Tag: Odisha

BJP targets Odisha govt over Sambalpur violence

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Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday targeted the Odisha government over the recent clashes between two communities in Sambalpur.
Holding a press conference in Jharsuguda, Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal alleged that the Odisha government ignored the intelligence reports due to which large-scale violence took place in the town.
“Last year also, some tension erupted during the Hanuman Jayanti celebration in Sambalpur. But it was controlled. However, this year, due to the state government’s lack of foresight and ignorance, such incidents happened,” he alleged.

“The state government was having the intelligence report and last year’s experience. So, this year, the state should have made proper security arrangements during the procession. However, only a handful of security personnel were deployed during the April 12 procession,” Samal said.
If the state does not have an adequate police force, security forces could be called from the Centre, the BJP leader said.
“Had the government shown the same promptness it showed on April 14, the April 12 incident would not have happened,” he pointed out.
“The Sambalpur SP said that everything was pre-planned. Who had planned it? Who is the godfather behind the stone pelting and violence?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the BJD said “it is extremely unfortunate that when peace is returning to Sambalpur, the Odisha BJP wants to instigate for political gains. This has always been their strategy. The police have taken tough action against those involved in the violence”.

In protest of the violence, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Wednesday observed a 12-hour bandh in 14 districts of Odisha.
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#BJP #targets #Odisha #govt #Sambalpur #violence
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 19, 2023
UK-based Odisha woman goes viral with saree-clad marathon run

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London: A UK-based woman from Odisha has gone viral since she was pictured running a marathon in the city of Manchester in north-west England clad in a traditional Sambalpuri saree from the Northeast region.
Madhusmita Jena, 41, covered over 42-km over the course of four hours and 50 minutes in her brightly coloured saree and sneakers on Sunday, a feat being showcased across social media since then.
“Madhusmita Jena, an Indian living in Manchester, UK, comfortably runs the Manchester marathon 2023 in a lovely Sambalpuri Saree. While proudly showcasing her Indian heritage, she also presents an inviting perspective on the quintessential #Indian attire,” tweeted the Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK diaspora organisation.

It was soon picked up by several others, a majority of whom applauded the achievement, while some also wondered about the practicality of the outfit.
“Kudos to the spirit of the lady to run the marathon. No mean feat by any stretch of imagination. It’s an inefficient choice of clothing to run though could easily have shaved time off and reduced effort in running attire. Each to his/her own,” noted one Twitter user.
Jena enjoys running marathons and has completed other runs around the world over the years. Meanwhile, her choice of garment in Manchester to showcase Indian culture and inspire others to take up running continues to make waves.
“Imagine how fast she would run with normal marathon clothes. Well done,” noted another Twitter user.
The Adidas Manchester Marathon is one of the UK’s premier running events, known for its “fast, flat and friendly” 26.2 mile route.

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#UKbased #Odisha #woman #viral #sareeclad #marathon #run
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 19, 2023
There will be no power cut in Odisha this year, says Energy Minister

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Bhubaneswar: With heatwave continuing to grip Odisha, state Energy Minister Pratap Keshari Deb on Wednesday assured people that there will be no power cuts in the state this year.
Talking to media persons here, Deb said: “There are speculative reports in the media about chances of power cuts. I assure everyone that there will be no power cut in Odisha, including rural areas, this year.”
However, there might be temporary power cuts due to technical issues, he said, adding, electricity is being supplied in the state as per the demand of the people.

The minister’s statement holds significance as the state is currently reeling under an intense heatwave situation.
According to a bulletin of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at least 14 places recorded a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or above on Wednesday.
Jharsuguda was the hottest place of Odisha at 43 degrees Celsius followed by Baripada, which sizzled at a maximum temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius.
Similarly, Sambalpur recorded a maximum day temperature of 42 degrees Celsius while it was 41.6 degrees at each of Boudh and Talcher.
Bolangir and Titlagarh towns in western Odisha witnessed a maximum temperature of 41.2 degrees followed by Angula at 41.1 degrees,Bhadraka at 41 degrees, Sundergarh at 41 degrees, Hirakuda at 40.7 degrees, Rourkela at 40.6 degrees, and Chandbali at 40.3 degrees.

The Met department issued an alert for heat waves in several parts of Odisha in the next three days.
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#power #cut #Odisha #year #Energy #Minister
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 13, 2023
Schools closed in Odisha from April 12-16 owing to heatwave

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Bhubaneswar: With the mercury soaring to 40-degree Celsius at nine places across Odisha on Tuesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has ordered closure of all schools up to Class X along with anganwadis from April 12 to 16.
For the past few days, the temperature has been rising in the state with the Met department issuing a heatwave warning throughout Odisha.
In this context, anganwadis and schools up to Class X, both government and private, will remain closed from Wednesday to April 16, the Chief Minister directed.

On arrival from Japan on Tuesday evening, Patnaik immediately took a review meeting with senior officials on the current heatwave condition as well as the prevailing Covid situation in the state.
Patnaik directed the administration, particularly the panchayat raj, housing & urban development and energy departments, to remain preprared to deal with any situation.
The Chief Minister asked the concerned authorities to ensure smooth supply of drinking water, both in urban and rural areas, with special focus on water scarcity pockets. He also directed the energy department to ensure continuous power supply to meet the demand during heatwave conditions.
Patnaik also advised the administration to keep in touch with various professional Met agencies to collect information about monsoon and prepare advanced planning accordingly.
The Chief Minister was briefed about the current Covid scenario in the country in general and Odisha in particular. The Chief Minister advised the concerned officials to monitor the situation closely, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

As per an evening bulletin from the Bhubaneswar centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Baripada recorded the highest maximum temperature of 41.6-degree Celsius on Tuesday, followed by Jharsuguda (41.2), Sambalpura (40.8), Bhubaneswar (40.7), Titlagarh and Boudh (40.5), Angul (40.1), Cuttack and Sundergarh (40).
Due to northwesterly/westerly dry air and high solar insolation, day temperature is likely to rise further by 3 to 4-degree Celsius in the districts of interior Odisha in the next four days.
Forecasting heatwave conditions from April 13 to 15, the Met department has issued yellow warning for several districts.
The weather department has advised people to take precautionary measures while going out between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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#Schools #closed #Odisha #April #owing #heatwave
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 11, 2023
Odisha Assembly Budget Session adjourned sine die

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Bhubaneswar: The Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly was on Friday adjourned sine die six days ahead of its schedule, amid walk-out by the opposition BJP members. The session was scheduled to continue till April 6.
On the last day, the House passed the Appropriation Bill, 2023, allowing the state government to spend Rs 2.30 lakh crore from its consolidated fund during the financial year 2023-24.
From the first day on February 21 till last day (Friday), the House witnessed pandemonium several times as opposition legislators created noisy scenes raising different issues including minister Naba Das murder case, Mahanadi water dispute, inter-state border dispute, fake certificate racket, Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification, Chief Minister’s read-out speech, alleged matric question paper leak, ‘officers’ raj’, drivers’ strike, etc.
During the Session, the government has introduced six bills but passed only the Appropriation Bill, 2023. However, it withdrew three bills in a hurry on the last day amid ruckus by opposition BJP and Congress members.
When the valedictory session was going on, the BJP members led by Leader of Opposition Jayanarayan Mishra were staging a protest before the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Assembly premises in protest about Kotia village border dispute with Andhra Pradesh and a fake certificate racket busted in Bolangir.
Notably, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is scheduled to visit Kotia village on April 1, Utkal Diwas (Odisha Day).
Three CAG reports were presented before the House during the session.
Earlier in the day, the opposition BJP and Congress MLAs created a ruckus in Odisha Assembly over fake certificate racket and the Kotia border dispute issue on Friday.

Unable to run the House smoothly, Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha adjourned the House several times throughout the day. In protest over the two issues, the Opposition members walked out during the discussion of the Appropriation Bill, 2023.
Raising the twin issues during the Zero Hour, the Opposition members rushed to the well of the House and shouted slogans against the state government over the issues.
Leader of Opposition Jayanarayan Mishra (BJP) raised both the issues and alleged that Andhra Pradesh is interfering in Kotia area and 21 other villages in Koraput district.
The BJP leader claimed that Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister is luring local people in the area.
“Andhra is interfering in Kotia and 21 other villages. Andhra Deputy CM is luring local people. Where is the Kotia package announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik? What steps have been taken in border row with other states?” asked the BJP leader.
He further questioned the role of Subrot Chotai (Vanik institute head in Bhubaneswar) in supplying computers to 5T schools.
“A fake certificate racket running in a coaching institute was busted in Bolangir district of Odisha. What is the relation between Vanik institute and the fake certificate running institute?” asked Mishra.
Similarly, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Narasingha Mishra said a fake certificate racket was reported in Bolangir. “The racket is not only confined in Bolangir but also in different parts of the state. Even the chain has gone outside Odisha,” he said.
The Congress leader alleged that photos of a Minister and a former Minister along with the prime accused in the fake racket issue have gone viral.
Countering the opposition, senior BJD member Arun Sahoo accused BJP and Congress leaders of enacting drama over the Kotia issue. “The BJP members should go to the Centre and raise the issue. They have eight MPs and three central ministers,” Sahoo said.
On the fake racket issue, Sahoo showed a picture in which the prime accused and Narasingha Mishra were seen sharing the stage.
Quickly reacting to the picture shown by Sahoo, Congress MLA Mishra said he is ready to face the investigation. “Will the Chief Minister, the Minister of State for Home and ex-Minister will submit to the investigation?” he asked.
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#Odisha #Assembly #Budget #Session #adjourned #sine #die
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 31, 2023
Opposition slams Odisha govt over Naba Das murder case

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Bhubaneswar: The opposition BJP and Congress members on Wednesday created a ruckus in the Odisha Assembly once again over then Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das’ murder case.
The House witnessed several adjournments during the pre-lunch session as the Opposition members stalled the proceedings.
On the passing of two months of the murder of the then health minister, the Opposition members raised the issue during the zero hour and alleged that the state government is trying to cover up the issue.
The BJP legislators also held a dharna near the entrance of the Assembly in protest against the slow probe process.
“Two months have passed since the murder of Naba Das. But it is still unclear what the motive was and who was behind the murder. The murder was committed as part of a conspiracy,” said Leader of Opposition Jayanarayan Mishra from BJP.
He said the police are trying to cover up the case as “many bigwigs are involved”.
“Odisha Police are telling new stories. There was no result in the investigation. When the Assembly session gets over, the government will suppress this incident like the Mahanga double murder case and any other incident,” Mishra alleged.
Supporting the LoP, Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra said that the doctors’ team has already made it clear that Gopal Das, the prime accused in the murder case, is not mentally unstable. He also criticised the government for not “declaring Gopal Das mentally unstable”.

Senior BJD legislator Arun Sahoo, meanwhile, said the Opposition is unnecessarily making it an issue.
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#Opposition #slams #Odisha #govt #Naba #Das #murder #case
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 29, 2023
Charge sheet in minister murder case will be filed on time: Odisha CM

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Bhubaneswar: The charge sheet in the murder of minister Naba Kishore Das will be filed within prescribed time frame, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to the discussion on demand of grants for the Home and General Administration Departments, he said: “The investigation is still under progress and within the time frame given by law for filing of charge sheet, the same would be done.”
Noting that except himself, no police officer or any other authority has made any statement or briefed anyone including the media on the sensitive murder case so far, he asked: “Where did the opposition find this point about the government saying that the accused person is mad or the government trying to show that the accused person is mad?”
Alleging the opposition is lying for narrow political gains, Patnaik said his government has always stood for justice.
“In this particular case, we have two objectives. Unveil the truth behind this murder and to ensure conviction of those involved,” he said.
Patnaik further said the police followed all scientific procedures involving professional agencies, including those from other states and the Central government for investigation of the case.
He said that the entire investigation is being monitored by a retired High Court judge appointed by the Orissa High Court itself, but even then, the opposition is accusing the government of hiding something in the investigation. This is deplorable and smacks of political opportunism, he said.
“I assure the people of my state that in all the sensational cases alleged by the opposition, justice will be done and the culprits will be convicted and when that happens people will judge the narrow political mindset of the opposition,” Patnaik said.

On the allegation made by the opposition that the law and order situation in the state is precarious, Patnaik said: “Getting investment to a state is a reflection of the law and order situation in the state. No investment comes when the law and order situation is poor in a state. Odisha gets one of the highest investments in the country.”
Similarly, good growth in industrial production and agriculture production, transport and major logistical movements is also an indicator of law and order situation, he added.
“Our railways make one of the highest profits in the country and there is absolutely no problem in the transport situation in the state,” Patnaik pointed out.
Besides, the state has not faced any dislocation in conduct of major events like the Hockey World Cup, Ratha Yatra, elections and examinations because of law and order situation, he said.
Specific issues like communal harmony, left-wing, extremism or labour related issues – Odisha has been the best in handling all these issues, he added.
Stating growth and revenue generation are directly proportional to the law and order situation of the state, Patnaik said: “We record highest growth rates on a continuous basis and our revenue generation is increasing year after year. So, when the opposition talks about lawlessness they should keep these facts in mind.”
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#Charge #sheet #minister #murder #case #filed #time #Odisha
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 21, 2023
Leopard mauls woman to death in Odisha

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Bhubaneswar: A 65-year-old woman was mauled to death by a leopard in Sunabeda sanctuary in Odisha, a top forest department official said on Monday.
It was earlier said by the department that the woman was killed in an attack by a Royal Bengal Tiger on Sunday.
“It was a leopard and not a tiger,” Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), S K Popli said on Monday.
Sanamati Barik (65) of Jalamadei village in Nuapada district had gone to collect firewood near her home on Sunday when she was attacked by the big cat and was dragged her away.
When she did not return home, her family members launched a frantic search and found her partially-eaten body in the jungle on Monday morning.
Initially the Sunabeda Wildlife forester Siba Prasad Khamari said that based on preliminary investigation it appeared to be an attack by a royal Bengal tiger.
“From the pattern of eating the flesh and sucking of blood from the body, it seems the attack was not by a leopard but by a Royal Bengal Tiger,” he said.
It was negated by the PCCF (Wildlife).

The presence of Royal Bengal tigers in the forest is not confirmed. But leopards are known to exist in it.
Popli said forest department officers are monitoring the movement of the leopard and local people have been asked not to enter the forest.
The woman’s family will be given compensation as per the law, he added.
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#Leopard #mauls #woman #death #Odisha
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 20, 2023
Groom, family walk 28 km for wedding due to drivers’ strike in Odisha

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Bhubaneswar: A groom and his family members had to walk 28 kilometres to reach the bride’s village in Odisha’s Rayagada district for the wedding, as they could not arrange a vehicle due to the drivers’ strike.
They walked all night on Thursday from Sunakhandi panchayat under Kalyansinghpur block to reach Dibalapadu village where they tied the knot on Friday.
A video showing the groom and his family members including a few women walking at night went viral on social media.
“No transport was available due to the drivers’ strike. We walked all night to reach the village. We had no other option,” one of the groom’s family members said.
The marriage was solemnised on Friday morning. But the groom and his family members stayed at the bride’s house, waiting for the drivers’ association to withdraw the strike so that they can return home.
The Driver Ekta Mahasangh has launched the indefinite strike across the state from Wednesday demanding social welfare measures like insurance, pension, formation of a welfare board and others.
The strike by the drivers of commercial vehicles in Odisha was on Friday put on hold for 90 days following an assurance by the state government that all their demands would be fulfilled.
The announcement by the Drivers’ Ekta Mahasangh came barely a few hours after Chief Secretary P K Jena and DGP S K Bansak appealed to the striking drivers to withdraw the stir.

The strike by over two lakh drivers has hit the normal life for which people including office goers and tourists remained standard at different places. This has also resulted in price rise of essential commodities.
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#Groom #family #walk #wedding #due #drivers #strike #Odisha
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 17, 2023
Odisha: OBC survey across the state from May 1

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Bhubaneswar: The much-awaited survey of the other backward classes (OBCs) across Odisha will commence on May 1 and continue till May 27, an official notification said on Thursday.
The social and educational conditions of 208 OBC communities enlisted by the state government will be collected during the survey, which will be followed by a special drive to ensure that none were left out across the state, an official said.
Odisha is the second state in the country after Bihar to hold the OBC survey.
The survey will be carried out by the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes in all 314 blocks and 114 civic bodies areas in the state, an official said.
“The objective of the survey is to get a picture of the present social and educational conditions of the people belonging to backward classes in Odisha,” he said.
The state government in its notification said the survey will be carried out under the powers conferred by section 9 of the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes (OSCBC) Act, 1993 and OSCBC (Amendment) Act, 2020.
According to the provisions of the two Acts, the heads of the families or any senior person can provide the family data at the survey center. The families under survey require to give details of their ration and Aadhar cards or voter identity cards of their members.
OBC families having no ration cards may also submit their details at the survey centers. The people can also register their details for the survey online (www.oscbc.odisha.gov.in) free of cost, the official said.

This apart, the people can also register their details at Mo Seva Kendra’ by making the requisite payment, he said.
Meanwhile, the opposition BJP and Congress have said that the state government’s move for the survey ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and the Odisha assembly election is aimed at creating an OBC vote bank.
BJP OBC Morcha president Surath Biswal in a press conference on Thursday voiced suspicion about the state government’s mode of conducting the survey, which, he said, could be a ploy to dilute the enumeration process.
“The OBC survey should be done on a door-to-door basis instead of opening survey centers. Many poor people may not be able to come to survey centers due to lack of awareness,” he said.
Biswal demanded that the state government provide 27 per cent quota to OBCs in education and jobs as in other states.
The ruling BJD on the other hand maintained that the survey will be conducted to make policies more effective, ensure the socio-economic development of the backward classes and improve their social and educational conditions.
“There is no politics behind the survey. It is purely for the welfare of OBCs,” said Debi Prasad Mishra, a BJD lawmaker said.
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Siasat staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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#Odisha #OBC #survey #state
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 16, 2023