Bhubaneswar, Nov. 25 -- The promised ease of basic amenities at the doorstep under the Panchayati Raj system stands in sharp contrast to the daily reality of residents in Nakamamudi Panchayat of Korakonda block in Malkangiri district, where people travel nearly 60 to 70 km to reach their own panchayat office.

Spread across 52 tribal villages with a population of over 11,000, the panchayat is one of the largest in the district by area, yet residents say they remain cut off from even the most essential government services.

A visit to ground zero reveals a picture of isolation. Sources reported that with no regular transport, no Lakshmi bus services, and no road connectivity in the core interiors, villagers spend entire days walking over h...