Koraput: After widespread criticism from various sections and on social media, the Koraput administration on Sunday withdrew its order banning the sale of meat, chicken, fish and eggs on Republic Day on Monday. The order, issued on Friday, sparked outrage with many terming it unnecessary and insensitive. Several people had said the prohibition went against the spirit of constitutional freedoms that Republic Day was meant to honour.
In a fresh communication, collector and district magistrate Manoj Satyawan Mahajan stated that the earlier instruction dated Jan 23 had been revoked with immediate effect. The order clarified that the ban had been issued purely on the suggestion of the district level Republic Day preparatory committee and was later reconsidered after due deliberation.Officials said the administration reviewed the situation in the light of public feedback. “After taking into account the reactions from citizens, the earlier order has been withdrawn. There will be no restriction on the sale of non-vegetarian food items in the district on Republic Day,” an official said.Traders and residents welcomed the move. A meat vendor in Jeypore said, “The earlier order had created uncertainty for our business. We are relieved that the administration has reconsidered its decision.”On social media too, many users expressed satisfaction over the move to revoke the ban, calling it a sensible and timely step by the district administration.
