However, he paid a visit to Manikapatna and Khambagaon villages and held discussions with the people affected by the cyclone and the subsequent floods. Besides, Pradhan would visit Laxmipur and Kainpur panchayats in the district, Baxipatra added.
Later in the day, the Union Minister will visit Aska in Ganjam district and take stock of the situation there, sources said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday had paid a visit to the Gangabada panchayat and announced Rs 10 lakh assistance each to the next kin of those killed in the Titli-related incidents.
Besides, the affected residents were promised pucca houses in plain areas, under Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana and land rights. Drinking water and electricity would also be provided to them, the CM had stated.
Talking to newsmen, Pradhan stated that CM knows everything and his silence is a matter of concern as already Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal has expressed concern over the sensitive issue.
"At a time when Odisha Governor as well as people of Odisha expressed concern and from the time of opening of Ratna Bhandar following Orissa High Court's direction to the recent Supreme Court's order, CM Naveen Patnaik's silence on the issue is unfortunate," said Pradhan.
Pradhan further said that as CM knows everything and has complete data about who had the custody of the Ratna Bhandar key and what happened to it subsequently, he should present facts before the Jagannath devotees.
It is not for the first time that Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has questioned the silence of CM on the matter. Earlier, both BJD and BJP were at loggerheads with the latter trying to corner State government on the Ratna Bhandar issue.
Reacting on Pradhan's accusation, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb stated that, "CM Naveen is a responsible person and understands the sentiments of people of Odisha."
Deb further stated that there is no available record of who has taken or handed over the Ratna Bhandar key which is an administrative affair.
"CM has already ordered for a judicial probe to find the truth and BJP is doing politics on the issue," Deb added.
In a presser, BJD leaders alleged that Pradhan's claim regarding construction of 5499 km national highways (NH) in the State in last four years is completely misleading.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has constructed only 254 km of the NH while the additional 1058 km road has been constructed jointly by the Odisha government and NHAI.
Centre has generated revenue worth Rs 53,795 crore from the East Coast Railway in the last four years but only Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated to Odisha.
Odisha is getting around Rs 5000 crore less due to the reduction in the fund allocation to the State under the 14th Finance Commission (4.64%) against the 13th Finance Commission (4.78%), the ruling party claimed.
"The Union Minister is trying to mislead the people of Odisha by making false claims about Central assistance to the State," alleged senior BJD leader, Sanjay Das Burma.
Burma also dared Pradhan to order Chhattisgarh government to stop the illegal construction of barrages on the upper catchments area of Mahanadi river in the larger interest of the people in Odisha.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb on the other hand stated that Pradhan should also speak on issues pertaining to Odisha including special category status, increasing minimum support price of paddy, industrial corridor and controlling the rising fuel prices and others.
A delegation of the IAS association today brought the matter to the notice of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and submitted a memorandum regarding the same.
The IAS body alleged that Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan in his speech during the inaugural ceremony of NIC's Data Centre in Bhubaneswar had targeted IT Secretary, Ashok Meena yesterday.
Strongly condemning such incident, the IAS association in its memorandum stated "Recent episodes in Odisha and other parts of the country wherein officers, while discharging their professional duties, have been personally attacked by senior members of political executive are a direct attempt to defy the constitutional values."
Secretary of Odisha IAS Officers Association, Vishal Dev said "In a democratic polity, division of power between political and permanent executives is the bedrock of administrative framework. It is highly important that there is mutual respect between the two organs. So far, this has been functioning smoothly for the past few years. However, there have been some instances in the past where some officers have been targeted."
"Yesterday, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan targeted a senior IAS officer by taking his name personally thrice during the inauguration of the NIC Data Centre which is totally uncalled for as it has a demoralising effect," said Dev.
Dev further said that the Association has lodged a strong protest before the CM in connection with the incident.
President of OAS Association, Saroj Samal also condemned such act citing that it is against the constitutional values.
"Be it a Minister of the State government or a Union Minister, no one has the right to defame anybody in public view by making personal references," said Samal.
Addressing media persons at a presser, Pradhan said, "Both the Centre and the State have roles in controlling fuel price. In October last year, the Centre cut excise duty by Rs 2. Now it is turn of the State government to cut the VAT it is collecting on fuel. If Odisha cuts its VAT like Goa, the price will come down. While Odisha is collecting 26% VAT on fuel, Goa is taking only 12%."
Elaborating the reasons why fuel prices have increased Pradhan blamed the uncertain political conditions in oil exploring countries and the international market for the oil price rise. “Dollar and rupee imbalance also plays a role in the hike. The Centre is already holding discussions on the matter and the issue will be sorted out soon," he said.
Meanwhile, slamming the Union Minister, Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera said, "In Odisha, only 26% VAT on fuel is being collected which is among lowest in the country. The Centre's excise tax is much more than the State's tax. The Union Minister is passing such statements only to shrug off his responsibility.”
Notably, the Sales Tax/VAT on petrol is 24.56% in Odisha while it is 39.78% in Mumbai, 36.14% in Madhya Pradesh, 30.86% in Rajasthan, 16.62% in Goa, and 35.35% in Punjab.
On the other hand, the ruling BJD has decided to hold a three-day protest in view of rising fuel prices in all 314 blocks of the State starting from May 28.
“A protest meeting will be held before the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar while demonstrations will be staged in front of all block offices for three consecutive days, “said BJD spokesperson Arun Sahoo.
On the other hand, Congress activists today staged demonstration at different filling stations in Cuttack protesting the fuel price hike. Party activists led by Cuttack Nagar Congress president Mohammed Moquim held picketing at the pumps demanding immediate cut in fuel prices.
The Congress has also come out with a list of 12 questions for Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to Cuttack city on May 26.
Notably, the petrol and diesel prices have been rising in the country for the last ten days. While petrol rates have increased by Rs 2.54 per litre, diesel prices have been hiked by Rs 2.41 per litre.
In a letter to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Pradhan urged him to direct the Medical Council of India (MCI) to visit the medical college for inspection so that the process of admission can start for the 2018-19 academic session.
The admission into the MBBS course in Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College hangs in balance as the institute is yet to receive permission from the MCI.
According to sources, the college had become operational in the last academic session after it received conditional letter of permission (LOP) from the MCI following intervention of the Supreme Court's oversight committee.
The visit of the MCI team is essential for obtaining permission for admission for the 2018-19 academic session.
It is pertinent to mention here that Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College with an annual intake capacity of 100 seats is part of the five medical colleges that the state government is setting up in collaboration with the Centre under the central sponsored schemes (CSS).
"The construction work of Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College is complete and to make the college functional, MCI has to carry out second inspection and submit an assessment report so that the process of admission can commence for the 2018-19 session," Pradhan wrote in his letter.
The Government of India had earlier announced for the release of coins of Rs 10 and Rs 1,000 denominations to mark the symbolic recreation of sibling deities including Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and devi Subhadra.
In his maiden visit to Odisha after assuming office as the President, Ram Nath Kovind earlier visited Puri Srimandir to seek blessings of Lord Jagannath.
Elaborate arrangements were made by district administration and the officials of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for the President’s visit to the temple.
Kovind along with his wife had a darshan of the sibling deities from inside the Garbha Griha of the 12th century shrine.
"Today, I had a darshan of Lord Jagannath in Puri and prayed for peace, prosperity for the people of the country," said Kovind.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Puri Collector Aravind Agarwal, Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, servitors were unhappy over deviation as many of them were not allowed to perform the services during the visit of the President at the temple.
"Our rights were lost as we did not get donation," said President of Mahasuar Nijog, Damodar Mahasuar.
Chief Administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Pradeep Kumar Jena on the other hand refutted such allegations.
"The security officers had done thier duty and SJTA had no role in it," said Jena.
Earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind arrived on a two-day Odisha visit on Saturday and dedicated Ananda Bhawan Museum-cum-learning centre to the nation at a special function held in Cuttack.
Later, he also delivered the 3rd Foundation Day lecture at National Law University in Cuttack yesterday.
Speaking at the Odisha Round Table Conclave organised by Business Standard, Patnaik said that previous efforts of finding solution through talks have failed with the neighbouring State.
"We have met before without any results. We ask them (Centre and Chhattisgarh) to stop work of barrages. The then Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati said that the Central government has no power to do so. So the only way out is Tribunal," Patnaik said.
Earlier, Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari had proposed another round of talks between Chhattisgarh and Odisha to put an end to the ongoing dispute over Mahanadi.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, however, stated that disputes between States can be resolved with dialogues. But Odisha government is politicising the issue.
"Once Tribunal is formed, it can take five, eight or even 20 years to resolve disputes. Centre is going to bringing in a law by amending Inter State River Disputes Act to ensure that all such disputes are resolved in a time bound manner," said Pradhan.
In a letter to Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, Pradhan has stated that crops in 1.8 lakh hectares of land in nine districts of the State have been damaged by pest infestation.
A large number of farmers in the affected districts are in distress while some of them have set fire to their standing crops and a few have also committed suicide in distress.
Though bulk of the responsibility lies on the Odisha government as protection against pests and prevention of plant disease is a state subject under 7th schedule of the Constitution, the government’s poor response to the situation has aggravated the matter.
In his letter, Pradhan stated that the situation has spiraled out of proportion due to delay on part of Odisha government in supply of subsidized pesticides to the farmers.
Also Read: Another farmer dies, BJP blocks NH demanding compensation
“The government has also done too little and too late and by the time pesticides were used, the pests had already attacked the crops and destroyed them resulting in the crisis,” Pradhan wrote.
Apart from the pest attack, the farmers of the state are also reeling under drought condition in 15 districts.
Senior party leader and MLA Debashish Samantaray on Sunday took a jibe at Mishra for praising Pradhan and termed such statements as ‘anti-party’.
Also Read: BJD MP Pinaki Mishra showers praises on Dharmendra
Samantaray further stated that the MP (Pinaki Mishra) knows very well the way the Centre is working. Union Minister Pradhan is not at all a performing minister as he has pushed the country backward.
BJD vice-president and Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout reacted sarcastically to Pinaki’s statement. “He (Pinaki) had also showered praises on self-styled godman Chandraswami, Congress leader Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi. I don’t know his intention of praising someone,” Rout said.
Earlier, BJD MP from Puri Pinaki Mishra while speaking at an event Micro Unit Development and Refinance Agency (Mudra) promotion on Saturday had claimed that, “Dharmendra Babu’s worst critics will also concede one fact that he is exceptionally hard-working and very competent.”
“Despite knowing the country’s economic condition, false praise about a person is not justified. Keeping in view the spiraling price rise of petroleum products, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is certainly not a performing minister,” said Samantaray.
BJD Minister Damodar Rout too made sarcastic remark on Pinaki Mishra and stated he may be fond of Pradhan.
BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty on the other hand claimed that Pinaki had spoken the truth while speaking at the Mudra event.
“Accepting truth needs lot of character. It seems that BJD leaders lack capacity to accept truth,” said Mohanty.
https://youtu.be/l_PHX0YAt3U
In a letter, Patnaik has urged Javadekar for urgent measures for resolving the issue concerning the fate of the students.
Earlier, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had also come to the rescue of hundreds of students and their parents who are now moving pillar to post against irregularities in the publication of CBSE class 12 results.
Also Read: CBSE Class 12th Results: Students, Parents Gherao CBSE Office
Pradhan today met a delegation of students and assured to take up the issue with Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar for necessary action.
In a tweet Pradhan said he requested the Union Minister to intervene in the alleged discrepancies in the results.
According to reports, the results of several students in Odisha have allegedly been withheld without any reason. The CBSE class 12 board results were published on May 28.
The students and their guardians have also alleged that the evaluation of the answer sheets have been faulty. A series of protests outside regional CBSE office were also launched by the students since Monday.
The protesters are demanding immediate action by the CBSE for revaluation of the answer sheets and immediate publication of the withheld results.
In a latest development, Union HRD Minister in a tweet message informed that two officials would be deputed tomorrow to discuss with concerned officials to resolve the issue.
Both BJD and BJP are now vying with each other to take credit for the permission accorded to the institute by the Supreme Court’s Oversight Mandate Committee for admissions to this academic session.
It seems that the war of words between the two parties has now intensified after Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made an unscheduled visit to take stock of the infrastructure and ongoing construction work at Baripada Medical College yesterday.
Also Read: Baripada Medical College gets SC panel nod for admissions
The SC panel had earlier accorded conditional permission for intake of 100 MBBS students from this academic session after Odisha Government had sought intervention against the delay done by Medical Council of India (MCI).
Earlier, uncertainty loomed large over the admissions owing to non-issuance of Letter of Permission (LoP).
“If Odisha Government is happy playing politics on the issue, it is welcome. But they should fulfil all criteria and keep documents ready as a medical college cannot open through ‘short cuts’,” said Pradhan.
Odisha had earlier sought LoP for two medical colleges—Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College, Baripada and Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, Koraput in June 2016.
The MCI team had subsequently taken stock of infrastructure, construction works and other facilities at both the upcoming medical colleges in December last year. Though the MCI team visited Koraput, the scheduled visit for inspection of infrastructure at Baripada Medical was not taken up.
Odisha Health Minister Pratap Jena, on the other hand, alleged that Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is ‘jealous’ as the state government got the permission after concerted efforts from the Supreme Court’s panel.
“Union Minister’s move to draw comparison between Baripada Medical College and Private College is not justified,” said Jena.
The output cut decision, which was spearheaded by Russia, will come into effect on January 1.
"Let us wait and watch to see what happens next," Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters here on the sidelines of global advisory firm KPMG's energy summit, in reply to a query on whether the proposed production cuts would result in a rise in oil prices.
"The sanctions on Iran (started in November) had created jitters among big consuming countries like India, but our position is that lowering or rationing of oil production should not be something to benefit one side only consuming countries' interests should also be taken into consideration," he said.
"Any kind of rationing creates sentiment issues (market), so it is definitely a cause for worry. But we are still at an early stage, let us wait and see the impact."
After the oil producers' decision in Vienna on Friday, Bijan Zanganeh, Oil Minister of Iran, which is under US sanctions following Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal, said he was satisfied with the fact that the Gulf nation remained exempt from the commitment to reduce oil production.
To a query about India's payment mechanism to purchase oil from under-sanctions Iran, Pradhan said the Finance Ministry is working out the details which would be spelt out at an appropriate time.
In a letter released to the media on Monday, Pradhan said that the Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma had requested for about 50 acres to be made available for the construction of the memorial on Barunei foothills.
Paik Rebellion, also known as Paika bidroha, was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company's rule in Odisha in 1817.
While the Centre has commemorated 200 years of Paika rebellion with a series of events in Delhi and abroad, plans to unveil a Paika commemorative stamp and coin are underway, said Pradhan.
The Minister said that he had personally requested the Chief Minister during a "Smriti Sabha" held to pay homage to late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Bhubaneswar for expediting land allotment at the spot where the battle after the revolt took place.
He said that the memorial will honour the heroes of the rebellion as well as other freedom fighters from Odisha.
A unique museum and audio-visual son-et-lumiere show depicting the life and times of Buxi Jagabandhu and Paika rebellion are proposed to be the attractions of the memorial, he said.
Pradhan said that the central government and Indian Oil Foundation have made adequate provision for the commemoration of the event.
He also launched the Urja Ganga Gas Pipeline Skilling Project to impart formal certification and training to semi-skilled and unskilled workers engaged in the Jagdishpur -- Haldia and Bokaro -- Dhamra natural gas pipeline (JHBDPL) project being laid in the state.
GAIL is implementing the 2,655 km long JHBDPL project and has entered into a quadripartite pact with National Skill Development Corporation, Skill Development Institute-Bhubaneswar and Labor Net, Bengaluru for skill development activities and recognition of prior learning for generating employment in the various aspects of the pipeline project.
Under the Skill-cum-Common Facility Centre, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Gems and Jewellery Skill Council of India, in association with EduJobs Academy, are setting up the state of the art training facility for filigree artisans to transform the folk art form of gems and jewellery.
"The centre will provide training on marketing strategies, including e-commerce, to help artisans become self-sustainable. This will provide the artisans with an opportunity to upgrade their skills and open a window to connect with the global expo market," said Pradhan.
He said an international standard filigree exhibition-cum-workshop would be organised for the betterment of the craftsmen.
The Minister also launched a Pipe Fitter-City Gas Distribution (CGD) course which will commence at the Skill Development Institute in Bhubaneswar.
The course provides employability in City Gas Distribution, Oil Refineries, Power Plants and other manufacturing industries with piping, vents and ducts for gas, liquid or air.
They will also be given placement or self-employment assistance at the end of the course. Initially, 30 students will be trained in the first batch, said an official.
In a Facebook post (video), Pradhan expressed concerns over the problems people are facing due to the deadlock in the court proceedings.
He said, "Due to the spat, employment, land disputes, bails and other issues concerning the common man have been severely affected. A judiciary-executive face-off situation has emerged. So, what will be the solution to this problem? Shouldn't the head of the State be concerned about it?"
"As the Opposition, whenever we target the State government on issues pertaining to people's interest, the leaders of the ruling-BJD get stung. As the Home Ministry is under the CM, he has some sort of responsibility towards the judiciary. I am not here to decide who is right or who is wrong; but as the government is sitting over the issue without finding a solution to the impasse, it exposes their sheer apathy," stated the Petroleum minister.
The sooner the deadlock ends, the better it will be for the people waiting to get justice. The State government, especially the CM, needs to intervene. The CM may give the responsibility to either the DG, chief secretary or anyone else, but there's an urgent need to find a solution to this problem, he added.
"Apathy and callousness on part of the government will paralyse the society. The CM should be concerned about it and I urge him to intervene," said Pradhan.
The Union minister for petroleum and natural gas said that the project was delayed as the Odisha government allegedly failed to provide land on time.
However, the problem has already been resolved now, he added.
"I am hopeful that the work on the project will take off in July or August this year," he said.
He said crop residue such as straw and other biomass would be utilised to produce ethanol in the plant, which is being set up with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore.
Pradhan said Sambalpur would be covered by piped gas distribution network within three years and CNG will be made available in the city in two years.
The Union minister asserted that the State has been immensely benefited by a number of development and welfare programmes launched by the BJP-led NDA government during the last four years.
The short term computer course was launched as part of the first foundation day celebration of Skill Development Institute (SDI), Bhubaneswar.
Thirty girls would be imparted training in each batch, the union minister said.
Senior officers of oil companies, academicians, consultants and training partners in skills industry, senior industry members from different part of the country as well as the state took part in the national conclave.
Verghese Cherian, chairman and director(HR) of SDI, Bhubaneswar, B Roy, director(HR) of OIL, D D Mishra, director(HR) of ONGC, Pushp Joshi, director(HR), HPCL, V C Bhandare, director(HR), EIL and N N Rao, SDI CEO were present at the occasion.
Pradhan presented tool kits of worth Rs 50,000 each to two students of 1st batch of SDI, Bhubaneswar, to begin their entrepreneurship journey after completion of their session this year
He felicitated 'Medha Servo' as the best recruiter of SDI, Bhubaneswar for giving the largest number of employment opportunities to the passed out students.
Cherian said, "We are hopeful of setting up a world class skill development institute in Bhubaneswar very soon. We at SDI aim to harness the potentialities of the youths of Odisha to make them more skilful."
Expressing his pleasure over Pradhan’s presence, Kansa praised the union minister for rising from a humble farmer's son to earn a crucial position in the central government.
The demon king advised Pradhan to ensure the farmers of the district get fair price for the paddy husk from the upcoming ethanol plant in Bargarh and also asked him focus on the welfare and development of the farming community of the State.
“Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had come to the darbar on my invitation and I have given him the responsibility to build a cancer hospital in Bargarh. I have also asked him to ensure the farmer community of the district get fair rates for the paddy husk,” informed King Kansa.
Union Minister Pradhan said, “When I visit Bargarh, stakeholders, thinkers and social activists have often raised the requirement of cancer hospital in the town. A cancer hospital is definitely needed here.”
On the other hand, people in large numbers thronged Ambapali village- the mythological Gopapura during the 11-day festival- to witness various episodes of Krisha Leela on the fifth day of Dhanu Jatra on Wednesday.
Earlier, Divisional Officers of various government departments were allowed to issue work order for contracts only up to Rs 50,000.
"There is no doubt that the ruling BJD through its members is trying to rob the government treasury. Earlier, the contracts for less than Rs 50,000 were to be given without tenders at the discretion of the Divisional Officers. But Odisha CM modified the Public Works Department Code by pressurising secretaries so that two departments- water resources and public works department can issue maximum work orders to the tune of nearly Rs 10,000 crore without floating tender," alleged Pradhan.
Pradhan further stated that Odisha government is only doing drama as on one hand it is claiming that corruption will not be encouraged but on the other, PC culture has become the norm in the State.
Responding to a media query on whether he would be contesting the 2019 elections from Pallahara, Pradhan said he was keen to contest from 147 assembly constituencies in Odisha. He also stressed that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah is on Odisha. "We are keen to emerge as a single largest party with a majority in Odisha," Pradhan stated.
Despite attempts, BJD leaders could not be contacted over Pradhan's allegations.
While the price of diesel is Rs 77.24 per litre in neighbouring West Bengal, the same costs Rs 80.53 in Jaleswar of Balasore district.
The dealers association in Odisha claimed that the business of several petrol pump owners in the State along the border has reduced by almost 50 percent as most consumers are moving to West Bengal to get their tanks filled.
Similar situation has cropped-up in Delhi as consumers are flocking to buy petrol and diesel from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where fuel is much cheaper. The members of several petrol outlets observed a strike today after the Delhi government refused to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel and petrol.
The members of Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association informed that they will soon submit a memorandum to the Odisha government in this regard.
It is pertinent to mention here that diesel was being sold at a higher rate than petrol for the third consecutive day in Bhubaneswar today. The diesel price stood at Rs 80.94 per litre against Rs 80.36 for one litre of petrol.
However, the Odisha government has passed the buck to the Centre.
State Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera targeted Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for fluctuation in fuel prices.
“The base price of diesel is nearly Rs 5.13 higher than petrol. Since the day NDA came to power, there is a deviation in the pricing and tax has been hiked by almost 330 per cent as compared to UPA times,” said Behera.
Behera further informed that the base price of petrol was Rs 48.89 and for diesel it was Rs 44.72 in 2014 while in 2018 the base price of petrol stands at Rs 43.08 against Rs 48.21 for diesel.
BJP on the other hand demanded that the Odisha government should reduce VAT on diesel.
“Fuel prices are much cheaper in several other States including West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and why the rates are higher in Odisha. The State government needs to introspect so that people here could get some relief,” said BJP spokesperson, Golak Mohapatra.
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.
The Odisha government miserably failed in tackling cyclone Titli and subsequent floods, said Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after taking stock of the situation in Gajapati and Ganjam districts today.
“From roads to electricity and irregularities in distribution of relief materials, the State government has failed miserably to tackle cyclone Titli and subsequent flood,” said Pradhan.
Pradhan further said that the IMD had issued warning regarding the cyclone, its path, landfall and subsequently movement and had also categorically mentioned that the cyclone will further move towards Ganjam, Gajapati and Nayagarh districts.
“Odisha government’s preparedness was limited on two points - the cyclone will make its landfall near Gopalpur and focus was given only on evacuation of people to boast of zero-casualty. The administrative officials lost their way,” the Union Minister alleged.
“Nearly 18 ft of water was flowing in Aska. It is really unfortunate that the government is only busy in patting its own back instead of working for the development of the State and its people in such moment of grief,” Pradhan added.
Apart from BJP, the Congress also trained its guns on the Odisha government alleging shoddy relief and rehabilitation measures in Cyclone Titli-affected blocks and districts.
“One can easily imagine how the Odisha government is working as it is yet to come out with a clear report on casualties. Government has failed to address the problems of the cyclone and flood-hit people,” said Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik.
Senior BJD leader and finance minister Sashi Bhushan Behera on the other hand lauded the efforts the State government for announcing ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased.
“Doing politics on 'zero casualty' issue is really unfortunate,” said Behera.
BJD spokesperson Sulochana Das also targeted Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and alleged that BJP has become intolerant.
“It’s already a week and so far no Union Minister from Delhi has taken stock of the cyclone-affected districts. Odisha CM has already visited the affected-districts and announced ex-gratia and other relief packages,” said Das.
On the other hand, Odisha government has pegged the total loss due to Cyclone Titli at Rs 2,765 crore. However, the total damage could increase as final reports are yet to be complied, said Special Relief Commissioner, Bishnupada Sethi.
Sethi informed that a total of 8,125 villages under 128 blocks of 17 districts have been affected by the natural calamity. “More than 60 lakh people have been affected and crops in 2.63 lakh hectares farmland damaged by Cyclone Titli,” said the SRC.
While Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and BJD supremo is directly interacting with the rural masses through video conferencing under the ‘Ama Gaon Ama Bikash’ programme, BJP too has now come up with a similar strategy to connect with the rural areas.
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan today attended Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat programme to interact with the beneficiaries of Ujjwala Yojana in Odisha.
In the first phase, Pradhan interacted with the nearly 18,000 beneficiaries of Angul, Sambalpur, Mayurbhanj, Jeypore, Berhampur and several other places through video-conferencing today.
“2700 PMLPG panchayats have been set in Odisha and it will be intensified to reach out all beneficiaries,” said Pradhan.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry aims to intensify the LPG Panchayat campaign by extending benefits to more women under the Ujjawala scheme.
Official sources said there are 34 lakh women beneficiaries under the Ujjwala scheme in Odisha.
However, BJD has targeted BJP over rampant corruption in implementation of Ujjwala scheme in the State.
“In a bid to save itself from charges of corruption, BJP has come up with such strategy. But women in Odisha have very well understood that Ujjwala has turned into a suffering for them,” said BJD spokesperson, Sasmit Patra.
Responding to the allegations, BJP spokesperson Samir Mohanty stated that "Be it sapling scam or any other irregularities, BJD is saddled in corruption.”
Mohanty further said that even PM Narendra Modi had also stated that people of the Odisha are suffering due to the corrupt percentage (PC) commission culture in government works.
“Be it Ujjwala scheme or any other programme for women, such tactics will not yield any results for the BJP and BJD,” said Congress leader Sura Routray.
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.
“Since past several years, the paddy procurement in Odisha is saddled with irregularities. There is resentment over the fact that farmers are being harassed either by millers or middlemen over quality of their produce,” said Pradhan adding that there will be protests if money is routed through rice millers.
Pradhan’s statements came after Odisha Cabinet approved the Food and Procurement Policy and set a target to procure 55 lakh metric tonne of paddy, which is equivalent to 37 lakh metric tonne of rice, from farmers during the Kharif marketing season.
Similarly, 23 metric tonne of rice will be used under public distribution system (PDS) while surplus rice will be stored in the central pool through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Official sources said that the proposals were cleared in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today.
Besides, the State government has decided to disburse money to farmers against their produce within three days. The money will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the farmers within 24 to 72 hours of procurement.
Responding to a media query over the decision, Pradhan stated that already several States have implemented such measures. He further informed that the Government of India has hiked the minimum support price of paddy by Rs 200 per quintal. Hence, to ensure that the money reaches directly to the farmers, BJP will guard the mandis to check several irregularities including the nexus between middlemen and corrupt officers.
Odisha government's assurance to make payments to farmers in 72 hours is a blatant lie, the Union minister said.
Earlier, Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi informed that all the paddy procurement will be done through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multi-Purpose Societies (LAMPS).
As there will be no longer deduction of three quintals of paddy per head per family, it will beneficial to small farmers, official sources said.
“Within 3 days of procurement from farmers, money will be transferred to their accounts,” Padhi informed.
Apart from this, Odisha cabinet also approved the guidelines of the new 'Ama Gaon Ama Bikas' scheme that will be effective from this year. Already a budgetary allocation of Rs 1,250 crore has been made for the implementation of the 'Ama Gaon Ama Bikas' scheme.
All the works under the scheme will be carried out by the government and no contractors will be engaged for execution of works under the scheme.
The cabinet also approved the Agriculture and Food Production Service (Methods of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules-2018 for creation of new posts in Agriculture Officers Service cadre.
Pradhan stated that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has taken a lot of welfare measures towards development of road, rail and air network in Odisha.
“PM Narendra Modi has laid stress on the development of North Eastern States including Odisha,” said Pradhan.
The Union Minister further claimed that Odisha is receiving more in terms of allocation towards development of railway networks.
What the state is now receiving in terms of central assistance was practically hard for it to get in five years under the previous regime, he added.
Pradhan, who met the agitating teachers at Lower PMG square in Bhubaneswar today, alleged that the Odisha government has money to strengthen its own vote bank but doesn’t want to bear Rs 800 crore burden for resolving the grievances of teachers.
Met with members of
School & College Teachers, Employees United Forum & Odisha United Primary Teachers Federation at Bhubaneswar today. Demanding abolition of block grant system,better pay,periodic increment,promotion & pension,they have been on a strike since 16 August 2018. pic.twitter.com/BUQI8OpwS2— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 7, 2018
“It is not only an issue pertaining to teachers alone as the fate of nearly 35 lakh students now hangs in balance,” said Pradhan.
The Union Minister stated that Odisha government can spend and make a provision of Rs 1200 crore under the ‘Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas’ programme and has Rs 400 crore to distribute among party workers through the Biju Yuva Vahini.
Also Read: BJD leader attacked during petrol price hike demonstration
“It is unfortunate the way Odisha government has turned a blind eye towards the demands of teachers,” Pradhan said stating further that though education is totally a State subject, 14th Finance Commission has given additional funds for the development of education in Odisha.
Teachers are the building blocks of a society. Pained to see thousands of teachers braving incessant rain protesting for the fulfilment of their demands on #TeachersDay. I expressed my solidarity with the agitating teachers & demand that their dignity should be respected. pic.twitter.com/DN7nrg1Bb8
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 7, 2018
I request the State Government to discuss & solve the issue with the teachers and allocate the required funds. Fate of over 30 lakh students studying in various schools and colleges is involved, therefore this should not be taken lightly. pic.twitter.com/7pW8v3dK65
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 7, 2018
It is pertinent to mention here that the teachers under the aegis of Odisha School College Teachers and Employees United Forum (OSCTEUF) have been staging dharna at the Lower PMG since August 16.
The agitating teachers have been demanding withdrawal of the controversial affidavit clause in the newly-announced grant-in-aid system, besides equal salary for equal work, provision of full aid and several other service conditions.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the National Convention of Company Secretaries in Bhubaneswar, Pradhan stated that, 'The prices of crude oil have risen considerably in the international market. Besides, due to the isolated policies of the US, there has been a depreciation of world currencies including Indian rupee against the dollar."
Pradhan further stated that both the international factors are affecting domestic economy and the Union Government is also concerned about it.
The rupee today slumped to a fresh record low of 71 against the dollar for the first time ever by falling 26 paise on persistent demand for the US currency amid rising crude prices.
Several opposition parties including the Congress trained their guns on BJP-led government at the Centre over the rising fuel prices.
The Vice President is scheduled to attend the first convocation of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made by Commissionerate Police for the Vice-President's programme in Bhubaneswar today.
Setting an exemplary example of ‘honesty’, the 19-year-old girls, who are part of the young brigade of the students’ traffic volunteers of Commissionerate police, deposited over Rs 1 lakh they recovered while doing their duty at busy Madhupatna junction yesterday.
Both Rashmita and Sujata are students of JKBK College and active members of the students’ traffic volunteers team engaged in streamlining traffic in several parts of the millennium city.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a tweet congratulated both the girls for showing honesty and returning the money. Such action by the young traffic volunteers will inspire others and mostly youth to follow their path.
“We were doing our duty yesterday when we found a bundle of Rs 2,000 notes lying on the road. We had frantically searched for the owner but could not find any claimant. As our duty was about to get over, we then handed over the bundle of cash to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) P.K.Dalai sir,” said Rashmita who hails from Ramnagar on the outskirts of the city.
Senior officials of Commissionerate police informed that the two girl students’ could have easily taken the money but instead they let us know the matter which is certainly a matter of pride for the entire police department in the city.
The girls were completely ignorant about the amount. Only when we counted the notes, we knew that the cash was over Rs 1 lakh, said Dalai.
“As Traffic wing cannot keep the unclaimed cash, we have deposited it with Madhupatna police and a station diary has been made in connection with incident,” Dalai said.
Dalai further informed that all nearby police stations have been informed about the recovery of the cash. Only after proper verification, the money would be handed over to the claimant.
According to reports, the girl traffic volunteers found the bundle of cash at around 11 am near Agarwala Eye Institute at Madhupatna square yesterday. It is suspected that the cash had fallen from the pockets of a motorcyclist who was travelling from OMP side towards Madhupatna.
“How could we keep the money that is not ours and I personally felt that the money needs to be returned to the actual owner,” said Sujata Panda, who hails from Jagatpur.
It is noteworthy that both girl students comes from a poor social background as Rashmita’s father works as a helper with Akshaya Patra foundation while Sujata’s father works at a beverage company at Jagatpur.
“Despite all odds, we have been taught by our family to be honest and work for the welfare of the society,” Sujata added.
State Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera, on Monday, stated that the base price of diesel is nearly Rs 5.13 higher than petrol. He said the base price of petrol was Rs 48.89 and diesel Rs 44.72 in 2014, while in 2018 the base price of petrol stands at Rs 43.08 against Rs 48.21 for diesel.
However, in response to Behera’s allegations, Pradhan today said that the fluctuation in fuel prices is only because the State is not reducing VAT on the fuels.
“If the State government reduces VAT on fuel, especially on diesel, then prices here will automatically come down. My friend Odisha Minister Sashi Behera is presenting wrong facts on the base price being increased in Odisha. Odisha is not the only State where the base price has been increased. The base price in many States including Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Jharkhand was increased and it is being set according to the product rate at the international market. But in these States, the diesel rates did not cross petrol price.”
So far, around 20 States have reduced VAT, however, Odisha government is yet to take measures on reducing VAT. But, it's only up to the State to decide the amount of VAT.
Pradhan also mentioned that Odisha goverment used to receive Rs 3,000 crore as tax but with an increase in tax, it is now getting Rs 7,000 crore.
"I don't have any problem whatsoever if the State Government criticises me, but they should at least not run away from their responsibilities,” Pradhan said.
As per reports, VAT on petrol is higher than diesel in other States. But here in Odisha, VAT on both petrol and diesel is fixed at 26 per cent.
This centre is equipped with 270 oxygen beds, five ventilator beds and 10 non-invasive ventilation (NIV) beds and will be backed with 24X7 service by doctors to serve the local community and JSPL employees, informed a release issued by JSPL.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Das and JSPL Chairman Naveen Jindal, among others, were present on the occasion.
Pradhan termed the inauguration of the facility as a major step towards Covid-19 care in the State. He said the Covid care centre at Chendipada will be under the control of the district administration and thanked Naveen Jindal for setting up the facility.
Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Naba Das said, "About 30 doctors, 12 AYUSH doctors, 29 paramedics, 42 staff nurses, 20 women health workers, 24 ambulances, 5 hearses have been provided to Angul district. The 270-bed Covid Care centre will facilitate better treatment to the residents of the district."
JSPL chairman Naveen Jindal said the centre has all modern facilities and quality treatment will be provided so that the lives of people can be saved. He added that about 50 patients were currently undergoing treatment at the centre.
The three NH projects include six laning of Bhadrak-Balasore section of NH-5 (New NH-16), six laning of Tangi-Bhubaneswar section of NH-5 (New NH-16) and three vehicular underpasses at Balikuda, Sikharpur and Badachana of Bhubaneswar-Chandikhole section of NH-5 (New NH-16). He also inaugurated various other road projects which will ensure better connectivity in the region besides reducing traffic congestion over the National Highway.
Pradhan assured that the projects will give a boost to State's economy, generate employment opportunities and help improve socio-economic condition of the people.
Stating that there was a demand for an underpass at Balikuda, Sikharpur and Badachana of Bhubaneswar- Chandikhole Section of NH to reduce traffic congestion and ensure safety of commuters, Pradhan thanked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and NHAI authorities for taking steps in this regard.
The National Highways will also provide better interstate connectivity between West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, Pradhan said.
However, the Union Minister alleged that Odisha Government has been creating hurdles in the implementation of several developmental and welfare schemes in the State. "The Centre has been taking steps for growth and progress of Odisha including the development of National and Coastal Highways for better connectivity. Therefore, I urge the Odisha Government to cooperate in the completion of the projects for the larger interests of Odisha," Pradhan said.
BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra criticises the Central government and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over delay in widening of Cuttack-Sambalpur national highway.
BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra slams Central government over delay in widening of Cuttack-Sambalpur NH #Odisha pic.twitter.com/KLBqWMrpEB
— OTV (@otvnews) February 28, 2019
“Those who are involved in chit fund scam will also be jailed,” Pradhan said at the meeting.
BJP's star campaigner, Pradhan today held marathon rallies in the district covering three Assembly constituencies—Telkoi, Patna and Keonjhar Sadar, under the Keonjhar Lok Sabha segment and assured of overall development of the mineral-rich district, if the saffron party is voted to power.
Speaking to the media persons Pradhan also said that Naveen Patnaik-led government did not implement the District Mineral Foundation rules in Odisha. He further said that the people of the district are with Modi and BJP will clean-sweep the Keonjhar district.
Comments from Mahakud and Prabhakaran could not be obtained.
"As a mark of solidarity with the people of Odisha, I am donating Rs 1,000,000 from the Dalai Lama Trust to the efforts to provide relief and rebuilt," a letter written by the Dalai Lama's office to Patnaik, said.
He also hailed the measures taken by the Odisha government in facing the cyclonic storm. Due to the proactive steps, the human casualties have been minimal, the Dalai Lama said.
"At the same time, I would like to express my sadness about the lives that were lost, the devastation of property, and hardship this storm has caused to many people," he said.
Meanwhile, Patnaik announced he will donate one year's salary to the chief minister's relief fund for the cyclone-hit people.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also donated his one month's salary.
Official sources said the government of Chhattishgarh has donated Rs 11 crore to the chief minister's relief fund, while Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu contributed Rs 10 crore each for the cyclone victims. The Uttarakhand government has donated Rs 5 crore.
"We will insist the prime minister and Union finance minister to announce a special package for tourism development in Puri.
"The members of the hotel association have requested us to ensure loans at low interest for restoration of the hospitality industry. We will apprise the requirements to Centre," Pradhan told reporters.
Pradhan asked banks to develop a blue print for the economic revival of the affected areas by leveraging the power of MUDRA loans.
He also urged banks to increase the loan docket and support new projects to rebuild the tourism ecosystem of Puri.
Pradhan said agencies such as ORMAS, NABARD along with RSETIs can be roped in to ensure speedy economic revival of the affected sectors.
Union Minister of State for MSME, Pratap Sarangi, said steps will be taken to help farmers engaged in coconut cultivation in the state, as a large number of coconut tress were damaged in the cyclone.
As per reports, as many as 60 pilgrims from Khurda and Puri were in the tourist bus. The shocking incident happened when the bus was on its way from Janakpur to Kathmandu and had stopped at Paurai forest area in Rautahat district.
The truck rammed the stationary bus from behind following which the bus skidded off about 20 meters into a nearby forest. Two persons died on the spot and 21 others were injured in the mishap. The injured passengers have been admitted to different hospitals in Nepal and treatment is underway. According to sources, health condition of two other tourists from Odisha, Sarbeswar Jena and Sahadeb Jena is critical.
Following the bus mishap, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sent a letter to External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar seeking his intervention and assistance to victims, post mortem of deceased and facilitation of their repatriation.
"Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the matter, I seek your personal intervention in taking up the matter with concerned officials for extending all possible assistance to the victims, post-mortem of the deceased and facilitation of their repatriation," Pradhan wrote in his letter.
Responding to Pradhan's letter, Jaishankar expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and tweeted, "Our officials are constantly monitoring treatment of the injured & extending all help to their families."
Deepest condolences to the bereaved families of Sh.Jena & Sh.Biswal who lost their lives in the tragic bus accident in Nepal earlier today.Our CG&officers from @in_birgunj are at the hospital,constantly monitoring the treatment of the injured &extending all help to their families https://t.co/lneKzu6XK2
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 11, 2019
"PM Modi had spoken to CM Naveen and asked support for Ashwini Vaishnaw. This has been done keeping in view the larger interests of the State. There is no secret pact, it's an open understanding. Development of State is the sole motive," asserted Pradhan.
Meanwhile, Congress, for whom it has come as a godsend, has upped the ante with veteran Narasingha Mishra today training his guns on the BJP.
"It is unfortunate that BJP has decided to send a non-odia to RS from Odisha. People of Odisha are ashamed of BJP's conduct," claimed Mishra.
He asked BJP to clarify whether Vaishnaw owns mining firms in State, and if he owns then there are charges against him or not. Why not BJP fielded Vaishnaw where it had the numbers, he asked.
On the other hand, veteran BJP leader Damodar Rout claimed that Vaishnaw has been advising CM Naveen for the last 5-7 years.
"In Delhi, Vaishnaw had arranged Naveen's meetings with PM Modi and Union HM Amit Shah," claimed Rout and retorted Narasingha's charge by asking a counter poser, Didn't he know Vaishnaw owns mining firms?
Former FM and veteran BJD leader Sashi Bhushan Behera derided at the attempts made by Congress leader Mishra to politicize the RS election. "Politicisation on constitutional posts is improper," he added.
As per available data, after quitting IAS, Vaishnaw had worked as directors in many mining firms like Adler Industrial Services Private Ltd, Triveni Pellets Private Limited, Kanad Network Private Ltd and Brahmani Rivers Pellets Limited.
Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Pratap Sarangi and other BJP leaders of Odisha today welcomed the rescued labourers in New Delhi today.
Sources said, one more stranded labourer will be brought back after the completion of all necessary official documentation.
“The labourers were stranded in the Gulf country for more than a year and had been facing a lot of trouble. After getting information on their plight, we sought intervention of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. With the help of the efforts from the foreign minister and others, the labourers were rescued and brought back to India,” said Pradhan.
Narrating his ordeal, Sudhakar Swain, one of the stranded labourers said, “We had to go through extremely hard time during our stay in Dubai. We were given meagre payments during the first few weeks but later they denied to pay wages for nearly 8 months. Many a times, we even had to manage with just a piece of chapati and sometimes we were also forced to sleep in an empty stomach.”
“The agent who took us to Dubai had taken Rs 80,000 from us to help us get a job in the Gulf country but we were only paid for the initial three months. Later our condition became so worse that we had to ask for Rs 20,000 from our family for sustaining in Dubai,” said another labourer.
As many as 10 labourers from several parts of Odisha including Nayagarh, Khurda and Ganjam districts, who had gone to work in the UAE a year ago were found stranded in the Gulf country after a video of their plight was telecast in OTV.
Narrating their ordeal through the video footage, the labourers had alleged that they were being tortured, and forced by the broker to work overtime. Following media reports, Dharmendra Pradhan sought intervention of External Affairs Ministry to bring back the stranded labourers.
"These stranded Odias from Ganjam district have released video seeking repatriation and payment of their legitimate dues," the Petroleum and Steel Minister said in a letter to Jaishankar.
Pradhan said he is given to understand that these 18 people are working in a company whose owner is reportedly from Chennai.
"I am further given to understand that the CGI, Dubai has already established contacts with these people in distress and assured them of necessary assistance," he said.
"I would personally urge your kind attention and intervention in the matter on humanitarian ground to ensure that the distress of these persons is mitigated and they are facilitated with an early repatriation to India," Pradhan said.
In his letter, a copy of which was released to the media, Pradhan also recalled successful repatriation of 10 Odia labourers from Dubai on June 25 and 26, 2019 in which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and CGI, Dubai (Consulate General of India) played a very important role.
Pradhan, accompanied by BJP MPs Sangita Singh Deo and Basant Panda, made aerial survey of some of the severely affected districts - Bolangir, Kalahandi, Boudh and Subarnapur - which were battered by heavy rain recently.
The Oil and Steel Minister also interacted with a number of people who were hit by the recent flash flood and heard their grievances after conducting aerial survey of the affected areas.
Pradhan said he reviewed the status of ongoing relief and restoration work in affected areas of Bolangir with senior officials of the district administration and stakeholders.
While appreciating the efforts of locals, officials and journalists in reaching out to help the people in distress, the Union Minister said heavy rain and floods have caused massive damage to crops, houses and infrastructure.
He urged the officials to complete damage analysis at the earliest and requested the district collector to prepare a roadmap and initiate steps to provide Mudra loans to small businesses and vendors .
Noting that Bolangir was one amongst the prime minister's aspirational districts, Pradhan urged everybody to come together to help rebuild lives of people affected by the flood in the district.
The minister also visited Laxmizor Dam at Barpalipada in Balangir district and interacted with the affected people.
He heard their grievances and suggestions for relief works and speedy restoration in the area.
Pradhan said he will ensure that all forms of assistance is made available for the affected people after detailed report prepared by the district is sent to the state government and then forwarded to the Centre.
Meanwhile, the overall rain and flash flood situation improved substantially in different parts of Odisha.
The water level in all the major rivers, including the Mahanadi, in the state is receding, an official in the Special Relief Commissioner's (CRC) office said.
Cooked food was still being provided to over 22,000 people in free kitchens in Bolangir and Sonepur districts.
Three camps are operating in Puri, Khurda and Cuttack districts where cooked food is being provided to around 580 people, he said.
As rainfall in the upper catchments of Mahanadi river subsided, the Hirakud dam authorities on Saturday closed five gates of the dam. Earlier excess water from Hirakud dam was being released through 20 gates while 10 gates were closed on Friday, the SRC office said.
"Five gates of Hirakud dam were closed today. The water level of the reservoir will be maintained between 619 feet and 620 feet," Water Resources Secretary P K Jena said.
The water level in Hirakud stood at 620.12 feet at 6 pm as against the full reservoir capacity of 630 feet, while the inflow at the dam was 1,07,257 cusec and outflow 96,210 cusec, an official said.
Water discharge in Mahanadi river was at 2,91,000 cusec at Khairmal, while it was 2,93,500 cusec at Barmul and 5,24,172 cusec at Munduli in Cuttack at 6 pm, he said.
The water level in Mahanadi river at Naraj in Cuttack was 25.26 metre at 6 pm as against the danger level of 26.41 metre, he added.
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Assembly Speaker SN Patro, BJP National Vice-president Baijayant Panda and others paid rich tributes to Jaitley, who died while undergoing treatment at New Delhi AIIMS on August 24.
It was Arun Jaitley who allocated funds for Lord Jagannath's Nabakalebera and approved Lord Jagannath's Nabakalebara Commemorative Coins, said Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
“I have fond memories of him, framing sentences in his budget document for allocating funds to commemorate the 200 years of Paika rebellion. Good times or difficult, Jaitley ji was a man for all seasons. I pray to Lord Jagannath to bless his family & grant peace to his departed soul,” tweeted Pradhan.
“The way Arun ji brought reforms as a Finance Minister and introduced GST, it was a commendable achievement. As a Law Minister, he was instrumental in introducing Fast Track Courts in the country. I had personal and family relations with Arun Ji who guided me in my political career just like my elder brother. He has also worked as an advocate for my late father,” said BJP national Vice-president and former MP, Baijayant Panda.
Odisha BJP organized the prayer meeting in Bhubaneswar which was attended by several BJD and Congress leaders including-Debi Prasad Mishra, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Suresh Routray, Arjya Kumar Ganendra and others.
The agreement was signed between Bhubaneswar Development Authority and ECoR to develop Bhubaneswar Railway station into a multi-modal hub. The project envisages a new terminal for railway station, city bus terminal, car parking, pick and drop facilities, theatre, special zone for children and passengers.
Besides there will be a mix of real estate component as well including an iconic city square, hotels, retail and other commercial and service oriented spaces.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined the MoU signing ceremony through video conferencing.
The multi-modal hub will be developed by the State government at an estimated cost of Rs 840 crores and the public infrastructure part will be completed within 30 months. This includes a new terminal building for the railway station, city bus terminal, public car parking and other allied public utilities.
“It would be the first transit-oriented smart development project and it will trigger development of planned central business district for Bhubaneswar. A three-tier mechanism will be put in place for monitoring of the project,” said Patnaik.
Pradhan said people of Bhubaneswar would be greatly benefited by this project and it could become a hub for tourism in the area.
Chief Minister Patnaik complimented the Railways for coming forward to develop the project. He said it will be a world class multi-modal transport hub and could be a first of its kind in the country.
"India corrected a historic blunder by abrogating Article 370 and 35A under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is only because of the willpower of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah that integration of Jammu and Kashmir in India was made possible," said Pradhan.
The minister participated in 'Run For Unity' event on occasion of 144th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel here.
He said Sardar Patel was a towering personality, having made invaluable contributions towards building a modern and unified India.
"India would have been destined to reach greater heights of greatness, if Sardar Patel would have been the first Prime Minister of our country," he said.
Union Minister Pratap Sarangi along with BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh also participated in the "Run For Unity" in Balasore.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik paid tributes to Patel on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary.
"Humble tribute to Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on birth anniversary. His immense contribution to integrate India into powerful nation will always be remembered," tweeted the Chief Minister.
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik also paid tribute to the 'Iron Man' of India by creating a sand art at the Puri beach.
Addressing the function on the second day of platinum jubilee celebrations of the varsity, Pradhan who is also one of its alumni, said, “I will donate my one year’s salary to the alumni fund of the university by next week. The vice-chancellor will provide me the real-time gross settlement (RTGS) number and I will transfer the amount within the next two to four hours.”
Highlighting about the former students of the varsity who have excelled in different walks of life from State to international level, Pradhan called upon the alumni of the varsity to take the lead to transform it into a world-class institution.
Utkal University, the oldest varsity of the State is marking its 75th year of establishment and to mark the occasion, five-day Platinum Jubilee celebrations kicked off in its campus yesterday with CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurating the event.
On the second day of the celebrations, alumni of various departments joined the event and organised special programmes. Subsequently, a joint meeting was organised at the Biju Patnaik sports complex of the varsity which was graced by eminent personalities including Pradhan and Odisha Agriculture Minister Arun Sahoo.
The 12 km line from Nayagarh town to Mahipur Railway Station is part of the on-going 289 km Khurda Road-Bolangir Rail line project. The trail run on the said route was conducted in the month of July.
Speaking on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan said that earlier, a section till Bolgarh station was inaugurated prior to Nabakalebar festival.
“Rs 150 crore has been spent on the 12km line from Nayagarh town till Mahipur. We have asked railway officials to ensure that the project is extended till Daspalla by March 2022 and Bolangir by December 2023,” said Pradhan.
Pradhan further urged Odisha government to speed up process of land acquisition, forest and environment clearances for the project so that subsequent works can be taken up by the Centre.
“Khurda-Bolangir railway line can play a crucial role in formation of New Odisha. People can cover a distance of 300 km from Bhubaneswar to Bolangir in the superfast train in 3 hours," said Pradhan.
Odisha minister Arun Sahoo said, “Centre has extended its support to provide rail connectivity to the areas which were earlier deprived. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik too had assured Centre of providing necessary support in execution of railway projects in the State. When both the Centre and State work together, the pace of development is faster.”
“Congress is trying to create fear in the minds of minorities and it is clear that not a single Muslim will be driven out from the country,” said Pradhan.
According to Pradhan, even Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and others were in favour of such legislation. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed courage and played a key role in the enactment of the legislation.
The responsibility of providing citizenship lies with the Central govt & not the States. Those inciting violence against #CAA to gain political mileage, won't become successful in their ill motives: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan #CAAJanJagran pic.twitter.com/vmk5CoHvRW
— OTV (@otvnews) January 6, 2020
The people across the country are supporting CAA and only a handful of people and some parties are opposing it just to safeguard their own interests, the union minister said.
When asked about West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s opposition and Kerala CM’s letter to some Chief Ministers of States including Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Pradhan said, “Those parties are opposing it are trying to create fear in the minds of people only to grab votes of minorities.The responsibility of providing citizenship lies with the Central government & not the States.”
BJP’s ‘Janjagran’ campaign to make the people of our state aware of the facts related to the CAA and to clear misconceptions will continue in Odisha till January 15.
Responding on BJP’s campaign, ruling-BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said, “Of late the saffron party has launched a campaign to create awareness which should have been done much before.”
Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president, Niranjan Patnaik said BJP’s campaign is only a damage control exerice.
“BJP is not focussing on real issues before the country. Such campaign has been launched to divert attention from the economic slowdown,” said Patnaik.
“Bhadrak district does not have any tertiary medical facility as of now. Having a medical college in the district would be extremely helpful in providing the required medical facilities for people in and around the district,” Pradhan wrote in the letter.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakaram (PMJVK) is being implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA). Under the scheme, the State may forward duly approved proposal in consultation with State Health Department to MoMA for setting up the medical college, Pradhan pointed out in his letter.
The Central Government will bear 60% of the capital cost of the project while recurring expenditure including manpower will be provided by States.
“I request you to give necessary instructions to the concerned, to send a detailed proposal for medical college in Bhadrak district to the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the PMJVK scheme,” the union minister added.
Recently, the Centre in the Union Budget 2020-21 had announced that six new medical colleges will be set up in Odisha in each aspirational district on public-private partnership mode.
Odisha has 10 aspirational districts, of which two medical colleges at Koraput and Balangir are already functional and the State Government has submitted proposals to set up two more medical colleges at Phulbani in Kandhamal and Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi.