News from Bhubaneswar

The Commissionerate Police has launched 'Shakti Bahini', a team of 40 female officers, to ensure women's safety during Durga Puja. Flagged off by Commissioner S Devdatta Singh, this initiative aims to protect women pandal hoppers and assist lost children.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering action against Awas Yojana beneficiaries for renting their allotted affordable houses.

A viral video shows a woman in an 'inebriated' state causing chaos at Khandagiri police station, misbehaving with on-duty officers. The video reveals her hurling abuses and demanding water. Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh inspected the site and ordered a case against her.

Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Group, passed away at 86. A Padma Vibhushan awardee, his legacy includes transforming Odisha's industry with projects like Kalinganagar and Gopalpur. His philanthropic efforts include the Jaga Mission for housing slum dwellers. Tata Trusts provided disaster relief in Odisha during the 1999 super cyclone and Cyclone Fani.

On Wednesday, Subhadra Yojana beneficiaries in Odisha received Rs 5000 each as part of the second phase of the first installment of the BJP government's flagship initiative. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida disbursed funds to 35 lakh recipients at Chau Ground, Baripada. This scheme, a BJP election promise, provides Rs 10,000 annually in two installments. The programme aims to empower women financially.

The Odisha government has launched the Gramodaya programme to promote development in 583 villages across 10 LWE-affected districts, including Bargarh and Balangir. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announced the initiative at a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A state-level committee led by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja will oversee it, with district and block committees ensuring local implementation.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued guidelines to ensure an eco-friendly Durga Puja celebration. Mandating the use of natural colours for idols and biodegradable materials, BMC aims to eliminate plastic usage. Puja committees are directed to use designated water bodies for idol immersion and provide adequate dustbins. Security arrangements and special parking have also been advised.

The Odisha government has announced an increase in the gratuity limit for state government employees from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, effective retrospectively from January 1, 2024.

Ramesh Chandra Jena, a senior official in the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department of Odisha, who was caught by vigilance in DA case, illegally rented out his government quarters in Bhubaneswar.

At a presser, Singh informed that this time the Commissionerate Police has come up with a special strategy with its core revolving around traffic regulations, control and streamlining of vehicular and non-vehicular traffic, crime prevention, awareness about cybercrime and security.

The IMD has also issued a yellow warning for thunderstorm with lightning in some parts of the state in the next 24 hours. 

To ensure smooth traffic during Durga Puja, Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar has issued a traffic advisory for Dussehra. Restrictions on heavy vehicles will be in place from October 9 to 13, between 4 PM and 2 AM, across key routes including Khandagiri to Pokhariput and Jayadev Vihar to Nandankanan.

In a heated political exchange, Odisha BJP MLA Ashwini Sarangi accused the BJD of being controlled by Congress from Delhi, while asserting that the State Congress follows BJD directives.

The Odisha government has decided to implement a uniform colour scheme for all government buildings across the state. As per the Works Department's directive, exterior walls will be painted orange with a red border.

The Odisha government's General Administration Department has released new guidelines for appointing private secretaries and Officers on Special Duty (OSD) to ministers.