Khairaput: Seven sarpanches have submitted a demand to the Chief Minister through the District Collector for granting Panchayat Samiti and Block status to Govindapalli in Malkangiri district. Govindapalli serves as the gateway to Malkangiri district. Many years ago, the block headquarters was located in Govindapalli, but over time, it was shifted to Khairaput.
As a result, several villages under Khairaput block—such as Badadural, Madkapadar, and Kadmaguda—as well as villages from Mathili block—like Udulibeda, Dhungiaput, and Kutunipalli—have become distantly located from their respective block headquarters. For example, the distance from Khairaput to Badadural is 30 km, from Khairaput to Madkapadar is 22 km, from Khairaput to Govindapalli is 12 km, and from Kadmaguda to Khairaput is 6 km. The situation is similar in Mathili block, where villages are also located at significant distances from the block headquarters.
Given that Govindapalli is centrally located and serves as the district’s gateway, the seven sarpanches have demanded its recognition as a Panchayat Samiti. The memorandum was submitted under the leadership of the District Sarpanch Association President, Srinivas Muduli.