Odisha: Koraput Collector withdraws Jan 26 non-veg food ban
Bhubaneswar, Jan 25
The Collector of Odisha's Koraput district on Sunday revoked his earlier order imposing a one-day ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food items on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations in the district on January 26.
In a letter to all the Tahasildars, Block Development Officers (BDOs), and other Executive Officers, the Koraput district Collector, Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, on Sunday, noted that the prohibition on the sale of non-veg food items was imposed as per the suggestion of the District Level Republic Day Preparatory Committee.
He further added that the earlier order issued on January 23 has been revoked following careful consideration.
"In continuation of this Collectorate Letter No. 93, dated-23.01.2026 regarding prohibition on sale of Meat, Chicken, Fish, Egg and other non-vegetarian food items on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day Celebration, 2026 in Koraput District, and whereas the said instruction was issued purely on the suggestion of the District Level Republic Day Preparatory Committee. Now, after due consideration, the aforesaid Letter No. 93 dated 23.01.2026 is hereby revoked with immediate effect," reads the order issued on Sunday.
It is pertinent here to mention that in its earlier order issued on January 23, the Koraput district Collector had directed Tahasildars, BDOs, and other Executive Officers to issue official notifications prohibiting the sale of meat, chicken, fish, egg, etc., and non-vegetarian food on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebration on January 26.
"With reference to the subject cited above, you are hereby requested to issue an official notification in your jurisdiction prohibiting the sale of Meat, Chicken, Fish, egg, etc and other non-vegetarian items on 26th January 2026 for the occasion of the 77th Republic Day Celebration in Koraput District. I am looking forward to your prompt action on this matter," the collector had ordered.
This order sparked widespread and mixed reactions, with several expressing concern over the blanket ban, stating that Republic Day is a national festival rather than a religious occasion.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone living in Odisha, this was a strange order. Many communities here have non-veg as part of their daily diet. A one-day ban would have hurt small vendors and fishermen the most. Glad they reconsidered.
While I am vegetarian myself, I respect others' choices. The initial order felt like moral policing. Republic Day is for all Indians, regardless of what's on their plate. The collector did the right thing by listening to the people.
This shows how important it is for officials to think before issuing such orders. It caused unnecessary confusion and anger. The "due consideration" should have happened *before* the first letter, not after.
Common sense prevails! In a diverse country like ours, you cannot enforce such bans on a national day. For many, a Republic Day feast includes fish or chicken. Let's focus on the flag hoisting and parade, not policing kitchens.
Interesting to see the quick reversal. It seems public pressure and media scrutiny work. The initial suggestion from the preparatory committee was completely out of touch with the secular spirit of the constitution we're celebrating.
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