It has sought applications online for different categories of teachers of district Cadre posts of teachers in government schools under SC &ST Development department and M&BCW department on Monday.
The total number of vacant posts is 2629 in several categories of teachers.
The vacancies will be filled up for the district cadre posts of teachers in TGT(Arts), TGT(Science-PCM), TGT(Sclonce-CB2), Sanskrit Teacher, Hind teacher, Physical Education Teacher (PET), Tribal Language Teacher and Sevak/ Sevika in Government Schools under ST & SC Development and M & BCW Department.
Prospective candidates can avail of the details of vacancies, scale of pay, age, eligibility and other terms and conditions on the web portal of the commission.
Interested candidates may apply coniine by logging in to the OSSSC web portal: www.osssc.gov.in
Important Dates:
Opening date for online registration -- 01.04.2024
Closing date for online registration– 25.04.2024
Submission date for online application – 01.04.2024
Last date for submission of online application – 30-04. 2024.
The department advised the candidates not to wait till the last date and time and to submit their applications well within the timeline. The OSSSC said application will be received on online mode and it will not be held responsible if the candidates are not able to submit their applications due to last minute rush.
The proposals got the state government's nod at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary P K Jena on Friday.
The potential sectors include aluminium, renewable power, manufacturing, aerospace and defence, food processing, apparel and textiles and IT infrastructure, the official said.
The proposed projects are likely to create employment for 42,275 people, Jena said.
In the aerospace and defence sector, Premier Explosives will set up a plant in Rayagada for an investment of Rs 864 crore, while in renewable power, Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd will come up with a Rs 787.48-crore project in Kandhamal, officials said.
In the manufacturing space, Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd will initiate a 35,000-MT unit for Rs 438.92 crore, and a combined investment of Rs 709.13 crore is expected in IT infrastructure, they added.
As per the State govt, a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge will be appointed as the chairperson of the committee in four weeks.
The next hearing of the case will be conducted after four weeks.
Earlier, the court had directed the State government to constitute a high-level committee to supervise the preparation of an inventory of the Ratna Bhandar ornaments, if so required by the Sri Jagannath Temple Management Committee (SJTMC).
“Earlier in September 2023, the High Court had ordered the Odisha government to form a high-level committee to supervise the preparation of an inventory of the Ratna Bhandar within two months. As the government didn’t constitute the committee within the stipulated time, we moved the High Court again through a misc petition. We have also submitted contempt petitions against the Chief Secretary, Law Secretary, and the Chief Administrator of SJTA,” said lawyer Pitambar Acharya.
“There was no hearing of the contempt petitions today. However, hearing the misc petition, Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho have directed the Odisha government to appoint the chairperson of the committee in four weeks. The next hearing of the case will be conducted after four weeks,” he added.
With this hike, a beneficiary will be entitled to receive a minimum monthly pension of Rs 1000. The beneficiaries will get the revised pension amounts from the current month. The pension will be paid to the beneficiaries between February 20 and 25.
The scheme has three slabs of Rs 500, Rs 700 and Rs 900. After the hike, beneficiaries in the lowest slab of Rs 500 will receive Rs 1000 and similarly, the other slabs will also see a revision by the same amount.
With this hike, the state government has to bear an additional expenditure of Rs 3683 crore per annum.
As per sources, the number of beneficiaries under the scheme went up by 4.13 lakh last year. A total of 36.75 lakh people, mainly senior citizens, widows, physically challenged persons, unmarried women, cured leprosy patients, AIDS victims, transgenders, and children orphaned by Covid-19, are receiving pension benefits.
In a written reply to a query by BJP member Mukesh Mahaling, Odisha Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Pritiranjan Gharai said a total of 98,348 posts are lying vacant in 41 departments as of January 2024.
While there are 26,815 vacancies in the Health and Family Welfare Department, the School and Mass Education Department has 21,844 vacant posts, he said.
The lowest number of only one vacancy is in the Department of Industries.
The minister added that there is no proposal under consideration to increase the upper age limit to 42 for government job aspirants.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department issued a notification to this effect on Thursday.
Additional secretary of the government Diganta Routray issued the notification stating, "In view of the celebration of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya, the Government of Odisha has been pleased to declare that the State Government offices as well as the Revenue and Magisterial Courts (Executive) will remain closed for half day till 2.30 pm on 22.01.2024 on (Monday)."
This move of the government came after some parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party and cultural outfits demanded a holiday on January 22.
“While the Central government has been providing rice free of cost to the people, the state government is taking the credit for it,” he observed while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra at Mahulapali in Sambalpur on Monday.
Asserting that nearly 3.25 crore people in Odisha are supplied rice free of cost on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he alleged, "The Odisha government is taking credit for it by hanging posters with state government logo and some photographs of the leaders. Such posters are found at retail outlets. This is sheer cheating. Such deceit should not be done in a democratic system.”
Pradhan, however, claimed that the people have understood such cheating and will increasingly repose their faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Report by Debendra Behera
Pointing out the mess in the public healthcare in the region, the Union Minister said that there are no doctors at the hospitals in Kesaibahal, Bamra, Mahulpali and Kuchinda. “As the healthcare is in a shambles, the state government is solely responsible for the mess,” he stated.
On being asked if he will contest from the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat, Pradhan tactically evaded the question, saying, “It is not a personal choice. The party will decide who will fight elections from where.”
It was earlier speculated that he may contest from Dhenkanal Lok Sabha seat, given his frequent visits to the district.
Replying to another question, the Union Minister told the media that a Kendriya Vidyalaya would be set up in Kuchinda.
No comments have been received from the State government.
The Court has asked the government to reply as to why the notification issued in this regard on December 7, 2023 will not be quashed. Admitting the petition of a former student of the school, Sujogya Samantray, the Court has issued the notice.
The Odisha Secondary Education Act, 1953 was enacted for the development of Secondary schools in Odisha. On the basis of the act, the Secondary Board High School was set up on the premises of the Secondary Board office in 1959. Since then the school has shaped into a leading educational institution in the State.
In his petition, Samantray alleged that the Odisha government is spinning a conspiracy to take over the school in a bid to spread English education in the State.
As per the official notification issued by the Odisha government on December 7, it was stated that the Secondary Board High School, Cuttack will be taken over by State Government with effect from 1 January 2024 to provide infrastructural development as well as quality education in the school.
However, the petitioner urged the High Court to quash the notification on the ground that it is violating various sections of Odisha Secondary Education Act. The next hearing of the case will be held on January 31.
“As per Section 11K of Secondary Education Act, the Secondary Board School, Cuttack has been set up and the management and other responsibilities of the school have been entrusted upon the Board. The State government has absolutely no control over the Board School. In a bid to priorities English medium schools, the State government is violating Section 11K and Section 34 of the Odisha Secondary Education Act and intending to take over the Board School. The High Court realized the fact and issued notice to the State government in this regard,” said the petitioner’s lawyer Akshay Kumar Pande.
However, no reaction could be obtained from the State government in this regard.
Speaking to the media, the Union Minister pointed an accusing finger at the state government for 'lack of cooperation' for a mega park project. She observed, "Odisha has got a huge potential in the textiles sector, but the cooperation from the state government was not made available. If the state government extends cooperation, the textile sector in Odisha can be taken forward.
“We had received applications from various states, but Odisha did not make a bid and refrained from the competition. We had made the process completely transparent. The state’s share is 51 percent of the mega project. The mega project requires 1000 acres of land as part of an ecosystem involving production, manpower, value chains, and marketing linkage,” the Union Minister added.
However, the ruling Biju Janata Dal(BJD) termed the statement of the Union Minister as politically motivated and accused the Central government of negligence toward the state.
Countering the Union Minister, BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo said, "The Chief Minister has repeatedly sent proposals through letters. The Central government has been intimated about the proposal at various forums. However, the Central government has been neglecting Odisha out of political acrimony.”
He also pointed out that if the state government is not cooperating, then why the Central government is awarding the state for schemes in various sectors.
The latest scheme with the conch symbol is 'Ama Bank' which was launched by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
The conch symbol has allegedly been used in Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha and the schemes meant for colleges. However, the opposition attack on this count cut no ice with the government.
The BJP had earlier apprised the Election Commission of India about the use of the 'conch' symbol in many schemes while a Congress delegation had met the Governor over the issue. Both parties alleged that the BJD has been trying to take as much political mileage as possible from the government schemes by showcasing the conch symbol.
BJP legislator Suryavanshi Suraj took a sharp dig at the government on his social media handle on Tuesday for using the conch symbol in the Ama Bank scheme.
“In the name of Ama Bank, the Odisha government has been trying to hijack various financial inclusion schemes of the Central government as well as the ongoing service expansion programmes by the PSU banks. The Naveen Patnaik government usually takes credit for doing hospitality by serving the borrowed curries from others,” he observed in a post on his X handle hours after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Ama Bank scheme on Tuesday.
The young legislator also alleged that keeping the election in view, the BJD is trying to hoodwink people. “The scheme will meet the same fate as Peetha and Biju Yuba Bahini. The people of Odisha have understood what the state government is doing,” he added.
Congress MLA Sura Routray lashed out at the government, saying, "You will see conch in everything and everywhere – bet it dance programmes, songs, schools and colleges. All this will not work this time. The conch will break into pieces and be reduced to a shell. The boat of the BJD is going to sink.”
However, the BJD made a counterattack on the opposition. BJD leader Prashanta Muduli said, “The conch is only visible to the opposition, but they do not see good things or their own problems. They would get benefits if they look at their own problems.”
According to a Supreme Court ruling, no party symbols will be used in any advertisement of government-sponsored programmes. The order said that it is the responsibility of the government to safeguard the trust and confidence in the integrity and impartiality of public services.
However, political analysts said that the government trying to give publicity to any party is in violation of laws, but whichever party is in power usually tries to take mileage this way.
Senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty said, “The ruling parties, be at the centre or the state, are taking advantage of the schemes for their own publicity. This is against the law.”
As per the information provided by the State government in the Assembly, as many as 44 retired officials have been reappointed in the Information and Public Relations Department (I & PR Department) and 50 in the Skill Development and Technical Education Department. It clearly shows the weakness of the State government towards retired administrative officials. However, on the other hand, the number of registered unemployed youth in the State has reached around nine lakh.
As per reports, from peons of various departments to the adviser of the Chief Minister Office, only the retired employees are reappointed under the State government. As per the information provided by the I& PR Department, as many as 44 retired employees have been reappointed as Officers on Special Duty and they are being provided a salary of around Rs 10 lakh every month from the State exchequer. Moreover, in a reply in the Assembly, Skill Development and Technical Education Department Minister Priti Ranjan Ghadei has stated that as many as 50 retired officials have been reappointed in his department.
Though around 8, 98,000 unemployed youths in Odisha have registered themselves and are desperately waiting for jobs, lack of employment opportunities has left them frustrated.
“When retired persons will be reappointed in different posts, what the aspiring unemployed youth will do? Though we have the potential to clear the entrance, we are not getting jobs. Under such circumstances, we will be forced to hit the streets against the policy of the government,” said Antarjyami Senapati, a job aspirant.
“We are working very hard to clear interviews and secure jobs. However, positions are not opening as retired officials are again engaged in various posts. It is definitely a wrong policy by the State government,” said Sanjay Das, another job aspirant.
It seems that reengaging the retired officials has become a policy of the State government. Forget about other departments, even many officials have also been reappointed at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The list includes former Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan, former Chief Secretaries Suresh Mahapatra and Asit Tripathy. While Tripathy has been reappointed as the Chairman of Western Odisha Development Council, former Chief Secretary Aditya Padhi has been given the responsibility of the Election Commissioner of the State. Not only IAS officers, but also two IPS officials have also been reappointed. While former police DG RP Sharma has been reappointed as a member of Lokayukta, retired IPS officer Abhay has been reengaged as the Chairman of the Odisha Staff Selection Commission.
Now questions are being raised as to why the State government is not giving appointments to new candidates when positions remain vacant after the retirement of officials. Opposition parties have slammed the Odisha government over the issue.
“The BJD has using the officials in their political propaganda for the last 24 years. They are afraid that by appointing youth their agenda will be exposed. Hence they are reappointing the retired officials and not giving the opportunities to the youths,” said BJP MLA Suryabanshi Suraj.
“The Odisha government should stop rehabilitating the retired officials. They should give employment opportunities to the youths in the vacant posts,” said Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja.
However, BJD refuted the allegations brought by the Opposition parties.
“The previous governments had not given employment to the youths of the State. During the tenure of BJD, the employment process is going on smoothly and youths are being appointed in various departments wherever there are vacancies,” said BJD leader Amar Satpathy.
Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, BJP leader Rama Ranjan Baliarsingh made a caustic remark on the government, saying, “The longevity of the government is increasing but that of the farmers is declining. I am not saying this, but the WHO is claiming so. Similarly, the incomes of the governments are going up while those of the farmers are diminishing.”
The BJP leader said that the average monthly income of farmers at the national level stands at Rs 10,000 while it is Rs 5,000 in the case of Odisha farmers, of whom 61 percent are reeling under debt burden.
“Farmers in Odisha are bearing the burden of loans worth Rs 32,700 crore and one in every three persons is poor in an agrarian economy like Odisha. And this condition continues even after a whopping amount was allocated in agriculture budgets. What is most alarming is that Odisha is one of 12 states identified as drought-prone in the country,” Baliarsingh claimed.
Alleging the perennial distress sale of paddy and massive irregularities in paddy procurement every year, the BJP veteran said that the poor farmers are still unable to get the right prices for their crops while almost every day reports of farmers committing suicide are coming; but the state government refuses to admit this harsh truth.
He also sought to know what the state government has done for irrigation in the last 23 years.
However, no response has been received from the concerned govt sources.
Amid the party’s preparation for the 2024 general election, the BJP leader made a visit to Rourkela. Addressing a presser in the steel city on Sunday, Samal alleged that the quality of the construction works for Rourkela Airport, Rourkela Medical College and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium has been compromised due to the inefficiency of the Odisha government.
“The state government has failed in various fronts. People are now discussing the failure of the state government. People know what the BJD government is doing,” he claimed.
He stated that the state government had written to the Centre for nine medical colleges for which the Central government has provided funds.
ALSO READ: BJD in crosshairs of BJP & Congress for snubbing sarpanches in ‘Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’
Samal further claimed that people in the district have full support for the BJP and faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The people of Rourkela and Sundargarh have been supporting the BJP wholeheartedly. Modi is in the hearts of all the people here,” he added.
“I visited various parts of Rourkela and interacted with people from all walks of life. I felt that the people are fully supporting the BJP and PM Modi,” the BJP leader asserted.
The OSEPA said the computer-based test under the recruitment drive will commence on November 3, 2023. All the information regarding the CBT has been made available on the official website-www.osepa.odisha.gov.in.
Sharing information about the admit card for the upcoming exam, the OSEPA said that the link for downloading the e-Admit card will be made available on the official website from October 22, 2023.
The syllabus of the CBT examination is available on the OSEPA website.
Notably, the application process to fill up 20,000 JT posts began on September 13 and continued till October 10.
Salary of Junior Teacher (Schematic)
Those selected will get a monthly remuneration of Rs 11,100, excluding the employer’s share of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). After three years of continuous and satisfactory service as a Junior Teacher, a teacher will be appointed as a regular Elementary Teacher through absorption in the Elementary cadre. The monthly salary for a regular Elementary Teacher is Rs. 23,600/-, plus Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other admissible allowances.
For more details, visit the official website- www.osepa.odisha.gov.in.
For CBT notification, click HERE
Those candidates who have cleared the written examination are now eligible to appear for the next phase of the selection process-the computer skill test. The computer skill test is scheduled to be held on October 6 in all districts across the state.
However, some candidates flagged concern on social media that the date of the skill test is clashing with the Accountant examination to be conducted by the Odisha Staff Selection Commission.
"Sir please reschedule the OSSSC Junior Assistant And PEO exam skill date because its clashing with the OSSC Accountant exam date which is on 6th October,2023," wrote an aspirant on X handle.
Sir please reschedule the OSSSC Junior Assistant And PEO exam skill date because its clashing with the OSSC Accountant exam date which is on 6th October,2023 @PradeepJenaIAS @SecyChief @CMO_Odisha @otvkhabar @Naveen_Odisha @gapg_dept @GovernorOdisha @homeodisha @IPR_Odisha pic.twitter.com/F0H2L801iG
— Manoj (@Manoj_ku94) September 14, 2023
"#osssc and #ossc are going to conduct their #accountat and #peo/ #junior assistant exam in one day. How will a candidate appear in two exam in one day!!," wondered another aspirant.
Sir @CMO_Odisha @Naveen_Odisha @MoSarkar5T @gapg_dept @abhayips86
— Chhotu (@chhota_talk) September 17, 2023
Pls listen to us #osssc and #ossc are going to conduct their #accountat and #peo/ #junior assistant exam in one day.
How will a candidate appear in two exam in one day!! @kanak_news @otvkhabar @LaxmidharSir https://t.co/mlxczKSwmJ pic.twitter.com/z0216KAv0x
Taking into account the concerns of the aspirants, the OSSSC has now issued an important notice on its official website.
"The shortlisted Candidates for CRE-2023,who are having another exam on 6th October 2023 may apply by 25/09/2023 through email mentioning their CRE-2023 Roll No. therein to the Commision with evidence (like Admitcard,date,Venue,timing) of such other exams for consideration of allocation of suitable Test Venue," the commission wrote.
The commission has also shared information about the availability of the admit card for the upcoming skill test.
"Attention Candidates for CRE-2023. Admission Letters for the Practical Skill Test in Basic Computer Skills of CRE-2023 will be available before 7 days of the date of Test," the commission stated.
Candidates are required to apply online through www.ssbodisha.ac.in. No other means/mode of submission of applications will be accepted.
Category-wise Vacancy Position
ST-160, ST (women)-76
SC-113, SC (women)- 57
SEBC- 80, SEBC (women)- 37
UR- 365- UR (women)-177
Total-1065
Salary
Scale of Pay of Rs 44,900/- Rs 1,42,400/- (as per Pay Matrix -Level 10) of ORSP Rules, 2017 plus usual DA as admissible from time to time for the teachers of Non-Government Aided Colleges of Odisha.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official website of State Selection Board: www.ssbodisha.ac.in. Candidates must go through the detailed instructions before filling up online application form.
Application Fee
A non-refundable and non-adjustable fee of Rs 500 only for the candidates coming under the Unreserved Category/SEBC Category and Rs 200 for the candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribe/ Scheduled Caste and PwD categories.
Procedure of Selection
The selection shall be on the basis of written test, career and viva-voce test taken together. The distribution of marks for the career assessment is as follows: (a) Career Assessment: Marks: 25, written 150 marks and viva-voce 25 marks.
Zone(s) of Examination
The written examination shall be held at Balasore, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Bolangir, Cuttack, Jeypore and Sambalpur zones depending upon the number of candidates from the respective zones. In case sufficient numbers of candidates are not available for any of the zones, the candidates opting for those zones would be accommodated in the nearest zone. Request for change of zone shall not be entertained.
Important Dates
Opening Date and Time for online Registration and Payment of Examination Fee- 11.09.2023 (1.00 P.M)
Closing Date and Time for online Registration and Payment of Examination Fee- 13.10.2023 (11.45 P.M)
Read the Detailed Advertisement HERE
As many as 20,000 Junior Teacher (schematic) posts will be filled up in the Primary and Upper Primary Schools under different Revenue Districts of the state.
As per the OSEPA notice, applications from the intending candidates for the post of Junior Teacher (Schematic) will be invited through online mode only from September 13, 2023.
No other mode of application will be accepted. The last date for submission of online application form is October 10, 2023.
"The information on district-wise & category-wise posts will be available on OSEPA website i.e. osepa.odisha.gov.in w.e.f. 11.09.2023," the notification stated.
The OSEPA said candidates will be selected on the basis of marks secured in CBT (Computer Based Test) examination. The syllabus of the CBT examination has been made available on the OSEPA website.
There will be no examination fees, the authority stated.
"The date, time & examination centre of CBT examination will be mentioned in the admit card of the concerned candidates. The detailed information on the engagement of Junior Teacher (Schematic) will be available on OSEPA website. The candidates are advised to visit the OSEPA website on regular basis," the notice added.
“Congress condemns the act of the junior IAS officer,” said Chellakumar in a press conference.
The senior Congress leader alleged that Odisha Chief Minister is now under house arrest and it will not be a surprise if the junior IAS officer gives a speech in the Assembly one day as Super CM in place of the CM.
Meanwhile, the Congress decided to send Mahatma Gandhi’s three monkeys to all the Ministers, MPs, and MLAs of the ruling BJD.
“What is the need for a junior officer to go around the State and announce the schemes on behalf of the Chief Minister? The elected Chief Minister is under house arrest. We have decided to send the photographs of three monkeys of Mahatma Gandhi to all the legislators of the BJD,” said Chellakumar.
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Pramila Mallik defended the act of the administrative officer saying that it’s not unconstitutional.
“The officer is not taking part in any BJD meeting or in any program organised under the BJD flag. He is executing various works as per the directions of the Chief Minister. So, it’s not unconstitutional,” said Mallik.
As per the changes announced, boys will wear trousers of bottle green colour and cream colour check shirts, while the girls will wear bottle green colour trousers and cream check kurtis with half-sleeve green jackets. A logo with ‘Ame gadhibu nua Odisha’ (We will build new Odisha) will be embossed on the uniform.
However, BJP MLA Suryabanshi Suraj slammed the Odisha government over the decision.
The saffron party leader questioned when there is no proper infrastructure for education in Odisha, what is the need to change the colours of the school uniform? He also questioned the basis on which the State government has announced ‘Mukhyamantri Paridhana Yojana’ with funds provided by the Union government.
“There will not be any change in the educational system by changing the colours of the buildings and uniforms and making bills. If it worked, then Odisha would not have slipped 14 places to 24th spot in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) report of schools recently published by the Ministry of Education for the 2020-21 academic year,” said Suryabanshi.
Opposition Congress also targeted the State government over the move.
“It’s not their father’s property that they will change whatever they wish. The fund is allocated from the common man’s money. Congress strongly condemns the move,” said senior Congress leader, Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
However, BJD brushed aside the allegations by terming them baseless.
“The allegations by the opposition parties are baseless. The changed uniform is the colour of health and prosperity. Children are very enthusiastic about the move,” said BJD MLA, Devi Ranjan Tripathy.
In a notice, the OSSSC said the Written Test for the posts of Junior Assistant and Panchayat Executive Officer under CRE-2023 will be held on July 9 (Sunday), 2023 in the examination centres of all districts.
The examination will be held from 11 am to 2 pm (3 hours duration).
Sharing details about the admit card, the commission wrote, "The Admission Letters will be available on the website of the Commission www.osssc.gov.in before 15 days of the date of examination, which may be downloaded by the candidates by using their User ID and Password to appear the examination."
"No hard-copy of Admission Letter will be sent to any candidate by post. Candidates may visit the website of the Commission regularly for updates," the commission added.
Notably, the OSSSC will fill up 4942 posts of Junior Assistant and 2297 posts of Panchayat Executive Officer under the Combined Recruitment Examination-2023.
As per the statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office, the amount of ex-gratia in case of death of employees while performing their duties has been increased from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
Similarly, the amount of ex-gratia in case of permanent disability due to injury has been increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. In case of partial disability, the amount of assistance has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.
In fact, the Opposition has alleged that the government is dilly-dallying in appointing new ministers because they have not finalised which rebel MLAs are to be rehabilitated.
BJP MLA, Subash Panigrahi said, “Ousting ministers who have serious allegations against them and inducting new faces is a drama the BJD is playing here in Odisha. The ministers are changed only to rehabilitate rebel MLAs.”
"No minister has any role to play in Naveen Patnaik's government. The cabinet is reduced to only a rubber stamp. The BJD has devised plans to fight the 2024 elections using the government machinery," said Congress MLA, Sura Routray.
However, the BJD denied allegations of any purposeful delay in reshuffling the cabinet.
Revenue minister Pramila Mallik said, “The decision lies solely on CM Naveen Patnaik. Whenever he distributes the portfolios, the ministers have to take charge of that department.”
On the other hand, political analysts indicated that the party might be analysing all the equations taking the rebel MLAs into consideration.
“The party has many MLAs aspiring to get tickets in the coming elections, and it will result in rebellion with some of them putting the party in an awkward situation. The delay in appointing new ministers indicates that the party is still putting the equations together to ensure minimum damage during elections,” said political analyst, Prasanna Mohanty.
It is being discussed that one or two faces from western Odisha may be taken into the cabinet and the name of newly-elected Dipali Das is doing the rounds.
At the same time, the names of legislators Susant Singh, Sarada Nayak, Prashant Muduli, Debi Prasad Mishra, Uma Samantray, and Bikram Keshari Arukha are also being discussed to be in the race.
Similarly, in the race for the Speaker’s seat, the names of Amar Satapathy, Sashi Bhushan Behera, Debi Prasad Mishra, Prafulla Samal, and Niranjan Pujari are cropping up.
With less than a year left for the Assembly elections, all eyes are on CM Naveen Patnaik to see who all are getting the ministerial berths and BJD tickets.
The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), headed by Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, approved the 11 proposals of which nine were from the companies that participated at Make in Odisha Conclave, 2022.
The approved projects will be set up in the districts of Bolangir, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh.
The state government has approved the expansion proposals of Aditya Birla Group-owned Utkal Alumina International Ltd at Rayagada district and Hindalco Industries Ltd at Lapanga, Sambalpur, which promises cumulative investment of nearly Rs 1,000 crore.
The state has also approved the proposal of RCR Steel Works Private Ltd, entailing an investment of Rs 896.98 crore, to set up a steel plant at Jamda in Mayurbhanj district.
The project proposal of Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Ltd to set up a resort at Somolo Island, Chilika Lake in Ganjam district with an investment of Rs 228.45 crore was also approved.
In the chemicals sector, the committee approved a project by Ion Exchange (India) Ltd. worth Rs 303 crore to set up a manufacturing unit in Paradeep.
Indian Stitches Private Ltd has proposed to establish a fabric processing plant at Khordha with an investment of Rs 100 crore.
In the food processing sector, the government has approved the project proposal of Taj SATs Ltd to set up food processing and packaging units in Khordha. The project comes with an investment of Rs 51 crore.
Besides, the proposals of Seetharama Agro Industries Pvt Ltd (Rs 101 crore), Indopet Polymer Pvt Ltd (Rs 52 crore), Vibhor Steel Tubes Pvt Ltd (Rs 70 crore), and ROMCO Aluminates Pvt Ltd (Rs 54 crore) also got the nod.
A bench comprising Justice MR Shah and CT Ravikumar on Wednesday directed the State government to file a detailed status report on compliance with its direction issued in 2019 for the management of Srimandir.
In its directive, the Court rejected the plea by the Odisha government seeking more time for the appointment of a full-time Chief Administrator of the Srimandir managing committee.
The State government had requested the court to extend the time period till December 2023.
“As of today, we are not aware which directions are complied with and which are not. Let a detailed status report on compliance on various directions issued by this court be submitted within a period of four weeks from today. A copy of the report be given to the amicus in advance,” the bench said.
Earlier, the Court had directed the government on November 4, 2019 to appoint a full-time Chief Administrator for the Srimandir managing committee soon instead of a part-time Administrator.
Meanwhile, Amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar informed the Court that the Odisha Government had earlier assured to record 64,000 acres of land in the name of Sri Jagannath temple. However, there has been no development in this regard yet.
The bench also wanted to know about the expenditure of Rs 5 crore towards the welfare of the servitor’s children. The amount was sanctioned following the Court’s order.
The next hearing of the matter has been scheduled to be held on May 1.
As per the notification issued by the Higher Education Department, the last date for 'e-Medhabruti' (UG,PG, Technical & Professional Merit), 'Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti' and `Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana' for the year 2022-23 has been extended.
The extension of deadline will now enable students to submit their applications for 'e-Medhabruti', 'Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti' and `Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana' till February 22. The last date for online validation by heads of institutions/principals is February 28.
In a letter, Higher Education Joint Secretary Prativa Sahu has asked the general manager of OCAC to keep the schemes live on the State Scholarship Portal upto the new extended date.
"Online validation by the Principal / Head of concerned Institutions is mandatory for getting 'e-Medhabruti'. Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti' and 'Gopabandhu Sikhya ahayata Yojana' Scholarship by the eligible students. In case of any problem faced by the Students or Institutes at the time of online application or online validation respectively in the State Scholarship Portal, they may contact at 0674-2396550 or e-mail on scholarshiphed@gmail.com," the Higher Education Department said.
Such allegations surfaced after a purported video of the staff feasting with their vehicle parked on the roadside went viral.
As per reports, the staff of Bhima Bhoi Medical College & Hospital (BBMCH)’s blood bank used the blood collection van to travel to their picnic spot. According to sources, as the mobile van is meant for collection of blood and storage of collected samples, it is crucial to ensure proper protection of the van to prevent any infection.
However, it is alleged that a group of medical staff including 15 to 20 persons used the vehicle for travelling. Though the exact location of the picnic is yet to be known, such a callous act has drawn sharp criticism after the video went viral.
Meanwhile, the Dean of BBMCH quashed the reports and clarified that the staff went to a blood donation camp.
“I inquired from the blood bank and learned that yesterday (Sunday), they (staff) went for a blood donation camp in Khairibadi which was organized by an organisation ‘Being Human’. They collected blood. As the road was quite narrow, they had to park the vehicle on the roadside,” said Dr Manasi Panda, Dean, BBMCH.
Panda further added, “They didn’t go for a picnic. They were granted permission by me and I signed the application in which they had stated their purpose as 'blood donation camp'. Regarding the feast at the location, the blood donation camp was organised on the occasion of someone’s birthday and the organisers had made arrangements for some puja and feast. There is no connection between their feast and our staff.”
Management of these natural resources in Odisha had been with the Revenue Department. Minor minerals have been treated as Sairat sources and, at the field level, have been managed by the Tehsildar. With exponential increase in demand for these resources in development activities like construction of buildings, roads and bridges, exploitation of these resources has leapfrogged posing challenges to the administrative infrastructure. Incidence of illegal exploitation has increased. Unscrupulous elements have taken law into their own hands and there are cases where officers discharging their duties have been victims of violence committed by such miscreants. It is public knowledge that huge pilferage goes on under political protection.
In view of the increasing inadequacies of the existing administrative arrangement, government decided to revamp the existing regulatory infrastructure so that the valuable natural resources are scientifically exploited. Besides meeting the economy’s need for these minor minerals, the revamping is expected to yield higher revenue for the government.
Accordingly, management of minor minerals in Odisha has been transferred from Revenue and Disaster Management Department to Steel and Mines Department. Definition of Sairat (a subject allocated to Revenue and Disaster Management Department) in Rules of Business has been modified excluding from it the minor minerals as defined under MMDR Act, 1957 to accommodate transfer of minor mineral management to Steel and Mines Department. Similarly, Directorate of Minor Minerals has been transferred from Revenue and DM Department to Steel and Mines Department. Mining Officer would be declared as Competent Authority and Deputy Director Mines, as Controlling Authority under OMMC Rules, 2016. For effective monitoring and supervision of sources, Directorate would be strengthened through establishment of PMU and Legal Cell. The Directorate would have financial power as Head of the Department. One Junior Mining Officer (JMO) will be posted to supervise 30 sources, one Assistant Mining Officer (AMO) will supervise work of two JMOs and one Mining Officer (MO) will be in position to supervise work of 2 AMOs. Each district will have at least one JMOs, one AMO and one MO with support staff and vehicles. They will work under 13 Deputy Director of Mining (DDM). Newly created posts of Revenue Inspector and Amin in 144 Tehsils in November 2019 would be transferred to Steel and Mines Department.
As per the new policy, government agencies would have priority for allocation of minor minerals sourced for timely completion of projects. Minor Minerals of high potential may, in consultation with Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), be reserved for OMC.
While these steps seem to be in the right direction and need to be put into operation immediately, at this stage certain important issues need to be flagged for appropriate action. Headquarters of the JMO should be fixed close to the source for better supervision and control of the source. There is at present no arrangement for Internal Vigilance. In the past, senior officers of the Directorate of Mining have been criminally prosecuted for complicity/negligence in theft of minerals. Minor minerals too are equally, or, rather, more vulnerable to theft and since miscreants are extremely resourceful, it is most likely that theft would take place for Minor Minerals as well even under the revamped administrative arrangement. A robust system, therefore, needs to be in place to make the sector impregnable to pilferage. Territorial JMO, being on site and vulnerable to attacks by miscreants, should be free from enforcement job. He should process application, conduct auction, collect Royalty, and execute agreement with the lessee. Mining plan and agreement should also be under his purview. Vigilance wing should conduct surprise raids, catch stealing and impose fine.
There is now provision for fine up to Rs 5 lakh. It would be desirable to fix a minimum amount for fine. OMMC Rules 2004 is proposed to be amended. In this task of modification of existing Rules, Secretariat officers who do not have field knowledge may not do justice to the task. Therefore, outside expertise should be availed of for framing rules so that ways for handling field situations get properly reflected in the new Rules. While doing so, harmony between Environment and Mining Rules should be ensured. There is also a need for Green Tribunal in the state.
A large number of officials have been proposed for the new Directorate. Issue is when will they be recruited, and when will they get training? A very important and urgent task is to put the trained staff in place soon.
Another important issue relates to handing over and taking over of minor mineral sources. Such charge handing and taking over MUST NOT be a paper transaction. Authorised person of the Revenue Department must hand over assets to the competent Mining official on the field and clearly state how many and which are being worked legally and how many and which are not.
Restructuring of the minor mineral administrative infrastructure is surely welcome and it is good that the need for adequate number of technical officials has been acknowledged. Right now the situation remains confusing. Nothing much seems to have been done towards recruitment of officials. If precious time is lost in recruiting the staff, training them and deploying them in the field, huge damage would be done and large scale pilferage would continue unabated for a long time. Political forces which find ongoing large scale pilferage helpful would like the present arrangement to continue. That, however, would delay qualitative improvement of the administration of minor minerals.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the 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. The author can be reached at lonewalker.1942@gmail.com)
More From The Author | Eclipse of Assembly: Salary hike demand of Odisha MLAs unjustifiable, will invite people’s wrath
As per the CAG audit report, 41 per cent of the bridges under BSY have not been completed due to delay in finalisation of tender, deficiencies in survey resulting in changes in design, failure in resolving land issues and slow pace works by contractors. As a result, people in the area are going through a tough time.
The CAG report, tabled in the Odisha Assembly stated that the State government had planned to complete 793 bridge projects during 2017 to 2021 out of which only 473 were completed, which is 59%. The scheme was launched by the State government in 2011 to bridge all the missing links on roads in rural areas.
The authorities could spend only Rs 2,255 crore against the budget provision of Rs 2,570 crore under BSY.
Take the case of Nuapadhi Gram Panchayat under Remuna block in Balasore district. A bridge over Ghungi ghat under BSY has been constructed. However, the bridge has no approach road on its right side and as a result, people of the area are using bamboos to connect the bridge with the road and crossing it dangerously by risking their lives.
“The bridge has no approach roads. We are depending upon a temporary bamboo bridge as an approach road to get connected with the bridge. It is very difficult to commute on the bridge. Many people have fallen and got themselves injured while crossing the bridge. Children are getting scared to cross the bridge through the bamboo bridge. Life has become very difficult for us. We can’t even come out from our village to make our living,” said Amitabh Kar, a resident of Balasore.
In reply, Balasore Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said that the work has started again and the bridges will be completed within three months.
“We have to purchase lands directly from people for the completion of the approach roads and the process has been completed. The construction work will be finished within three months,” said Shinde.
In another case of sheer neglect by the State government, a bridge under BSY on Son river in Totapada village under Remuna block is yet to be completed even after four years since the work started.
In another such incident, the construction work of a bridge at Nayapali village under Bhograi block under the same scheme is still going on from 2022. However, only the pillars of the bridge have been constructed and the local administration has no clue when the bridge will be completed.
Similarly, a bridge, which has been constructed with an expenditure of Rs 3.8 crore, connecting Bilasahi and Kusunpur village under Binjharpur block in Jajpur block is lying in unusable condition sans approach roads on both sides. Due to gross neglect by the administration and non-acquisition of land required for approach roads to the bridge, it is of no use.
“We are facing a lot of problems in communication because of the incomplete bridge. We are even finding it hard to reach medical during health emergencies,” said Bhubanananda Samal, a resident of Jajpur.
“Local people have demanded the completion of the bridge before the local administration several times, but it has fallen in deaf ears. The administration seems to be in a mood to delay the project to have their shares of money through corrupt activities,” added Samal.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties have slammed the Odisha government for massive irregularities in Biju Setu Project.
“As per the CAG report, it is pretty clear that the State government is indulged in corruption and irregularities. PAC will prepare an action report in this regard and the government will be dragged to court,” said senior BJP leader Mohan Majhi.
Congress demanded CBI inquiry into the incident.
“We demand a CBI inquiry into the incident. Stern action should be taken against the culprits who are involved in corruption,” said senior Congress leader Suresh Routray.
On the other hand, BJD said that due process has been followed for the implementation of the scheme.
“Tender was given for the construction of the bridges under the BSY scheme and proper process has been followed. Strong action will be taken against the persons who are responsible for the alleged irregularities,” said senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra.
As per reports, the State government had sanctioned Rs 5 crore to the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) 13 years back for the project. First, it was an MLA, and then it was the Chief Minister who inaugurated the ambitious project. However, there is no sign of the construction work for the project even over a decade has passsed.
While questions have been raised multiple times over why OTDC has not started the project even after receiving the funds, the Tourism department has remained mum all these years.
Meanwhile, it is being alleged that the sanctioned fund is embezzled
It is pertinent to mention here that the state government initiated the plans in 2009 with an aim to provide a Dubai-like experience to tourists with the ambitious Marine Aquarium project. On January 30, 2009, former Puri MLA Maheswar Mohanty laid the foundation stone for the project near the Urban Haat in Baliapanda which is nearly 200 meter from Puri sea beach.
An Ahmedabad-based Centre for Environment was appointed for constructing the aquarium on 2.404 acre of government land. In 2009, Rs 3 crore was released from the treasury for the project, and in 2020 Rs 2 crore was sanctioned to OTDC. Later in 2015, once again CM Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone for the project. However, even as the project has been inaugurated twice and Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned for the same, there are no signs of initiation of the construction work.
“The foundation stone laying ceremony was held multiple times, but, the construction of the museum is yet to start. This explains that the Tourism Department is least bothered about the project,” said Sarat Raiguru, an advocate.
Meanwhile, Biswanath Das, an intellectual said, “This is indeed shameful and disappointing. We are discontented that we have been electing such a government since several years that is only laying the foundation stones and not initiating the works.”
“As per our information, the delay was from the architect’s end who was supposed to give the design,” said Puri Tourism Officer, Saroj Kumar.
On the other hand, the State’s Revenue Department has been inquiring about the usage of the funds since 13 years to the State tourism department and OTDC. However, neither the tourism department is responding to the inquiries nor it is giving unapplied cash.
The main reason for concern is, despite the fund was not required in an emergency, OTDC withdrew it. Meanwhile, the Revenue Department has claimed that OTDC such an incident has proved financial irregularities. Further, Revenue Department has mentioned in a letter to the Tourism Department has mentioned that it lost around Rs 1.20 crore by 2013 as the interest. The Revenue Department also raised suspicion about the project in its letter as OTDC didn’t focus on the affiliation and business point of view of the project.
“I will inspect the matter as over 10 years the fund is not being used. We take immediate steps so that the fund will be used for the project,” said Aswini Patra, Minister of Tourism.
As per the notification, Rabindra Nath Sahu, IAS(SCS-2009), Secretary, State Election Commission, Bhubaneswar is appointed as Collector & District Magistrate, Nayagarh.
The letter read, “In exercise of the powers conferred under section 20(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 (Act II of 1974), the State Government do hereby appoints Rabindra Nath Sahu, IAS as the District Magistrate in the district of Nayagarh.”
Similarly, Dr. Poma Tudu, IAS(RR-2012), Collector & District Magistrate, Nayagarh is appointed as Managing Director, Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited, Bhubaneswar.
The post of Managing Director, Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited is declared equivalent in Status and responsibility to the post of Joint Secretary provided in the IAS Cadre of the State.
The additional appointment of Dr. Brundha D., IAS as Managing Director, Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited shall stand terminated from the date Dr.PomaTudu, takes over.
Moreover, Aditya Goyal, IAS(RR-2019), Sub-Collector, Kuchinda with additional charge of Executive Officer, NAC, Kuchinda is appointed as Chief Development Officer- cum- Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, Bargarh.
On completion of Phase-Il Training, Kulkarni Ashutosh C, IAS (RR-2020) is appointed as Sub-Collector, Berhampur.
In exercise of the powers conferred under section 20(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 (Act Il of 1974), the State Government appointed Kulkarni Ashutosh C, IAS as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Berhampur in the district of Ganjam.
On completion of Phase-II Training, Madhumita, IAS (RR-2020) is appointed as Sub- Collector, Baliguda. She is allowed to remain in additional charge of Executive Officer, NAC, Baliguda.
On completion of Phase-II Training, Vedbhushan, IAS (RR-2020) is appointed as Sub- Collector, Dharamgarh. He is allowed to remain in additional charge of Executive Officer, NAC, Dharamgarh.
On completion of Phase-II Training, Chavan Kunal Motiram, IAS (RR-2020) is appointed as Sub-collector, Balasore. He is allowed to remain in additional charge of Executive Officer, Balasore Municipality.
On completion of Phase-II Training, Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, IAS (RR-2020) is appointed as Sub-collector, Kuchinda. He is also allowed to remain in additional charge of Executive Officer, NAC, Kuchinda.
The additional appointment of Aditya Goyal, IAS as Executive Officer, NAC, Kuchinda shall stand terminated from the date Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, IAS takes over.
The councils were formed with key objectives of conservation and propagation of tribal culture, recognition of indigenous knowledge, documentation of tribal culture, tradition and practices, identification of tribal resources and promotion of tribal language and dialects.
However, these SDCs set up in nine districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri are allegedly lying defunct.
The State government had spent crores for SDCs which are of no use now, alleged opposition leaders.
For the last three years, SDCs are lying in a state of coma thanks to the indifferent attitude of the State government towards tribals, they alleged.
Take the example of Special Development Council office of Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Rayagada. SDC offices in these districts have not been functioning for the last three years. And, it is alleged that the government hardly bothers to recruit chairman in these offices.
It is alleged that the Koraput-based SDC office is being run by the District Project Coordinator and a peon. None has been recruited to the post of chairman since 2019. Funds to the sum of Rs 42 crore have been allocated during the financial year 2017-18 and 2018-19 for the SDC out of which Rs 21 crore has not been used.
Similarly, two peons are there to run SDC office of Malkangiri. Following the retirement of the then chairman Manas Madakami, none has been hired to the post.
Interestingly, SDC office in Rayagada district has been locked after running for two years from a rented house.
The SDC office of Nabarangpur has the same fate. It was being operated from a rented house for some period of time before being shut. As a result, SDC office documents and other office articles are gathering dust at ITDA office, Nabarangpur.
At a time when Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in a letter to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, has reiterated the demand for the inclusion of more than 160 communities of Odisha into the ST (Schedule Tribe) list of the State, the government’s lack of concern for SDCs has been criticised by the Opposition leaders.
Bhrugu Baxipatra, vice-president of the State wing of Bharatiya Janata Party said, “The State government has no linking with SDCs. The government takes up such initiative just to settle BJD leaders and appease people.”
However, BJD leader and Minister Jagannath Saraka said, “Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is very much concerned about tribal development. He had taken several initiatives earlier and will do in future too. When it comes to SDCs, he will take a suitable decision for sure.”
Meanwhile, the employees of the OTM and several other firms which were supposed to receive Rs 115 crore have pinned high hopes for a major change in their lives.
The Odisha government is apparently making efforts to draw the attention of investors from foreign countries to revive the industrial sector in the State. With such plans, the state has initiated special programmes including 'Make In Odisha'. Even Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik himself has met several top-notch investors in Dubai and Mumbai.
However, on the other hand, the state-owned textile mill, OTM is struggling to revive its identity and gain its existence.
While former CM Biju Patnaik's efforts helped to establish OTM in Cuttack's Choudwar in 1950, it lost its existence during Naveen's first tenure as CM in 2001.
As per reports, OTM during its initial days exported clothes to different parts of the country as well as overseas. Moreover, over 9000 labourers and employees were employed at OTM which was the only source of income for them. During the time just before its closure, over 3500 families were dependent on OTM. Since the day, the textile mill was closed owing to huge financial losses two decades back, the families associated with OTM are suffering.
After the State government's several failed promises of reviving OTM, HC's order has come as a relief for all who were supposed to receive the money from OTM. The top court asked the State government to deposit Rs 115 crore by Oct 15 to repay OTM's moneylender, employee salary and several other associated expenses. Though everyone is hopeful about receiving the long-standing pending amount, concerns have been raised over the privatisation of the public sector textile mill.
"We are hopeful that the government will pay OTM's money and every worker will receive it. Their long wait will end. We are also hopeful that the government will plan for an alternative textile mill for OTM," said Jagannath Beura, a former employee of OTM.
Meanwhile, another former employee said, "We heard that the govt will sell OTM to some private company. We wish the government takes it and does something productive so that our children could get work."
On the other hand, the Opposition has trained guns towards the government over such an approach for OTM.
"If the Odisha government failed to operate a running mill and couldn't even revive it in all these years, any type of tall claims won't be acceptable," said Suratha Biswal, BJP leader.
Similarly, Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja said, "The government is not doing anything in the State but is touring foreign countries and different states across the country. The government is fooling the citizens by claiming that they are attracting big investors to the state."
However, BJD leader Prabhat Biswal said, "The HC asked the government to pay the amount. But, much before that, the government has already paid Rs 35 crore through IDCO. The remaining Rs 115 crore will be deposited by Oct 15 as mentioned in the affidavit."
As per the notice, Nikunja Bihari Dhal, IAS (RR-1993), Principal Secretary to Government, Energy Department is allowed to remain in additional charge of Principal Secretary to Government, Excise Department and Chairman, GRIDCO.
The additional appointment of Deoranjan Kumar Singh, IAS as Principal Secretary to Government, Excise Department will be terminated from the date Nikunja Bihari Dhal takes over.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS (RR-1996), Principal Secretary to Government, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department is allowed to remain in additional charge of Principal Secretary to Government, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department.
Suresh Kumar Vashishth, IAS (RR-1998), Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Science & Technology Department is appointed as Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Fisheries & ARD Department.
The additional appointment of Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS as Principal Secretary to Government, Fisheries & ARD Department will be terminated from the date Suresh Kumar Vashishth takes over.
Shubha Sarma, IAS (RR-l999), Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department is appointed as Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Woman & Child Development Department.
The additional appointment of Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, IAS as Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Woman & Child Development Department will be terminated from the date Shubha Sarma takes over.
Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, IAS(RR-1999), Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department is allowed to remain in additional charge of Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Science & Technology Department.
Shalini Pandit, IAS(RR-2001), Mission Director, National Health Mission with additional charge of Special Secretary to Government, H & F.W. Department is appointed as Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Health & Family Welfare Department.
Mrs. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, IAS(RR-2008), Director, ST with additional charge of CEO, ORMAS is appointed as Additional Secretary to Government, P R & D W. Department.
She is allowed to remain in additional charge of CEO, ORMAS.
Dr. Brundha D, IAS (RR-2010), MD, OSMCL with additional charge of Commissioner, Food Safety, Odisha is appointed as Mission Director, National Health Mission.
She is allowed to remain in additional charge of MD, OSMCL and Commissioner, Food Safety, Odisha.
Sanjay Kumar Mishra, IRTS-1992, Special secretary to Government, Commerce & Transport Department is allowed to remain in additional charge of Chairman- cum-Managing Director, OPTCL.
The additional appointment of Nikunja Bihari Dhal, IAS as chairman, OPTCL shall stand terminated from the date Sanjay Kumar Mishra, IRTS takes over.
Saroj Kumar Mishra, OAS(SS), Special Secretary to Government, Finance Department with additional charge of Special Secretary to Government, Home(Protocol) Department is transferred and posted as Special Secretary to Government, Health & Family Welfare Department.
He is allowed to remain in additional charge of Special Secretary to Government, Home(protocol) Department.
Not all, but vehicles that have run beyond 15 years in case of commercial vehicles and 20 years in case of personal vehicles will be scrapped under the policy. If reports are to be believed, the transport department has already started identifying the vehicles and begun the necessary process.
This new policy will phase out unfit and polluting vehicles in an environment-friendly and time-bound manner. The State Commerce & Transport Authority has informed that it will ink an MOU with a private company at the 2022 Make in Odisha Conclave.
Minister of Commerce & Transport, Tukuni Sahu said, “We are trying to do things that is better for the common people. We have sent the proposal to CM Naveen Patnaik. Further steps will be taken after his approval.”
As per the policy, the owner will get incentives worth 6% of the ex-showroom price of the new vehicle they buy and a proof certificate. One will be entitled to avail tax benefits of 25% in case of personal vehicles and 15% in case of commercial vehicles for 8 years. Moreover, they buyers can avail 5% discount while buying the new vehicle.
Commenting on the policy, Road Safety Worker, Prakash Mahapatra said, “This surely will create employment opportunities, boost trade, help in reducing pollution and improve environmental condition. We welcome this decision of the government.”
As per the available data, there are at least 16.61L old vehicles in the state out of which 8.28L vehicles are more than 20 years while the remaining 8.33L vehicles are more than 15 years.
However, many vehicle owners have expressed discontentment over low scrap value of 6%.
“The scrap price should be around 15-20% of the ex-showroom value because 6% is too low. The vehicles should be sold as per its run time, mileage and good condition. Vehicle owners should get good price for their vehicle so that they can buy a new vehicle,” said a local, Sarthak Das.
Worth mentioning, in 2019, the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha had informed that there will be no scrapping of vehicles which are more than 15 years old.
Notably, PM Modi had launched the significant policy while virtually addressing the Gujarat Investor Summit on August 13, 2021.
BJP National President JP Nadda announced the distribution of new portfolios to the party leaders. Some of those include appointment of former Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb for Haryana, former union minister Prakash Javadekar for Kerala, and former Gujarat CM Vijaybhai Rupani for Chandigarh.
The development comes just a month after the party announced an 11-member revised Parliamentary party board where it included new faces like BS Yediyurappa, Sarbananda Sonowal and removed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Chouhan.
Earlier in August 2022, the BJP had appointed senior leader Sunil Bansal as the Prabhari of Odisha state unit.
Here is the list of newly appointed party state in-charges:
Kerala - Prakash Javadekar
Madhya Pradesh - P. Muralidhar Rao
Punjab/ Chandigarh - Vijaybhai Rupani
Bihar - Vinod Tawde
Chhattisgarh - Om Mathur
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu - Vinod Sonkar, MP
Haryana - Biplab Kumar Deb
Jharkhand - Laxmikant Bajpai
North-East states - Sambit Patra
West Bengal - Mangal Pandey
Tripura - Mahesh Sharma
Rajasthan - Arun Singh
Telangana - Tarun Chugh
Congress spokesperson, Nishikant Mishra alleged that the state government makes big claims but fails to deliver.
"Despite spending heavily on promotional activities, the state has failed to generate employment. Looking at the Make In Odisha Conclaves, it can easily be said that though the government conceives ideas, it seldom delivers."
Similarly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeted the Odisha government terming the conclave as eyewash. Party General Secretary, Prithviraj Harichandan said, "The State government should stop misleading youths on the pretext of providing them jobs."
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should introspect why the youths are going to other states for jobs despite all these promotional programmes promising jobs and employment inside Odisha, asked Harichandan.
The Odisha government on Wednesday organised a curtain raiser for the 3rd edition of Make In Odisha Conclave in Delhi. The event was joined by the CM along with other Ministers and officials.
Patnaik met ambassadors of 16 countries and invited them to the Make In Odisha Conclave 22. As per reports, he briefed the ambassadors about the investment opportunities in Odisha and the facilities the state government is providing for the investors.
It is pertinent to mention here that the state government already conducted investors' road shows in Dubai and Ahmedabad this year.
However, despite heavy spending on promotional activities, experts are not quite optimistic about the results.
Addressing the media at a presser, Mohanty said, “I have a serious question for the Naveen-led government. Were the people who lost their lives due to wall collapse (during the floods in the State) not eligible beneficiaries? Why were they not given a ‘pucca’ house under PMAY-G?”
Mohanty alleged that at least six people lost their lives due to wall collapse in Mayurbhanj district and accused the State government of trying to suppress the matter. A woman died in the wall collapse, her father is also critical and currently undergoing treatment at Udala government hospital. Luckily, two minor children a four-month-old baby survived, he said.
He further said, “Even after such tragic deaths, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik claimed that there were zero casualties. Even the media reported that there were no deaths due to wall collapse. The Chief Minister himself visited Mayurbhanj district on August 12. Even, our country got the first tribal President Draupadi Murmu from Mayurbhanj district. But, till today, people live a life of neglect and deprivation in the region.”
“Odisha has been provided with 8.17 lakh houses under PMAY-G by the Centre. However, the Naveen-led government has miserably failed to provide houses to the eligible beneficiaries that led to the deaths in wall collapse,” alleged Mohanty.
Recently, Mohanty visited the flood-hit regions in Mayurbhanj district and took a stock of the situation. He assured all kinds of help to the people and directed his party workers to distribute relief and provide assistance to the people in need.
The projects would generate employment opportunities for over 24,047 people in the State, the government said.
The committee approved the proposal of ReNewEFuels Private Limited (REFPL) to set up Green Hydrogen (Capacity: 20 KTPA) & Green Ammonia Plant (Capacity: 100 KTPA) in Paradip under Jagatsinghpur district against an investment of Rs 2000 crore which will reportedly generate employment opportunities for 2000 persons.
The committee also gave approval for setting up of 60,000 MT industrial structure and 6,000 MT Steel plant equipment facilities to Tata Steel Limited (Growth Shop) against an investment of Rs 1000 crore with a said employment opportunity for over 2451 people.
The HLCA gave a nod to Adani Enterprises Limited to set up a 4 MTPA alumina refinery and 175 MW CPP Plant in Kashipur under Rayagada district, against an investment of Rs 41653 crore, which will reportedly generate employment opportunities for over 7750 people.
The committee approved the proposal of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited for setting up a 6 MTPA beneficiation plant at Dalki village and 12 MTPA slurry pipeline from proposed beneficiation plant at Dalki to Dabuna slurry pumping station unit in Dalki, Keonjhar district against an investment of Rs 1490 crore generating employment opportunities for 600 persons.
Odisha government has made Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL) the single point of contact for all industrial investments in the State. IPICOL is responsible for devising the investment promotion, facilitation, and aftercare strategy for the state of Odisha. IPICOL, as the investment promotion agency of the State of Odisha, undertakes all activities to promote Odisha as the investment destination of choice.
Such decision has been taken as per the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.
As per the Odisha government’s decision, the HBA has been increased from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 40 lakh.
As per the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the assistance will be extended to all the employees under the National Pension Scheme and the permanent employees.
The government also fixed the rate of interest on HBA at 8 per cent. It is pertinent to mention here that as per the House Building Advance rules 2020, loan up to up to Rs 25 lakh was paid at 11.5 % interest rates.
From now, the loan will be disbursed to the government employees in two phases in 60-40 ratio.
The move will benefit teachers of 488-category aided non-government higher secondary schools in the State.
In another development, the Odisha government has decided to induct NCC into the curriculum of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya.
In the first phase, NCC will be inducted in 30 Adarsha Vidyalayas and later the same will be introduced at least in one school in every district.
As per the data available with OTV, about Rs 30 lakh has been spent for procuring each van for offering ATM service on the wheels.
However, the vans are gathering dust in most of places within two years of its inception owing to lack of driver and internet connectivity.
Revealing the sorry state of affairs, a mobile ATM van was seen lying unused at a garage dump behind Mayurbhanj central cooperative bank at Baripada. Similar is the fate of a van at Karanjia branch.
Abhay Lenka, chief executive officer of Mayurbhanj central cooperative bank said, “Initially, we engaged a driver to run the mobile ATM vehicle on monthly basis. However, the service remained suspended during Covid and we disengaged the driver to cut our expenses.”
“When the mobile van visits rural areas like Pallahada, the mobile network is lost. Besides, people do not turn up to avail services,” said Askhay Prusty, manager, Angul United Central Cooperative Bank.
Angul United Central Cooperative Bank, secretary Mahendranath Samal said, “We want to run the mobile ATM van. However, there is lack of fund for repair of the vehicle. We are writing to higher authorities frequently. Once fund is released, we will do the needful.”
The mobile ATM service was launched in 2014 in a joint initiative by Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Odisha government. The target was to provide all types of banking services like cash withdrawal, deposit and providing loan to people in 20 blocks of 10 tribal-dominated districts. The Odisha State Cooperative Bank (OSCB) had spent a whopping Rs 6.56 crore for the project.
Moreover, Rs 2.13 crore was spent for repair of the mobile ATMs between 2016 and 2020.
Surprisingly, only Rs 18 crore was withdrawn from 20 mobile ATMs between 2015 and 2021 of which Rs 11.63 was alone withdrawn in one month post cyclone Fani.
Ironically, not a single penny was withdrawn from the ATMs in Mayurbhanj, Angul and Sundergarh districts. However, the accountant general report said Rs 1.76 crore was spent to upkeep the service in those districts.
On the other hand, beneficiaries attributed failure of the service to managerial defect.
Sudhansu Das of Sundergarh said, “We are just noticing the mobile ATMs which are not benefiting us in any way. We farmers are unable to avail any facilities from the mobile ATMs.”
Food supplies and consumer welfare minister Ranendra Pratap Swain said, “The AG has furnished several reports which are being analysed by our standing committee. The suggestions of the standing committee are also being reviewed and implemented.”
Speaking to reporters, Panda said, “The letter from the Chief Secretary serves its purpose. There is an unnecessary controversy created by the BJP and the Centre has been cleared with all the doubts by the CS.”
Targeting Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, Panda said, “She represents Bhubaneswar in Delhi. Why did not she come to meet the Union Minister to discuss the Ordinance when called upon by BJD MPs?”
Sarangi, however, rubbished the allegations and said, “I am determined to work towards the development of my constituency with a positive approach. I am obliged to work for my constituents each and every day.”
“I do not have any agenda here. But I will never let wrongdoing get past me unnoticed. If there is something wrong happening, I will raise my voice and bring it to the fore,” Sarangi said.
“Nobody is opposing development and beautification. But that cannot be done going against the law,” she added.
Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra on Tuesday had written to Union Home Secretary clarifying the objections pertaining to the ordinance issued by Centre on March 3, 2022 and March 20, 2022.
Earlier, the Union government had claimed that the Odisha government’s ordinance to bring the 11th-century Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar and its associated temples under a special law is outside the legislative competence of the state legislature and could lead to conflict with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act) and AT ACT 1972.
Though the State government aims to introduce it for all schools, it will be implemented in 90 schools across two smart cities – Bhubaneswar and Rourkela in the first phase.
As per official sources, the OVEP will be launched in 27 schools in Rourkela and 63 schools in Bhubaneswar.
The first Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) in India has been launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The OVEP has been developed in partnership with the Government of Odisha’s Department of School and Mass Education and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT).
Sources said, the incorporation of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) into the school curriculum of Odisha will be in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust.
“Proud & elated to take the first step towards making values-based learning a reality for the over 250 million school children in India. Launched the Olympic Values Education Programme, to be first implemented in the school education system of Odisha,” tweeted Bindra.
“The Olympic Values Education Programme has been developed and implemented around the world since 2006. Today, we are very happy that we are taking the first steps to disseminate this Olympic values-based education to children and young people in India. Olympic education and Olympic culture can be a powerful tool to bring about positive change in the world," said IOC Education Commission Chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski.
Official sources said that the programme aims to leverage the rich cultural and art history of Odisha in tailoring the OVEP curriculum to the school children of the state. Teachers will be trained and empowered to deliver the programme in their own unique ways to suit the respective needs of their prefectures and local environments.