CM Reiterates Commitment towards Odisha’s Growth [www.newindianexpress.com]

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday reiterated the commitment of his Government for the development and progress of the State. However, he avoided the burning issue of migration, torture and exploitation of migrants in alien land in their search for greener pasture.
Addressing a public meeting at mini stadium in Nuapada after a spate of inauguration and foundation stone laying, Naveen said that ‘visible development’ has been seen in the fields of infrastructure, industry, education, health besides agriculture during the last 14 years of BJD rule. Reiterating his commitment for the development of agriculture and farmers, he said due thrust is being laid for the welfare of the farmers.
Highlighting Biju KBK Yojana, the Chief Minister said the Yojana is aimed at development of backward areas and the results are encouraging.
Earlier, the CM inaugurated the newly constructed District Collectorate besides dedicating a bridge connecting Sritol to Jhilmila under Nuapada Block and another connecting Komna-Baghamunda over river Sundar. He also laid the foundation stone for the bridge over Gurmajoar nullah connecting Rang to Tikrapada and bridge over Kusumtal nullah connecting Dhumabhata and Budhikomna, both in Komna Block.
This apart, the Chief Minister laid foundation stone for two Sub Stations at Saipalla in Nuapada Block and another at Barkot at the entry point of Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Komna Block. Once the Sub Station at Barkot is commissioned, for the first time 32 villages inside the Sanctuary will be electrified. In Michapali under Komna Block, Naveen laid foundation stone for 250 seated Boys Education Complex for tribal students besides office of Deputy Director Agriculture inside the premises of District Agriculture Office at Nuapada town. 
The Chief Minister was flanked by Minister Arun Sahu, Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholokia while Rajya Sabha member AV Swamy accompanied him at the public meeting.
Bhawanipatna: The Chief minister also laid  foundation stones and inagurated several projects during his short visit to Kalahandi district on Tuesday. In the afternoon he arrived at Balisinga helipad after visiting Nuapada district. At Balisingha of Narla block he inaugurated bridge over Prencho Nala.
He also laid foundation stone for pipe water supply scheme to Balisingha Gram Panchayat, construction of bridge over Katki Nala and construction of high level bridge over river Ret on Dadpur- Rupra Road.

Odisha CM Patnaik accuses Cong, BJP of indulging in petty politics [PTI]

BJD supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday accused the national parties - Congress and BJP - of indulging in petty politics instead of serving the poor and needy people.

"The two national parties all along have priority to protect their interests rather than working to help the poor and needy people," Patnaik said while addressing an impressive rally at the Telephone Bhawan Ground here, during his one-day whirlwind tour of Sundergarh district.

Appealing to the people to send more number of BJD MLAs and MPs to assembly and Parliament, Patnaik said his party was committed to fight for the interest of the state.
The Chief Minister said, "The central government may ignore us, but we have been developing." In his speech, Patnaik also spoke at length about various welfare schemes like, Mo Kudia, Madhu Babu Pension Yojamna, Laptop distribution for students, free cycles for girls, and also informed that no government had ever undertaken so much of public welfare schemes earlier.
Earlier in the day, Patnaik laid the foundation stones of various projects including NTPC's proposed Medical College at Sundergarh, Timjor-Lathikata road, high-level bridge over Brahmani river at a cost of Rs 21.55 crore, and inaugurated Junior SG Women's college's new building and also a 100-bed hostel specially marked for ST girl students.

Odisha Govt constituted State-Level Steering Committee on climate-resilient agriculture [www.orissadiary.com]

The State Government has constituted a 19-member State-Level Steering Committee under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary, Agriculture on sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in view of the climate change. The committee comprises officials and experts in the Departments of Agriculture, Water Resources and Forest and Environment both in the State and Central Governments and representatives of the NGOs working on climate change. Basically, the committee would guide, monitor and supervise implementation of the project, Climate Change Knowledge Network in Indian Agriculture. It would also ensure convergence as well as quality of knowledge, information provided by the Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) network for climate-resilient agriculture. The committee members include the Additional Secretary, Water Resources; Director, CADPIM; Director, Water Management, ICAR, Bhubaneswar; Prof of Entomology, OUAT; Dean of Research, OUAT; Director, CRRI, Cuttack; Director of Horticulture; Director, OSAM Board; Director, Watershed Development Mission; Chief Conservator of Forests; NGOs Human Development Foundation, PRADAN, SVA and Centre for Socio Economic Development; IFFCO Kissan Sancharnet; Professor, Agronomy, OUAT; State Bio-Chemist in the Agriculture Department; Joint Director, Agriculture (SP&C) and Director of Agriculture and Food Production.

Odisha all set for Lokayukta law in Feb session [Odisha TV Bureau]

In its effort to establish greater transparency and accountability in delivery of public services, the Odisha government is most likely to pass the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2013 in the ensuing Assembly session, beginning February 3.

 

Already pushed to the wall for not convening a special session to bring the much-hyped Bill and failing to keep its promises, the ruling BJD will try for a smooth passage of the Bill in the session, thus leaving little scope for the Opposition parties to criticize further, political analysts feel.

 

“Now, that the ten-day session will be the last sitting of the 14th State Assembly as the term of the present government completes in April, 2014, the Odisha government will gear up to continue its pioneering measures, and pass the Bill. Odisha is incidentally the first state to have a special Lokpal system since 1971,” said an analyst requesting anonymity.

 

In the past, the state government had drawn wrath of the Opposition parties for not “so serious” about passing the Bill.

 

“Since the ruling BJD had been claiming to be running a transparent government it should also convene a special session of the Assembly and pass a strong Lokayukta Bill as soon as possible,” India Against Corruption (IAC) volunteer Malay Tripathy had said in December last criticizing the BJD government for not keeping its promise on the formation of such a Bill.

 

Senior BJD leader and Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahatab on December 27, 2011 had said in Parliament that his party would bring a strong Lokayukta Bill in the ensuing budget session of the Assembly. But later he clarified that the Bill would be passed in the State Assembly within three months of it getting nod of Parliament.

 

Earlier, the Congress resurrecting the Bill issue had too denounced Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for not keeping his promises of passing a strong Lokayukta Bill in the State Assembly.

 

On January 3, Odisha became the first state to announce the establishment of a Lokaukta in the state two days after President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2013, which Parliament passed in December.

 

"In view of our government's commitment to fight corruption and bring in transparency in public life, the state government will get this legislation enacted within a period of one month, even though the central Act provides for a window period of one year for implementation," Naveen Patnaik had said after a meeting of the state cabinet.

 

"The chief minister and the council of ministers will also be under the purview of the proposed state act," he added.

Odisha all set for Lokayukta law in Feb session [ Odisha TV Bureau ]

In its effort to establish greater transparency and accountability in delivery of public services, the Odisha government is most likely to pass the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2013 in the ensuing Assembly session, beginning February 3.

 

Already pushed to the wall for not convening a special session to bring the much-hyped Bill and failing to keep its promises, the ruling BJD will try for a smooth passage of the Bill in the session, thus leaving little scope for the Opposition parties to criticize further, political analysts feel.

 

“Now, that the ten-day session will be the last sitting of the 14th State Assembly as the term of the present government completes in April, 2014, the Odisha government will gear up to continue its pioneering measures, and pass the Bill. Odisha is incidentally the first state to have a special Lokpal system since 1971,” said an analyst requesting anonymity.

 

In the past, the state government had drawn wrath of the Opposition parties for not “so serious” about passing the Bill.

 

“Since the ruling BJD had been claiming to be running a transparent government it should also convene a special session of the Assembly and pass a strong Lokayukta Bill as soon as possible,” India Against Corruption (IAC) volunteer Malay Tripathy had said in December last criticizing the BJD government for not keeping its promise on the formation of such a Bill.

 

Senior BJD leader and Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahatab on December 27, 2011 had said in Parliament that his party would bring a strong Lokayukta Bill in the ensuing budget session of the Assembly. But later he clarified that the Bill would be passed in the State Assembly within three months of it getting nod of Parliament.

 

Earlier, the Congress resurrecting the Bill issue had too denounced Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for not keeping his promises of passing a strong Lokayukta Bill in the State Assembly.

 

On January 3, Odisha became the first state to announce the establishment of a Lokaukta in the state two days after President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2013, which Parliament passed in December.

 

"In view of our government's commitment to fight corruption and bring in transparency in public life, the state government will get this legislation enacted within a period of one month, even though the central Act provides for a window period of one year for implementation," Naveen Patnaik had said after a meeting of the state cabinet.

 

"The chief minister and the council of ministers will also be under the purview of the proposed state act," he added.

Odisha Government to run 1000 buses for rural areas in 12 districts by March [www.orissadiary.com]

With a view to strengthen rural connectivity the state government has decided to run busses in 108 scheduled blocks in 12 districts. Each scheduled block will be provided with 8 to 10 buses under the Rural Transport Connectivity Scheme, said G Mathivathanan, commissioner cum secretary, department of transport and commerce.

 

Speaking at the concluding day of the 25th Road Safety Week-2014, Mathivathanan said at the current stage of development in terms of economic growth we need to enhance the public transport facility in rural areas. So at the first phase the government has decided to run nearly 1000 buses in 108 scheduled blocks in 12 districts in the state.

 

“The bus service in rural areas will be implemented through public private partnership (PPP) mode. The private company will procure the buses with their own and the state government will bear 5 percent cost of the bank loan needed for this purpose. Theese buses will be free from paying road taxes and permit fees for five years,” said Mathivathanan.

 

Unlike the conventional buses these will have 15 to 20 seated. Within one or two months the private company will start the process of procurement, he added.

 

This bus service is expected to start before end of April this year and the buses will have , sources in transport department said.

 

Mathivathanan also said the government also chalked out plan to improve public transport system at the naxal affected districts like Koraput, Malkangiri, Phulbani.

 

“Out target is to ply at least 100 buses in the naxal dominated districts, which is a long standing demand of the denizens there. For the procurement of buses, which would be large in structure the government has sanctioned Rs 21 crore to Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC),” said Mathivathanan.

 

OSRTC which is usually runs buses between long destinations this time it will provide the service for short distances. The naxal red affected districts will receive this service this year.

 

Speaking on this occasion chief minister Naveen Pattnaik said the state government is keen to curb the road accidents, which is highest in the country. In 2012 around 3700 people lost their lives to 9,285 road accident cases. About 10,700 people sustained injuries in this number of accidents. The government has suffered Rs 6.67 crores due to the loss of 3700 lives.

 

“We are taking every possible steps to curb the number of road accidents in the state. RTOs are expected to provide sketch carriage system for the easy availability of route permit before March 2014. People can pay the road tax for more than Rs 2000 through online. Also the transport department is initiated awareness camps at several districts,” said Pattnaik.

 

Odisha to build 61 food storage godowns [ Odisha TV Bureau]

In an effort to resolve issues relating to collection and distribution of food grains, the state government has decided to ink a pact with International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private arm of World Bank for the construction of 61 food storage godowns of 1.3 lakh mertic tonne capacity across the state.

 

This was informed by chief secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra at the secretariat today.

 

“The food godowns will help us tackle procurement issues. Besides, practical difficulties faced by the government during distribution of food grains will also be sorted out,” Mohapatra told media persons.

 

While the state government would avail technical expertise of the IFC for the project to be executed on private-public-partnership (PPP) mode, details about investment and selection of places would be worked out in a later stage, he stated.

 

This apart, the state government is also considering to go ahead with IFC to implement its projects including solar energy production, construction of affordable housing and tertiary hospitals in the state.

 

Official sources said, the state government has approved 37 projects on the PPP mode between April 2009 and March 2012. The approved projects are in sectors like ports, real estate, food processing and tourism.

Ananta retains BMC mayor post [ Odisha TV Bureau ]

Former mayor and three-time corporator Ananta Narayan Jena has been elected unopposed as the mayor of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), announced BMC administrator Sanjib Mishra here on Friday.

 

Official sources said, Jena who retained the top post for second successive time, was the only corporator to file nomination papers as independent candidates with a strength of 12 corporators preferred not to field a candidate in the election, against ruling BJD’s 49.

 

BJD supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik earlier in the day announced Jena's name as the party's candidate for the mayor election in BMC.

 

Jena’s name was doing the rounds for the coveted post along with three others soon after BMC poll results were declared on January 9. Sources said, Jena had bright chances to win the election since he had initiated some significant developmental works such as introducing City Bus services, setting up shopping malls and widening of roads in most parts of the city.

 

Besides, according to BJD insiders Jena was the favourite to retain the mayor's job as he is experienced and is a three-time corporator. He had secured 5,024 votes and won the polls from ward 47 with the highest margin of 4,334.

 

Among the front runners to the top post were minority leader Sk Nizamuddin, two-time corporator Amaresh Jena and Mahamaya Swain.

 

Nizamuddin, who won the election for the third consecutive term and was a councillor before the BMC was formed, also had a claim. The other strong contender Amaresh Jena had registered second highest winning margin.

 

Swain, wife of Gayadhar Jena (general secretary of Rajdhani Haat Byabasahi Sangh, Unit I), was too viewed as another contender for the coveted job. Swain was said to have the backing of Bhubaneswar-Ekamra MLA Ashok Panda.

 

Swain won the elections from ward 53, where chief minister Naveen Patnaik resides, beating his nearest rival by 973 votes.

 

In the corporation, BJD has 73 per cent of seats with corporators in 49 of 67 wards. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have four and two seats, respectively.

Ananta Narayan Jena re-elected as mayor of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation [www.orissadiary.com]

BJD leader Ananta Narayan Jena re-elected as mayor of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday. Ananta Narayan Jena re-elected unopposed as BMC mayor.

 Jena is the first citizen of the city for the second consecutive term as Chief Minister and BJD boss Naveen Patnaik selected him to be the new Mayor of the city. BJD boss’s announcement ended last few days speculation over choice of a new face to head the corporation after after the regional outfit swept the BMC polls.

Latter in the day Mr. Jena is expected to be formally elected as city’s mayor. Several people and the corporators had gathered near Naveen Nivas in the morning, waiting eagerly for the announcement.

 

Police asked not to harass people during anti-Maoist ops

People in Maoist hit areas in Odisha should be protected and not harassed by the police during operations against the ultras, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Saturday.

 

"I will also advise the police to see that innocent citizens in the Maoist affected areas are protected and are not unduly harassed as a result of our operations," Patnaik told the concluding session of the Annual Senior Police Officers' Conference here.

 

Stating that the efforts by the police restricted Maoists activities in a number of districts, Patnaik said, "Malkangiri, Koraput, Bolangir, Nuapada, Rayagada, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nawarangpur districts needs attention." 

 

He said that training and equipping of the police would continue to counter the Maoist challenge and unless it was curbed effectively, development of these areas would continue to suffer.

 

Patnaik said cash rewards were declared for surrender and arrest of 514 Maoists leaders and cadres in the state.

 

The Chief Minister also emphasised prevention of crimes against women and children.

 

"Similarly, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other less privileged sections of society need to be dealt with great care, empathy and concern," he said.

 

The police needed to take proactive measures to protect them which would improve their image in the eyes of the people, he said.

 

Praising the role of the police during Cyclone Phailin and subsequent floods, he said, "I am happy to see that strong action has been taken against those responsible for cheating the public in the name of chit funds and other such Ponzi schemes.

 

"This has helped in curbing this menace but I will advise the police to be vigilant to prevent such activities in the future," he said.

Police asked not to harass people during anti-Maoist ops

People in Maoist hit areas in Odisha should be protected and not harassed by the police during operations against the ultras, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Saturday.

 

"I will also advise the police to see that innocent citizens in the Maoist affected areas are protected and are not unduly harassed as a result of our operations," Patnaik told the concluding session of the Annual Senior Police Officers' Conference here.

 

Stating that the efforts by the police restricted Maoists activities in a number of districts, Patnaik said, "Malkangiri, Koraput, Bolangir, Nuapada, Rayagada, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nawarangpur districts needs attention." 

 

He said that training and equipping of the police would continue to counter the Maoist challenge and unless it was curbed effectively, development of these areas would continue to suffer.

 

Patnaik said cash rewards were declared for surrender and arrest of 514 Maoists leaders and cadres in the state.

 

The Chief Minister also emphasised prevention of crimes against women and children.

 

"Similarly, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other less privileged sections of society need to be dealt with great care, empathy and concern," he said.

 

The police needed to take proactive measures to protect them which would improve their image in the eyes of the people, he said.

 

Praising the role of the police during Cyclone Phailin and subsequent floods, he said, "I am happy to see that strong action has been taken against those responsible for cheating the public in the name of chit funds and other such Ponzi schemes.

 

"This has helped in curbing this menace but I will advise the police to be vigilant to prevent such activities in the future," he said.

Odisha CM urged police leadership to focus on making policing more service oriented, transparent, accountable [www.orissadiary.com]

Odisha Chief MinisterNaveen Patnaik urged police leadership to focus on making policing more service oriented, transparent, accountable. He stresses on need for capacity building of the Police force in the state. CM Patnaik also emphasised to prevent crimes against Women, Children.

CM Patnaik said that, “I urge that the outcome of the discussion should be implemented in right earnest for improving the quality of policing and services to the people of the State. The police leadership should focus on making policing more and more service oriented, transparent and accountable. Police officers at the cutting edge level need to be sensitized to treat people with dignity and to work with a sense of service.”

CM Patnaik said that the state government has always emphasised that extra vigil is required to prevent crimes against Women and Children. Similarly, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other less privileged sections of society need to be dealt with great care, empathy and concern. We should take proactive measures in protecting them. This would go a long way in improving the overall image of the Police force in the eyes of the society.

Patnaik further added that, “The efforts of Odisha Police have restricted the lawless activities of CPI Maoists in a number of districts. However, much more needs to be done in order to contain the activities of  Maoists  in parts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Bolangir, Nuapada, Rayagada, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nawarangpur districts.  I do hope that in your deliberations over the last two days, you have been able to discuss new strategies to meet the  Maoist challenge in the coming months. Unless the menace is curbed effectively, development of these areas  will continue to suffer. Cash rewards have been declared for surrender and arrest of 514 identified Maoists leaders and cadres operating in the State. In my opinion, we have to continue to train and equip our forces to be in a position to counter the Maoist challenges. I will  also advise the police  to see that innocent citizens in the Maoist affected areas are protected and are not unduly harassed  as  a result of our operations. ”

CM Patnaik further added that, “A massive recruitment drive has been undertaken to augment the strength of Police in the State. About 6300 Constables, Sepoys, Assistant Drivers have been recruited during the year. 313 posts in different ranks of Police have been created to man the new police stations in Western Odisha particularly in the districts of Bolangir, Bargarh, Nuapada and Kalahandi. 1200 posts have been sanctioned in the first phase to raise the Odisha Industrial Security force to meet the much needed requirement of the industries in the State.

CM Patnaik said that, “To curb the trafficking of Women and Children, 84 posts have been created for the existing 12 Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units. Further, 25 more Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units have been sanctioned to cover all the Districts. 537 posts of Sub-Inspectors have been created to strengthen the Mahila and Sisu desks functioning in all the Police Stations of the State. The Odisha Poison Rule 2013 has been formulated to restrict and regulate the Sale and Storage of Acids to prevent acid attacks. Further, compensation to the acid attack victims has been enhanced to Rupees 3 lakhs under Victim Compensation Scheme. To eradicate the age old evil practice of Witchcraft and to achieve security and dignity of the Women, Odisha Prevention of Witch Hunting Bill 2013 has been enacted."

CM Patnaik said that, “There has been a rise in the number of economic offences in the State. I am happy to see that strong action has been taken against those responsible for cheating the public in the name of Chit funds and other such Ponzi schemes. This has helped in curbing this menace but I will advise the police to be vigilant so as to prevent such activities in the future. As you are aware, we have already enacted a legislation to deal with such offenders. We will try and ensure a speedy trial in the Special Courts that have been set up under the new Act.”

Text of Speech Of   Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik To Be Delivered At The Valedictory Session Of 57th Senior Police Officers’ Conference At Bhubaneswar On 11.1.2014.

It gives me immense pleasure to attend the Annual Senior Police Officers’ Conference here at Bhubaaneswar. I am told that a number of emerging and pressing issues connected with Policing in the State have been discussed in the conference. I urge that the outcome of the discussion should be implemented in right earnest for improving the quality of policing and services to the people of the State. The police leadership should focus on making policing more and more service oriented, transparent and accountable. Police officers at the cutting edge level need to be sensitized to treat people with dignity and to work with a sense of service.

I have always emphasised that extra vigil is required to prevent crimes against Women and Children. Similarly, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other less privileged sections of society need to be dealt with great care, empathy and concern. We should take proactive measures in protecting them. This would go a long way in improving the overall image of the Police force in the eyes of the society.

The capacity building of the Police should strongly factor using advanced technologies which will result in quicker response, faster investigation, higher conviction rates, and better public order management.

Odisha had faced a severe cyclonic storm ‘Phailin’ followed by a devastating flood, affecting many districts. Many National and International organisations have commended and praised the exemplary handling of the severe disaster. I thank the officers and men of the Odisha Police for their dedication and hard work during that period.

The efforts of Odisha Police have restricted the lawless activities of CPI Maoists in a number of districts. However, much more needs to be done in order to contain the activities of  Maoists  in parts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Bolangir, Nuapada, Rayagada, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nawarangpur districts.  I do hope that in your deliberations over the last two days, you have been able to discuss new strategies to meet the  Maoist challenge in the coming months. Unless the menace is curbed effectively, development of these areas  will continue to suffer. Cash rewards have been declared for surrender and arrest of 514 identified Maoists leaders and cadres operating in the State. In my opinion, we have to continue to train and equip our forces to be in a position to counter the Maoist challenges. I will  also advise the police  to see that innocent citizens in the Maoist affected areas are protected and are not unduly harassed  as  a result of our operations.  

 A massive recruitment drive has been undertaken to augment the strength of Police in the State. About 6300 Constables, Sepoys, Assistant Drivers have been recruited during the year. 313 posts in different ranks of Police have been created to man the new police stations in Western Odisha particularly in the districts of Bolangir, Bargarh, Nuapada and Kalahandi. 1200 posts have been sanctioned in the first phase to raise the Odisha Industrial Security force to meet the much needed requirement of the industries in the State.

To curb the trafficking of Women and Children, 84 posts have been created for the existing 12 Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units. Further, 25 more Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units have been sanctioned to cover all the Districts. 537 posts of Sub-Inspectors have been created to strengthen the Mahila and Sisu desks functioning in all the Police Stations of the State. The Odisha Poison Rule 2013 has been formulated to restrict and regulate the Sale and Storage of Acids to prevent acid attacks. Further, compensation to the acid attack victims has been enhanced to Rupees 3 lakhs under Victim Compensation Scheme. To eradicate the age old evil practice of Witchcraft and to achieve security and dignity of the Women, Odisha Prevention of Witch Hunting Bill 2013 has been enacted.

There has been a rise in the number of economic offences in the State. I am happy to see that strong action has been taken against those responsible for cheating the public in the name of Chit funds and other such Ponzi schemes. This has helped in curbing this menace but I will advise the police to be vigilant so as to prevent such activities in the future. As you are aware, we have already enacted a legislation to deal with such offenders. We will try and ensure a speedy trial in the Special Courts that have been set up under the new Act.         

 On this occasion I call upon all of you to provide able and exemplary leadership to the police force in the State and further strengthen the grievance redressal mechanism in your respective offices. Diligence, fairplay and probity should be the hallmark of your functioning. My best wishes to all of you.  

 

BJD sweeps Bhubaneswar civc body polls[ Business Standard ]

           

Continuing its winning streak, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today swept the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections by bagging 49 of the 67 wards at stake.

The Opposition consisting of the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to impress as the BJD asserted its hegemony yet again. While the BJP managed to win four seats, the showing by the Congress was even worse with the party securing only two wards.

Both Congress and BJP had to eat humble pie as independent candidates eclipsed them with a victory in 12 wards. The independent candidates are believed to be disgruntled candidates of ruling BJD who decided to contest on their own after being denied tickets from the party.

The BJD suffered a setback of sorts when its supported candidate and social activist Linkon Subudhi lost to a party dissident. Subudhi was handpicked by the chief minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik for contesting the BMC poll after she was attacked in Delhi for protesting a minor girl’s marriage there.

Commenting on his party’s stupendous performance, Patnaik said, “I would like to thank the people of Bhubaneswar for having voted so generously for the BJD and to the party workers for having worked so hard. We will continue the good works for Bhubaneswar”.

A despondent Congress blamed the ruling BJD for using unfair means to manipulate poll results.

“I fail to accept the BMC results under any circumstances. I mean it as the ruling party used all possible unfair technique to capture the corporation. However, such results would not influence the forthcoming general elections,” said Jayadev Jena, president Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee. The election for the post of mayor will be conducted on January 17 while the election for deputy mayor will be held on February 5 at the BMC premises.

Naveen Patnaik magic continues in Odisha as ruling BJD wins BMC polls [www.orissadiary.com]

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s magic continues in Odisha as ruling BJD wins Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. Ruling Biju Janata Dal routed Congress, BJP in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls .

As per the latest result ruling BJD wins in 49 wards,Congress in 2 wards and BJP wins in 4 wards and independent candidates win in 12 wards.  

Pritinanda Routray (BJD), Bandana Sahu (Ind), Rajalaxmi Nayak (BJP) win from 6, 57, 43 wards respectively. BJD candidates Harischandra Murmu and Mamata Rout win from ward no 2, 1 respectively. Puspanjali Sethi (BJD) and Rajalaxmi Nayak (BJP) win from ward no 42, 43 respectvly. Former mayor Ananta Narayan Jena (BJD) wins from ward no 47. BJD candidates Rasmita Mohapatra and Sima Nayak win from ward no 54, 55 respectively . Amresh Jena (BJD), Pranati Nayak (BJD) win frm 45, 10 wards respectively.Jayanti Jena (BJD), Devi Prasad Mallick, Suresh Jena (BJP), Mamata Sahu (BJD) win from ward no 3, 14, 33, 41 respectively. Sujit Swain (BJD), Gayatri Lenka (BJD), Swarnaprava Ray (BJD),Harekrushna Nayak (BJD), S. Nizamuddin (BJD) win from 50, 4, 7, 22, 29 wards respectively. Binayini Jena (Ind), Sridhar Behera (Cong) win from  51, 52 wards rspctvly Independent candidate Bandana Sahu and K Shanti (BJD) win frm 56, 57 wards respectively .

Heavyweights from the BJD, Congress and BJP campaigned in the two ULBs. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik campaigned at Bhubaneswar promising to continue the development programme in city. As usual, OPCC president Jayadev Jena, Union Minister Srikanta Jena campaigned for the party candidates while senior BJP leader, KV Singhdeo, BV Harichandan and the party’s several leaders canvassed for their party’s candidates .

While the ruling BJD put up candidates for all the 67 wards, BJP fielded nominees in 66 and Congress did it in 62 wards. At least, 161 Independents, including rebels from the BJD, were in the fray from various wards.  It should be noted that the ruling BJD has routed the two Opposition parties in the municipal elections held recently in the costal belt and west Odisha.

In the last election, the city had 60 wards. BJD had won 40 seats, Congress five, BJP eight followed by others with equal number of seats. However, this time, polls will be held for 67 wards .

- See more at: http://www.orissadiary.com/CurrentNews.asp?id=47104#sthash.lHS7j89f.dpuf

It’s BJD again [ www.odishatv.in ]

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) once again proved its popularity in the State capital by registering a resounding victory, winning 49 wards in 67-ward Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). BJP and Congress managed to bag four and two wards respectively while the independent candidates among whom most of them are said to be the rebel leaders of BJD grabbed 12 wards.

 

The BJD which put up an impressive show in the civic bodies in coastal and southern Odisha that went to poll in September later secured an overwhelming majority in the ULBs of western Odisha in October.

 

In the first phase of ULB polls held on September 19 last year for 65 bodies, the party-in-power registered a majority in 41 places.

 

Similarly, the party wrest control over 15 of 20 municipalities and notified area councils (NACs) in the second phase of urban elections in western region of the State held on November 23, 2013.

 

Elections could not be held in western Odisha in September after the nomination process was hit by lawyers' protests demanding establishment of a high court bench in the western region.

Odisha fishermen to get voice alerts on mobiles[ Times of India ]

At least 100,000 fishermen in Odisha will start getting free voice alerts in Odia related to weather, tsunamis and cyclones on their mobiles within a fortnight, officials said on Friday.

The state government has signed a pact with IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) on Thursday to provide the service, Bishnupada Sethi, fishery and animal husbandry department secretary, told IANS.

IKSL is a joint venture promoted by state-run Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Bharti Airtel, and Star Global Resources Ltd..

Out of 12 lakh state fishermen, both in costal and interior areas, one lakh fishermen will initially be provided a free SIM card, Sethi said.

The farmers will receive 4-5 free voice messages daily in Odia, the state's official language, he added.

The information and advisories would be provided to them in the form of brief one minute capsules focused on an area of local and contextual importance, he said.

While the voice messaging service will be free of charge, the fishermen will also be given Rs 30 free talktime every month for about a year.

"The alert especially help illiterate and semi-literate fishermen who cannot read a SMS (short message service)," Sethi said.

The project will cost Rs 3.5 crore in the first year, he said.

The enrolled fishermen will also have access to a helpline the government planned to set up, he added.

The Odisha government had been lauded by various national and internal agencies for evacuating more than a million people which ensured minimum loss of lives during cyclone Phailin in October, 2013.

Naveen Promises More Welfare Works in City [www.newindianexpress.com]

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday promised more developmental works in the Capital City during his second day of campaign for Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) election.
The political parties have pulled out all stops to make the most of the last leg of campaign for the upcoming civic body election. With just four days remaining for the election, the political bigwigs took to the streets to promote their candidates.
Naveen began his campaign from Chintamaniswar, went through Jagannath Nagar near Rasulgarh and then moved to Satya Nagar. Addressing the public, he reminded them of the developmental works taken up by the outgoing council which had the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in majority.
Naveen campaigned in all the 20 Wards under the Central Assembly constituency of Bhubaneswar. Party workers were busy preparing for the Chief Minister’s convoy since morning and even children could be seen wearing BJD’s head bands and holding party flags.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by former BMC mayor AN Jena, local MLAs and MP Prasanna Patsani.
BJD contestant from Ward 45 Amaresh Jena said the primary demand of the residents is that the Chief Minister should visit their Ward. More than 1,000 people had turned up for the meeting.
In most places, Naveen addressed the public with a small speech. Tight security arrangement had been made throughout the route taken by Patnaik’s convoy. This caused inconvenience for everyday commuters who had to either wait for the convoy to pass or change their route.
Patnaik addressed public meetings at Jharpada, Laxmi Sagar, Jagannath Nagar, Bapuji Nagar, Satya Nagar, Punjabi Colony, Kharavela Nagar and Nayapalli. After the rallies, the candidates continued their door-to-door campaign till night.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Jayadev Jena also participated in rallies and meetings in different Wards.
Similarly, senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Biswabhusan Harichandan also took out a rally. He assured the public that ensuring proper sanitation was top priority of the party.
BATTLE GROUND
■ With just four days remaining for the election, the political bigwigs took to the streets to promote their candidates.
■ Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik addressed the public with a small speech
■ Tight security arrangement had been made throughout the route taken by Naveen Patnaik’s convoy
■ After the rallies, the candidates continued their door-to-door campaign till night

Odisha spends Rs 1,709.76 crore by end of November 2013 in infrastructure development sector [www.orissadiary.com]

The spending in the infrastructure development sector in the State has been quite high. This was revealed at an All-Secretaries Meet held at the State Secretariat here on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra. Additional Chief Secretary, Finance UN Behera presented the State Plan expenditure statistics at the meeting. The spending in the infrastructure sector has jacked up to Rs 1,709.76 crore by the end of November 2013 from Rs 1,003.99 crore by the end of November 2012, registering a Rs 706 crore-hike. The State Plan spending has posted a 23.68 per cent rise in comparison to last year. This expenditure has gone up to Rs 9,002.16 crore by the end of November 2013 against Rs 7,278.82 crore during the corresponding period last year. The spending in the Department of Urban Development (DoUD), which is a major infrastructure sector, has gone up to Rs 623.06 crore by November-end, which was a paltry Rs 188.96 crore during the last year’s corresponding period. The Department of Works (DoW) has turned out to be a major spending department with Rs 552 crore spent by the end of November 2013, which was Rs 360 crore by the end of November 2012. While the DoW would spend Rs 1,400 crore during the entire year, it has targeted to go in for a bigger plan of Rs 2,500 core in 2014-15, said sources. And during next five years, the DoW would be spending Rs 15,000 crore for development of roads and bridges. The Department of Water Resources’ (DoWR) spending has also increased to Rs 1,180 crore by the end of November 2013, which was Rs 969 crore during corresponding period of 2012. Similarly, the Energy sector spending has gone up to Rs 215.12 crore by November 2013-end, which was Rs 117.85 crore by the end of November 2012. However, the spending in the Department of Rural Development (DoRD) has gone down to Rs 319.94 crore by the end of November 2013, which was Rs 337.25 crore by November 2012-end.

CM Naveen Patnaik begun clearing files through Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System [ orissadiary.com ]

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has begun clearing files through the Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System (OSWAS). The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has adopted the new system, which aims at lessening the paper works, said Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra. Mohapatra while chairing an All-Secretaries Meet on Friday revealed the information to the Secretaries and advised them to adopt the IT tool and technology for efficient administration. While most of the officials are showing interest in this regard, a few are still not convinced about the effectiveness of the OSWAS, leading to slowdown of the process in their departments, sources said. The Chief Secretary made it abundantly clear that the OSWAS would be fully operational as the Government intendeds to automate the functions of the departments, said a senior Secretary. Development Commissioner, Injeti Srinivas would review the progress of OSWAS on January 16, the meeting decided. With the Chief Minister is clearing the files in the OSWAS, now the other Ministers would also send the files to the CMO in the OSWAS, said the sources. So, the Private Secretaries of the Ministers would be trained and would be provided passwords to handle e-files, said IT Commissioner-cum-Secretary Madhu Sudan Padhi. Padhi informed the Secretaries’ meeting that due to physical barriers, the Departments like Tourism & Culture and Sports & Youth Affairs are lagging behind in implementing the OSWAS. Both the departments are outside the State Secretariat building. However, the Department of Information Technology is making all-out efforts to connect all the departments with the OSWAS, said Padhi.

Odisha: Political Heavy weights hit campaign trail for BMC polls; Naveen star attractions [ orissadiary.com ]

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hit campaign trail for Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik campaigned for his party candidates at different ward in Bhubaneswar . 

Patnaik who attracted a huge crowd in all the places he visited during electioneering, appealed the voters to exercise their franchise for the BJD candidates for development of Odisha. BJD president assured the people that the candidates of his party would fulfil their aspirations and ensure development in their areas. Besides Patnaik, the ruling party engaged all its ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior leaders in the election campaign.  

 

Congress and BJP lack sincerity for development: Naveen [ PTI ]

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday accused the opposition Congress and BJP of lacking sincerity for the development of Odisha and the state capital in particular.

 

Patnaik, who had earlier dubbed Congress as "corrupt" and BJP as "communal", raised questions on their sincerity while campaigning for the ruling BJD candidates contesting for the January 8 elections to the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

 

Taking a break from the official work, Patnaik visited several wards to campaign for his party candidates in the fray. The Chief Minister started his day's campaigning from ward number 45 and appealed to the people to vote for the ruling party candidates for the overall development of the state capital.

 

While highlighting welfare programmes of the BJD government, Patnaik claimed his government had been instrumental in the welfare of people living in both rural and urban areas. The Chief Minister blamed the opposition parties for putting hurdles before developmental activities being carried out in the state by his government.

 

Leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh of Congress, who too campaigned for his party candidates in the same ward claimed the people of Odisha now wanted change. "The people across the state now say-enough is enough. The BJD has already ruled for 15 years," Singh said.

 

Singh claimed that the UPA government at the Centre has funded all the developmental activities undertaken in the BMC area. "The BJD government is taking credit for developmental works while those are funded by the Centre," the Congress leader pointed out.

 

Senior BJP leader and former minister B B Harichandan during his campaign blamed the BJD for the lack of hygiene in the state capital.

Biocon Chief meets Odisha CM, Biocon plans diagnostic units at PHCs [ www.orissadiary.com ]

Biocon Chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw meets Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Secretariat. 

Company chairman Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw placed a proposal to this effect before Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while calling on him at the State Secretariat.

According to the proposal, the educated youths would be encouraged to set up diagnostic centres and, thus, can get self-employed.

Mazumdar-Shaw offered to provide technical support and training to the interested educated youths for setting up of the diagnostic centres. The proposal, if implemented fully, would certainly create a very good health network as well as employment opportunities in the rural areas, she told the Chief Minister.

Besides, this would lead to creation of a good database on health conditions and diseases and help government to make health related plans, she added.

The Government would take a decision on the proposal soon, a release from the CMO said.

Among others, Health Minister Damodar Rout, Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra, Development Commissioner Injeti Srinivas and departmental Secretary were present. 

 

Naveen campaigns for BJD in BMC polls [ Press Trust of India ]

BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday hit the campaign trail in support of the Biju Janata Dal candidates in the January 8 polls to Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

 

Patnaik started his campaign for BJD candidates in the BMC polls from ward number 10 and covered at least four more wards before the sun set.

 

"I appeal all the voters to bless the BJD candidates in the BMC elections," Patnaik said at all the places while wooing the people for supporting the ruling party in the past.

 

Accompanied my senior party leaders, ministers, MLAs, MPs and party candidates, Patnaik at some places halted to mingle with people and sought their "blessings."

 

However, the police detained a Congress candidate and prevented him from campaigning in his ward apprehending ?trouble?.

 

Suryamani Rout, the Congress candidate from Ward No 5, was detained at 11 am while on his way to the Chakeisiani area in the city to campaign. The Commissionerate police, however, attributed the police action as a follow up on an 'intelligence input'. The police had input that the Congress candidate might create trouble during the Chief Minister's meeting, a senior police officer said.

 

Hundreds of Rout's supporters gheraoed Mancheswar police station and demanded immediate release of their leader. "It was a conspiracy to malign me before the voters," Rout alleged.

 

Rout is contesting elections against BJD's Nirmal Rout, Santosh Mohanty of BJP and two independents Anup Khuntia and Babuli Behera in Ward No 5.

 

Meanwhile, the lone trans-gender candidate in the BMC elections Menaka alias Prasant Parida, who is contesting from ward number 15, in an FIR at Nayapalli Police Station alleged that the BJD supporters abused her in filthy language besides burning and tearing down her posters, banners and other campaigning materials.

 

"I feel danger on my life as they have issued threat to beat me up," Menaka in her FIR said seeking police protection.

 

The opposition Congress and BJP also stepped up their campaign in the BMC area. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Jaydev Jena, senior BJP leader and former minister B B Harichandan and others also campaigned for their respective party candidates.

"Odisha to enact Lokayukta Act within one month" [PTI]

Committed to absolute transparency and probity in public life, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced setting up of a Lokayukta in the state within a month.

Though the Central Act provides for a window period of one year for the enactment of the relevant legislation, Patnaik said the Odisha government would get it done within one month.

The Chief Minister made the announcement after the state cabinet approved a proposal in this regard.

"The chief minister as well as the council of ministers will be under the purview of the state act," Patnaik said.

Claiming that his government always took tough, effective and exemplary steps in tackling corruption, Patnaik said improving transparency and delivery of public services were the priority of his government.

"In view of our government's commitment to fight corruption and bring in transparency in public life, the state government will get the legislation enacted," the Chief Minister said.

Claiming that his government had been a pioneer in the fight against corruption, Patnaik pointed out that the Odisha government passed the Special Court Act containing provisions for confiscation of the property of corrupt public servants or Public Service Delivery Act, which facilitates providing services in a time-bound manner.

CPI, CPI(M) want Naveen to take leadership of Third Front [ Zee News ]

The ruling BJD in Odisha on Thursday claimed that CPI and CPI(M) wanted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take leadership of the proposed Third Front.

"Two Left parties, CPI and CPI(M) want that Naveen Patnaik take leadership of the proposed Third Front after the general elections in 2014," BJD Vice-President and Revenue and Disaster management minister Surya Narayan Patro told reporters here.

Asked whether the BJD would project Patnaik as the future Prime Minister, Patro said "Let the general elections of 2014 be completed. The party will take right decision at the right time."

CPI veteran A B Bardhan had recently met Patnaik and requested him to take leadership of the proposed Third Front while CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury had also made a similar request in the past.

Another BJD Vice-President and Health minister Damodar Rout had said that the Third Front would take a decision on whom to make the Prime Minister and added that the 'clean image' of Patnaik was better than many other leaders at the national level.

While addressing his party's 17th foundation day meeting here on December 26, Patnaik had said that the Third Front was the only alternative as the Congress was 'corrupt' and the BJP 'communal'.

Though he openly advocated the Third Front, Patnaik was yet make it clear whether he would join it.

Odisha to enact Lokayukta Act in a month's time [ Zee News ]

The Odisha cabinet on Friday decided to enact a new Lokayukta Act in the state within the next one month tackle corruption.

The chief minister and the council of ministers will also be under the purview of this proposed act, Naveen Patnaik Patnaik told reporters after chairing the cabinet meeting.

Patnaik said his government was committed to fighting corruption and ensuring transparency in public life. The state government had earlier announced that it would enact the ombudsman act three months after it was passed by the central government.

"The state government will get this legislation enacted within a period of one month, even though the central act provides for a window period of one year for implementation," the chief minister said.

President Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday gave his assent to the Lokpal Bill 2013, which was passed earlier by both houses of parliament. Under the central act, each state must also pass a Lokayukta Act within a year.

Patnaik claimed that his government had always taken tough, effective and exemplary steps in tackling corruption, improving transparency and delivering public services in a timely manner.

"Be it the passing of the Special Courts Act which has provisions for confiscation of the property of corrupt public servants or the Public Service Delivery Act, which facilitates providing services in a time-bound manner, our government has always been a pioneer in the country," he said.