The Koraput district administration has imposed a district-wide ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food items on Republic Day, January 26, 2026. The decision has been taken as part of administrative guidelines to observe the national festival with uniformity across the district.
Koraput District Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan issued a formal directive to all Block Development Officers, Tahsildars, and Executive Officers, instructing them to ensure strict enforcement of the order. As per the notification, the sale of meat, chicken, fish, and eggs will remain prohibited throughout the day in both urban and rural areas.
District-level officials have been directed to maintain close supervision and take necessary enforcement measures to ensure compliance. The administration has also appealed to residents to mark Republic Day by opting for vegetarian food as a gesture of respect for the occasion.
This is the first time such a restriction has been imposed in Koraput on Republic Day, leading to mixed public responses. While some residents have welcomed the decision, others have raised concerns, arguing that Republic Day is a national celebration rather than a religious event. Despite differing opinions, the district administration has reiterated that the directive must be followed and has tasked officials with ensuring smooth implementation on the day.
