News from Bhubaneswar

Suicide among students in Odisha has surged by 58 per cent over the last three years, stated Chief Minister Mohan Majhi in the State Legislative Assembly. Responding to BJD legislator Dhruba Charan Sahoo, CM Majhi disclosed that 119 students died by suicide in 2021, escalating to 189 in 2023. The increase is more pronounced among girls. Psychiatrist Dr Amrit Pattojoshi attributed this rise to intense competition and social isolation.

The BJP government's flagship scheme, SUBHADRA Yojana, aimed at empowering women in Odisha, has opened its application process. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida launched a dedicated portal for the scheme on Monday. The collection of application forms will start from September 4. Recent updates to the eligibility criteria include provisions for all eligible women members of a family to receive assistance.

The value of total disproportionate assets unearthed by the Vigilance department is Rs. 49,35,98,714 during the same period. The information was shared by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi while replying to a question by MLA Upasana Mohapatra.

The MLA further asked about the number of villages in Koraput that are deprived of mobile network coverage. In his reply, the minister informed the House that as per the data shared by the Centre, 3510 villages in Odisha lack mobile networks.

As per the latest forecast, the fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal around September 5.

A day after Soumyakant Mohanty was assaulted by Hyder's son Muna and his associates at Jharpada jail, senior police officers Amitabh Thakur and Anusuya Jena initiated a thorough investigation. Statements from inmates and officials were recorded. The incident came to light after Mohanty's letter to the DLSA exposed illegal activities inside the jail.

This time, Deputy Director of Mines (DDM) Talcher, Dharanidhar Nayak is under Vigilance scanner over allegations of possession of disproportionate assets (DA).

The Odisha unit of BJP will officially launch its membership drive tomorrow, as announced by State BJP President Manmohan Samal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will participate in the event from New Delhi. A special programme will be held at the party's state headquarters in Bhubaneswar where CM Mohan Majhi and other leaders will again take membership.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Monday said that already the state government has directed for the identification of Bangladeshi infiltrators. Majhi informed this in the Odisha Assembly while replying to a question by MLA Bhaskar Madhei.

The Opposition BJD members created ruckus near the Speaker’s podium alleging that the promises made before the launch of Subhadra yojana have not been fulfilled.

The Chief Minister made such remarks while responding to a question raised by MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo.

In Bhubaneswar's Jharapada Jail, Hyder's son Muna and his associates allegedly thrashed Under Trial Prisoner Soumyakant Mohanty for exposing illegal activities. This follows a DLSA raid that seized contraband items and mobile phones. Mohanty sustained head injuries and was taken to Capital Hospital.

The Odisha BJP has suspended five party workers from Khordha district for anti-party activities. The suspension follows disturbances at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme in Bhubaneswar.

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik criticised the BJP government over law and order issues, citing incidents like communal violence in Balasore, Rath Yatra mismanagement, and the Chikiti liquor tragedy.

The Opposition BJD and Congress criticised the BJP's new excise policy set to take effect from September 1 in Odisha.