Odisha MPs Led by Dharmendra Pradhan Meet Railway Minister to Seek Railway Land Allotment for RECA in Kharagpur

A delegation of Odisha MPs, led by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to press for the resolution of a pending land allotment issue concerning the Railway Employees’ Cultural Association (RECA) in Kharagpur. The have submitted a memorandum requesting the regularisation of around 5,915 square metres of railway land located in the New Settlement area of Kharagpur in favour of RECA. Earlier Odisha's MP had written to the then Prime Minister on March 8, 1999, seeking intervention. Subsequently, former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan had also urged the then Minister of State for Railways Shri Ram Naik on March 15, 1999, to facilitate the land allotment. RECA has been playing a key role in promoting cultural unity, social welfare and Odia heritage in Kharagpur through various initiatives, including activities linked to Lord Jagannath.They added that the association has been utilising the land for years, where infrastructure such as a school, temple and other public welfare facilities already exist.Despite recommendations from the Divisional Railway Manager and other officials of South Eastern Railway for regularisation, the land has not yet been formally allotted. The MPs said the delay has been hampering developmental activities of the association. Seeking urgent intervention, the delegation urged the Railway Minister to treat the matter as a “special case” and expedite the allotment process for the benefit of railway employees and the general public. Pradhan emphasised that RECA plays a significant role beyond religious activities, contributing to national integration and social harmony, and said a permanent resolution would benefit railway employees from diverse regions residing in Kharagpur.