The Cabinet has approved the launching of the new scheme ‘Mo Ghara’, a government housing assistance in rural areas under the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department.
Similarly, the health and family welfare department’s new scheme ‘Odisha University of Health Science’ also received the nod.
Amendment of Odisha (Non-Government Colleges, Junior Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools) Grant-In-Aid Order, 2008.
Implementation of the Institute Development Plan with an outlay of Rs 2000 crore for transformation of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla.
Cadre restructuring of Women and Child Development Department and creation of new posts.
Tax exemption of Hindi movie Zwigato.
Tax exemption of Odia movie Delivery Boy.
Remission of Stamp Duty and Registration fee on lease deed of Ac. 02.00 dec land in Mouza-Chandihata in the district of Khordha, to be executed in favour of Shri Shankar Cancer Centre and Research Institute at Bhubaneswar.
Amendment of the Odisha Consolidation of Holdings and Prevention of Fragmentation of Land Act, 1972 (Odisha Act 21 of 1972).
Conversion of the posts of Excise Constable and Assistant Sub-Inspector of Excise from District Cadre and El & EB Unit Cadre to Divisional Cadre and State Cadre respectively for smooth management of Excise Administration in the State.
Execution of 04 nos. of individual Rural Piped Water Supply Projects pertaining to Patnagarh. Gudvela & Muribahal Blocks of Bolangir District including 5 years of O&M in EPC contract under one package.
Execution of 02 nos. of individual Rural Piped Water Supply 10 Projects pertaining to Gumma & Rayagada Blocks of Gajapati District including 5 years of O&M in EPC contract under one package.
Execution of Mega PWS Project to 11 Blocks (i.e. K.S Nagar. 11 Aska, Sorada, Dharakote, Purusottampur, PoIsar & J.N. Prasad, Bhanjanagar, Belaguntha. Buguda and Beguniapada) of Ganjam District including 5 years of O&M in EPC contract under one package.
Execution of 02 nos. of individual Rural Piped Water Supply 12 Projects pertaining to Titlagarh Block of Bolangir District including 5 of O&M in EPC contact under one package.
Provision of funds for "Sustainable Harnessing of Ground Water in 6 Water Deficit Areas" scheme.
Approval of the new scheme namely "Odisha University of Health 7 Science'
.
Proposal for the enactment of a new legislation relating to the Ownership of an Individual Apartment in a building with an undivided interest in common areas and facilities and to provide for better management of such apartments by repealing the Odisha Apartment Ownership Act, 1982 by way of promulgation of an ordinance under article 213(1) of the Constitution of India.
Konark Heritage Area Development Project (KHADP) in Konark under the Integrated Development of Heritage & Monuments and Tourist Destination Scheme on a turnkey basis.
Works Development of Ekamra Kshetra under EKAMRA Conservation Plan In Bhubaneswar on a turnkey Basis.
If sources are to be believed, then the new ministers are likely to take oath at 9:30 AM on Monday at the convention hall of the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
At present, three ministerial berths are lying vacant in the State cabinet.
According to sources, the Governor, Professor Ganeshi Lal, who is in Haryana and scheduled to return on May 22, is reportedly cutting-short his visit and coming back to Odisha tomorrow.
Those who will take charge as minister will get a call from Chief Minister’s office tomorrow evening, sources informed.
Meanwhile, the name of Dipali Das, daughter of murdered minister & BJD leader Naba Das, has surfaced in the race for a ministerial berth. Besides, speculations are rife that, apart from Dipali, Susanta Singh and Sarada Nayak from western Odisha are in the race too.
Similarly, senior leaders like Debi Mishra, Prasanta Muduli, Bikram Keshari Arukha, Umakanta Samantaray, and Byomkesh Ray from the coastal belt are among the frontrunners for a ministerial berth.
On the other hand, Amar Satapathy, Shashi Bhusan Behera, Debi Prasad Mishra, Prafulla Samal, and Niranjan Pujari are in the race for the Assembly Speaker position.
Notably, Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha, School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash, and Labour Minister Srikant Sahu had tendered their resignation on May 12th hinting toward a probable reshuffle in the Cabinet.
While inaugurating the Odisha Skill Conclave 2023, Patnaik said, "This is a time when our country is undergoing a significant transformation. Rapid technological advancements and changing job markets have made it imperative for us to invest in our human capital and equip our young generation with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century."
Patnaik said he believes that skill development is not just a moral obligation, but also an indispensable economic pre-requisite. Skilling youth leads to human transformation, he said.
Industry 4.0, and the future of work and skills are the buzzwords in the skilling industry right now. So, the Chief Minister said his government has come up with the new scheme Nua Odisha to train one lakh youth about new technologies.
"To achieve this, we need a collective, collaborative effort between the central ministries, state government departments, industry, academia and civil society to develop policies and programs to promote skill development, and also ensure those skills are recognised and valued in the job market," he added.
The Chief Minister said that Odisha is devoted to this cause and has launched initiatives such as Mission Shakti for transforming the lives of 70 lakh women and supporting them become entrepreneurs.
The brand Skilled-in-Odisha is now ready to shine across the Globe. However, it cannot be achieved without the active participation of the private sector. Therefore, he urged the industry to come forward and partner with the state in this endeavor.
On the occasion, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Pritiranjan Gharai said, "The government of Odisha has always been keen to partner with industries with modern and future technologies and make them affirmative in the process. Odisha has made great strides in the skill sector because of various prudent and proactive interventions by the government."
While the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is celebrating its foundation day silver jubilee function in Puri today, its arch rival the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is launching a state-wide Satyagraha today.
On the occasion, Soumya Patnaik, who represents Khandapada (Nayagarh) assembly constituency, said Lord Jagannath has taught us a lesson, referring to the debacle in the Dhamnagar bypoll. He said as the party goes on winning, it is not advisable to do whatever we want. The party won in Padampur because we had eschewed ego.
“The BJD is constructing the temples across the State. Living in a good house and gods living in dilapidated houses is a bigger sin,” said Patnaik.
With almost all the parties carrying out the groundwork for the general election 2024, all eyes are set on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as all are eagerly waiting to see what mantra he is going to give the party workers.
Meanwhile, what has been out in the open is that infighting within the party is putting paid to the ecstasy of the celebration.
It is said that the turf for the conch party is not going to be a smooth one for the rebellion in most constituencies.
Dhamnagar bypoll can be taken as an example.
After not getting a party ticket, Rajendra Das contested the election as an independent candidate and its consequences are known to all.
This is not the single case to prove the infighting in the party. Some days ago, groups of Minister Reeta Sahu and MLA Sushant Singh came face to face over contract works in Bijepur Assembly constituency.
The party’s senior leader Sanjay Das Burma, whose absence at the preparatory meetings and press meet for the foundation day ceremony triggered gossips, was seen at the celebration venue but not as active as he should be considering his seniority.
“In such a big party, a person is not important but the party’s principle is important,” said Das Burma.
At the same time, the party refuted the allegations of infighting in the party.
Senior leader Prasanna Acharya said, “We don’t believe in criticism but believe in organisation and progress.”
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chalked out strategies to corner the BJD ahead of National President J P Nadda’s visit.
The saffron party launched a State-wide Satyagraha today, protesting against the BJD’s alleged criminalisation of politics, atrocities against women and increasing cases of law and order situations. The party is organising this programme at every mandal across the State to make its voice heard loud and clear. All the leaders and workers are expected to take part in the Satyagraha.
(Reported by Pradeep Mohanty from Puri, OTV)
The parliamentarian’s letter consists of 20-point suggestions which also include demands for Metro Train System covering Bhubaneswar-Jatni-Khordha-Cuttack-Choudwar.
While the document is yet to be brought out, media reports suggests that Odisha is soon going to have a policy to ban single use plastics and polythene. Odisha Non Bio Degradable Garbage Control Act is being put in place. While details of act is yet to be known, it is assumed that the act will be having the provision of levying penalty and imprisonment for manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and user. While the step is hailed as 'good and required' by environmental activists; the previous experience points that any unidirectional approach to deal with polythene menace has not been effective.
Banning single-use polythene and plastics is not new in India and as many as 19 states have joined this “ban polythene” bandwagon with Odisha and Himachala Pradesh being the latest entrants. Even Odisha has declared ban on polythene, the thickness of which is less than 40 microns way back in 2011. But this could not be enforced and polythene still continues to be used in our market places without any discrimination. Many blame Govt’s unidirectional policy for the failure in implementation of these rules.
Many of the small and medium enterprises and public sector undertakings use polythene abundantly in packaging and marketing of products but they are not covered under polythene ban. Similarly many corporate houses also sell their food, snacks and beverages in poly packs, tetra packs or in plastic bottles. While Govt is now putting its thrust on banning of single use plastics, these corporate houses cannot be allowed to go free. Until unless they are reined in, a complete blanket ban on polythene will not be possible.
Similarly, even though Govts of different states have recognized the polythene menace, they have overlooked the polythene that have deposited as of now. Currently as per CPCB survey the per capita consumption of polythene in India is 9.7 Kg which is huge and over the last two decades we have deposited million tons of polythene in our state and nobody is talking about it. While polythene takes 200 to 500 years to degrade, we need to start thinking about it and develop a mechanism to treat this accumulated waste. Until the policy talks about it, the inclusiveness in managing the polythene menace will be missing.
Mere declaration or policy enforcement cannot stop people using polythene until we develop a community participation framework. When the community starts discarding polythene, the results are more likely to follow soon. But Govt has more clear-cut role to do. It has to ensure regular raids, invest and promote alternate packaging methods as well as managing the polythene waste.
Also Read: Op-Ed: Bande Utkala Janani Row: Why Utkal Is Much More Than Just A Word
While such bans even though limited in nature have already been announced, they have failed to yield results. Noted environmental activist, Biswajit Mohanty said “Such bans have been announced earlier in Municipalities and eco sensitive areas like Chilika and Simlipal but never enforced. The govt should go for a complete ban and must come out with a law in line with the law implemented by the Maharastra govt that has provisions for imprisonment for offenders, be it producer or dealer penalties or even for users. We are deeply concerned over disposable Styrofoam plates whose ban the Wildlife Society of Odisha has been demanding since 2 years. Odisha State Pollution Control Board has miserably failed in guiding the govt to make strong laws to check polythene and Styrofoam use. This is clear cut evidence that laws may not be sufficient to address the issue until there is a mind-set of Govt to address the issue from the grassroots.
Ghasiram Panda, a social activist who has filed a case in NGT with a request to enforce polythene ban in Sonepur Municipality is also of similar a view. “Govt may take up sensitization programmes with community but at the same time the law enforcement cannot be left loose. Both awareness and enforcement should go hand in hand,” Panda Said.
With the declaration of CM to ban polythene bags, social media is abuzz with people from various walks of life requesting citizens not to use polythene and make a pledge for this. A social media campaign #whereisyourcottonbag? is being taken up by some youths of Cuttack & Bhubaneswar to keep the debate around polythene ban alive. Celebrities like sand animator Manas Sahu, sprinter Dutee Chand have supported the move. It's sure that now civil society is exerting a lot of pressure on state govt, and how do the administration respond to it will be very clear within a few months of implementing the ban.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same).
A total of 122 towers have been installed in the coastal districts to provide timely warning to people and fishermenabout natural hazards like cyclone, tsunami and flood.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Naveen announced the preparation of Village Disaster Management Plans (VDMPs) in 7,000 villages in the first phase.
The vulnerability of landslides in Gajapati district would be taken up for study to work out preventive measures to minimise loss of lives and property due to disasters in future, he said.
Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi on the other hand said that the State has been observing Odisha Disaster Preparedness Day on October 29, the day on which super cyclone hit the state and breaking the backbone of the State.
"The new early warning dissemination system will help giving timely warning about natural calamities, including lightning, to people staying in the coastal regions. Location Based Alert System is also included in the project under which people staying in the danger zone and using mobiles will be send messages," Sethi added.
(With Agency Inputs)
Speaking on the sidelines of the 150th Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at Swaraj Ashram in Cuttack, Patnaik said that neither did the BJP nor the BJD should take credit for the food security programme as it is the brainchild of the UPA government.
"The UPA had started the scheme and ensured subsidised rice to different states at Rs 3-4 only. The State government is making tall claims about its own food security scheme but it is yet to fix the number of beneficiaries to be covered under the programme. All these moves are part of vote-bank politics," said the OPCC chief.
He further said that a slew of schemes were announced by the BJD government in the last couple of months which were all politically motivated. "Schemes were announced for votes only. Don't know if the State has so much money for those schemes. Crores of money of poor people of Odisha are being spent on publicity," alleged Patnaik.
Further lashing out at the BJP government at the Centre, the CM said, "Odisha govt had to come up with its own food security scheme as many people were denied coverage under the National Food Security Act. Empty vessels make the most noise but people know who fulfils promises and who doesn't; we have fulfilled all our promises."
In his letter, Patnaik stated that the flooding problem in Konark Temple poses a severe threat to the World Heritage Monument.
“The Sun Temple of Konark is a World Heritage Monument declared by UNESCO in 1984. This temple complex is now facing a perpetual problem of water logging which affects the temple very much causing problems to the visiting tourists as well as hurting the emotions of the people. The orientation of the Sun temple at Konark is facing the east,” the letter read.
The CM further stated, “It is now imperative to take up the measures to drain out water from the temple premises for enhancing the longevity of the temple complex as well to facilitate the visitors to witness the glory and grandeur of the standing 13th century edifice.”
Urging to find a permanent solution to the persistent problem of water logging, Patnaik stated, “The Archaeological Survey of India — the custodian of the temple may be asked to take up immediate steps for proper drainage of water on a permanent basis. Considering the seriousness of the issue, the State Government would be extremely keen to take up the drainage work, if Archeological Survey of India gives due permission. However, what is important is that the flooding problem that poses threat to this World Heritage Monument is immediately attended to and a permanent solution is found.”
While addressing the state-level Natural Calamity Committee Meeting, Patnaik stated that despite early onset, monsoon has weakened resulting in hot and dry spells across the State.
“Agriculture department must monitor the situation and make necessary contingency plans with assistance from OUAT,” said Patnaik.
Patnaik also urged the officials of several other departments to remain prepared as Odisha is prone to disasters.
“In spite of the rain-deficit situation, we must remain fully prepared to tackle possible flood and cyclones during the year.
Special attention should be given to the vulnerable population groups like women, children, pregnant women, physically challenged and elderly persons during rescue operations,” Patnaik added.
State government chief whip, Amar Satpathy informed that financial assistance is being provided by Panchayatiraj department for renovation and creation of water bodies at panchayat level.
Leader of Opposition, Narasingha Mishra on the other hand stated that all the demands and proposals made should be strictly followed as it has been observed that such things only remain in pen and paper.
The articulate and well-networked leader's decision has rattled the ruling party and speculations are on if dissatisfied BJD leaders will follow Panda.
"Resentment within the party is brewing. More BJD leaders will quit the party ahead of the 2019 general elections and the party will fall like a house of cards," said Baliarsingh.
"Baijayant Panda was also humiliated by the BJD the way I was. Followers of Biju Babu can never sustain in BJD. Panda's resignation is a big loss for the party," said Pangi, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after quitting BJD last year.
Similarly, senior Congress leader Suresh Kumar Routray said CM Naveen has done a big mistake and he is unable to understand that people close to him are hatching a conspiracy against him.
"Ground is slipping from under Naveen's feet. One day he will drown and may not even realise it," said Routray.
Food Supplies Minister, Surya Narayan Patro on the other hand said "In a political party exodus and influx are common phenomena; and so, disassociation of a particular member will not have any impact on the party."
Meanwhile, internal rift and animosity between members, legislators and parliamentarians seem to be growing within the BJD. The recent scuffle between two groups of BJD during the Mahanadi Suraksha Abhiyan of the party in Daspalla of Nayagarh district is a testimony to the brewing tension within the party.
While announcing his decision today to dissociate from the BJD, Panda also said that he would separately convey his decision formally to the Lok Sabha Speaker to accept his resignation from the House.
However, experts said provisions laid down under Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act state that it is not mandatory to hold a by-election to a seat, which has fallen vacant, if the general elections are due within a year.
The Election Commission (EC) will take a final call on the bypoll after discussions with the Centre, said constitutional expert, Subhash Kashyap.
"Once the EC is informed that a seat has fallen vacant, it has a six-month period to publish notification for the by-election.
- Kashyap added.
Meanwhile, rumours are also doing rounds over Jay Panda's next course of action. Speculations that Jay Panda will join BJP are not new and have been around for some time now.
Amid such discussions, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram said BJP always welcomes like-minded people to its party fold and Jay Panda will be welcomed if he wants to join the saffron party.
Similarly, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president, Niranjan Patnaik said that Congress will be happy to welcome Panda to the party.
"It is with deep anguish, hurt and sorrow that I have decided to quit the kind of politics into which our BJD has descended," wrote Panda in his letter.
Along with Baijayant Panda, former president of BJD Kendrapara Minority Cell Salim Khan and student leader Prafulla Swain also tender their resignations from BJD. Panda's political secretary Jyoti Prakash Ghose also tendered his resignation from primary membership of the party.
Panda further expressed his anguish over several reasons and turn out of events that forced him to quit BJD.
Political pundits believe that Baijayant Panda's resignation is a setback for the ruling BJD ahead of the 2019 elections as he is an 'asset' for his commitment towards the development of Odisha as well his own parliamentary constituency, Kendrapara.
The parliamentarian was facing opposition from within the BJD since the day he started to raise his voice against injustice and mis-functioning of the party.
The infighting in BJD came to fore when Baijayant Panda was attacked with stones, eggs while he had gone to attend a public meeting at Mahanga in May last year. Though this had then sparked off widespread resentment, BJD CM Naveen Patnaik's silence on the entire incident had come as a surprise.
The rift between Panda and party supremo widened after the former publicly pointed fingers at CM's private secretary VK Pandian for orchestrating a conspiracy.
Although things have been going from bad to worse for the past four years, it has plumbed the absolute depths of inhumanity when neither you nor anyone from the BJD turned up to pay their last respects to my father Dr Bansidhar Panda, who as everyone knows was a very close friend, supporter, and associate of Biju uncle for many decades. In stark contrast, thousands of well wishers came to pay last respects, including senior leaders of all other political parties
-------- Baijayant Panda in his letter.
https://twitter.com/otvnews/status/1001028393331146753
"MP Baijayant Panda was fighting against the system to bring in a change. But he lost. Had he fought a battle with CM Naveen Patnaik, he might have succeeded. But the movement was diverted after he started pointing fingers at CM's private secretary VK Pandian," said Congress leader Sarat Rout.
https://twitter.com/otvnews/status/1001045364735033346
Senior BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan said," It seems that an 'invisible hand' prevented CM Naveen Patnaik and other BJD leaders from paying tributes to noted industrialist of Odisha late Bansidhar Panda, who was closely associated with former CM Biju Patnaik; This is indecent & unacceptable."
BJD vice-president, Debi Prasad Mishra on the other hand stated that the party would take appropriate stand on resignation issue soon.
"At a time when the family of MP Baijayant Panda is in mourning over the loss of industrialist Bansidhar Panda, BJD would refrain from making any statements on Panda's resignation till completion of all funeral rites. The party will however, make its stand clear at right time," said Mishra.
https://twitter.com/otvnews/status/1001040329489825794
https://twitter.com/AcharyaPitamba1/status/1001001873455759360
Timeline of events that led to Jay Panda's resignation:
Here is the complete letter of resignation of MP Baijayant Panda submitted to BJD chief Naveen Patnaik:
I was heartbroken when several BJD colleagues conveyed that they had been restrained from coming by to pay their last respects to the departed soul. That the BJD does not want me anymore, and in fact wants me out, is now irrefutably clear. I have stoically borne many humiliations over the past four years, but this is the last straw, it is now beyond my self respect to continue to be associated with the party in an atmosphere as mean minded as this.
https://twitter.com/PandaJay/status/998926028939538432
Apart from our long family friendship, I had been touched that Biju uncle saw it fit to involve me in his political activities in the last two years of his life from 1995 to 1997. Although he passed away without being able to found the new party that some of us had been advocating, it was my proud privilege to be associated with your plunge into politics in 1997 from the very first day itself, from assisting in your by election as a Janata Dal candidate to fill Biju uncle's seat, to your founding of the BJD six months later, and thereafter.
https://twitter.com/PandaJay/status/1000804485663375360
I had stood by you and the party through thick and thin, unhesitatingly helping you to take on the many challenges faced over the years, including when the parliamentary party had split in 2002, and the events of May 29th, 2012.
It had not been easy in the initial years, when many had doubts about whether the BJD and you would last. This was true both in Odisha and especially in Delhi, where I unflinchingly defended you day in and day out for all these years. I had not done that with any calculation, but based on principles, my unconditional affection for you, and my hope for a better Odisha. It is ironic that many of the worst opponents and critics of you during our party's first dozen years are now holding key positions in the party, while most of those who struggled with you to overcome them have been discarded.
I had never hesitated to take on challenges to help establish and grow the party, from my first Rajya Sabha election in 2000 when you had informed me at Shri AU Singhdeo's home that because of the turmoil in the party following the departure of Shri Bijay Mohapatra, you could only muster 15 of the 37 votes necessary for the party to win that seat. This was also true in 2009 when you showed me the survey report indicating that Kendrapada would be an extremely close contest and could go either way, and I assured you I would take up the challenge and ensure a victory to uphold your prestige.
I have since given my heart and soul for the development of Kendrapada, visiting each and every of the several hundred panchayats (at three of which I was told no other MP had ever visited before). I have also relentlessly pursued hundreds of infrastructure projects which had languished on paper for decades I am especially glad that our first ever rail line construction got started during my tenure and will soon be completed, for which I have conducted innumerable reviews in the field, besides relentlessly following up in Delhi and Bhubaneswar to unclog bottlenecks like land acquisition and timely release of funds.
I have also dedicated MPLAD funds for large projects needed and demanded by the public, rather than on other unethical considerations. You yourself have been appealing for others to follow this same principle and reject the so called "PC Culture" of corruption. I am especially proud of the large number of drinking water projects that have been built from MPLAD funds in Kendrapada, representing the highest such expenditure anywhere in the country. But it is a disgrace that since last year some of these have been opposed and obstructed by BJD people, including by violent methods.
In fact, as you would recall, from 2014 onwards i had several times privately brought to your attention the party's deviation from its original philosophy of humility and transparency, as well as the hurdles I was facing due to an internal conspiracy against me. I did not make my views public until after you yourself gave a public call for introspection after the Panchayat elections last year. Only then did I write a column in the Samaja newspaper, doing just that, an introspection recalling the party's original strengths, the deviation into goondaism and corruption, and suggesting the necessary corrective steps.
Thereafter, of course, I have been viciously targeted, including being physically assaulted with stones, bricks and eggs last May in Mahanga. I was extremely saddened that even then you did not bother to call to inquire about my health and safety, nor even when we met several times thereafter at party forums. For your information. I have been undergoing treatment for physical injury to my shoulder on that occasion.
The unceasing humiliations I have been subjected to since 2014 are in the public domain, from being boycotted by party members at statutory constituency review meetings "under instructions from above", to open threats of violence by some BJD members via press conferences, actual instances of violence following these threats, false cases against me, fake allegations of anti party activities, Kangaroo court inquiries against me by tainted personalities, that too concluded within two days and without my being formally informed of the charges or given a chance to respond; and finally being suspended from the party by such dubious means. As if that were not enough, the orchestrated threats and inducements to make my supporters denounce me have become public through sensational disclosures in the media, including a widely circulated audio clip. Also, the unethical harassment of my relatives and the organisations connected with them are by now known to everyone. These are all reprehensible Stalinist tactics, misusing government powers, and do not have any place in a political party of the world's largest democracy in the 21st century.
I have strived to live up to the highest standards of public life. No bureaucrat or politician, either at the state or national level, can claim that I have ever sought a pecuniary favour, nor can any member of the public. I have used the public platform not for any personal gains, but always to push for systemic reforms for the greater good of India and Odisha. You had repeatedly complimented me for this throughout most of my 18 years in Parliament, until recently.
I will always cherish having been one of the pallbearers of. Biju uncle at his funeral. But the party that bears his name has deviated very, far from what he stood for Till now I had been hoping for and repeatedly appealing for you to do justice, but it is now clear that I was naive and that is not to be. Now on the seventh day of my bereavement, before I embark on the prescribed religious rituals, I realise that I have been bereaved in more ways than one My faith that I was assisting you in a party that was decent and committed to certain principles, has also died.
With the BJD and you yourself having made it abundantly clear that I am unwanted, it is only right for me to dissociate from it. Separately, I will be conveying my decision formally to the Honourable Speaker of the Lok Sabha to accept my resignation from that August institution upon completion of my religious obligations of bereavement.
It is unfortunate the way the BJP-led government at the Centre is 'silent' on the serious issue of Mahanadi, Patnaik said while addressing a gathering on the occasion.
"We are not fighting for just water, we are fighting for the life of Mahanadi. If Mahanadi needs to be saved as a river, water level should be maintained in its 500 km basin during summer," said Patnaik.
The BJD Supremo also alleged that the BJP leaders in Odisha are shedding crocodile tears and supporting the illegal barrage construction works taken up by Chhattisgarh government on Mahanadi. The people of Odisha have understood their double standards.
"If the BJP leaders care for the interest of Odisha, they should oppose the works of Chhattisgarh. BJD is committed to save Mahanadi and it is due to the efforts of the State government that a Tribunal has been set up to resolve the dispute," Patnaik said.
While addressing the public meeting, the BJD supremo and chief minister stated that the Satkosia, Chilika and Bhitarkanika eco-systems which are dependent on Mahanadi also need to be preserved.
Mahanadi serves as a lifeline for the people of Odisha and livelihood of fishermen and farmers is also dependent on the river.
"The people of Odisha are united for Mahanadi and BJD will give a befitting reply for the attack on our livelihood," Patnaik added.
Odisha CM had earlier flagged off the Mahanadi Surakhsha Abhiyan on May 16 from Ambavona and Lakhanpur in Bargarh and Jharsuguda districts.
The Abhiyan covered 15 districts involving 45 assembly constituencies spreading over 1,600 km and concluded at Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district today.
Yechury, who arrived in Bhubaneswar on a two-day Odisha visit, stated that though CPM will not share the same platform with Congress, it will urge all anti-BJP forces to fight together.
When asked whether the party will enter into an alliance or seat sharing agreement with Odisha's ruling party, BJD for the 2019 elections, Yechury said, “We are in good terms with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and we want BJD to come forward to stop BJP.”
Yechury further stated that whatever strategy is made, it will be decided by the Odisha CPM Committee.
“People in the country are burdened because of wrong economic policies of the BJP government at the Centre. Farmer suicides and unemployment have also increased under its regime,” said Yechury.
The CPM general secretary further stated that BJP is indulged in polarisation of votes which has now emerged as a major threat to the democracy as several institutions including the Judiciary, Parliament and the Election Commission of India are under attack.
The sponsored protests that are being carried out at IMFA plant will certainly affect the industrialisation and dissuade investors to set up their plants in the State, said Pradhan in a series of Tweets.
"The stand-off at Therubali has resulted in a lock-out in plant & has arisen out of State vendetta & misperceived short term gains.This shall send negative signals to industrialisation process & investor climate in the State apart from fomenting Left Wing extremism in Rayagada."
Citing examples of similar protests where the Tata Motors was forced to quit Singur in 2008 while trying to acquire land for the flagship Nano manufacturing plant, Pradhan said that such kind of agitation will certainly create a negative environment in Odisha.
The IMFA plant was established by the visionary Odia industrialist Dr Banshidhar Panda in 1961 and more than 1500 locals are directly dependent for their livelihood on this plant.
The production at the plant has been hit following the protests led by some vested interest groups for the past two weeks. The families of workers are now living in a state of panic following the unrest outside the plant.
Chairman of Tata groups, Ratan Tata is now in Odisha and his company signed an MoU with Odisha government for a state-of-the-art cancer treatment and research hospital in Bhubaneswar yesterday.
The MoU between Tatas and Odisha government envisages a model to provide better cancer treatment to the people of the State.
"Shri @RNTata2000 is the doyen of industrialisation in India and his presence in the State shall boost the morale of the industrialists and entrepreneurs when Odisha is looking forward to massive investments in future," tweeted Pradhan.
Welcoming the gesture of the Union Minister of making an appeal to Ratan Tata for intervening to end the deadlock at IMFA plant as such protests are affecting the social and economic environment of the State, office of MP Jay Panda also thanked Pradhan and stated, "We hope Shri @RNTata2000 will take the lead to get normalcy back to the lives of thousands of people associated with the plant. Shutting down hospitals, schools and the plant is affecting the social & economic environment of the state. @CMO_Odisha . We appreciate @dpradhanbjp."
Meanwhile, protests in front of IMFA's plant at Therubali in Rayagada district entered its 15th day today. It is alleged that the district administration has turned a blind eye to the whole issue and no efforts have been made since the last meeting on April 30.
"Till now we have not received any communication from the district administration on our demands. There is resentment among public," said Jitu Jakasika, a protestor.
"The plant has been closed since the past 15 days. Around 1500 people have been affected. I would like to appeal the district administration to resolve the issue," said Vice President of IMFA, DK Mohanty.
On the other hand, the stalemate has drawn sharp criticism from the business fraternity.
Ramesh Mohapatra, the president of Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (UCCI), said "The impact of unrest at IMFA will certainly hamper industrial growth. We had earlier appealed the CM and Utkal Chamber of Commerce will again urge him to take urgent steps and not allow such unrest."
Similarly, UCCI director general, Rajen Padhi, said "Such kind of protests are not acceptable as once productivity cycle is hampered, it will have a negative impact on profitability and affect the workers who will not get their salaries and wages."
Rajib Sahu, former president TiE, said "It is the responsibility of State government to protect industries and help them function smoothly. Without wasting any time, immediate steps should be taken to support industrialisation process."
However, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik downplayed the reports and said that KCR will be visiting Odisha for pilgrimage and there are no plans of discussions on federal front.
"As far as I know, the Telangana Chief Minister is going on a pilgrimage to Puri; on the way he is paying a courtesy call. There will be no discussion on a federal front or anything to do with politics for the matter," said Patnaik.
Rao recently met West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and the former prime minister and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) chief H D Deve Gowda.
Earlier, without divulging anything related to the duo's meeting, government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy said, "The way people support our State's CM and his views on national issues, leaders of different political parties with similar ideologies usually meet him."
BJP MLA Pradeep Purohit on the other hand said that fear has engulfed the regional parties.
"The regional forces are scared of the massive impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personality on their prospects in politics," Purohit added.
Reema urged Patnaik to take necessary action to arrest the culprits involved in the Patnagarh wedding gift explosion in which her husband Soumyasekhar and his grandmother were killed on February 23. They had received the parcel as a marriage gift.
“I want justice and my family had met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday. I also urge for stern action against those involved in the case,” said Reema.
Reema further stated that her husband Soumyasekhar did not have any enmity with anyone as he was very friendly with everyone.
“Police needs to conduct a thorough probe into the origin of the parcel and other aspects so that the culprits are nabbed,” said Reema.
The news of her husband's death in the fateful incident was broken to Reema after 25 days.
So far police are yet to get any concrete clues in connection with the mysterious parcel bomb blast even though cops claim to have intensified their probe into the case.
As expected, Ama Odisha chief Soumya Ranjan Patnaik along with founder of KIIT and KISS Achyuta Samanta and party spokesperson Prashanta Nanada were given the tickets.
The names of three candidates were announced by Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik today at his residence Naveen Niwas.
Both Soumya Ranjan and Achyuta had joined the BJD at a special function held at Naveen Niwas earlier today.
Many believe that BJD nominated Soumya Ranjan Patnaik for Rajya Sabha as part of its well planned strategy to capture Congress votebank in the State.
Though Naveen Patnaik had earlier stated that the only political leaders will go to Rajya Sabha, KIIT and KISS founder and social activist Achyuta Samanta's nomination for the upper house has come as a surprise to many.
"I thank party president for nominating me for Rajya Sabha and it is certainly a big responsibility that has been given to me," said Prashanta Nanda.
Nanda further stated that several issues ranging from Mahanadi to Polavaram and Central neglect among others will be raised duly in the interest of Odisha.
"I was with people and busy doing social work and will continue to work for the development of the State," said Achyuta Samant.
Soumya Ranjan Patnaik also stated that he would continue his fight and raise several issues including the farmers plight, chit fund scam and others in the larger interest of the people of Odisha.
"We have apprised the government of the status of doctors in the district and requested that vacant posts be filled up soon," Chief District Medical Officer Manoj Kumar Behera said.
Zilla parishad members in a meeting held at Chhatrapur over the week-end expressed concern over the condition of health services when Behera took stock of the situation in the district.
Several members of the zilla parishad requested the MLAs of the district to inform Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik about the situation. Patnaik represents Hinjili in the district in the state Assembly.
The water-borne disease has claimed three lives and affected over 150 people in Jagannath Prasad block, while over 50 people were affected by the disease in Polasara block and around 100 were affected in Kabisurya Nagar town recently.
Additional District Medical Officer (public health) R Jagadees Patnaik said that the situation in the diarrhoea affected areas was under control.
"No fresh case was reported from Polsara and Jagannath Prasad, while three new cases have been reported from Kabisurya Nagar," he said.
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today congratulated the Odisha Police, a day after 24 Maoists, including their top leaders, were killed in a fierce gun-battle with security forces in Malkangiri district, giving a major blow to the ultras.
Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh took stock of the situation along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border where 24 Maoists were killed by security forces.
The Home Minister has assured the Chief Minister of providing all the central assistance in its fight against the Naxals, officials said.
Yesterday's encounter has come as a major setback to the red rebels as they have lost the three-decade old strong hold in the forests of the cut-off areas of Malkangiri district.
Be it West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any other leader, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief had always played ‘safe’ on the issue of joining or taking sides. But Naveen welcoming KCR’s proposal to put together a “non-Congress, non-BJP” federal front has come as a major surprise to many.
Many believe that a change in Naveen's stance could be equal parts a deliberate attempt to stay relevant on the national stage, a ploy to divert attention from the anti-incumbency chatter in home territory and a jostle to garner some leverage to keep BJP in check?
It is believed that if it actually comes down to haggling at the centre, then BJD will be able to use, whatever advantage it will be holding, to cover its base in Odisha.
Meanwhile, after meeting Naveen yesterday, Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao met Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee today.
The Congress on the other hand criticised the Federal Front move. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Niranjan Patnaik said that it is a sponsored programme of the BJP to keep secular forces away.
“It is a political game of PM Narendra Modi to create a third front to keep secular forces at bay,” said Patnaik.
BJD MP Soumya Ranjan Patnaik said, “Congress will be the sufferer in case of a Federal Front. But regional parties will raise their voice and if they are united, they can have a meaningful impact.”
Odisha BJP in-charge Arun Singh on the other hand stated that “There will be leadership issues as KCR will not follow instructions from Naveen Patnaik and Naveen will not accept Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Such an alliance without a strong leadership will never materialise.”
While speaking during an event organised by Odisha Sochana Adhikar Abhiyan in Cuttack, Rout said that as elections are round the round the corner, BJD is raking up the issue.
“It is now over 20 years that the issue of women’s reservation is pending and has not been passed in the Parliament. Naveen Patnaik has been in power for almost 18 years and was silent on it so far. But as elections are round the corner, he is now raising the issue,” alleged Rout.
Responding to Damodar Rout’s allegations, BJD leader Pratap Jena stated that “BJD is doing its duty and the person (Dama Rout), who is not in our party, doesn’t have any right to comment on the affairs of the party.”
It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik had recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging that the Women’s Reservation Bill – seeking 33% reservation for women in state Legislative Assemblies and Parliament – should be passed in Parliament.
Moreover, the BJD has also formed several teams comprising senior leaders to garner support of 22 parties, including seven national, for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
BJD leaders today came down heavily on Pradhan for his remarks that Centre’s contribution is more towards relief and restoration works in Cyclone Titli-affected districts.
During his visit to the cyclone and flood-hit Gajapati district yesterday, Pradhan had criticized Odisha government over disaster management during cyclone Titli.
“Lot of places in the affected-districts do not have electricity, road connectivity and there is also mismanagement in relief distribution. The Centre is contributing 90% to disaster fund for relief work & Odisha govt should ensure proper distribution,” Pradhan had said yesterday.
Responding to Pradhan’s allegations, BJD spokesperson Sulochana Das stated that it seems that the Union Minister doesn’t believe in the federal structure.
“In a federal structure, there is coordination between the Centre and the States and it seems that the Union Minister doesn’t believe in it. We want to ask whether Modi will release the funds from his own pocket,” Das said.
BJP general-secretary Prithviraj Harichandan responded “If attributing central assistance as Modi’s money is wrong, then is it right when Naveen Patnaik claims that he provides subsidised rice from his own house?”
Harichandan further targeted Odisha government for massive irregularities in distribution of relief in several parts of the State.
“The way relief operations are going on, it is unfortunate and ineligible persons are getting relief materials,” Harichandan added.
Congress on the other hand has demanded that oil companies should adopt villages ravaged by cyclone and floods and speed up rehabilitation measures in their respective jurisdictions.
It is pertinent to mention here that life in cyclone Titli and flood-affected districts is yet to normalise even after a week of the natural calamity. As per preliminary estimates, the Electricity department has sustained a loss of Rs 633 crores due to uprooting of electric poles and snapping of cables in different affected areas.
A whopping Rs 609 crore will be spent on restoration of roads, water supply and repair of school buildings. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed the district Collectors to submit a detailed report on the losses caused by cyclone Titli and subsequent floods.
“All departments have been asked to submit reports on the damage and requirement of funds so that assistance can be released,” said Joint Relief Commissioner, Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra.
As per norms under the relief code, Odisha government can use Rs 1,512 crore from the State Disaster Fund for relief and rehabilitation works.
However, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has written to PM Narendra Modi for release of an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for carrying out relief and rehabilitation works in Cyclone Titli-affected districts.
Pradhan’s statements came in reponse of the recent India Today survey which claimed that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik still enjoyed top position in terms of popularity in the state.
Patnaik left behind several other leaders including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who stood second with 22 percent votes. Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik got a mere 5 percent votes in his favour in the survey.
“The survey claims that BJD will win more Assembly while BJP will get maximum votes for Lok Sabha. The same survey claims that people in Odisha have voted more for PM Narendra Modi’s governance,” said Pradhan.
Pradhan further stated that BJP under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi will come to power in Odisha in the upcoming elections.
“The writing is on the wall as the youth, women and others in Odisha will vote in favour of BJP,” Pradhan added.
Reponding to Pradhan’s statements, BJD MP Soumya Ranjan Patnaik on the other hand stated that before elections, several political parties and leaders claim to form government.
“I have nothing to say on Union Minister’s claim which is no less than day dreaming,” said Patnaik.
Patnaik further claimed that people of Odisha have voted for particular party in last 18 years.
The Odisha government today announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore for the national record holder Dutee who clinched the silver medal in the 100 meter event at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia on Sunday clocking 11.32 seconds.
The reward was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in recognition of Dutee's ‘grit, determination and hard work’. Odisha Olympic Association (OOA) had also announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for Dutee.
"It is a matter of pride that an athlete from Odisha has brought laurels for the country in the Asian Games after 20 years. In 1998 Asian Games, Odia Athlete Rachita Panda Mistry had won a bronze medal for India," the Chief Minster's Office (CMO) said in a statement.
It is pertinent to mention here that, the fastest men and women in the country are from Odisha and the State government, recognising the huge potential among the talented youth, is giving more emphasis on athletics, the statement added.
Odisha has planned a high performance Athletics Academy which will be the first of its kind in the State. The proposed Athletics Academy is expected to be launched shortly, the release further stated.
Earlier, tweeples had also hailed the achievements of Dutee Chand for her 100m sprint which ensured a medal for the country at the ongoing Asian Games.
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and former Parliamentarian Baijayant Panda, everybody took to the social media platform to congratulate Dutee Chand.
Not only politicians but several sportspersons also hailed Dutee Chand for her achievement.
Congratulations to Muhammed Anas and Dutee Chand for their silver in athletics. Watching Hima, Anas and Dutee perform makes us realise it's not about shoes but about the soul. Goosebumps to watch them run for the nation ??
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 26, 2018
Many congratulations to Hima Das, Muhammed Anas and Dutee Chand for their exemplary performances and Silver medal win in their respective athletics events. We are all very proud of you #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/zHBZ6g4GRN
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 26, 2018
Congratulations Dutee Chand for the Silver medal , clocking (100m) in 11.32s . Very proud of you#AsianGames pic.twitter.com/lZ7fXmXMty
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 26, 2018
?22-year-old Dutee Chand Wins Silver?In Women’s 100 m.
?Missed Gold By Just 0.02 Seconds
?First Medal For India In Event In 20 Years
?Her 1st Asian Games Participation
?Recorded 11.32sCongrats! Indian Sprinters Are Slaying At #AsianGames2018 ???#DuteeChand #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/fwn3YiPss8
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) August 26, 2018
Official sources said, the pragmatically controlled 48 seat capacity 4D theatre hall is first of its kind facility in the state. The new addition would be one of the attractions for the visitors coming to the State Maritime Museums.
The proposals for the 4D theatre complex were mooted by the museum officials in 2014.
The Jobra Maritime Museum, which was a navigational workshop set up by the Britishers, was converted into a museum after the foundation stone was laid in 2007.
Odisha State Maritime Museum is now one of the major tourist attractions after it was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crores in 2013.
The museum boasts of 10 galleries showcasing the rich maritime history of Odisha along with a special aquarium that boasts over 60 aquatic species. The aquarium project was inaugurated on August 21, 2014.
According to museum officials, visitors can get first hand information about various tools, machines, boats that were earlier used at the work shop gallery, maritime history gallery and boat building gallery.
Besides, there is a dedicated gallery on the ancient maritime rituals that were performed by sadhabas (sailors) before they used to take a voyage to Bali, Java Sumatra from the state.
Bulk of the navigational tools exhibited at the museum has been collected from various parts of the country and world by Indian National Trust for Art and Culture (Intach) entrusted by the State Government for conversion of the Navigational workshop into maritime museum.
That was not the only embarrassment for the state government. The figures released by the SRC’s office about the number of people evacuated ahead of the cyclone and the relief centres set up for the affected simply didn’t add up. While the aggregate number of people evacuated stood at over 3.60 lakh in the SRC’s report released on Monday, the district-wise break up added up to no more than 1.13 lakhs!
This is as shoddy work as the actual preparatory measures put in place for the cyclone. While the government started shifting people living along the coast before Titli hit the state, it forgot to pay due attention to the hilly areas in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts. The ‘review meetings’ chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi every few hours in the run up to Cyclone Titli failed to pay due attention to these areas, leaving the unfortunate people living there at the complete mercy of the elements.
The fact that the government was blissfully unaware of the death of 15 persons in just one village, Baraghar in Rayagad block, despite all the resources – both human and material – at its command for three full days proves that either it was completely taken by surprise at the extent and intensity of the disaster or was plain callous. The villagers say they had no information about Titli and those who perished in the tragedy rushed to a cave in a nearby hill for shelter after their roofs were blown away by the strong gale.
As per the ‘standard Operating Procedure’ (SOP) scrupulously followed by the government in all such cases, the SRC, instead of admitting the failure to warn the people in time, sought to blame the victims themselves for their death since they refused to budge when representatives of the administration reached the village and persuaded the people to shift out before the cyclone struck.
Given its past record whenever it has been caught on the wrong foot, this columnist would rather trust the villagers than the state government. But even assuming that the SRC was indeed speaking the truth, why did it give the people the option of staying put when it knew the devastation Titli could wreak? To put things in perspective, let us go back a little in time and consider what it did at the time of Phailin in October 2013 for which the government deservedly collected kudos from all quarters. Thousands of unwilling fishermen along the southern coast were forcibly shifted out of their houses before the cyclone struck, weren’t they? So, what prevented the government from doing the same this time?
The bitter truth is the government got it horribly wrong in assessing the intensity of the cyclone, the possible impact it could have and the areas likely to bear the brunt. And it compounded its failure by acting smart when reports started trickling in from the interiors about the havoc caused by the cyclone. The result: plenty of eminently avoidable embarrassment.
No one can fault the Naveen Patnaik government for what it has done over the years in putting in place systems to face disasters in the state after the devastation caused by the Super Cyclone in 1999. The high praise won by the men of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) for their work during the recent floods in Kerala is testimony to the fact that Odisha is among the best prepared states when it comes to facing disasters and the government’s claim of being ‘No. 1’ in the country is not just an empty boast.
But unfortunately for the government, Cyclone Ttitli has blown away all the good work done over the years in terms of disaster preparedness in one fell swoop.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same)
Addressing the public rally, Pradhan stated that the Centre is committed towards all-round development of Odisha, but the State government is posing a big hindrance in such developmental activities.
While PM Modi was present in Bolangir to launch several projects on infrastructure development, connectivity and ease of doing business, CM Naveen Patnaik at the same time was inaugurating the state-level annual farmers’ convention, ‘Krushi Odisha 2019’, at Biju Patnaik Ground in Baramunda, Bhubaneswar.
Surprisingly, this is not the first instance when the State government is organising events on the same day the Prime Minister is scheduling his visits to the State to inaugurate developmental projects for the people of Odisha.
It may look as a co-incidence to many, but Pradhan alleged such motive as intentional while terming it as a cheap politics of Odisha government.
The last time Modi came to Odisha to inaugurate and lay foundation stones of several projects worth Rs 4500 crore in Baripada, the same day the BJD organised a Mission Shakti programme in Puri that somehow was seen as a strategy to counter the PM’s visit.
“This time also we had invited CM Naveen to be a part of the government programme in Bolangir, but he did not accept our invitation. We thought he has interest towards West Odisha and would come to discuss with PM Modi and then put forth his demands. But Naveen Patnaik chose to do politics by organising another event in Bhubaneswar on the same day and it is quite clear he has not prioritised the development of Western Odisha.”
Pradhan further slammed the government alleging poor irrigational facilities in Bolangir. “In the last 20 years, only 5 to 10 per cent irrigational activities have been done in Bolangir. The Lower Suktel Project started some 15 years back but still only 20 per cent has been finished. The displaced people are still awaiting rehabilitation and disbursal of compensation.”
While BJD leaders are yet to respond on Pradhan’s allegations, CM Naveen, while inaugurating the Krushi Odisha 2019 programme in Bhubaneswar, mentioned that Odisha government had aimed to carry out irrigation in over 10 lakh hectares, of which only 2 hectares are left that is likely to be covered by the end of April this year.
On December 29 (Saturday), OTV telecast a report on the alleged ignorance of the State Government towards Kamala who was forgotten after being invited to attend a foundation stone laying ceremony for the OUAT’s new ladies hostel building named after her way back in March 2017. Not only this, it was also alleged that the administration had breached protocols by not inviting or involving her in any of the government programmes that are being carried out in the district.
Asked whether she was called to a programme organised in Jeypore on December 28, she said, "I haven't heard of any meeting. If I would have been aware, I would have attended."
Surprisingly, the event was graced by local politicians including Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati and another member of the Planning Board, but Kamala got no invitation from the District Urban Development Authority.
However, a day after OTV telecast this report, Kamala was specially invited to inaugurate the Aahar centre at the DHH on Monday.
Extremely happy, she said, “Earlier I wasn’t being called but finally they called me and I came to inaugurate this.”
Madhumita Nayak, Project Administrator of the District Urban Development Agency, said, "Her (Kamala) presence made us very proud and being so high in position, it was nice to see her serve food to all. It was like a mother serving her kids."
It may be mentioned here that Odisha CM Naveen Odisha launched the state-wide night meal facility- Ratri Aahaar from Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar yesterday. The scheme aims to provide affordable meals at night near 56 Government hospitals in urban centres across Odisha and the extension program is likely to serve healthy and tasty cooked meals to 15,765 people every night.
Kamala Pujari had brought laurels for Odisha by winning the ‘Equator Initiative Award’ in Johannesburg of South Africa in 2002 for preserving hundreds of local varieties of paddy and promoting organic farming.
https://youtu.be/ZB8Q7_tUOnM
The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) accused the BJD of ‘double standards’ alleging that the ruling party in Odisha, on one hand claims to have distanced from the ‘Mahagathbandhan,’ while on the other, it is taking sides with Mamata Banerjee on the CBI issue.
BJD, earlier today, said the conduct of CBI smacks of unprofessionalism. The statements came a day after the central investigation agency’s attempts to quiz Kolkata Police Commissioner, Rajeev Kumar in connection with the chit fund scam was thwarted by police.
"The manner in which CBI has been functioning over the last few months, does not show professionalism. This is the reason why the CBI is facing such criticism today,” said BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab in Parliament today.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was quick to train guns on Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik following Bhartruhari's statements.
“Be it Mamata’s TMC or Naveen’s BJD, the leaders benefitted from the chit fund scam. The CBI is probing the chit fund scam based on Supreme Court order. Those who have looted people’s money will be punished,” said Pradhan.
BJD’s stand on this issue has certainly raised several eyebrows. Speculations are rife that BJD’s is somewhat sacred of the CBI as the agency recently issued summons to two of its MLAs- Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Arun Sahoo in connection with the Seashore chit fund scam.
“As they are scared, BJD is opposing the CBI, but they are not supporting Mamata Banerjee, which clearly shows double standards. BJD is just trying to oppose CBI to stop similar raids in Odisha and summons to its party leaders,” said Opposition party chief whip and senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
“Several MPs and MLAs both in West Bengal and Odisha are involved and some of them have been arrested in the past,” said former Odisha DGP, Gopal Nanda.
Following criticism, BJD, later in the day, clarified that “Based on media reports on CBI issue, BJD would like to clarify that the statement by BJD on CBI is in relation to Odisha & overall issues confronting CBI at national level. Grouping BJD with some political parties because of this statement is incorrect & misleading.”
Citing media reports that Naveen was also grilled by the CBI in the chit fund scam in the State, Singh Deo had sought a clarification from him earlier in the day today.
Responding to BJP leader KV Singh Deo's allegations, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik stated that, "No TMC leader has been in touch with us at least for a year. Our party's statements yesterday had to do with the events with our own State. Everyone would like CBI to do a professional and non-political job."
While responding to media query regarding Singh Deo's remarks of CBI grilling him, Patnaik termed it as 'absolute nonsense'.
Singh Deo had further alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had sought the help of several political leaders including CM Naveen Patnaik on her future course of action in her fight against the top probe agency. He stated that Mamata is trying to garner support from Naveen as he is also involved in chit fund scam.
Addressing a presser in Bhubaneswar today, Singh Deo wanted to know who Saroj Sahu was and the status of the corpus fund set by Odisha government.
Singh Deo's allegation came in the wake of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announcing to seek the support of leaders of several political parties including Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
Banerjee, who has been staging dharna over the issue since last two days, said, “I’m sure he (CM Naveen Patnaik) will stand by me. I’m not alone in this fight; many senior leaders cutting across party lines are with me. I will decide whether to continue dharna or not after having discussions with all.”
BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty on the hand snubbed Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's clarification and stated that Naveen has become reactive in the whole episode. "It seems that Odisha government doesn't have the guts to speak the truth and CM Naveen is losing his temper. Naveen should clarify whether there weren't talks between him and Mamata on the chit fund issue when WB CM had visited Odisha to meet arrested TMC leader Sudipta Bandyopadhyay," questioned Mohanty.
Meanwhile, the second day of the budget session at the Odisha Assembly began on a stormy note today with BJP legislators creating a ruckus in the House targeting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and WB CM Mamata Banerjee over chit fund scam. Following the pandemonium, the Speaker adjourned the House for an hour till 11.30 AM and again till 3 PM.
Citing media reports that Naveen was also grilled by the CBI in the chit fund scam in the State, Singh Deo had sought a clarification from him earlier in the day today.
Responding to BJP leader KV Singh Deo's allegations, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik stated that, "No TMC leader has been in touch with us at least for a year. Our party's statements yesterday had to do with the events with our own State. Everyone would like CBI to do a professional and non-political job."
While responding to media query regarding Singh Deo's remarks of CBI grilling him, Patnaik termed it as 'absolute nonsense'.
Singh Deo had further alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had sought the help of several political leaders including CM Naveen Patnaik on her future course of action in her fight against the top probe agency. He stated that Mamata is trying to garner support from Naveen as he is also involved in chit fund scam.
Addressing a presser in Bhubaneswar today, Singh Deo wanted to know who Saroj Sahu was and the status of the corpus fund set by Odisha government.
Singh Deo's allegation came in the wake of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announcing to seek the support of leaders of several political parties including Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
Banerjee, who has been staging dharna over the issue since last two days, said, “I’m sure he (CM Naveen Patnaik) will stand by me. I’m not alone in this fight; many senior leaders cutting across party lines are with me. I will decide whether to continue dharna or not after having discussions with all.”
BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty on the hand snubbed Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's clarification and stated that Naveen has become reactive in the whole episode. "It seems that Odisha government doesn't have the guts to speak the truth and CM Naveen is losing his temper. Naveen should clarify whether there weren't talks between him and Mamata on the chit fund issue when WB CM had visited Odisha to meet arrested TMC leader Sudipta Bandyopadhyay," questioned Mohanty.
Meanwhile, the second day of the budget session at the Odisha Assembly began on a stormy note today with BJP legislators creating a ruckus in the House targeting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and WB CM Mamata Banerjee over chit fund scam. Following the pandemonium, the Speaker adjourned the House for an hour till 11.30 AM and again till 3 PM.
Amid chanting of hymns, children in Bhubaneswar invoked the goddess in their respective schools.
#WATCH: Students take part in #SaraswatiPuja celebrations in #Bhubaneswar #Odisha pic.twitter.com/f4RShu5VpI
— OTV (@otvnews) February 10, 2019
The day also marks the beginning of the chariot making process for the Rath Yatra in Puri. All preparations have been made by the temple administration to kick start the process today.
Students of Sudarsan Sand Art Institute created a unique sand sculpture in Puri to pay tributes to goddess Saraswati.
"The sculpture has been made by girls and we also wanted to give a message on women empowerment on the auspicious day," said Nivedita Mishra, a student.
#WATCH: Students of Sudarsan Sand Art Institute come up with a unique sand sculpture in #Puri to pay tributes to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge #SaraswatiPuja #BasantPanchami #Odisha pic.twitter.com/nhcUT9baZZ
— OTV (@otvnews) February 10, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Basant Panchami today.
नव उमंग, नई ऊर्जा एवं नव स्फूर्ति के प्रतीक-पर्व बसंत पंचमी की सभी देशवासियों को ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं। मेरी कामना है कि विद्या की देवी मां सरस्वती सबको ज्ञान एवं सद्बुद्धि प्रदान करें।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 10, 2019
Through a tweet, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also extended his wishes to the people of the State.
ପବିତ୍ର ବସନ୍ତ ପଞ୍ଚମୀ ଓ ମା’ ସରସ୍ଵତୀଙ୍କ ପୂଜା ଅବସରରେ ରାଜ୍ୟବାସୀଙ୍କୁ ମୋର ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ଓ ଅଭିନନ୍ଦନ। ବିଦ୍ୟାଦାୟିନୀ ମା’ ସରସ୍ଵତୀଙ୍କ ଅପାର କରୁଣାରୁ ସଭିଙ୍କ କଲ୍ୟାଣ ହେଉ। pic.twitter.com/W6STpI5Ip8
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 10, 2019
Patnaik further stated that before his government came to power 20 years ago, Odisha was known for its dire poverty. The State government has lifted 80 lakh people above the poverty line, which is highest average in the country.
“From a food deficit State, we are now the biggest exporter of rice and third biggest contributor to the public distribution system in the country. Our farmers’ income has doubled in the last 10 years,” said Patnaik.
“Odisha government’s disaster management preparedness, ensuring zero loss of life during cyclones has been appreciated by the United Nations,” Patnaik also said. On being asked if it’s time for him to relax and read books,, the CM said a blunt “no, not yet”.
Addressing the event, CM Naveen Patnaik said “Today 10,000 people were given land rights certificate as part of Awas Yojana. My greatest satisfaction is in ensuring happiness for the poor and I am always there for them.”
Naveen also assured that rest of the slum dwellers will soon be provided houses.
Patnaik also launched a website named www.bhubaneswar.me which will provide information on food, lodging and travelling facilities in Bhubaneswar to tourists from the State and foreign countries.
Bhubaneswar: Chief minister, Naveen Patnaik has been a staunch advocate of women empowerment. In one of his now famous speeches he had described empowerment of women as the real ‘double engine’ for growth, a phrase coined by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi while campaigning for his party in Odisha where he had sought people’s mandate for BJP both in Lok Sabha and the state assembly. Patnaik gave it a feminist twist and scored many brownie points.
Patnaik is right in underscoring the importance of women who constitute a huge work force which can fire the country’s growth engine. Keeping the members of fair sex shackled and confined within the four walls of their homes is not only regressive but also a great disservice to the country’s economy.
Quick to realise this Patnaik became one of the first important regional satraps of the country to unleash the power of this huge force by launching Mission Shakti which is now being hailed as a shining example of women empowerment. Supported by the state government women self help groups have been scripting success stories that would be the envy of people in any part of the country.
Patnaik believes in walking the talk. This was amply proved when he gave Lok Sabha tickets to seven women including sexagenarian, Pramila Bisoi who won from Aska, the constituency from where the chief minister had begun his own political journey. Pramila’s case is instructive.
When Patnaik announced her name as one of his party’s Lok Sabha candidates a section of intellectuals derided him. They said he was making a mockery of democracy by allotting ticket to a woman who lacked formal education which, in their opinion, would be a hindrance to her functioning as a people’s representative.
But Pramila has been doing fine as an elected representative in the wake of her spectacular victory as a Lok Sabha member. She has also taken up some important issues. Patnaik, thus, has set a good example by picking Pramila and sending her to the Lok Sabha.
Significantly, he was the first leader to propose reservation of 33 percent seats for women in parliament and in the state assemblies. He has been assiduously campaigning for this, seeking the support of leaders from around the country.
It is important to remember that his father, former chief minister, Biju Patnaik was a self professed feminist who was perhaps the first leader in the country to make reservation for women in the three-tier panchayati raj system. He had also appointed a tribal woman as one of his advisors.
There is, of course, a political side to Patnaik’s move to empower women. Women constitute a huge vote-bank and have, so far, been voting overwhelmingly in favour of his party, Biju Janata Dal. But to say that this is the only motivation for Patnaik to take steps to make the members of the fair sex self sufficient and powerful enough to contribute meaningfully to the society would be wrong.
The truth is that he has been making sincere efforts for the empowerment of a section of our society which has not only remained neglected but has also been a victim of prejudices for generations.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
In a letter to all the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs of the BJD, Patnaik asked them to apprise him on the issues raised by them in both the Houses and the steps taken by them to resolve people's problems in their respective constituencies.
The MPs have been asked to submit the written reports every two months by the 10th.
Patnaik said he would review the reports regularly and give advice on how to work for the development and interest of Odisha.
Notably, Patnaik had asked his ministers on June 4 to submit monthly reports on steps taken by their departments for implementing the BJD's election manifesto by the seventh of every month.
The BJD has 12 MPs in the Lok Sabha and eight in the Rajya Sabha.
Patnaik said this after inaugurating a workshop on the safety of women and children here.
"The police have a responsibility to create a secure environment for the citizens. I expect the state police to take prompt, effective and exemplary action against anti-socials and criminals," the chief minister said.
Patnaik also appreciated the association of National Police Foundation & Institute and the UNICEF for organising the workshop.
He also released a documentary film and a coffee table book on "Paree Paain Kathatiye" (Tales for the little angels), an awareness campaign against child sexual abuse.
Opposition BJP and Congress members had created ruckus in the Assembly last month demanding resignation of the chief minister over rising cases of missing children and rape incidents of minor girls in the state.
In a letter to Union HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, CM Naveen wrote, “The CBSE has recently caused a sharp hike in the examination fees of Class X and Class XII students, causing resentment among parents and other stake holders. The abnormal rise, specifically in the fees in respect of SC and ST students by 24 times has come as a shock.”
Odisha government has opened more than 200 English Medium Model Schools which are affiliated to CBSE in rural areas for the benefit of economically and socially under-privileged sections of the society.
“Therefore, I request to prevail upon CBSE to reconsider their decision in the interest of people,” wrote Patnaik in his letter.
The CBSE on Sunday announced hike in exam fee from Rs 50 to Rs 1,200 and from Rs 750 to Rs 1500 for SC and ST and General students respectively.
The parents’ association in Odisha has strongly condemned the move of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to increase the fees of Class 10 and 12 board examinations for SC and ST students.
The new system will come to the rescue of people including farmers who earlier had to face difficulties in paying their land revenue.
“This system would provide great relief to farmers who had to run to various government offices to pay land revenue,” Patnaik said.
The online land revenue payment system has been developed by NIC Bhubaneswar. As the system is simple, farmers can make payments within minutes and get receipts. This is the first of its kind initiative by the Revenue department under the Odisha government’s 5-T mantra to provide better services to the people.
CM Naveen also dedicated Mahatma Gandhi’s Talisman at the Loka Seva Bhavan as a part of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations.
Gandhi’s Talisman is inscribed on a brass plate in both English and Odia and it also carries a portrait of the Father of the Nation.
CM Naveen Patnaik had also inaugurated Kharavel Bhavan which will house 11 departments of the State government. The new building has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 128 crore.
Bhubaneswar: What is it that makes BJP stronger in western Odisha compared to the state’s coastal belt? Right from the beginning the party has been winning more seats in the western region while it has found it difficult to penetrate the coast where currently the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) dominates.
The saffron party did extremely well in the western belt in the recent Lok Sabha elections winning all the five seats at stake in the region. In coastal Odisha it could win only two seats—Bhubaneswar and Balasore. Though these two victories were significant the realisation must have dawned on the party brass that it has to work harder to establish itself as a political force in the region.
One of the most important reasons for lotus sprouting in western Odisha is the demographic complexion of the region which has seen socio-cultural assimilation on a much bigger scale compared to the coast. It has cities like Rourkela which has been a socio-cultural melting pot ever since the state’s first steel plant was set up there. Since Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) offered financially lucrative jobs it attracted people from far and wide. Even today the city’s population is a healthy mix of Odias and non-Odias who have made it their home.
There are other commercial hubs like Jharsuguda where you find such a population mix though not exactly on the same scale. One of the important factors contributing to this socio-cultural amalgamation is the proximity of some of the important western Odisha districts with states like Jharkhand ( formerly part of undivided Bihar) and Chhattisgarh ( which separated from then composite Madhya Pradesh).
People on both sides of the border have not only business ties but also socio-cultural ties and this interaction has also influenced their thinking and their political choices. The BJP, hence, found it a fertile ground to grow. There was a big business class in this region that subscribed to the saffron ideology and also supported the party financially in its days of struggle.
Equally importantly the BJP has been raising important issues like the area’s poverty, backwardness and its proneness to drought. In the eighties the party had launched a sustained campaign on these issues and was able to win the confidence of people who identified with its ideology.
Though the party made a few compromises during the period that it ruled the state in tandem with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) it still remains quite popular in the western belt where it can do much better with a little more hard work. But the coast still remains a huge challenge for the BJP which not only lacks a good organisational base in the area but also credible leaders.
In the last few years the party has made attempts to get a foothold in the region but is yet to establish itself as a political force there. It can hope to do so with leaders like Bijay Mohapatra, Baijayant Panda and Pratap Sarangi being able to carve a niche for themselves in this belt.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Bhubaneswar: Eversince chief minister, Naveen Patnaik stepped into the political arena there has been speculation about the people guiding him. In the initial days bureaucrat-turned-politician, Pyari Mohan Mohapatra was believed to have been his informal advisor. Mohapatra, who had worked closely with Naveen’s father, Biju Patnaik, was known to the family and hence was trusted to offer reliable advice.
Patnaik’s moves like denying veteran, Bijay Mohapatra, then political affairs committee chairperson of Biju Janata Dal (BJD), party ticket from Patkura in 2000 at the eleventh hour, leaving him no time to file his nomination even as an independent, have been attributed to the brain of Mohapatra who was a seasoned bureaucrat.
Though one cannot be sure about it there is reason to believe that Mohapatra also guided Patnaik when the latter contested his maiden election from Aska, the Lok Sabha seat that had fallen vacant following his father’s death in 1997. The future chief minister of Odisha gave a good account of himself in that bye-election and came out with flying colours. More than anything else Aska victory proved that Patnaik was a fighter and would not give up easily irrespective of how tough the challenge was.
But Mohapatra had his own political ambitions and developed a following of his own in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) which he practically ran on behalf of the chief minister. He was the party’s hands on boss and conducted its day today affairs. Consumed by his own ambitions he went a bit too far and was accused of planning a coup against Patnaik while he was away on a foreign tour.
Mohapatra’s downfall was as quick as his rise and despite attempts to remain politically afloat by launching a party of his own he failed to make a comeback. With his demise his party, too, vanished.
Mohapatra episode was a lesson for Patnaik who thereafter became extremely careful about the people he trusted and sought advice from. It is at this juncture that he began putting his trust in bureaucrats who could not be suspected to have political ambitions of his own.
The bureaucrats that the chief minister relied upon were young and efficient and also had an understanding of state affairs. If they had ambitions their ambitions never interfered with the political affairs of BJD. It is reasonable to assume that Patnaik benefitted by putting his trust in this close circle of bureaucrats who carried out orders efficiently and displayed gumption by not being too interfering as far as party affairs were concerned.
It is a matter of debate if the chief minister has also been seeking the advice of these bureaucrats in political matters like deciding his party’s campaign issues during elections and selection of candidates. But even if he does he must be in full control of things because he knows it only too well that he is the infallible mascot of BJD and the party cannot do without him. With that kind of confidence in himself Patnaik is free to pick the brains of either bureaucrats or his party colleagues for ultimately it is he who decides which advice to act upon.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)