2 killed, 17 injured in police firing in Ganjam

BRAHMAPUR: Two persons were killed and more than seventeen persons were injured, five critically, in police firing at Phasipada village under Kodala police station in Ganjam district about 41 km from here. The pitched battle started when the angry mob attacked the police force by throwing bombs and stones and to disperse the mob, the police started firing following tear gas firing, police sources said.

The two deceased persons were identified as Purna Chandra Pala and Rabi Pala from the village. They were rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital here, where they were declared brought dead. Sixteen other persons including women were under treatment in the hospital from which the conditions of five persons were critical. One person referred to the SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack, informed Ganjam Collector Dr Krishan Kumar to The Pioneer.

“While they were returning after rescuing four persons including a woman from the clutches of the villagers, the unfortunate incident happened,” said Ganjam Superintendent of Police Rajesh Pandit.

According to the sources, the villagers had started a ritual in the village to pick out the persons, allegedly practicing sorcery, by using cot technique. Suspecting sorcery practice, the villagers picked out four persons Bhima Nahak, Banamali Nahak, Trinath Nahak and a woman Godhi Pal. The villagers tortured and tonsured four persons accusing them of practicing sorcery. They were fed human excreta in front of the villagers. One of the victims Bhima Nahak escaped on Friday night and informed the police about the incident.

Based on the victim Bhima’s FIR, the police on Sunday noon reached the village and started rescuing the four, but the villagers did not allow the police officials. Then the clash between the police officials and villagers started and continued for two hours. To control the angry mob, the police force and the ODRAF team started tear gas firing and later when the mob threw bombs, the police force fired at the angry mob, alleged police officials.

Southern Range DIG RK Sharma, SP Rajesh Pandit and Collector Dr Krishan Kumar were rushed to the spot and have taken the stock of the situation. Four platoons of police force have been deployed in the tension area of the village to keep eye on the simmering tension. Situation is under control, police sources said.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik described the killing of two persons in police firing in Kodala as unfortunate and termed tonsuring of four persons at Phasipada village as barbaric and tragic incident. ““I’m shocked in the truly barbaric act and the firing in Kodala is unfortunate. The situation is under control,” said Patnaik.

7.5% rural people in State use tap water: Census

--0.1% census houses are used as hospital, while 1% is used as place of worship

--85.9 percent of the households in rural area defecate on open ground

BHUBANESWAR: In the rural areas of the State only 7.5 per cent of the households is using tap water, whereas 38.54 per cent of the households in the rural area are collecting the drinking water in a distance of 500 metre or more from their residence, revealed the Census 2011 data on ‘Houses, Household Amenities and Assets’ which was released by the State Government here on Saturday.

The Census revealed that there is a substantial improvement in the quality of housing both in rural and urban areas.          As per the Houselisting and Housing Census, the census houses in the State increased from 98.73 lakhs to 127.59 lakhs. There is an increase of 18.8 lakhs census houses for residential and partly residential purposes. The data indicates that the housing gap has reduced. There is an improvement in the construction material used for roof, wall and floor.

In our State, 78 percent of Households do not have any Latrine facility. Especially in rural areas, 85.9 percent of the households do not have latrines at all against 35.2 percent in urban area. Only 22.4 per cent of households have source of water within the premises while in rural area 16 per cent and in urban area 56.9 per cent of households are availing the drinking water facility within the premises.

It is interesting to note that 1 per cent of the Census Houses in the State are used as place of worship whereas only 0.8 per cent census houses are used as school and colleges, and 0.1 per cent Census Houses are being used as hospital, dispensary and for medical purpose. 2 per cent Census Houses in the district of Puri and Khurda are being used as places of worship which are the highest in the State. In the district of Gajapati and Kandhamal only 1.6 per cent Census Houses are being used as school and college, revealed the report.

In 2011 Census, 43 per cent households are using electricity against 27 per cent of the last 2001 Census. In rural areas, use of electricity in the households has been increased from 18.8 per cent to 35.56 per cent during 2011 Census. Similarly, in urban areas, use of electricity in the households has been increased from 71.9 per cent to 83.1 per cent during 2011 Census. In electricity usage, Khorda district is the highest of 71.5 per cent households against Nabarangapur’s 12.6 per cent.

According to the Census, only 20 per cent of the households have bathing facility and 19.3 per cent of the households are having drainage facility in the State. Only 63 per cent of the households have kitchen facility for which 65 percent of the households are using firewood as the source of their fuel for their cooking, while 9.8 percent of the households are using LPG as their fuel for cooking.

People of the State seldom use Transistor or Radio which is decreased from 24 percent to 11 percent, whereas the use of Television has been increased from 16 percent to 27 percent of households. The use of Telephone (including Mobile) has been increased from 4 percent to 40 percent of households in the State. 45 percent of the households are availing banking facility in the state.

For communication purpose 61 per cent of the households are using bicycle, whereas 15 percent of the households are using bikes as the source of transport. Only 2 percent of the households are using Car/ Jeep as the source of transport.

Textile merchants defer strike

BHUBANESWAR: The All Odisha Textile Merchants Association postponed their decision on Friday after discussing with Finance Minister Prafulla Ghadai to stop import of all essential commodities from outer States with effect from March 31 midnight protesting imposition of VAT on sugar and textiles and enhancement of VAT from 4 per cent to 5 per cent by the State Government.

Protesting the State Government’s imposition of five per cent VAT on textile items, the members of the association staged rally in front of the State Assembly on Friday. Textile merchants across the State closed their shops by the call of the association.

At the rally, the members cautioned the Government to withdraw VAT before April 1, the day the tax comes into effect, otherwise they will stop import of all textile products. The textile sector was already burdened with two per cent entry tax, now the hike in VAT added salt in the wound, the members added.

Later, a delegation met Minister Ghadai and handed over a memorandum demanding rollback in the decision to hike VAT. Ghadai has given assurance to the merchants for a positive come out from the Assembly discussion on the matter and appealed them to stop the decision to go for a strike.

“We postponed our decision till March 31 midnight. If the Government does not take any decision on this matter, we will again plan for our future activities to stop import from the outer States,” said association president Rabindranath Mohapatra.

“I Will If You Will”, observe Earth Hour, 2012

--Civil body appeals for observance of ‘Earth Hour’

BHUBANESWAR: The National Institute of Indian Labour (NIIL), a social organisation based in the city, appealed the people of the State for the observance of the Earth Hour by asking households and business establishments to turn-off their non-essential lights and other technical appliances for one hour on March 31 from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm to raise awareness towards the need to take action on Climate Change.

Earth Hour is a global event organised by the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature and is generally held in the last Saturday of March annually. It is the hour when the world unites in a stand against global warming. The idea was conceived by WWF Australia and the Sunday Morning Herald in 2007, when 2.2 million residents of Sydney participated by turning off all non-essential lights.

At the initiative of Indian Institute of Sustainable Development and NIIL, the “Earth Hour 2009, 10 and 11” was observed in Odisha mostly in towns, municipalities and NAC areas and the saving in Evening Peak Demand was from 100 MW to 48 MW averaging of saving of about 75 MW during that one hour of observance.

The organisations have suggested 10 different ways you can support “Earth Hour, 2012” and reduce your carbon footprint. The points are- turning off your lights at 8.30 pm on March 31, 2012, showing your support and adding yourself to the list of global citizens caring the Mother Earth, talking about Earth Hour in your social networking sites about your support, get together with your friends and family by hosting an Earth Hour party, rally your local councilor community group to run an Earth Hour event for your community, make an Earth Hour Lantern as a symbol of hope for the future, enjoy a family dinner by candlelight, sit in the dark and share stories, gather family and friends for a night picnic in your local park and gaze at the stars and at the last be creative to find a new way to mark “Earth Hour, 2012”.

Assault on milk men condemned

BHUBANESWAR: The Utkal Yadav Mahasabha, an association of Yadav peoples in the State, has condemned attack on a milk businessman Bundel Ray (65) from Koel Nagar of Rourkela by a local Municipality vice-chairman.

Members of the Mahasabha at a Press meet here on Friday expressed grave concern over the vice-chairman’s attack and use of abusive language in front of the public to defame Ray. The Mahasabha demanded stringent action against the culprit immediately, otherwise they will take the matter to the streets.

According to the victim Ray, on the day of the incident, he was going to the market by his cycle to sale his milk products. On the road, vice-chairman’s vehicle collided with Ray’s cycle. When Ray protested his counterpart’s rash driving, the people of the vice-chairman attacked him and abused in the public.

Ray also alleged the people of the vice-chairman threw out his milk products to the roadside and abused him by many abusive languages. He was beaten up by the people of the strongman, he added.

The members of the Mahasabha including its advisor Bidyadhar Barik, Bhubaneswar district committee president Saroj Kumar Behera and Rourkela district committee president Deepak Gauda were present at the Press meet and demanded immediate action against the culprit.                 

Protest rally condemning police attack on Para teachers

BHUBANESWAR: Para teachers won the support of common people and organisation’s like All India Mahila Sanskrutik Sangathan (AIMSS) as the organisation staged a protest rally condemning lathi-charge on the Para teachers. Hundreds of women flaunting placards bearing slogans against the police administration and the State Government for behaving the teachers like animals organised a protest meeting at the Lower PMG here on Friday.

State president of the Sangathan Binapani Das said the teachers resorted to civil disobedience movement when the Government did not listen to them, but in which way the police behaved the Para teachers including women, that were undemocratic. She expressed grave concern over heinous attack on the women demonstrators by the male police at the Lower PMG is not a healthy trend in a democratic country like India.

The members led by secretary of the Sangathan, Bhubaneswar city committee secretary Bijaylaxmi Patra and Cuttack city committee secretary Sasmita Sahu demanded the Government should bear the medical charge of the injured teachers who are under treatment in different hospitals in the city, fulfill their demands and take stringent action against the irresponsible police officers.  

Student commits suicide in city

BHUBANESWAR: A student committed suicide at his Madhusudan Nagar hostel room here on Thursday night. He was identified as Malay Pratihari of Balipatia village in Bhadrak district.

Malay was preparing for IIT entrance in a private coaching centre in the city and staying in a hostel at Madhusudan Nagar with his friends. On the day of the incidence, he was alone in his room. On Thursday night, he came to his room by telling his friends for study preparation and closed the doors from inside.

After getting information from Malay’s friends, police came and found the body hanging from the fan ceiling. Actual reason of the suicide has not been traced out yet, but the police suspecting that examination pressure might be a reason behind the suicide. Police is investigating into the matter.

‘OERC’s hike in power tariff anti-people’

BHUBANESWAR: Immediate hike in power tariff in the State by Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) for the year 2012-13 is totally anti-people, alleged Samruddha Odisha at a Press meet here on Wednesday.

The party said Odisha was a surplus State in power sector, but now it became a power deficient State. Electricity generation is gradually decreasing day by day, it shows the lackadaisical attitude of the Government towards power sector, it added. It may be noted that from the year 2001-02 to 2010-11, power tariff was stable, but recently the OERC decided to hike the power tariff.

In 2004-05, to meet the State demand, 57 per cent electricity was generated from hydropower projects which decreased to 27 per cent now. The party also criticised the use of electricity for agriculture purpose in State which is very negligible 2 per cent against the national’s 28 per cent and against 40 per cent of the States like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana. Neighboring State Governments have been providing power subsidy to the farmers, but our State Government is yet to think about the use of electricity in agriculture field, the party added.

The party also said the Government has not invested in the power sector of the State within 12 years, even development of infrastructure and modernisation work of the machineries in power sector yet to be taken up. Generation of electricity has not increased from the year 2000, which clearly shows the attitude of the Government for the development of the State, alleged the party.

Every year, people of the State face natural calamity like flood, drought and untimely rain which weakens the people. On the other hand, the hike in power tariff is nothing but adding salt in the wound of the common people, said Samruddha Odisha president Dr Jatish Chandra Mohanty.

Among others, former Minister Bhajaman Behera, Odisha Communist Party president Ajay Rout and Rashtriya Janata Dal president Harish Mohapatra were present.                 

VHP condemns Maoists for abducting Italians

BHUBANESWAR: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) condemned the action of the Maoists for abducting two persons of Italian origin from near Daringibadi in Kandhamal District. VHP requested the Government to not to bow down to the unreasonable demand of the Maoists.

The members of VHP also said the Government should inquire the reason of frequent visits of foreign tourists to the Maoist infested areas of Kandhamal district. In the fourth week of January 2012, more than 15 to 20 foreign nationals traveled to Kandhamal in 4SUVs, which were serially numbered and they visited mostly Daringibadi, Darsingbadi and Brahamanigaon where Maoists are supported by local people, they added.

According to the VHP Odisha unit president Durga Prasad Kar, the activities of Basusco Paolo deserve special investigation. It is quite likely, the entire abduction was stage managed by the Maoists to get various demands fulfilled by the Government, they added.         

As he was active in Kandhamal, his relationship with Maoist should be thoroughly investigated, he demanded. We demand stern action against Maoists and top leaders should be either put behind bars or eliminated as it has been done in West Bengal,” Kar said.

Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for martyr Biswajeet’s family

Body of Odia jawan from Gadchiroli reaches   

BHUBANESWAR: An Odia youth from Baleswar district, who was a CRPF jawan, was killed in a landmine blast in Gadchiroli in Maharashtra on Tuesday along with his other colleagues. He was identified as Biswajeet Barik of Dwanda village of Basta block in Baleswar district.

Biswajeet had joined as a jawan in CRPF two years ago and the first posting place was Nagpur in Maharashtra. On the day of the incident, he was returning to his camp with his colleagues after attending a special commando training.

On Wednesday evening Biswajeet’s body was received at Biju Patnaik Airport and last tribute was given to him.     

State-level convention of elected women PRI members held

BHUBANESWAR: To felicitate and to encourage the elective women representatives of the Panchayati Raj Institution of different districts, the National Alliance of Women Odisha chapter (NAWO) have organised a two-day State-level convention which concluded here on Wednesday.

Besides felicitation, different challenging issues faced by the elective women representatives were discussed in the convention and the members of the NAWO and invited newly elected women representatives planned to set up a State-level Women Association. Around 150 members from 22 districts attended the convention.

 

According to NAWO State coordinator Lalita Missal, now the rural women are gradually coming to the fore to demand their rights in spite of lot of problems, which is a very good sign. And the panchayat poll has given them a platform to air their voice before the Government, he added. “We encourage them to know their rights and then fight for their right, that’s why we are organising every year to sensitize the elected women representatives of PRI to take initiatives for development work in their panchayat area,” said Missal.

Among others, Ex-MLA of Kendrapada Archana Nayak, State Social Welfare Board chairman Sulata Deo, NAWO State chapter president Pramila Swain, Aradhana Nanda and Bisakha Bhanja were present.           

       

Fine Art college students’ dharna on 15th day

BHUBANESWAR: On the fifteenth day of dharna staged by the Art students of different Art and Craft colleges of the State came out with a rally on Wednesday following a procession from Master Canteen to Lower PMG flaunting placards bearing slogans to fulfill their demands.

Members of the Nikhila Utkal Charu O Karukala Chhatra Sangha have started their indefinite dharna from March 14 demanding appointment of art teacher in the Government schools in the State.

A similar dharna was staged by the students of the Sangh on February 3, 2009 which continued for 23 days. The Minister of Culture and the Minister along with the secretary of Mass and Education department had given assurance to fulfill their demands, but that was in vain.

“If the State Government will not heed to our voice, we will sit on hunger strike,” said Sangh president Harihar Behera.     

Priti asks maintenance allowance from Dushmant

BHUBANESWAR: Much discussed triangle love story of Ollywood actor Dushmant and model Priti’s marriage dispute came to another step when Priti filed a petition at the Family Court here on Tuesday demanding Rs 20,000 per month for her maintenance and Rs 30,000 to fight the case.

In a twist in the story, Priti, the girl, who is claiming as actor Dushmanta’s wife, filed a petition at the Family Court against her lover Dushmanta for monthly maintenance. On the other hand, Dushmant said there is no question of giving any maintenance stipend till the marriage is proved. “This type of false allegation is affecting our social life. If it is not being stopped, I will move to the Court,” said Dushmant.

Scuffle between Para teachers and police leaves many injured

BHUBANESWAR: Thirty Para teachers and seven policemen were injured in a clash during demonstration at the Dharna Sthal in front of the State Assembly when the police resorted to lathi charge on the demonstrators of Para Teachers’ Association who started breaking the police cordon here on Tuesday.

Demanding regularisation of their job, Para teachers had staged dharna from March 22. Like everyday they came in a procession from their Dharna place to police cordon flaunting placards and chanting slogans to fulfill their demands, but after few minutes the demonstrators started breaking police cordon. The police tried to stop the demonstrators away from the cordon but failed and used water canons to disperse the striking teachers.

However, the police resorted to lathi charge, when the situation went beyond control and the Para teachers did not move away from the place. Thirty demonstrators and seven policemen were injured in the scuffle. The injured Para teachers were rushed to the Capital Hospital here.

“We have been demanding for regularisation of our jobs for years. We have made sacrifices, but the Government did not heed to our voice, our demonstrators lost their patience. Police lathi charge left many more injured. For this incident School and Mass Education Minister will be responsible for this,” said secretary of Para Teachers Association Trilochan Biswal.         

After this situation, police arrangement has been made stricter than before at the Lower PMG.     

 

Return of the native

--Missing Athagada youth returns after 12 year

BHUBANESWAR: An Odia youth, who was missing for twelve years, has returned to his home with the help of Odisha State branch of Indian Red Cross Society. He was identified as Benudhar Pradhan, son of Narayan Pradhan of Bhagirathipur village under Athagada police station in Cuttack district.

The atmosphere of the Red Cross Bhavan was nostalgic as the family members of Benudhar were so happy in the return of their native. “It was unbelievable to me when I knew about my son’s whereabouts after 12 years as I had left all hopes to get my son,” said Benudhar’s mother Basanti Pradhan.

“We are extremely happy after getting our bother after a long time. We were in doubt whether he was alive or not, but god is great my bother returned to our home,” said Benudhar’s younger brother Nalu.

Benudhar had left his house at the age of eighteen. After seven years of roaming around hither and thither, one day he caught the Samjhauta Express train and entered Pakistan unknowingly, where he was arrested by Pakistan police. He spent five years in Lahore jail and when his jail term was about to complete, the Pakistan Government informed India for his release and he was handed over to the Red Cross branch of Amritsar on February 16 this year at the Wagha boarder.

Later, Amritsar branch of Red Cross informed to its Odisha branch about Benudhar and with the active support of the Red Cross Odisha branch, he was handed over to his family on March 22.

Family members of Benudhar expressed gratitude to the Indian Red Cross Society and neighbour Kurban Khan whose role was very significant in the process of bringing Benudhar back to the family.     

               

Civil society appeals Maoists to release MLA, Italian

BHUBANESWAR: To express solidarity in the voice to free the Italian tourists along with the Laxmipur MLA, members of the Odisha Nagarik Samaj (ONAS) organised a solidarity demonstration here on Sunday.  When the news came about the release of one Italian tourist Claudio Colangelo, Sarbodaya leader turned Rajyasabha MP AV Swamy attending the Press meet and solidarity demonstration expressed happiness over the decision of the Maoists to free one Italian without any condition.

The members of the civil society appealed the Maoists to release the MLA and other Italian tourist without any condition. They demanded the Government should fulfill previous demands of the Maoists and provide land, water and forest rights to tribal people. They also said the Maoists and the Government should come with a consensus to create peaceful atmosphere in the Maoists areas by putting down the arm and ammunition for the shake of the development of the State.  

“I’m very happy that our Maoists friends have released one of the Italian tourists for which we are grateful to them. It is a good thing that they have realized not to involve foreigners in our internal disputes with our own Government. Therefore, I congratulate them doing that and I express happiness,” said Swamy.      

Among others, ONAS working President Er Lalit Mohan Patnaik, Member Secretary of ONAS Zia Martin Luther Hindustani, senior advisor to Election Commission of India Dr Bhagban Prakash, Bhudan and Sarboday activist Aditya Patnaik, Prof Jantrana Parikshit and members of ONAS were present.

MLA’s abduction, a well-planned drama: Students’ Congress

BHUBANESWAR: Abduction of Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka by the Maoists was a well-planned drama, alleged Odisha Pradesh Students’Congress in a Press statement here on Saturday.

The students’ body questioned the ruling party that how BJD formed Zill Parishad in Koraput with the support of a banned outfit Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh of most wanted leader Nachika Linga. In every incident, generally Maoists kidnap the leaders by attacking drivers and PSOs of the leaders, but in this case the Maoists did not attack them mysteriously, it added.

“What was the 10-point charter of demands of CMAS when it had given support to form ZP in Koraput,” questioned the students’ body in the statement. Students’ Congress president Chinmoy Kumar Sahu alleged that the Government has created this drama to divert the Matric examination question paper theft case from people’s mind.

      

SUCI protests hike in power tarrif

CUTTACK: Members of the Cuttack district unit of Socialist Unit Center of India (Communist) have protested hike in power tarrif. Condemning the hike, SUCI (Communist) Cuttack district secretary Biswabasu Das said the consumers to pay Rs 305 per month for 100 units, Rs 695 for 200 units and Rs 1185 for 300 units as electricity tax, which is an extra burden on the common people, they added.

Das said the problems are increasing after privatisation of the electricity. To compensate their loss the companies are imposing heavy tax on the consumers, whereas the companies are not taking steps to solve the problems like power cut, low-voltage, poor connection, shortage of employees and corruption in electricity production and distribution sectors, he added.

The members of SUCI informed in a press release that they will stage demonstration in front of the SESU office at Cuttack on March 31 and also they will organise mass movements to press the Government to exempt the tariff.     

   

‘Import of essential commodities will be off from March 31’

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Byabasayee Mahasangha (OBM), an organisation of traders in the State, has decided to stop import of all essential commodities from outer States with effect from March 31 midnight protesting imposition of VAT on sugar and textiles and enhancement of VAT from 4 per cent to 5 per cent by the State Government.

The OBM secretary Sudhakar Panda in a press release informed that the State Government collects entry tax from sugar and textiles which is not available in any other States of the country. Again State Government’s imposing of VAT on sugar and textiles from April 1 is adding salt in the wound, he added.

The Sangha members said more than 24 States in India has exempted any tax on food grains, but Odisha Government collects taxes on food grain regularly, which will create huge disturbance among the consumers, traders as well as to the Government machinery also.

“The Government to take further steps to consider the above tax imposition, otherwise they will be compelled to stop import and the Government shall be responsible for future consequences,” said Panda.

Koraput dalits urge CM to intervene in police exploitation case

Deceased's father, mother, younger brother and sister

 

BHUBANESWAR: More than hundred of villagers of Doliamba and Lulipadar staged a rally following a procession from Master Canteen to Lower PMG here on Friday demanding stringent action against Koraput DSP Jagannath Rao and Laxmipur IIC who threatened the villagers in an accident case. Later, a delegation for the villagers submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and urged him to look into this matter.

On the day of the incident, Kedar Halua (10), son of Devendra Halua of Lulipadar, was ruthlessly killed in a road accident on March 7 near Doliamba village under Laxmipur police station in Koraput district. When the dead body of the boy was lying on the road, the DSP Jagatnath Rao along with Laxmipur IIC N Pradhan came to the site and ordered the villagers to remove the body as soon as possible to clear the road. The villagers informed the police that the boy was not from Doliamba village and he was staying in his elder father's house to continue his education.

According to the Kartik Mahanandia of Doliamba, the police did not listen to the villagers and started abusing them by using caste based slang. When this episode was going on, the Tahasildar reached the spot and enquired into the matter and found that the Doliamba villagers are reluctant to remove the body from the accident site as long as Kedar Halua’s parent have not come, he added.

The police officers have registered false cases against dalit people of the villages alleging road blockade, though the villagers had demanded the arrest of the person who was responsible for the accident, the villagers alleged.

According to the mother of the deceased, Kaushalya Halua, the DSP also abused her by using caste slangs to remove the body, when she was crying on the road near her deceased son. When the entire villagers opposed the DSP, he implicated false cases against the villagers, she said.

“False cases have been implicated against the villagers and they are terrorised by the police. This is a brutal attempt to criminalise the dalit population of Duliamba. They are now in the capital of the State before the Chief Minister for justice,” said Dalit activist Ashok Mallick to the media persons here.

The villagers fearing the police, hided in the jungles from March 8 and at last they came to the capital city to tell their sad stories before the Chief Minister. “Maoists have approached the villagers to solve their problems and also assured them to help in this matter, but I told the villagers to fight against police exploitation in a democratic way,” said Mallick adding, “In view of the alarming rise of violence and atrocities against dalits in the State, we appealed the Chief Minister to intervene immediately and take appropriate action into this matter.”

SC serves notice to State Govt in Mili Panda case

BHUBANESWAR: It may create a ray of hope for Subhashree Panda alias Mili, wife of top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, as the Supreme Court on Friday served notice to the State Government on her plea. Before, Mili had filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court against her alleged illegal detention by the Odisha police.

Mili in her special leave petition appealed that the Government should provide immediate compensation to her for illegal detention despite bail granted in her favour by the Odisha High Court. The bench comprising Justice B S Chouhan and Justice J S Khehar has asked the State Government to submit the reply within eight weeks. It may be noted that Mili was arrested from a village near Balianta on the outskirts of the capital city on January 14, 2010.

Sikshya Sahayaks resort to fast-unto-death dharna

BHUBANESWAR: Demanding regularisation of Sikshya Sahayaks (SS) in the State, the members of Odisha Sikshya Sahayak Association (OSSA) resorted to fast-unto-death dharna here at Lower PMG from Friday morning. Five agitators were hospitalised due to hunger strike.

Thousands of SSs staged dharna led by OSSA president Prashant Kumar Sundaray and General Secretary Kailash Chandra Nayak here from March 21. Atleast 70 persons sat on fast-unto-death dharna on the scorching heat of Friday.

It may be noted that the SSs have been demanding for regularisation of their post from 2009. The organisation had discussed thrice with the Minister of the concerned department on this matter, but that has fallen into deaf ear of the Government and the SSs are getting only assurance, the members of OSSA said.

There are 70,000 SS posts lied vacant, whereas 44,000 SSs are working in less salary, which is very unfortunate, the SSs said. “We have started fast-unto-death dharna from Friday and it will continue till our demand is fulfilled,” said OSSA State General Secreatry Susant Kumar Behera.     

Martyr Day observed in city

BHUBANESWAR: On the occasion of the Martyr Day, India Against Corruption (IAC) Odisha chapter organised a meeting to commemorate Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru here on Friday.

Gracing the occasion, former MP and Utkal Bharat president Kharvela Swain advised the youth mass to be courageous like martyrs of the country. Courage is the first ingredient to be a revolutionist like Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Subash Chandra Bose, he added.

Most of the participants advocated for truth and patriotism by which we can bring change in the country. Self-less service for the country is a major challenge now days and the youth mass should think about this sincerely, they added.

IAC State coordinator Abhishek Joshi presided over the meeting. Among others, members of IAC and social activists were present.  

Students’ body demands high-level inquiry in Q paper theft case

BHUBANESWAR: Demanding a high-level inquiry into the Matriculation examination paper theft case and remarkable punishment to the culprits, the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) staged demonstration in front of the State Assembly here on Thursday.

While addressing the student mass at the protest meeting, AIDSO president Akshay Das and vice-president Subash Nayak said the irregularity in question paper preparation to publication of result leads a dark future for most of the students in the State. Involvement of higher-level officers in the question paper leak racket can not be ruled out, they added.

They also demanded the Government to take stringent action against the officers who is responsible for this, bear the expenditures of the students for re-examination, take appropriate steps for infrastructure development of the educational institutions and stop privatisation of management process of examination and hike in examination fee.

The members of the organisation called upon the students, teachers, parents and intellectuals of the State to take part in the mass movement to press the Government for fulfilling the demands of the students.    

River link proposals get boost by Supreme Court order

--‘Start Rushikulya-Mahanadi River interlinking project work’

BHUBANESWAR: “The Government should start Rushikulya-Mahanadi River interlinking project work immediately in war footing as recently the Supreme Court have directed the Centre to implement the ambitious river interlinking project,” said Ex-Deputy Speaker and Rushikulya Banchao Manch president Rama Chandra Panda at a Press meet here on Thursday.

Panda said the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has submitted Pre-Feasibility Report in favour of the Mahanadi-Rushikulya River link from Baramul Point for which the farmers of Ganjam have been agitating since 1986.

“Earlier during June, 2000, I had submitted a Memorandum to the then Prime Minister demanding transferring of surplus rain water from the Mahanadi to the Rushikulya basin to serve the later from being dried out. In April, 2008 a PIL was filed in the High Court of Odisha regarding this matter. The State Government had also committed in the State Assembly to take forward the Mahanadi-Rushikulya link proposal expeditiously about 7 years back. But no tangible result has been received so far,” he added.

He mentioned about the total annual flow of the Mahanadi is about 25 million acre ft. There is hardly storage of 3.91 Million Acre ft in Hirakud Dam while another about 2 million acre ft is hardly used enroute for irrigation while the rest passes into Sea. On the other hand, the Rushikulya except rainy season, it remains dry rest of the year, he added.

According to the NWDA report, this river interlinking project not only helps in agriculture purpose but also it can be used for electricity generation of 373.30 MW and Municipal use.

Panda said the Government should create an Executive Wing under Water Resources Department exclusively to oversee Mahanadi-Rushikulya and Rushikulya-Bansadhara River linking projects on top priority to save both farmers of Ganjam, Nayagarh, Khurda and Gajapati district from impending agriculture disaster and to save Brahmapur city from drinking water scarcity. The fear of any ecological imbalance is absurd and negligible, compared to benefit the society would derive from success of the proposals, he added.

“The Government of India and the State should provide adequate budgetary support on priority to implement the schemes, failing which the farmers will go for further agitation in a democratic way to protect their interest,” he cautioned.

Bank robbery bid in city foiled

BHUBANESWAR: The Commissionerate Police foiled a bank robbery bid by a gang of unidentified robbers in the Khandagiri branch of Bank of Baroda at Kolathia in the city on Thursday. Two police officers of local police station were attacked by the robbers while foiling the robbery attempt.

On a tip-off, the police officers of Khandagiri branch rushed to the Bank on Tuesday night. Face to face fight left two police officers injured, while the robbers managed to escape from the spot. Though the bank robbery could not be taken place, the robbers ransacked the bank and left away.

In the face to face scuffle, two police officers Sub-Inspector Padmacharan Mohanty and Chakradhar Patra of Khandagiri police station sustained injuries. The Commissionerate Police has started investigation into the matter.

Setting up of a Dept for Disabilities Affair demanded

BHUBANESWAR: Persons with specially-abled, their family members and social activists from across the State decided to present a memorandum to the State Government for setting up of a Department for persons with disabilities to look after various issues of specially-abled persons in the State.

“Many-a-times our specially-abled persons are running after different departments to get services which not only frustrate a differently-abled person but also it leaves them helpless. The Women and Child Welfare Department (WCD) is busy with women and child related issues, who will look after us? We are neglected by the department,” said Odisha State Disability Network convener Dr Sruti Mohapatra while briefing the Media in State level consultation on ‘United Voices for Disability Equity-II’.

She also said the WCD has work load which makes them busy, in which the voice of the specially-abled persons were being choked. Therefore, they need a special department like WCD, SC/ST department and others to look after their issues, she added.

“If the State Government will not set up the department before December 3 this year, we will take the matter to the streets. Persons with disabilities across the State will demonstrate, stage indefinite dharnas and even fast-unto-death to get their demand fulfilled,” she cautioned.

It may be noted that the United Voices for Disability Equity-I led to the establishment of ‘Office of Disability Commissioner’ in Odisha. But, later the specially-abled persons alleged the Directorate was not fruitful for them what they had expected from the department before its establishment.

Among others, K Anand Rao, former minister Ajay Jena, Kartik Chandra Pandab, Niranjan Behera and Satyanarayan Mishra were present in the State-level consultation.

BPL survey to end by June 10

BHUBANESWAR: BPL survey and its allied works in the State will end by June 10 this year, said Panchayati Raj Minister Maheswar Mohanty in the Assembly on Tuesday.

Answering the questions asked by BJD MLA Anant Das and Prabhat Ranjan Biswal in the Assembly, Minister Mohanty said the BPL survey work has already been started from November 14 last year in Bolangir, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri and Rayagada district in the State based on the Socio-Economic and Caste Census-2011, whereas survey work for rest 22 districts has started from March 20.

Mohanty answering another question of Anant Das said they are taking steps to fill up the vacancy posts of 25 block, 54 ABDO, 198 GPEO, 181 PA, 1285 VLW, 18 Assistant Engineer and 182 Junior Engineer posts in Panchayati Raj department.         

Contractual nurses to take mass leave

BHUBANESWAR: The contractual nurses of the State will take mass leave protesting the Government’s apathy and to make the movement stronger than before they will start agitation again from March 27, said the All Odisha Contractual Nurses Association in a press release on Tuesday.

The nurses had staged demonstration recently demanding permanent of the job, hike in salary, filling up of vacancy and other demands. Again the nurses decided to start agitation against the State Government from March 27 by taking mass leave and stage indefinite dharna till their demand is fulfilled.

They also decided to gherao the State Assembly and Health Minister’s residence to press the Government for fulfilling of their demand. Kranti Odisha president Gangadhar Panigrahy, who is taking the lead of the nurses, and General Secretary of the Association Jayanti Sahu said they will prefer do or die movement if the Government will not agree with us.     

BJP farmer wing meets Guv on farmers’ issue

BHUBANESWAR: A delegation of the BJP Krushak Morcha led by its State president Maheswar Sahu submitted a memorandum to the President of India through Governor MC Bhandare here on Tuesday following a discussion with him on various problems of farmers in the State.

In their eleven-point charter of demands, the Morcha demanded the Government should provide compensation to the farmers of flood and drought hit areas, implement the Swaminathan Committee Report immediately, Rs 5 lakh as compensation to each farmer’s family who committed suicide, total waiver of agricultural loans from the farmers of the State and increasing of Minimum Support Price of cotton, paddy and maize.

Among others, State vice-president of the Morcha Rabinarayan Mahapatra, secretary Sarbashri Mangal Sahu, Samir Kumar Sahu, Bhadrak district president Sankarshan Jena and Adhiraj Nayak went with the delegation. 

RSS opposes National Water Policy draft

--Suresh Joshi re-elected as All India General Secretary of RSS

BHUBANESWAR: Rastriya Swayamsebak Sangha (RSS) opposed the draft of National Water Policy- 2012 of the Central Government and Pratinidhi Sabha of the Sangh alleged the Government is going to privatise the water resources of the country with the help of this policy, informed General Secretary of Utkal Pranta (Odisha chapter) Rabinarayan Panda at a Press meet here on Tuesday.

“The Government should regulate all the water resources in the country. We oppose the water policy and strongly protest privatisation of water resources of the country which will affect the farmer community of the country,” Panda said.

Leaders of the Sangh said the proposals in the new draft on water policy regarding increase in water and electricity tariffs in the name of rationalising consumption of water and also making it cost based, will only make water scarce for ordinary people and will pave the way for earning massive profits by the corporate engaged in water trade.

“Water distribution in the hands of private monopoly in the name of public-private partnership, indicates the intentions of handing over this vital basic necessity of life totally in the control of private ownership and to a large extent foreign multi-national corporations,” members of the Pratinidhi Sabha said in the meeting of Akhila Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) of RSS which was held at Nagpur for three days from March 16 to 18 recently.

In the ABPS meeting, Suresh (Bhayaji) Joshi has been reelected as Sara Karyabaha (All India General Secretary) of RSS. As per annual report RSS has at present 40,891 numbers of Sakha, 8508 weekly meet and 6445 Sangha Mandali (Monthly Meet) throughout the country. Further 200 model villages, 600 cattle houses and 1, 60, 000 seva project of education and vocational centre have been run by RSS in slums, rural and tribal areas of the country, the Sangh informed in the meeting.

15,000 KISS Students Appeal Maoists to Free Italian Nationals

BHUBANESWAR: Tribal boys and girls of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) have made a humble appeal to Maoist organizations for an early release of two Italian tourists abducted by them. Total 15,000 students of KISS gathered at the institute campus on 20th March 2012 afternoon and made the appeal to Maoists through mass media. Two Italian nationals – Mr. Paolo Bosusco and Mr. Claudio Colangelo – who were on a sightseeing visit to Daringibadi, were abducted from Kandhamal – Ganjam border recently. The two foreign nationals are our guests, the students said, while appealing Maoists for their early release. Their release will go a long way in ensuring a good image for tribal community, the State and the country, they added.