Malkangiri: The Congress is observing a 12-hour bandh in Odisha's Malkangiri district today demanding fulfillment of four-point charter of demands.

Workers of the party, led by District Congress President Govind Patra, staged road blockade at various places, affecting movement of vehicles.

Educational institutions, shops, business establishments and offices remained closed in view of the bandh observance. The impact of the bandh was evident in seven blocks of Malkangiri district.

The party has been raising protest alleging inadequate health and education infrastructure in the district.

"We are expressing our dissatisfaction with the biased treatment of the Odisha government towards Malkangiri district. We had apprised the Collector, but no action was taken, leaving us with no choice but to observe the bandh," said Patra.

He accused the government of shifting from district-wise employment opportunities to a state-level basis, resulting in local youth being deprived of employment prospects. Furthermore, the B.Ed College is still non-operational, forcing students to seek education outside the district. The hospital lacks sufficient beds and essential equipment like dialysis machines, claimed Patra.