Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24 -- In a bid to strengthen local self-governance, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced constitution of as many as 34 Notified Area Councils (NAC) in 20 districts and upgradation of five others into municipalities in four districts.

As per the announcement, the NACs in four districts - Boudh (Boudhgarh), Karanjia (Mayurbhanj), Kantabanji (Balangir) and Ganjam (Aska and Chhatarpur) will be upgraded to municipalities. The decision was taken following 5T Chairman VK Pandian's district tours and keeping the demands of people along with development of the areas in mind.

Among the newly constituted NACs are - Pallahara and Chhendipada in Angul district, Basta and Simulia in Balasore district, Paikmal and Bhede...