KIIT and KIMS FaceOff On the Tax Dispute

The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and its medical wing, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), renowned for their contributions to education and healthcare in Odisha, are now embroiled in controversy over unpaid taxes. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued notices to both institutions, citing outstanding holding tax dues exceeding ₹3 crore. KIMS reportedly owes over ₹2 crore, while KIIT University has unpaid dues of more than ₹1 crore.

The BMC has intensified efforts to ensure tax compliance, urging all defaulters to clear dues promptly. However, KIIT and KIMS have not yet issued a formal response. Adding to the controversy, KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta faces allegations of illegal land acquisition. Reports claim KIIT has encroached on government and private land for expansion, raising concerns over transparency and governance. While Samanta denies wrongdoing, critics have called for a government probe into the land deals.

Instead of directly addressing the allegations, Samanta and his supporters have criticized media reports, particularly those by Odisha Television Network (OTV). Alumni of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), a sister concern of KIIT, defended Samanta and even threatened OTV’s management, including MD Jagi Mangat Panda and MP Baijayant Panda. However, their response failed to refute the allegations convincingly.

Despite the controversy, Samanta remains a respected educationist and philanthropist, honored with prestigious awards like the Gusi Peace Prize and the ISA Award for Service to Humanity. KIIT continues to be a globally recognized institution, and KISS has empowered thousands of underprivileged tribal students through free education and career opportunities.

While Samanta’s contributions to education are widely acknowledged, the ongoing tax and land disputes threaten his reputation. How he addresses these challenges in the coming weeks will determine whether he can restore public trust and continue his mission.