Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Plus II exam from March 1



--Dept to conduct exam despite teachers’ stir

BHUBANESWAR: Despite Block Grant College teachers strike and call for boycott the Plus II examination, scheduled to start on March 1, the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) authorities would conduct the examination with alternative arrangement by using officials of the district administration.

Notably, more than 8,000 block grant college teachers of 488 and 662 categories of block grant colleges are on the strike demanding 100 per cent grants-in-aid abolishing the block grant system. The teachers boycott the examination protesting the Government apathy. “Our protest will continue till our demands are fulfilled,” said working president of Block Grant Teachers association Priya Ranjan Rath.   

When the discussion in between the Department of Higher Education and the teachers failed, the department went for alternative arrangements. With the active supervision of Sub-Collector, BDO and Tehsildar, officials of different Government departments and ME school teachers would be engaged as invigilators for the examination, sources said.    

“We have alternative arrangements for the examination. We have informed the district administration for reposition of invigilators in the examination centers to conduct the examination smoothly,” said CHSE vice-president Girija Shankar Acharya.

This year around 2.8 lakh students from 1,295 colleges would appear in annual examination in science, arts, commerce and vocational streams at 1,069 centres across the State.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Centre again betrays State in Railway Budget: Non-Cong parties



BHUBANESWAR: Like previous years, the Central Government betrayed the State again in the Railway Budget 2013-14 presented by Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in the Parliament in which the Centre has provided with a chocolate to hungry Odisha, said the State council of Communist Party of India (CPI) here on Tuesday.

CPI State secretary Dibakar Nayak said the Centre has not showed any attention towards the uncompleted projects like Khurda-Balangir rail line in the State. Even railway line for the seven districts demanded by the people of the districts and political parties is a dream now, he added.     

Biju Krushak Janata Dal president Golak Behari Nayak said the State has been totally neglected in the railway budget. The Centre has ignored the State’s demand by announcing meager allocation for ongoing projects. “No new Rail lines were announced for the State. The Centre again behaved step-motherly attitude with the State,” said Nayak.      

The railway budget is not only anti-people but also hopeless for the State, said Samajwadi Party Odisha State Committee president Rabi Behera. The State had demanded Rs 3050 crore, but the Centre allotted only Rs 869 crore which is a matter of disappointment, he added. “We call upon the people of the State to give a fitting reply to the Congress led UPA-II Government on the coming days,” said Behera.       

Formulation of Youth Policy


‘Make youth Media educated, informed’

BHUBANESWAR: A consultation on Youth and Media was held here on Tuesday jointly by the Information and Public Relation Department, Department of Sports and Youth Services and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This was part of a series of State and district-level consultations across various themes with different focus groups towards the formulation of the Odisha State Youth Policy, 2013.

The experts said the youth in Media should be guided and protected for the development of the society. The youth of other sectors should be media educated for their active participation with the State and country’s development.

Journalists suggested the State Government should inspire the youth pursuing in Journalism and Mass Communication to work in the Information and Public Relation Department of the State by creating reservation for them. The scope would attract the youth towards Media, they added.

Senior Journalist Arun Patnaik said the Government should organise workshops to train up the youths entering into Media sector so that they could understand the core issues of the State and address the problems of the common people in the State. The youth should be educated to give voice to voiceless using Media, he added.

Journalist Rajaram Satpathy said more and more highly educated trained youths are entering into the Media sector than the past years. For the development of the country or State, the Government should create a congenial atmosphere for the working journalists he added.

“The Government should make vibrant to the media sector by giving up the ‘Keep the Media away’ attitude as most of the youth in the State are watching them through different media,” Satpathy said, adding, “The youth could change the fate of the State and country for which they need to be properly informed and media savvy.”    

As many as 50 participants from the Media industry and students of various Journalism colleges participated in the consultation and gave their inputs toward the formulation of the youth policy.

Monday, February 25, 2013

2 die in jumbo attack in Koraput



JEYPORE: Two people were killed when a stampeding elephant trampled them at a village in Koraput district on Sunday night.

The persons were identified as Sanai Muduli and Pitambar Muduli of Jamjhola village under Borigumma block in the district. The elephants trampled the duo when they were fast asleep in their home.

Protesting the jumbo menace in the area, the irate villagers blocked road at Borigumma in the district on Monday and demanded compensation to the families of the deceased. Later the forest officials reached the spot and assured for compensation after which the villagers call off the road blockade.

Notably, a person was killed due to elephant attack on February 9 in the area. “It is a regular incident that marauding elephants are entering into the village and destroying crop and attacking human being in the area,” said a villagers.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

State’s hunger picture gloomier than NSSO report: Srikant



-- Politics over NSSO’s hunger report--

BHUBANESWAR: “The hunger picture of the State is gloomier than the actual report given by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO),” said Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation Srikant Kumar Jena here on Sunday reacting over the State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Pratap Keshari Deb’s statement on the recent report.

On Saturday, the State Government rubbished the 66th report of the NSSO that Odisha is second from the bottom after West Bengal as far as hungry population is concerned. Minister Deb smelled a rat in the report and alleged that a pure political game being played by Jena, the Minister of the concerned department which produced the report. “Ahead of 2014 election it is a trick to defame the BJD Government,” Deb added.

During the debate in the Assembly over the report, Deb had told that the Economic Advisory Council in Prime Minister’s office and the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission had also questioned the sample survey report and observed that the NSSO data does not reveal what is exactly happening, the Minister pointed out.  

Following the allegation made by Deb, Union Minister Jena said that he never interfere in the report prepared by the NSSO. Though he is the head of the Ministry which prepares the report, but it is the study of a Government organisation, he added.

“It is very pitiable thing that most of the people in rural Odisha are not getting proper food. Out of 84 lakh families in the State, 60 lakh families are coming under below poverty line,” said Jena, adding, “I forgave Deb for his statement, but I feel pity that State Government’s apathetic attitude towards the poor people.”


Bird flu scare: Expert team visits Chilika



BHUBANESWAR: A team consisting of six experts on Sunday visited the brackish water lake Chilika to take stock of the situation on the backdrop of the bird flu incident. Meanwhile, the State Government alerted the district administrations of Ganjam, Khurda and Puri to keep eye on the development.

The six-member team including deputy director of Bombay Natural History Society entered the Nalabana Island inside the lake and studied the condition of the birds and collected blood and excreta sample from the birds.

The expert team and the Assistant Conservator of Forests of Chilika Chandramani Behera said that they have requested the villagers near the lake periphery area to report them about the death of any bird so that they can immediately take steps to check the problem.

The experts said that the virus couldn’t live in such a warm climate. No need to be panicked, they added.         

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Debt-ridden farmer commits suicide in Ganjam



BRAHMAPUR: A debt-ridden farmer, who had attempted suicide consuming poison on Wednesday, succumbed to his illness at the hospital bed on Saturday in Ganjam, the home district of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.  
The person who committed suicide was Trinath Pradhan (50), a peasant of Erandra village under Rangeilunda block in the district. He consumed poison on Wednesday and was admitted in the MKCG Medical College Hospital where he died on the wee hours of Saturday.
It is alleged that he was in extreme mental stress due to loans borrowed from private sources and the cooperative society for agriculture during recent kharif season. According to the deceased’s wife, they are facing crop loss for continuously three year as a result they failed to pay the borrowed money more than Rs 50,000.
Pradhan has two children and a physically challenged sister of 35-years old. “The debt burden and tension regarding maintenance of family was always hammering on his mind. Without their knowledge, his husband took the extreme step,” said Pradhan’s bereaved wife and requested the Government to help her family.
The District committee of BJP demanded total waiver of loan of the farmer and declared compensation amount to assist the farmer’s family. BJP Krushak Morcha leader Ram Patra alleged that the hospital didn’t give free treatment to the farmer, though the State Government is claiming as the friend of the farmer.                 

Naidu Commission holds hearing on Kandhamal riot



BHUBANESWAR: “No care and protection was given to Swami Laxmananada Saraswati as a result the miscreants easily killed him and that murder paves the way for the Kandhamal riot,” said Odisha Minority Forum president Swarupananda Patra in his affidavit submitted before Justice AS Naidu Commission here on Saturday. The Commission is probing into the 2008 killing of Hindu religious leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in Kandhamal and the subsequent communal riots in the district.

Pradeep Muni of Kandhamal district had alleged that riot was fiercely broke out after the statement of Patra in the media. Considering the complaint, Patra was summoned to be present before the Commission on the day of the hearing.

Patra attending the hearing submitted his affidavit and denied the allegation. “After the murder of the Swami, a hate campaign was carried out as a result the people got affected badly in the riot,” said Patra.

‘Youth Red Cross volunteers should help vulnerable people’



BHUBANESWAR: “Youth Red Cross volunteers should be the messengers of peace and progress,” said Principal Secretary Higher Education Gagan Kumar Dhal while addressing the trainees in the valedictory function of five-day inter State Youth Red Cross study-cum-training camp here on Friday.

Attending as the chief guest, Dhal said the king Ashoka was transformed from the ‘man of war’ to ‘man of peace’ from the sacred land of Kalinga. Like that the Youth Red Cross volunteers assembled here should carry the message of peace to the grassroots, he added.

Acting Head of Delegation South Asia, International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), Simon Peter Brooks attending as distinguished guest said that many people are getting affected due to increasing conflict and weather related disasters in the world. Under such circumstances, Youth Red Cross volunteers should play a vital role in reaching out to the most vulnerable people locally and globally.

Prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners of various competitions. Ramananda Kumar from Uttarakhand and Sanjukta Subudhi from Rajdhani College here were awarded as the best Youth Red Cross volunteers in the valedictory function.

IRCS-OSB honorary secretary Mangala Prasad Mohanty presided over the valedictory function. Among others, North Odisha University Vice-Chancellor Prof Sanghamitra Mohanty, Political and Communication Advisor of ICRC Surinder Singh Oberoi and Youth Red Cross Officer and camp director Dr Sarita Supkar were present.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

2-day Bharat Bandh ends peacefully in State



--Around 100 agitators arrested during protest 
--Bandh hits normal life, paralyses transport system  

BHUBANESWAR: The second day of the two-day nationwide strike called by the Central trade unions ended peacefully in the State. The bandh disrupted normal life in different parts across the State and hit banking and transport sectors on Thursday too. The trade unions are observing the bandh demanding social security for labourers, implementation of labour laws, check in price rise and minimum wage for workers.

In the capital city, bus and auto-rickshaw service was disrupted on the second day of the bandh. The train services were also affected due to the trade unions’ sit-in in front of the trains at several railway stations in the State. About 16 mail express and eight local passenger trains were affected for hours and controlled enroute at different stations.

Trains like Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Bhubaneswar-Secunderabad Visakha Express and Bhubaneswar-LTT Express left the Bhubaneswar railway station after four hours delay. In view of the situation, the ECoR decided to cancel and short-terminate some of the trains. Some trains were also rescheduled to resume their journey, said the ECoR official sources.

The business establishments, educational institutions and Government offices remained closed for two days during the bandh to avoid any untoward situation during picketing of the trade unions. Like first day of the bandh, the shops, small vendors and vending zones participated in the bandh as the All Odisha Roadside Vendors’ Association, Vending Zone Suraksha Manch and Small Vendors’ Associations supported the strike.

However, it was seen that a few auto-rickshaws were plying on the road charging bit high fare from the passengers. Some shops and vending zones were opened on the second day defying the associations’ whip.    

The United Forum of Bank Union continued the strike on the second day as a result banking services in the State was also affected. Around 12,000 officers and 30,000 other bank employees of nationlised, co-operative and rural banks took part in the bandh protesting privatisation and merger of banks.  

Similarly, the postal employees union also supported the bandh on its second day. All the postal employees staged dharna in front of the General Post Office at the State Headquarters Office. The insurance employees and members of the other organisations supported the bandh to make it successful.

Members of eleven trade unions including BMS, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, AICCTU and other organisations held picketing before the private banks, PSUs, Central Government offices and on the roads. The industrial workers also held picketing in front of their main offices, said the leaders.
Around hundred agitators were arrested at the Lower PMG in front of the State Assembly while they wanted to break the barricade to march towards the Assembly. Similarly, the police arrested agitators while they were picketing on the road at several places of the State.

In their 10-piont charter of demands, the unions highlighted price rise and demanded universal food security with 50 kg of cereals per family along with pulses and cooking oil. They demanded concrete measures for employment generation, halt in disinvestment in PSUs and increased FDI in various sectors, pension for all at a rate not less than the minimum wage, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days of submission of application and security and protection of woman workers.

Baijayant Panda submits Private Members’ Bills in Parliament



--emphasises on reform in politics, judiciary

BHUBANESWAR: Senior BJD leader and Kendrapara MP Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda has submitted three Private Members’ Bills for the consideration of the Parliament in solidarity with his commitment to the cause of judicial reforms and de-criminalisation of politics in the country. The submitted Bills are the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill, 2013, Fast Track Courts for Elected Representatives Bill, 2013 and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2013.

“India is infamous for its understaffed and overworked judiciary, high pendency of cases in the Subordinate and High Courts, abysmally low number of judges and an ineffective public prosecution system. Panda believes that even though setting the system right will require significant investment and political will in the long term, lasting changes can be effected if the roots of the problem are attacked in the short term,” said Panda in a Press release.

Panda believed that the most dangerous problem in the country is criminalisation of politics. “This trend is highly demoralising for the general public and it reduces their trust in the system. Therefore, in order to convince the public of the commitment of the political class to the pursuit of justice, judicial reforms must begin with the de-criminalisation of politics,” Panda stated.

He said that legislators must urgently reform the system of public prosecution in India. Prosecutors in India are overburdened, and the procedures followed in their appointment make them susceptible to interference from the executive and other external interests, he added.


State yet to bring Eearly Childhood Education law for tribal children



BHUBANESWAR: “The scope of education for the 1.4 million young tribal children in the State is at stake as any law regarding mother tongue based early childhood education is yet to come,” said Odisha Adivasi Manch (OAM) convener Bidulata Huika here on Thursday.

At a Press conference on the occasion of International Mother Language Day organised by the OAM with VASA regarding the campaign on Early Childhood Education (ECE) in mother tongue, Programme Manager of the campaign Sudhir Kumar Digal urged the State Government to implement the decision taken by the Chief Secretary on July 31 last year to introduce mother tongue based multi lingual education for young tribal children. “The Government had assured us to implement the decisions taken after the meeting within next three months, but we are yet to see any changes,” said Digal.

OAM advisor Badal Kumar Tah said the Government should proactively implement the decision which would inspire the tribal children to go to school as the mother tongue based childhood education creates interest to learn from the teachers. “We know that most of the tribal children leave school due to language problem,” said Tah, adding, “If the Government introduce mother tongue based ECE, it would create understanding and participation in the classroom setting and later on it becomes a platform for learners to gradually transfer skills from the familiar language to the unfamiliar one.”

The OAM urged the Government to immediately publish a gazette notification in this regard and convey the decision to all the concerned officials to implement it. The Manch also appealed to the Government to develop curriculum in 19 tribal languages instead of 10 to cover all the tribal children of the State.


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Bharat bandh disrupts train services



BHUBANESWAR: Train services in East Coast Railway (ECoR) jurisdiction have been affected due to Bharat bandh called by the Trade Unions and others. As a result, most of the trains were controlled at different stations in view of demonstrations at various places in Howrah-Chennai main line over ECoR jurisdiction and the demonstration was called off latest by 2.30 pm here and at 3.15 pm at Puri.

The members of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) staged demonstration in front of the trains at the Bhubaneswar railway station as a result, 24 mail express and nine local passenger trains have been affected for hours and controlled enroute at different stations. Trains were delayed for around four hours on Wednesday.   

Trains detained at Bhubaneswar like Rajdhani Express and Visakha Express left the station after five hours instead of their scheduled timings from here. Similarly, Puri-New Delhi Nandankanan Express left Puri at 3.25 pm after called off the demonstration at Puri.

In view of the above, the ECoR has decided to cancel and short terminate some of the trains. Some trains were rescheduled to resume their journey.

Southco seeks subsidy for 40% distribution loss

BHUBANESWAR: Southco has estimated a gap of Rs 934.24 crore in its revenue requirement for the financial year 2013-14 which it wants to be recovered from retail supply tariff hike or revenue subsidy from the Government with a 40.03 per cent distribution loss.

During the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (OERC) hearing on power tariff hike, the Southco said it has proposed Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) of Rs.1767.20 cr. to meet its obligation to supply power to the consumers of its areas of supply.

It has estimated that out of the proposed revenue requirement Rs.745.74 cr. which is 42 per cent of the ARR, should be utilised for purchasing power from the Gridco.

The Southco also pointed out that in spite of collecting revenue from consumers at the existing tariff it would not been a position to meet its revenue requirement which has been shown as a gap of Rs 934.24 crore. The company again requested the OERC to consider a retail supply tariff hike or expect a subsidy of that order from the Government.

As many as 117 complainants have filed their objections against the proposed ARR of the Southco for 2013-14. They have requested the commission for a thorough scrutiny of the proposal before approving it.
Notably, the decision of the OERC on Retail Supply Tariff shall be effective from April.

48-hr all-India bandh hits normal life in State



BHUBANESWAR: The two-day nationwide strike called by the Central trade unions disrupted normal life in different places of the State and hit banking and transport sectors leaving commuters in the lurch on Wednesday. The trade unions are observing the bandh demanding social security for labourers, implementation of labour laws, controlling of price hike and minimum wage for workers.

Bus services in the capital city have been disrupted as unions of private bus operators extended their support to the bandh. The auto-rickshaw unions also supported the bandh call in the city which left the commuters with no choice. The train services were also affected due to the trade unions’ sit in dharna in front of the trains at several railway stations in the State.

The passengers were affected due to the strike. The passengers were waiting for hours to go to their working place. “I wanted to bring my sister to a hospital for her treatment, but the private cars and autos didn’t listen my request citing the reason of bandh. It hurt me a lot,” said Simanchal Purohit of Puri.  

The business establishments, educational institutions and Government offices remain closed for two days during the bandh to avoid any untoward situation during picketing of the trade unions. However, a few shops, groceries and vending zones in the city were opened during the bandh.   

Banking services in the State were also affected as the United Forum of Bank Union is supporting the bandh to protest against privatisation and merger of banks. Around 12,000 officers and 30,000 other bank employees of nationlised, co-operative and rural banks took part in the bandh.

The trade union members of the Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh (BMS), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) and other such organisations held picketing before the private banks, PSUs, Central Government offices and on the roads. The industrial workers also started picketing in front of their main offices, said the leaders.

In their 10-piont charter of demands, the unions have highlighted price rise and demanded universal food security with 50 kg of cereals per family along with pulses and cooking oil. They demanded concrete measures for employment generation, disinvestment in PSUs and increased FDI in various sectors, pension for all at a rate not less than the minimum wage, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days of submission of application and security and protection of women workers.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

48-hr Bharat bandh from tomorrow



BHUBANESWAR: All the national-level trade unions would observe two-day Bharat bandh starting from Wednesday demanding social security for the labourers, implementation of labour law, controlling of price hike and minimum wage for labourers.

Trade unions like Bharat Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) and employees’ federation are supporting the general strike.

The nationalised banks, business establishments, educational institutions, Government offices would be remain closed during the 48-hour long bandh. Private and public transportation including train, bus and autorickshaw services would not be available on the days, informed the trade union leaders of the State.

The trade union members would conduct picketing before the private banks, PSUs, Central Government offices and on the road during the bandh hours. The industrial workers would also start picketing in front of the main offices, said the leaders. “We have appealed to the people of the State to cooperate the trade unions that fight for the cause of the common people,” said AICCTU State secretary Mahendra Parida.

In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the trade union leaders appealed to the City bus authorities to cooperate the general strike. If they would not pay heed to our appeal, we would hold picketing in front of the City buses in the twin city,” said Parida.   

In their 14-piont charter of demands, the federations highlighted price rise and demanded universal food security with 50kg cereals per family along with pulses and cooking oil. The demanded concrete measures for employment generation, pension for all at a rate not less than the minimum wage, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days of submission of application and security and protection of women workers. They also demanded the Government to stop encroachment of land and natural resources of peasants, tribals and dalits.           

RSS chief to visit State on Feb 21



BHUBANESWAR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief and Sarasanghachalak Dr Mohan Rao Bhagwat would come in a four-day Odisha visit starting from Thursday, said RSS State media cell secretary Ashok Kumar Sahu in a Press release. On February 21, he would address a meeting in the city and then in Cuttack on the next day. On February 23 and 24, he would attend Sangh’s State-level meeting here. On the last day, he would address the public at Biju Patnaik playground near Barmunda in the city. It would be the third visit of Bhagwat as RSS chief, said Sahu.    

Writer for VH candidate in exam: Youth moves HC



BHUBANESWAR: A visually handicapped (VH) candidate on Tuesday moved the Odisha High Court against the State Government for not providing him a writer during a competitive examination in the State.

The VH candidate Bibhuti Bhusan Senapati had appeared a competitive examination for Supply Inspector post conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) recently. He had asked for a writer during the examination according to the provision of the law, but he was not given at that time for which he could not write in the examination.

Senapati filed a petition against seven people including Chief Secretary of the State, SSC chairman and the departmental secretary seeking compensation for his loss.   

     

Fulbright-Nehru fellowship applications available for expanding academic horizons in US



New Delhi: The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) announces the opening of its annual competition for Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright fellowship opportunities for study, research, teaching and professional development in the United States.

Dr Venkatesh Dutta, a Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellow in 2011 said “It has been an honor and an invaluable experience being a Fulbright Scholar in the U.S.  The overall experience was excellent; I would say the insights and learning were a turning point in my thinking about climate policy, in both regional and global contexts.  The Fulbright experience provided unparalleled opportunities for exploring both academic and non-academic pursuits.  I was exposed to facts and information about my own culture, preconceptions, mentalities and worldviews that I may otherwise not have contemplated.”  From Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow, Dr. Dutta was at the University of Maryland, College Park, during his Fulbright-Nehru tenure.

Outstanding Indian students, academics, teachers, policy planners, administrators, and professionals in all disciplines are encouraged to apply.  The India-U.S. bilateral Fulbright agreement has resulted in a significant increase in the number of scholarships awarded each year -- USIEF expects to offer approximately 100 Fulbright-Nehru fellowships for Indians in 2014.  Fellowship details are posted on the USIEF website www.usief.org.in.  Application deadlines begin July 1, 2013.  For more information, applicants may contact the USIEF offices in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, or Mumbai.

Fulbright-Nehru and other fellowships have, over the years, helped bring the people of India and the United States closer through educational exchanges.  USIEF has administered over 18,000 grants for Indian and U.S. citizens.  USIEF alumni have demonstrated strong leadership in all walks of life, including agriculture, arts, business, education, environment, humanities and social sciences, media, public health, and science and technology.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Left out block grant schools restrain from strike



BHUBANESWAR: The teaching and non-teaching staff of 338 left out block grant high schools on Monday decided to restrain from State-wide stir on February 21 after getting assurance from the State Government. Besides the 338 block grant schools, 110 girls’ school, 129 and 212 first schools of panchayats would also restrain from the strike, informed the 338 Left out Block Grant Teachers and Employees Association.

On January 15 this year, association Secretary Abhaya Kumar Mahapatra demanded the Government to form a uniform policy and provide direct grant-in-aid to all the Block grant High Schools without any discrimination. The School and Mass Education Minister assured that he would take appropriate steps to consider the demands.

After getting the assurance and keeping faith on the State Government, the association members decided to restrain from the strike. “If the Government doesn’t take any concrete step to fulfill our demands, we would resume our agitation by putting lock in the schools,” said Mahapatra.

Hundreds of co-operative employees arrested



BHUBANESWAR: Demanding appropriate salary fixed by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, members of the Odisha Co-operative Employees Co-ordination Committee (OCECC) staged demonstration in front of the State Assembly here on Monday. Hundreds of members of the committee were arrested during the demonstration.

The OCECC members led by its president Harish Gaurang came in a procession started from Master Canteen and staged a rally at the Lower PMG protesting the delay in fulfilling of their five-point charter of demands.

According to Gaurang, Minister for Rural Development and Cooperation Bikram Keshari Arukh had assured them to take appropriate steps in fulfilling their demands before November 30 last year, but it could not be fulfilled.    

The employees also demanded medical treatment facility, provident fund and gratuity fund facility, increasing of retirement age to 60 years and promotion in time. Among others, Abhimanyu Nisank, Ghanashyam Jena, Digambar Nayak, Sridhar Choudhury and members of the Committee participated in the rally.  


Police to begin manhunt for absconded mastermind G Srinibas



--ARSS MD abduction case--

BHUBANESWAR: The Commissionerate Police with the active support of the Andhra Pradesh police would start manhunt for mastermind of the ARSS MD abduction case G Srinibas who is now absconding. He is somewhere in Mumbai, Hyderabad or in any south Indian city, said the police.

To arrest the mastermind, owner of SHVG constructions of Hyderabad, the Commissionerate Police have formed a team and continuously in touch with the Andhra Pradesh police. “After the verification, we found the main accused in the case. He is now absconding. We are trying to nab him very soon,” said Bhubaneswar DCP Nitinjit Singh.

Meanwhile, ARSS MD Subhas Agarwal appealed to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, the Odisha Government and the police department of the both the State for immediate arrest of the mastermind G Srinibas. He also demanded the State Government to provide him security.

Agarwal has increased the security of his house here with the help of private agencies. The police are investigating into the matter.  

Notably, Subhas Agarwal and his cousin brother Sankar Agarwal, who were abducted from here at about 9 pm on Friday, were rescued after 10 hours by the police from Anandapuram near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday noon. A total of seven persons involved in the case were arrested and a pistol was recovered from the abductors.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Maoists on the prowl in Cong weak States- Jairam Ramesh



NUAPADA: “The Maoists are on the prowl where the Congress party is weak,” said Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh while addressing the elected representatives of the Nuapada district at a meeting here on Saturday. During his second visit to the district, Ramesh reviewed various ongoing programmes including MGNREGS, PMGSY, Indira Awas Yojana and Watershed project.

“The State Government is in deep slumber most of the time and whenever I go to a place it gets up from the Kumbhakarn (sleeping demon)’s sleeping,” said Ramesh criticising the State Government’s inactiveness to speed up of the developmental works in the Maoist-hit areas.

“Sunabeda will be Maoist free and baton (police) free in the coming years. At least Rs100 crores of rupees will be spent for the development of Sunabeda in next two to three years,” said Ramesh at the meeting. Ramesh also conducted a meeting with the members of district youth congress immediately after arriving here.

Ramesh said the Central Government is going to spend Rs 2500 crore for rural development in next few years including Rs 10 crore for development of Self Help Groups, Rs 22 crore for Indira Awas Yojana and Rs 48 crore for watershed development in the district.

The Central Minister visited some villages to see development works under MGNREGS before conducting a meeting with the elected representatives of Panchayats. The Sarpanchs and Samity members of Maoist affected panchayats attended the meeting in large numbers.

About the implementation of the Forest Right Act, the Central Minister said that, more than 10,000 eligible people have applied for getting land under the FRA, but it is unfortunate that only 5000 ‘pattas’ have been distributed. Answering the questions of the journalists about the community forest rights, Ramesh said that the district administration should expedite the process to give community forest rights to the community.   

     


 

Employment opportunity for PWDs suggested for Youth Policy



BHUBANESWAR: “Employment opportunity should be created for the persons with disabilities (PWDs),” said the experts in a consultation workshop on State policy for youth with disabilities was jointly organised by the Office of State Commission for Persons with Disability, the Department of Sports and Youth Services and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) here on Saturday. This is a part of the series of State and district consultations across various themes with different focus groups towards the formulation of Odisha State Youth Policy, 2013.

The experts said the differently abled people face multiple challenges in every sphere of their lives and remain detached from participation in mainstream development process despite constitutional and legislative measures.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Kasturi Mohapatra opined that educational institutes should be made disable friendly. The Director, Welfare, Person with Disabilities B B Patnaik suggested that the youth with disabilities should be given enough opportunities and scope for being active in the affairs of State and community services.

Equitable budget allocation amongst abled and disabled persons, accessibility and disabled friendly infrastructure, safeguard of their right to expression, gainful employment of disabled youth as per their choice and, representation in decision making positions for persons with disability were some of the key suggestions that came up in this consultation. ITIs and Polytechnic institutes of the State should have special skill development course designed for the youth with disabilities also came up as a suggestion.


Abandoned girls taken to Swadhar home in Gajapati



PARLAKHEMUNDI: Like every child, they also wanted to get love and affection from their family members, but it was a dream for two village girls who had left home after their parents abandoned them. After getting information from the local people, the tribal girls from Tapang village of Laxmipur GP under Raigarh block in Gajapati district were taken to Swadhar children home by the district administration.

The two minor girls Swapna (11) and Sabita (9), daughters of Raghunath Sabar, were living like the loveliest child of their parents, but unfortunately it could not last long after the death of their mother. Sabar got married to another woman who didn’t like the girls in her home. The sisters were gradually neglected by their step-mother. Finally, they left the home with heavy heart and came here.

When the duo was roaming around the town helplessly, a local resident came to them as rescuer and offered food for few days. The person immediately informed the district administration about the condition of the girls. District Collector Basudev Bahinipati inquired about the matter and directed the concerned officials to help the deserted girls.

The district administration extended helping hand towards the girls and with the active supervision of ORMAS APD Uma Maheswar Rao and Child Welfare Committee member Bijay Laxmi Nayak they were taken to Swadhar home for their rehabilitation.

The girls said that they would continue their education staying at the Swadhar home. They don’t want to return to their home, the duo informed. The district administration has informed the girls’ parents about the matter six days ago, but nobody has come to inquire about them. The girls are living like orphans, though they have parents.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Pvt schools to move court, if Govt fails to pay fee of 25% reserved students



BHUBANESWAR: Following the State Government’s direction to reserve 25 per cent seats in the private schools for students of financially weak families from the upcoming 2012-13 academic year, the schools have demanded the State Government to bear the total expenditure of the 25 per cent seats. The private school authorities even cautioned that they would go to the court, if the State Government fails to bear the expenditure.

Notably, the Supreme Court had given a judgment last year to reserve 25 per cent seats for students of financially weak families in the private schools across the country. The School and Mass Education Department on Thursday held a meeting here with the heads of private schools of the twin city and directed the schools to implement the apex courts ruling effectively.

During the discussion with the private school heads, the department had clarified that the students of poor families staying within 1 km radius of the private school could read there. If needed, the distance of the radius would be increased, the department authorities said, adding, “The private schools can fill up the vacant reservation seats after three months of the admission.”

“We are directing the schools to implement the RTE Act and the apex court’s ruling to reserve the necessary seats for the poor students. If any one of the schools fails to implement that, the State Government would take action against the school authorities,” said director of primary education Sukdev Das.

On the very next day of the discussion, the private schools on Friday demanded total expenditure of the reserved seats and wanted more clarity on the issue. On the other hand, School and Mass Education Minister Rabi Narayan Nanda said the schools have to obey the direction. They didn’t take any final decision that who would bear the fee, Nanda added.






   

NHRC issues notice to Ganjam SP on Dandapani’s arrest



--Dandapani’s wife urges Home Secy for her hubby’s treatment at MKCG

BHUBANESWAR: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Ganjam SP Ashish Singh seeking action taken report within six weeks regarding Maoist interlocutor Dandapani Mohanty’s arrest. The complaint was filed by journalist Akhand of the India Media Centre (IMC).

Meanwhile, Dandapani’s wife Gitanjali Mohanty in a letter to the State Home secretary and the Gajapati Collector urged that her husband should be brought to the MKCG Medical College and hospital for better treatment. Health condition of Dandapani, who is now in R Udaygiri jail since February 8, is very serious due to hunger strike inside the jail, she added.

Gitanjali alleged that the police returned his husband without providing better treatment at the Parlakhemundi District Hospital. “Today I got news that he is feeling pain in his chest, which may be cardiology related problem. So at this stage proper treatment is requirement for his good health,” she said, adding, “This treatment can be given at the MKCG Medical College hospital at Brahmapur.

In the letter, Gitanjali appealed the State Government to take immediate steps for his better treatment. “If any problem arises due to negligence for his proper treatment, the State Government and district administration will be responsible for that matter,” she said.

Mohanty’s hunger strike inside the R Udaygiri jail enters seventh day on Friday. His health condition is worsening day by day, sources said. He again demanded that the Government to give him political prisoner status. Mohanty said that he would continue his hunger strike till his demand is fulfilled.    

State directs private schools to reserve 25% seats for poor students



BHUBANESWAR: Following the judgment of the Supreme Court to reserve 25 per cent seats for students of financially weak families from the upcoming 2012-13 academic year, the State Government has geared up for the implementation of the ruling in the private schools of the State.

The School and Mass Education Department on Thursday held a meeting here with the heads of private schools of the twin city and directed the schools to implement the apex courts ruling effectively.

During the discussion with the private school heads, the department clarified that the students of poor families staying within 1 km radius of the private school could read there. If needed, the distance of the radius would be increased, the department authorities said, adding, “The private schools can fill up the vacant reservation seats after three months of the admission.”

“We are directing the schools to implement the RTE Act and the apex court’s ruling to reserve the necessary seats for the poor students. If any one of the schools fails to implement that, the State Government would take action against the school authorities,” said director of primary education Sukdev Das.    

Don’t grab tribal lands for Industry: ST Commission

--suggests ST Commission in State

BHUBANESWAR: “Most of the time we have seen the Government is targeting the tribal lands for industry which should be stopped,” said National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST) chairman Dr Rameshwar Oraon while briefing the Press persons here on Thursday.

Expressing grave concern over the non-utilisation of funds provided under the tribal sub-plan for the welfare of the tribals in the State, Oraon said the Government should not misutilise or divert the fund comes under the sub-plan. Citing an example of proper utilisation of the fund, he suggested the State Government to implement Andhra Pradesh pattern of the utilisation of funds sanctioned under tribal sub plan.

Oraon said the policy for the reservation in the Government job for tribal people had also not been implemented properly and faithfully in the State. He also said the State Government had failed to implement the MGNREG scheme as a result the number of tribal beneficiaries under the scheme was reduced by 50 per cent in 2011-12 in comparison to 2010-11 for which huge migration is occurring in the tribal heartlands like Balangir and Koraput district in the State.   

The NCST chairman said that 36 per cent tribals are belonging to the BPL family category out of the total BPL beneficiaries of the State. The Government should give attention towards the development of the tribal peoples, he added.

The chairman emphasised on education of the tribals as the gap of literacy rate in between the tribals and others still high. He also suggested the Government to promote teaching through mother-tongue in the primary education to attract the tribal children.    

Oraon said he would urge the Chief Minister to constitute a State Commission for Scheduled Tribes to protect the interest of the tribal people that constitutes 23 per cent of the State’s total population.