According to Jena, a high-level committee headed by Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari approved the establishment of the new courts.
After receiving consent from the Orissa High Court, formal notification will be issued, he added.
The committee has given its approval for the establishment of a special judge (vigilance) court at Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district and seven additional district & session judge courts at Bhubaneswar (two), Soro & Jaleswar in Balasore district, Chandikhole in Jajpur, Koraput and R Udayagiri in Gajapati district.
Similarly, the state government has also approved the setting up of five civil judge (senior division) courts, 11 civil judge (junior division) courts and 10 commercial courts including one leave reserve court, informed Jena.
A budget of Rs 21.26 crore has been approved for the establishment of these courts in the state, he stated.
Besides, the state government panel has given post facto approval for the establishment of four commercial courts and a court of civil judge (senior division).
The Law Department has already notified these five courts.
The remaining courts as recommended by the Orissa High Court will be established in a phased manner, added Jena.
The incident, the video of which has gone viral in social media platforms, has already caused a furore among netizens.
State Social Media Convener of BJP Mahilamorcha (Odisha), Satarupa Mishra slammed the Minister accusing him of disrespecting women.
She took to Twitter uploading the viral video, where she wrote, “Does not Jena know how to behave in front of women. Is this the respect for women, the BJD has been advocating since long?”
Speaking to the reporters she said, “Swearing in front of women by a Minister is totally unacceptable. Jena has belittled Odisha’s name and stature in the Country by insulting the women.”
“Jena has been accused by the slain BJP leader, Kulamani Baral’s son of conspiring to murder his father in the sensational case of Mahanga double murder earlier last year. Now we are hearing such kinds of foul language from his mouth in front of the women. The people should take all that into consideration while chosing representatives,” Mishra said.
Asked about the viral video, Jena however feigned ignorance and said, “No such incident has come to his notice.”
A video which surfaced last night shows how a man hurled a slipper targeting minister Jena when he was sitting on the dais after addressing the public.
The slipper, however, missed Jena and hit his security personnel standing close to him. Tension erupted at the event and immediately the man was nabbed and detained by Police.
Jena had gone to attend Sarat Ustav at Erakana of Mahanga on Sunday evening where the incident took place.
Minister Pratap Jena has been in the radar of the Opposition over Mahanga double murder case in which a BJP leader and his associate were brutally murdered in Mahanga this year in January. Minister Jena has been named in the FIR for his alleged involvement in the murder.
The JMFC Court had earlier issued a show-cause notice to IIC Mohanty seeking explanation by December 10 as to why coercive and punitive action will not be taken against him as per CrPC for not appearing before it.
The Court had also sought an explanation from him over repeatedly buying time for filing reinvestigation report and call detail record (CDR) of three accused in the case.
The Court had earlier rejected a time petition filed by the police officer and issued the show cause notice under Section 171 of the Indian Evidence Act and 311 of CrPC. In its 9-page order, the court also expected the cop to furnish the reinvestigation report and up-to-date CDR by December 10 apart from submitting a reply to the show-cause notice.
Following the Court’s direction, the IIC finally appeared before the court on the due date.
It is pertinent to mention here that the JMFC court had ordered a fresh probe into the brutal murder of BJP leader Kulamani Baral and his associate Dibyasingha Baral on January 2 this year after Ramakanta Baral, the son of the slain BJP leader had moved the court challenging dropping of the name of Minister Pratap Jena from the charge sheet.
"Till now, there is no possibility of deferment of Panchayat elections. The State government has submitted all the reports to the State Election Commission. The SEC is going to announce date for the polls very soon," Jena told mediapersons.
"As per the announcement of date by the SEC, the elections will be conducted," he added.
The Panchayat poll is scheduled to be held in the State early next year.
The State government has already published the final list of reservations for the post of Zilla Parishad presidents across the State.
As per a notification issued by the State Panchayati Raj department, four ZP president posts in the districts of Angul, Khordha, Nayagarh and Sonepur have been reserved for OBC candidates.
Similarly, candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category will be allowed to head the top most tier of the Panchayat Raj system in four districts, namely Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak and Jajpur.
The ZP president posts will remain reserved for unreserved category candidates in the districts of Kendrapara, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Puri, Bolangir and Sambalpur.
Meanwhile, the Opposition BJP and Congress have slammed the State government alleging that it has ignored the OBCs while reserving seats for the category. As per the list, there are 104 seats reserved for Backward Class Citizens (BCC) and Backward Class Citizens Women (BCCW) in the Zilla Parishad polls. In 2017 election, 236 seats were reserved for the Backward Class Citizens (BCC).
They demanded the resignation of Law Minister Pratap Jena who was not charge-sheeted in the case despite his name figuring in the FIR.
The MLAs of both BJP and Congress resorted to sloganeering and waved placards in the House, during the on-going Monsoon Session of the State legislature, demanding the Minister's resignation so that a thorough and impartial investigation can be carried out in the case as directed by the Salipur JMFC court last week.
Gunning for Jena's head, Congress workers took out a massive bike rally from Congress Bhawan and rode to gherao the official residence of Jena at Forest Park, last March.
Soon after the murders took place, the Cuttack police had registered a case against 13 people, including Jena, for their alleged involvement in the crime. The Law Minister and others had been booked under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of the offence committed in prosecution of common object), 120-B (punishment of criminal conspiracy), 506 (criminal intimidation) and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.
It is pertinent to mention here that following a protest petition by Ramakanta Baral, son of the deceased BJP leader Kulamani Baral who was killed along with his associate in Mahanga last year, the First Class Judicial Magistrate (JMFC) court at Salipur recently directed the Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) of Mahanga Police Station to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations made against Jena in the sensational case.
In the order, the court stated that the complainant (Ramakanta Baral) had lodged an FIR against 13 persons on January 3, 2021, at the Mahanga PS under Arms Act. Thereafter, the charge sheet was filed against 12 accused persons except for Pratap Jena against which the protest petition has been filed by Baral.
Led by Bhubaneswar District president Babu Singh, the protesters assembled at the busy Master Canteen Square in the State Capital and raised slogans demanding the immediate ouster of Jena.
Singh told reporters, “It is unfortunate that the charge sheet in the murder case does not have Pratap Jena’s name in it. There are other ministers in Odisha who are directly or indirectly involved in other murder cases too.”
He said as the Law Minister of the State Jena should help the common man to get justice. “Instead, he himself is breaking the law,” Singh said adding, “We are here to protest Jena’s shielding by the government in the double murder case.”
It is pertinent to mention here that following a protest petition by Ramakanta Baral, son of the deceased BJP leader Kulamani Baral who was murdered along with his associate in Mahanga last year, the First Class Judicial Magistrate (JMFC) court at Salipur on Thursday directed the Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) of Mahanga Police Station to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations made against Jena in the sensational case.
In the order, the court stated that the complainant (Ramakanta Baral) had lodged an FIR against 13 persons on January 3, 2021, at the Mahanga PS under Arms Act. Thereafter, the charge sheet was filed against 12 accused persons except Pratap Jena against whom the protest petition has been filed by Baral.
Jena in connection with the case. This came after the murder of BJP leader Kulamani Baral and his associate at Mahanga last year, which had led his son Ramakanta Baral to file a protest petition for investigation into the matter.
The protest petition by Ramakant Baral was filed against Pratap Jena who was named in the charge sheet along with the names of 12 accused persons for their alleged involvement in the case. Baral had sought for a thorough probe of the Minister which had led the court to order for the same.
In his petition Baral had alleged that the investigation carried out by the investigating officer (IO) was not perfunctory as he completely overlooked the allegations against Pratap Jena even when the politician's name was mentioned in the FIR and statement recorded under Section 161 of CrPC.
In the petition, Baral categorically stated that the IO has not examined any material witnesses and wrongly recorded the statement of witnesses in order to shield the Minister. Hence, his name does not find a place in the charge sheet as incriminating materials against him have not been collected by the IO.
Baral further had prayed in the petition that it is essential to examine the witness names of whom are furnished in the protest petition and to investigate impartially the allegations against Pratap Jena without any political pressure as he happens to be a standing MLA and Minister of the State Cabinet.
In the order, the court stated that the complainant (Ramakanta Baral) had lodged an FIR against 13 persons on January 3, 2021, at the Mahanga PS under Arms Act. Thereafter, the charge sheet was filed against 12 accused persons that did not include the name of Pratap Jena against whom the protest petition has been filed by Baral.
Baral alleged that the investigation carried out by the investigating officer (IO) was perfunctory as he completely overlooked the allegations against Pratap Jena even when the politician's name was mentioned in the FIR and statement recorded under Section 161 of CrPC.
In the protest petition, Baral categorically stated that the IO has not examined material witnesses and wrongly recorded the statement of witnesses in order to shield Jena. Hence, his name does not find a place in the charge sheet as incriminating materials against him have not been collected by the IO.
Baral further prayed that it was essential to examine the names of the witnesses which are furnished in the protest petition and to investigate impartially the allegations against Pratap Jena without any political pressure as he happens to be a sitting MLA and Minister in the State Cabinet.
Speaking to the media, Baral’s counsel, Prabin Kanungo said, “There are statements of the witnesses, statements under CrPC 161 which make it clear that many people have deposed against Minister Pratap Jena. The then IIC of Mahanga Police Station might have deleted Jena’s name from the Chargesheet.”
“The court has now ordered to reinvestigate the case,” Kanungo added.
BJP leader Pitambar Acharya said, “Pratap Jena should resign from his position as soon as possible. Otherwise, the police officer will never be able to investigate the case impartially.”
While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched its ‘Jan Ashirvad Yatra’ from Thursday, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) plans to reach out to the rural voters with Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), the smart card health scheme for the rural populace.
Following its announcement on Independence Day, BJD supremo, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the new scheme from the southern Odisha district of Malkangiri on Friday. He will distribute BSKY smart cards to 150 beneficiaries at the district culture centre in Malkangiri. This will be his first visit to the backward district since the COVID restrictions came into force.
No less than eight ministers including some MLAs have made their bases at Malkangiri for the CM's visit. As per reports, following Patnaik’s distribution of BSKY cards, these ministers will distribute BSKY cards to other beneficiaries till August 23, 2021.
The BJP too has galvanised all its efforts for the upcoming Panchayat polls. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived at Bhubaneswar today and went straight to Puri for the darshan of Lord Jagannath before launching the 'Jan Ashirvad Yatra' which will continue till August 22.
While Pradhan will lead BJP’s campaign in Cuttack and Khordha districts, Vaishnaw will move to Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Bolangir to garner popular support for the party.
Speaking about the Railway’s focus on Odisha, Vaishnaw said, “75 Vande Bharat Express trains will connect several cities in the country in the coming 75 weeks. One of them will connect the pilgrim town of Puri too.”
“The elections to Municipalities should be held simultaneously with the Panchayat elections,” demanded Pradhan after visiting the Srimandir in Puri.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has also devised its strategy to woo voters in rural Odisha. Senior Congress leader, Ganeswar Behera said, “The party has formed a committee to oversee the Panchayat elections. We will contest the elction over local issues.”
However, not expressing surprise over the promises made by political parties, senior journalist, Rajaram Satapathy said that the list will elongate further as the election dates near.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the much-awaited and long-overdue Panchayat elections in Odisha will be conducted on the scheduled date, informed State Panchayati Raj Minister, Pratap Jena on last Tuesday.
The Panchayatiraj department will soon furnish all details pertaining to the Panchayat elections to the State election commissioner.
The department will soon furnish all details pertaining to the Panchayat elections to the State election commissioner.
Speaking to reporters, Jena said, “We have already prepared the ‘Calendar’ of the election schedule. We will soon submit our proposal to the Election Commission.”
On the conduct of civic body elections, the Minister said that the government is also making preparations for it.
“All hurdles on way of conducting the Municipal elections are being cleared. Hopefully, the urban local bodies will soon go into polls,” said Jena.
The Panchayat elections which were slated to be held in February 2022 is feared to get delayed as the State government is yet to complete the delimitation process and determine the reservation of seats.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Supreme Court had asked the State governments not to exceed 50 per cent in the reservation of seats for local body elections. The Opposition parties believe that the State government has found itself in a spot following the Apex Court ruling and that is the reason it is delaying the entire electoral process.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been targeting the government over the issue terming it a “Constitutional crisis.”
Three years have already lapsed but the Election Commission is still unable to conduct the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) polls. The State government is advancing excuses that it will have to amend the existing laws for 50 percent reservation, but the amendment will not take more than one hour to make, senior lawyer and BJP leader Pitamber Acharya had stated earlier.
Informing about the decision at a presser, Health Minister Pratap Jena said a total of 44, 08,070 families enrolled under the RSBY will get Rs 1 lakh insurance coverage under the BKKY.
After closure of the RSBY from December 31, 2018 by the Government of India, the State government has decided to cover the existing RSBY beneficiaries under the BKKY (Stream-II) by providing a total of Rs 1 lakh insurance coverage.
Those RSBY beneficiaries, who did not receive BKKY (Stream II card), can get the same by producing their RSBY card at BKKY kiosks available at every district headquarters hospital or the offices of Deputy Director of agriculture or District Coordinators of respective districts, Jena said.
The minister further added that since its launch from August 15, 2017, the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana has recorded a total of 1, 82, 33,733 cases where people have availed healthcare service under the scheme.
Annual health coverage of Rs five lakh per family (Rs 7 lakh to women members of family) is being provided to more than 70 lakh families of lower socio-economic section of the society in all government and 208 empanelled private health institutions through RSBY, BKKY and Odisha State Treatment Fund schemes.
"Even after two hours of my arrival, the doctor was nowhere to be seen. After repeated enquiries, I was informed that the doctor will not arrive today. I don't know what to do now," said Kamala Madhi, a local.
CM Naveen Patnaik had inaugurated the 300-bed hospital on July 26, 2018 during his visit to the district. Since then the hospital has been operating sans fire safety and oxygen supply systems. Even the water tanks required for fire safety have not been constructed so far, informed sources.
"Even after months of its inauguration, the hospital doesn't even have a stretcher. We come from such long distances to this hospital and they ask us to go to the old hospital citing unavailability of doctors and lack of facilities here," said SM Ali, an ailing patient.
"The hospital lacks fire safety and oxygen facilities. It was inaugurated hastily with only two doctors keeping the CM's visit in mind. If the hospital lacked all such facilities then why was it inaugurated?" questioned Ram Pattnaik, a local resident.
While the district healthcare officials refused to comment on the matter, Health minister Pratap Jena assured of correctives measures soon.
During the ceremony, Rout took a dig at the State minister, who was also present on the dais.
"I thank Jena babu for coming to Paradip and his door-to-door visits but first he should set his own house in order," Rout said.
Responding to Rout's comments, the State minister said that if someone is getting happy by criticising another person then he should be allowed to do so.
"Someone who has more knowledge, wisdom, and decency is indulging in political criticism on a cultural stage. If that person is deriving happiness by criticising someone, let him do that," Jena said.
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During the function, one of the wheels of Lord Jagannath's Nandighosh chariot was brought to the bali yatra ground and was placed at the Sarala mandap.
Meanwhile, devotees of Lord Jagannath have expressed dissatisfaction over the placing of the wheel on an open ground.
Declining Centre's Ayushman Bharat, Odisha government has already launched its own Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) and Odisha Health Minister Pratap Jena today claimed that the Central scheme is of no use for residents of Odisha.
“Not only in government hospitals but also in private hospitals, BSKY facility will be provided. Ayushman Yojana will not be of any help for Odisha residents,” Jena said.
Earlier Union Health Minister J P Nadda had said, “It is not good that people of Odisha are being deprived of the facilities which are being provided under Ayushman Bharat scheme.”
Under Ayushman Bharat, it is claimed that a total of 61 lakh families in Odisha will be benefitted. While the scheme will provide a maximum cover of Rs 5 lakh, beneficiaries can take advantage of the scheme at all government and private hospitals, even outside the State.
On the other hand, BSKY will cover 70 lakh families. While the maximum cover under the scheme is Rs 5 lakh, for women there is an additional coverage of Rs 2 lakh. However, BSKY benefits cannot be availed outside the state.
Countering the Odisha government, BJP has questioned the claims made under BSKY.
Earlier, the Odisha government had said that only 70 lakh people will be covered but now through advertisements it is claiming that 4.5 crore people will get benefits. Moreover, while the adverts had earlier mentioned about insurance, the new ones only talk about free healthcare.
BJP while criticising the BSKY, said as per 2011 census, the population of Odisha is 4.19 crore and the State government should present data on how the scheme is going to benefit 4.5 crore people.
“They protested against Ayushman Bharat scheme saying there is no insurance but now they don’t have the same. This government is only good at lying,” BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra said.
Responding to Mohapatra, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said, “We have been saying about the scheme since 2014 and it is not insurance but an assurance scheme. While number of beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat will be increased to 61 lakh families from 48 lakh we are directly offering the benefits to 71 lakh families.”
While Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana was rolled out on August 15 in Odisha, Ayushman Bharat scheme will be launched on September 25 across the country.
Speaking to media persons after attending the governing body meeting of the institute, Jena said that the State government has taken steps to provide 4-acre land by demolishing the staff quarters of the Industries department for infrastructure development of the cancer centre.
"The institute's name will be changed to 'Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer'. After the commencement of the courses we will be better equipped in our fight against cancer," Jena said.
For providing better health care services, the post graduate students will be offered courses like surgical oncology and gynecologic oncology, the health minister added.
Apart from the Health minister, officials of SCB Medical College and Hospital were also present during the meeting.
As per reports, Sahu was seated along with the minister when a group of BJP activists stopped their vehicle and showed black flags to Jena protesting poor healthcare services in the area.
“Instead of addressing the issue, the MLA threatened to teach us a lesson. This is not expected of a people’s representative who has been voted to power by the people of this constituency. Instead of threatening us, he should have pursued the minister to get down the vehicle and listen to our problems. This kind of conduct towards protests for genuine reasons is unbecoming of a leader,” said Ashok Mohanty, State Executive Member, BJP.
Earlier on Tuesday, hundreds of locals led by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) activists took to streets and tried to stop the carcade of the health minister who was on his way to attend a programme of Biju Yuva Vahini.
The protestors wanted to hold discussion on absence of doctors and lack of infrastructure at various hospitals in the town.
"When the minister refused to get down from his vehicle for discussion, a few irate locals waived black flags to register their protest. Pallahara MLA Mahesh Sahu who was seated inside the car along with the minister, pointed his fingers towards us and threatened us of dire consequences," informed a local BJP member.
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It may be noted that a similar black flag protest was launched against Jena during his visit to the district in May this year.
On the other hand, Sahu has justified his act saying that the protestors behaved in an unruly manner.
“Those who were protesting do not understand the real meaning of black-flag protest and how it should be launched. Our party members are disciplined and hence there was no scuffle. Has it been any other party or another place, the situation would have gone out of control,” said Sahu.
Jena's statement came after he along with a 5-member team of specialists from the State reviewed the twins' health condition today in New Delhi.
"Jaga is fine but Kalia has not fully recovered. They will stay at AIIMS until both of them get well. We have requested to continue their treatment at AIIMS for some more time," said Jena.
Earlier, doctor Girija Ratha of AIIMS, New Delhi, had said that Jaga and Kalia are fine and they could be discharged.
"Jaga is fine but Kalia needs some nursing care. He (Kalia) has started eating food. We usually discharge patients in such condition. However, the medical team from Odisha will take a final call," Ratha had said.
Conjoined Jaga and Kalia were successfully separated after an 11-hour marathon surgery at AIIMS by a team of 30 specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments on October 25 last year.
The minister said that is only a hearsay that the eight youths admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital are suffering from Nipah.
“Attack of Nipah virus is a rumour only. On the other hand, the State government is bearing their medical expenses,” Jena told media persons.
Earlier yesterday, the emergency officer of SCB medical had informed that no traces of dengue or swine flu were found in the blood samples of the hospitalised youths and their samples will be sent outside the state for further examination.
According to sources, the youths, who had gone to Goa, returned home, after two of their friends died of an unknown disease there.
“Two youths from the village had gone to Goa on July 3. But, they fell sick on July 6 and were hospitalised where they succumbed,” said Bapi Dalei, one of the youths who returned from Goa.
Chaitanya Jena, a resident of Nimatpur, said, “After two youths from the village died, I asked my elder son to return home from Goa.”
Yesterday, 12 more persons of Nimatpur village under Bhogarai block of Balasore district returned from Goa fearing unknown disease.
"I tried to apprise party chief Naveen Patnaik about the same, but failed to get an opportunity," said the leader on the sidelines of a meeting at Batamahapurusa in Mahanga constituency. "I wonder how a Law minister can behave in such unlawful manner," Kar added.
Kar stated that injustice has been meted out to MP Baijayant Panda. "His mother Ila Panda used to work for the party. Panda's helicopter was used for party activities. But now when he is trying to provide drinking water to people, hurling stones and eggs at him is unlawful," Kar stated.
Meanwhile, Cuttack district BJD vice president Ramesh Chandra Jena said as far as I know there is no difference between Pratap Jena and Sarat Kar."Kar might have said these things to showcase his ego and the meeting at Batamahapurusa was not a party forum," he said. Jena was unavailable for comments on the statements given by Kar.
BJD's Athagarh MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain, during the Question Hour on the third day of the Budget Session of Odisha Assembly today, targeted Health Minister Pratap Jena questioning if healthcare is working on Public–Private Partnership or Pratap-Private Partnership mode.
"People are alleging that PPP mode stands for Pratap-Private Partnership mode," said Swain.
Similarly, BJD's Brahamagiri MLA Sanjay Das Burma said, "There is a shortage of doctors in the hospitals despite adequate infrastructure facilities. The patient services are very poor."
As per reports, medical equipments, including CT scan machines and MRI machines are lying defunct at many government hospitals in State. Many of them are running without adequate doctors. Similarly, private hospitals are looting people instead of providing adequate healthcare facilities.
Later, the Opposition jumped on the bandwagon and criticised the State government.
"All equipments are present in the operation theatre of Bolangir Medical College and Hospital but they are not used. Are these things deliberately being done to discourage admissions in the Medical College in the coming academic session?" said Leader of Opposition, Narasingha Mishra.
In reply to the allegations, the Health Minister said that steps are underway to provide CT scan and free health check-up facilities at Angul, Balasore, Bolangir, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Keonjhar, Kalahandi, Koraput and Capital hospitals.
He further informed that the government has taken steps to provide free MRI scan facilities at Angul, Balasore, Puri and Mayurbhanj hospitals through PPP mode.
However, the MRI and CT scan machines at Angul district headquarters hospital is still not functional, informed sources. Patients at Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College & Hospital in Baripada are also not able to avail free MRI scan under the Nidan Scheme of the State government, added sources.
Not only in Angul and Baripada, similar situation is being observed in most of the hospitals across Odisha.
"The facilities under PPP mode of the State government like MRI, CT scan and dialysis are still not available," said an Angul resident.
"There is a need of MRI scan facility for the patients but it is not available here. People are going outside in case of emergency," said a patient's relative in Baripada.
"Presently, the construction of hospital building is underway. So where can we install the machines now?" said Mayurbhanj CDMO Deepak Kumar Dasmohapatra.
Speaking to newsmen, Odisha Health Minister Pratap Jena today informed that the twins will be discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi in the second week of March.
The Minister further said a five-member team of doctors from Odisha will visit the AIIMS, New Delhi to study the treatment method being administered upon the twins. The team would later ensure that there are no lacunae in their treatment once they return to the State.
Quoting AIIMS sources, Jena further said that both the kids are on fast path to recovery and the hospital has begun the process of their discharge.
While additional general secretary of the students' union Achutyananda Lenka has threatened to commit suicide if Minister Jena attends the college annual function tomorrow, president of the union Raiguru Prasannajit Mohapatra and vice president Ranjan Kumar Khuntia said they would self immolate themselves if the minister is not invited.
Lenka alleged local BJD leaders are unnecessarily interfering in the affairs of the college. He has informed the College principal, DGP, Cuttack Collector and Higher Education Minister in writing about his decision.
Lenka stated, "As the college annual function is not a political programme, the minister should not be invited."
On the other hand, Raiguru Prasannajit Mohapatra, president of the students' union, said, "We want to invite the college's governing body president Pratap Jena to the function to safeguard the interests of the college. If he is not invited, we will self-immolate ourselves on the college premises."
Principal of the Subhadra Mahatab College Sarat Kumar Padhy said, "Faculty members of the college will meet the guardians of the students and will discuss the matter. We will do all possible to ensure a peaceful annual function."
BJD's Nischintakoili block president Ramakanta Mohanty said, "If any student wants to oppose Jena's visit, there is a different forum for that."
https://youtu.be/rBQiVqdRWC8
Charing a meeting of the CDMOs, the Minister discussed about the government schemes for patients. He also focussed on the Niramaya Yojana under which patients are provided free medicines.
In several district headquarters hospitals, patients have to go to private medical stores as the drugs are not available at Niramaya counters even though sufficient stock of medicines are lying in the Government godowns, the minister highlighted.
"Discussions were held on how patients will get free chemotherapy, free diagnostics, and free medicines under Niramaya Yojana. We want to make the entire system patient-centric," Pratap Jena said.
The hospital authorities reportedly detained the body of Ojha as his family members were unable to pay the pending bill amounting to Rs 8 lakh. However, Odisha government paid the bills today following which the hospital handed over the body to his family.
"CM Naveen Patnaik has made all arrangements to bring his body to his native village after clearing the hospital bills," Odisha Health Minister Pratap Jena said.
Ojha, who was active in opera industry for nearly three decades breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru after a long battle against mouth cancer.
He has scripted over 200 popular plays and acted and directed in many jatras.
Pandit also stated that stern action would be taken against the violators as per law if they do not abide by the decision of the secretary.
Earlier today, the SCB nursing students were called for a discussion at the Sishu Bhawan in Cuttack to normalise patient care and other medical services. However, the agitating contractual nurses there allegedly prevented the students to even meet the hospital superintendent.
Meanwhile, the agitation at the lower PMG in Bhubaneswar has entered the sixth day.
The protesters said they would continue the stir till they get a written assurance from Health Minister Pratap Jena as they are not satisfied with the verbal assurance.
The contractual staff nurses have been on an indefinite protest since December 18 demanding regularisation of their service and hike in salary. Thousands of nurses have staged demonstration before district hospitals while their state-level body has been staging agitation in the state capital.
As a result, healthcare services have been hit in Cuttack’s SCB Medical College and Hospital, while at Burla based VSS Medical College and Hospital and MKCG Hospital in Berhampur, the nurses have been on cease work stir.
The protesters said they will continue the stir till they get a written assurance from the government as they are not satisfied with the assurance of the minister.
“The government has been dilly-dallying the issue. We will continue our protest till the government gives us a written assurance to fulfill all our demands in a time-bound period,” said Nibedita Sahoo, a nurse who is part of the agitation.
“We have been informed that the general secretary of our association, Pravati Mohanty has agreed to withdraw the agitation temporarily after a discussion with the health minister. How could she make a decision without taking our consent?” questioned Nibedita, adding that Pravati might have taken the decision under some pressure from the government.
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Demanding regularisation of their service and hike in salary, thousands of contractual nurses have been staging agitation in the State capital. The contractual staff nurses at Cuttack’s SCB Hospital, Burla’s VSS Medical College and Berhampur’s MKCG Hospital are also on cease work agitation.
Earlier on Thursday, the health minister had met the agitators and assured them to look into their demands.
Talking to mediapersons in Bhubaneswar, Jena said as Jaga is recovering at a faster pace, he may be discharged soon while his brother Kalia still needs some more time to improve.
“After Jaga gets discharged, treatment of Kalia will continue at AIIMS. Both of them will return to Odisha together after complete recovery which will be a great day for us. The discharge procedure for Jaga has already begun,” said Jena.
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Jaga was recently photographed while walking with the help of a walker.
https://youtu.be/hep4dcz19Qw
The medicos association informed that doctors in Jagatsinghpur district will wear black badges on duty as a mark of protest as four of its members were suspended from the district for dereliction of duty.
Similarly, the fellow physicians from across the State will follow the suit on December 7, informed association sources.
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Health Minister Pratap Jena had recently found irregularities in implementation of 'Niramaya' scheme after visiting Jagatsinghpur and Talcher areas and suspended five doctors including one from Talcher on charges of dereliction of duty.
The State government has so far issued notices to the said 108 doctors several times directing them to join duty at their respective appointed places but they never responded and are yet to join duty even though their appointments were made 3-5 years ago, said Health Minister Pratap Jena.
"We issued notices to these doctors but they remained incommunicado; rather they are vehemently flouting the orders. So, this is the final notice. If they fail to submit replies within the prescribed time, strict legal action will be taken against them," said the minister.
Also Read: “Long Live Jaga-Kalia,” Prays Odisha
Besides, the doctors have been sent e-mails and asked to submit replies to the same e-mail address.
The decision of the government came against the backdrop of allegations of doctors remaining absent from the place of duty and indulging in private practice.
Meanwhile, it is alleged that the doctors posted in the peripheral health centres, especially in remote tribal areas, are remaining absent as they don't want to serve in such locations.
https://youtu.be/KJLBTQGawb4
“As Kalia is being administered dosages for suffering from epileptic fits, he remains drowsy and sleepy all the time,” added Jena.
He further stated that the other twin, Jaga, has improved a lot and is active. He is seen playing and taking usual diets.
“The State government is providing all kinds of support for treatment of the separated conjoined twins,” the Health Minister said.
Doctors at the AIIMS have been closely monitoring each development in both the twins following their two-stage separation surgery earlier last month.
The conjoined twins were separated after a marathon surgery that lasted around 11 hours at AIIMS on October 25. A special team comprising 20 surgeons including four Odia doctors and 10 Anesthesiologists led by AK Mahapatra and other paramedical staff had successfully conducted the separation surgery.
Jaga was taken off ventilator support on November 1 and was moved to the general ward of the AIIMS two days later.
The twins are likely to stay under supervision of AIIMS doctors for two more months.
According to sources, Jaga is consuming rice, dal and eggs with ease and listening to music sitting on his mother's lap.
However, Jena informed that Kalia is still in ICU and under observation as his condition is showing signs of improvement.
"Health of Jaga is improving and he is able to eat different food items. Kalia is still in ICU and his condition is also improving as yesterday he was seen moving his hands and legs, which is a good sign," said Jena.
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Both are under the supervision of the doctors and their health is being monitored at regular intervals, he added.
https://youtu.be/6b1zqbxOFhE
As per the release, Jaga is happy on his mother’s lap and responding to music but Kalia’s condition is still unpredictable.
“Kalia is still in Neuro ICU. He has shown some improvement in movement of limbs but he will stay in ICU as is condition is unpredictable,” the release said.
Earlier some plastic surgery was conducted on Kalia by a surgeon from Coimbatore.
On November 3, Jaga was moved out of the ICU to the general ward and he started consuming semi-liquid food like banana juice and rice pudding.
Also Read: Know the astonishing details of separation surgery of Odisha conjoined twins
A daily report on condition of Jaga and Kalia is prepared and is studied by experts, based on which their treatment and medication are decided, informed sources.
The current phase after the separation surgery of the duo is believed to be crucial. Meanwhile, the twins will be under supervision of AIIMS doctors for two more months, added sources.
The week-long famous fair on an area of 30 acres on the river bank will continue till November 10. It got the nod from east zone bench of National Green Tribunal for the second time this year.
"We will ensure that the festival would in no way pollute or block the free-flow of river water", said Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Commissioner, Bikash Mohapatra.
"Over one lakh revelers thronged the fair grounds on the inaugural day and we expect the festival would witness footfall of over three lakh revellers every day", said the newly appointed DCP Traffic Srikrushna Sasmal.
Like every year, the twin fair grounds having over 300 makeshift stalls are showcasing ethnic household items ranging from wearing apparels to decorative stuffs.
The Commissionerate Police have made elaborate arrangements to maintain law and order during the festival.
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DCP City Akhileswar Singh said around 50 platoons (one platoon comprise 30 personnel) of armed police, including quick action team, anti-liquor squad, anti sabotage and anti terrorists squads will be deployed in and around the festival grounds.
Jena was accompanied by Sports minister Chandra Sarathi Behera and city mayor Meenakshi Behera.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik heaped praise on a team of doctors at New Delhi's AIIMS for successfully separating craniopagus (joined at the head) infant twins.
"Glad to learn of successful separation of Jaga Kalia at #AIIMS . Congrats to the doctors' team. Pray to Lord Jagannath for speedy recovery," Patnaik said in a tweet.
"Now, they have been kept in the ICU and will remain under the direct observation of the experts for 72 hours. Their condition is stable now. The State government is in constant touch with the AIIMS authorities. An official from State Health department has been posted in Delhi to look into the affairs of the twins," Health Minister Pratap Jena said.
Neuro experts said the risk during operation is over now but the post operative risks are still there. "There is no operative risk now. The problems like infection, electrolytes imbalance may arise in post-operative period. The doctors are monitoring the situation every hour. I expect their smooth recovery in next two to three days," Neuro expert Sanatan Rath from Cuttack said.
The craniopagus twins - joined at the head - were separated after a successful marathon surgery that lasted around 11 hours at the AIIMS in Delhi on Wednesday.
A team of 30 doctors from various departments, including neurosurgery, neuro-anesthesia and pediatrics, were on the medical team that completed the second phase surgery on the twins.
The second phase surgery was done before scheduled time as Jaga's health had deteriorated.
The conjoined twins were taken to AIIMS on July 14 from Milipada village in Kandhamal district of Odisha. The first phase of the surgery was done on August 28, which included experts from Japan as well. As part of the first phase operation, a new bypass technique was used for the first time on the twins.
Ashok Mohapatra, chief of neurosciences centre of AIIMS, earlier had said the twins suffer from a condition that afflicts one in 30 lakh children, of which 50 per cent die either at birth or within 24 hours.
Surgery is feasible only on 25 per cent of the survivors while the rest continue to live with the condition.
https://youtu.be/yuHRXihEIHk
Further commenting on the surgery, Jena said the health condition of Jaga and Kalia is stable.
“The doctors separated the conjoined twins at around 8 pm today after 11-hour-long surgery. Now, their plastic surgery will be done. The process will continue till 9 to 10 AM tomorrow,” said Jena.
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Chief Minister is in direct contact with the AIIMS authorities and is constantly monitoring the developments. Besides, an official from the Health department is at AIIMS who is monitoring the whole process, he added.
Besides, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated the team of doctors for successful operation of the conjoined twins and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath for their speedy recovery.
Earlier at 6 am today, the conjoined twins were taken to the Operation Theatre (OT). After necessary clinical arrangements, the team of experts began the operation.
Earlier, the operation was postponed since the twins were suffering from acute blood shortage.
Meanwhile, prayers are being offered all across the state seeking blessings for the well-being of the twins.
Read More: Medicos on stir after patient’s attendants manhandle SCB doctor
“The twins were taken to Operation Theatre (OT) at 6 am today. After necessary clinical arrangements, the team of experts started the operation, currently in progress. We hope things will go well with the blessings of Lord Jagannath,” Jena said.
The AIIMS experts didn’t feel need of foreign doctors to be involved in the operation. “We had suggested them to engage any expert from across the world in the operation process, if needed. The Odisha government is ready to bear expenses of the foreign doctors,” the minister told newsmen.
Earlier, the operation was postponed since the duo was suffering from acute blood shortage. They were undergoing regular blood transfusion, the minister added.
Since Jaga's condition deteriorated, the surgery was conducted today on an emergency, the twins’ father Bhuyan Kanhar told OTV over phone.
Jena had earlier said that condition of Jaga, one of the conjoined twins was unwell due to acute blood shortage. The duo was kept under observation.
The first phase surgery to separate the twins was completed successfully on August 29. In the 20-hour surgery, the doctors had performed venous bypass to separate the veins shared by the babies that return blood to the heart from the brain.
A team of around 20 specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery department besides a Japanese expert were involved in the procedure.
The 27-month-old twins are craniopagus conjoined twins who are joined at the head. This is a very rare condition.
There are many loopholes in the prevailing act due to which the accused, even after being proved guilty, manages to escape many a times, said Jena stating further that keeping this in view steps are being taken to amend the act.
"There is a need for amendments in the act to enforce it strictly. We had a discussion on how stringent action will be taken against the persons accused of sexually harassing women at workplaces," he added.
“The powers entrusted on the women commission are also not sufficient to provide security to women. Therefore, a proposal has been given in the meeting to give additional powers to the commission,” said Baxipatra.
We had a discussion on various acts that are being implemented but there is a need of strengthening the mechanism, she added.
"Odisha is the first State in the country to have formulated a Universal Eye Care Programme with an expenditure pegged at Rs 600 crore which will be borne by the State in next five years. This initiative will go a long way in controlling curable blindness" Patnaik told news men soon after launching the programme at Jayadev Bhawan here.
Necessary institutional mechanism has been put in place for screening and providing free treatment to all persons with curable vision problems, Health Minister Pratap Jena said.
“We have targeted at a blind-free State by 2022. Those who have lost their sight to cataract and retinopathy due to diabetes will be given free treatment. Students will be given priority under the flagship programme" Jena added.
The CM also launched a health web portal through which all individuals with eye problems can register.
A high level committee comprising noted Ophthalmologist Padmashree Dr DP Das, other eye experts and some national and international level NGOs has also been set up to supervise all works under the programme, Jena added.
The arrested include Sarat Jena, Sarat Maharana, Santanu Mallik, Rajesh Sahoo, Santosh Jena and Sankarsan Mallik, informed Investigating Officer Suryakanta Ray, DSP Cuttack headquarters.
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On Septmber 11, the CM had informed the House that as many as 89 accused have been arrested so far in 15 incidents while in one incident, no arrest has been made yet, Patnaik had added. The lone incident reportedly was in the case where Panda was attacked with eggs during the inauguration of an overhead water project in Mahanga, Cuttack on May 30.
Reacting to the report of arrests, Panda tweeted that “Hmm... 4 months after attack (w/eggs AND stones, in presence of 2 police platoons, on live tv). & assembly embarrassment as only exception”
?Hmm... 4 months after attack (w/eggs AND stones, in presence of 2 police platoons, on live tv). & assembly embarrassment as only exception https://t.co/xpJf60H6Yh
— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) September 15, 2017
The egg attack on Panda was allegedly carried out by supporters of Mahanga MLA and Health Minister Pratap Jena while he visited Jatiparilo village near Salipur.
https://youtu.be/xBqzTywADi0
The Minister also reviewed healthcare services and other facilities available in the area.
The move came a few days after OTV broadcast a report on how children in the tribal area continue to be malnourished even after a year of the incidence of multiple child deaths due to undernourishment that hit the headlines not only in the nation but worldwide.
However, the Minister said the situation has improved in the last one year.
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Jena further stated that like Nagada, more than 50,000 villages across the country are fighting against malnutrition. However, the Odisha government is committed to develop Nagada and make all possible efforts to achieve this, he added.
State Health Minister Pratap Jena, during his visit here said, " As many as 329 difficult villages with inadequate health care facilities have already been identified in the district as part of plans to substantially improve health services.
The Minister said bike ambulance, normal ambulance as well as 108 and 102 ambulance services would be made operational to meet the health needs of the people in the district.
In addition, Rs 1000 would be given as cash incentive to pregnant women and children up to the age of one year if they fail to get the emergency services for reaching the nearest health centres, Jena said.
To meet the acute shortage of doctors in the district, 35 doctors were being appointed shortly while rest of the vacancies would be filled with deployment of homoeopathic and ayurvedic doctors, he added.
A 50-bed mother-child hospital would also come up at Rairangpur sub-divisional hospital premises during the current financial year with an outlay of Rs 12 crore, the minister said adding that out of 20 community health centres in the district, eight centres would get a facelift with commissioning of new out-patient treatment complex at a cost of Rs 80 lakh each while four indoor complex at a cost of Rs 60 lakh each would be made functional revealed the Health minister.
The minister said quick steps would be taken for meeting the large scale vacancies of paramedical staff in the remote health centres of the district.
As per the direction of the Orissa High Court, 30 civil judge (junior division) courts and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) courts would be established at various palaces in the State, he added.
The state government will create 330 posts across categories for the courts.
According to the declaration of Orissa High Court, three civil judge (senior division) courts would be opened in Talcher, Chandikhol and Sohela for which 33 different posts have been created.
Meanwhile, the High Court has recommended set up 31 rural courts in the State.
However, 16 have been established while the government has taken a decision to open six new rural courts.
The six courts would be set up in the districts of Jajpur, Sundargarh, Puri, Gajapati, Dhenkanal and Kandhamal, Jena said.
With IANS Inputs
Speaking to media persons after the meeting Jena said, “We are all dedicated to transform VIMSAR into a developed healthcare institute and for that the government aims to develop new infrastructure. The government has assured to install ultra modern health equipments worth around Rs 50 crore so as to improve healthcare services. Improving patient-doctor relationship through better healthcare, ensuring academic quality of the medical college will also be emphasised.”
VIMSAR director Ashwini Pujahari said “Any misunderstanding that was blocking better judgement has been cleared after the meeting. We will strive to prevent any such standoff in future and work for the all round development of the medical institute,”
Meanwhile, JDA Secretary Debi Prasad Mishra said the discussion with the health minister was very fruitful. “The minister has promised to fulfil our demands and attempt to develop healthcare facilities in the institute so that both patients and doctors take each other into confidence.”
Earlier on Thursday the JDA put on hold to its five-day long cease work stir expressing resentment over functioning of director Pujahari.
The minister had to reportedly change the route amidst apprehensions of opposition and egg attack by Congress activists.
Jena was on his way to Salipur to attend two events, including a function marking the 34th anniversary of the Judicial Magistrate First Class court here, when he got information that supporters of local Congress MLA were reportedly planning protest and egg attack. Therefore, on security grounds, Jena took the Kishannagar road instead of the Chandbali road to reach Salipur, sources said.
Meanwhile, Jena said that it was not a government programme. It was organised by the Bar association else the local MLA would have been invited," added Jena.
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It is worth mentioning that the local legislator had earlier expressed resentment for not being invited to the function marking the 34th anniversary of the court following which his supporters planned an all-out protest against the BJD minister.
Behera asked while MLA of neighbour Mahanga constituency and Health Minister Pratap Jena were solicited to attend the function, why an invitation has not been sent to him.
“As per the constitutional setup, a local legislator should be invited to any government function in an assembly constituency,” Behera pointed out.
Among others, DGP KB Singh was also invited to the Court’s anniversary function.
Meanwhile, the local bar association said this has not been done with any political motive and expressed sadness over the matter.
After OTV telecast on the plight of the twins, the Health department swung into action and brought the babies and parents to Phiringia CHC yesterday.
“The CDMO had ordered to shift them to Cuttack from where they will be taken to AIIMS, Delhi," doctor Sarat Tiwari of Phirngia Health Centre said on Tuesday.
On the other hand, the relatives and residents of Melupada under Phiringia block performed special worship at their home praying for their good health and successful treatment.
The twins Honey and Singh were born conjoined at the head on April 9, 2015, to Bhuan Kanhar and Pushpanjali Kanhar at the local health centre.
Initially, the parents had admitted the babies to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Later, they were advised to consult doctors at AIIMS, New Delhi. However, they could not continue with the treatment due to financial constraint.
After OTV telecast a report on the family’s plight, State Health department came forward to extend help for the treatment and operation of the twins.
Health Minister Pratap Jena had assured through a tweet that the babies will be treated at AIIMS, New Delhi and medical expenses will be borne by the district administration.
However, the MP immediately responded to it as 'petty, false and low level politicking'.
The MP stated through a tweet that the statement made by Jena is false, petty and low level politicking by vested interests who are manipultating the party.
False. Not invited. This is petty, low level politicking by vested interests who r manipulating the party. Hope the founder sees through it? https://t.co/FhtBHZrO1m
— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) June 21, 2017
After the meeting, Jena had stated that though the MP was invited to the meeting, he did not come. Soon after, the MP's political secretary Jyoti Prakash Ghosh responded to Jena's statement as baseless and false.
''Baijayant Panda was not invited to the meeting. He was neither informed over telephone nor was he given a letter prior to the meeting. It is a conspiracy of the people sitting in the third floor of the Secretariat. Jena has done so to gain the trust of the bureaucrats,'' said Ghosh.
Earlier, the party had kept silent in the egg attack case on Baijayant in Mahanga of Cuttack district when he had been there to inaugurate a drinking water project. Though there was a large posse of police at the spot, no case was registered for a long time.
The minister further ordered a departmental inquiry into the failure of the ambulance service in this incident.
“A thorough investigation is required over such negligence. Strict disciplinary action will be taken against those who are responsible," said Jena.
According to the claims of Damani Gond's family members, she complained of labour pain on Monday following which the 108 and 102 ambulance service was called. But as the vehicles did not arrive, she was carried by them for nearly three kilometres and then taken to Umerkote Community Health Centre (CHC) by booking a private vehicle, the family members said.
Damani gave birth to a baby boy in the CHC. The condition of both mother and son was said to be safe.
Hundreds of People from various strata of society attended the function. The theme of Yoga Day that began to be celebrated from June 21, 2015, this year is Yoga for health.
A State level function on International Yoga Day will be inaugurated by Health minister Pratap Jena at Jaydev Bhavan at 9.30 am. The event is being organised by National Ayush Mission.
Culture Minister Ashok Panda, Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patsani, Bhubaneswar Central MLA Bijaya Kumar Mohanty, Bhubaneswar North MLA Priyadarshi Mishra and Bhubaneswar Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena are also scheduled to attend the function.
As a part of yoga day celebrations, various yoga camps are being organised throughout the state and country.
Beautiful sand sculptures have been created at Puri beach by renowned sand artists Sudarsan Pattnaik and Manas Kumar Sahoo to create awareness on Yoga. A message on how Yoga will benefit your mind and spirit and keep your body healthy is being given through it. Tourists have crowded the beach to see the sculptures.