Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka
Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka during the general election campaign 2019.
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Incumbent
Assumed office
17 June 2019
Preceded byJhina Hikaka
ConstituencyKoraput
AICC Incharge for Tripura PCC, Manipur PCC, Nagaland PCC, Sikkim PCC
Incumbent
Assumed office
14 February 2025
Preceded byGirish Chodankar
Personal details
Born (1979-01-01) 1 January 1979
Rayagada, Odisha, India
Political partyIndian National Congress
SpousePooja Ulaka
ResidenceRayagada
As of 13 May, 2019
Source: [1]

Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka (born January 1, 1979) is an Indian tribal politician, software professional and tribal rights activist from Rayagada, Koraput. A member of the Indian National Congress (INC), he is one of the party’s tribal leaders from eastern India and currently chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development & Panchayati Raj.[1] The panel has been vocal on revision of MNREGA wages and ease of wage/labour payments.[2] Currently he is appointed as the AICC In-charge for Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, and Sikkim.[3][4]

Elected to the 17th Lok Sabha, lower house of the Parliament of India from Koraput, Odisha in the 2019 Indian general election as a member of the Indian National Congress. Saptagiri retained his seat again by winning with a margin of 1,47,744 votes in the 2024 Indian general election. He is currently the only member from Odisha Congress in the Lok Sabha[5][6][7][8]

Early life and education

Saptagiri hails from a political family of South Odisha belonging to the Jatapu tribal community, his father was a veteran politician and lawmaker Ramachandra Ulaka who was a two term MP from Koraput and seven time MLA from Rayagada.[9] Saptagiri's mother Ratnamani Ulaka is a member of AICC and State Vice President of Odisha Mahila Congress.[10][11]

Saptagiri knows Kui, Odia, English, Telugu, Hindi, and German. This linguistic exposure has shaped his focus on grassroots advocacy and policy-level reforms enabling him to bridge the gap between the indigenous peoples and that of rest of India. Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka is married to Pooja Ulaka who is a social activist & social entrepreneur. The couple together have two children Nandini & Ramachandra Ulaka.[12][13]

Professional Career

Saptagiri, a software engineer, employed as a Senior Project Manager at Infosys in the United States. He held positions at companies including Ranbaxy and HCL Technologies. His corporate experience, which spans domestic and international work, provided him with expertise in structured project delivery, multi-stakeholder management, and technology-driven solutions. He later applied these skills to roles in his constituency and governance.[14][15][16][11]

Political career

He has been instrumental in raising his voice for a High Court Bench in undivided Koraput among many other issues that are pertinent to the welfare and development of Koraput.[17] The Parliamentary Constituency of Koraput & South Odisha at large have benefitted due to an upgraded airport at Jeypore after consistent demands in the Lok Sabha for the upgradation of the existing Jeypore airstrip into a full fledged commercial airport by Saptagiri.[18][19][20] The Jeypore airport since June 2022 has been commercially operational.[21] Saptagiri has also been raising the voice of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and in protests on bringing attention to the rising violence amongst women in Odisha.[22][23][24] Due to the Koraput MPs sustained efforts mobile and cellular connectivity has greatly increased in Koraput and Rayagada districts of Odisha.[25]

Roles

  • Chairperson, Standing Committee on Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (2024–present).[26]
  • Member, Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution 2019[27]
  • Member, Committee on Papers Laid on the Table 2019[27]
  • Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Steel 2024[27]
  • AICC In-charge for Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim (2025–present).
  • Member, Consultative Committees on Steel and Defence in the 17th Lok Sabha.
  • Participant in the India-Japan Forum 2024 edition (a platform for Indian and Japanese leadership on the future of bilateral and strategic partnerships through deliberation and collaboration)[28]

Parliamentary Interventions

1. Recognition of Jhodia & Dhurua Community

Ulaka has introduced a Private Member’s Bill seeking Scheduled Tribe status for the Jhodia and Dhurua communities. On 21 February 2025, he met President Droupadi Murmu to press for the restoration of ST status for the Jhodia, which had been excluded since 1997. Ministry confirmed the proposal was under review by the Registrar General of India and the NCST.[29][30]

2. Forest Rights Act (FRA)

He questioned Ministry of Tribal Affairs on implementation gaps.[31] Govt reply (May 2025): 5.12 million claims filed nationwide, 2.51 million titles granted; Odisha filed 736,172 claims, received 470,899 titles and demanded reduction in rejection rates and faster title issuance.

3. Adjournment Motion on Crimes Against Women

July 2025 motion cited: 54 gang rapes, 36,420 missing women, 8,403 missing children, 421 trafficking cases, 26 hostel student deaths.Called for hostel safety norms, legal aid, trauma counselling, and fast-track courts.

4. Balasore Self-Immolation

Raised in Zero Hour and via adjournment motion (22 July 2025).[32] Proposed POSH-compliant grievance systems, campus counselling units, and institutional accountability mechanisms.

5. Infrastructure & Connectivity

Advocated for Jeypore Airport commercial operations. He pushed for NH-326 bypass completion and departmental execution after failed private bids. Called for a permanent High Court bench in undivided Koraput.

6. Eklavya Model Residential Schools

Flagged that one-third of sanctioned EMRS were non-functional and pressed for teacher recruitment and infrastructure completion.

7. Agricultural Policy

Questioned MSP policy for tribal crops and also has promoted GI-tagged Kalajeera rice for domestic and export markets.[33][34]

8. Minority Rights

Protested in Parliament over the arrest and harassment of Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh.

9. Air Connectivity: Jeypore Airport

Ulaka championed the upgradation of the Jeypore airstrip into a commercial airport under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The airport now operates regular flights to Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam, boosting trade and tourism in South Odisha.[35][36]

10. Industrial Development: Kansariguda Alumina Refinery

Ulaka raised the issue of the stalled Kansariguda Alumina Refinery project, noting that land had been acquired over 14 years earlier but the plant remained incomplete. He called for its immediate commissioning to create jobs and boost the local economy.[37]

11. Education: Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jeypore and Central University of Odisha

In the 17th Lok Sabha, Ulaka made a Special Mention demanding the establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Jeypore to cater to the educational needs of the region.[38] He has also pressed the Union Ministry of Education to expedite recruitment of faculty at the Central University of Odisha, Koraput, to address significant staff shortages.[39][40]

Electoral performance

Year Election Party Constituency Name Result Votes gained Vote share% Margin
2019 17th Lok Sabha INC Koraput Won 3,71,129 34.36% 3,613
2024 18th Lok Sabha Won 4,71,393 41.03% 1,47,744[41]

References

  1. ^ "Rural Development and Panchayati Raj". PRS Legislative Research. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  2. ^ PTI (13 March 2025). "Congress highlights recommendations of Parliament panel calling for MGNREGS wage revision". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  3. ^ The Hindu Bureau (14 February 2025). "Congress carries out extensive organisational reshuffle after a series of losses in Assembly polls". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  4. ^ PTI (5 March 2025). "Party will leave no stones unturn to bring better governance and form Congress Government by 2028: MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka". Nagaland Tribune. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  5. ^ "Koraput (Odisha) election 2019: A triangular battle among BJD, Congress, BJP leaders". TimesNow. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
  6. ^ The Economic Times (6 June 2024). "Bullish Wins & Bearish Losses: Here are the key contests and results of 2024 Lok Sabha polls". Archived from the original on 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Koraput Constituency Lok Sabha Election Result 2024". The Times of India. 4 June 2024. Archived from the original on 24 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  8. ^ "Full list of Odisha Lok Sabha elections 2024 winners". The Indian Express. 5 June 2024. Archived from the original on 24 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  9. ^ "Odisha polls: Rama Chandra Ulaka's sons to battle it out in father's name". 2 April 2019.
  10. ^ "Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka". The Indian Express. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  11. ^ a b archive, From our online (2 April 2019). "Odisha polls: Rama Chandra Ulaka's sons to battle it out in father's name". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  12. ^ "My best wishes to Nandini Ulaka (Nandu) & Ramachandra Ulaka (Rishu) - my two tribal warriors on their Namakaran Utsav". Twitter. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  13. ^ "Congress's lone MP from Odisha on food security, Aadhaar and the condition of his party". caravanmagazine.in. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  14. ^ Ulaka, Saptagiri (15 September 2022). ""Another productive day meeting Dr Tomhiko Taniguchi (Special Adviser to Prime Minister Abe....."". www.x.com.
  15. ^ Ulaka, Saptagiri (24 December 2022). ""Wonderful dinner meet with Ambassador of Japan to India Shri Hiroshi Suzuki."". www.x.com.
  16. ^ Sansad TV (8 February 2024). Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka | The Constitution ST Order Amend & The Constitution (SC&ST) Order Amend 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2025 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ OdAdmin (27 July 2019). "Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka Urges Center For High Court Bench in Undivided Koraput". OdishaDiary. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  18. ^ "Flight operations in Odisha's Jeypore airport to start by year-end". The New Indian Express. 13 February 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  19. ^ "Debate : Loksabha". loksabhaph.nic.in. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  20. ^ "Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka | PRSIndia". PRS Legislative Research. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  21. ^ "Good news for frequent flyers! Flight services from Jeypore airstrip from June". 6 April 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  22. ^ "Ulaka highlights increase in crimes against women in LS". The Times of India. 11 March 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  23. ^ "After suspension, Congress MLAs clash with police outside Odisha Assembly". The Indian Express. 26 March 2025. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  24. ^ Kanak News (26 March 2025). Saptagiri Ulaka Slams Modi Model In Odisha | Vows To Raise Issue In Parliament. Retrieved 9 August 2025 – via YouTube.
  25. ^ "MP Saptagiri's sustained effort paved the way for mobile connectivity in Rayagada, Koraput districts – Odisha Diary, Latest Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha". orissadiary.com. Archived from the original on 3 November 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  26. ^ The Hindu Bureau (1 July 2025). "NDA MPs walk out protesting Medha Patkar's presence at meet of House panel on rural development". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  27. ^ a b c Centre, National Informatics. "Digital Sansad". Digital Sansad. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  28. ^ "IndiaJapanForum". indiajapanforum.in. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  29. ^ odishabarta (22 February 2025). "Delegation from Rayagada met President Murmu on Jhodia Tribal Status Right & Soura Language Recognition |". Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  30. ^ "Jhodias meet MP, demand tribal status". The Times of India. 4 August 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  31. ^ "Climate Change Mitigation Actions, Question No. 804" (PDF). sansad.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  32. ^ Sethy, Itishree (21 July 2025). "FM College Case: MP Saptagiri Ulaka Pushes for Urgent Institutional Reform in Parliament". Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  33. ^ Sansad TV (21 March 2025). LS | Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka | Demands for Grants under the control of MoA & FW for 2025-26. Retrieved 13 August 2025 – via YouTube.
  34. ^ Indicationtag, the Dongria Kondhs of Odisha are poised to receive a Geographical; tag, while Koraput Kalajeera Rice has been granted the esteemed GI (7 September 2023). "Odisha: GI Tags For Rayagada Shawls And Koraput's Kala Jeera Rice". adda247. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  35. ^ Ulaka, Saptagiri (11 February 2021). "Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.: 1740" (PDF).
  36. ^ "Cong MP Saptagiri Ulaka slams Centre, State govt for 'neglecting' southern and western Odisha". Cong MP Saptagiri Ulaka slams Centre, State govt for 'neglecting' southern and western Odisha. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  37. ^ Ulaka, Saptagiri (9 July 2022). "Regarding establishment of Alumina refinery Unit in Kansariguda, Odisha" (PDF).
  38. ^ LOK SABHA DEBATES(Original Version) Fifteenth Session (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) (Seventeenth Series, Vol. XXIX No. 7 ed.). New Delhi, India: Lok Sabha Secretariat. 8 February 2024. pp. 142, 188, 195, 200, 204, 216.
  39. ^ archive, From our online (5 July 2019). "Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka seeks Centre help on Central University of Odisha faculty crunch". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  40. ^ "MP Koraput Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka visits Central University of Odisha" (PDF). CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF ODISHA, KORAPUT, OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS. 9 July 2020.
  41. ^ "2024 Loksabha Elections Results - Koraput". Election Commission of India. 4 June 2024. Archived from the original on 24 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
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