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45 new fast track courts for speedy disposal of sexual crimes

December 10, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 10 (LocalWire) Odisha government on Tuesday decided to set up 45 fast track courts for expeditious trial and speedy delivery of justice system for sexual offences against women and children.

Of the 45 new fast track courts, 24 courts will exclusively deal with the trial of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases while 21 courts are fully earmarked for crime against women including cases of rape, Odisha Law Minister Pratap Jena told reporters here.

The government is intent on improving justice delivery for women-related offences. That’s why the government has initiated measures for establishment more fast track courts in the State, he said.

The Section 28 (1) of the POCSO Act 2012 specifies the establishment of exclusive court in every district to adjudicate sexual offences against minors.

However the State does not have POCSO courts in every district. That’s why; the pronouncement of verdicts in heinous crimes of this nature is getting inordinately delayed.

The government’s announcement for setting up 24 POSCO courts is definitely a positive step towards right direction, commented rights activist, Biswapriya Kanungo.

It is pertinent to note here that registration of rape cases is the State is on the rise with 4,367 cases registered from January 2018 till September 30, 2019.

Disconcertingly, 55% of the rape survivors were minor girls.

The number of rape cases registered in the year 2017 was 2,221 against 2,144 cases in the previous year. In 2018 year, it had climbed to 2502 cases. This year till September 30, 1865 rape cases have been registered.

Of the rape cases registered till September end this year, 965 cases pertained to sexual assault of minor girls. The preceding year (2018) had witnessed 1430 cases of minor girls’ rape.

Of the 1865 rape cases registered this year (till September end), six women were raped and then murdered, the ministerial reply said.

In a period spanning fro 2015 up to 2019 (September 30), as many as 11,018 rape cases were registered in the State. Of them, 6,085 (55%) were minor girls.

LocalWire

Man commits suicide in Gupteswar temple, rituals affected

December 10, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Koraput, December 10 (LocalWire) : An unidentified man allegedly committed suicide inside the caves of the famous Gupteswar temple here today, police said.

As a result of the incident, all the rituals in the famous Shaivite shrine have been affected. The devotees will be allowed inside the caves for ‘darshan’ once all the formalities are completed, the priests said.

Based on preliminary investigation, police said the man belonged to Sambalpur. However, his identity is yet to be established, they said.

Investigation into the incident was continuing, they said.

LocalWire

Kala Bhoomi Museum: Your gateway to Odia craft and culture (Special)

December 10, 2019 By Sneha Santuka Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 10 (LocalWire): As the month of December advances, the chilly weather slowly envelops the state of Odisha, ushering in the season of cheer and travel.

In the hot tropical state of Odisha, where heat and humidity are constant companions, the winter months are a welcome relief bringing a cool, pleasant climate motivating people to chalk out their vacation, travel and picnic plans during the December-February period.

This winter, follow the LocalWire as it brings you various destinations in Odisha that you must include in your go-to list.

Whether it is week-long refreshing vacations, old-fashioned rejuvenating picnics or stimulating day-trips, here are some suggestions on where to hop next.

In the first of the series of our travel guide, we encourage you to visit the Kala Bhoomi Odisha Crafts Museum at Pokhariput in Bhubaneswar.

Even though it lies on the western fringes of the capital, it attracts visitors of all ages, from school children to foreign nationals, who come here to have a taste of Odisha’s vibrant craft culture. Here are some interesting facts about it.

1) The museum is spread across nearly 13 acres and is divided into two blocks: handicraft block and handloom block. Each block is divided into five galleries.

2) The handicraft block is divided into five galleries, and each gallery is devoted to a different craft of the artisans of Odisha: terracotta, traditional painting, stone and wood carving, metalwork and natural materials.

3) The entrance to the museum has a minimalistic stylised garden, with lush green lawns and trees spaced far apart. It is a welcome change from the usually crowded parks that one comes across. It affords the casual observer ample opportunity to reflect and marvel at the beautifully conceptualised museum.

4) All the buildings are shaped like huts. While the walls are made of laterite stone found abundantly in Odisha, the slanting roofs are layered with burnt clay structures.

5) The entire outdoor landscape is dotted with young banana plants, aged teak trees, bamboo stems, and various other trees. Just beside the entrance, there is a giant banyan tree that bears the marks of worship—sindura and decorative cloth.

6) Numerous burnt clay pots can be seen around the garden, while clay horses are scattered around the foot of the banyan tree.

7) The lobby leading to the inner chambers has a triangular dome-shaped roof made up of wooden planks. The wooden benches are well polished and give one a feel of a bygone era.

8) Everything that one comes across in the museum is made up of natural and organic materials. The design is old-fashioned and simple, subtlety coming across as the underlying concept of the thought behind the place.

9) The inner structures are built around a central courtyard, designed to resemble the houses of ancient times. A single tree stands tall in the courtyard, enclosed by a structure made of the same laterite stones used to build the walls.

10) Various short films depicting the lives of artisans, the process of craft-making and the rich and colourful heritage of Odia craftsmen are shown in the AV room.

On planning a day-trip, do not forget to include the exquisite Bocca Café beside the entrance as part of your agenda. The cafe, which is in sync with rest of the museum, has small open hut-like structures covered with bamboo and straw, dotted with carved stone benches and tables.

The Kala Bhoomi Odisha Crafts Museum is open on all days, except on select national holidays from 10 am to 5 pm.

For visitors coming to Bhubaneswar, it is very close to the Biju Patnaik International Airport and is easily accessible by car or a three-wheeler.

A taxi from the airport to the museum costs around Rs 250, while a ride from the Bhubaneswar Master Canteen Railway Station will cost around Rs 120.

Those reaching Bhubaneswar by bus may take a taxi or a three-wheeler after alighting at the Baramunda bus stop here.

LocalWire

RTI activist shot dead in Kandhamal dist

December 10, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Phulbani, December 10 (LocalWire) : In a broad daylight murder, an RTI activist was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Patrasahi under Baligluda police station of Kandhamal district today, police said.

The deceased identified as Abhimanyu Panda was standing outside his house when two motorcycle- borne miscreants shot him dead from close range.

Panda was taken to the nearby government hospital in a seriously condition where he was declared dead.

Panda is an RTI activist and former Sarpanch of Bataguda gram panchayat in the district.

Inquiry into the incident continuing and efforts are on to nab the assailants, the sources said.

LocalWire

Rural Development Department engineer in vigilance net

December 10, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 10 (LocalWire): Acting on a tip-off, vigilance teams from Baripada, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, and Balasore carried out simultaneous raids at different properties of a Rural Development Department assistant engineer on Tuesday.

The officer is working with the department at Soro in Balasore district.

The vigilance sleuths conducted raids at seven places including the properties belonging to him at his native village, and at his in-law’s place in Cuttack and Baripada to investigate charges of amassing disproportionate assets to his known sources of income, official sources said.

The verification of properties and papers were still being carried out at the time of filing of this news.

LocalWire

Civic body inks pact for managing electronic waste

December 10, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, December 10 (LocalWire): Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a company based in Andhra Pradesh for handling city’s e-waste, officials said on Tuesday.

Electronic waste or e-waste is the garbage of electrical appliances and electronic devices that are discarded for reuse or recycle.

In the absence of organised processing of the waste, large amounts of pollutants are released into the atmosphere and expose workers to greater health risks.

Berhampur city generates an average of 2,000 kg e-waste every month, BeMC commissioner Chakravarti Singh Rathore said.

At present, there is no mechanism in the city for the processing of such materials.

As a result, waste is posing a major environmental and health hazard.

“We will engage one or two women self-help groups to collect the e-waste from door to door on a commission basis. They will be paid by the company Rs 10 for collection of one-kg waste material.

The company plans to set up its e-waste processing unit here to recycling the waste materials locally, he added.

LocalWire

Fire breaks out in government office, documents gutted

December 10, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, December 10 (LocalWire): Several important files, documents, and computers were gutted in a mysterious fire that broke out in the office of sub-registrar on Monday night here.

The local shopkeepers who saw thick smoke billowing out of the building at around 9:30 pm had immediately informed the fire station.

Three fire tenders were pressed into service and while they were able to quickly douse the fire the properties were gutted.

While no injury or loss of life has been reported, the assessment of the damage could be not be made immediately since it was night and the rooms were filled with thick smoke.

The district authority will conduct an inquiry into the incident on Tuesday, a district level officer said.

LocalWire

Centre disburses Rs 7776 crore NABARD assistance to Odisha

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire):The centre has released Rs 7,776 crore to Odisha for agriculture and rural infrastructure development in past three financial years.

Replying to a starred question, Finance Minister Nimala Sitharaman in a written reply informed this in Lok Sabha on Monday.

The funds were routed through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in the form of loan assistance to State Government and State owned corporations for investments in agrarian and rural infrastructure development sectors, the minister said.

While 6088 projects were approved and Rs 2515.33 crore were disbursed in 2016-17, 18188 projects to the tune of Rs 2512.36 crore were approved in 2017-18.

The centre had sanctioned 12010 projects and released Rs 2749.63 crore to the State in 2018-19, she added.

LocalWire

Odisha seeks land in Delhi for cultural centre and library

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 9 (LocalWire) Odisha government today urged the centre to provide suitable patch of land in Delhi for construction of Odisha Cultural Centre and Library.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in a letter to Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, sought his intervention to fulfill the long-felt need of the Odia people residing in Delhi.

“I am hopeful that with your intervention, suitable land will soon be made available for fulfilling the long-felt need of the Odia people residing in Delhi”, Patnaik said.

There is also a sizeable presence of Odia diaspora in Delhi, who are interested in the preservation and promotion of various cultural forms.

It will also attract tourists both domestic and foreign, popularizing the practitioners and providing them with viable livelihood options, he said.

States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh , apart from Bhawan/Niwas, have been provided space for hosting cultural and social events.

“In the context of the above, I would be grateful if the central government allots suitable land for the purpose,” he said.

Stating that people from the state don’t have a suitable permanent building/space in Delhi where they can showcase their talent and craftsmanship, the chief minister said Odisha has unique cultural practices that need patronage and promotion.

They lend colour, variety and diversity to the rich cultural fabric of the country.

Odissi dance has achieved world-wide acclaim; Odia language is recognized as one of the six classical languages in the country; Odia cuisine, textile, handloom/handicrafts and the rich tribal art and culture are known for their flavor, texture and uniqueness, he concluded.

LocalWire

BJD supports citizenship amendment bill

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire):The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) extended its support to the citizenship amendment bill introduced today in the Lok Sabha and passed with majority votes.

All the 12 lawmakers from the state’s ruling party voted in favour of the bill in the lower house.

After the bill was referred to Joint Parliamentary Committee, our party had suggested three proposals including protecting the larger interest of northeastern States from the impact of the law during the draft proposal of the bill, a senior BJD leader said.

Two of our proposals were accepted by the committee, BJD Parliamentary Party leader Bhatruhari Mahtab said adding that the support was extended to the introduction of the bill as per the unanimous decision of party high command.

Though the BJD and BJP fought a high voltage poll battle with acrimonious war of words during 2019 twin polls, BJD continues to be on friendly terms with BJP-led central government.

The regional party had lent supporting hand to BJP in the passing of several important bills, including the Triple Talaq Bill, in the Rajya Sabha.

LocalWire

Rights activists decry law minister statement on Hyderabad encounter

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire):Human rights activists have taken strong exception to Odisha law minister Pratap Jena’s statement regarding encounter killing of accused persons in rape and murder of a woman veterinarian in Hyderabad and termed it ‘unconstitutional’.

The minister ought to be sacked from the council of ministers as he has publicly showed disregard towards the constitutional provisions, they said in a petition to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday.

Jena had earlier justified Hyederabad police’s action by saying that police did “nothing wrong” in killing four persons arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a woman veterinarian.

The Law Minister had said “the human rights activists may say something, but the fact remained that they (accused persons) were involved in most heinous crime”.

“It is a matter of concern that law minister Jena has given a statement in the public justifying police action in Hyderabad.

According to media reports the Minister of Law has said, “In other countries, such ‘culprits’ are shot and killed on the roadside.” By giving such a statement is he not ratifying extra-judicial killings?

How a minister who takes an oath to protect the constitution can go beyond it and issue such a statement?”, stated rights activists addressed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

“Through this statement, the minister is trying to encouraging the Odisha police to take law into its own hands and resort to such type of extra-judicial killings.

Will such Minister-in-office not protect the Police on such cases when it happens? Can we say he is ‘faithfully and conscientiously’ discharging his constitutional duties?, questioned Biswapriya Kanungo, one of the petitioners.

The Minister of Law has clearly acted unconstitutionally and has demonstrated that he has no respect for the Rule of Law. So, we urge you to dismiss Mr. Jena from the Council of Ministers of Odisha for the sake of protection of values of the constitution in name of which you also have taken the oath, they called upon the chief minister.

LocalWire

Odisha continues to be power surplus state, say officials

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire 1 Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 9 (LocalWire) The Odisha government today said that the state maintains its status as power surplus despite high demands, official sources said.

As reported by State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), the State Energy Demand (in MU) for 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 (up to Oct.19) were 25,391, 26,268 and 19,053 MU respectively, which was met from the power available through various generating sources in the State as well as its entitlement from central generation stations.

Due to massive rural electrification programme (RGGVY I & II, DDUGJY, BGJY & BSVY) and household electrification scheme (SAUBHAGYA) in the State, the total numbers of consumers has reached to 96 lakh and so also increase in the power demand.

During the financial year 2019-20, based on the power requirement of four DISCOMs, OERC had approved 28,731 MU of power to be purchased by GRIDCO from different generator and so far the power available in the state has been more than the power demand, the sources said.

The SLDC authority states that the present average power demand is 3,000-3,200 MW, while the peak demand is 3,800-4,000 MW and the report of CEA includes the short term open access power requirement/ purchase from outside for industries such as Vedanta, Jindal etc. during their power deficit from CPP, which does not reflect the actual power demand of the State, the sources said.

In the months of April, May, June, July and August 2019 due to late monsoon, low reservoir level and short supply of coal because of strike and local disturbance, less power was available to the State.

GRIDCO was directed to meet the power demand by availing power from other sources.

Meanwhile, after commissioning of Units 3 & 4 of OPGC (1320 MW) in Aug 2019, the State is in more comfortable position to meet its Power demand during any eventuality.

One Unit of NTPC Darlipali (800 MW) is expected to be commissioned during this FY in which the State share is 400 MW and the Odisha will continue to be a Power Surplus State.

LocalWire

Online pangolin smuggling busted

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire): Three active members of a gang thriving on online smuggling of pangolin, an animal accorded protection under schedule-1, wildlife protection act, were taken into custody on Monday by Athgarh forest division officials.

The arrested persons were involved on online trade of pangolins.

Thorough social media platforms, they used to dispatch video footage and pictures of live pangolins.

In the process, they used to arrest the attention of prospective clients and woo the buyers, said Sasmita Lenka, Divisional Forest Officer, Athgarh Forest Division.

We have received clinching evidence of their collusion with larger racket owing its root to some of the South East Asian countries.

In these countries, the pangolins are much sought because of medicinal healing impact of pangolin flesh, she said.

The protected species which are believed to posses curative medicinal values are being smuggled to States like Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

The smuggling network is also spread arcos to South East Asian countries like Myanmar and Vietnam.

Earlier the State forest department has sought Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)’s intervention to curb the online smuggling of pangolin.

LocalWire

DGP stresses on zero tolerance policy towards rape cases

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December9(LocalWire):
Odisha police will continue to maintain zero-tolerance towards cases of rape and molestation, said Director General of Police, Abhay, who took over as State’s police chief on Monday.

The safety of people in general and women and minor girls in particular stays in the list of priorities of Odisha police.

There is no reason for women to feel insecure, police will try its level best to curb these crimes, he said.

The lawlessness by gangsters and crime syndicates will be sternly dealt with.

Commenting on the Naxal situation, he said the left wing extremism has been greatly controlled in the State over the years.

Still joint teams of police and security forces will be on job with renewed vigour to control the activities of red rebels.

Ongoing measures to bring the Maoists through social security rehabilitation measures will continue, he added.

LocalWire

1986 batch IPS officer Abhay takes over as DGP

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire): 1986 batch IPS officer Abhay today took over as the Director General of Police (DGP), state’s police chief post.

Earlier, the Odisha cadre IPS officer was on deputation working as Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad.

The Odisha government had November 20 had named Abhay as the DGP) in place of B K Sharma.

The ex-DGP DGP BK Sharma who earlier removed from the police chief post on irregularities allegedly perpetrated by him as Odisha fire service head is currently posted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Home Department.

A high level inquiry has been instituted against Sharma, who also headed director fire services. The ongoing probe is looking into the circumstances into the inordinate delay for issuance of fire safety certificates to the applicants by the directorate.

LocalWire

Hindi poet Viswanath Tiwari to receive Gangadhar National Award

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire): Noted Hindi poet Viswanath Prasad Tiwari will be honoured with the prestigious Gangadhar National Award on the 53rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Sambalpur University.

The award, named after renowned poet Gangadhar Meher carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a citation.

Tiwari, who has served as the president of Sahitya Academy from 2013-17, is the founder-editor of the quarterly magazine Dastavej published from Gorakhpur.

He has several publications to his credit, including Adhunik Hindi Kavita, Rachana ke Sarokar, Kavita Kya Hai, Alochna ke Hashiye per, Saath Chalte Hue, Aakhar Anant, Fir bhi Kuch Rah Jayega, and Antheen Aakash.

He is a recipient of Vyas Samman in 2011 and has been conferred several other awards, including the Pushkin Award in Russia, Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan Award by Central Institute of Hindi, and Sahitya Bhushan Samman of Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan.

LocalWire

Anti-encroachment drive launched to clear area around Lingaraj temple

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire): The district administration in Khurda on Monday launched an anti-encroachment drive to clear the area around the 11th century Lord Lingaraj temple here.

The government has decided to remove all permanent constructions in the area falling within a 40-metre radius of the famous Shaivite shrine in the city that is also protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The eviction drive on Monday was taken after a high-level decision was taken to beautify the surroundings of the medieval era temple, a senior official stated.

“The drive has been peaceful and incident-free so far. However, adequate armed police deployment has been made as a precautionary measure, the officer said.

The eviction is being carried out jointly by the district administration and the Archaeological Survey of India which is in charge of conserving the temple.

Simultaneously, commercial structures along with the Mangu mutt (monastery) within a 75-metre radius of 12th century Puri Jagannath temple were also razed to the ground today, officials stated.

LocalWire

Police declare Sambalpur gang rape incident a red flag case

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire): The police today announced that it has decided to request a speedy trial of the gang rape case of a 40-year old married woman in Sambalpur.

According to sources, the police have marked the matter as a Red Flag Case—a case of heinous crime against a woman to be dealt on top priority—in accordance with a circular issued by the Odisha police in 2014.

The Sambalpur police on Monday also claimed that they have cracked the case with the arrest of four persons for the alleged crime.

“The case has been Red Flagged and the investigation is moving in the right direction and four offenders have been arrested,” Sambalpur superintendent of police Kanwar Vishal Singh said.

“Our priority is to have a speedy trial in the case and conviction of the arrested accused persons. The charge-sheet of the case will be submitted within 20 days’ time frame. All incriminating evidence of the crime has been gathered,” he said.

Singh further said that the case will be referred to the fast-track court for expeditious trial and conviction of the accused persons at the earliest.

“Special public prosecutors are being roped in to make it a foolproof case and conviction of the offenders,” he said, refusing to name those arrested in the case.

The offence was committed on the night of 7 December.

Two of the accused had given a lift to the woman on their motorcycle near Ainthapalli chowk.

The woman wanted to go to the local bus stop and the men later dropped her near Bareipalli and raped her after offering cold drinks mixed with a sedative.

They were later joined by two other persons who took turns in raping her.

The woman was spotted lying in an unconscious state on Sunday night and some locals later informed the police.

A native of Hirakud Dam Township, she was later rescued from the spot of the crime and hospitalized by the police.

Both, the victim and all four accused persons are adults, the police stated.

LocalWire

Odisha takes police services, FIR online

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire): Odisha has announced that it is the first state in India to provide online acknowledgment of First Information Reports (FIRs) filed at police stations and with high police offices.

“We use the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) for registration of all FIRs and courts in Odisha do not accept non-CCTNS FIRs. We are the first state to have made computerised FIRs mandatory by an order of the High Court,” Cuttack-Bhubaneswar commissionerate commissioner of police Sudhansu Sarangi twitted on his official handle.

CCTNS has a feature for transfer of FIRs on point of jurisdiction, he tweeted.

“All police stations and higher police offices in the state are computerised and networked. For complainants’ convenience, all police stations are interconnected and centralised.

People are slowly beginning to become aware of CCTNS service and are adopting the online mode of registering police complaints,” police sources said.

For the time-bound delivery of services and good governance, Odisha police have also launched a citizen portal to enable people to access information, request for police services, file complaints.

Citizens can also get copies of their FIR and track the updated status of the complaint through the portal, police sources stated.

LocalWire

Ace sprinter Dutte Chand campaigns for stray animals

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 9 (LocalWire): Ace sprinter Dutee Chand has joined hands with activists for the protection of stray animals on the streets.

“Right from childhood, I was fond of domesticated and stray animals. Therefore I have got associated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. Recently I did an advertisement for the organisation in an attempt to spread awareness on the safety of stray animals,” Chand, now in Delhi, told the LocalWire in a telephonic conversation.

“I did it free for the organisation that is doing a great work espousing the cause of the animals,” she said.

“The stray animals are good scavengers. They are an integral part of the animal kingdom. Cruelty towards them is uncalled for,” Chand stated.

“I am told that celebrities like Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Alia Bhatt, Shikhar Dhawan, John Abraham, Sidharth Malhotra, Sonam Kapoor, and Sania Mirza are intensely associated with the noble work for the kind and ethical treatment towards animals. I feel proud to have joined the elite league,” she said.

LocalWire

Woman shot for practising witchcraft

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Baripada, December 9 (LocalWire): A woman was seriously injured after being shot on suspicion of practicing witchcraft at village Talakbadi under the Bisoi police station of Mayurbhanj district.

According to the local police, the woman identified as Maino Hembram was sleeping at her house on Sunday when the accused opened fire at her.

She was seriously injured in the incident after the bullet hit her head and was admitted to the district headquarters hospital here, the police stated.

The police have arrested a person in this connection and investigating the matter.

LocalWire

Married woman gang raped in Sambalpur

December 9, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Sambalpur, December 9 (LocalWire): In yet another instance of sexual abuse, a 40-year old married woman was allegedly gang-raped by four persons in Sambalpur Township.

The police have detained four suspected rapists and interrogating them to ascertain their involvement in the crime, sources said.

The offence was committed on the night of 7 December.

Two of the accused had given a lift to the woman on their motorcycle near Ainthapalli chowk since the woman wanted to go to the local bus stop.

The men later dropped her near Bareipalli and raped her after offering cold drinks mixed with a sedative. They were later joined by two other persons who took turns in raping her.

The woman was spotted lying in an unconscious state on Sunday night and some locals later informed the police.

A native of Hirakud Dam Township, she was later rescued from the spot of the crime and hospitalized by the police.

LocalWire

Villagers intensify stir against steel project

December 9, 2019 By Amarnath Parida Leave a Comment

Paradip, December 9 (LocalWire): Intensifying their stir against the proposed Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Utkal Steel Limited, villagers of Dhinkia, Nuagaon and Gadakujanga panchayat have announced setting up of a joint front, JSW Pratirodha Sangram Samiti (JPSS) on Sunday.

The facility proposed by Jindal is going to be set up on the land which was acquired for the 12 million tonne steel plant of the South Korean steel major Posco that had to shut office after similar opposition by the Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti.

Sources said that the Jindal Group is all set to expedite its proposed 52 MTPA steel project on the Posco land in Paradip and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board has fixed 20 December 2019 for conducting its environmental public hearing at Gadakujang Jagannath temple.

The public hearing is important for obtaining the environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Locals say that people in the vicinity have learned their lesson from the Posco Company which failed to fulfill their demands, and hence they are not relying on the commitment of JSW employees this time.

“Hence, we have vowed to protest the public hearing meeting to be held in December,” a local stated.

Former MLA and Congress party leader Lalatendu Mohapatra who was unanimously elected as the JPSS president has strongly criticized conducting just a one-day public hearing meeting to seek clearance for the integrated JSW steel plant, cement, captive power plant and captive port of JSW group at Jatadhari River mouth.

“Our newly outfit JPSS would fight tooth and nail to stop the setting up of polluting industrial units near the villages,” he said.

Mohapatra also alleged that the government wants to destroy the international-level Paradip Port by allowing the JSW captive port facility at Paradip to handle the proposed 10-million-tonne steel plant in the area.

“Any port in the area will affect Paradip Port’s cargo operation. In a similar case, we have seen how cargo handling at Visakhapatnam Port has been severely affected after the Gangavaram Port was set up close by. Our outfit will certainly oppose setting up of the JSW captive port,” he stated.

It may be recalled that JSW has submitted a proposal to Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL) expressing the intention to locate the port at Jatadhari Muhan, about 8 Kms from Paradip port.

It is at the same place where Posco had earlier proposed to set up a captive port, which was then opposed by the local people.

Villagers allege that it was illegal to set up JSW plant on the land acquired for Posco and the state government should have returned the land to people as no project could be set up within five years of its acquisition.

“The new project will jeopardise the livelihood of villagers of three panchayats and hence we are demanding to scrap of the integrated steel, cement, and captive power plant, and the JSW port,” locals stated.

LocalWire

Hit by Bulbul he losts crop and money, commits suicide

December 9, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, December 9 (LocalWire): Burdened by crop loss and debt a 40-year farmer of village Badapokhari in Oupada block here committed suicide by consuming poison.

The deceased Pradip Behera had consumed pesticide on Friday and succumbed on Sunday while he was being treated at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

He was initially taken to the Balasore District Headquarter Hospital and later shifted to Cuttack after his condition deteriorated.

Behera had five-acre agriculture land and had sowed paddy as Kharif crop this year after availing a loan of Rs one lakh from local cooperative society.

He was disturbed ever since the crop was hit by the recent cyclone Bulbul.

On Friday he had a heated argument with his wife after returning from the field on the matter of crop loss and piling debt, and his inability to clear the loan, and later consumed pesticide, sources said.

He is survived by his wife and two minor daughters.

LocalWire

CRPF jawan held in Puri gang rape

December 8, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Puri, Dec 8 (LocalWire) Police on Sunday arrested a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan in connection with alleged gang rape of a minor girl in a police quarter here on December 2.

The jawan identified as Bulu Barik was arrested by a special squad of police from Rayagada district, said Puri superintendent of police Umashankar Dash.

He is the fourth accused in the case arrested so far. Three other persons, including a dismissed police constable identified as Jitendra Sethy, were accused of raping the 17-year-old girl inside a police quarters near Jhadeswari Club in the temple town, were held earlier.

The police quarters was allotted to the dismissed constable Sethy’s wife, who is also a constable..

The victim was waiting for a Kakatpur-bound bus at the bus stop at Nimapara when she had fallen into the trap laid by Sethy and his accomplices. Sethy had offered the girl a lift in his car and brought her to the quarters, the sources said.

The girl had claimed that she was raped by two persons and two others left the scene by closing the door from outside. She managed to flee from the police quarters as the accused were in an inebriated state.

However, all the four were booked on rape charge as they either sexually assaulted her or abetted to the crime.

The case will be referred to a fast track court for expeditious trial. Police will file the charge sheet charge in the case in next 20 days, the sources said.

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Grand Pathoustav ahead of Platinum Jubilee function of Rajendra College

December 8, 2019 By Sudhir Mishra Leave a Comment

Balangir, Dec 8 (LocalWire) Rajendra College, one of the premier educational institutions of Odisha, is set to celebrate its Platinum Jubilee in grand style.

Ahead of the mega event from December 27 to 31, a ‘Pathoustav’ (street play) was organised here today with people, students and ex-student of the college, which has since become an university, joining a cultural extravaganza that covered the distance from Rajendra College chowk to Rajendra College.

Artists Basudev Meher and Ratan Meher inaugurated the cultural functions.

Sand artists of Dhol Nissan and Tasha, King Kansa moving with his ministers, Dlakhai dance, Danda Nacha and other troupes exhibited their performance while body builders flexed their muscle and martial arts demonstrated their technique on the occasion.

College students staged street play on different social issues including crime against women where as school students drew roadside painting giving a vivid look to the entire route.

The ambiance reverberated to the lilting sounds of different cultural programmes.

“For a moment it appeared that the entire Balangir town is rocking on the Sunday morning.

A total of 39 troupes participated in the Pathoustav. This is the trailer (beginning) and the theater (main function) will be gorgeous one”, an organiser said.

The Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu is scheduled to inaugurate the platinum jubilee celebrations of the college on December 27.

“After the function, efforts should be made to make Rajendra College an excellent educational institution”, said Arbinda Das.

“The college has so far produced over 55,000 students.

We appeal the people and ex-students to join the platinum jubilee celebrations of the alma mater”, said Lalit Nayak.

LocalWire

Nine time increase in Vasectomy in Ganjam dist

December 8, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, Dec 8 (LocalWire) Vasectomy, a male sterilization process, has made a quantum nine fold jump in a refreshing change from male’s hitherto palpable aversion towards the family planning method.

During the observation of ‘vasectomy fortnight’ from November 21 to December 4 this year, as many as 96 male sterilization had been done, which is highest ever in the district, said additional district medical officer (ADMO) (Family Planning) V. Sarojini Devi.

With this the total male sterilization done in the district this year had gone up to 99 so far.

In 2016-17, 25 males had done sterilization in the district followed by 11 in 2017-18, she said.

Vasectomy is a non-invasive minor surgical procedure and is the safest and effective birth control method for male member of the family.

It also does not affect male hormones, she said.

The government had observed the ‘vasectomy fortnight’ for the first time this year to create awareness about male sterilisation and promote their participation in family planning after observing that their role was abysmally low.

During the event, various myths about the process were dispelled. Its theme was “Zimmedar Purush ki yehi hai Pehchan, Parivar Niyojan mein jo de Yogdaan”, she said.

“Besides creating awareness among the male persons urging them to come forward for sterilization by the health staff in the district, we engaged persons, particularly males, who had already gone through sterilization as “role models” for creating awareness”, she said.

They are motivating the people and explaining about the benefits of male sterilization. They are also explaining about the government benefits for undergoing sterilization method, the ADMO (Family Welfare) said adding a female gets Rs.1,400 for undergoing sterilization while her counterpart receives RS 2,000 for the same from the government.

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Police arrest man wanted in 24 year old murder case

December 8, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, Dec 8 (LocalWire) A 50-year old man, allegedly involved in murder of a person in Kabisurya Nagara police station limits in Ganjam district over 24 years ago, was arrested here on Sunday, police said.

The accused was identified as Hari Das (50) of Khodasingi under Baidya Nath Pur police station.

Das along with two others identified as Dillip Nayak and Kalu Nayak had committed the murder of one Kamadev Nayak (68) at Kabisurya Nagar on May 5, 1995. Dilllip and Kalu were awarded life sentence by the court and serving jail term.

However, the third accused Hari Das was absconding since then, said inspector-in-charge, Kabisurya Nagara police station Pravat Sahoo.

The present status of the murder case would be verified at the court and steps to be taken accordingly, he said adding police had filed charge-sheet against Hari Das along with Dillip and Kalu in the court, he said.

After committing the murder, Das had absconded and was living in Tikabali in Kandhamal district.

Meanwhile, police arrested Das in connection with a robbery case under Baidya Nath Pur police station in 2003 in which the court had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him and not for the murder case.

Acting on a tip off, police raided his house in the village and arrested him after executing the NBW issued against him in the robbery case, said Baidya Nath Pur inspector in charge, SP Das adding his criminal records in different police stations are being verified.

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NHRC seeks report on Custodial death in Keonjhar

December 8, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, Dec 8 (LocalWire) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Odisha government over the death of a person in police custody allegedly due to third-degree torture.

Taking cognizance of a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and Human Rights Activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC has asked the Director-General of Police (DGP), Odisha, the District Magistrate, Keonjhar and the Superintendent of Police, Keonjhar to file the reports.

Tripathy had alleged that due to torture by the police, the accused Suresh Naik, a resident of Shedding Basti under Barbil Police Station in Keonjhar district, died on 20 November.

“Police says that Naik had committed suicide while in custody. This is a classic case of failure of entire state machinery and the police.

Negligence and failure of the government authorities posed a serious question of human rights”, Tripathy alleged.

Tripathy requested the NHRC to investigate the case independently and impartially, take legal action against the wrongdoers and pay compensation to the family members of the deceased.

The NHRC has directed the State government to send, among others, the inquest and post-mortem reports with video cassette/CD and chemical examination and histopathology report of viscera to the commission within six weeks.

It also sought the Action Taken Report on the Magisterial Enquiry Report.

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Ministers had defied order for property disclosure says book

December 8, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8 (LocalWire) Most of the ministers in Hemanand Biswal cabinet in the late eighties had turned down the Chief Minister’s order and flatly said ‘no’ for disclosure of their movable and immovable assets.

If the autobiographical account of veteran politician and former minister Bhagabat Prasad Mohanty, who passed away today, is to be believed, only ten out of 25 strong council of ministers headed by Biswal had come forward in furnishing the details of their property.

The anecdote dated back to (7 December 1989 to 5 March 1990) when Biswal had donned the mantle of chief minister for a brief period.

“As many as 15 ministers of Biswal-led cabinet had defied the chief minister’s command and flatly refused to furnish the assets list to the government”, according to “Sangramara Swaralipi’, the autobiography authored by late leader.

Mohanty’s probity and integrity in public life had invited the wrath of party colleagues including ministers and chief ministers in the eighties and nineties.

“The chief minister Hemanand Biswal had asked the ministers to submit property list. Only ten ministers submitted the property list while 15 other ministers did not pay any heed to the CM’s direction.

I was first among the ministers to furnish the list”, the autobiography mentioned.

“It was a good initiative to establish probity in public life as politicians in Odisha were most discredited in the eighties and nineties.

It would have definitely sent a positive message to the public had the ministers submitted their property list to prove transparency in governance”, it said.

“I had given two proposals to Hemanand Babu (the then Chief Minister).

I had requested to drop the ministers who defied CM’s order and suggested constitution of a three-member probe committee headed by retired Chief Justice of Orissa High Court to detect the properties amassed by ministers disproportionate to their known source of income”, he said.

However, in a twist to the initiative, Biswal budged and altered his stand.

The then Pradesh Congress Committee President and former chief minister Nandini Satpathy had, however, later told him that the proposal has to be kept on hold by saying that then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi did not accord consent to it, Mohanty’s autobiography claimed.

The veteran politician was not in possession of immovable assets like land and building in Odisha’s major cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, according to “Sangramara Swaralipi’ autobiography.

LocalWire

Utkal university to emerge as an institute of excellence

December 8, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8 (LocalWire) Utkal University, Odisha’s premier higher educational institution, will emerge as an institute of eminence in the country in five to seven years span, said President Ram Nath Kovind here today.

Speaking at the platinum jubilee function of the university here, the President said that the university has been recognized by the union government as a Regional Research Hub and entrusted with the important task of networking with the central research institutes in this part of the country.

“This status will carry with it not only the recognition but also greater autonomy and higher funding.

I am happy to note that the University has entered into MoUs with two reputed foreign universities”, he said.

By joining hands and pooling their resources together, the university will create a vibrant research ecosystem, he said.

Stating that the University is poised to scale even greater heights in future and contribute significantly to building a knowledge-driven society fully equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century, the President said the upcoming Centres of Excellence for cutting-edge research in frontier areas will help realize this lofty goal.

“I am glad to learn that the University has created a park in memory of Gandhiji, called Ahimsa Sthal, on 2nd October 2019, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

That was a fitting tribute to the Father of the Nation on his 150th birth anniversary”, he said.

During the 75 years of its existence, the University has dedicated itself to the advancement of learning.

It has emerged as the premier destination for thousands of students. Scholars from here have brought glory to their alma mater by distinguishing themselves in different walks of life in India and abroad, he said.

“I note with satisfaction that the foundation stone of the campus was laid by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1958. It was inaugurated by the second President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in 1963.

After a gap of half a century, in 2013 Pranab Mukherjee delivered the convocation address here at this University.

Continuing the special bond, I am happy to be a part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of this University”, he concluded.

LocalWire

Centre focusing on infrastructure growth of Odisha : President

December 8, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8 (LocalWire) The central government has pumped in massive investment for infrastructure growth and development of Odisha as part of its focus on progress of eastern part of the country, said President Ram Nath Kovind while laying the foundation for the Paika Rebellion Memorial at Khurda today.

The modern educational institutions established in Odisha have created a lot of opportunities for the youths which will help them face the challenges in the 21st century, he said.

Emphasizing that the nature has endowed Odisha with immense natural resources, he said there is greenery, virgin sea and rich mineral reserve all around the state.

The talented and skillful people living here have the potential to excel in various fields right from science to tourism.

There is a lot of scope to tap the natural resources, he said adding that the economic strengthening of tribal people is vital for overall growth of the State in various spheres.

LocalWire

Miscreants torch vehicle of Talcher lawmaker

December 8, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8 (LocalWire) Unidentified miscreants set on fire an SUV owned by Talcher MLA Braja Kishore Pradhan at Bharatpur-Nandira office in his home constituency last night, police said.

The BJD lawmaker was having night halt at the office when the incident took place.

The locals found the MLA’s room was locked from outside.

They doused the fire and unbolted the door, the sources said.

Scientific and forensic teams are at spot to gather vital material evidence.

Investigation is underway to crack the mysterious fire; police said adding that it appears to be a willful act of sabotage and disruption.

However, Pradhan could not be reached out for his comments.

It may be recalled here that the miscreants had barged into the high-security MLA colony area in the state capital on August 19 and set on fire cars and motorcycles parked at the official residence of Pradhan.

The accused persons in the crime have since been taken into custody, the sources said.

LocalWire

President lays foundation stone for Paika Rebellion Memorial

December 8, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8 (LocalWire) President Ram Nath Kovind today laid the foundation stone of the Paika Rebellion Memorial at Barunei Hill in Khurda and said the monument is a reminder of the combative spirit of Odia people.

The memorial will play a key role in striking a chord with visitors and tourists on the rich history of the State and heroic legacy of its people, the President said.

Among others, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Prahlad Singh Patel and Union Minister Pratap Sarangi graced the function held for the occasion.

The Paika rebellion or uprising, also called the Paika Bidroha, was an armed revolt against the British East India Company’s rule in Odisha in 1817.

The Paikas rose in rebellion under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar and it spread across most parts of Odisha. The Paikas were warriors and traditional landed militia of Odisha.

LocalWire

Ganjam launches project to make district child marriage free

December 8, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, Dec 8 (LocalWire) The Ganjam district administration has unveiled an innovative project to make the district “child marriage free”.

The administration will provide a cash award of Rs.5,000 to the person who will give prior information about any child marriage in the district, official sources said here today.

The decision was taken at the task force meeting of the “Nirbhaya Kadhi”, an initiative undertaken by the administration to create awareness against the child marriage on Saturday and the amount would be given from the funds of district protection unit.

‘Nirbhaya Kadhi’, a monthly programme being held every third Saturday, is appreciated across the state as it helps reduce the wrong practice and creates awareness among the people about the prevailing laws that restrict them to marry off their girls at a tender age.

“Even though some persons are aware of the preparations for child marriage in their respective areas, but they do not inform the administration out of fear.

Those who will now come forward to inform will be given cash award and their identity will not be disclosed for their safety”, said district collector Vijay Amruta Kulange.

“At least a simple information will save the life of a girl”, the collector said.

Stating that there is a need for a massive awareness campaign about the aim and objective of ‘Nirbhaya Kadhi’ among the young population, Kulange also stressed for writing the messages against child marriage on school walls.

About 4.50 lakh students in 3,624 schools, Anganwadi workers and members of self-help groups (SHG) in the district had made a mass pledge on ‘Mu Sachetan’ ( I am aware) against child marriage on November 22.

Similarly, the administration has also roped in a different community and traditional leaders to sensitize them against the practice.

The announcement of cash award to the informer assumed significance as the number of child marriages have since increased Ganjam.

The district administration along with other organizations have foiled as many as 38 such cases during in 2019 so far.

In 2018 and 2017, they had received such reports of 23 and 32 respectively, he said.

Earlier, in its attempt to dispel the blind belief and practice of witchcraft in the district, the administration had announced cash award of Rs 50,000 over two months back to the person who can prove about the existence of ghost.

However, so far, no one has come forward to claim about the existence of ghost, the sources said.

LocalWire

Five held over loot of Rs.8.85 lakh from cattle traders

December 8, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, Dec 8 (LocalWire) Five persons were arrested in connection with looting of Rs.8.5 lakh cash from six cattle traders in Jaleswar area of Balasore district, police said here.

The police had seized Rs.1.83 cash, a Scorpio vehicle and a motor cycle from the possession of miscreants, who were allegedly involved in the loot incident that occurred on Thursday, they said.

The cattle traders were on their way to Bhadrak from West Bengal in a jeep to buy cattle when the miscreants waylaid their vehicle at Chalanti, opened fire and decamped with the booty.

Following the incident a special squad headed by DSP Manoj Rout was formed to track them down, they said adding four others involved in the crime were still at large and efforts on to nab them.

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Bhagabat Mohanty no more, Kendrapara plunges into mourning

December 8, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 8 (LocalWire):Veteran politician and former minister Bhagabat Prasad Mohanty passed away following cardiac arrest on Saturday night at a city-based private hospital.

Mohanty, a prominent peasants’ leader, lawyer besides contributing immensely for growth of cooperative movement in the State, was 90.

He is survived by widow, two sons and two daughters.

Elected three times to the State assembly in 1971, 1985 and 1995 from Kendrapara assembly seat, Mohanty had donned the mantle of revenue and higher education minister in the State cabinet with distinction.

He was widely regarded and adored for his upright traits in public life, erudite scholarly character, grass connect with people besides contributing for public institutions in Kendrapara.

He founded Kendrapara urban cooperative bank, Dinabandhu Sahu Law College in Kendrapara besides government-run science college at Ayeba.

Mohanty, whose integrity in public life has won admiration from several quarters, had retired from active politics since past two decades.

He had authored an autobiographical account- ‘Sangrama ra swaralipi’, a candidly bringing to light the corruption in public life and discredited politicians and the hunger for power in Congress party in the eighties and nineties.

The Kendrapara district has plunged into deep mourning following the demise of Mohanty.

A pall of gloom descended the region as news of his death convulsed many in these parts to a state of shock.

In a spontaneous show of respect towards the late leader, shop owners have downed their shutters in Kendrapara town.

“Mohanty’s amiable and cordial traits in character and down-to-earth lifestyle had endeared him near all.

He was people’s leader in true sense. His demise has created a void in public life”, described Saroj Raj Singh, a senior lawyer in Kendrapara.

He was a lawyer par excellence particularly in civil litigations.

The magnanimity of character can be gauged from the fact he often defended the cases of poor people free.

He had come up with home library full of law books. As he had plunged into politics, he had donated the books to Kendrapara bar association, he said.

He was a shinning example probity in public life. When he was the revenue minister, he had ordered for roadside construction for expansion of road in Kendrapara town.

Setting an example, he had razed to ground compound wall of his residence in Kendrapara as portions had encroached the main road, recalled Gyan Ranjan Mohanty, a local resident of Kendrapara town.

He was a rare breed of politician, who meticulously stuck to ethics, principle and connect with people.

His house in Kendrapara is always crowded with people from all walks of life.

He never compromised with principle and he has amply portrayed in his autobiographical account, said Gourahari Pati, a close follower of the late leader.

“His virtue lies in the fact that he used to come forward to help out people regardless of political affiliation. His rapport and bond with people had his political opponents envious”, remarked Umesh Chandra Singh, a veteran left wing leader of Kendrapara.

In the hour of distress, he had made it a point to rush to the spot.

He was among the first to arrive at the spots of devastation during flood and cyclone, described Mohammad Mukhtar from Kendrapara town.

“Bhagabat Babu visited our village on countless occasions be it a marriage or obsequies”.

For us, he was like a family member. His death is a personal loss for all of us”, bemoaned Dharani Prusy from Ayeba village.

LocalWire

Three tourists killed, 10 injured in road mishap

December 8, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, Dec 8 (LocalWire) At least three persons were killed and 10 others seriously injured when the tourist vehicle in which they were travelling in rammed into a stationary truck near Sergarh petrol outlet on National Highway at around 4.30 am today, police said.

Altogether 27 persons including women and children from Balisahi area of Puri were on their way to Devkund tourist spot in Mayurbhhanj district in a mini bus when mishap struck them.

The deceased have been identified as Trinath Dash, Bapi Mishra and Gangadhar Dash.

All the injured were shifted to the district headquarters hospital here and their condition is stated to be serious.

Meanwhile, some other injured passengers alleged that the driver had dozed off and lost control over the speeding vehicle which caused the mishap.

Police had immediately rushed to the spot and removed the mangled mini bus from the National Highway.

Further investigation in the mishap was continuing, the sources said.

LocalWire

Boy detained over rape attempt to minor

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 7 (LocalWire) A 17-year-old boy was detained on charge of attempting to rape a minor girl in Khannagar area of Cuttack city on Saturday, police said.

The family members of the six-year-old victim lodged a complaint at Badambadi police station against the accused, who is a neighbour of the girl.

The complaint said that the girl was eating in her home when the accused boy asked her on some pretext and took her on a bicycle to a lonely place where he allegedly attempted to outrage her modesty.

However, on hearing her scream, a few students of a nearby library rushed to the spot and rescued the girl.

They also overpowered the accused, who was attempting to flee from the spot, and handed him over to the police, the sources said.

The boy has been detained for interrogation, the sources said adding further investigation was continuing.

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Senior officials visit Bhimbhoi MCH, get positive feedback

December 7, 2019 By Sudhir Mishra Leave a Comment

Bolangir, Dec 7 (LocalWire) As part of the “Mo Sarkar” initiative of Odisha government, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Director Shalini Pandit and principal secretary, disaster management, Nikunj Behari Dhal today visited Bhimbhoi Medical College and Hospital here and enquired from patients regarding the services being provided in the hospital.

The officials largely received positive feedback on the service delivery at the medical college ad hospital.

Dhal said that the aim of the government is to make the medical college and hospital here an ideal institution for teaching, research and providing better health service to the patients.

“By and large I have got good and positive response from the patients and others present in the hospital”, he said.

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President arrives on two-day visit to Odisha

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 7 (LocalWire) President Ram Nath Kovind arrived here this evening by a special Air Force plane on a two-day visit to Odisha.

State Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhushan Harichandan, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan, former union minister Jual Oram, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and other dignitaries received the President, who is accompanied by his wife Savita Kovind, at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here on arrival.

The President will lay the foundation stone of the memorial of Paika Bidroh at Barunei Hill in Khurda district tomorrow and also address the closing ceremony of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Utkal University here.

LocalWire

ITR Chandipur observes Swchhata Pakhwada

December 7, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, Dec 7 (LocalWire) As part of observance of Swachhta Pakhwada (December 1 to 15) by Integrated Test Range (ITR), an unit of DRDO, near here a cleanliness and health awareness drive was undertaken at Chandipur and here.

Teams belonging to different wings of ITR carried out the drive at different places and collected the waste material littered on roadsides including non-biogradable plastics and properly disposed them off.

Earlier in the week, ITR teams had also undertaken a similar drive at Chandipur beach area and cleaned nearby tourist spots including Panthanivas premises and Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam memorial.

In course of their campaign, the officers and staff of ITR also cleaned four school premises in Chandipur region.

“We interacted with the school children and educated them about the importance of swachhta and maintaining hygiene .

Many other activities including public awareness camps, workshops on cleanliness and environment protection activities have been planned by team ITR in the forthcoming days of the Swachhta Pakhwada,” said director ITR, Binay Kumar Das.

Besides Swachhta activities, ITR had also launched a campaign to spread awareness among the citizens about diabetes.

After completing the cleaning operation on Saturday, the ITR team marched on the road carrying posters and banners displaying information about the disease.

A special diabetes awareness camp was organised in which blood samples were collected from as many 204 persons and clinical advice given.

A special interactive session on practicing yoga for diabetic patients was also organised during the camp.

LocalWire

Kalia merged with Central scheme, beneficiary to get Rs 4000 per annum

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 7 (LocalWire):Odisha government has effected a merger of its flagship direct benefit transfer Kalia scheme with the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) while bringing down the fiscal doles to farmers to Rs 4,000 per annum from Rs 10,000.

The State government had launched the package for farmers’ welfare under Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme in December 2018 while the centre had implemented PM-KISAN scheme during February 2019 ahead of the general elections.

Critics however tended to believe that both the schemes were pre-poll freebies by the State and center to woo the

“Keeping the parity of both the schemes, the small farmers/marginal farmers may be given with Rs 5,000 for 2019- 20 and Rs 4,000 per year from 2020-21, so that they will get Rs 10,000 annually i.e Rs 6,000 from PM-KISAN and Rs 4,000 from KALIA,” the notification issued by the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment department said.

As all the eligible farmers will get assistance from PM-KISAN from 2019-20, no assistance for Rabi-2019 will be given under the Kalia scheme to these farmers, the notification said, adding that the beneficiaries, who have not yet received financial assistance during 2018-19 under Kalia scheme, will also be provided assistance for Rabi 2018-19.

“The actual cultivators (share croppers) who are landless, if any, will continue to get assistance from Kalia i.e Rs 10,000 annually, since they are not considered under PM-KISAN,” the notification said.

This apart, the state government also made it clear that applications from big/large farmers will be collected through online as the big/large farmers are eligible to get assistance from PM-KISAN scheme which is Rs 6,000 per annum.

The farmers residing under urban local bodies will not be considered for both the schemes.

Both PM-Kisan and Kalia will have common exclusion criteria, said the notification.

“As the Cooperation department has decided to provide interest free crop loan up to Rs 1 lakh to all farmers, so component i.e ‘interest free crop loan’ under Kalia which had a provision to provide interest free crop loan up to Rs 50,000 to all farmers has been subsumed and need not be further considered under Kalia”, the notification noted.

Ahead of the 2019 twin polls, the State government had launched the scheme for larger growth of farming sector and agrarian economy of the State.

The beneficiary farmers including farm labouers were provided with Rs 10,000 each per annum for two crops (Rs 5,000 for Kharif and Rs 5,000 for rabi crop) under the scheme.

LocalWire

Giraffe replica made of scraps figures in India Book of Records

December 7, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, Dec 7 (LocalWire) A giant sculpture of a giraffe made by the students of the government-run Industrial Training Institute (ITI) here has figured in the India Book of Records, official sources said here.

Using scrap iron rods from broken roof castings, 35 students of fitter trade of the institute took 22 days to put up a 32-feet height and 12 feet wide giraffe sculpture weighing about 2000 kg.

“It was confirmed by the record book of organization on November 19 this year”, the IIT principal Rajat Kumar Panigrahy said quoting a communication.

Earlier, the institute was awarded the grandmaster certification from Asia Book of Records for erecting a large sculpture of guitar from waste materials.

The guitar, measuring around 70-feet, was made by 150 students in three months and 22 days time.

“It was confirmed by the record book organization on August 13 this year”, he said.

“The fresh achievement is in recognition of the hard work of the students.

With this the students will be encouraged to do more innovative works in the coming days”, the principal said.

Besides the giraffe and guitar, the students had also made several other sculptures like fish, deer and Spiderman by using the scraps of automobiles and old broken houses.

The ITI authorities had set up at least 10 such giant sculptures at the entrance of the institute for public view.

LocalWire

Crime branch issues circular on habitual offenders

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (LocalWire) The crime branch wing of Odisha police has asked the district police heads to keep tab on habitual offenders (who are on bail) and thwart possible attempts by them to trigger lawlessness.

The superintendents of police at district level and deputy commissioners of police in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar commissionerate of police need to keep constant vigil on habitual lawbreakers bailed out by the courts, a circular issued by the additional director general of police, crime branch, Santosh Upadhyay said.

If they (habitual offenders) are found to be indulging in crimes, unleashing terror and breaching the law after being bailed out, the SPs and DCPs ought to take up the matter with public prosecutors to move the court for cancellation of their bail applications.

Police need to keep constant vigil on the habitual offenders to ascertain that they do not breach the precondition that the court imposes during granting bail, the circular added.

It’s pertinent to note here that two offenders had set a rape survivor on fire yesterday in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao after being bailed out by court.

LocalWire

Six district HQ hospitals poised for facelift

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 7 (LocalWire) As part of citizen-centric ‘Mo Sarkar’ (my government) initiative, the State government today announced infrastructure facelift plan for six district headquarters hospitals.

The district headquarters hospitals in Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Kendrapara, Bolangir and Sonepur will receive Rs 15 lakh each from the chief minister’s relief funds for further improvement of health service facilities.

The district police in these districts are also being provided Rs 10 lakh each for organizing blood donation camps and spreading awareness for the purpose.

The Sambalpur district headquarters hospital will have 50 additional beds. There will be a new building for the casualty and outdoor patient department. A new ‘Maa gruha’ building will also come at Sambalpur HQ hospital, said officials.

Besides, projects have been approved for establishment of an integrated diagnostic laboratory and dialysis and intensive care unit.

There will also be a satellite centre of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) to provide healthcare to critically ill patients.

The bed strength will be increased from 60 to 200 in Deogarh district headquarters hospital.

In Angul district headquarters hospital, the bed strength will be increased from existing 192 to 300. The dialysis and ICU facilities will also be further strengthened.

The bed strength in Kendrapara district headquarters hospital will also go up from existing 175 to 200. There will be new staff quarters, modern OPD and ICU besides provisions for dialysis facilities.

The construction of Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital building at Bolangir will be completed in two years. A mortuary unit will be set up there.

The Sonepur district headquarters hospital will be upgraded to a 200 bedded health unit, added officials.

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Special school for mentally challenged kids gasping for breath

December 7, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (LocalWire): It is a case of paradox: While the Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik conferred the state award to 24-year-old Rabi Sabar of Nuapada district for remarkable service to people with disabilities (PwDs), the tribal man continues to serve without pay for almost two years in Biju Patnaik Special School for Mentally Challenged.

Sabar, a native of village Tanwat in Maraguda valley was afflicted with congenital cerebral palsy muscular disease and underwent rehabilitation and special education at the institute.

He later joined as an attendant in his alma mater in 2016.

While the special school survived for a decade-and-a-half on grants under the Deen Dayal Rehabilitation Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the ministry put brakes on the Rs 12 lakh annual central grants in 2016.

Since the institution, its inmates and teachers have been surviving on charity, including funds allocated on loan basis by the District Red Cross Society, besides the ration provided by the administration under the Mid Day Meal scheme to meet the food requirements of 50 inmates.

“We have applied for grants from the state government. The Social Security Empowerment Department has granted us permission to operate the school in 2016-17, but it is yet to recognise the school, which is a mandatory clause for release of government grants,” head of the special school Rajeswari Samanta said.

The District Red Cross Society is the custodian of the school and provides funds on a periodic basis.

“However, it is not adequate to meet with the annual expenditure. The administration has taken up the matter with the concerned authorities. Once the school is accorded recognition, the government can release the grant and the financial constraints that the institution is currently encountering will be resolved,” Nuapada collector Madumita Sahu said.

The credit for establishing the special school for mentally-challenged children goes to the then collector Bishnupada Sethi who was posted here in 2000.

It was managed initially out of the sale proceeds of gunny bags procured from food for work rice distribution programme.

“The permanent building of the school was built as part of the initiative by the former collector. We need similar initiatives from government agencies as the school’s future is at stake,” a local of Nuapada town Biraja Prasad Nayak stated.

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SPCB asks industries not to cause water pollution

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 7 (LocalWire) With industrial houses allegedly polluting the rivers and water bodies in Odisha, the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has issued a statutory warning to units to refrain from perpetrating water pollution.

The apex pollution control panel of the state in a circular issued recently has warned the industrial houses of legal action for acts of defying the pollution control rules and laws.

Directions have been issued to all the major and small industries not to discharge untreated effluent and sewage to water bodies, official sources said.

As per National Green Tribunal directives, ‘no untreated sewage and industrial effluents could be discharged into any water body’.

Any deviation will invite penal action under section 18 (1) (b) of Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974, they said.

It is pertinent to note here that as many as 19 rivers in the State are bearing the brunt of water pollution as per the scientific findings by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

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Carcass of elephant calf found

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Sonepur, December 7 (LocalWire) The carcass of a baby elephant was retrieved today from near Baghapali rivulet under Ulunda forest range of Subarnapur district, official sources said.

The elephant calf was about a month old and it’s gender is yet to be established, said forest officials who rushed to the spot to retrieve the carcass.

The calf somehow got separated from the mother and believed to have slipped into the water body and could not come out of it.

Later it might have died without getting food and water, they said.

However, exact cause of death could be ascertained after the post report comes out, they added.

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Rape survivor runs from pillar to post seeking justice

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (LocalWire) A 39-year-old rape survivor has been running from pillar to post to take to task the perpetrator of the crime even as the police here are allegedly trying to cover up the case.

The trial and tribulation of the victim dates back to April 10 when she had lodged a complaint with Infocity police station here alleging that she was raped and financially deceived by the accused Sanjay Bansal, a private firm executive.

As the local police refused to entertain her complaint, she had moved the High Court seeking justice. Acting on the HC order, the police had lodged a case on May 27 and recorded her statement under section 164 of CrPC on June 2.

However, since then, the police are sitting over the case and the “offender” is roaming free, she said alleging that the police is hand in glove with the accused turning a blind eye to the case.

“I have knocked at the doors of various authorities seeking justice starting from Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). But, justice continues to elude me”, the victim, a businesswoman, rued.

Meanwhile, the PMO had taken note of the complaint and asked her to file petition with National Commission for Women (NCW) which she did but nothing has happened till date, she said.

“He had sexually exploited me by falsely promising to make me his life partner. But he ditched me. He had also financially exploited me”, she said.

Immense pressure is being exerted upon me to make an out of court settlement of the matter and withdraw the case.

At a time when everybody is shouting from the rooftop for women’s safety, alleged inaction on the part of authorities have left a rape survivor high and dry, she concluded.

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Class II girl student died in accident, three injured

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Kendrapara, Dec 7 (LocalWire) A Class II girl student was killed on the spot and three others were injured when the auto-rickshaw carrying them to school turned turtle near Gara village under Pattamundai police station of Kendrapara district on Saturday, police said.

The overloaded auto-rickshaw was carrying 15 students and staff to Saraswati Vidya Mandir at Oupada when it skidded off the road and overturned, killing the minor girl on the spot.

The driver then fled from the spot. The local people rescued the occupants of the vehicle and admitted the injured in the nearby government hospital.

Enraged over the tragic incident, the irate villagers set the vehicle on fire, the sources said adding inquiry into the mishap was continuing.

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Live wire trap for poaching animal kills a farmer

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Angul, December 7 (LocalWire): The live wire spread out for poaching of wild animals mainly tuskers turned into a human death trap with a farmer dying of electrocution early morning on Saturday.

The deceased, 45-year-old Naba Kishore Pradhan was stuck in the live wire spread in the cropland, police said adding that manhunt is on to nab the suspected poachers who had laid the trap.

The body was sent for post mortem.

A case of unnatural death has been registered in this connection, the police said.

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Mining interest pushing parts of Karlapat Sanctuary out of ESZ

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (LocalWire): Wildlife activists in Odisha have alleged that the southern part of Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi district has been excluded from the purview of the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) due to mining interests.

The proposed ESZ under Environment Protection Act for the famous sanctuary is being taken up based on the proposal submitted by the state government.

Stating that the ESZ has a serious bearing on the future of these forests, the activists have pointed out that Karlapat boasts of elephant population and serves as a crucial corridor link for free mixing of elephants in Kotagarh Sanctuary in Kandhamal district and Lakhari valley Sanctuary in Gajapati district.

However, development activities, an extension of farmlands, encroachments, repeated fire and grazing, have led to a fragmented habitat for the elephant population.

“The population of carnivores animals is also steadily decreasing due to degradation of their habitat,” Wild Orissa chief spokesman Kulamani Deo said.

There are key habitats and fragile wildlife habitats within the buffer zone of the sanctuary and the wild animals move into this zone in search of food and shelter.

“If sufficient steps are not taken to conserve and protect the wildlife outside the sanctuary boundaries, it may be difficult to sustain a healthy population of wildlife inside the sanctuary,” the activists stated.

Zero ESZ is being proposed in the southern part of the sanctuary for the reasons that out of eight bauxite blocks three have been given to a company for exploration purposes of bauxite.

The purpose of declaring ESZ around National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and Tiger Reserves is to create some kind of shock absorber for the protected areas, which would also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection and it is to be regulatory in nature.

However, the guidelines issued by the centre for notifying ESZ very clearly says that where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecological important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are even beyond 10 km width, this should also be included in the ESZ, a condition that is not being followed in the case of Karlapat.

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Lack of focus and objectivity crippling scientific pursuit in India

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (LocalWire): Lack of focus and objectivity has crippled scientific research in the country rendering the efforts at different levels redundant, Prof. Sudhakar Panda, Director of the Institute of Physics and National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) said.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day national conference on Science and Technology of Functional Materials at a private university here on Friday.

“The often asked question is when will India win a Nobel Prize in science but the people engaged in research have no clear perspective as to what they were doing and where it was taking them,” Prof. Panda stated.

He also pointed out that students at the Plus Two level are encouraged by their parents to prepare for engineering and medical entrance examinations and they get them admitted into coaching centres.

“These coaching centres need to be abolished as hardly ten per cent of the students studying there get admission in these technical institutions because of limited seats, while the rest virtually destroy their careers,” Prof. Panda, who attended the conference as the chief guest said.

He highlighted that the fundamentals of science are not taught in coaching centres where students are only told how to get through the entrance exam.

Prof. Panda said research funding agencies often wanted to know about the research work being done or where it was taking the research scholars. “But I’m afraid we don’t yet know what we are trying to do.”

“How can scientific research prosper in such an atmosphere?” he asked.

The problem lay with the propensity of guides to churn out Ph.D scholars and pile up research papers which helped their own careers but did not contribute to the growth of science, Prof. Panda said.

Though a researcher might not be aware of the details of another domain, there is a need to explore and understand other fields, he said, adding that it was more important to understand than learn.

LocalWire

Cold wave hits Odisha, no respite for the next 72 hours

December 7, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (LocalWire): The coastal state has been hit by the intense cold as the mercury dipped to 6.5 degree Celsius in tourist destination Daringibadi, making it the coldest place in the state during the last 24 hours.

According to the Bhubaneswar office of the Meteorological Centre, the cold wave condition will continue and there will be no change in minimum night time temperature during the next 72 hours across the state.

Daringibadi was followed by Phulbani, also in Kandhamal district, which recorded a minimum temperature of 8 degree Celsius, the Meteorological centre, here, stated.

The temperature dipped below 10 degree Celsius in at least two other places: 8.6 degree Celsius in Sonepur and 9.6 degree Celsius in Angul.

The mercury stood at 10.6 degrees in Koraput, 11 degrees in Bhawanipatna, 11 degrees in Titlagarh, 11.2 degrees in Keonjhar, 11.5 degrees in Sundargarh, 12.5 degrees in Sambalpur, 13 degrees in Balangir, 13.2 degrees in Jharsuguda and 14.1 degrees in Hirakud, the weather department said.

The mercury stood at 16.4 degree Celsius in the state capital Bhubaneswar, while neighbouring Cuttack recorded a minimum temperature of 14.4 degree Celsius.

The port town of Paradip was the less cool, recording a temperature of 19 degree Celsius, it stated.

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Paucity of teachers hit universities, 58 per cent posts lying vacant

December 7, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (LocalWire): As many as 58% of academic faculty posts are lying vacant in ten government-run universities in the state, officials said on Saturday.

These universities imparting post-graduation courses presently have only 586 teaching staff as against 1,424 sanctioned posts severely affecting the classes and the future of the students there.

The scenario is no better for non-teaching staffs with 56% or 1,566 posts of the 2,759 sanctioned posts lying vacant.

The paucity of teaching staff has been affecting all universities, including the state’s oldest higher educational institution Utkal University, which is celebrating its platinum jubilee year.

President of India Ramnath Kovid is scheduled to grace the platinum jubilee function of Utkal University on Sunday.

The premier university has only 137 teachers as against the sanctioned 257 posts.

The Gangadhar Meher University in Sambalpur, however, is worst affected with 88% vacancies yet to be filled; the University has just 16 teaching staff as against the sanctioned strength of 144.

Odisha lone women’s university, Rama Devi Women’s University in Bhubaneswar, too has 105 of the 138 sanctioned posts lying vacant.

The prestigious Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, on the other hand, has 179 unfilled teachers’ posts as against the total sanctioned faculty strength of 267, a massive vacancy of 67 per cent.

Similarly, the Jagganath Sanskrit University in Puri is yet to fill 63 per cent or 24 of the 38 sanctioned posts, while Berhampur University has 47.71 per cent vacancy with 72 of the sanctioned 153 teaching posts yet to be filled, and Sambalpur University has 33.98 per cent or 52 vacant posts.

North Orissa University is short of 74 teaching staff, 64.34 per cent of the sanctioned 115 posts, and Fakir Mohan University in Balasore has 72 of its 117 teaching posts vacant.

The state government has already initiated steps to fill up the vacant teaching posts in universities and colleges and the notification will be issued soon, a senior official of the Higher Education Department told LocalWire.

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Ramabrahman takes charge as Central University vice chancellor

December 7, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, December 7 (LocalWire): University of Hyderabad professor I Ramabrahman took charge as the vice-chancellor of the Central University of Odisha, officials said on Saturday.

The post at Sunabeda, Koraput was lying vacant for the last nine months. Ramabrahman will hold the coveted post for five years.

Prior to his current assignment, Ramabrahmam has worked as a senior faculty of the Department of Political Science, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad.

He did his PhD in Political Science from UoH and MA in Political Science & Public Administration from Andhra University.

Having over thirty years of teaching experience, he has published over 100 research papers in National and International Journals. He has also supervised more than 20 scholars.

LocalWire

DDRC conducts 33 clubfoot corrective surgeries

December 7, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, December 7 (LocalWire): The District Disability Rehabilitation Center (DDRC) in Kandhamal has conducted deformity correction surgery of 33 clubfoot children, including 15 girls across four districts.

The centre has been declared as a Model Nodal Center for Deformity Correction (MNCDC) by the state government.

The surgeons from Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTR), Olatapur, headed by Dr. KC Mohapatra have conducted surgeries on 36 children aged between six months to 13 years, with the help of local doctors during the last two days.

A special ward was earmarked for these patients at the district headquarter hospital in Phulbani and the patients will stay there for 21 days till their plaster is removed, said district disability rehabilitation officer AK Panda said, adding that the second plaster will be done for one-and half months.

“Removal of plaster and physiotherapy would be done for three weeks after the removal of plaster,” he stated.

Overall, 14 children from Kandhamal, four from Boudh, six from Sonepur, nine and Balangir have conducted the surgeries, he said.

“These poor students can’t go to Olatpur for their surgery. So we provided free-surgery in the district and invited the doctor team from SVNIRTR. At least Rs 30,000 was spent for each child for the treatment,” he said.

“I was very much worried when my son was born with clubfoot in his left foot. Now I can take a sigh of relief after operation of his feet.

The doctors have assured me that he will be cured after four months,” Subash Kanhar, whose son Abhaya was one of the beneficiaries, stated.

A similar opinion was shared by Banchha Bank, father of nine-month old Bharati of Biramaharaj Pur in Sonepur, whose surgery was also conducted at the camp.

“I hope she will be relived soon and get a new lease of life,” Banchha said.

“A separate 20-bed ward was set up in the district headquarter hospital Phulbani to conduct surgery and treatment of the patients and physiotherapy. Around four months’ time is needed for corrective of one’s deformity,” Panda said.

During the last ten years, the DDRC Kandhamal has conducted over 791 corrective surgeries giving new lease of life to 582 persons.

The first surgery camp was held in 2008-09, said Panda, while 60 per cent of the beneficiaries are from Kandhamal district, others are from Boudh, Sonepur, Rayagada, Nayagarh, Mayurbhanj districts, he said.

LocalWire

Three suspended for booth tampering during bye-poll

December 7, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, December 7 (LocalWire): Three teachers have been suspended while show-cause notice has been issued to another three in connection with mismanagement and alleged booth tampering in two booths during the recently concluded bye-poll in Shradhapur GP, here.

The order was issued by district collector K Sudarshan Chakravarthy against the six teachers who were involved in the polling process at the booth number 12 in village Kanya Nagari and booth number 14 in village Khadibil held on 27 November.

Although the polling process was completed peacefully, there was chaos while the ballot boxes were being deposited in the block office as some people alleged tampering at these two booths.

According to sources, in the melee, some ballot papers were thrown on the ground by miscreants as they snatched the ballot boxes.

Later, the sub-collector Nilu Mohaptra rushed to the site and pacified the tensed locals.

Mohaptra also submitted a report to the collector recommending re-poll in these two booths, mentioning the error on part of the polling officers, after which polling was held again at these two booths on 29 November.

An inquiry was also conducted on the incident by the block development officer and three teachers Kamal lochan Patra of Sridurga Pallibhumi High School, Sukumar Mohanty of Dahinanidhibandu UP School and Tapas Singh of Kalyanpur UP School were suspended.

Similarly, Chittaranjan Sahu of Analia School, Tapan Pradhan of Bagarukhi School and Rasalpur Cluster Resource Centre coordinator Abanti Jena were issued show-cause notice by the district collector.

LocalWire

Shopkeeper held for raping minor

December 7, 2019 By Amarnath Parida Leave a Comment

Jagatsinghpur, December 7 (LocalWire): The police have arrested a 74-years-old shopkeeper, Prafulla Mohanty, on charges of raping a minor in Gadakujang panchayat under Abhyachandpur police station on Friday.

According to sources, the 13-years-old student of Noliashai Project Upper Primary School at Gadakujang had gone to a local shop to buy chocolate during the lunch hour when the shopkeeper Mohanty forcibly took her to an isolated place behind the shop and raped her.

The accused also threatened her of dare consequence if she discloses the matter to anybody.

Tension prevailed after the news reached the village, and the villagers later informed the local police about the matter who have detained the accused Mohanty in this connection.

Meanwhile, the survivor’s mother has lodged an FIR in Abhyachandpur police station.

According to Abhyachandpur police station inspector-in-charge Jugal Kishore Das, the police are investigating this case and detained the accused.

“Both accused and victim girl will be sent to a local hospital for examination,” he stated.

It may be noted that the girl’s father, a Congress party worker, was murdered during the last general election due to political rivalry while he was returning home after canvassing.

LocalWire

Baba Saheb Ambedkar and his Odisha connect, Things to know

December 7, 2019 By Sneha Santuka Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (LocalWire): The founding father of the Republic of India and the architect of the country’s constitution of India, Dr. BR Ambedkar is affectionately known as Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

He was independent India’s first law and justice minister is also known for his struggle for the upliftment of the lower castes and fight for justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity, both in social and political spheres.

On his 64th Mahaparinirvan Diwas on 6 December 2019 LocalWire takes a look at some facts about him and his Odisha link.

1) Such was the glory of Dr. Ambedkar that an entire movement was conceived with his ideals at its epicenter.

The Ambedkarite movement advocates an egalitarian system of governance.

Odisha has witnessed many movements against brahminical culture and politics and Ambedkarism was one of the movements, especially well-known in Kalahandi, where people faced discrimination at multiple levels: economic, social and cultural.

2) Dr. BR Ambedkar was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, the organisation responsible for envisioning and developing the constitution of India. Out of the 299 members of the Assembly, 14 were eminent Odia personalities.

3) A crusader for equality, liberty and fraternity, Dr. Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.

4) After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from Elphinstone College in 1912, Baba Saheb studied MA and went on to obtain Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University in the USA.

Later he went to London and took admission to the London School of Economics and Grey’s Inn for Law.

5) Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s 3 famous theses were on Administration and Finance of East India Company (MA); The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India (Ph.D.); and The problem of Rupee: Its origin and its solution (D.Sc.).

6) The three magazines that Baba Saheb Ambedkar founded and edited were: Mook Nayak (1920); Bahishkrit Bharat (1927); and Janata (1930).

(7) Baba Saheb Ambedkar established two colleges: Siddharth College of Arts and Science, Bombay; and Milind College, Aurangabad. He also set up the People’s Education Society.

8) Baba Saheb Ambedkar launched the famous Mahad Satyagraha in December 1927.

9) His testimony before the Hilton-Young Commission in 1925 is legendary and later led to the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India.

10) Baba Saheb Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Bengal, and later became the Chairman of the Drafting Committee that wrote the Constitution of India.

LocalWire

Rapes and murders: Appeals delay executions in Odisha

December 6, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 6 (LocalWire): December 6, 2019 turned out to be as a momentous day for those espousing the cause for safety of women, particularly minors, from the barbaric perpetrators of rape.

The gunning down of four accused by cops in the case of rape and murder of a woman veterinarian in Telangana was a reason for cheer.

It was followed by President Ram Nath Kovind’s public announcement in Rajasthan that there should be “no mercy for rapists”.

He also stressed that “people convicted under POCSO Act should not be allowed to come under the ambit of mercy petition.”

In this perspective, it is pertinent to note here that the courts in Odisha took stringent view of cases of rape and murder of minor girls.

The POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) courts have pronounced four capital punishment or death penalty verdicts this year.

The convicts in all these cases have gone for appeal in High Court.

The president’s observation that POCSO Act should not be allowed to come under the ambit of mercy petition rekindles the hope that the higher courts uphold the lower courts’ death penalty order and they are put to gallows.

Here is the sequence of death penalty verdicts with brief summary

1-September 19, 2019

A 26-year-old man was sentenced to death by a special court here on for raping and killing a six-year-old girl in Cuttack district in April, 2018 by Additional District and special POCSO court Judge, Cuttack

2-September 11, 2019

A POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court in Jagatsinghpur district had awarded death sentence to a person for raping and murdering a minor girl last in 2018.

3-August 29, 2019

A Baripada Additional District Judge Court in Mayurbhanj district had awarded capital punishment to a man for raping and murdering a minor girl in 2018.

4-July 26, 2019

A POCSO court in Angul district had pronounced death penalty for a man for kidnapping, raping and brutally murdering a minor girl.

All these cases are pending for adjudication in Orissa High Court as the convicts facing death row have gone appeal through their lawyers.

LocalWire

Odisha home to 15 percent of country’s malaria endemic districts

December 6, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 6 (LocalWire):Odisha is home to 15 percent of country’s malaria endemic districts even though the incidence of the vector-borne disease in the State has comparatively climbed down in the recent years.

Of the country’s 63 districts identified as the malaria’s hotbed, ten districts of Odisha figure in the inglorious list as per the latest statistics reeled out by the union health and family welfare ministry.

Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj and Nuapada have been identified as malaria endemic districts as per the ministry report.

However the silver lining of malaria survey report suggests that incidence of malaria and fatality cases is steadily on the downslide in the State.

66,311 malaria cases were reported in 2018 year, a substantial climb-down from 2017 when 3,47,860 cases were recorded.

In 2016 year, 4,44,843 malaria cases were diagnosed by government health agencies.

The malaria fatalities have also made a nosedive in past three years.

While 77 people died of malaria in 2016, the fatalities had come down to 24 in 2017. The 2018 year saw 24 people dying of malaria.

While as many as 21 out of 30 districts were identified as malaria endemic in 2016, the number of endemic districts dropped down to 10 in 2018, the statistical report pointed out.

The incidence of disease and rate of fatality has been controlled considerably due to prompt intervention by the health department.

The hilly forest and tribal dominated districts in the southern, northern and western parts of the State are regarded as endemic areas while the coastal districts are less affected by the disease.

The distribution of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) has succeeded to control the outbreak of the disease. 36 lakh LLINs have already been distributed this year.

The State will procure 1.13 crore nets for free distribution mostly malaria prone areas, said the officials.

The government has successfully launched “Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran” (DAMaN) scheme to provide access to services in the most remote and difficult-to-reach areas of the state and screen the entire population of the inaccessible areas and treat all positive cases with appropriates Anti-malaria drugs, they added.

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Odisha law minister seeks stringent punishment for rape

December 6, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 6 (LocalWire):While Telangana Police’s act of carrying out an encounter of the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinarian in Hyderabad was received with cheer across the State, Odisha law minister today hailed the encounter killing describing it as a ‘justful act’ and sought for amendment of act to make punishment more stringent for rape offence.

“Hyderabad police had done the right thing. The accused persons had committed a henuous crime. Police act is fully justified.

They were forced to gun down the offenders who were trying to flee”, said Pratap Jena State law minister.

Penal provisions with regard to offences like rape and women-related need to be made more stringent as it is the case in other countries, he said adding that the State government is adopting zero-tolerance towards rape crimes which are being referred fast track courts for speedy trial.

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Follow norms, MEA tells overseas job aspirants

December 6, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 6 (LocalWire): The skilled workforce from Odisha should seek overseas job opportunities only through registered placement agencies and licensed labour firms to ensure their safe employment abroad.

“Migrant workers based abroad are always vulnerable to exploitation and so they should adopt the mandatory precaution while traveling abroad for employment.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has launched a digital e-Migrate platform to protect the less-educated blue-collar workers,” MEA spokesperson Raveeh Kumar said while briefing reporters here.

The e-Migrate is an effective platform that ensures protection against possible exploitation of the Indian worker, he said, adding that in majority cases, the less-educated skilled workers face problems in foreign countries and encounter immigration issues as they land there on tourists visa instead of workers visa.

“They should be extra cautious and refrain from traveling on a tourist visa when going abroad for a job,” he said.

Kumar also informed that keeping in view the instances of harassment and the trouble faced by the job seekers across states, including Odisha, the MEA has established Protector General of Emigrants (PGE).

The special cell looks into the safety and interest of Indian workers heading to other countries in search of livelihood, he stated.

The PGE is assigned the responsibility of protecting the interests of Indian workers proceeding abroad for employment purposes, and it is also the registering authority responsible for issuing the Registration Certificate (RC) to a recruiting agent for overseas manpower export business in accordance with the Emigration Act, 1983.

LocalWire

Odisha becomes chikungunya free

December 6, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 6(LocalWire):Odisha has become free from vector-borne chikungunya disease with not a single case confirmed case being detected in past two years.

The union state minister for health and family welfare, Ashwini Kumar Chubey replying to a query by BJP MP Jual Oram informed this in the Lok Sabha.

It was in 2016 that the State had recorded 51 chikungunya cases.

That was the last. Since then no case of the vector borne disease has been reported in the State.

The disease is not as deadly as dengue and malaria which is life threatening. It’s is a viral illness.

However its symptoms are quite similar to that of dengue and malaria.

People afflicted with the illness suffer from high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain and headache and joint swelling.

The aedes aegypti mosquito spreads the illness.

The State has implemented special action plan to control malaria and dengue.

It also includes chikungunya, said officials.

LocalWire

Santhali language spoken for first time in Rajya Sabha

December 6, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 6 (LocalWire):Biju Janata Dal MP Sarojni Hembram today entered into record book by speaking Santhali language in Rajya Sabha during the question hour.

It is for the time the tribal language that spoken in Odisha and Jharkhand that was spoken on the floors of the upper house.

Murmu demanded conferment of Bharat Ratna for Raghunath Murmu, the founder Ol Chiki script for the Santhali language in 1925.

Earlier the regional party had called upon the centre for the inclusion of 3 major tribal languages of Odisha, Ho, Mundari, & Bhumija in 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

BJD lawmaker Sasmit Patra had the issue and demanded recognition to tribal languages of the State.

LocalWire

State to have three more airports

December 6, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 6 (LocalWire): Odisha will have three more airports under Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN.

The proposed airports will come up at Jeypore (Koraput), Rourkela (Sundergarh) and Utkela in Kalahandi district, a senior state government official said here today.

It may be recalled that the Veer Surendra Sai airport at Jharsuguda – Jharsuguda airport was State’s first airport to come up in the State the centre’s regional connectivity plan.

It had been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 22 last year.

Biju Patnaik international airport in Bhubaneswar is State’s premiere airport having overseas air connectivity.

LocalWire

Jumbos damage crops, school wall in Balangir village

December 6, 2019 By Sudhir Mishra Leave a Comment

Balangir, Dec 06 (LocalWire) A herd of elephants damaged paddy crops and the wall of a school building in Odisha’s Balangir district, officials said on Friday.

The elephants damaged the gate of the school at Kendumundi village under Agalpur block two days ago. Subsequently, they damaged paddy crops of villagers.

Elephants often intrude into human habitation in search of food due to depleting forest cover.

LocalWire

Congress sells onion at Rs 40 per kg in Balangir

December 6, 2019 By Sudhir Mishra Leave a Comment

Balangir, December 6 (LocalWire): In a unique protest against the unprecedented rise in onion prices, the Balangir town Congress committee led by its president Bulu Dani sold onions at Rs 40 per kg before the collector office here.

The price of onion has been increasing by the day and touched Rs 140 per kg in Odisha affecting millions of common people.

While the protestors sold onion at Rs 40 rupees per kg and each customer was given half a kilogram of the most sought after vegetable, they later burnt the effigy of chief minister Naveen Patnaik and prime minister Narendra Modi, holding them responsible for price rise and anti-people policy.

“The high price of onion has hit hard the common man most. Unless the price of onion and other essential commodities is reduced, the town Congress will continue to show black flag to both the central and the state ministers,” Dani said.

LocalWire

East coast railway to run special trains to meet with winter rush

December 6, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 6 (LocalWire):East Coast Railway has introduced special train services towards different destinations in view of winter season rush and consequent increase of passengers’ footfall.

As passengers are unable to schedule their winter holiday plan with their tickets waiting list for confirmed reservation in the regular trains, the ECoR is introducing the special trains for passengers’ convenience and hassle-free journey, said ECoR officials.

08429 Puri-Sai Nagar Shirdi Special train will leave Puri at 1200 hrs on every Wednesday from December 4 to 25 and will arrive at Sai Nagar Shirdi at 2000 hrs on Thursdays.

In the return direction 08430 Sai Nagar Shirdi – Puri Special train will leave Sai Nagar Shirdi at 0045 hrs (mid-night of Thursday-Friday) on every Friday from December 5 to 27 and will arrive at Puri at 1100 hrs on Saturdays.

Similarly 82851/82852 Visakhapatnam- Subedarganj(Allahabad) -Visakhapatnam Suvidha Special will leave Visakhapatnam at 2350 hrs on every Tuesday between November 26 to December 10 and from Subedarganj(Allahabad) at 1530hrs on every Thursday between November 28 to December 12.

Passengers who are planning to travel during this peak season can avail facility of Special trains to make their journey comfortable by getting confirmed berths.

A special weekly express train is also running between Puri and Howrah (Santragachi). Another Weekly Special Express train is running between Shalimar-Puri-Santragachi. Both the special train services will continue till December 28.

For South India bound passengers, one Weekly AC Special Express and one Bi-weekly Special Express trains are being run on Bhubaneswar-Secunderabad route.

Similarly a special train is running between Visakhapatnam and Secunderabad for the benefit of the waitlisted passengers.

For the Western Odisha bound passengers, one Weekly Special Express train is running between Sambalpur and Bangalore (Banaswadi).

Keeping in view the demand between Visakhapatnam and Tirupaty, one weekly special train is serving the passengers.

One special train is also running between Srikakulam Road-Kacheguda-Tirupati.

East Coast Railway is also running a Daily special train between Visakhapatnam and Araku for the nature loving tourists. Services of the above trains will be available till December 31.

In addition to the above, waitlisted passengers over ECoR’s jurisdiction can avail the facility of Special trains being run between Santragachi and Coimbatore, Hatia and Bangalore Cantonment to make their journey comfortable.

If, passengers are getting wait list status in regular trains during this season, they may book Train tickets in Special trains running from and through East Coast Railway jurisdiction.

The Special Train Number starts with “0” (zero) or with “8” and passengers can easily find it from National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for online Ticket or may ask at the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) inquiry Counter for Counter Tickets.

Passengers may book their tickets online by following IRCTC website or book ticket through Mobile App or may book tickets from PRS Counters.

ECoR is also notifying about the running of Special Trains on regular basis via different media.

Passengers may also get regular information about the Special trains by following ECoR Facebook page @EASTCOASTRailway and Twitter Account @eastcoastrail.

LocalWire

Axe on 29 marriage mandaps in Bhubaneswar

December 6, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,December 6 (LocalWire): The urban planning authorities in Bhubaneswar on Friday have moved to crack whips of marriage mandaps operating in the city in unauthorized and unlawful manner.

29 kalyan mandaps and marriage halls in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation jurisdiction have been identified as illegal and unauthorized. The joint enforcement teams of Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has been constituted sealing the mandaps, said BMC officials.

The weeklong exercise to effect shutdown of the mandaps is beginning from today, they said.

Currently 29 manadps are operating without valid trade licence, holding tax, building plan and waste management procedure. The violation of this nature is resulting in traffic congestion in the city.

Budhabalanga listed as one the most polluted rivers of Odisha

December 6, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, December 6 (LocalWire): High pollution level of river Budhabalanga is posing a serious threat to human beings as well as aquatic animals.

According to the recent report published by the Central Pollution Control Board, Budhabalanga is one of the 19 most polluted rivers of Odisha.

The river originating from Mayurbhanj flows through Balasore before falling in the Bay of Bengal and a large population of the two districts depends on the river for livelihood, including for irrigation purposes.

Unfortunately, the water of the river has been polluted to alarming levels with untreated water from the factories and plants, besides the sewage from municipal and urban areas that are let into the river without any restrictions.

Sources indicate that the untreated water released from various plants, factories, and other establishments pollute the river with harmful chemicals like arsenic, led, cobalt and mercury.

According to the Regional Pollution Control Board officer PK Mahapatra, “The waste released by the factories and plants are by and large treated by the units. Massive urbanisation along the river bank is one of the reasons besides untreated urban effluents for pollution of the river water.”

LocalWire

Telengana rapists’ encounter killing hailed in Odisha

December 6, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December5(LocalWire):The gunning down of four accused by cops in the case of rape and murder of a woman veterinarian in Telengana has been hailed by people various spectrum in Odisha.

The perpetrators of the dastardly crimes are the blot of the society. These wrongdoers are social evil.

It’s heartening to note that they have been removed from society, said Jayashree Mohapatra, a Bhubaneswar-based social activist.

Regardless of the circumstances under which the police shot them down and legality of encounter killing, it’s a welcome step.

Hopefully, it will act as deterrent to people who nurture barbaric mindset towards women, said another activist Abanti Behera.

They deserve death. The court would have hanged them. The police have meted out instant punishment towards them. We young girls are extremely happy, said Bhubaneswar-based college student, Arunima Rout.

The biggest challenge is that whether such deterrent action can the change the mindset of people towards women.

The courts have sentenced rapists to death in the past. But cases of rape are still on the rise particularly in Odisha, observed a executive of private firm, Ashok Senapati from Cuttack city.

LocalWire

Despite being blind, his determination got him the teaching job

December 6, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, December 6 (LocalWire): Fifty-year-old Hemant Kumar Subudhi of Munishipentha village in Chhatrapur block has multiple disabilities, including loss of vision but his disabilities did not deter him from fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a teacher.

Today, he teaches at a government-run high school at Gangapur, about a kilometer away from his village.

“Since I have over two decades teaching experience, I did not face any problem teaching the high school students,” Subudhi, who teaching social science to the students of Class VI to VIII, said.

“Earlier, when my vision was around 70 per cent, I used to teach Mathematics to primary school students. Now I have lost 100 per cent vision and use multi-media tools to teach, he stated.

Subudhi has completed his post-graduate in Economics and B.Ed from Berhampur University and has also done his special education in visual disability from the National Institute of Visual Handicapped (NIVH) Dehradun.

Besides being visually impaired, Subudhi also lost one of his feet and palm in an accident at the railway station at Balugon in 1996, when he was fell from the running train while trying to get aboard.

“Before the accident, I had lost about 60 per cent of my vision but it increased after it and I became crippled,” he stated.

Even though he lost his vision, Subudhi did not give up hope and he soon qualified the preliminary examination in civil services.

“I was also selected by the government to become a teacher in 2001, but I could not get the service immediately due to my disability. I had prayed to the government and appeared for a special class before the district collector to select me as a teacher,” he said, adding that he had also given the government an option to terminate him from the service if his performance was not found good.

Subudhi, a member of Odisha Bikalanga Manch, a forum for persons with disabilities (PWD) is married and blessed with a daughter.

LocalWire

Odia nurse Mamata Bhoi gets National Florence Nightingale Award

December 6, 2019 By Sudhir Mishra Leave a Comment

Balangir, December 6 (LocalWire): In recognition of her outstanding services in the difficult Maoist-affected areas, the President of India Ramnath Kobind on Thursday conferred the National Florence Nightingale Award to Mamata Bhoi of Odisha.

Bhoi is a health worker based in Sunamudi under Khaprakhol CHC and has been appreciated for her outstanding work in conducting delivery in remote, Maoist-affected Khaprakhol block of Balangir district.

Mamata stays there and works for reproductive health, mother and child health, vector-borne disease control programs, community medicine and other vertical health programs.

A soft-spoken and amicable woman, locals consider Bhoi as a sincere nurse, whose dedication and commitment to her work has brought glory to the district and the state.

Instituted by Union Ministry of Health in 1973 to recognise the exceptional services of nurses, the award carries Rs 50,000 cash, a citation certificate and a medal.

LocalWire

Government approves coastal highway realignment plan

December 6, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Berhampur, December 6 (LocalWire): The 450 km long Odisha coastal highway project is likely to take off soon with the state government agreeing to the realignment proposal of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

The NHAI had suggested realignment of the highway at strategic spots from Satpada to Digha via Puri-Konark-Astarang-Ratanpur-Dhamara-Basudevpur-Chandipur, which had earlier been turned down by the government.

The works department in a recent official communication has asked the highway authorities to engage consultants to draw out the realigned plan and expedite the implementation of the project.

The road realignment from Gopalpur to Satapada via Chilika lake will be reviewed later for environment clearance, the letter stated.

The proposed 450 km highway from Gopalpur in Ganjam district to Digha in West Bengal is estimated to cost around Rs 4,500 crore.

While the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the coastal highway was prepared three years back, its construction is yet to start due to several of factors, including environment clearance, sources said.

The construction of Odisha’s longest bridge over Chilka is one of the major highlights of the project.

The proposed bridge at Satapada-Chilka would be 2.9 Km long and will surpass the Mahanadi river bridge on the fringe of Cuttack city, which happens to be Odisha’s longest river bridge at present.

The proposed highway will connect places like Ratanpur, Satapada, Korak, Astrang, Chilika, Satabhaya, Dhamara, Basudevpur, Talapada, Chandipur, Chandaneswar, and Digha.

The highway will run 29 km through Ganjam district, 153 km come in Puri district, 54 km in Jagatsinghpur, 49 km in Kendrapara, 61 km in Bhandrak, 99 km in Balasore district, and 6 km of East Medinipur in West Bengal.

More than 178 villages in all these districts would be connected by the road. There would be bridges over river Rushikulya, Palur sahib canal, Chilka lake, river Dhanikhiya, Nua, Khushabhadra, Kadua, Devi, Hansua, Mahanadi, Gobari, Patashala, Brahmani, Baitarani, Mantei, Panchapara, Dubdubi, and Subarnarekha rivers.

Besides, bypasses would be constructed near Bajrakote, Maludkhas, Brahmagiri, Rebana Nuagoan, Konark, Gagua, Jarimul, Gula, Basudevpur, Anantapur, Gopalpur, Rasalpur and Panchupali, NHAI official said.

The road would provide a boost to tourism and industrial activities in the region. It would also serve a high way linkage to all ports in the State.

LocalWire

Turn down social media help offer, warns police advisory

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December5(LocalWire): Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate police on Thursday issued a women-specific advisory to remain on alert and avoid seeking help from people volunteering to offer help to women and girls.

The advisory comes in the wake of sudden spurt of women-related crimes across the State including the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

“A Facebook trend of some people posting their cell numbers offering help to women/girls has come to our notice.

Advice: (a) Don’t rely on these posts.

(b) Dial 100 for our friendly & well-trained operators to attend you.

(c) give us feedback to improve our service”, the commissioner of police, Sudhansu Sarangi appealed in the official tweeter handle.

LocalWire

Illegal liquor manufacturing unit busted in Berhampur

December 5, 2019 By Hrusikesh Mohanty Leave a Comment

Berhampur, December 5 (LocalWire): Excise personnel in Berhampur have busted an illegal foreign liquor manufacturing unit near Panigrahy Pentha in the city and arrested four persons in this connection.

The officials also seized raw materials, including spirit and liquid colour, packing machines and labels of different brands, as well as homeopathic medicines from a rented house from where the miscreants were running the racket for several months.

The accused persons have been identified as Anil Sahu (22), Raja Gouda (20), Brundaban Sahu (55) and Arakhita Rout (30).

All accused were produced before the court on Thursday, Berhampur excise superintendent Ram Chandra Mishra stated.

Sahu, who was the mastermind of the racket, had earlier been arrested at Chhatrapur while transporting the liquor, sources said.

LocalWire

Tipsy teacher sacked for kneeling down students

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire):A teacher of a government-run primary who had perpetrated alcoholic nuisance by kneeling down the students under scorching sun in Odisha’s Jajpur district was placed under suspension on Thursday.

The tipsy teacher- Makarand Mohanta- had kneeled down the students outside the school premises in public glare in a sudden act of alcoholic provocation.

The incident had occurred yesterday and the picture of punitive action shot on a smart phone by a pedestrian had gone viral.

The accused teacher has been placed under suspension for serious breach of discipline.

The administration has referred the matter to the higher-ups of school and mass education department for stringent action against him.

This sort of behavior on part of a man engaged in the noble profession like teaching is in bad taste and is highly uncalled for, said Jajpur Sub Collector, Mihir Mohanty.

LocalWire

Cinema has an important role to play in society: Piyush Ray

December 5, 2019 By Raja Mohanty Leave a Comment

Rourkela, December 5 (LocalWire): “Cinema as a medium of mass communication has an important role to play in society building.

It plays a vital role as a role model for the society,” renowned filmmaker, critic, and writer Dr. Piyush Ray said at a discussion organised by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) at the Rourkela Club.

Responding to the questions about the role of cinema in our life, Dr. Ray highlighted that one cannot ignore the fact that cinema influences our lives in a big way.

“The dialogues, the characters, the scenes, and the songs all leave a huge impact on our life,” he said.

Ray also spoke about various aspects of Indian cinema and how it has a different place compared to other art forms like literature, sculpture, and music.

“We have many classics depicting the facts of society. Sholay is one such movie, which affected or influenced the society to a large extent,” he said, adding with over two billion movie tickets being sold all over the country last year it is evident that cinema will continue to influence people.

Earlier in the evening a documentary on Indian cinema and society, Pleasure, Pride, and Prejudice made by Dr. Ray was screened.

LocalWire

Online trading of wildlife picks up in Odisha, triggers worry

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire): The State is witnessing online internet-surfing trade of wildlife, particularly pangolin, an animal accorded protection under schedule-1, wildlife protection act, officials said on Thursday.

The State forest department has sought Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)’s intervention to curb the online smuggling of pangolin, that spreads across to South-East Asian Countries.

“The department has elicited evidence of online trade of pangolin to foreign countries after a recent interception of a wildlife crime in Khuntuni forest range of Athgarh forest division in Cuttack district”, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest wrote in a letter to WCCB on Wednesday.

The protected species which are believed to posses curative medicinal values are being smuggled to states like Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

The smuggling network is also spread across to South East Asian countries like Myanmar and Vietnam, the letter said.

The smuggling network is being operated through online internet surfing.

Therefore web-patrolling needs to be intensified in close coordination of the forest departments of various States, the letter added.

There is ample proof of wildlife trophy smuggling from Odisha to neighboring countries.

There in the need for close coordination between the State wildlife crime control cell and WCCB.

Besides the crime branch of State police has a role to play in cracking wildlife offences in a coordinated way, said senior forest officials.

LocalWire

Onions vanish from household kitchens

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire) With price of onions soaring to exorbitant height, crossing Rs 100-a-kg, the middle class households are feeling the pinch of prohibitive price rise of the culinary staple.

As a result onions have vanished from household kitchens.

The onion price rise has become a daily ritual.

It had made overnight jump to Rs 120 to 130 a kg from yesterday’s price of Rs 100-a-kg.

Unless the supply chain increases, the price will continue to remain on the upward.

The State receives onions from Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The supply from these producing areas has thinned down leading to the upward spiral of onion price, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Ranedra Pratap Swain told reporters here today.

We expect scenario to improve towards the December last week or January first week.

The fresh produce is expected from these producing States in a month, he said.

Though the minister claimed to have opened 256 fair price shops across the State providing people at subsidized price of Rs 50 to Rs 60, reports reaching here from various parts indicate that the shops are functioning on paper only.

Odisha is a consuming State. Of the required demand, the State produces a meager 25% of the crop.

So the State is dependent on producing states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to meet with the markets’ demand.

Kalahandi is the major onion producing district of the State, said an official of State agriculture department.

With price rise pinching our pockets, we had rationed the staple diet to a kilogram per four days.

That was when price hovered around Rs 60 to 70.

With price crossing Rs 100 mark since past two days, we have stopped buying onions altogether, said a homemaker from Unit-6 area in the city, Ranjeeta Mohapatra.

I have stopped selling onions since yesterday. There are no buyers.

I had procured 2 quintals of onions last week from the wholesale market.

With great difficulty, half of it could be sold.

Around a quintal of onions perished, said a trader in Saheed Nagar haat in the city.

LocalWire

19 rivers in odisha bearing the brunt of pollution

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire): As many as 19 rivers in the State are bearing the brunt of water pollution as per the latest report furnished to the centre by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

‘The polluted profile of these rivers are based on the value of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BoD) scientific experiment by CPCB’, the union minister of state, Jal Shakti & Social Justice And Empowerment, Rattanlal Khataria told the Lok Sabha today to a query by BJP lawmaker Jual Oram.

The rivers ranked polluted are Gangua, Guradih Nallah, Kathajodi, Nandirajhor, Daya, Kuakhai, Banguru Nallah, Bheden, Brahmani, Budhabalnaga, Kusumi, Mahanadi, Mangala, Nagavalli, Nuna, Ratnachira,Rushikulya, Sabulia and Serua.

The stretch from Rourkela to Biritol of river Brahmani is one of the identified polluted river stretches of priority V (BoD level in the range of 3-6 mg/l).

The centre is supplementing the efforts of the State Governments including Odisha, reducing pollution of identified stretches of various rivers under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), on cost-sharing basis between the Central and State Governments.

The Ministry has sanctioned projects at a cost of Rs.279.9 lakhs for pollution reduction of river Brahmani in the State of Odisha.

Under the project works pertaining to interception and diversion of sewage, sewage treatment plant (STP), riverfront development etc have been implemented and a STP having capacity of 2 million litre per day (mld) has been created in the State, the minister informed the lower house.

LocalWire

Check gate set up to restrict crowd, polluters at Mini Harishankar

December 5, 2019 By Sudhir Mishra Leave a Comment

Balangir, December 5 (LocalWire): The forest department, here, have set up a small check gate on the Bijakhamman-Sikachhida forest road, in front of Mega Nursery, to curb the pollution caused by the picnickers who had started to throng the small waterfall inside the forest range of Bijakhaman since it was discovered a couple of months ago.

The place was dubbed as Mini Harishankar by people, and the forest area was fast becoming a big garbage bin when a group of local youths decided to intervene and spent hours during the weekend to clean the area and restore the natural environment for the animals and birds there.

As reported by the LocalWire, the group also submitted a petition to Bolangir assistant conservator of forest BC Roul demanding that a check gate be set up restrict the flow of visitors and further deterioration of habitat of wild animals, birds and other living beings in the forest.

The check gate was inaugurated by the Balangir Divisional Forest Officer Sameer Satpathy on Tuesday evening.

The issue was first highlighted by the Localwire, both in its English and Odiya editions.

LocalWire

Bhitarkanika registers 5 per cent increase in mammal population

December 5, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire): Bhitarkanika National Park and the adjoining wetland along the Mahanadi deltaic regions have emerged as a congenial home for mammals as per the latest headcount of animals in the region.

According to the latest headcount report released by the forest department, overall 8,105 mammals of 16 species have been spotted in the park, up from 7,728 during the previous year.

“There has been an increase in the population of mammals to adequate conservation measures, including watch and vigil by the anti-poaching squad of the forest department,” Bhitarkanika Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division divisional forest officer Bikash Ranjan Dash said.

The spotted deer, wild boars and monkeys form a sizable chunk of the mammal population.

While 3,108 spotted deer were counted, over 2,450 monkeys were found inhabiting in the national park and adjoining wetland sites, besides 1,926 wild boar species that inhabit in the park and its close periphery.

However, the population of mammals like the leopard cat, sambar, and jungle cat was reported to be negligible as per the headcount, and the dwindling population of these species is a matter of concern for the forest officials.

“The number of animals is proportionate to their habitation corridors. Factors prompting the animals making their way to crop fields and orchards in village areas could also be analysed methodically using the census figures,” a forest department official said.

The forest department conducts an annual headcount of estuarine crocodiles, winter-migrant avian species, and monsoon-migrant water birds.

The count is also made of the number of Olive Ridley turtles engaged in annual mass nesting at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, which falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the national park.

LocalWire

Man in jail commits robbery on the highway!

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire):In a glaring slipup on part of cops in Balasore district, a man has been put behind the bar for commission of an offence that was allegedly committed during the period when he was lodged in jail as an under-trial prisoner.

As the unsavory episode unfolds, Ranjit Nayak was arrested in a criminal case by Khaira police on January 19. Later he walked out of jail on August 8 after being bailed out by Orissa High Court.

However Nayak tryst with freedom was short-lived. Nayak was picked up by cops, this time by Sora police on November 1 on the charge of committing a highway robbery at Adinbidu chowk in Sora on May 23.

What has sparked off controversy is that Nayak was in jail when the highway robbery case was registered by local police. Nayak’ arrest in a case dating back to the time when he was imprisoned is a classic case of criminal negligence on part of police, said rights activist, Biswapriya Kanungo.

There are several cases of police booking innocents and slapping them with false cases. Nayak’s arrest is the latest addition to police’s cap, he said adding that the matter is being taken up with Orissa Human Rights Commission.

“The matter is being looked into. If it is found that police have booked an innocent, disciplinary action will be initiated against the erring police officers” said Balasore Superintendent of Police, Jugal Kishor Kumar Banoth,

LocalWire

Odisha to clean up 11th century Lingaraj temple surroundings

December 5, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire): The state government has decided to beautify the surroundings of 11th century Lord Lingaraj temple here.

The famous Shaivite shrine, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is a magnificent medieval era temple intertwined with the history and legacy of the bustling capital city.

The temple attracts a large number of tourists and it has become imperative to improve the area surrounding the temple and to create tourist-friendly ambiance, a senior government official said, adding that the government is working on a comprehensive project to give a facelift to the temple area.

Accordingly, all permanent structures within 40-metre radius of the compound wall of the 11th-century shrine will be demolished as it has been done within the 75-metre radius of Maghanad prachir in Puri Jagannath temple.

Among other permanent structures, the Lingaraj police station and the temple office are coming within the 40-metre no construction zones and these will be relocated to other sites, the officer stated.

The roads leading to the temple are currently quite narrow, which will be widened to provide for hassle-free vehicular movement after the eviction process is completed.

The project also includes building public parking spaces.

The officer, however, refused to share further details and specify the date when the demolition drive will be launched.

The ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 prohibits building within 100 metres of the notified limits of a protected monument.

Sources reveal that over 37.049 acres of temple land has presently been encroached upon or has been unlawfully alienated to private ownership through forged Record of Rights (ROR) and the temple administration is locked in a series of civil cases for reclaiming the land.

LocalWire

Sand Art Festival gets its youngest artist at 13 years

December 5, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire): If you love sand art here is interesting news for you: a 13- year-old Swayam Sahaya from a city-based private school has become the youngest participant at the 9th edition of International Sand Art Festival 2019 at Chandrabaga near Konark.

The international festival that got underway on 1 December at the serene Chandrabhaga beach near Sun Temple Konark will conclude on Thursday.

Sahaya had been selected by Odisha government’s tourism department to join in the global event where over 123 sand artists from India, the USA, Ireland, Denmark, Russia, Canada, Togo, and Sri Lanka are taking part to showcase their creativity at the international level.

LocalWire

Nine arrested for fishing in Gahirmatha

December 5, 2019 By Manoj Kar Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, December 5 (LocalWire): Forest department officials have taken into custody nine fishermen for fishing in the prohibited Gahirmatha marine sanctuary area.

The patrolling unit engaged by forest department intercepted the fishermen mid-sea in the prohibited marine sanctuary area near Hukitola coast and seized their fishing trawl, as well as over 20 quintal sea fish catch from the impounded vessel.

Prohibition on sea fishing remains enforced round the year within the marine sanctuary limits, while sea patrolling is stepped up within the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary water territory during November-May every year in view of the annual mass nesting season of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.

The arrested fishermen are natives of fishing villages of Kendrapara district, a forest department official stated.

The fishing vessel had trespassed into prohibited sanctuary corridors contravening the provisions of wildlife protection act, Orissa Marine fishing regulation act and mandatory rules of the marine sanctuary.

The arrested fishermen were later sent to jail custody under sections 27 and 29 of the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, forest department sources said.

LocalWire

Woman dies in wild boar attack

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 05 (LocalWire): A 55-year-old woman was gored to death as a wild boar pounced on her at a cropland in Narasinghpur village under Tantiapal marine police station jurisdiction of Kendrapara district.

The victim- identified as Bharati Jena- succumbed to injuries at Rajnagar community health centre early morning today.

The animal had sneaked into the village to eat crops and standing vegetable plants as the village is located in close vicinity of forest areas and habitation corridors of these animals, said forest officials.

The forest department will award compensatory sum to the next of the kin of the deceased woman, said forest officials.

Forest personnel have begun maintaining night watch and vigil in the village. The department has constituted a night-vigil squad to drive away the wild boar. The villagers have been advised to avoid movement during night, added forest officials.

Bhitarkanika national park to be closed from December 26 for crocodile census

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 05 (LocalWire) With crocodile annual headcount exercise of estuarine crocodiles getting underway, Bhitarkanika national park would remain out of bounds for nature’s lovers who long for savouring the warmth of congenial wetland spots.

The national park is being closed for ten days (December 26 to January 4) for the annual census of the estuarine crocodiles.

The national park’s closure during the period will ensure the smooth and human interference-free census operation. Any form of human activity would come in the way of meticulous census of these reptiles. That’s why the curb on tourists’ footfall has been imposed, said the Divisional Forest Officer, Bhitarkanika Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, Bikash Ranjan Dash.

Bhitarkanika is said to house 70% of India’s estuarine crocodile or saltwater crocodiles, conservation of which was started way back in 1975.

The number of salt water crocodiles, the species which are not found in any other river system in Odisha, as per the latest census, in Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary stood is estimated to be 1742 as per the latest census.

Adequate conservation measures by the state forest department have led to a systematic rise in the number of these reptiles over the years, claimed officials.

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Online ticket booking for India West Indies day night cricket ties begins

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,Dec 05(LocalWire)The sale of online tickets for the 3rd India-West Indies day and night one day cricket international in Cuttack’s Barabati stadium is commencing today, according to officials of Odisha Cricket Association.

For the cricket lovers, 9,310 tickets will be sold online while 12,609 tickets will be sold at the counters of Barabati stadium.

The counter sale of tickets will begin on December 19, they said.

The Barabati stadium has the sitting capacity of 32,403 of which 10,484 tickets are earmarked for Board of Cricket Control of India sponsors, members and affiliated units of OCA and BCCI, they said.

LocalWire

Five killed in separate road accidents in Odisha

December 5, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar,Dec 05 (LocalWire)At least five people were killed, three others injured in separate road accidents as foggy weather has enveloped across the State.

A couple died early morning today as an unknown vehicle ran over them near Mahichela chowk on the National Highway no.-26 in Kalahandi district.

The road accident took place when they were on a morning walk.

The deceased people were identified as Chandra Behal and Kalabati Behal.

Angry residents blocked the road disrupting vehicular traffic on the bust highway.

In another mishap, a woman died and two others injured when the SUV in which they were travelling slipped into a roadside creek on Jeypur-Rayagada road during wee hours today.

A motorcyclist also died at Nachipur village chowk on the Bhadrak-Chandballi State highway as an unknown vehicle ran over him.

The pillion rider was injured in the road accident.

In another road accident, an elderly woman was killed near Dala chowk near Jajpur road as a speeding vehicle ran over her, police said.

LocalWire

Oupada police bust tractor theft racket

December 5, 2019 By Sibdas Kundu Leave a Comment

Balasore, December 5 (LocalWire): The Oupada police here busted a gang of four that used to steal tractors and dispose of them at different districts to avoid being detected.

The police have recovered four tractors from different districts based on the information provided by those arrested.

Police had initially nabbed Shantijyoti Singh (26) of village Khuntaposhi in Mayurbhanj while investigating the case of a tractor theft in Oupada.

During interrogation, Singh who was the kingpin of the syndicate led the police to the rounding up of three other accomplices.

The other accused have been identified as Ranjan Mahanta (34) of village Adipur under Ruruan police station limits, Ramakantapatra (39) of village Bhusugaon in Keonjhar, and Jayant Mahanta of village Maheswarpur under Champua police station limits.

According to Oupada police station the officer-in-charge Prasant Jena, the racket was operational in Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Anugul, and Balasore, and hence there could be more seizures and arrests in the days to come.

While the police recovered one tractor from the Thakurmunda area, it recovered the second tractor from the Jashipur area.

The police further seized a tractor that the gang had kept in Champua police station area in Keonjhar and another in Angul district.

LocalWire

Navy Day: Ten facts about Indian Navy and Odisha

December 4, 2019 By Sneha Santuka Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 4 (LocalWire): The 4th of December is celebrated as Indian Navy Day in order to recognize the role and achievements of the Indian Navy.

As India celebrates the accomplishments of the naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces, let us look at Odisha’s association with this great institution.

Odisha is a part of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, which is the first and largest naval command in the country with its headquarters in Vishakhapatnam.

It has the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar Islands under its jurisdiction.

The Paradip Port was commissioned on 3 January, 1962 and on 12 March 1966, INS Investigator earned the privilege of maiden berthing in the port.

The maritime history of Odisha has records dating back to 800 BC.

The people of Odisha sailed across the Bay of Bengal and traveled to South-East Asia introducing elements of their culture to the people with whom they traded.

The old traditions are still celebrated in the annual Bali Jatra festival held for five days in October-November.

INS Chilka is a basic training establishment for sailors of the Indian Navy.

INS Chilka has the unique distinction of being the only basic training establishment of its kind amongst the three services.

Unlike the Navy, the Indian Air force and Army do not have a single common ab-initio training establishment on the lines of INS Chilka.

Commodore Rituraj Sahu took over as the commanding officer of the Indian Navy’s premier Sailors’ Training Establishment, INS Chilka, as well as the Naval officer-in-charge (Odisha) from Commodore Manish Misra, VSM on 25 March 2019.

Commodore Sahu, who hails from Chatrapur in Ganjam district, is a navigation and direction specialist and was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 1 July, 1990.

INS Paradip, which is a Forward Operation Base of the Indian Navy, is currently under construction.

A Naval Air Enclave at Bhubaneswar airport, called INS Bhubaneswar, is also under construction.

The first week of December is celebrated as Navy Week, during which various sports and cultural events take place.

They include an open sea swimming competition, a veteran sailors lunch, performances by the Naval Symphonic Orchestra, an Indian Navy inter-school quiz competition, a Navy Half Marathon as well as an air display for school children and the beating retreat and tattoo ceremonies.

Sometimes, ships are thrown open to visitors and school children.

The theme for this year’s Navy Day celebration is ‘Indian Navy – Silent, Strong and Swift.’

This year, two warships of Indian Navy, INS Rana, and INS Gharial, arrived at the Paradip Port ahead of the Indian Navy Day.

They were open for public viewing on Sunday and Monday as part of the Navy Day celebrations.

INS Rana is a Rajput-class destroyer in active service with the Indian Navy since June 1982.

INS Gharial is a Magar-class warship, one of the largest ships in the Navy.

The Indian Navy also carries out relief operations during natural disasters.

In May 2019, it readied naval ships and aircraft at Arakkonam and Vishakhapatnam airbases to prepare for the cyclone Fani’s aftermath and aid in rescue and relief operations.

Indian Navy ships Ranvijay, Kadmatt, and Airavat with three helicopters undertook rescue and rehabilitation efforts at the temple town of Puri.

10.

On 4 December, the Indian Navy launched Operation Trident, the attack on the Karachi harbour during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

The Navy successfully sank 4 Pakistani ships while enforcing a naval blockade of the Karachi port at the same time.

This alone, decisively turned the tide of the war in India’s favour and resulted in the independence of East Pakistan.

It has been the Navy’s biggest victory and is the reason Navy Day is celebrated on 4 December.

LocalWire

Koelnagar to inaugurate market place for SHGs tomorrow

December 4, 2019 By Raja Mohanty Leave a Comment

Rourkela, December 4 (LocalWire): The Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) will be inaugurating a market complex dedicated to the local self help groups (SHG) at Koelnagar on Thursday.

The market complex, Shakti Bazar, which aims to help the SHGs sell products made by the groups, is the brainchild of local MLA Sarada Nayak and is being implemented by the RMC to strengthen the local economy.

According to sources, the place was developed just before the Rath Yatra and was meant for the local people to sell their products.

However, the market did not take off despite all basic facilities and later the RMC decided to hand it over to the SHGs to provide them a place for market access.

“We floated a tender to invite the SHGs and received 52 proposals.

Since the market complex has space for only 44 groups, the SHGs will be accommodated on a rotational basis,” RMC deputy commissioner Sudhanshu Bhoi said.

“There is no restriction on what they sell as long as the product is made by them and this invitation is for all SHGs from across the district,” Bhoi stated.

The SHGs will be allotted the space for two months on a rotation basis, he said, adding that, “We are allowing 44 SHGs, but if a group leaves the place then others will be accommodated.

This has been decided initially but it may change with the course of time.”

The bazar will remain open from 10 AM to 10 PM and there are shades and shutters at the market complex so that the groups can store their products there.

LocalWire

Traffic constable returns Rs 10,000

December 4, 2019 By Sudhir Mishra Leave a Comment

Bolangir, Dec 4 (LocalWire): A traffic constable from Bolangir town returned Rs 10,000 to a woman who had lost it.

Manjari Biswal who was manning traffic at Patana Chowk found the purse containing the cash yesterday.

Later, she returned it to its legitimate owner who was frantically searching for the missing purse.

Bolangir superintendent of police lauded the act of honesty by the lady constable in an official tweet.

LocalWire

Industrialist allegedly held captive for hours

December 4, 2019 By LocalWire Leave a Comment

Bhubaneswar, Dec 4 (LocalWire): The CMD of MESCO group of industries was literally put under house arrest for more than 24 hours by protesting workers who demanded a revision of their wages in Kalinganagar Industrial Town in Jajpur district.

The workers of Maithan Steel unit staged a sit-in led by local MLA Preeti Ranjan Ghadei at the guest house where industrialist Rita Singh was staying although Singh has no stakes in Maithan Steel unit as it is owned by her daughter Sipra Singh, a prominent industrialist.

Rita was later rescued from confinement following intervention of civil and police administration.

‘After receiving report of the agitation, we rushed and held talks with the workers,’ Jajpur Superintendent of Police, Charan Singh Meena told LocalWire.

Refusing to comment on the report that she was kept confined in the guest house, he said, ‘the situation is normal now with the agitation being withdrawn. We have provided security to the industrialist.’

‘I could not move out from here (guest house) due to the workers’ strike. I was illegally confined. It does not augur well for Odisha’s industrial ecosystem.

My daughter Sipra Singh owns the unit and I have no stakes in the company.

Still on behalf of my daughter I promised the workers early settlement of their differences with the management,’ Rita later told reporters.

LocalWire

Jagatsinghpur locals seek renovation of heritage Ashram

December 4, 2019 By Amarnath Parida Leave a Comment

Jagatsinghpur, Dec 4 (LocalWire): Social activists have sought the renovation of 97-year-old Alaka Ashram, a memorial for freedom fighters established in the district in 1922 as a meeting place for young revolutionaries.

To establish this Ashram, Gopabandhu Chaudhury, Bhagirathi Mahapatra and Pranakrushna Padhiary acted as chief mobilizing forces.

Local freedom fighters rue the administration’s lackadaisical attitude towards the Ashram which is now lying in derelict condition.

The ashram was the meeting place for young volunteers (Banarsena) and a weekly ‘Utkalika’ edited by Sarala Devi, spreading the ideas of the Congress party like boycotting foreign clothes was edited and published from here.

The Congress party used the Ashram as a place to train its workers and volunteers.

The Ashram situated on 55-acres land on the banks of the Alaka River in Jagatsinghpur town was known as the meeting ground of revolutionaries.

Freedom fighter-cum-former Chief Minister Nabkrushna Choudhry, Jatiya Kabi Birakishore Das, Gopabandhu Chaudhry, Rama Devi, Malati Chudhry, Sarala Devi, Prankrushna Padihari used to meet here to chalk out programmes.

A training centre was also opened here to teach people how to use the ‘charkha’ to weave khadi clothes.

Jawaharlal Nehru visited the Ashram in 1937 while other freedom fighters like Ashok Meheta, Jaya Prakash Narayan also visited it to give a morale boost to the local freedom fighters.

The Ashram which was a well-known institution presents a sorry picture now as the lands have been encroached upon by local villagers.

Under the banner of Jagatsinghpur Bikash Manch social activists led by former MP Swami and chairperson of Odisha Gandhivadi Forum, Reena Routray, met the Collector Sangram Keshari Mohapatra and sought his intervention to renovate the Ashram compared as Sabarmati Ashram of Odisha.

Earlier, different organizations and freedom fighters sought the intervention of the administration for its renovation.

‘The administration has planned to indentify land to relocate the Ashram as it is the pride of Jagatsinghpur district and we seek the cooperation of all sections of people for the noble cause,’ the Collector said.

LocalWire