 39% of state tax revenue
Yet the Reality Gap Persists:
1. The Poverty Paradox
- 69% of Koshali households live below poverty line
- Starvation deaths: 268 out of 441 reported cases (2000-2003)
- Child-selling incidents reported due to extreme poverty
- Families forced to mortgage food ration cards to moneylenders
2. The Education Divide Literacy Rates:
- Koshal: 54%
- Coastal Region: 70% Higher Education:
- Koshal: 1 university for 14.3 million people
- Coastal: 7 universities for similar population
3. The Healthcare Crisis
- Chronic shortage of doctors and medical facilities
- Only one medical college serving entire region
- Vacant positions: 60% professors, 40% doctors
- People traveling 500km to coastal regions for treatment
4. The Infrastructure Gap
- Roads: 26km less coverage per 100 sq km than coastal region
- Banking: Lower branch density and credit availability
- Electricity: Only 19% households connected vs 27% in coastal region
- Post offices: 34 vs 78 per 1000 sq km
The Human Cost
- Mass migration of workers to other states
- Exploitation in informal labor markets
- Children deprived of education
- Cultural marginalization
- Untapped tourism potential
The Way Forward Essential Steps for Change:
- Equitable public expenditure
- Local representation in administration
- Infrastructure development
- Educational investment
- Healthcare system overhaul
- Cultural preservation initiatives
- Tourism promotion
Key Takeaways For Policymakers:
- Need for balanced regional development
- Importance of local participation
- Focus on basic infrastructure
- Healthcare and education priorities
For Development Practitioners:
- Understanding regional disparities
- Importance of cultural sensitivity
- Need for inclusive growth
- Role of local institutions
The Bigger Question The Koshal movement raises fundamental questions about regional development in India. Is smaller always better? Can cultural identity and development go hand in hand? The answers may shape the future of not just Odisha, but similar movements across India.
Academic Abstract:
This paper examines the rising demand for Koshal state in Odisha and looks for factors responsible for it. It found that the issue of underdevelopment and state apathy-cum-failures in addressing the same has been the single most important factor contributed for the demand for Koshal state. The study prescribes suitable policies for Odisha government to adopt to contain the demand for this new state.
Learn More:
Full citation: Pradhan, Jaya Prakash, M.K. Sahoo, V. Abraham and R.K. Mishra (2004), ‘Interpreting the Demand for Koshala State in Orissa: Development Versus Underdevelopment’, KDF Working Paper, No.1, 2004, New Delhi: Koshala Development Forum.
Learn More:
