“The state government is hijacking all schemes and programmes of the Central government. Why is the government spending crores for BSKY cards while the Central government has introduced Ayushman Bharat,” he observed.
He further stated that the government is run according to certain rules and regulations, but the BJD government has no such rules and reformations.
The four-time MLA from Bari Assembly constituency lashed out at the government for not allowing journalists to enter the secretariat. “The secretariat is not anybody’s parental property. Journalists will move outside the Assembly when it will be in session. What do you think of people? The secretariat is the property of 4.50 crore people. It is not the property of the coterie that has been hatching all conspiracies,” he added.
Former Congress MLA from Attabira Nihar Mahananda, who had recently resigned from the party, joined the BJP in the presence of BJP state unit president Manmohan Samal and other veterans.
After joining the BJP, Mahanda told media, “Congress was heading toward its downfall. The party has failed to improve its organizational strength. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working hard for the development of the rural areas. We are inspired by his leadership and joined the BJP.
BJP state unit president Manmohan Samal was happy over the joining of Nayak and Mahanada. He said, “Leaders of the BJD and Congress are joining the BJP. The corrupt BJD government is going to be overthrown. Over 4.5 crore Odia people have decided to allow the BJP to serve them.”
As the elections are drawing closer, the BJD is struggling with the problem of plenty in its Ekamra, Madhya and Uttar constituencies in Bhubaneswar. Parallel organizations by warring groups are giving indication of factionalism which could spell more trouble only after the announcement of nominees.
In Ekamra, incumbent MLA and minister Ashok Panda accompanied by the Bhubaneswar mayor and the Madhya MLA organised Mahila Samavesh (women's rally) in Pokhariput on Sunday. But four-time BJD corporator Biranchi Mahasuar has been organizing rallies countering Panda. He is projecting himself as a ticket hopeful in Ekamra.
Biranchi Mahasuar sounded confident that the party will consider his candidature for the elections. “People want me to fight elections. If the party gives me a ticket, I am ready to fight with the blessings of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the people,” he added.
Ashok Panda said, “Women organizations are with us. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has taught us: Work, but make no comment on others.”
Similar is the situation in Bhubaneswar Madhya and Uttar Assembly segments. BJD corporator Amaresh Jena is challenging MLA Ananta Jena in Bhubaneswar Madhya with his organisation ‘We for Bhubaneswar’.
On the other hand, former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra has been holding meetings one after another in the Uttar, countering MLA Sushant Rout. Mishra is garnering support by organizing Mahila, Yuva and Chhatra samavesh. He held a student rally on Sunday.
BJD corporator Amresh Jena said, “We have worked for the party for the last 25 years. But, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will take the final call."
MLA Ananta Jena said, “Our only leader is Naveen Patnaik. He will decide on tickets at the right time. When elections come, many people aspire for tickets.”
Former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra said, “I am always ready for elections. I had fought elections and was with the people and now with them. If the party decides in my favour, I am ready.”
Senior journalist Akshay Sahu said, “At many places, rebels like Raju Das are there. Those if denied tickets will migrate to other parties. The rebels will pose a danger to the party.”
As per reports, a group of disgruntled workers and leaders held a meeting at Naripur on Saturday just hours after 5T chairperson VK Pandian's Bhadrak visit. The meeting was held at the residence of former minister Jugal Patnaik. A group of frontline leaders like Asit Patnaik and many other unhappy workers spoke against the legislator.
Party leader and advisor of Madhu Babu Pension Scheme to the state government, Asit Patnaik accused the MLA of having done nothing but only committing corruption.
Sources said, the disgruntled leaders warned of going against the party if many local issues were not sorted out ahead of the elections.
Asit Patnaik lashed out at the legislator, saying, “Even though thousands of crores of rupees have been provided by the Chief Minister to our constituency, why so many people are gathering against the MLA. This means people are not siding with the legislator. People have distanced themselves from him because they had never thought that he whom they voted to power would take various development works taken up previously by legendary leaders like Dr Harekrushna Mahatab and Nilamani Routray towards the path of destruction.”
On the other hand, the legislator refused to say anything about the factionalism and the corruption charges being leveled against him.
If sources are to be believed, the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah among others are likely to be announced in the first phase. A meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP is said to be held on February 29 to finalise the names.
However, it is not clear if some candidates for Odisha will find a place in the list.
Many believe that early announcements will be handy for candidates who will find enough time to reach out to people earlier than others.
Meanwhile, the BJP held a meeting of the party’s state election in-charges and co-in-charges at its national headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday.
BJP’s Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar and co-in-charge Lata Usendi among others attended the meeting which was inaugurated by the party’s National President, JP Nadda.
Moreover, BJP’s National Vice President and the election in-charge for Uttar Pradesh Baijayant Panda also participated in the meeting.
Sounding confident about the party's electoral prospects, Vijaypal Singh Tomar said this time the party will cross the target of 370 Lok Sabha seats and the NDA tally will cross 400.
“Our party and workers are always prepared for the elections. We are all working on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra ‘Sab Ka Sath Sab ka Vikash’. In Odisha, our party candidates will come out with flying colours in more than 16 Lok Sabha seats out of 21. Our party will fight alone in the Assembly polls and we will win over 80 Assembly seats in Odisha,” he asserted.
According to national media reports, ECI teams are currently visiting various states to assess election preparedness. The assessment is most likely to end by March 13. Thereafter, the ECI is likely to announce the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a presser here on Saturday, Veteran Congress leader Bijay Patnaik said that starting from tehsildars to Collectors all are being used for various purposes.
“Officers have been recruited through either UPSC or OPSC. They have been selected out of lakhs of examinees. All have self-respect. They actually never want to work as workers of a political party. But Naveen Babu is misusing them in various works. Collectors are told to collect funds while police officials and superintendents of police are asked to arrest the BJD leaders who are going against the party. Even journalists are not spared ahead of the elections,” Patnaik fumed
He asserted that there is a group of influential officers in the state who are dedicatedly working for the ruling party.
The Congress veteran further warned those officials, pointing out the SC direction on alleged manipulation by an officer during the recent mayor’s election in Chandigarh.
“Courts are still working for justice. Congress has prepared a list of officers who are working for the BJD. The party will intimate the Election Commission of India (ECI) about their names,” he warned.
However, BJD MLA Sambit Routray countered Patnaik saying, "He should point out where the officers have crossed the limits. They are all sincerely working day and night to reach out to the people. Making allegations about officials should be backed by evidence. I myself find no official doing anything wrong. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s instruction is that the administration should reach to the bottom level. They are reaching out to people to check if the latter have got benefits of schemes.”
BJP’s National Vice President and the election in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, Baijayant Panda participated in the meeting. Moreover, BJP’s Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar and co-in-charge Lata Usendi among others attended the meeting which was inaugurated by the party’s National President, JP Nadda.
Since the party has set a target of over 370 Lok Sabha seats and 400 seats for the NDA, the party's top brass are discussing strategies threadbare for the upcoming elections.
When asked about the discussions over BJP and BJD's secret alliance, BJP's election in-charge of Odisha, Vijaypal Singh Tomar, while speaking to OTV said, "There should be no confusion about it. Our Home Minister went to Odisha and cleared his stand. Party’s National President Nadda Ji went there and also cleared the stand. All have said that the BJP will form the government with a clear majority.”
He also added that the party will win the Lok Sabha elections with a huge number of seats and in Odisha, the party will improve its tally from 8 in 2019 to over 16 in the 2024 polls.
“I think such speculations are done by the BJD. The political atmosphere in Odisha is in favour of the BJP. We will fight alone and the state will have a BJP government. As far as I know, there is no such thing as BJD-BJP understanding,” Tomar said.
Notably, Odisha in-charge, Vijaypal Singh Tomar and co-in-charge Lata Usendi recently had several rounds of discussion with party leaders and workers in Bhubaneswar as the party is laying emphasis on 'Gaon Chalo' and 'Booth Chalo Abhiyan' to reach out to voters.
People feeling neglected and sidelined over the years have started raising their voices against the government.
As per reports, residents of Bhoipalli under Dhudipalli panchayat in Sambalpur area still struggle on the communication front even 77 years after the Independence. Upset, they warned of the poll boycott if the much-needed road is not built in the village.
The locals alleged that in the absence of an all-weather road between Bhoipalli and Dhudipali panchayats, they have to commute on a forest track on a daily basis. The road passing through Bhoipalli, Kumbharuniposi, Budelkani, Bijaguda, Damagaon and Ladammal is in bad shape.
Though leaders had promised to build the road during the 2019 elections, nothing was done to work out the promise. Hence residents have vowed to boycott the elections this time, it is learnt.
Angry over the alleged government apathy, the villagers have decided to skip polling this time. A villager said, "We are suffering a lot due to lack of roads. If the issues are not resolved before elections, we will boycott polling.”
However, Kuchinda Sub-collector Hemsagar Bhoi said as usual that a proposal has been sent to the government and the road work will start soon.
Here is another sorry state at Alumeda village under the Balasore Sadar block. There is no bridge across Dubidubi River. Over the years, people of this village ferry across the river on rickety boats every day, risking their lives. Villagers say the boat ferrying is fraught with risk and apprehend mishaps anytime.
Though the construction of a bridge was started seven years back, it is yet to complete. With a change in its designs, contractors have been changed these years.
In 2019, the ruling party had managed to get votes on the promise of the bridge across Dubidubi, said the locals.
Uttam Kumar Sen a villager of Alumeda, expressed his displeasure on the routine communication woes.”As elections come, leaders come with loads of promises. Once elections are over, no one is seen here. We keep on suffering. The bridge project is hanging fire and two contractors have been changed.”
Satyabadi Beura, supervisor of construction agency Kiran laxmi Infrastructure, held the R&B department responsible for the slow pace of work. He said that the department points out changes in the bridge design when one thing has already been completed.
However, Balasore MLA Swarup Dash blamed the construction agencies, saying, “Construction agencies are not doing good work. Though we have terminated their contracts, they moved the court. If the work is not completed, we will intervene and go to the court.”
Report by Debendra Behera & Prakash Mohanty
It is believed that if Archana Nag who has so far concealed the alleged sexual or humiliating escapade of many political leaders and administrative officers, reveals anything before the elections, that could be a spoiler for the political career of those leaders. In that case, it may upset the apple cart of the ruling party and could be damaging to its dream of coming back to power for the sixth time in a row.
A couple of days ago, ED had summoned Archana and her husband Jagabandhu Chand for questioning. After coming out of the ED office Archana told the media that political leaders and administrative officers of Odisha who are involved in the case and who have used her as a medium to hide their own wrongdoings will be dragged to the court.
In fact, the ED officials might have known the names of powerful political leaders and administrative leaders connected to Archana in what manner.
Questions arise if the leaders, so far unrevealed, had business links with her; and how could Archana, a small-town girl, lead a luxurious life and acquire massive properties and luxury cars, which have already been seized by the ED.
Though the case initially emerged as an alleged sextortion/high-profile sex racket, later it got an added twist of money laundering and the ED came into play. As a result, the blackmailing and honey-trapping angle was allegedly given a burial over time, many in the opposition parties believe.
Since the case is sub-judice, Archana has so far refused to divulge what information she has shared with the ED. The ED has documents and hard disks in the connection as part of its investigation.
On the other hand, Archana has ever claimed herself as a scapegoat of political leaders and administrative officers. Recently, she gave an indirect threat before the media that those who used her as a medium would be dragged to the court and could not escape.
Her verbal threat might have sent a chill down the spines of those influential leaders, but unless and until their names have not been out, they are safe.
However, it is alleged that the ruling party is more jittery over the Achana Nag case and must be wary of its political consequences while brainstorming on ticket distribution to aspirants. It is said many new faces are likely to be given chances.
Many political analysts believe that if both Archana and ED together spill the beans in the midst of the election and come out with names of those involved, that might spell much more trouble for the ruling party than the opposition parties who are on the lookout for such a mess.
Speaking to the media, Samal said, "The Prime Minister will first go to Puri to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and will later address a public meeting at Chandikhole. However, the exact date of his visit will be finalized soon.”
Moreover, the BJP leader added that the Prime Minister will dwell upon a host of Central schemes and urge the party workers and leaders to reach out to people by conducting door-to-door visits to apprise them of the Modi guarantee.
Many other Union Ministers and BJP leaders will come calling to the state in the next few days, he added.
Samal also said that Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will come to Odisha to attend party programmes on February 22 in Ganjam, Nabarangpur, and Mayurbhanj districts.
It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sambalpur on February 3 and inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid foundation stones for projects worth more than Rs 68,000 crore.
In the last 10 days, the Odisha government has announced financial incentives under 13 schemes and has also hiked pension allowances. It seems as if the government has loosened the purse strings ahead of the General Elections to woo voters.
Such a bid by the government to empty the coffers may get the BJD political dividends in the elections, but many have questioned the impact it will have on fiscal management later.
Opposition parties have lashed out at the government over the issue, terming such schemes as bribe to voters.
As per reports, BJD leaders distributed Rs 1000 cash to NFSA beneficiaries at many places. About 95 lakh people in the state will get this assistance for which Rs 1,237 crore will be spent from the state exchequer.
SHG members under Mission Shakti will also avail of Rs 1000 for uniforms, college students will get scholarships, unemployed youths will be provided interest-free loans of Rs 1 lakh, and weavers, Krushak Sathis, and cooks will get a hike in their monthly allowances. Besides, the Mamata Yojana assistance was hiked from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
Taking a dig at the government for such sops, BJP leader Mohan Majhi said, "The BJD’s vote share has come down by 15 per cent, for which the party is heading for a disaster. They are offering voters bribe in the form of jute bags and Rs 1000 cash. What they are saying is take the bribe and vote for the BJD.”
Terming such sops as an electoral gimmick, veteran Congress leader Panchanan Kanungo said, “From where such whopping amounts would come? Either the government will raise the money through loans or stop the sops after two or three months. Earlier, the BJD government was distributing umbrellas and shoes. After the election, such sops will be stopped.”
However, BJD leader Nrushingha Sahu said, "People are now hit by the price spiral. Such assistance will alleviate their miseries. The opposition will criticize whatever is done by the government for the welfare of the people. People will draw benefits from such assistance.”
As for the cash incentives, financial analyst Rajib Sahoo said, "People should be empowered and made self-sufficient. With that money, schemes meant for their skilling should be implemented."
While ticket aspirants are engaging in shows of strength by organising rallies, the party is busy embracing leaders from other parties, thus triggering resentment among long-serving party leaders. To add to the woes, party workers and frontline leaders are opposing the leadership of incumbent MLAs in some places.
Though speculation is rife about the BJD giving opportunities to some new faces for the upcoming elections, some leaders have started claiming with confidence that they will get tickets.
Here is an example. Vice president of the Biju Mahila Janata Dal, Basanti Mohapatra organised a rally in Khordha town which was no less than an election rally. She even claimed to get the ticket this time. For the last two years, she has been taking part in various party programmes by sidelining MLA Jitu Mitra.
Basanti Mohapatra said, "I am fully confident that the party’s decision will come in my favour. All know who is working here. Except me, nobody is working.”
Take a look at the Balikuda-Erasama constituency in Jagatsinhgpur where youth leader Sanjib Biswal, a ticket aspirant, organised a power show on the plea of a get-together against MLA Ragunandan Das.
Biswal even spoke openly against the MLA and asserted that he would win the poll by a huge margin if he is given a ticket. He openly admitted, “There is discontent for various reasons. I have with me about 60 to 70 sarpanches and ex-sarpanches. I am hopeful of a party ticket.”
On the other hand, MLA Raghunandan Das who has a number of allegations against him, dismissed such claims and said that he would be serving the people. The MLA said that nobody believes in the allegations brought against him.
In western Odisha, youth BJD leader and block vice chairperson of Birmaharajpur, Narayana Luha has been making a show of his strength with his army of supporters against Birmaharajpur MLA Padmanabh Behera. Naryana Luha said, "Over 15000 people have supported me at this rally. Whatever decision is taken in the future will be good for me.”
On the other hand, Padmanabh has been lobbying for a BJD ticket for his son.
Moreover, the leaders imported from other parties are also irking the existing leaders. For instance, in Rajnagar, discontent among long-serving party workers, leaders, and supporters of MLA Dhruba Sahoo is brewing over the entry of Congress leader Anshuman Mohanty.
BJD worker Maheswar Sethi of Rajnagar said, “At a closed-door meeting, some party workers opposed the leadership of Anshuman Mohanty and even warned to gherao Naveen Niwas. Long-serving BJD leaders are opposing the joining of other party leaders. The fire of discontent is simmering and only time will tell its consequences.”
Similarly, BJD workers in Angul refuse to accept the induction of Congress leader Biplab Jena. However, MLA Nrushingha Sahu said that the party's top leadership will decide rehabilitation of leaders and manage the disgruntled ones in time.
Manoranjan Tripathy, a BJD worker of Angul said, "Many long-serving party workers have been neglected. The new leaders will show their power now.”
The BJD has already started an exercise to placate the disgruntled leaders like Prasanna Patasani, Priyadarshi Mishra, Ramesh Chyau Pattanayak, Pradeep Majhi, Jhina Hikaka and Rabi Pradhan.
“To defray the expenditure on existing establishments and continuing schemes and projects from April to July 2024, 100% of BE for calamity and election-related expenses, about 50% of BE for Capital Expenditure and 40% of BE for Revenue Expenditure is taken in the Vote on Account, which is estimated at Rs 1,18,000 crore,” said Arukha.
The highest resource allocation has been proposed for the School & Mass Education department with a 9.71% share in total budget size for the financial year 2024-25. Apart from the School and Mass Education department, other departments which have got maximum allocations are the Panchayati Raj Department (8.84%), Health and Family Welfare (7.74%), Water Resources (5.20%) and Planning and Convergence (4.72%).
While presenting the interim budget, Arukha said that as per 2023-24 advance estimates, Odisha’s economy is likely to register a growth of 8.5 % against the national average of 7.3 %.
According to the state finance minister, the overall food production in Odisha has doubled in the last 22 years. The state government implemented the KALIA scheme to speed up agricultural development and alleviate poverty. So far, 43.88 lakh small and 18.93 lakh landless farmers’ families have been benefited under the scheme.
Similarly, the state government undertook the Millets Mission which has brought considerable improvement in the lives of around 5 lakh farmers. In his speech, Arukha said that there has been considerable improvement in the health sector and health for all is top priority for the state government. A target has been set for the development of 1,858 health centres in the next 5 years with an outlay of Rs 3,389 crore.
Rs 2000 crore revolving fund proposed for paddy procurement price disbursements on time
1858 healthcare centres to be transformed in next 5 years with an proposed outlay of Rs 3389 crore
An outlay of Rs.1000 crore is provided in the budget for 2024-25 for Metro Rail Project. Besides, Rs.700 crore has been proposed for development of Railway projects in the State during 2024-25.
The allocation for the Industries and MSME sector has been increased to Rs.1,555 crore during 2024-25.
Agriculture & Allied Sector Activities
Outlay of Rs.28,944 crore under the Agriculture Budget, 2024-25, which is 17% more than last year’s allocation.
Provision of Rs.2,000 crore as revolving fund to be utilised for paddy procurement operations by OSCSC.
Rs. 685 crore for Food Storage & Warehousing-Procurement Operation Support System and Rs. 24 crore for Fair Price Shop Automation.
Rs. 1,935 crore of direct benefit transfers under KALIA Scheme.
Rs.181 crore as grants to OUAT for agricultural research, education, and infrastructure
Rs.250 crore towards Corpus Fund for provision of Interest free loan for fertiliser and seed.
Total outlay of Rs 14,467 crore for irrigation sector.
Rs.860 crore for construction of In-stream Storage Structures to fulfil the long felt needs of the irrigation.
Rs. 1225 crore for the 2nd phase of Parvati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation scheme to provide irrigation to additional 2.63 lakh hectares.
Rs.194 crore to revive defunct Community Lift Irrigation Projects during 2024- 25
Total allocation Rs.19,959 crore for public health care with an increase of about 24% over previous year. It is about 8 percent of the State Budget.
Rs.1314 crore is provided for Ama Hospital, Rs.698 crore is provided for Continuance of Family Welfare Schemes (Infrastructure maintenance).
Rs.5450 crore is provided for Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
Rs.2992 crore under the State Scheme Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Seva Mission which includes Rs.560 crore for Support to Medical Educational Institution
Rs.50 crore is provided for Establishment of Odisha University of Health Sciences, Bhubaneswar
Allocation of Rs.33,865 crore for the Education Sector.
Rs.24,764 crore for the School and Mass Education Department.
Rs.521 crore under Mo School Abhiyan, Rs.880 crore for Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya and Rs.10 crore for High School Transformation Programme under 5T.
Rs.1175 crore for PM POSHAN including State Support Rs.178 crore and Rs.4717 crore for Samagra Sikshya, including State Support of Rs.476 crore.
Rs.3,470 crore for Higher Education Department.
Allocation of Rs.10,718 crore to transform Urban Odisha.
Rs.418 crore for Urban Water Supply-BASUDHA, Rs.100 crore for Jaga Mission and Rs.918 crore for New City Development Rs.430 crore for Urban Sanitation Scheme, Rs.214 crore for Urban Sewarage Scheme, Rs.200 crore for Storm Water Drainage & Dev. of Water Bodies, Rs.1200 crore for Urban Road Transport, Rs.50 crore for Odisha Urban Infrastructure Development Fund.
During the Zero Hour, the senior Congress leader further demanded that the Odisha government should implement a pension scheme for the journalists like the provision made by other states.
Also Read: Opposition Demands Entry Of Journalists Into Odisha Lok Seva Bhawan & Assembly
Senior journalist, Sandeep Sahu said, “I thank the Congress leader for raising the issue in the Odisha Assembly. The Odisha government has clamped restrictions on the entry of journalists citing the Covid pandemic. Later, it was learned that Covid was only an alibi and the state government did not want journalists to enter Lok Seva Bhawan and know about the inside information about the government.”
Sahu further said that there is no such restriction in any part of the country. “Already there has been a delay in lifting the ban as the state government claims to be transparent. Hence, there is another reason to justify the ban. If the state government wants it can also implement pension scheme for journalists. Many journalists in the state do not have any financial security after retirement,” said Sahu.
Also Read: Pension for journalists demand raised at OUJ’s event in Bhubaneswar; 2 OTV journalists felicitated
The Minister was answering a question posed by Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja. According to the Minister, there is a demand for the creation of 5 new districts each by bifurcating the Mayurbhanj and Ganjam districts.
The state government has received demands for the creation of 4 new districts each after bifurcating Balasore and Bolangir, 3 proposed districts by bifurcating Cuttack and Angul districts.
However, the Minister further informed the House that the state government would take appropriate steps at the right time after reviewing the criteria and norms.
The BJP MLAs rushed to the well of the House and created ruckus over the issue on the third day of the Budget session of the Odisha Assembly. The members staged a demonstration by holding posters.
Also Read: BJP lashes out at BJD over Arpan Rath, asks what happened to money collected from devotees
Opposition Chief Whip, Mohan Majhi said, “In Puri Srimandir, parboiled rice has been mixed with Arpan Rath rice and Mahaprasad and other items are being prepared and distributed. Today, we wanted an answer from the Odisha government and CM Naveen Patnaik in the Assembly. We will continue to raise this issue in the Assembly till we get a concrete answer over the matter.”
Meanwhile, the BJD members staged a demonstration in front of the Gandhi statue by alleging that the BJP is politicising the sensitive Pari murder case, the verdict of which was pronounced on Tuesday.
On the alleged parboiled rice controversy, BJD MLA Bhagirathi Sethi said, “BJP is only politicising the matter. Have the BJP examined whether it is parboiled rice or they have mixed it? Requisite rice has been offered by people to Srimandir dedicated to Lord Jagannath. BJP is thinking of getting votes by making such allegations. But people have already made up their minds to vote for BJD.”
In a written reply to a question asked by Bharatiya Janata Parrty (BJP) leader Mukesh Mahaling in the ongoing budget session of the Assembly, Minister Amat said while a budget allocation of Rs 74.80 cr has been made for publicity and advertisement for the year 2023-24, an amount of Rs 19.40 crore has already been spent in nine months.
Also Read: Odisha Congress leader Narasingha Mishra stages dharna in Assembly during zero hour
Giving a breakup of the expenditure of the money spent on publicity and advertisement, the Minister said Rs 17.43 crore was spent on print media advertisements, Rs 31, 00,000 on electronic media advertisements, and Rs 1.93 crore was spent on advertisements through hoardings and outdoor branding.
These apart, different departments are also spending on different projects like the Srimandir Heritage Corridor Project, the Nabin Odisha programme, and the World Odia Language Conference.
The Information and Public Relations Department has spent around Rs 83 crore on publicity and advertisements in the last five years.
According to Amat, 191 out of 207 mega piped water supply projects worth Rs 33000 crore are currently under implementation while 16 have been completed. It is targeted to complete 25 mega projects by March 2024 while the rest will be finished by 2025.
According to the Minister, there is provision to set up a tube well for an area with a population of 70. There is no obstacle to setting up tube wells and directions have been issued to Collectors and other officials to set up tube wells if there are any issues. Around 16659 villages have been covered under the piped water supply.
Arrangements for providing drinking water through tankers are also being made and gram panchayats and zilla parishads have been empowered with the requisite funds. If there is any specific complaint, people can lodge their grievances using the Helpline number 1916, the Minister said.
On Monday, Odisha Governor in his address on the first day of the Odisha Assembly’s Budget session said that the state government is taking steps to supply safe drinking water to all rural households through functional household tap connections by 2025.
So far, 69% of rural households, 68% of schools, 59% anganwadi centres of the state and all the gram panchayat offices have been provided with drinking water tap connections.
Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra alleged that the Odisha government was using the Governor to praise and pat its own back.
Also Read: Odisha Assembly Budget session begins with Governor’s address
“Usually Governors read out the speech prepared by the state governments. Today, after (Odisha) Governor spoke for long hours, I told him Kings earlier used to hire some people to listen to their own praise, likewise, the Odisha government is using you in a similar fashion which is unfortunate,” said Mishra.
The facts presented by the Odisha Governor on the instructions of the state government are not correct.
“On January 3, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Lower Suktel irrigation project. During the event, I had told the CM that he was inaugurating an incomplete project. Today, Governor said that the Lower Suktel Project has been inaugurated and facility made to irrigate lands of farmers. Likewise, there are other things which are not based on facts,” the senior Congress said.
Mishra further alleged that usually Governor highlights the works to be taken up by the state government. There was no mention of such things.
“There is no vision, how unemployment can be checked, how to stop labour migration, checking crime against women, filling up vacancies, all such issues were not taken up,” Mishra added.
In his address, Das said that the state’s economy has witnessed an annual average growth rate of 6.47 % at 2011-12 prices during the period from 2012-13 to 2-22-23 (AE), which is higher than National/ Annual Average Growth rate of 5.59 %.
As per the Advance Estimate, Odisha’s economy has registered a growth rate of 7.8% in 2022-23 (AE) at 2022-12 prices which is higher than Indian economy projected to grow by 7% in 2022-23 (AE).
Also Read: Odisha Assembly Budget session begins with Governor’s address
Similarly, the Per Capita income in Odisha at current prices has grown significantly at 16.9% in 2022-23 (AE) to reach Rs 1.51 lakh from Rs 1.29 lakh in 2021-22, said Das in his address in Odisha Assembly.
The unemployment growth rate of Odisha has also declined from 7.1% in 2017-18 to 6.2% in 2019-20, he said.
Apart from this, the growth rate of agriculture and allied sector of the state during 2022-23 (AE) at 2011-12 prices has increased by 6%, whereas, in industries and service sector of the state, a growth rate of 6.1% and 8.8% has been achieved respectively, Das added.
Over 2.40 lakh slum families have been granted land right certificates. The state government is also transforming slums into Adarsh colonies with required infrastructures, amenities and services at par with the rest of the cities, he said.
“So far, 1364 slums have already been upgraded as Adarsh colonies. 10 cities in Odisha have already achieved the Slum Free City status. Odisha is fast moving towards achieving slum-free status in all the Urban Local Bodies by December 2024,” said Das in his address.
400 Kalyan Mandaps In ULBs Soon
Apart from this, the state government is promoting Kalyan Mandaps across ULBs. Around 400 Kalyan mandaps will be constructed in urban areas of the state.
Safe Drinking Water Supply To All Rural Households By 2025
In his address, Odisha Governor Raghubar Das informed that the state government is taking steps to supply safe drinking water to all rural households through functional household tap connections by 2025.
At present, safe drinking water is being supplied to rural households through 14,277 water supply projects and 5.6 lakh tube wells and sanitary wells, 12, 683 solar dual pumps and 2,384 solar pipe water supply projects.
A total of 69% rural households, 68% schools, 59% Anganwadi centres of Odisha and all the gram panchayat offices have been provided with drinking water tap connections.
As many as 23 lakh people are also getting the benefits of the ‘Drink from Tap’ quality water supply in 24 cities of the state, said Das.
While addressing the House, Das said that the Puri Heritage Corridor project will enhance the facilities for devotees visiting the Jagannath temple. The project will also contribute towards better security measures for the protection of the Srimandir. According to the Governor, the ongoing works for the development of Lingaraj temple under the Ekramra project is going on at war footing.
The Odisha Governor said that the overall law and order situation in the state is stable and peaceful. Due to constant efforts, there has been a considerable decline in left-wing extremism. 42 Maoists have been killed in police action while 145 extremists have been arrested and 63 rebels have laid down arms in the state.
Tourism Sector, KALIA Scheme to Interest-free Loan to MARKFED
According to Odisha Governor, the state government has tagged tourism as ‘focus sector’. A master plan has been prepared for the development of 15 prominent tourist sites at an estimated cost of Rs 1768 crore. Rs 244 crore has been sanctioned for the development of tourist infrastructure at 136 sites after getting proposals from the public.
The Odisha Governor also lauded the state government for its initiatives for improving the infrastructure in rural areas under the Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha. He also hailed the Nua-0 programme aimed at empowering the youth, social and cultural development.
“The Odisha government through its KALIA scheme has been able to extend financial assistance to the farmers since 2018. The scheme aims at agricultural development and reducing poverty. Assistance has been provided to around 43.88 lakh small and marginal and 18.93 lakh landless farmers’ families in the state,” said Das in his address.
According to Das, the Odisha government has set up a corpus fund to provide Rs 100 crore interest-free loans every year to MARKFED to protect the interest of the farmers from distress situations.
As per reports, a three-tier security has been put in place around the Assembly. As many as 28 platoons of police force, SOG, striking force, bomb diffusing squad, quick action teams, dog squads and fire service personnel will be deployed.
CCTVs have been installed around the Assembly, at Lower PMG, Rabindra Mandap and nearby areas to keep a sharp vigil on suspects and demonstrators during the Assembly session.
Besides, five makeshift police control rooms have been opened while eight DSPs, 16 ACPs and over 100 police personnel led by DCP Prateek Singh will be deployed.
To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, five routes connected to the Assembly have been diverted, sources said.
Speaking to the media, DGP Arun Sarangi said, ”Like in previous years, we have made adequate security arrangements for the Assembly session. 20 platoons of police force have been deployed. Six ADCPs, 113 officers starting from the inspectors to the ASIs, 200 constables and havildars of different ranks will be deployed.”
He added that quick action teams will be stationed at about 14-15 locations in the city. “We have two special tactical units. We have teams of bomb disposal and anti-sabotage. Checking will be intensified. We have plans for traffic diversion. Police are ready to deal with situations possibly to arise out of demonstrations,” he added.
The vote-on-account will be brought for the first four months of the Financial Year 2024-25.
Earlier, it has been observed that despite adequate working days, there have been repeated disruptions in the Odisha Assembly. Under such circumstances, it remains to be seen whether the upcoming Odisha Assembly session functions smoothly or not.
The first day of the upcoming Assembly will start with the Governor’s address on February 5.
As per reports, the House was adjourned following a ruckus by the Opposition MLAs over the ST land transfer bill. While the Opposition wanted the government to answer why the bill was only postponed and not withdrawn completely, the government did not seem to have listened to their demands, leading the Opposition to raise slogans and disrupt the session.
To make their point, Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs wore tribal clothes to the House today in a symbolic gesture. They alleged the government is forming policies to harass the tribals. They came to the well and created ruckus saying they would not stop the protest until the government withdrew the bill completely.
The Assembly was adjourned two times yesterday too, over the same issue when the Opposition demanded to discuss the tribal land issue but the Speaker did not allow the topic to be discussed.
Speaking about the transfer of land bill, Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Suresh Chandra Routray said, “It is an injustice being done by the Odisha government. If needed, the government will not hesitate to sell our own land. The Odisha Govt. needs to have a proper discussion before implementing the bill.”
Similarly, BJP MLA and Opposition chief whip, Mohan Majhi said that the Odisha Cabinet’s decision of transferring the tribal lands will not benefit them in any manner. This decision from the Odisha govt. is a clear indication of encroaching on the lands of the poor. We demand the Odisha govt. to withdraw this bill. It is a sensitive matter and action needs to be taken to save the lands of the tribal people.”
Meanwhile, BJP MLAs have started a march to the Raj Bhawan to meet the Governor and apprise him of their demands.
On November 14, the Odisha Cabinet had decided to amend a law allowing the scheduled tribe people (ST) to transfer their land to non-tribals in scheduled areas with written permission from the sub-collector. However, the government withheld the same decision on November 17.
To address the stalemate, Odisha Assembly speaker Pramila Mallik called for an all-party meeting.
Earlier today, the house was adjourned till 12 pm following the protest by the Opposition parties immediately after the proceedings began in the morning.
Opposition MLAs from Congress and BJP raised slogans against the State government and demanded the Odisha cabinet to re-evaluate the bill regarding the transfer of tribal lands.
Speaking about the transfer of land bill, Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Suresh Chandra Routray said, “It is an injustice being done by the Odisha government. If needed, the government will not hesitate to sell our own land. The Odisha Govt. needs to have a proper discussion before implementing the bill.”
Similarly, BJP MLA and Opposition chief whip, Mohan Majhi said that the Odisha Cabinet’s decision of transferring the tribal lands will not benefit them in any manner. This decision from the Odisha govt. is a clear indication of encroaching the lands of the poor. We demand the Odisha govt. to withdraw this bill. It is a sensitive matter and action needs to be taken to save the lands of the tribal people.”
It is to be noted that on November 17, the Odisha government withheld the decision taken in the Cabinet meeting held on November 14 regarding the transfer of tribal lands. Revenue Minister Sudam Marndi informed about the development on his social media account X (earlier known as Twitter).
“The proposed Amendment to Regulation-2 of 1956 discussed in the Cabinet meeting held on 14th November 2023, regarding the transfer of Tribal lands has been withhold,” Marndi posted on X.
Earlier on November 14, the Odisha Cabinet had decided to amend a law allowing the scheduled tribe people (ST) to transfer their land to non-tribals in scheduled areas with written permission from the sub-collector.
Announcing the election of Pradhan, a two-time MLA from Kandhamal district, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "I congratulate Shri Pradhan on being elected as the Deputy Speaker of this House. Since the Legislative Assembly is an exalted pillar of democracy, all of us should uphold the dignity of this august House by our conduct. All request all our honourable members to extend their support and cooperation wholeheartedly to the Deputy Speaker in discharging his duties."
Speaking on the occasion, Saluga Pradhan thanked all the members of the Assembly for electing him as the Deputy Speaker. He termed the Assembly as a temple of democracy and expressed hope that all the members would collectively maintain the dignity of the House.
It is pertinent to mention here that the post of Deputy Speaker of the Odisha Assembly had fallen vacant after the resignation of Rajani Kant Singh earlier this month.
“Speaker has been pleased to fix the November 21, 2023 for election of Deputy Speaker. A meeting of the Odisha Legislative Assembly will be held on November 21 at 9:30 am,” read the notice issued by the Odisha Assembly secretary on Tuesday.
It is pertinent to mention here that the post of Deputy Speaker of Odisha Assembly has been lying vacant since the resignation of Rajani Kant Singh from the post earlier this month.
On November 8, Odisha Assembly deputy speaker Rajani Kant Singh resigned from the post. In his statement, Singh informed that he would devote more time to strengthening party organisation.
The four-time MLA from Angul, Singh was also a minister during the fourth term of the BJD government from 2014 to 2019. Singh was elected unopposed as the Deputy Speaker of the 16th Odisha Assembly in April 2021.
“It was a decision which I had been planning for a long as I was not able to take part in organisational activities of the party while remaining on the Constitutional post for the past five years. As elections are around the corner, I have decided to quit to join the party and workers with full strength,” said Singh soon after tendering his resignation.
When asked whether BJD supremo and CM Naveen Patnaik will entrust him with some crucial responsibility in the organisation, Singh said that everything depends on the party chief.
“There is buzz only in media that BJP is rising, but the people of Odisha are with BJD. MLAs have the responsibility to strengthen the party in their respective constituencies. I have resigned to work for the organisation,” Singh added.
Rajanikant is a four-time MLA from Angul since 2004. He was also a minister during the fourth term of the BJD government from 2014 to 2019. Singh was elected unopposed as the Deputy Speaker of the 16th Odisha Assembly in April 2021.
“We are being denied the right to speak and not given any protection in the House. Today, there is a protest outside my residence in Sambalpur. Recently, BJD workers had ransacked property inside Circuit House thinking that I was present there. I would have been killed had I been there,” said Mishra.
Mishra further said, “Today I am unsafe both inside Assembly and outside. I am not taking the Odisha government’s help and have returned security. If anything happens to me or my family, then Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik will be responsible.”
On the other hand, BJD MLA, Rajkishore Das said, “Odisha CM always says that “Every life is precious’ and everybody is safe here. It seems that the Leader of Opposition is making such statements only to hog the limelight in media as there is no reason for saying all such things.”
Mishra further said that whenever there is a din, there is a provision for convening an all-party meeting. However, the Speaker of Odisha Assembly is not doing so, he said.
“Whenever we are raising any issue, it is being omitted but it is not being dropped even if the ruling party members use unparliamentarily language and make personal accusations in the House. Hence, Speaker is acting on the instructions of the ruling party. It is Speaker’s job to take everybody together for smooth conduct of the Assembly,” Mishra alleged.
Senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra said, “It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the House functions smoothly. Opposition will always ask questions, but the government should discuss the matter with the Opposition. We were ready for discussion in the House and not created any ruckus today as only a day is left for the Assembly. It seems that the government is on the back foot for whatever happened in the past. They (ruling party) is abusing by tagging someone mentally ill and other statements. This is totally uncalled for.”
Responding to the allegations levelled by the Opposition, BJD leader Pratap Deb said, “The conduct of two BJP MLAs was not acceptable and there suspension is justified. Everybody needs to behave decently. The senior member of the House has the capability and won six times and the way she was treated is not justified at a time when they are talking about Women’s Bill.”
In his reaction, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jayanarayan Mishra on Friday alleged that the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is trying to threaten and he had tried this in the past as well. Mishra stated that CM Naveen Patnaik is the biggest anti-people and who will win and who will lose election doesn’t depend on the CM.
“Despite booth capturing and misuse of government machinery, we have reached the Assembly. They succeed against me in 2014 and failed in 2019. It is not on CM’s mercy rather we have made it here on people’s mercy. Attempts are being made to ensure that those who are speaking against the CM are not allowed in the Assembly. Bijoy Mohapatra, Nalini Mohanty and Prashant Nanda are the examples of it,” Mishra added.
Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra said, “It is CM Naveen Patnaik who is creating hurdle for development of farmers, health and education sector.”
Responding to Mishra’s allegations, BJD MLA Prashant Muduli said, “Everybody is aware of CM Naveen Patnaik’s behaviour and simplicity. There is no question of threatening anyone. But the conduct of BJP yesterday in the House is not acceptable.”
In the motion, Majhi said that the Opposition had not sought any statement from the CM. However, CM Naveen Patnaik suo motu gave the statement to shield the 5T Secretary and termed the Opposition ‘anti-people’, he alleged.
Who is anti-people, questioned Majhi while demanding an apology from the CM and expunging the particular statement.
Congress MLA, Santosh Singh Saluja has also brought a breach of privilege notice against Works Department Minister for allegedly giving callous answers. Saluja raised the issued during the Zero Hour and brought the matter to the notice of the Assembly Speaker.
Following the ruckus, Speaker Pramila Mallik initially adjourned the House till 12 pm and convened an all-party meeting to normalise the functioning of the House.
The all-party meeting was held at the Speaker’s chamber following which the session resumed. However, the pandemonium continued and the Speaker adjourned the House till 4 pm.
As soon as the session commenced today, Opposition BJP MLAs shouted slogans alleging that their questions on different issues were being rejected. However, ruling BJD MLAs tried to counter the BJP by raising the MSP issue.
The situation forced Speaker Mallick to adjourn the House till 12 pm and call an all-party meeting to normalize the smooth functioning of the House.
“Questions are being rejected in the question hour of the Assembly which is quite unfortunate. If our questions will not be accepted for discussion during the question hour, why we are here? Opposing the move, all the BJP MLAs have worn black badges. The new Speaker is acting under the pressure of the government,” said Opposition Chief Whip Mohan Majhi.
“The State government is trying to avoid the question hour which is in the interest of the people of the State. Many people from different sections of the society are staging protests at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar over several issues. Whenever, BJP members are raising those issues in the State Assembly, the government is rejecting the questions. The State government is filtering the questions as per their convenience which is not acceptable. The voice of democracy is being choked in Odisha,” rued BJP leader Suryabanshi Suraj.
Mishra questioned, “What defines the CMO? Is a Secretary equivalent to the office?” The Leader of Opposition further alleged that there is absolutely no clarity over CM Naveen Patnaik’s statements. For the first time, a question of the LoP was omitted, he said.
“When a leader of the House or the Leader of the Opposition speaks, they have the right to complete their statements, no matter how much time it takes as per the provision. It is now three days that they (State government) have not answered our questions. We asked for details about the areas visited by the 5T Secretary, what grievances were received, how many were resolved, and what were the expenses incurred on such tours. The CM never responds and today out of nowhere he came up with a statement. But we never asked for it. The CM never meets ministers, how will he meet people,” questioned Mishra.
Also Read: CMO officers conducted decentralised grievance redressal on my instructions: CM Naveen in Assembly
Senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra said, “CM Naveen Patnaik came and gave a statement. I could not hear through the equipment which was also corroborated by others. However, the ruling party members were beating the benches.” Mishra further said that whenever a statement is issued, a copy is usually given, but not today.
“Adjournment motion was moved but it was not taken up without any reason. When questions are being asked, no answer is given or rejected,” he added.
Responding to the Opposition's allegations, BJD leader, Pratap Deb said, “We are here for the people and development. The CMO is visiting people’s doorstep. If the Opposition doesn’t want development in their areas, they should give it in writing.”
Patnaik said that the CM grievance cell is handled by the CMO and as per his directions, the officers from the CMO conducted decentralised grievances cell in all districts of the state. He said this was done keeping in view the disruption of two years due to Covid pandemic and reaching out to people by taking the CM grievance cell to the doorsteps of people across the state in the shortest possible time.
According to Patnaik, this mammoth exercise was carried out in more than 190 locations in a period of six months. A total of 57, 442 petitions were collected and as of date, 43, 536 petitions have been resolved or disposed of.
“Petitioners are given written replies and phone calls are made on feedback through Mo Sarkar. I would say with all conviction that this is one of the biggest and most effective peoples’ grievances redressal exercises carried out by any government in the country,” Patnaik said.
CM Grievance Cell is handled by CMO and Ministers are not required to attend the same in Bhubaneswar. Once petitions are received, they are sent to concerned departments.
"Where is the issue of ministers versus officers in this," questioned Patnaik.
"It would have taken one and half years to do the same exercise by road vis a vis by chopper. Everyday conducting three to five meetings in different locations is humanly impossible within a window of 10 am to 3 pm," said Patnaik.
According to Patnaik, in the last three and half years about Rs 40 crore has been spent on chopper. On an average, Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 crore is spent on chopper every month. In the past six months when chopper was used extensively to reach out to the people, the average expenditure was the same around Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 crore per month.
“It is completely false and misleading to say that excess expenditure has been made,” CM in his statement said.
In his statement in the Assembly, CM Naveen Patnaik said that the Opposition members should be happy that so many grievances in their areas have been resolved.
“I do not understand how someone can oppose the solving of people's grievances. Such opposition is anti-people and people will give them a befitting reply for such attitude,” Patnaik added.
As the adjournment motion was not accepted, the BJP members created ruckus. The BJD, on the other hand, protested by raising the issue of national highways. Following the pandemonium, the proceedings of the House was first adjourned till 11:30 am and later till 4 pm today.
BJP leader Mohan Majhi said, “Our adjournment notice was that the democracy has collapsed and whether minister or secretary is superior. However, it is unfortunate the way Speaker cancelled it without citing any reason.”
"MLA has rights to ask questions on the expenditure of departments. Similarly, we also wanted to know about the expenses incurred during CM’s Secretary visits, arrangements, security and helicopter use. But without any reason, the Speaker rejected it," Majhi added.
Congress MLA, Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “It is intentional that they (BJP) do not want to ensure that the Assembly functions on BJD instructions as teachers are on strike, schools are closed and other employees including Anganwadi workers are also on strike. It clearly shows that BJD-BJP are one.”
BJD MLA Dipali Das said, “Cuttack-Sambalpur National Highway is an important highway and people of coastal and western Odisha depend on it. But it is unfortunate that the work is yet to be completed. The state government wants to ask the Centre over it. So far, the work is yet to start. I want to ask who is responsible for the deaths on the highway?"
Responding to the BJD MLA, BJP MLA Kusum Tete said, “Centre has sanctioned funds and it seems that the MLA is not aware of it. Now it is the Odisha Government’s job to get the work done. During such time, such statements are not justified.”
Earlier, speculations were rife that the ruling BJD, which has a majority in the House, would field a woman candidate for the Speaker’s post. If elected, Pramila Mallik will be the first woman Speaker of Odisha Assembly.
Senior BJD leader and MLA from Binjharpur Assembly constituency, Pramila Mallik is a six-time MLA. She also held several key posts as minister in the Naveen Patnaik cabinet.
“I am grateful to CM Naveen Patnaik for reposing faith in me and selecting me for the top post. I will ensure that the Assembly functions in an impartial manner,” said Malik.
“It is a top position and I will try to discharge my duties by taking everybody together. The vision of the CM is to give prominence to women and he demanded 33 percent reservation for women. After 5 years, the Centre tabled the Women’s Reservation Bill,” said Malik.
Malik further said “By making me the Speaker candidate, CM has proved that women are capable of doing everything.”
But unfortunately, the Chief Minister has called for the Assembly on September 21. “It is unfortunate the Odisha government has called for an Assembly session for the Speaker election. Despite protests, they have not listened and it is a step-motherly attitude towards Western Odisha,” alleged Mishra.
Mishra further said, “I urge people of Western Odisha to stand up against such step-motherly treatment by the state government. Nuakhai is deeply rooted in the sentiments of the people. Nobody from the Congress will participate in the Speaker’s election process.”
The election for the post of Odisha Assembly Speaker which has been lying vacant since the resignation of Bikram Keshari Arukha on May 12, will be held on September 21.
Commenting on the matter, Rajendra Dholakia, Minister of the Planning & Convergence Department said, “It is a matter of the Parliamentary Affairs department and the concerned minister might have brought it to the notice of CM. It is not appropriate on my part to comment on it.”
Refuting allegations of step-motherly treatment toward Western Odisha leveled by Mishra, Dholakia said, “CM Naveen Patnaik has always given importance to Western Odisha. Be it medical colleges in Kalahandi and Bolangir, there are several examples that show that the allegations are not justified.”
Bikram Keshari Arukha resigned from the post of Speaker citing personal reasons.
Soon after, two ministers tendered their resignation. Minister Samir Ranjan Dash, who held the School & Mass Education portfolio resigned. Moreover, Labour Minister, Srikant Sahu also tendered his resignation on Friday.
Speaking to reporters while announcing his decision, Arukha said "'I have sent my resignation to the Deputy Speaker.
"I have always carried out every responsibility assigned to me by the party and will continue to do so in the future. I will discharge every responsibility assigned to me by the party or in the government," Arukha said to media persons in Bhubaneswar.
According to sources, this development could be a hint toward a probable reshuffle in the Odisha Cabinet.
Following his resignation, Samir Dash said he wants to focus on the organization of the party and he had requested the CM for the same.
"Resigned to focus more on organisational duties, had requested the Chief Minister for the same," said Samir Dash.
Similarly, commenting on his decision to resign as minister, Srikant Sahu said "Less than a year left for the elections; I resigned to spend more time in carrying out organisational duties of the party."
However, the decision seems to be limited to pen and paper only as most of the mandis across the State are yet to get CCTV surveillance, or the CCTVs installed at some handful mandis are lying defunct.
For instance, Sarakanda mandi in Bargarh district is the largest procurement centre in Odisha. But surprisingly, the procurement centre does not have CCTV surveillance.
Similarly, out of the four CCTV cameras installed at Bargarh paddy procurement centre, which is under the Bargarh RMC, two are lying defunct.
There are over 100 mandis under Bargarh, Attabira and Padmapur RMCs in Bargarh district. But with maximum mandi’s having no CCTV surveillance and Rabi procurement scheduled to begin from May 10, the farmers in the district have expressed their concerns and displeasure.
“The purchasing centres do not have a single CCTV. There are many mandis that don’t even have power connection,” said Hara Bania, a farmer from Sarakanda in Bargarh.
Similarly, the sight is no different in Kalahandi, the second-highest paddy-producing district in the State.
While the CCTV cameras installed at mandi in Dharmagarh are not functioning, the mandi in Boden area lacks basic facilities like potable water and electricity.
Prabin Kumar Panda, a farmer from Dharmagarh said, “Though there are CCTV cameras, many are not functioning. 10 packets of paddy got stolen during last season.”
Commenting on the allegations Dharmagarh sub-collector, Bedabhushan said, “In some mandis CCTVs need maintenance. We had carried out maintenance activities last season and we will do the same this year.”
On the other hand, the Opposition said installing CCTVs will not address the plight of farmers.
“The decision to install CCTV cameras is a move to mislead the farmers. Installing CCTVs will not address the farmers’ plight. The loot will continue as usual,” said Pradip Purohit, Odisha BJP Krushak Morcha chief.
On the other hand, ruling-BJD MLA, Arabinda Dhali, said “Installing CCTVs at mandis will bring transparency in paddy procurement. I believe this is a very good step.”
While real estate experts attribute pressure from builders as the reason behind the withdrawal of the much-awaited legislation, the scrapping of the bill has again pushed the apartment owners into the dark.
The Bill had proposed more power to the apartment associations, provision for ease in apartment registration and norms that allows registration of the common area of the apartment in the name of society instead of builders.
“The Law department had already vetted the Bill twice. Moreover, the government has also passed the Bill. We smell something fishy in the government’s decision. The decision might be fallout of lobby by builders,” said Bimalendu Pradhan, a real estate expert.
Meanwhile, the CREDAI is of the opinion that the registration of flats in Odisha cannot be done with the withdrawal of the Bill.
“We were hopeful that the stay on registration would be lifted after the Bill was passed in the Assembly. But we are not sure why it was withdrawn,” said DS Tripathi, president of CREDAI.
The Odisha government also withdrew the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Odisha Amendment) Bill 2023, and the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes (Amendment) Bill, 2023 after introducing them in the Odisha Legislative Assembly during the recently concluded budget session.
(Reported by Kapilendra Pradhan and Harihar Chand, OTV)
Launching a scathing attack on the BJD, the BJP alleged that as the ruling party failed to respond to questions raised by the Opposition, they adjourned the assembly sine die ahead of schedule.
Addressing media, the leader of Opposition and senior BJP MLA, Jayanarayan Mishra said. “The key of Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir is duplicate, medicines are duplicate, the 5T department is duplicate. Thus, the BJD is a duplicate government.”
“The government did not bother to answer our questions in the House. We will raise this issue before the public,” the saffron party leader said.
Similarly, the Congress also criticized the adjournment of the House ahead of schedule.
Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said the BJD adjourned the House sine die ahead of schedule fearing trouble during important discussions on key issues like Mahanadi water crisis, Naba Das murder case among others.
“When CM Naveen announced his Japan visit, it was quite clear that he will remain absent during discussions on Mahanadi water crisis. When the CM will remain absent on such important discussion then there is no point of having it. The decision to adjourn the House sine die was a unilateral decision of the BJD and none form the Opposition was in favour,” Mishra said.
Responding to the allegations, the ruling BJD said the Opposition is just doing drama in the House.
“Everyone knows what the Opposition members did during the budget session. They created ruckus and did not allow the House to run smoothly,” said Prasanta Muduli, chief whip of the ruling party.
The budget session, which began on February 21, was slated to continue till April 6 in two phases.
(Reported by Harihar Chand, OTV)
Launching a scathing attack on the government, Congress said the ruling BJD had turned the state into a hub for criminal activities and scams.
Speaking on the fake certificate racket, Congress leader Bijaya Pattnaik, “This is no coincidence that a senior BJD leader is photographed with the main accused. He has clearly misused his powers and is involved in such frauds. So, it is evident that such frauds are going on unabated with the blessings of the ruling party.”
Similarly, Congress leader Santosh Singh Saluja attacked the government over job opportunities for Jharkhand youths instead of lakhs of Odia youths who are looking for employment opportunities.
“It is shocking to know that TATA is launching a new company in the Odisha-Jharkhand border and has released an advertisement which says that Jharkhand youths can apply. There are several Odia youths who are looking for a job and have their names in the employment exchange. But, TATA prefers to hire youths from Jharkhand,” said Saluja.
“I want answers on the sudden GST raid on Vanik Coaching Centre and the connection of BJD leader Subrat Chhatoi with the Bolangir fake certificate racket. He is also found to be linked with the supply of computers in 5T schools and his suspicious relationship with IT secretary and also with 5T secretary VK Pandian is condemnable,” said Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jayanarayan Mishra.
However, BJD leader Arun Sahoo refuted all the links with the fake certificate mastermind and said, “Opposition is doing photo politics. How can anybody know when a person is doing such fraud? We oblige for a picture with everyone, but the Opposition is politicising it.”
“They are targeting the government for the pictures, but there is also a picture of the main accused with Narasingha Mishra. Not only pictures, but we also have video proofs. Similarly, BJP leader KV Singh Deo and other senior leaders have also been picturised with the accused.”
“But, our government does not want to politicise it. All we want is an uncompromised probe and strict action which the government is doing right now,” he added.
(Reported by Harihar Chand, OTV)
Though the introduction of the Bill has paved way for around Rs 5000 crore-real estate market to flourish in the State, the builders and customers are yet to have clarity on the legislation.
There are questions like - Does the society need to pay for the common area if it is handed over to the customers? Who will bear the cost of society registration? If not all the flats are booked, will the builder spend for the development of common area or not?
Meanwhile, the Builders' Association is of the opinion that the flat may cost more if the developers are asked bear the above expenses.
“The common area will be registered in the name of the society. But the question is who will bear the expenses. Earlier the customers used to pay for it. We were hopeful, the government may exempt the charges. But, government’s decision on the same is still unclear,” said DS Tripathi, president of CREDAI.
On the other hand, the customers said that the builders fix the price of the flats by adding up all charges. Therefore, the introduction of the Bill should not increase the prices of the flats.
“There is no mention of sale and purchase in the Odisha Apartment Bill. But it has mentioned the guidelines for the management of an apartment. Like before, we will pay for the land, stamp duty and registration charges. So there is no chance of price hike,” said Bimalendu Pradhan, a customer.
Meanwhile, minister, Usha Devi said that the Bill has all benefits.
“The Odisha Apartment Bill has been introduced and it is yet to be passed in the House. The Bill has all the benefits, hence it was tabled,” the minister said.
(Reported by Harihar Chand and Chandan Paikray, OTV)
According to Mishra, a committee headed by the Assembly Speaker was formed on December 7, 2017 and another committee was formed which was headed by Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik.
“They are only talking about Mahanadi but not a single meeting has been conducted by the committees, forget about spot visit. I had raised the issue of legal committee in which there are several advocates. Despite this, the hearing date in the Tribunal is getting postponed,” said Mishra.
Raking up the issue, Mishra demanded that detailed information should be presented on meetings conducted by the committees and the work done by it and what was proposed. Mishra also sought full-fledged details and reports on the expenses incurred by the state on roping in six senior advocates to present Odisha’s stand before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.
Senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra, on the other hand, said that even though two committees were formed, not a single meeting has been conducted by the individual committees.
“The matter is likely to be discussed in the Assembly through a motion and it is during the same period that the CM is visiting Japan. There will be no importance of such discussions when the CM would not be present. We want the CM to remain present in the House and leave for Japan after April 6,” said Mishra.
BJD MLA, Soumyaranjan Patnaik said,” The Mahanadi water has been stopped by the neighbouring state at the point of origin. Now we need to plan thinking about the future and come up with facilities to save the water flowing into the sea by constructing anicuts without waiting for the Tribunal. By this the issue of ground water depletion can be checked. There is also need to check the issue of water pollution by industries and other sources.”
(Reported by Harihar Chand)
Raising the matter during the ongoing budget session of the House, the BJD MLA said the Baji Rout Chhatrabas where the former chief minister spent most of his time is now crying for attention.
The freedom fighter’s residence does not even have a proper thatched roof, Patnaik said while showing the pictures of the house in the Assembly.
“In my opinion, Nabakrushna Choudhuri, the former chief minister, has a unique personality. He even stepped down from the CM post over a silly matter and worked for the betterment of Odia people till his last breath. Former Presidents, Governors also visited Choudhuri’s house,” Patnaik said.
“However, the house is now lying in a dilapidated condition. If one guide takes some visitors to the place, he will feel ashamed to say this is where Choudhuri once used to live,” he added.
Echoing similar views, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jayanarayan Mishra said Odisha government must take necessary steps to preserve the memories of the tall leaders of the State.
“We must respect the tall leaders of the motherland who dedicated their lives for a greater cause. The house of the former minister must be preserved as it will be an inspiration for the future generation,” said Mishra.
(Reported by Harihar Chand, OTV)
According to sources, the introduced Bill extends to the whole of the State of Odisha.
As per the Bill, it shall be the responsibility of every promoter to handover all original documents related to the project, not limited to all title documents, Lease Certificate (in case of lease property), approved plans, as-is building plans, statutory compliance certificates, insurance documents, encumbrance documents, completed diagram of wiring, complete plumbing layout, equipment purchase documents, annual maintenance charge documents and any other documents related to the project to the association of allottees within thirty days of issue of occupancy certificate.
Besides, the promoter needs to transfer all unpaid amount collected from the allottees, security deposits, corpus fund, advance collected, if any, along with interest thereon, to the association of allottees within thirty days of issue of the occupancy certificate.
The promoter shall rectify any structural defect or any other defect in workmanship, quality or provision of services or any other obligations without further charge, within a period of five years from handing over of the possession to the allottee.
The promoter shall maintain the common area and facilities till the association of allottees is formed in accordance with the condition laid down in section 15 and shall be entitled to levy proportionate maintenance charge as specified in the declaration.
The rights and responsibilities of the allottees shall be, for the purpose of this Act, rights and responsibilities as assigned to the allottees under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 and any other rights and responsibilities specified under this Act.
“Occupancy certificate, ORERA registration and association registration are important during deeds registration. The older associations will continue and but they have to adopt the new by-law,” said Bimalendu Pradhan, a real-estate expert.
(Reported by Kapilendra Pradhan, OTV)
Finding it difficult to run the House, Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha adjourned the House till 4 pm.
As soon as the Question Hour began, the Congress members, who were in black, went into the well, and shouted slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing it of killing the democracy and stalled the proceedings of the House, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House.
Senior Congress leader Suresh Routray accused Narendra Modi government of being dictatorial.
“He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) has been torturing members of Nehru family. Our leader Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification is illegal. The speaker disqualified him within 11 minutes. It will make a huge difference in 2024. Rahul Gandhi will become the Prime Minister of India,” said Routray.
Censuring the Modi government, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Sarat Pattanayak said, “During the time of Narendra Modi, the democracy is on the brink of collapse. To save democracy, all the MLAs have joined hands. We are standing in solidarity with Rahul Gandhi. Later in the day, we will submit a memorandum to the Governor.”
When asked why the BJD is keeping mum on the issue, Patnaik said, “Apart from the hunger for power, there are many scams like the Chit Fund case and Mines scam. Perhaps fearing action from the CBI, they are maintaining such silence.”
Meanwhile, protesting against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi, the State unit of the Congress took out a massive rally from the circuit house to the Raj Bhawan where they will stage a demonstration and later submit their memorandum to the Governor.
(Reported by Harihar Chand and Jagdish Das, OTV)
Even though sharecropping has no legal sanctity in Odisha and the system continues with informal arrangements, Ranendra Swain submitted a report on the number of sharecroppers in the Bhadrak district.
This infuriated Narasingha Mishra who slammed the Agriculture Minister and targeted the government for the acute crisis of sharecroppers in the state.
The Congress leader said, “Sharecropping has no legal sanctity as per the Land Rights act. Both, the sharecropper and the person leasing land to the farmer are violating the law. In such a situation, the government should take claim over the land. In such a situation, how can the Agriculture minister put forth the data of sharecroppers in the House."
“Moreover, the government has made a law that it will buy 13 quintals of paddy from non-irrigated land and 19 quintals from irrigated land. Who will buy the remaining paddy from the farmers? Is the agriculture department aware of the plight of farmers?” questioned Congress Legislature Party leader Narasingha Mishra.
On the other hand, Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain instead of giving a direct answer to Narasingha Mishra said, “I have already spoken in my original answer. I have given the details about sharecroppers in the Bhadrak district in my opening remark. You have gone to the court of law over the buying of extra paddy. I wish you are a great lawyer. You will again fight it out on behalf of the cultivators.”
Later, Speaker BK Arukha intervened and said that Swain would submit the remaining data.
Pacifying Mishra, the Speaker said, “He (Swain) has briefly answered your questions and will submit all the essential data to you.”
Terming UPA and the NDA as two sides of a coin, BJD MLA Debi Prasad Mishra said, "Both UPA and NDA government have worked against Odisha's interest for which Chhattisgarh has been obstructing the free flow of water to downstream.”
"The Mahanadi, which passes through 15 out of Odisha's 30 districts, has dried up due to check dams constructed by the Chhattisgarh government at the upstream of the inter-state river. They are releasing excess water during monsoon flooding the lower catchment areas in Odisha and stop water flow during the summer causing hardship for lakhs of people in the state," the BJD MLA Debi Mishra said in the House.
The BJD legislator also demanded a ruling from the chair for a special discussion on the Mahanadi water crisis.
The Speaker in his ruling asked the Water Resources minister to make a statement on the water crisis in the Mahanadi river.
On the other hand, the LoP said that his party was prepared for a discussion on the Mahanadi water crisis. He criticised the BJD government for not utilising Mahanadi water as a huge volume is flowing to the sea.
"The Odisha government has not been able to construct any check dam to regulate water downstream," the BJP leader said.
Referring to CM Naveen Patnaik's remarks accusing the Opposition of insulting the people of Odisha by raising the issue of lawlessness in the state, the LoP said, "We have just said that Odisha has been witnessing a rise in crimes like murder, rape, cyber crimes and other such offenses quoting the White Paper released by the Home department. The White Paper itself says how the law and order situation has deteriorated in the state.”
(Reported by Harihar Chand, OTV)