Odisha Network Other News http://www.odisha.in/ Odisha Network Other News. 24x7 News On Orissa en Odisha Media jatindash@hotmail.com jatindash@hotmail.com Sat, 19 May 2012 00:55:35 GMT Other News RSS Manager 1.0 60 Orissa converts tainted official’s building into dispensary http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2161/2011-11-02.html Bhubaneswar, Nov 2 (odisha.in) Orissa  Wednesday turned the confiscated building of a tainted former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer into a homeopathic dispensary.
 
The dispensary started functioning in the Gandamunda area of state capital Bhubaneswar in the house of Sanjib Kumar Ray who was convicted in a disproportionate assets case in January this yea.
 
“This dispensary functioning from today will provide free treatment to the public at large”, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said here.
 
Addressing a gathering of senior officials on the occasion of vigilance week celebration, the chief minister said his government will use all such confiscated buildings and houses for public purpose.
 
It was the first case in the state in which the house of a tainted former government official was used for public purpose. Ray was not available for comment.
 
The state vigilance department had accused Ray of having properties disproportionate to his known source of income and had registered a case in this regards on July 17, 2001.
 
The vigilance also raided his houses when Ray was vice-chairman of Cuttack Development Authority (CDA).He retired in 2004 as additional secretary in the state co-operation department.
 
The special vigilance court in Bhubaneswar had sentenced him in January to three years rigorous imprisonment and asked him to pay a fine of Rs one lakh.
 
Although the former administrator has appealed against the judgment, the government had confiscated his immovable property recently on the basis of a direction from the special vigilance court which convicted him.
 
“Corruption is a criminal menace and also a stumbling block for the all round development of society” chief minister Naveen Patnaik said adding the focus of his government is good governance with transparency, accountability and development.
 
 Patnaik said his government has been taking exemplary actions on convicted public servants including dismissal from service and recovery of penalty from pension of convicted corrupt government officials.
 
“Over the years, our government has upheld its commitment to eradicate corruption” he told the officials.
 
“Our priority is to eradicate corruption from all spheres of life to achieve higher economic growth and poverty reduction” he added.
 
Citing the measures his government has taken to prevent corruption, the chief minister said an act named as Odisha Special Courts Act in 2006 has been enacted in the state to ensure speedy disposal of disproportionate assets cases.
 
The process of disposal of cases has started in the special courts and already in 5 cases, the special courts have convicted the accused officials, he said.
 
Consequent upon the order passed by the special court confiscation of property has been done in three cases so far, he said adding the government has already taken possession of the property of accused in two cases.
 
He also said the state government has already established 12 Special Judge (Vigilance) courts for speedy disposal of anti corruption cases pending trial of which 11 courts are functional.

Odisha.in
 

]]> A correspondent Other News Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:41:00 GMT stone falls off Temple hurts devotee http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2162/2011-11-01.html  
The incident has prompted chief minister Naveen Patnaik to shot off a letter to the union culture minister Kumari Sailja for proper conservation of the ancient monument.
 
A stone slab weighing about a tonne and shaped like a pot slide down from the roof of the western entrance at about 11.30 am when the temple premise was crowded, temple public relation officer Laxmidhar Pujapanda told Odisha.in.
 
“Thanks god it did not fell on any body. Only a devotee sustained minor injury after a small piece of debris hit him”, he said.
 
A senior official of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) which has been assigned to maintain, conserve and preserve the temple since 1975 said it is safe and the visitors can enter he temple without any fear.
 
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the union culture minister to intervene and direct to the ASI for proper maintenance as large numbers of devotees were visiting the temple on the occasion of the holy month of Kartika.
 
In the letter, he has demanded actions against those involved for the poor maintenance that led to the mishap.
 
 Odisha.in]]> A correspondent Other News Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:07:00 GMT Mediator criticizes Orissa for not honouring pact http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2159/2011-04-16.html Bhubaneswar, April 16 (Odisha.in) A human right activist who helped Orissa during a hostage crisis 40 days ago criticized the state government on Saturday for the non-fulfilment of the promises it had made.

The state authorities had promised in writing that there would not be any anti Maoist operations unless and until there is any provocation, Dandapani Mohanty, here said.

“Instead of respecting this agreement the government and the security forces have recently resumed combing operations without any provocation from the Maoists” Mohanty said in a statement.

Similarly the government has done nothing for the release of about 627 innocent tribals who have been kept in various prisons for their alleged link with Maoists, he said.

The police and security forces have rather arrested more tribals subsequently under one pretext or the other, he said.

Mohanty was one of the three activists who played the role of mediators between the government and the rebels during the abduction of the Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna and junior engineer P.M.Majhi in February.

The duo were released about a week later after two senior state officials promised in writing to the mediators that the government will fulfill all the 14 conditions- the abductors had made.

Mohanty said most of the conditions have remained unfulfilled even more then a month passed to the end of the crisis.

 Odisha.in

]]> A correspondent Other News Sat, 16 Apr 2011 07:48:00 GMT Anna’s impact: Activists to push for strong anti-graft law in Orissa http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2155/2011-04-09.html Bhubaneswar, April 9 (Odisha.in)  Taking a cue from the success of social activist Anna Hazare’s campaign, an anti-corruption group on Saturday decided to ask the Orissa government to enact a strong anti graft law in the state.

Rabi Das, president of Orissa Jana Sammilani (OJS) said his organization has already decided to prepare a draft bill in line with the Jana lokpal bill Hazare has proposed to the central government.

“We have already formed a panel led by Justice Choudhury Pratap Keshari Mishra, a retired High Court judge, to prepare the draft” he told Odisha.in.

Orissa is the first state in the country to have enacted Orissa Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 1970.But, the establishment of the institution came twelve years after the enactment and the first Lokpal started functioning in 1983.

However Das said the existing act has loopholes which make the whole anti-corruption exercise fruitless.

Citing example he said the Orissa Lok Pal in the past had made critical observations on the land allotment related to Vedanta University in Puri district but the state government neither took any action nor the chief minister Naveen Patnaik placed the report before the assembly.

 “Since the existing Lok Pal bill in the state does not serve the purpose, we want this to be scrapped and the government to introduce a new bill inline with the one Hazare has been suggesting”, he said.

Das who organized demonstrations and fast here during past four days to express solidarity to Hazare said if the state government does not bring a stronger anti graft bill in the assembly, his organization will launch an indefinite hunger strike.

“We have also formed a team to contact Hazare. We will request him to join us in this campaign” he said.

Odisha.in

]]> A Correspondent Other News Sat, 09 Apr 2011 08:04:00 GMT Lawyers' strike against evening courts hits litigants in Orissa http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2141/2010-12-15.html Bhubaneswar, Dec 15 (Odisha.in) A day long strike by lawyers against evening courts hit legal works across Orissa Wednesday causing inconvenience to thousands of litigants, official said.

 Litigants and witnesses came to different courts as the court hours began but were disappointed due to the absence of their respective lawyers.

 Lawyers did not attend work and staged protests outside of the courts across the state including at state capital Bhubaneswar and Cuttack saying that evening courts will not only bring more disadvantages for them but also for the litigants as well as witnesses.

 A lawyer leader said they will not have the same spirit in the evening after working the whole day. He added that litigants as well as witnesses will also face trouble. He also said the lawyers are also angry because the state government took the decision without consulting them.

“We will not be able to get enough time to prepare after working for the whole day. Similarly the witnesses and litigants leaving the court rooms late in the evening are likely to face security risk in Maoists affected areas, he said.

If the state government wants to reduce back log of the cases, it should adopt alternative available ways like opening more Lok Adalats, he said. The state government introduced evening courts on an experimental basis in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in the first week of this month.

It has planned to open the same in other selected cities soon.  The government said the evening courts have been set up on the basis of an instruction by the Supreme Court.

Odisha.in

 

 

]]> our correspondent Other News Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:00:00 GMT Opposition accuses BJD of misusing power for poll http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2132/2010-06-15.html Bhubaneswar, June 15 (Odisha.in) Opposition Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party Tuesday accused the chief minister Naveen Patnaik of misusing his office for the Rajya Sabha poll in Orissa to be held for three seats on June 17.

 “Patnaik has resorted to all kinds of unethical and undemocratic means to ensure victory of Biju Janata Dal’s third candidate” Rudra Narayan Pani, the state unit vice president of the BJP and Rajya Sabha member alleged.

Patnaik held meeting with anti POSCO group and state leaders of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and with the leaders of Nationalist Congress Party Monday and Tuesday respectively to win their members in the assembly, he told Odisha.in.

Similarly Prasad Harichandan, the chief whip of the Congress part in the state assembly has also made similar allegation.

"After five years of silence, the way Patnaik took a U turn and met with the CPI backed anti POSCO leaders is a matter of surprise. It was intended to gather support of CPI in Rajya Sabha poll", Harichandan said.

"Under the representation of the people act 1951, a candidate or his agent cannot influence a voter by making any promise to vote or refrain from voting" he said.

 "Patnaik not only met anti POSCO leaders, he also held a meeting with the legislatures of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday and assured them to formulate and implement a regional development package for Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar district, which is illegal" he said.

“He should have done all these things before the nomination was issued” Harichandan said.

Both Congress and BJP leaders said they are drawing the attention of the election commission into the matter.

“The meetings were nothing do with Rajya Sabha election” refuting the allegations a BJD spokesman said.   

In the 147-member assembly, the BJD has 103 members, Congress 27, Bharatiya Janata Party {BJP) six, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) four and the Communist Party of India (CPI) one. There are six independent members.

The state will have three vacancies in the upper house of parliament with Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) Pyari Mohan Mohapatra, Congress' Radhakanta Naik and BJP's Bhagirathi Majhi completing their tenures on July 1.

 BJD has re-nominated Mohapatra and fielded former legislator Sashi Bhusan Behera and its general secretary Baishnab Parida for second and third seats.

The BJD can ensure victory of first two candidates on its own strength. However it requires the votes of 8 others to get the third seat.

The emergence of businessman Tara Patnaik as an independent candidate for the third seat with the support of main opposition Congress party has made the battle tough.

While the BJP and CPI have not yet made their stand clear, three independent members have said they will vote for the independent candidate. NCP has said it will vote for BJD.


Odisha.in

]]> A correspondent Other News Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:16:00 GMT Heat wave continues to grip Orissa http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2131/2010-06-04.html Bhubaneswar, June 4 (Odisha.in) A heat wave continued to grip Orissa with Bhabanipatna town, the district head quarters of Kalahandi, 427 kms from here, recording 45.2 degree Celsius Friday, the day’s highest temperature in the state, official said.

At least ten places across the state recorded maximum temperature of more then 40 degree Celsius, an official of the Bhubaneswar meteorological centre told odisha.in.

The places which recorded more then 40 degree Celsius included state capital Bhubaneswar and its nearby Cuttack city each 41.5, Jharsuguda 43.6, Sambalpur 44.0, Titilagarh 43.0, Angul 43.1, and Talcher 41.0, Hirakud 44.2, and Chandbali 41.2 degree Celsius, he said.

The heat wave condition would prevail over some interior parts of the state although rain and thunder shower would occur in few places during next 24 hours, he said.

The death toll due to sunstroke in the state since March has remained at 37, an official of the state relief control room said.

Odisha.in

]]> A correspondent Other News Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:25:00 GMT Veteran journalist Prasanta Patnaik honored http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2129/2010-05-01.html Bhubaneswar, May 1 (Odisha.in) Orissa based senior journalist Prasanta Patnaik was honoured here on the occasion of eleventh death anniversary of freedom fighter Chintamani Panigrahi.



  Patnaik was felicitated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on April  29   for his contributions to television journalism.


With over 40-years experience in the field of journalism, Patnaik has worked for print media, news agency, photo news agency, televisions and web media.

Odisha.in

]]> A corespondent Other News Sat, 01 May 2010 22:05:00 GMT Patnaik asks Maoists to halt violence http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2124/2010-02-08.html  
“Till the Maoists shun the path of violence, we have to use force against them to restore peace and law & order”Patnaik told reporters here on return from Kolkota after attending the meeting of four eastern states affected by left wing extremism.
 
 
On being asked about the divergent view of Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar who said that Maoist problem cannot be resolved by use of force, Patnaik pointed out, “When they (the Maoists) believe in violence, it’s difficult to have dialogue and restore peace. They are using violence and crime on regular basis”.
 
“When they (the Maoists) shun the path of violence, then of course there can be dialogue. Till then, they have to face the force”, he said adding “when peace is restored, development will naturally move very fast”.
 
Referring to the discussion at the meeting of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, and Jharkhand, he said that border strategy to combat the Maoists was the main high light.
 
He said that Union Home Minister P .Chidambaram had assured him to depute three battalions of Central paramilitary forces to be deployed in northern and western districts of the state besides the five battalions for the southern districts to tame the ultras.
 
Patnaik said that strategies would be chalked out for launching offensive against the ultras to ensure restoration of peace in Orissa after getting additional para-military forces as committed by centre

Odisha.in]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:37:00 GMT Durga puja 09 http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2123/2009-09-28.html odisha.in Other News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:18:00 GMT Orissa moves to revive small industries http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2115/2009-02-02.html  
The draft MSME Policy-2009 , which is prepared with the technical support of the UNIDO, has got the nod of the cabinet , which was presided over by the Chief Minsiter Naveen Patnaik.
 
The main thrust of the policy is to provide timely credit, infrastructure , raw materials and marketing support to MSME sector  to increase the employment potemtial and revenue as well.
 
As many as 25 per cent of the 37,000 traditional Small Scale Industries in Orissa , are sick and needs support of the government for their revival.
 
As part of the new MSME policy document, provision would be made for
Capital Investment subsidy to the tune of 10 to 12 per cent of the project cost to the enterprises with the minimum of Rs.8 lakh and maximum of Rs.12 lakh .
 
Besides, to boost the MSME sector, 20 per cent of lands in Land Bank and Industrial Parks and  equal per cent of  sheds in Industrial Estates would be earmarked for the  sector.
 
Similarly 10 per cent of the lands in Mega Industrial Projects would be kept reserved  for MSME sector to start ancillary and down-stream units, according to official sources.
 
To help encourage the MSME sector in a better manner, state cabinet has also approved the proposal to restructure the two state run institutions- the Orissa Small-scale Industries Corporation (OSIC) and the Orissa State Financial Corporation (OSFC).
 
It has been decided ,as part of the restructuring package , to introduce an One Time Settlement (OTS)  scheme, to  write-off the interest burden to the tune of Rs.9.24 crore  and also to convert the Rs.1.77 crore government's  loan to the OSIC to share capital, official sources said.
 
Hitherto , the OSIC, which has been providing raw materials support like iron, steel and bitumen , would supply ingredients like cement and paints in
concesional rates to the MSME units .
 
 The help the state owned OSFC, which has sustained huge loss and is unable to refinance ,to avail the financial support from SIDBI, the state
Government has also decided to covert its Rs.254 crore loan amount to
ordinary share capital.

Besides, the cabinet has also extended the OTS scheme for another six months in respect of OSFC to cover the Handloom sector to settle their loans, the sources said.

Odisha.in
]]> From Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:09:00 GMT Orissa releases eight prisoners for good conduct http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2112/2009-01-17.html
The convicts who already have already spent more than 14 years in jail were released from Open Air Jail at Jamujhari, located on the outskirt of state capital Bhubanbeswar, a senior state prison department official told Odisha.in

The state sentence review board had recommended in October 2008 the names of about 90 prisoners to the state governor for premature release on the ground of good behaviour.

The jail authority has already received from the government orders to release at least 40 prisoners. We are waiting to receive orders for the release of others, he said.

While eight prisoners have been released on Thursday, 32 prisoners would be released in next few days, he said.

Odisha.in
]]> A correspondent Other News Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:26:00 GMT Dipankar demands Speaker's removal http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2072/2008-03-28.html
Talking to Odisha.in Bhattacharjee said since allegations of Gayatri reveals sexual harassment, necessary legal steps should be initiated without delay.
 
The CPI(M-L) Liberation leader said that his party would observe 1st April as " Save Orissa Day " as the State Government and the centre are out to " destroy " Orissa. "

We will go to people and make them aware about the saddist designs of the Manmohan Singh Government as well as that of Naveen Patnaik Government and to prepare them to resist such move."
 
Bhattacharya alleged that both the UPA and the NDA are deceiving the people of the country as well as that of Orissa.
The Congress can not shy away from the fact that historically they are responsible for the hunger and starvation deaths in
K-B-K districts.

The much publishised pro-tribal gestures of Rahul Gandhi would not be able to misguide the people of Orissa in any manner, as they are aware about the hard reality.
 
While condemning the National Mineral Policy drafted by the centre, Bhattacharya ridiculed Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's " hypocratic " stand on the issue.

He blamed Naveen Patnaik for working as an agent of foreign corporate houses like the POSCO, Mittals etc. and promoting them in the State, sacrificing the interests of the poor people of Orissa. He said, his party would expose the " politics of hypocracy and economic destruction ".
 
He said that his party has decided to strongly campaign in Orissa, Jharkhand and Chhatishgarh to strengthen the base of the party.

Elaborating his point, the CPI(M-L) Liberation leader said all these States are mineral rich States and democracy is under attack in these States.
 
Commenting on the loan waiver aspect of the union budget, Bhattacharjee said that though the Finance Minister has announced for waiver of loans on farmers amounting to Rs 60,000.00 crores, he has made a budgetory provision of only Rs 10,000.00 crores.

Since he has announced to implement the loan waiver by 30th June, 2008, his party would monitor to ensure that the Finance Minister keeps his promise.

He demanded that instaed of waiver of bank loan for the farmers having only 2 hectares of land, the Governemnt should waive loans of  all the farmers having 4 hectares of land. Loans of all banks and private loans should also be waived. In additionloans on fishermen, poultry farmers etc. should also be waived .
 
He said that all the districts of all the States should be included under NREGA and budget of Rs 50,000.00 crores should be allotted to each district.
 
Bhattacharya said, inspite of overwheming opposition to the prposed nuclear agreement through out the nation, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee's stand on the nuclear policy is dangerous. The CPI and CPI-M now should withdraw their support from the UPA Government opposiing to the stand taken by Mukherjee and the Prime Minister.
 
Odisha.in]]> A Correspondent Other News Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:34:00 GMT Lady employee alleges sexual harrassment by assembly speaker http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2069/2008-03-26.html
Mohanty denined the allegation and said he is ready for any probe. "The allegation is baselsss" he said.

Talking to Odisha.in, Gayatri alleged that though she was working in the post since 2001, she had never faced any problem until the present Speaker Maheswar Mohanty started demanding sexual favours from her. Since she did not relent to his lust, Mohanty has started taking vindictive actions by suspending her.
 
Gayatri who has done her Post Graduation from Utkal University claimed that being fedup with the objectionable beheaviours of Mohanty, she reported the matter in writing to the Secretary of Orissa Assembly who is the administrative head . But he took no action in the matter. On the other hand she becme victim of repeated haressment.
 
She alleged that the Speaker pressurised her in many ways to oblige to his lust. Even he sent his driver at the late hours of evening to attend him in his residence. She was asked by the Chief Marshal to meet the Speaker alone during the lonely hours.
 
Gayatri said that though on 21st February she had filed a complaint before the Secreatry of Orissa Assembly requesting him to take appropriate action to save her from sexual harassment by the Speaker and also to give her adequate protection, the Secretary took no action.

After over a month has lapsed and the mental torture continued she was forced to report the matter to  Rutuparna Mohanty, Secreatry of Maa Ghar, and an eminent woman activist of Orissa.

Odisha.in is in possession of Gayatri's CONFIDENTIAL LETTER to the Secreatary and also her letter to Rutuparna Mohanty seeking her intervension.
 
Talking to Odisha.in, Gayatri said, now she has no hesitation to expose the shady deals taking place inside the State Assembly complex.

Though the Speaker holds the highest post and is expected to give protection not only to the legislators but also to all the employees, Mohanty is working in a different manner. " No woman is safe in the Assembly complex " she said.
 
 Commenting on the alleged activities of Speaker Mohanty, Rutuparna said, the Speaker who holds a high post of diginity
should step down , with due respect to the Chair and pave way for initiating action under Sexual Harassment at Work place so that poor Gayatri can get justice.

Odisha.in
]]> Prasant Patnaik Other News Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:55:00 GMT Naveen to be voted to power again says Odisha.in poll http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2073/2008-03-01.html
Of the 592 people participated in the online poll, 400 people voted in favour of BJD-BJP coalition headed by Naveen Patnaik. Congress secured second position by getting only 80 votes.

However the polls were conducted before the visit of congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi to the state.

Odisha.in]]> A Correspondent Other News Sat, 01 Mar 2008 20:50:00 GMT Patnaik demands IIT in Orissa http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2028/2008-01-23.html
Orissa is on the verge of rapid industrial upsurge not only in the industrial sector but also in technical education sector and the state provides enormous potential for research and development activities, Patnaik said.

 Establishment of an IIT in Orissa will greatly facilitate in intensifying this process, which is of critical importance to make the industry globally competitive, he said.    


Further, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister, Human Resource Development for establishment of a Greenfield Indian Institute of Management in Orissa.

 Given the current industrial boom in Orissa, it is necessary to bring in professional culture and management.  The IIT shall be the incubation centre for quality managerial professionals required for the various sectors of the economy.

The Chief Minister also demanded for setting up of a Central University in the KBK region which could educate the youth in traditional and modern disciplines.

Since the quality of human resource holds the key to the development of any region, there is an urgent need to set up a top class multi-disciplinary Central University in the KBK Region covering disciplines such as basic sciences, humanities, law, medicine, agriculture, horticulture etc.  Besides, the Central University in KBK would also indirectly help in combating left wing extremism in the region.

The Union Minister, HRD indicated that Orissa has a very good case for setting up of a Central University in the KBK region.

 He added that there is a strong possibility of setting up of an IIT / IIM at Orissa because of the unprecedented industrial growth witnessed by the State.  He indicated that decision in this regard will be taken by the Union Government soon.

Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Orissa also met the Union Minister, Urban Development Shri S Jaipal Reddy and requested  him for enhancement of allocation of fund to Orissa to at least Rs.2500 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and Rs.1000 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for the Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).

Government of Orissa is committed to undertake various mandatory and basic reforms in order to strengthen the resource base and delivery system of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the State. The Chief Minister informed the Union Urban Development Minister that the Government of India have sanctioned so far only Rs.504 crore under Urban Infrastructure Governance (UIG) component of JNNURM  and Rs.144 crore under UIDSSMT.

 Further, the Union Urban Development Minister was informed that the State Government have been awarded only Rs.231.09 crore, which is quite inadequate to meet the minimum investment demand of Rs.2500 crore required under JNNURM. The Urban Minister assured to extend maximum possible financial assistance to make the capital city of Bhubaneswar and pilgrim city of Puri as world class.  

He further promised to extend support to improve urban infrastructure and environment in the small and medium towns of Orissa.  He also offered to help the state in getting affordable housing for economically weaker sections of the society.

Odisha.in  

]]> A Correspondent Other News Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:59:00 GMT World Bank may shield corrupt minister and officials http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2022/2008-01-20.html
 As it has been mentioned in the second paragraph that " the DIR is strictly confidential internal World Bank document….."   Its findings are of a highly sensitive and confidential nature and should not be used by the Government of India as the basis of initiating any administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding. "

It further mentioned that , " the Government of India may wish to undertake its own investigation into matters raised by this DIR to determine whether any of the laws of India may have been violated."

" Moreover, the DIR should not be cited or referred to in the course of any Government of India investigation, in its investigation reports, or in any administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings undertaken by the Government of India related to the five projects reviewed in this Report."

In view of such declaration relating to " Use and Limitation " of the report, informed sources claim that the WB will not name the ministers/bureaucrats at any cost. Therefore it is apparent that the letter written to the WB by Orissa Government is nothing but an eye wash.

Reacting about asking WB to disclose the names of the financial favour seeking  minister and the bureaucrats, NCP State unit President Bijoy Mohapatra told Odisha.in " after disclosure by a member of the  Evaluation Team of the DIR in the media , there was no need for writing to the WB.

 This was simply a plea to divert public attention from the demand for initiating CBI inquiry to book the persons responsible for plundering the public money, which the poor peoples of Orissa would have to pay back to the W.B. with interest. "

Talking to Odisha.in a senior scribe said, "while demanding resignation of CM and the corrupt ministers and bureaucrats, there should be demand for  actions against the Bank officials responsible for the corruption debacles.

Those  include, Mr. Praful Patel, who has been running the bank's South Asia operations since 2003; Managing Director Graeme Wheeler, who until recently oversaw Mr. Patel's work; and James Adams, the vice president for S-E Asia who gave a pass to corrupted projects."

 
As the WB is also guilty of   encouraging corruption in developing countries like India who have been their soft targets because of the corrupt ministers and bureaucrats, the Bank may prefer to maintain silence in order to avoid controversy and thereby shielding the corrupt ministers and bureaucrats.

However, the Orissa Government would face embarrassing situation in case the Government of India would sou-moto order for a CBI probe to bring the truth to light.

Odisha.in
]]> Prasanta Patnaik Other News Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:01:00 GMT Govt deputes high level police team to Kandhamal http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2004/2008-01-09.html
 The three members team will visit the affected areas, review the situation with the local administration and submit a report to the state government, a senior official of the chief minister office told Odisha.in.

The district of Kandhamal has been witnessing clashes between scheduled caste Pana mostly Christians and scheduled tribe Kandha mostly Hindus since Christmas Eve.

At least three people have died, dozens injured and hundreds of houses have been burnt in the worst ever riots.

The state government has deployed paramilitary forces and clamped night curfew in the region as the tension continues.

The state government has also appointed a retired Orissa High court judge to probe into the incidents.

Union home minister Shivraj Patil, chief minister Naveen Patnaik, members of national Human right commission and members of national minority commission are some of the important people who visited the affected areas over past weeks.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Moharana Other News Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:53:00 GMT NREGA not enough to stop migration, hunger death: P. Sainath http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/2002/2008-01-09.html
Sainath, who was in Balasore yesterday to deliver Anant Kar memorial lecture on "Economic scenario of rural India after 60 years of Independence and its impact on education" at Remuna College, took a strong note on the failure of one of the most beneficial projects for the poor.

"Work for hundred days a year to one person in a family as allowed under the scheme is not well enough to stop people migrating to other states," he pointed out.

People from Koraput, Balangir migrate to Andhra Pradesh to work in the brick-kilns as because there is no limit for work days and more than one person from a family can be engaged.

"So why should the labourers be here to get only hundred days work," he said. "The government should increase it 180 to 200 days," he suggested.

The scribe who used to spend at least six months in rural areas criticized the government policies for making the rich richest and the poor poorest.

"While people like Amabanis get Rs 40 lakh per minute, in rural areas labourers struggle for Rs 40 daily. Even though 70 percent people live in rural India, but only 8 percent credits from banks go there. How can the rural India grow," he maintained.

Focusing on both rural and urban education patterns Sainath said, while most of the toppers in Mumbai come from neglected areas like Vidarva, students can't excel in rural parts due to their poor condition and less-exposure to different modern techniques.

"Of Rs 503 per capita income per month people in rural India spend 60 percent on food. While they still fail to feed their children properly how can they think about education. People here spend Rs 17 for education and Rs 34 on health per months," he said.

Giving the statistic of UNDP, he said India ranks 128th in the human development index. "But surprisingly it is 4th in world for housing most billionaires. While still 20 crore people are failing to seek medical attention, the government claims India is the favourite nation for medical tourism," he remarked.

"For the economic growth of rural people the government should give stress on education and health first. Education can be a major source of social reformation," Sainath added.

Among others MBS Nayar, president of Emami Paper Mills and former Nilagiri MLA Pradipta Panda also spoke.

Odisha.in

]]> Hemant Kumar Rout Other News Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:00:00 GMT Allocate more funds for education in state budget http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1990/2007-12-30.html Bhubaneswar, Dec 30 (Odisha.in) To make education for all the children a reality the state government should allocate more funds for education state budget, participating in workshop speakers said Sunday.

The government should increase the present allocation of funds to at least 25 per cent in the state budget, the educationists, trade unionists, teacher’s Federation leaders, NGO representatives said.

PECUC and Action Aid organized the workshop “Analysis of Orissa State Education Budget: Priorities and challenges”.

While sharing the study findings Ranjan Mohanty, Secretary of PECUC   said that the percentage of educational expenditure in regards to school and mass education department out of the total state budget has been gradually declining from year to year.

While comparing the percentage of expenditure in the said period between 1998-99 and 2007-08 out of the total state expenditure, the diminution is to the tune of 3.80 per cent.
 
The workshop discussed and analysed the state budget for education for the last ten years. There has been a decreasing trend in the budgetary allocation matched to the social commitment for the education of the children.

In this regard, many participants said that there has to be much awareness on the budget.

The forum decided to carry forward the process of consultation with various sectors to work out a peoples plan and budget to share with the government. This would clearly articulate the need of the people.
 
This will also help the people to make the state more responsible and accountable. This would help realize the dream of sending all children to school.
 
The workshop was Chaired by Dr. P.C.Mohapatra, Educationist. Other eminent persons who participated include Arun Sahu, MLA, Dr Dillip Srichandan ,Ex MLA, Dr.Ambika Nanda,Action Aid,  Dr.Sibaram Patnaik, Kasturi Mohapatra, Mahendra Parida, Child Rights Activist; Dr.Mahendra Mishra,OPEPA, Namrata Chaddha, Sauri Bandhu Kar, Rama Krishna Panda.

Anuradha Mohanty, Coordinator of PECUC gave the welcome address.

Odisha.in

]]> A correspondent Other News Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:37:00 GMT Padmanabha Behera resigns for Kandhamal violence http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1987/2007-12-28.html Bhubaneswar, Dec 28 (Odisha.in) Orissa steel and mines minister Padamnav Behera resigned Friday over allegations that he is involved in the communal clashes that rocks Kandhamal his home district.

 “In the last few days misinformation and misleading statements about my role in my district have been spread through the media” Behera told media persons.

“To remove this public misconception as well as to restore age old harmony between scheduled caste and scheduled tribe in my district I have decided to tender my resignation” Behera who submitted his resignation to the chief minister Naveen Patnaik Friday evening said.

 Behera represents, Phulbani assembly constituency in the district. Senior Minister Behera was holding a number of departments and was one of  the most favoured ministers of the Chief Minister.

He was in active non-Congress politics since past 14 years and was initiated to politics by late Biju Patnaik, father of Naveen Patnaik.

After submitting his resignation before Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Behera told media persons that though he was in no way concerned with the communal tension in Kondhmal district, a conspiracy was hatched his opponents to defame him by holding him responsible for the situation.

Since he wants peace and communal harmony in the district he has stepped out from the Government to save the image of the Government.

Reacting to media persons on resignation of Behera, Chief Minister Patnaik said, " it was his decision and I have not asked him to resign. " Resignation of Behera has been accepted.

Behera was allegedly instrumental in creating disgarmony between the tribals and schedule caste "Panas" speaking " Kui " dilects by making a bid to declare them as tribals for availing all facilities as tribals over, " jal, jami and junggle" in the district, to which the native tribals of the district were opposing teeth and nail.

Prior to Behera's resignation in an interesting development, the Advisory Committee and Achedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes have recommended to the Government not to give tribal status to the " Panas " speaking " Kuidilects".

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Moharana Other News Fri, 28 Dec 2007 19:47:00 GMT Judicial Probe Ordered into Kondhmal Communal Violence http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1986/2007-12-28.html Bhuabneswar, Dec. 28.( Odisha.in ):Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday ordered judicial probe into the communal violence in the tribal dominated Kondhmal district in which four persons have been killed on Thursday.

However unconfirmed report puts the death toll at eight.The judicial commission of enquiry will be headed B. Panigrahi, retired justice  of Orissa High Court. Patnaik said that the situation is improving in many parts of the district and there has been no fresh violence.
 
Briefing  media persons, Home Secretary Tarun Kanti Mishra said that the State Government has requested the centre to send four additional companies of CRPFfor the troubled district.

Additional Para Military forces and Rappid Action Fores also have been requisitioned. All the district collectors have been asked to be present in their respective district headquqrters and those who were on leave have been asked to jointheir duties immediately.

Such precautionary measures have been taken to check spreading of violence to other neighbouring districts.
 
Mishra said that the State Government has already sent the report on the Kondhmal violence to the centre.
 
The worst hit areas were Brahmanigaon, Barkhama and Nuagaon areas in the district where both communities suffered losses. Some areas of Kandhmal were still inaccessible and police was working to clear the roads.
 
Curfew in four towns of the district namely Phulbani, Brahmanigaon, Daringibadi and Baliguda, which was lifted on Thursday morning, was re-imposed with the police anticipating more trouble.
 
Despite claim of the State Government that the situation is improving, the Christian community feels unsafe. A group of Christian representatives who met Chief Miister have demanded C.B.I. inquiry as they are not happy with the judicial probe. According to them the judicial probe would take lots of time.
 
Senior B.J.P. legislator and V.H.P. activist , Pratap Sarangi said ,that the minor communities were responsible for the situation in Kondhmal . Since a senior V.H.P. activist Swami Laxmanananda Saraswoti was attacked, the people who have love and respect for the Swamiji have reacted.
 
According to the district administration of Kondhmal , situation in some parts had improved, but tension continued in other areas such as Baliguda and Daringibadi. Many Christian families had fled their homes in Barkhama also.
 
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has also sought a report from the state government on the violence in four towns of Kandhamal district.
 
Protest rallies were organised in Bhubaneswar by left parties to condemn the communal violence in Kondhmal and to urge upon the Government to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
 
Odisha.in

]]> Prasanta Patnaik Other News Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:17:00 GMT Patnaik re-elected as BJD chief http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1972/2007-12-23.html
Expressing his gratitude to the party men Sunday for reposing faith on him to lead the party for Sixth time in a row, Patnaik said," There is no room for dictatorship in BJD".

Asserting that the party is ready to face the election at any point of time, BJD supreme asked his party men "to go to the people, hear the people, do the needful and let the party know whether plans and programmes being implemented by government reaching the people".

Stating that progress and prosperity of the state is the only agenda of BJD and state government, he said “we have been working for the development of poor, weaker sections of the society like Sc, ST and would continue to fulfil the dreams of late Biju Babu”.

Patnaik on his reelecetion as the party Supremo at the specially convened State Executive at the Party Head quarters, announced his new team, the blend being weighed more towards the young blood.

Young leaders like Atanu Sabyachai Nayak, Debasish Nayak, Debasis Samantray, N.Bhaskr rao, Sarat Paikray, Jangeswar have found place in the list of General Secretaries. And all most all the young leaders are included as Secretaries.

However, the party boss has again seems to have reposed faith on former Minister Dr.Damodar Rout by assigning the plum post of the Secretary General of the party, who is regarded as the chief Spokesman.

Even as the Chief Minister and the party chief is harping on the women empowerment, the ideals did not reflect on the list of office bearers. There are five Vice –Presidents and ten General Secretaries, but no place for women representatives.

Only one woman leader Anjali Kanungo found place in the list of seven secretaries There is however no representation from the minorities.

Senior leader, Jogendra Behera has been nominated as the Treasurer of the party.

Patnaik has announced the names of newly elected presidenets of 31 organizational districts of the party.

The list of office bearers include five Ministers and two Lok Sabha Members.. while A.U.Singh Deo, Prafulla Chandra Ghadai, Kalindi Behera , Prasanna Acharya, and Prasanna Patasani are made Vice-Presidents, Surya Narayan Patro,
Debasish Nayak, Raghu nath Mohanty, ,Sarat Kumar Paikray, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Jangeswar, Debasis Samantray, Narendra Kumar Swain, N.Bhaskar Rao, and R.N.Pani are taken as General Secretaries.

The list of secretaries include- Ajit Hembrum, Anjali kanungo, Priyadarshi Mishra, Ramesh Majhi, Sanjaya Kumar Das Burma, Sarada Nayak and Saroj Samal.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhdu Maharana Other News Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:39:00 GMT Will Mumbai Police give justice to Avinash's family ? http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1963/2007-12-22.html  
While Bhupen Patnaik, father of Avinash has categorically alleged that his son was murderedfor money and has held Moon squarely responsible for the tragedy, Moon has pointblankdenied of any financial transaction between her and Avinash as well as Ramesh Sharma.
 
Odisha.in is in possession of a telephonic conversation between Moon Das and A.B. Harichandan,a Bhubaneswar based close friend of Avinash which took place only three days after thethree deaths in Mumbai.

During the conversation, while Moon was aparantly concerned aboutdeaths of her mother and uncle, who according to her were shotdead by Avinash from his pistol lodaed with three bullets, she expressed no concern about death of her young lover Avinash, whom she had married before Goddess Bana Durga near Khurda in presence of astrologer Bipin Behari Samantaray and Avinsh's friend Nalini Kanta ( odisha.in had published the photographs of the marriage in which Moon was in her wdding saree with a wedding ring in the left hand's ring finger ), Moon did not express a word of grief during the 21 minute long conversation.
 
Instead of admitting about the financial transactions between Avinash and herself which has reflected in the ICICI bank account , which included an amount of Rs 5 lakh on 14th this year, i.e. on the Valentine Day, Moon alleged that Avinash was very calculativein spending money. He was always prefering not to go to any costly hotel and was always asking her for money.

Odisha.in has already published photogrphs of Moon and Avinash enjoying in star hotels at Bhubaneswar, Puri, Mumbai  and elsewhere.
 
During conversation with Harichandan she had repeatedly making allegations against Avinash, saying that he was taking lots of drinks, drugs etc. and was physically assulting her.
 
It was surprising that Moon, who was reportedly terribly upset when she found Avinash talking with a girl over his mobile while staying in Swosti Plaza hotel in Bhubaneswar, and had torn up her left fore arms , which are still visible, did not utter a single word mourning death of Avinash, while talking with Harichandan, whom she knew as one of the closest friend of Avinash.
 
Though a month has passed since the three deaths in her apartment under very mysterious circumstances, sofar Oshiwara police of Mumbai have not disclosed the postmerterm reports of all the three victims and also the ballistic reports.

According to sources in Mumbai, Moon has also not been medically examined to ascertain her marital status as claimed by Avinsh's friends.
 
Talking to Odisha.in astrologer Bipin Behari Samantaray claimed that there was no sign of Avinash's committing suicide in the lines of his palm .

Rather there were signs of his falling victim to deep rooted conspiracy and loose his life. That has precisely happenned. He ascertained that the Mumbai police can easily unearth the truth if if would probe into the mystery behind all the three deaths that took place on 22nd November night.
 
Those who were circulating the double murder and suicide theory have sofar not been able to locate the source frim which Avinash had procured the pistol and what compelled him to carry only three bullets while he was not aware about the situation he would have to face in Mumbai.
 
The investigating agency have also not probed into Moon's connections in Mumbai, Bhuabneswar, Rourkela as well as abroad and antecidents of the event managers who were organising events for her.
 
Interestingly eneough while Bhupen Patnaik has held Moon responsible for allegedly exploiting Avinash financially, Avinash's friends have pointed out fingers at Ramesh Sharma. Despite allegations against him in the media, sofar Sharma has preferred to remain silent for reasons best known to him.
 
After despatcing the F.I.R. to Oshiwara police station in Mumbai by Speed Post, Bhupen Patnaik has told media that he is confident of getting justice from the police as he has faith on the police and the God. But will Mumbai police act sincerely to bring the truth behind the tripple deaths to light and give justice to Bhupen Patnaik's family members ? Only time will speak.
 
odisha.in]]> A Correspondent Other News Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:25:00 GMT RSS mourns over the death of Krishna Ballav Acharya http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1961/2007-12-21.html
he was admitted in the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science as he complained severe headache. After a long treatment finally he passed away.

On his death a condolence ceremony was held here. "He was a tough Sangha Chalaka" said the Mukhya Pranta Pracharak of Utkal Pranta.

In his youth he was the active member of RSS and managed to open a Sangha Sakha in Gaya.

Participating actively in the Non-Cooperation movement, he was imprisoned in Bhagalpur jail. Lamenting on the death,

Editor of Viswa Sambad Kendra, Sumanta Panda said that Krishna Ballav Acharya was energetically worked after the independence of India.

When RSS was charged for the death of Mahatma Gandhi, he got jail, protesting the against the charge. Like that, during the 1977 emergency, he got imprisonment, leading the RSS also he got the same treatment in 1992 when demonstrating in the support of the demolishing of Babri mosque.

Sri Jagdish Pattnak narrated the role of Krishna Ballav Acharya in the field of art, education and cultural development. "His effort in the progress of Nalanda College was incredible", he said.

Among others, Abinash Acharya Jilla Prachrak of Sangha, Jilla Sangha Chalak Raghunath Pati attended the meeting.

Odisha.in

]]> धर्मेंदर महापात्र Other News Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:36:00 GMT RSS demands stern action against US Website http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1953/2007-12-19.html
The website has a range of apparel products using different images of Hindu gods like Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Laxmi, and Hanuman.

"The State Government should take up the issue with the Centre and the matter should immediately be informed to the US Embassy," RSS State Sanghachalak Ashok Das said.

On Monday, Law Minister BB Harichandan had said "We will certainly protest this and also ask the Centre to initiate appropriate action in this matter," The RSS reaction came two days after a group of the followers in Puri filed an FIR against the e-shopping website accusing it of hurting religious sentiments by using Lord Jagannath's image in the advertisement of undergarments.

 The "mischief" played by the website had severely hurt the sentiments of Hindus. The State Government should ensure that strong actions were taken against those indulging in practices that amount to incitement of religious tension, Das said.

"The website had also tried to insult India as a nation by displaying Indian National Flag, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other respected persons in the underwear," he added.

Odisha.in]]> Golak chandra Das Other News Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:36:00 GMT Autopsy and ballestic reports can throw light on deaths in Moon's house http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1951/2007-12-17.html  
The post-mortem report of all the three bodies can reveal their time of death. According to media reports, Avinsah had gone with a pistol to Moon's house around 8.30 p.m. to take revenge on Moon , holding her responsible for betraying him by breaking the marriage. As he did not found Moon at the house, he shoot her mother and maternal uncle and waited for Moon's arrival.
 
According to A.B. Harichandan, a close friend of Avinash who was also well acquainted with Moon for about past eight months, he had talked to Avinsah over his mobile on November 22 at about 8.30 p.m.

Again when he contacted his mobile at about 9 p.m. some one picked up it but did not respond. Subsequently the mobile was switched off.
 
The newspaper reports from Mumbai suggested that when Moon retrned from a party along with his male friend Ramesh Sharma at about 11.30 p.m., she found her mother and uncle were laying dead and Avinsh was standing with a pistol. When Avinash wanted to come out of the house Ramesh Sharma helped her to push him back and shut the door.

 Then they went to Oshiwara police station to inform the police and came back, the door was locked from inside. When the door was opened, Avinsh was also found dead with bullet injuries over his temple.

Such sequences immediately drove the Oshiwara police to conclude that Avinah had committed suicide after killing Moon's mother and uncle. All the three bullets in the pistol had been fired and there was no live bullets in the pistol.
 
This gives rise to suspecion about statement of Moon, Ramesh Sharma and also Mumbai police who are investigating into the matter. Before getting the postmortem report and ballistic report, the Mumbai police have accepted the "double murder and suicide theory."
 
The postmortem report on all the three bodies can pin-point the exact time of death. Incase Moon's mother and uncle would have died hours before Moon's returning home , and Avinsh would have died around 11.30 p.m. then only the police theory can be believed.

But it can only be confirmed by the ballistic report if it mentions that Avinash had used the weapon to shoot himself by touching the nozzle on his left temple and not from some distance then only the police theory can be believed.
 
But all the investigations should be impartial to bring the truth to light. The police should also investigate into the financial transaction part alleged by Bhupen Patnaik and Avinsah's friends. All the financial deals and activities of Avinash's Mumbai based connections as well as their anticedents should also come under scrutiny to bring the truth to light.
 
Odisha.in]]> A Correspondent Other News Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:33:00 GMT Thousands from Orissa to join Ram Setu gathering http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1943/2007-12-14.html
VHP State general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath here said that more than 20 lakh people across the country would congregate and would demanded protection of Ram Setu.

 People of Orissa will leave for New Delhi on December 28 in different trains, Rath said. "Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should tender an apology to people and Ram Sethu should be declared a national monument," he demanded.

Odisha.in
]]> Golak Chandra Das Other News Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:14:00 GMT Orissa's efforts in tackling naxals praised http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1937/2007-12-14.html
"The rate of naxal related incidents in Orissa has been very low and the preparation of Orissa police in dealing with the naxals is excellent", Kumawat said Thursday after the monthly meeting of the Task Force on Naxals
 
The Task Force, which meets every month on rotation, held its meeting in Orissa for the first time here at the State Specail Intelligence Wing (SIW) head quarter.

The four hours long marathon meeting was presided over by Kumawat, who heads the Task Force and was attened by top Police officials of nine Naxal affected states –Orissa, Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, U.P, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhatisgarah.

To a question, he said," it is not a fact that Malkangiri district is in the grip of Naxal".

The nodal officers handling the Naxal issue discussed in details the present situation and the problems being faced in tackling the left wing ultras.

The Task Force Chief, Kumawat talking to media persons after the meeting expressed his satisfaction over the steps being taken by all the affected states.

However, he called for more synergy among the Naxal affected states and between states and Center in all fields’ right from Security, intelligence gathering and development programs.

"A focused and comprehensive strategy is needed to combat the Naxal menace", he said adding training of personnel and intelligence sharing has to be more aggressive.

The Special Secretary expressed his optimism that the Left wing menace would be finished one day stating that the affected states had full commitments and"are prepared well".

Asserting that the Naxal problem is on the wane, Kumawat said," I don't see any reason why the affected states should not succeed in their effort to finish the problem".

"A democratically elected state can not be whished away by some people having weapons in their hands", he warned.

"Except four or five incidents in Chhatisgarah, the level of Naxal violence and activities have been reduced and the violence related deaths have also come down during this year”, the special secretary said..

On Friday, the Task Force members would visit the Special Operation Group training Center of Orissa here, said the DG police G.C.Nanda .

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:07:00 GMT Adverse climatic conditions affect our agriculture: farmers http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1929/2007-12-11.html
The farmers tell this during a people perception survey conducted by Water Initiatives Orissa on climate change impacts on Orissa.

The survey its convenor Ranjan Panda said conducted on about 2000 people from different section of society clearly cites this trend to decreasing land productivity and adverse climatic conditions like delay in monsoon or erratic rainfall.

The findings came out of the first phase year long survey started on harvest festival Nuakhai (September 16). The survey has been initiated to gauge the impacts of climate change in Orissa, particularly on water and agriculture sector.

About 90 percent of the respondents in our current survey were farmers, farm laborers, landless agriculture or natural resource depended rural people.

Almost all respondents have reported growing hot days and reducing rainfall. About 30 percent of respondents have indicated changes in local bio-diversity.

About 20 percent respondents have cited how traditional methods of forecasting climate and weather is failing these days due to behavioural deviations in birds, animals, plants and environment. Many people have cited extinction of local bio-diversity (pests, insects, plants etc).

The report has established the fears that Orissa is a climate change hot spot. The WIO will continue to focus the vulnerability of Orissa to climate changes. Building up from this first phase survey and findings, the campaign will continue till the 14 th UNFCC conference next year.

"By the next climate change conference in 2008, we hope to come out with a comprehensive status paper which will be first of its kind of report indicating various climate change issues in Orissa.

That paper will blend local perceptions with scientific studies & analyses and will come out with clear indicators of how Orissa is truly a hot spot of climate change, what are the threat levels and which are the vulnerable areas and groups.

 The report will also try to suggest adaptation and mitigation measures," Panda said.

Odisha.in

]]> A Correspondent Other News Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:18:00 GMT Intellectuals demand white paper on water issue http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1920/2007-12-08.html
We are publishing the exact letter here.  Orissa politics is a online platform which often debates on important issues related to the state. Its participants are experts from across the globe.

Subject: Demanding a White Paper on the Status of Water Allocation in the
State.

To,
Mr. Naveen Patnaik
Chief Minister of Orissa.
Naveen Nivas, Aerodrome Road , P.O.-Bhubaneswar,
Dist.-Khurda, Pin-751001 (Orissa)

CC :( Email and Fax): Hon Governor of Orissa
       Mr. J B Patnaik, Leader of Opposition, Orissa.
       Mr. Suresh Pujari, President, BJP, Orissa.
       Mr. Ashok Das, NCP Orissa.
       Mr. Jatish Chandra Mohanty, President, Samurdha Orissa.
       To All the Journalists Friends from Orissa

Dear Sir,

Greetings. Regarding our ongoing discussion on the issue of water reallocation from Hirakud reservoirs, the platform demands a white paper from the government to clear the existing confusion among the people on the issue of reallocation of water from reservoirs in general and the status of water redistribution as a whole in the state in particular.

Mr Chief Minister, recent farmer's unrest in the western Orissa for demanding to stop water allocation to Industry from Hirakud dam has opened up the Pandora box and brought out the existing confusion in the policy circle in deciding the priority of the distribution of water in the state.

We strongly urge you to show your statesmanship in coming up with a white paper soon so as to bring wider consensus and reduce tension and confrontation in the state.

Why forum is demanding a White Paper?

There are major thirteen questions where government of Orissa is maintaining a secrecy and silence for long time. There are no convincing answers before the citizens of the state so far received in the form of several press statements by chief minister or other department officials.

There is no data and exact figure before government to take a stand on reallocation of water to industrial purpose from the existing dam and reservoirs and this most important issue has been seen very causally. 

 So, the forum feels that there is an urgent need before government to examine all the points mentioned below in announcing a white paper soon so as to prepare a comprehensive water policy for Orissa.

Has the government of Orissa of late included another objective of sharing the water for the upcoming industries apart from intended purposes of flood control, irrigation and power generation?

If yes, then, what is the rational behind taking such decisions when the expected beneficiaries at the fag-end of the command area of the reservoirs are not able to get adequate water for their small farming activities?

 Has the government considered the opportunity costs to farmers of allocating, say 0.5 million acre feet of water to industries (guaranteeing the allocation regardless of storage level? or with a probability contingent storage level?).

We strongly demand a white paper from the government of Orissa regarding the total volume of water impounded in the Hirakud Dam area on the 1st of October every year, including the water that was let out into the canals and
the generators between 1st of June and 30th of September, beginning with the year when the full storage capacity of the dam was created.

This can only tell the maximum quantity of water that could be impounded in the early years when there was little siltation. The minimum amount of water that has to be maintained in the reservoir, which in fact can not be let out, since the canal heads will be above that water level.

 This is likely to go down over the years due to siltation. Is there any survey on the part of government to measure the level of siltation from time to time, if not every year? When it was last made and what is the status? The white paper should also reflect the amount of water let out, every year, between 1st of October and the next 31st of May, for irrigation and for hydel power generation.

This would include not only the stored water on the 1st of October but also the inflow during the ensuing 8 months. This information, along with the above information sought will tell the quantity of water let out every year (a) into the main canals, and (b) into the power channel. Could you please provide these information in the white paper so as to substantiate your
claim about your ability to fully supply the water needed for agriculture in three seasons of the year after clearing the silt.

The state of Orissa has neither an agricultural extension system, nor the state had adopted any irrigation extension system. Hence farmers are totally uneducated regarding the economic value of this scarce water and obviously have a tremendous scope to improve its efficiency in use of precious water.

The forum demands the detailed of programmes taken up in the state for a massive scale, drip / sprinkler irrigation system in the state so that the sugarcane farmers and aerobic rice and/or system of rice intensification methods of rice cultivation can be spread in rice areas wherever appropriate.

Unless we first educate the farmers regarding the e/judicious/economic use of the scarce water, we will not be able to achieve anything. Agricultural demand of water continues to be high because of outdated technologies for application of water for irrigation.

Much saving of water is possible by adopting modern technologies such as sprinkling and drip irrigation. So, the forum will be interested to know from the government through white paper regarding the steps so far taken to modernize the existing sources of water in the past to save water waste.

Has the government of Orissa decided to allow the Sterlite group to extract bauxite from the Gandhamardhan Hill and use water from the Hirakud through underground pipelines, which is the major concern before the farmers in the area?

 It will be helpful for everybody if government of Orissa will come-out with a statement regarding its MOU with sterlite on this issue. The problem is with government signing several MOU with industries without having any instruction and mention of the nature and source of water use for their consumption.

Is it happening because agriculture has been given a backseat in the state and internal pro-industry lobby and approach of the state government has not realised the importance of water, which leads in end up with many confusion among the people of the state.

As watershed management is the major component of the Back ward district initiative and back ward regions grants, nobody knows what is happening in these projects in the state. The forum demands a detailed evaluation of the above projects to have first hand information on the nature of its functioning and be listed in the white paper.

Looking at the discontentment among the people of Orissa for not getting water for their crop even in the canal areas, one can questions the utilisation of backward regions grant funds. We will be very interested to know the implementation and success of the above two programmes in Orissa in the white paper.

As most of the development schemes and programmes could not succeed in the area, there is strong link between government's apathy in investing money for agriculture with the failed welfare programme in these areas.

There is discussion going on everywhere to allot certain percentage of water to agriculture and industry. This seems to be a very stupid argument and has no base regarding, why state will provide certain quantity to one group at the cost of other and even certain percentage.

Is there any attempt as part of government in the past to facilitate a dialogue between the state and civil society and farmers to work out a fair allocation to all the potential users? The forum through the white paper will be interested to know the number of consultation so far government has organised in the state to know the ground situations.

Could you please tell whether government of Orissa has analyzed the current reality of water flow/capacity and had made any attempt in comparing it with the demands for industry and farming?

 It seems that poor ground and home work at bureaucratic level in these technical issues are making everything
more complex. What steps your government has taken to bring reform in these issues so that people's voice and choice have been well respected and protected in the policy.

Mr Chief Minister, before announcing "this much that much" per cent water for several purposes, has your government possessed the detailed of reservoirs capacity data as in most of the cases, out dated data on the siltation and capacity and flow of rivers and reservoirs are found to be used in the government level, which really does not reflect the reality.


Whether government of Orissa has done any extensive survey recently so as to have any detailed information on allocating and reallocating the water from the existing sources.

It is a fact that Hirakud system has a poorly developed canal system; so most farmers in the area use groundwater instead. As it is, 30-60% farmers in canal command areas of Orissa do not get adequate and timely water supply as per the NCAP; the plight of the rest can be easily imagined. 

This is one of the main reasons why growth rate in agriculture is around 1% in Orissa, much lower than that of the rest of the country.  Given the above, diverting water away from farms to industries is going to impact both foods as well as
livelihood security in the state.

Does the government possess any information regarding the distribution and use of water in the command areas
or any evaluation has ever been carried out recently regarding the utilisation of hirakud reservoirs? Have there been any additional efforts by the government and the industry for this purpose of using the water.

Dear Chief Minister, could you please tell the steps your government has taken in harvesting rain water in increasing the capacity of any of the already existing dam, reservoir project?

We need to know from government of Orissa that what are the steps Orissa government is taking to ensure that polluted water after industry use recycled and comes back to the original sources. How many such recycling water factories are being set up and operating in the industrial establishments areas?

The existing state water policy if any should also be widely debated and should consult all the stakeholders before taking certain stand. Is this process already started in the state?

The dredging or increasing the capacity of water is unrealistic alternatives--raising storage capacity, but on which basis your government has issued a statement to dredge the existing dams? It is unrealistic because first of all, it may not add much to available water, if the existing storage capacity is not filled only infrequently. Besides it may require resettling of the population upstream if the additional storage results in permanent flooding of new areas.

If the major purpose of Hirakud dam was to provide adequate irrigation facility in the command area then how come subdivision like Padampur has remained permanently in the grip of continuous drought, agricultural failure
since 1960s and this part has earned the dubious distinction of one of the poorest region of the entire world.

Unfortunately, not a singly political party or pressure group never ever bother to bring this issue before the government though the people's misery in this part is worst than the sub-Saharan African continent. Our demand before government is to bring this subdivision either under KBK or declare a special agricultural package from the government at the earliest.

I strongly urge government to come out with a white paper in another two months so as to clear the road for preparing a practicable water policy in the state and end farmers' unrest and help the upcoming industries to find their way to consume water from their own sources.

Looking forward to receive your reply to our above concern and government's stand in bringing out a white paper on water distribution in the state.

With Regards
Sachi Satapathy
Co-ordinator Orissa Development Group
Winner, Infosys Young Achiever Award-2005
Editor, ORISSA VISION 2020 AND YOUTH VISION 2020
Mobile=09901307460


Participants in the First Phase of the Debate in the Forum on Water
Reallocation Issue:

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, National Commission for Farmer Government
of India .

Mr Kuldip Nayar, Noted Journalist and Former Rajya Sabha Member.

Prof. Nilakantha Rath, President, Indian School of Political Economy , Pune.

Prof. M. Govinda Rao, Director, NIPF and Member, Economic Advisory Council
to the Prime Minister of India .

Prof T.N. Srinivasan, Samuel C. Park, Jr. Professor of Economics, Economic
Growth Center , Yale University .

Prof Jayati Ghosh is a distinguished and extraordinarily prolific economist
and professor, JNU, New delhi .

Dr. Parth J. Shah, President, Centre for Civil Society, New Delhi 110016.

Dr. Bhaskar Goswami is with the New Delhi-based Forum for Biotechnology and
Food Security.

Mr. Ramaswamy R. Iyer is the former Secretary of Water Resources for the
Government of India and was the initiator and principal draftsman of India
's first National Water Policy in 1987.

Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsasay award for
2006.

Mr. R Rangachari, Formerly Member, Central Water Commission and and
Additional Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Water,
resources, New Delhi .

Dr. Mamata Swain, Reader in Economics, Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for
Development Studies, Bhubaneswar, Orissa- 751013.

Dr Rajesh Tandon, President, Participatory Research in Asia – PRIA.

Dr Subramaniyam Swamy, President, Janata Party.

Mr. Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar, Consulting Editor, Economic Times.

Dr. M. G. Chandrakanth, Professor of Agricultural Economics in the
Department of Agricultural Economics at University of Agricultural Sciences
in Bangalore ( Karnataka , India ).

Mr. Prasanta Patnaik, Senior Journalist, Bhubaneswar .

Mr. Mahesh Mahadarshee, Research Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University , New
Delhi .

Ms Susmita Dasgupta, Economic Research Unit, Joint Plant Committee,New
Delhi-110016.

Prof A. Narayanamoorthy, Professor, Gokhale Institute of Politics and
Economy, Pune.

Dr Sudhirendar Sharma is a Delhi-based water expert and development analyst.


Mr. Rabi Kanungo, General Secretary, Intellectual Forum, Rourkela , Orissa.

Dr Gagan Bihari Sahoo, Faculty, Centre For Social Studies, Gujrat.

Mr Paritosh Tyagi, Ex-Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board,Government
of India .

Mr. Vishwanath Srikantaiah, Rainwater Club, Bangalore .

Mr. Guru Choudhry, Consultant, BBSR.

Mr Architesh Panda, ISEC, Bangalore .

Chris Perry, Water Watch , Canada .

 Mr. Umashankar Sahu, Executive Secretary, ADHAR, Balangir, Orissa.

Mr Suparno Satapathy, Chairman, Srimati Nandini Satpathy Memorial Trust,
Orissa.

Mr. John Kurien, Former Chief General Manager, TSD, NABARD.

Dr. N. C. Narayanan, Senior Fellow, The South Asia Consortium for
Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies, Hyderabad .

Dr. Himanshu Kulkarni, Executive Director, Advanced Center for Water
Resources Development and Management (ACWADAM),  Pune.

Dr. Subhas C. Mohapatra, President, IAFF, 1413 Boxwood Lane , Apex , NC .

Sandip K. Dasverma. Orissa Society of America , Richland,WA-99354, USA .

Mr. Tushaar Shah, Principal Scientist, International Water Management
Institute, Elecon, Anand 388001 Gujarat , INDIA .

Prof. Srinivas Mudrakartha, Senior Visiting Fellow
Institute of Rural Management, Anand.

]]> A Correspondent Other News Sat, 08 Dec 2007 10:40:00 GMT Orissa Govorner dislikes assembly session disruption http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1913/2007-12-06.html
Bhubaneswar, Dec 6 (Odisha.in) The premature adjournment of the winter session of the Orissa assembly ahead of 18 days due to disruptions by some members has not gone well with the state governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare.

"Disruptions of the proceedings in the assembly on the plea of people's cause is not the way to protest", the Governor lamented in an apparent remark pointing towards the chaos created by opposition and ruling party members in the state legislative assembly.

"It is the wastage of tax payers’ money", he pointed out adding that democracy means debate, debate and debate”. He said that in parliamentary democracy, members had the right to protest.

"But it is not desirable on the part of the members to disrupt the proceedings and force frequent adjournment of the house in the name of protest", the governor said talking to mediapersons here..

Highlighting the great tradition of democracy and parliamentary democracy, the Governor said," the members may stage walk out in protest and could back to the house in three minutes through another door.

The governor appealed the legislators not to indulge in disruption of the proceedings of the house, and said, the members should create high tradition and values of parliamentary democracy".

The opposition members led by Congresswere creating unruly situations since the beginning of the session, demanding immediate discussion and voting on the recent caning of farmers and teachers in the state and their problems.

As the ruling party did not agree to it, the opposition members created recurring pandemonium on the issue. As a result of it the house could not transact any business excepting the presentation of the first supplementary budget and the appropriation bill relating budget for the fiscal -2007-08.

Finding it difficult to run the house, for which crores of tax payers’ money went down the drain, the speaker Maheswar Mohanty adjourned the house sine die after nine sittings following a motion brought by the ruling party to relax the rules to ensure the premature adjournment.

However, the opposition describing the decision of the government to end the session ahead of eighteen sittings, as 'undemocratic and against parliamentary norms" met the governor and demanded for re summoning of the house and calling for papers.

While the governor was studying the issue, the state cabinet approved the Proposal on November 30t last and recommended the governor to prorogue the house.

The governor who had already summoned the officials in charge of the legislative affairs of the assembly for clarification also summoned the Chief Minister to clarify the Situation that led to the adjournment of the house prematurely.

The governor, who was to still approve the Cabinet recommendation to prorogue the house, however, declined to spell out any thing on the prorogue issue.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Moharana Other News Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:29:00 GMT India conducts mock test of interceptor missile http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1899/2007-12-02.html
While the interceptor missile was fired at 10.44 am from Inner Wheeler Island it hit a electronics target fired at 10.42 am from Integrated Test Range (ITR) of Chandipur.

The missile tested is named as AAD (Advanced Air Defence). It is a new missile and not a derivative or an update of any existing missile.

It was specially designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) exclusively for this role. AAD is slightly advanced  than US's Patriot missile.

Odisha.in

]]> Hemant Rout Other News Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:46:00 GMT Madrasa teachers demand grant-in-aid http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1890/2007-11-30.html Bhubaneswar,Nov.30 ( Odisha.in )All Orissa Madrasa Teachers' Association held rally and dharana before Orissa Assembly on Thursday demanding grant-in-aid for all the 88 Madrasas in the State.

Dr.S.S. Ali, advisor of the Association told Odisha.in  that they have become victims of step-motherly attitude of the Government and would be compelled to resort to agitate if the government will not fulfill their legitimate demands.

The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister. The memorandum alleged discrimination on the part of the State Government.

According to the 2004 grants-in-aid order, 1,294 High Schools, 685 Upper Primary Schools and 140 UP Schools have been given aid and the Government has announced to provide aid to 106 Girls' High Schools. However the Madrasas have been ignored.

SF Momim , President of the Association said that the Madrasa teachers want equal  treatment with  other  aided institutions .

Odisha.in

]]> A Correspondent Other News Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:11:00 GMT Patnaik appeases Sikhya Sahayaks http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1878/2007-11-29.html Bhubaneswar,Nov 29 (Odisha.in) The agitation yielded  results with the Chief Minister Wednesday announcing in the state assembly to regularize the services of the Sikhya Sahayaks as Teachers of Primary Schools on completion of six years of engagement, even as the main opposition Congress demanded conversion of the Sikhya Sahayaks as regular teachers.

 "The Sikhya Sahayaks, who have completed six years of continuous and satisfactory service, will become eligible to be regular Primary School Teachers under Zilla Parishad", Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik informed the house.

 He said the decision would be effective from 1st April, 2008 without any retrospective benefit.

 Making a sue motto statement in the house following the mammoth rally before the assembly by the Sikhya Sahayaks, the Chief Minister said that the decision would effective from 1 April, 2008.

 Stating that it has been decided to increase the amount of monthly honorariums of various levels of Sikhya Sahayaks, Patnaik said that those who were getting at the rate of Rs.2000 per month would not get Rs.3000.

After completion of three years continuous and satisfactory engagements, honorarium of such Sikhya Sahayaks would be hiked to Rs.3500 per month.

 This benefit would be made effective from 1 December, 2007, Chief Minister said.

 He also said in order to improve the school education in the state , it has also been decided to increase the level of block-grants and ensure the grant to eligible left out non-government   Schools.

Giving details of the provision of block grants- he said, those private high schools already getting block grants on satisfying all the official criteria, would be given increased level of block grants from Rs.1, 68,912 to Rs.3, 65,628 per annum. The above amount includes the provision for an additional peon/watchman per institution   over and above the existing staffing pattern for block grant high schools, he said.

 Similarly, he said , it has been decided to enhance the amount of the block grant being paid to each UP/ME school is enhanced from the existing level of Rs.33,564 per annum to Rs.68,736.

 The consolidated remuneration of teachers engaged on contract basis in different government high schools has been enhanced for trained graduates’ teachers from Rs.2500 to Rs.4000 per month and for non-TGTs from Rs.1500 to Rs.3000, Patnaik said.

 Pointing out that the fresh enhancements would be effective from the 1st April, 2008, chief minister said that the educational institutions which were eligible as on 2002 June1 but left out of availing block grant will now be considered for sanction of block grant.

Similarly the educational institutions which have become eligible for availing block grant after 1 June 2002 and before 1 June ,2004 will be have to considered for sanction of block grant subject to the condition that there was no high school in the said Gram Panchayat receiving such grant in aid   or block grant, Chief Minister said.

 However, the Leader of Opposition, J.B.Patnaik reacting to the Chief Minister's statement on Sikhya Sahayaks and provision of block grants, demanded the abolition of their gradation systems and regularalisation of their services as regular Primary Teachers.

 Besides, the leader of opposition also urged the Chief Minister to stop the Provision of Block grant and to provide all the high schools with full grant-in aids converting all private institutes as government schools.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:28:00 GMT Conspiracy behind Mumbai tripple murder ? http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1874/2007-11-27.html Bhubaneswar,November 27(Odisha.in) The murder of a young model Moon Das's mother and her uncle allegedly by her male friend Avinash Patnaik,  before he committed suicide in Mumbai took a new turn with the alleged killer's father suspecting " deep rooted conspiracy " behind the whole episode.

The father of the youth Bhupen Patnaik, who is an electrical superintending engineer in Sambalpur claimed here that his son Avinash Patnaik was killed under "mysterious" circumstances.

Bhupen Patnaik, who returned from Mumbai after the funeral of his son, told reporters at Bhubaneswar airport that the police theory of Avinash killing the mother and uncle of 23-year-old Moushumi 'Moon' Das before shooting himself at the New Link Garden building in suburban Andheri's Yamuna Nagar last Friday was not believable to him.

The beraved father  alleged that Avinash was "trapped and murdered".

Patnaik,  said the main reasons to suspect the police version that Avinash killed two persons and committed suicide. "The bullet that killed Avinash was shot through his left temple whereas he was a right-hander," he said.

Patnaik said his son had no reason to commit suicide because he was doing excellently well in business. "A fashionable and jolly person cannot commit such a crime as described in the public."

Odisha.in learn t that Moon had been to Bhubaneswar on 31st December 2006 to attend a new years eve party at Hotel May Fair. On another occasion, she had also performed in the same hotel, according to Subhendu Patnaik, who owns an event management firm in Bhubaneswar.

According to friends of Avinash, he was a fashionable boy with plenty of money to spend. He had good business in Anugul.

Avinash had fancy for good dress, good food and fascination for the celluloid world which had attracted him towards Moon Das, for her glamor.Though initially Moon was very close to him subsequently  she tried to maintained distance which might have created frasturation in his mind.

Avinash who was deeply in love with Moon was unable to accept Moon's mixing with male friends. On the fateful night, Moon was also not at home and had gone out with her male friend R. Sharma.

Though Bhupen Patnaik suspected foul play behind Avinash's death, he has not filed any complaint with Mumbai police for obvious reasons. He is likely to take up the matter with the police and other forums after recovering from the shock of sudden death of his eldest son Avinash.

The central figure in this mysterious triple murder is 23 year old 5feet 7 inch tall Moon Das whose vital statistics  are 34"- 26"-35" She had participated in Gladrags 2004 and was in top ten position.

Her work experience include:Press Shoots ( Roopam Catalouge 2004 ),Press Shoot  (La Galleria ),Press Shoot  (Womens Era ),Shot for fashion Week(Monapali Kolkotta),.Commercial add with Airtel,Commercial add with Gulestan (Dubai based ),Gulf yearly Callender 2004. She had also participated in fashion shows at NIFT,JD Institute, IIT Institute,Lux shower gel launching show and  international watch show.

Odisha.in

]]> A Correspondent Other News Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:07:00 GMT State puts on high alert after serial blasts in UP http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1868/2007-11-24.html
 "After the serial blasts, we have asked senior security forces working in the state capital here, Biju Patnaik Air Port, pilgrimage town of Puri, Cuttack, Balasore and other places to remain alert, a senior state police official said.

We have made adequate security measures ahead of the Kartika Purnima on Saturday," the official said.

Three serial blasts that rocked civil courts in Lucknow, Faizadbad and Varanasi have also put the Police forces here on high alert with intelligence sources said that many places the state are already under the threat of terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, after the blasts, State unit of RSS has demanded more security for temples across the state. RSS in a statement also condemned the UP incident.

Odisha.in
]]> Golak Chandra Das Other News Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:03:00 GMT CACL to file PIL to end child labour in India http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1864/2007-11-23.html
The highlight of the concluding day of the 4th National Child Convention organised by Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL) on Thursday at the Adivasi Ground was the public hearing of four child labourers, who narrated their personal experiences as child labourers from four different sectors like domestic, hospitality, mining and trafficking and migration.

Two sections of jury—adult jury and child jury—were assigned the job of spelling out their verdict on the cases after hearing them.

The overall process was designed in a way to ensure that some concrete recommendations to initiate policy changes for eradication of child labour menace in the country.

Speaking to iGovernment, CACL National Convenor Ranjan Mohanty said that following the verdict in the public hearing, the members of the organisation will be meeting son to discuss the issue of filing a PIL. Mohanty hopes that the organisation will be able to complete the process and file the PIL within two months.

CACL which is a nationwide network of over 6,000 NGOs and organisations—women’s groups, trade unions, academic institutions, media agencies and corporate houses—plans to submit the recommendation to the central and state governments.

Both adult and children jury clearly spelt out their verdict pinning three major factors responsible for growth of child labour—the government, illiteracy and employers of child labour.

Children argued for free and compulsory education, medical facility and adequate security for them adding that the government should implement anti-child labour laws in true letter and spirit and set up schools in remote areas.

They also gave a proposal of forming community level children committees to curb this menace of child labour practice and demanded prohibition of all forms of child labours till the age of 18.

They also urged the government to take proper care and rehabilitation of the handicapped and rescued children.

CACL Delhi Chief Ajay Jha presented a declaration which called upon the government to take appropriate action against the violators of anti-child labour laws. He emphasized on the need for more investment in agriculture and cottage industries to check migration of labourers from rural areas in the country.

Speaking at seminar organized CACL, TDH South Asia Coordinator and Eminent Sociologist CJ George said new innovative measures need to be taken to address the issue of child labour.
 
He made it clear that it is all the more important to investigate the circumstances under which these children are working before any plan to rescue them.

Speaking at the conference, the Orissa State Labour Institute Director PC Dash exhorted non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to come out with constructive suggestions to enable the government work for eradication of child labour.

The forum also called for simultaneous rescue operations along with rehabilitation process and said that everybody should make sincere efforts to remove this social irritant.

The Convention also stressed that there was an urgent need to analyse and remove the stumbling blocks for proper coordination of these committees and the government organizations.

It also called upon all involved in the cause to ensure that child protection mechanism is developed and implemented at the community level.

The forum also urged that children should know how to raise their voice relating to their moral right and safety and called for removal of legal bottlenecks in the child protection related laws.

Odisha.in
]]> Shubhendu Parth Other News Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:55:00 GMT Patnaik seeks inclusion of Orissa in WBICDS scheme http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1862/2007-11-23.html Bhubaneswar, Nov 23 (odisha.in) Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik  flayed Union Government for adopting a partial attitude towards Orissa in not including it under the World Bank aided Integrated Child Development Service Programme.

"While some progressive and developed states have been included under the WBICDS scheme, Orissa wtth large prevalence of poverty and malnutrition among Children and mothers , has been left out by the Central government", lamented  Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Dashing a letter to Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh Thursday, the Chief Minister expressed his concern over the apathetic attitude  towards Orissa, urged to include  Orissa under the World bank aided Integrated Child Development Service Scheme to redress the problem of malnutrition.

Stating that the state  government has been giving stress on removing malnutrition among Children and pregnanat mothers, Patnaik said the success of the various interventions are  yet to  be achieved fully.

In order to strengthen the efforts of the State, he said  a proposal has been submitted to the Union Government to sanction opening of at least 22,000 additional Anganwadi Kendras in the state .

So far as many as 7,84 lakh women and 42 lakh  children's have been covered under the ongoing ICDS, he said.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Fri, 23 Nov 2007 13:39:00 GMT Tata Archery academy cadets create world record http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1855/2007-11-21.html
The Indian team comprising of three archers, Adonda Raju, Rajib Basumatary and Ravindhar Hembram had tabled a combined score of 440 points – a feat that has never before been achieved by anyone.

It is a proud moment for the Nation and Tata Steel in its Centenary Year, when as its archers have been conferred with this honour.

Dr T Mukherjee, President Jharkhand Archery Association has said that a proper Felicitation ceremony will be organized for the archers at Jamshedpur during the AGM in December.

Dr Vijay Kumar Malhotra (MP), President, Archery Association of India congratulated the archers and appreciated the efforts of Tata Steel towards setting up of the Academy.

He said, “With the creation of the Tata Archery Academy the standard of Archery has definitely improved and our Indian team has started winning medal at various International Meets”.

Mr. B Muthuraman, Managing Director, Tata Steel and Mr. Partha Sengupta, Vice President (Corporate Services) Tata Steel also congratulated the archers on their achievement.

Odisha.in
]]> A Correspondent Other News Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:24:00 GMT Target ten years to eradicate child labour,Governor http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1846/2007-11-20.html November 20 Bhubaneshwar (odisha.in) The Governor of Orissa Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare on Tuesday called upon the nation to target the next ten years to eradicate child labour in India.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 4th National Convention of Children, he said that children are a world of joy and they should get every opportunity to lead a joyous life.

“Equality of opportunity is an integral part of right to equality and only together can they lead to basic human rights in a society,” the Governor said adding that adults cannot ask for human rights for themselves and others if they cannot safeguard human rights of children.

Highlighting the fact that the issue is not limited to India and is widespread in across the world, Bhandare said that only total eradication of child labour can lead to a world without human rights violation.

Speaking on the occasion UNICEF Orissa state representative Shadrak Omol said, “Child labour, in itself is not a disease but a symptom of system breakdown in society.”

Pointing out that while there have been voices asking whether one should stop children from working despite starvation, Omol said that there was a need to differentiate child labour from a working child.

“We cannot allow for a situation where the work is not commensurate with the child’s age, is hazardous in nature and more importantly takes children away from school,” he clarified.

Stressing that the time for slogan is over and “it was time for practical solution to make a difference” he said that with around 1,000 children and 500 child right activists, the National Convention being organised by Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL) was the right forum to achieve it.

“Child labour should not be tackled as a welfare issue but as a persisting social problem in the context of the existing inequalities and exploitative socio-economic structure in the country and as violation of a child’s basic human rights,” CACL National Convenor Ranjan Mohanty said.

As per one estimate, the number of child labourer in the world is around 110 million of which India contributes the majority. According to National Census estimates, the number of child labourer in India has increased from 11.3 million in 1991 to 12.6 million in 2001 of which 90 per cent lives in rural areas.

According to UNICEF State of the World’s Children 2007 Report it was found that over a five year period (1999-2005) India had 16 female child workers for every 12 male child workers.

Worse, the girl child worker faces a triple jeopardy—she is a child, a labourer and a girl. While as a child she is exploited, but dependent on adult world for care, protection and fulfilment of right, she can do nothing if the adult including her parents, deny her any of all these. She is also prone to greater risk of physical and sexual abuse.

Earlier in the day, the convention was kicked off with a peace torch rally children and child right activists from across 21 states.

While the Khurda Superintendent of Police Amitav Thakur handing over the peace torch to children representatives, eminent athlete Arunadha Biswal flagged off the peace march at the Dhauli Shanti Stupa.

Speaking on the occasion, Biswal called upon the children to become more aware about their rights and say no to child labour. She also asked the participants in the peace march to take the message back home and propagate against child labour in their respective regions.

Also present on the occasion were Orissa Minister of Labour and Employment Jaya Narayan Mishra and Member of Parliament Tathagat Satpathy.


Odisha.in

]]> A correspondent Other News Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:29:00 GMT Congress demands judicial probe into lathi charge http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1839/2007-11-19.html Bhubaneswar, Nov 19 (Odisha.in)  Lathi Charge on the agitating teachers by Police in number of places across the state on November 17 last came in for severe condemnation and criticism even as the Chief Minister Naveen announced  probe by concerned Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDC).

Congress Legislature Party, which met here Sunday on the eve of the ensuing winter session of the Orissa Assembly beginning Monday, in its resolution demanded judicial inquiry in to the Police action on teacher.

 The pro-government, United Teachers' Association led by ruling BJD MLA, Bikram Keshari Burma, for the first time, made a scathing attack on the coalition government, for the police excess on agitating teachers and for the anti-teachers polices.

 Flaying the faulty policies being pursued in education department, Burma said,"It is disgusting that government is giving only Rs.1400 per month on contract to the trained graduate teachers, a Health worker is getting the rate of Rs.4, 000”

 He also criticized the recent circular authorizing the Sub-Collectors with financial power by withdrawing the Drawing an d Disbursement (DD) power from the Principals of the Principals of the colleges.

 Describing the decision as unjustified and undesirable, the Teachers leader urged  
Chief Minister to intervene and take steps to withdraw the circular as there would be in ordinate delay in providing monthly salary.

 Burma questioned that how a Sub-Collector having at least 50 colleges under his disposal would be able to provide regular salary to the teaching and non-teaching staffs, along with his already burdened administrative works.

He also demanded that the contract teachers in High school and Sikhaya Sahgayaks be provided minimum Rs.4000 per month and regularization of their services.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:06:00 GMT Evacuated villagers return home as cyclone moves to Bangladesh http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1820/2007-11-16.html
The cyclonic strom is now centred over Bangladesh and 70 kilometers of adjoining Tripura and gradually weaken, meteorological office here said.

Under its influence rain and thundershower is likely to occur at isolated places over North Orissa. Sea condition will be rough to very rough. So fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea, the met office said.

Local Cautionary Signal number Three (LC-III) hosted Thursday has been lowered at all the Ports in Orissa.

Odisha.in
]]> A Correspondent Other News Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:26:00 GMT Sikhya Sahayaks to be appointed as regular teachers http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1810/2007-11-14.html Bhubaneswar, Nov 14 (Odisha.in) State Government has decided to appoint Sikhya Sahayaks as regular teacher in vacant posts with pay protection by relaxing the existing recruitment norms.

" On completion of nine years on contract, the Sikhya Sahayaks would be appointed as regular teachers in Primary Schools against the vacant posts with regular scale of pay”, official sources said.

With the Sikhya sahayaaks threatening to go on indefinite strike demanding regular appointment, the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Tuesday ordered the Secretary School and Mass Education department to relax the existing norms of recruitment.

The government has also ordered the department to start the process of regularization of the services of the Sikhya sahayaks who had completed nine years on contract, the sources said.

Besides, as per the relaxed engagement rules, the Sikhya Sahayak's after completion of five years as para-teachers would be treated as contractual teachers  with increased monthly remuneration of Rs.3,600,which is equal to the basic scale of pay of a trained regular primary teacher with Matric C T qualification.

At present, one Sikhya sahayak is getting Rs.3000 as monthly emoluments after four years and Rs.3500 on completion of seven years.

The relaxed norms of engagements and recruitment would be effective with immediate effect, the sources said.

In order to achive the goal of universalisaton of elementary education and to improve the quality, state government has engaged   37,196 para-teachers called Swechhasevi Sikhyasahayak against the vacant posts of primary and upper primary school teachers with a fixed remuneration on contractual basis.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:15:00 GMT Administration prepares for possible cyclone http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1809/2007-11-13.html Jagatsinghpur, November 13 (Odisha.in) Administrations in all coastal districts have taken all precautionary measures to face in case a cyclone hit Orissa coast, official said.

The very severe cyclonic storm over south–east bay of Bengal formed Monday moved northerly direction and lay centred over Southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, meteorological office at Bhubaneswar here said.

It is now located in the east about 850 km South South East of Paradeep. The system is likely to intensify further and move in a north-north-westerly direction, the office said.

Under the influence of the very severe cyclonic storm (SIDR), adverse weather conditions with isolated heavy rains and squally wind are likely to commence over Orissa coast from 15th morning, the office said.

Distant Warning Signal Number Two (DW-II ) kept hoisted at  Paradeep and Gopalpur  Ports

Deputy collector (emergency) in Jagatsinghpur Rabindra Pattnaik said that the district administration has deployed senior officers in different block headquarters to monitor situation.

Control room is functioning round the clock and all staffs have not allowed leaving headquarters. Similarly multi cyclone shelters have kept in ready to give shelter for evacuated people, he said.

Meanwhile, district administration has given instruction to all panchyats, block officials and civil supply officers to stock food stuff in panchyat and block level, he said.

In Bhubaneswar state relief office said the state government has alerted all the district collectors of coastal Orissa to remain alert.

Odisha.in

 

]]> Amarnath Parida Other News Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:10:00 GMT Patnaik favours high court bench in west, southern Orissa http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1789/2007-11-08.html Bhubaneswar,Nov 08 (Odisha.in) Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged  the Orissa High Court to take steps for establishment of  two high court benches at Sambalpur and Berhampur, extending support to the long standing demands of the people in the region.

Patnaik on the eve of Diwali shot off a letter to the Chief Justice of  Orissa High Court , Ashok  Kumar Ganguly requesting to take appropriate steps to set up two of it's benches one each at Sambalpur covering Western Orissa and Berhampur in the Sourthern Orissa.

To make good his contention clear Patnaik referred to the Jaswant Singh Commissions recommendation and said," it is quite justified to have High Court Benches at Sambalpur and Berhampur".

Since majority of the population in the two regions comprise of tribal and poor people, it has been a costly affair for them to come to Cuttack to attend the High Court frequently”

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:24:00 GMT RDC to probe alleged police excess in farmer rally http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1786/2007-11-08.html Bhubaneswar, Nov 08 (odisha.in) Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday described the incident occurred during the farmers rally at Burla as "unfortunate" and ordered a high level administrative inquiry by Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Northern Range.

Expressing his regret and displeasure, Patnaik said the Sambalpur superintendent of police has been asked to submit a preliminary report soon on the incident in which at least 35 farmers were allegedly injured.

Over 30,000 farmers staged a rally on Tuesday at Burla protesting against the government's proposed decision to divert Hirakud Reservoir water meant for irrigation to industries.

"If the allegation of police excess is found after the RDC inquiry, strong action would be taken against those involved in the incident", said the Chief Minister.

Patnaik iterated that his government was committed for the development of farmers and agriculture as a whole.

“No water meant for farmers will go to Industries", he clarified adding" agriculture is our priority".

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:48:00 GMT VHP to launch Ram Sethu Shila Yatra http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1781/2007-11-06.html
The yatra will traverse the whole State in order to mobilize public opinion against the Sethu Samundram Shipping Canal project of the DMK led Tamil Nadu Government.

VHP will organize such yatras in 2,000 places across the country from November 20 to protect Ram Sethu.

VHP State secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said that millions of Hindus would be enrolled for the yatra and poojas would be performed in all 12 "jyotirlingas" during it.

He called upon all Hindu politicians to support the yatra for safeguarding the Ram Sethu in the State. He alleged that said that the UPA and Tamil Nadu Government and are serving the interests of the Americans and the Chinese through the Sethusamudram project.

When the common people, scientists, environmentalists and archaeologists are vouching for the existence of the Ram Sethu and the grave dangers posed by its proposed breaking, Union Minister T R Baalu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
Karunanidhi are bent upon rubbishing them and trying to thrust their dictatorship.

Do such people have a right to continue in their offices?" Rath asked

Odisha.in]]> Golak Chandra Das Other News Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:41:00 GMT PFA seeks CM's intervention on animal sacrifice during Dewali http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1780/2007-11-06.html
PFA has also expressed worry over the mass killing of goats during the Durga Puja. More than 15,000 goats were sacrificed in the state out of which at least 10,000 were butchered at Manikeswari Temple in Bhawanipatna.

Similarly though Khurda district authorities promised to stop animal sacrifice, on Dasahara 273 goats and 2 buffalos were sacrificed at Bhagabati Pitha at Banapur.

Das said that in 2006 the temple authority of Dakhinkali committed not to go for sacrifice but they fail to keep their promise. So this year also there will be animal sacrifices in the temple during Kali Puja, allege the animal activist. Das has pointed out that the district administration has enough power to stop animal sacrifice by ensuring

Odisha.in

]]> Golak Chandra Das Other News Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:38:00 GMT Orissa seeks Rs.1000 crore in Railway budget http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1777/2007-11-06.html
The House Committee on Railways headed by the Speaker is expected to submit
a memorandum to the Prime Minister and Union Railway Minister during the third week of the current month.

“The house panel has sought appointment with the Prime Minister and the union Minister for discussion and submission of a memorandum highlighting the backwardness and the funds required to development of Railways." Speaker, Maheswar Mohanty said Monday.


"The Ministry of Railways will be requested to allot Rs.1000 crore towards ongoing railway projects, sanction of new lines, surveys, improvement of passenger amenities with introduction of new trains, extensions and increase of frequency etc.," said the Chairman of the state Assembly Committee on Railways.

Appreciating the requirement of the state on Railways prepared by the Transport and Commerce Department, the committee in its draft memorandum has requested the
ministry of railways to commission all the sanctioned projects within a period of five years.

The draft memorandum has listed at least introduction of 17 new trains, increasing frequency of four trains- Rajdhani Express to daily via Sambalpur, Rourkela, Ranchi and Gomoth, Bhubaneswar-Kurla Express to three days, Visakhapatnam-Nizamuddin Express to daily, Prui-Patna to thrice a week with an extenstion to Dehradun.

Besides, the draft has proposed extension of five trains and with the demand for expansion of Bhubaneswar coaching terminal and development of coaching terminals at Berhampur, Sambalpur and Koraput.

While the Committee has proposed lying of new railway lines, requested sanction for survey of seven potential new railway lines.

Considering the industrial boom in the state and lack of railway infrastructure to take the traffic load for transport of goods and raw materials as well as passengers the committee felt that the next five years are critical for the state.

Stating that Orissa shall make the transition to a vibrant and throbbing industrially developed state, the Committee through its draft memorandum recommended increase in allotment of funds for the ongoing projects, sanction of new railway lines, surveys , introduction of new trains , completion of sanctioned projects , electrification and doubling  of railway lines.

The Committee lamenting that the development of railway corridors in very tardy, It mentioned that while the state contributes significantly to the revenue of Indian Railways, the railways route length spread across Orissa is mere 2495 Kms with an average of 15.03 Km per 1000 Sq.km as against the national average of 19 and much l less than the average in the contiguous states.

While the draft memorandum listed requirement of Rs.500 crore for six sanctioned rail Links, Rs.50 crore for two lines for electrification, Rs.100 crore for gauge conversion of two lines and rest Rs.450 crore to double the seventeen lines.

The Committee expressed its concerned that the union railway ministry has not been allotting funds keeping the requirement in view of the request of the state.

"The House panel on behalf of the government had proposed Rs.785 crore for the railway development and the actual allotment was only Rs.606 crore.

Odisha.in
]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:03:00 GMT Physical work for Petro-Chemical Complex to begin next month http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1775/2007-11-05.html  Bhubaneswar,November 5 (Odisha.in) The Physical construction work of the Rs.26,000 crore Integrated Petro-Chemical Complex at Paradeep would begin  in a  month's time, said   Sarthak Beuria, Chairman , Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation ,who set the target of commissioning  the project by 2011-12 .

However, Beuria had committed the Chief Minsiter Naveen Patnaik to start the real Construction of the mega 15 MTPA Integrated Petrochemical Complex by April. 2008 during a courtesy call at State Secretariat Monday, official sources said.

The Oil Refinery project was to be set up at Paradeep for which the then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpai had laied the foundation stone in way back   June 2000. However, the

Project profile was changed with the new UPA government's decision in 2004 to have an Integrated Petro-Chemical Complex   of which the oil refinery is a part.

After apprising the Chief Minister about the status of the project, Beuria told the media persons that despite the fact that Orissa government had promised to give tax holiday in form of Sales Tax, the same has been redundant following the introduction of VAT.

"The Chief Minister had assured to bring amendment to the VAT Act to enable the IOC to avail the tax holiday to carry out the construction activities", he said.

Since the Paradeep Integrated Petro-Chemical Complex is an important project for the state, the Chief Minister urged the IOC chairman to expedite the construction work to complete it on schedule for the benefit of the state.

"All issues pertaining to the project would be sorted out soon including the financial incentive as promised by the state", Patnaik said.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:10:00 GMT 37 OAS oficers posted as BDOs http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1772/2007-11-03.html
 The state government has also posted 37 officers of Orissa administrative service as block development officers for the first time. The state government has placed ten OAS officers at the disposal of state Panchayati raj department and disaster management department.

Three OAS officers have been posted as additional project director at three district rural development agency.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Moharana Other News Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:39:00 GMT Names of 49 life prisoners recommended for release http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1767/2007-11-03.html
The prisoners undergoing life imprisonment in different jails have already spent 14 years and have shown good behaviour.

The Inspector general of prison had recommended at least 94 names of them 49 have been recommended by us, home secretary T.K.Mishra told mediapersons.

The list will go to the chief secretary after that it will go to the governor for assent. If the governor gives his assent they will be released on January 26 next year, he said.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Moharana Other News Sat, 03 Nov 2007 18:55:00 GMT Binoy Behera first police commissioner of twin city http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1762/2007-11-03.html
An official notification in this regard has been issued by the Home Department.

Behera , a 1982 batch Orissa Cadre IPS , is at present the Chairman and Managing Director, State run public utility major, Orissa State Road Transport Corporation.

The Head Quarter of the new Police Commissioner would be situated at Bhubaneswam   official sources said.

Very soon two DIG Police rank IPS would be appointed as Additional Police Commissioners and and two SP rank IPS officers would be posted as per the Provisions of the urban policing Act. One Additional and Deputy Commissioner would be in charge of each of the cities for smooth functioning. It said.

Apart from the existing police stations in the twin Municipal Corporations, at least seven police stations functioning in the fringe area   would be annexed to the new Police Commissionerate . The seven police stations include- Jatni, Balianta and Chandaka in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack sadar, Baranga, Choudwar, and Jagatpur.

Behera expressing his gratitude for being selected for the prestigious post, in his reaction said, "my priority would be how to create an atmosphere to make the police in the twin cities people's friendly and to win the heart of the people to ensure peace"

Behera during his long career as an IPS officer has successful worked in various capacities like SP, bhubaneswar, Vigilance SP, Cuttack etc.

The urban policing system came into being following the adoption of a bill to this effect in the Orissa Assembly in December 2003 and subsequent presidential consent..

The new act first of kind in the state authorizes the Police Commissioner with adequate legal power and authority to dispose of cases of its own.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Sat, 03 Nov 2007 07:55:00 GMT Grand son of famous poet Gangadhar Meher dies http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1759/2007-11-02.html Bhubaneswar,November 2(Odisha.in) Binod Meher, 81 third grand son of famous poet Gangadhar Meher died at Ayush hospital Bhubaneswar Friday evening.

 
He died of heart problem.  He was a writer, poet, drama artist, director and producer of documentary film.

 
Odisha.in

]]> A Correspondent Other News Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:56:00 GMT New police chief reveals his priority http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1752/2007-11-02.html Bhubaneswar, Nov 02 (Odisha.in) Maintenance of Law and order, improvement of police infrastructure and combat of Maoists activities are few of the areas that figures top in the agenda of Orissa’s new police chief Gopal Chandra Nanda.

Nanda who took over the new postings as Director General of Police succeeding Amarananda Patnaik of 1973 batch IPS met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at state Secretariat Thursday.

"  Number of posts are laying vacant in the lower rung of the police administration without which , it is really a major challenge to maintain law and order, control crime , combat Naxalism and  the problems like growing industrial related uprisings”, he said .

“My first priority is to organize the set up" he said adding "I will discuss with the senior colleagues and take steps to fill up staffs in the exiting vacancies, he said.

He said modernization of police is the need of the hour and deployment of strategic gadgets; computerization and training are some of the work need to be done to deliver quality of services.

"I would like to see the police as friendly, credible and accountable to people and the government as well", he said.

On allegation of grave human rights violation and excess by police in the maoists infested areas; the chief quipped in the negative assuring” exemplary steps would be taken against such violations".

To a question, Nanda said it is a misconception that the morale of police has gone low after the Kalinga Nagar incident.

On the reported inaction of police that delayed the POSCO steel Project at Paradeep area, Nanda 58 said, he would study the whole thing and do the needful as per the requirement.


Odisha.in

 

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:46:00 GMT Orissa moves to check maoists menance http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1748/2007-11-01.html
Central government has selected eight naxal prone districts including two in Orissa where the Pilot Project will be launched. The other three states are - Chhatisgarah, Jharakhand and Bihar.

"The Pilot project envisages two prolong approach on provision of police and social security cover as well and expediting development program in the two districts most vulnerable to the Naxal activities", said the Tarun Kanti Mishra, Principal Secretary, Home Wednesday.

"A holistic approach will be made in the action plan involving all the line departments including like, Panchayati raj, Education, Health, Rural Development, SC and ST development  and Forest to ensure speedier development and smooth functioning of the delivery system", Mishra said

 "It is an effort also to bring those youths who have gone astray, to the mainstream” he said adding money will not be a problem to implement the project, which will have a human face.

"The project profile to be prepared keeping in view the local conditions and need would be submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for approval and sanction of required funds to launch the integrated plan on a pilot basis.

And the plan conceived by the center, would be extended to seven other Naxal affected Districts in a latter stage taking on account the degree of its success in the two districts", said the Home Secretary.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held at the state Secretariat which discussed "formulation of action plan in Naxal affected districts and Security measures".

Being attended by Dinesh Singh, Joint Secretary, Union Home Affairs, D.P.sihna, Joint Director, IB and senior officials of various development departments and police administration including Principal Secrertary home, T.K.Mishra, DG Police, Amaranada Pattnayak , IG operation, Manmohan Praharaj etc. Besides the collectors of Malkangiri and Rayagada also attended the meetings held in two phases.

While preparing the action plan for the project, critical gaps in developmental process will be identified he said.

Stating that in order to give an impetus to development process and to assimilate the tribal youths in the mainstream, it has been decided to relax the existing Physical fitness norms and educational qualifications in recruitment in Police and  various posts like Anganwadi workers under Women and Children Department., he said.

Along with the police security cover, providing social security and food security in the vulnerable areas is most important, he said and added that steps would be taken to old age /widow and disability pension to the eligible persons yet to be covered under the scheme.

"In the two districts of Malkangiri and Rayagada, as many as 25000 persons are out of the purview of the Old age pension program", he pointed out.

 Since the road projects including the PMGSY could not be implemented due to the threat perception in the Naxal areas, it has been decided to request the centre to relax the norms of the village road connectivity project for implementation.

Besides, the state will again request the Border Roads Organisation to undertake the roads projects

He said that since the Orissa Police Housing and Welfare Corporation has the expertise in the infrastructure development works, it has been decided to involve the state sector organizations in the road and other construction activities in the naxal areas.

Similarly he said that government has proposed to provide special packages to those government servants including doctors, engineers who will serve in the naxal areas and rehabilitation schemes would be offing for the families of the naxal victims.


Odisha.in


]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Thu, 01 Nov 2007 01:01:00 GMT Orissa appoints Gopal Nanda as New police chief http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1747/2007-10-31.html
He replaced Amarananda Pattanayak-now on leave for a month. Although Patnaik was appointed last year as director general of police and had about four years of service what prompted the government to appoint Nanda is not known.

Patnaik has however been not given any post at this moment.  

Odisha.in

]]> A Correspondent Other News Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:16:00 GMT Do not send elephants now Patnaik tells Andhra http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1743/2007-10-30.html
 A herd of 11 elephants had migrated to Andhra Pradesh in July this year. One of them died another returned back to home-Lakhari Valley sanctuary in Gajapati district.

Andhra government had captured four of rest nine elephants and trying to send them back to Orissa in trucks after the animals killed at least ten people and damaged properties, crops.

One of the two the Andhra government deported died Sunday night few hours after she was released. She went to a near by pond drank water. She went inside the pond for bath but did not return, forest range officer Kama Purohit told Odisha.in. Monday morning she was found dead, he said.

Wild life experts said the elephant died due to shock and dehydration triggered by long travel, lack of food and repeated administration of tranqualising drugs on its body.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written a letter to the Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy expressing his unhappiness the way the elephants were treated, one of Patnaik’s official said.

The chief minister has advised Andhra Pradesh not to send the animals in haste. He has asked them to explore the scope of organizing a controlled drive of the elephants or herd towards the suitable nearby habitat.

He has also advised Reddy to wait till the end of the harvesting season of paddy crop when the herd might return on its own, the official said.

Interestingly the two elephants were moved in truck over a distance of 200 kilometers from Andhra Pradesh in 18 hours and the trauma and shock and repeated administration of tranquilising drugs might have triggered the death of one elephant, the chilef minister has pointed out.

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Moharana Other News Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:09:00 GMT Orissa plans insurance cover for disaster prone population http://www.odisha.in/news/164/ARTICLE/1740/2007-10-30.html Bhubaneswar,Oct 30 (Odisha.in) Orissa has planned to cover the disaster prone population and their property under insurance cover, official said.

The state government said while observing Monday the Disaster Preparedness Day and National Day for Disaster Reduction on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the Super Cyclone.

"Now is the time for a Insurance cover of sorts to ensure future security particularly those facing natural calamities like floods, cyclone, earthquake etc, in regular intervals.

The state government is planning to involve the insurance Companies in Public and Private sector as well to do the needful", said GVV.Sharma, Commissioner-cum secretary State Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

He called upon the Insurance Companies to come forward for a meaningful Dialogue with the government and find out the modalities so as to cover the calamity ridden people under suitable policies.

The state run Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA) in collaboration with the Revenue and Disaster Management department observed the day by organizing a seminar with the theme "preparedness for Earth quake and Tsunami Disasters".

It paid rich tributes to those who lost their lives in the super cyclone 1999 that ravaged the Orissa coast eight years ago on this day by observing two minutes silence at the meeting.

Addressing the seminar, the Chief Minster, Naveen Patnaik stressed the need for strengthening the coping capacities of people to meet the emergencies.

He called upon the non-government organizations, Panchayati Raj institutions, Community based organizations, SHGs and media and others to play a proactive role in preparedness, prevention, mitigation and management of disasters.

Highlighting the building of capabilities in the last eight years to face the disasters by the state government agencies, the Chief Minister said the formation of Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) is first of its kind in the country being trained in search and rescue techniques.

 And three more units of ODRAF are to be formed soon at Paradeep, Bhubaneswar, and Bolangir in addition to the existing five.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Minister  Manmohan Samal said that It has been proposed to include the Fire fighting personnel as part of the Disaster Management program by giving them proper training and .

 Besides, all the Districts Would be provided with two inflatable Tower Lights each and set up the lights in all the Cyclone shelters keeping in view the possible night disaster management.

The Managing Director ,OSDMA, Nikunja Kishore Sunderay announced that by next year, a Doppler Radder would be set up at Paradeep at the cost of Rs.20crore for getting advance cyclone and tsunami warning .

Odisha.in

]]> Bauribandhu Maharana Other News Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:52:00 GMT