The Nikhil Odisha Paika Mahasangha on Thursday met Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister demanding inclusion of Paika Akhada in all schools and colleges and giving it NCC and Scout and Guide status.
A delegation under leadership of Mahasangha president Ashok Kumar Paltasingh also demanded steps for promotion of Paika Akhada, providing status of State game to it and special allowance to Paikas, celebrating March 29 as Odisha Paika Diwas, forming a Paika academy, holding a Paika Akhada competition every year and transferring Paika Akhada from the Culture Department to the Sports Department.
The Minister assured that a high-level committee would be formed soon and steps would be taken to fulfil the demands.
The delegation included Mahasangha advisor Bibhuti Bhusan Swain, treasurer Sardar Ranjan Baliarsingh, Khordha district president Purna Chandra Patsani and Kakatpur Paika Akhada Sangha president Sridhar Das.
