Normal life came to a standstill in four districts of southern Odisha on Friday due to a 12-hour bandh demanding district-level recruitment for government jobs. The bandh, which affected Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and Rayagada, was called by a Joint Action Committee and supported by 45 mass organizations along with opposition parties BJD and Congress.

The protest, held from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., sought to change the current state-level recruitment process to district-level appointments, aimed at ensuring fair job opportunities for local youth. According to the agitators, candidates from more developed districts often secure government jobs, leaving local youth at a disadvantage due to the backwardness of southern Odisha.

The bandh led to the closure of shops, markets, and offices, while public transport services were severely affected. The agitators also staged blockades on major roads, disrupting vehicular movement in the region.

Local leaders called on the government to address the demand, stating that district-level recruitment would empower youth from marginalized areas and promote regional development. However, there has been no official response from the state government so far regarding the demand.