Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The district administration in Odisha’s Koraput has imposed a complete ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food items on Republic Day, January 26. District Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan has instructed all Block Development Officers, Tehsildars and Executive Officers to strictly enforce the directive.
According to the official notification, the sale of meat, chicken, fish and eggs will be prohibited across the district for the entire day on January 26. Officials have been directed to closely monitor both urban and rural areas and take necessary enforcement measures to ensure effective implementation of the order. The administration has also urged residents to mark the national occasion by consuming vegetarian food as a gesture of respect.
This is believed to be the first time such a restriction has been enforced in the district on Republic Day. The decision has triggered mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the move in deference to administrative instructions, while others questioned the logic behind the ban, pointing out that Republic Day is a national celebration and not a religious observance.
