‘Officer-raj’ during previous govt devastated democratic values: Odisha Minister

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, at a press briefing, highlighted that the opposition was afforded ample opportunity to voice their concerns. The previous BJD-led government had completely devastated democratic values, the Minister said.

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Talks continued late into the night

Legislative Assembly witnessed a landmark session as talks continued late into the night, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi actively participating throughout. Following 12 and half hours of debate, the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill 2024 was approved.

In previous Assembly sessions, a smooth run was often elusive, with just four functional days frequently marred by disruptions. However, this time, the 17th Legislative Assembly convened for 25 of its slated 28 days. The Odisha universities bill received a green light after nearly 12 hours and 30 minutes of deliberation.

Mukesh Mahaling praised the Chief Minister’s commitment, staying late into the night to ensure the session’s success. He addressed past criticisms that the BJD government had been accused of undermining democracy by allowing bureaucrats to dominate.

According to the Minister, this issue has been resolved. The new University Amendment Bill promises comprehensive solutions, aiming to fill vacant university posts in the future. He also emphasised the critical need for cooperation from all political factions, including opposition legislators, to uphold democratic values.

“In larger interests of Odisha residents, the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill 2024 and State Highways Authority Bill 2025 were passed in the Assembly. Moreover, the Universities Amendment Bill, which is a historic bill, was unanimously passed after a discussion of around 12 and a half hours,” the Parliamentary Affairs Minister stated.

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“The previous (BJD-led) government had imposed ‘officer-raj’ on the State and devastated the democratic values. The party had also made provision of imposing ‘officer-raj’ on the universities. However, we have accorded more autonomy to the universities through this new bill,” Minister Mahaling expressed.