The New Indian Express, Dec 24, 2007
BHAWANIPATNA: Non-joining Of doctors posted in the KBK districts and inaccessible pockets is a matter of concern for the State Government.
Health Minister Duryodhan Majhi said this while inaugurating a three-day mega health camp on Bhawanipatna Government Hospital premises on Friday.
He said State Government is taking all possible steps to improve health services and staff position in KBK region.
To provide doctors suitable accommodation Rs 22 crore has been provided to KBK districts for construction of quarters, he said.
It is also contemplated to introduce two-year mandatory stint in KBK districts for doctors, the Minister informed.
Among others, MP Bikram Keshari Deo, MLA Pradip Kumar Naik and Kalahandi Collector Pramod Chandra Patnaik attended.
The health camp is being organised by National Rural Health Mission.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Villagers besiege barrage, seek bridge over
The New Indian Express, Nov 6, 2007
BHAWANIPATNA: Thousands of people besieged the Mangalpur barrage on Monday demanding stop to release of water into the river Hati.
They were also seeking construction of a high-level bridge over the river at Karmel ghat and construction of embankments on both banks of the river to check river erosion.
The agitation was being conducted under the aegis of Kalampur Bikash Manch. Members of the Manch alleged that the surplus water of the Indravati Project is being discharged into the Hati through Mangalpur barrage. Due to this, the river faces floods five or six times a year during the rainy season resulting in widespread damage to property and lives besides causing river erosion.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid foundation stone for construction of a bridge over the river at Karmel ghat in 2004. The project, however, is yet to be started.
Dharamgarh Sub-Collector Jagannath Mohanty said that though the situation had been brought under control, people are still camping at the Mangalpur barrage site.
BHAWANIPATNA: Thousands of people besieged the Mangalpur barrage on Monday demanding stop to release of water into the river Hati.
They were also seeking construction of a high-level bridge over the river at Karmel ghat and construction of embankments on both banks of the river to check river erosion.
The agitation was being conducted under the aegis of Kalampur Bikash Manch. Members of the Manch alleged that the surplus water of the Indravati Project is being discharged into the Hati through Mangalpur barrage. Due to this, the river faces floods five or six times a year during the rainy season resulting in widespread damage to property and lives besides causing river erosion.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid foundation stone for construction of a bridge over the river at Karmel ghat in 2004. The project, however, is yet to be started.
Dharamgarh Sub-Collector Jagannath Mohanty said that though the situation had been brought under control, people are still camping at the Mangalpur barrage site.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
BJP attacks UPA for ‘negligence’ towards KBK region
The Statesman, Oct 30, 2007
Statesman News Service
BHAWANIPATNA, Oct. 29: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit today played the ‘central negligence’ card.
It urged the state government to focus on education and proper rehabilitation of the displaced people in various industrial projects.
In the two-day state executive meeting which was held here, it was alleged that central government is neglecting NDA ruled states.
It was further alleged in the resolution that the Central government had deprived Orissa from institutions like Central University, IIT and Indian Medical Institute.
It was alleged that even though there is a reduction in kerosene, wheat, sugar and LPG gas quota in Orissa, the Central government neglected the state by not alloting Rs 200 crore Central Relief Assistance to the flood victims of Orissa despite the Prime Minister 's assurance.
It was demanded that they should look into these matters urgently. It was further demanded that the Centre should control the current price rise situation.
Similarly it also demanded the increase of the supporting price of paddy by Rs 1,000 and to provide adequate funds to improve and repair the National Highway which passes through the state.
To include all the districts under village electrification programme and to increase funding to KBK districts which was reduced by 50 per cent by UPA Govt.
Special attentiom would be given to strengthen the party network. Addressing a Press meet, the president of the state BJP unit, Mr Suresh Pujari said that mass agitation would be launched soon against the inaction and negligence of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
The Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) would be made an autonomous with adequate funding. Mr Pujhari also expressed his dissatisfaction about the sorry state of higher education in the state. He called for an improvement in the higher education system. The state government has been requested to post an adequate number of lecturers and to withdraw the block grant system for high schools and colleges and to introduce the regular grant system.
He also stated that Kalahandi district needs special attention, particularly in the field of road communication and education which is in a very sorry state.
Regarding the present industrial policy of the state government, he said that there should be proper rehabilitation measures and the affected people should be given priority.A public meeting was organised on Sunday in the Ghodaghat field of Bhawanipatna where the state level BJP leaders lashed out at the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Mr Vinaya Katiyar, the state president Mr Suresh Pujari, ministers Mr Biswabhusan Harichandan, Mr Manmohan Samal, Mr Sameer Dey, Lok Sabha member Mr Bikaram Keshari Deo, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, and former Union minister Mr Debendra Pradhan also participated in the commitee meeting.
Statesman News Service
BHAWANIPATNA, Oct. 29: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit today played the ‘central negligence’ card.
It urged the state government to focus on education and proper rehabilitation of the displaced people in various industrial projects.
In the two-day state executive meeting which was held here, it was alleged that central government is neglecting NDA ruled states.
It was further alleged in the resolution that the Central government had deprived Orissa from institutions like Central University, IIT and Indian Medical Institute.
It was alleged that even though there is a reduction in kerosene, wheat, sugar and LPG gas quota in Orissa, the Central government neglected the state by not alloting Rs 200 crore Central Relief Assistance to the flood victims of Orissa despite the Prime Minister 's assurance.
It was demanded that they should look into these matters urgently. It was further demanded that the Centre should control the current price rise situation.
Similarly it also demanded the increase of the supporting price of paddy by Rs 1,000 and to provide adequate funds to improve and repair the National Highway which passes through the state.
To include all the districts under village electrification programme and to increase funding to KBK districts which was reduced by 50 per cent by UPA Govt.
Special attentiom would be given to strengthen the party network. Addressing a Press meet, the president of the state BJP unit, Mr Suresh Pujari said that mass agitation would be launched soon against the inaction and negligence of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
The Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) would be made an autonomous with adequate funding. Mr Pujhari also expressed his dissatisfaction about the sorry state of higher education in the state. He called for an improvement in the higher education system. The state government has been requested to post an adequate number of lecturers and to withdraw the block grant system for high schools and colleges and to introduce the regular grant system.
He also stated that Kalahandi district needs special attention, particularly in the field of road communication and education which is in a very sorry state.
Regarding the present industrial policy of the state government, he said that there should be proper rehabilitation measures and the affected people should be given priority.A public meeting was organised on Sunday in the Ghodaghat field of Bhawanipatna where the state level BJP leaders lashed out at the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Mr Vinaya Katiyar, the state president Mr Suresh Pujari, ministers Mr Biswabhusan Harichandan, Mr Manmohan Samal, Mr Sameer Dey, Lok Sabha member Mr Bikaram Keshari Deo, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, and former Union minister Mr Debendra Pradhan also participated in the commitee meeting.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Uncertainty shrouds fate of medical college at Balangir
The Pioneer, Oct 24, 2007
At a review meeting held in the capital on Monday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed dissatisfaction over the inordinate delays found in the construction works for the medical college and hospital at Balangir by Balaji Education Trust even after the State Government has provided 25 acres of land to the trust for the purpose.
The State Government has issued a notice to the trust to clarify its stand for the hospital within 15 days.
Sources said that Balaji Education Trust had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government for establishing a medical college and hospital with the capacity of 300 beds at Balangir.
The medical college and hospital was to be made with an expenditure of Rs 200 crore on July 6, 2006.
The Government had also signed MoU with two other private companies to set up another two medical colleges, one each at Rourkela and Bhawanipatna.
While the construction work for the medical college of 300 bed capacity at Jaring of Bhawanipatna by Sardar Raja Education Trust has already started with an expenditure of Rs 15 crore, the State Government has provided Rs 4 crore to it.
It is expected that the construction work would be finished in 2007-08 and from 2008-09, enrolment of students would also take place with due permission from the Sambalpur University.
At a review meeting held in the capital on Monday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed dissatisfaction over the inordinate delays found in the construction works for the medical college and hospital at Balangir by Balaji Education Trust even after the State Government has provided 25 acres of land to the trust for the purpose.
The State Government has issued a notice to the trust to clarify its stand for the hospital within 15 days.
Sources said that Balaji Education Trust had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government for establishing a medical college and hospital with the capacity of 300 beds at Balangir.
The medical college and hospital was to be made with an expenditure of Rs 200 crore on July 6, 2006.
The Government had also signed MoU with two other private companies to set up another two medical colleges, one each at Rourkela and Bhawanipatna.
While the construction work for the medical college of 300 bed capacity at Jaring of Bhawanipatna by Sardar Raja Education Trust has already started with an expenditure of Rs 15 crore, the State Government has provided Rs 4 crore to it.
It is expected that the construction work would be finished in 2007-08 and from 2008-09, enrolment of students would also take place with due permission from the Sambalpur University.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Connect KBK with Rail
Tathya.in, Oct 8, 2007
Bhubaneswar:7/October/2007
Sample the rail infrastructure owes of Orissa!
While the country is set to march ahead with high speed rail and freight corridors, at least seven of the 30 districts of Orissa do not have any rail line passing through them.
The density of railway route length per 1000 sq.km of area in Orissa was only 15.05 km as against 42.66 km in West Bengal and 19.11 km at All India level.
Orissa do not have any of the production unit of Indian Railways.
Under this backdrop office bearers of Orissa Society of the Americas (OSA) have demanded a fair deal for the state in general and KBK in particular.
Presenting a memorandum to the Prime Minister, Pratap Das, President, Asutosh Dutta, Vice-President, Priyadarsan Patra, General Secretary and Sandip K. Dasverma, Treasurer of OSA have urged upon Dr.Man Mohan Singh to bridge the ever expanding gap of rail infrastructure between Orissa and the country.
They have pointed out that backward districts like Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Kandhamal, Deogarh, Nayagarh and Kendrapada do not have a single inch of rail line.
While the Railway Ministry has grand plans for the Eleventh Plan period that includes two freight corridors, high speed rail, and metro rail in several areas and it has a budget of Rs 251,000 crores, none of these high flying plans are in Orissa.
We are not in a position to rue over that; rather we, request that when the most backward and poorest of the poor KBK districts should not lag behind due to central apathy.
Non Resident Odiyas (NRO)s have also requested Dr. Montek Singh Alhuwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning commission to give proper funding to the Khurda Road – Balangir, Gunupur--Theruvali, Lanjigarh Road –Bhawanipatna – Junagarh – Nabarangpur, Jeypore – Malkangiri – Bhadrachalam Road (Andhra Pradesh) and (d) Talcher – Bimlagarh rail projects.
OSA has expressed happiness that Indian Railways is already considering lines related to connectivity to ports and mineral transportation such as Talcher-Sukinda Road and Bhadrakh-Dhamara.
But they have pointed out to Dr.Singh to provide better access to KBK area, which is infested by the Left Wing Extremists (LWE).
NROs have impressed upon the Prime Minister to ask the Railway ministry to establish a production unit in the KBK area of Orissa as the raw material requirement of the unit can be taken care by the steel plants and aluminum complexes, which are coming up in the state in a big way.
Bhubaneswar:7/October/2007
Sample the rail infrastructure owes of Orissa!
While the country is set to march ahead with high speed rail and freight corridors, at least seven of the 30 districts of Orissa do not have any rail line passing through them.
The density of railway route length per 1000 sq.km of area in Orissa was only 15.05 km as against 42.66 km in West Bengal and 19.11 km at All India level.
Orissa do not have any of the production unit of Indian Railways.
Under this backdrop office bearers of Orissa Society of the Americas (OSA) have demanded a fair deal for the state in general and KBK in particular.
Presenting a memorandum to the Prime Minister, Pratap Das, President, Asutosh Dutta, Vice-President, Priyadarsan Patra, General Secretary and Sandip K. Dasverma, Treasurer of OSA have urged upon Dr.Man Mohan Singh to bridge the ever expanding gap of rail infrastructure between Orissa and the country.
They have pointed out that backward districts like Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Kandhamal, Deogarh, Nayagarh and Kendrapada do not have a single inch of rail line.
While the Railway Ministry has grand plans for the Eleventh Plan period that includes two freight corridors, high speed rail, and metro rail in several areas and it has a budget of Rs 251,000 crores, none of these high flying plans are in Orissa.
We are not in a position to rue over that; rather we, request that when the most backward and poorest of the poor KBK districts should not lag behind due to central apathy.
Non Resident Odiyas (NRO)s have also requested Dr. Montek Singh Alhuwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning commission to give proper funding to the Khurda Road – Balangir, Gunupur--Theruvali, Lanjigarh Road –Bhawanipatna – Junagarh – Nabarangpur, Jeypore – Malkangiri – Bhadrachalam Road (Andhra Pradesh) and (d) Talcher – Bimlagarh rail projects.
OSA has expressed happiness that Indian Railways is already considering lines related to connectivity to ports and mineral transportation such as Talcher-Sukinda Road and Bhadrakh-Dhamara.
But they have pointed out to Dr.Singh to provide better access to KBK area, which is infested by the Left Wing Extremists (LWE).
NROs have impressed upon the Prime Minister to ask the Railway ministry to establish a production unit in the KBK area of Orissa as the raw material requirement of the unit can be taken care by the steel plants and aluminum complexes, which are coming up in the state in a big way.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
People continue to suffer in tribal areas
The Pioneer, Sep 4, 2007
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
... despite Rs 250 cr being spent in Kashipur, Rs 1,300 cr in KBK in last 20 years
A whopping Rs 250 crore has been spent over a period of 20 years in the tribals-dominated block of Kashipur in Rayagada district. But nothing has been changed. People continue to become victims of the wrath of the nature.
The outbreak of cholera has not happened this year only which already claimed 178 lives in the tribal-dominated area of KBK so far. As many as 52 people alone from Kashipur block became victims of this killer disease.
Earlier, it had taken away the lives of hundreds. The first cholera outbreak reportedly occurred in the recent history way back in 1987 in the Kashipur block. More than 200 people died of cholera at that time. They all died just because they were unable to get the proper food stuff and safe drinking water. All were the victims of adulterated foods and polluted water.
The tragic incident at that time compelled the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to made a whirlwind tour to Kashipur. His tour opened the floodgate of financial assistance for the development of Kashipur and other backward regions of the KBK areas.
Later, the Centre gave an assistance of Rs 10 crore for the development of Kashipur. Under the International Far-mer's Development Fund, Rs 106 crore was released for the overall development of Kashi-pur. A new scheme Orissa Tribal Development Project was initiated for this purpose.
Official sources said, in 1995, Rs 12 crore was provided under the special assistance scheme of the UNICEF. In 1998 watershed mission programme was initiated with the assistance from Germany in 1998. A programme was initiated under the banner TDH with an assistance of Rs 15 crore.
Under the much-hyped KBK and Biju KBK scheme, Rs 40 crore has already been spent over the years. But noting has been changed. People have not yet get the minimum needs to fulfil their requirements. In the last five years, many programmes under Pradhan Mantri Grama Sadak Yojana, National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (NREGP), many works have been taken up. But it has not been able to change the lives of the people of Kashipur.
Kashipur boasts of 1.35 lakh population. Out of it, 62.50 per cent belongs to tribal and 19.94 per cent belongs to SC categories. The Kashipur block comprises 20 panchayats and 498 villages.
Out of the 1014 tubewells in the blocks 550 tubewells have been lying defunct over the last several years. This has compelled the tribals to fetch water from the nearby rivulets. The block has only one community health centre and five primary health centres. The sanctioned strength of doctors for these hospitals is 12. But only two doctors are working in the areas on a permanent basis.
Official sources said, the block officials have not been able to reach 70 per cent of the remotest part of this block. Sources further said that most of the rice under several scheme never reaches to the beneficiaries but later it reaches to the rice-miller for the recycling purposes.
Planning and Co-ordination Minister Padmanava Behera said, "Certain development has been made in the KBK areas. But more things have to be done particularly in the field of creating public awareness."
He further informed that Rs 1300 crore has already been spent for the overall development of KBK areas.
Official sources claimed as most of the NGOs working in these areas stress on the welfare of their organisations, people continue to suffer. Similarly is the case of the Government officials working in KBK areas. Vigilance officials maintained that the officials working in KBK areas , try to siphoned off the money as much as they can from different Government programmes implementing in the area.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
... despite Rs 250 cr being spent in Kashipur, Rs 1,300 cr in KBK in last 20 years
A whopping Rs 250 crore has been spent over a period of 20 years in the tribals-dominated block of Kashipur in Rayagada district. But nothing has been changed. People continue to become victims of the wrath of the nature.
The outbreak of cholera has not happened this year only which already claimed 178 lives in the tribal-dominated area of KBK so far. As many as 52 people alone from Kashipur block became victims of this killer disease.
Earlier, it had taken away the lives of hundreds. The first cholera outbreak reportedly occurred in the recent history way back in 1987 in the Kashipur block. More than 200 people died of cholera at that time. They all died just because they were unable to get the proper food stuff and safe drinking water. All were the victims of adulterated foods and polluted water.
The tragic incident at that time compelled the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to made a whirlwind tour to Kashipur. His tour opened the floodgate of financial assistance for the development of Kashipur and other backward regions of the KBK areas.
Later, the Centre gave an assistance of Rs 10 crore for the development of Kashipur. Under the International Far-mer's Development Fund, Rs 106 crore was released for the overall development of Kashi-pur. A new scheme Orissa Tribal Development Project was initiated for this purpose.
Official sources said, in 1995, Rs 12 crore was provided under the special assistance scheme of the UNICEF. In 1998 watershed mission programme was initiated with the assistance from Germany in 1998. A programme was initiated under the banner TDH with an assistance of Rs 15 crore.
Under the much-hyped KBK and Biju KBK scheme, Rs 40 crore has already been spent over the years. But noting has been changed. People have not yet get the minimum needs to fulfil their requirements. In the last five years, many programmes under Pradhan Mantri Grama Sadak Yojana, National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (NREGP), many works have been taken up. But it has not been able to change the lives of the people of Kashipur.
Kashipur boasts of 1.35 lakh population. Out of it, 62.50 per cent belongs to tribal and 19.94 per cent belongs to SC categories. The Kashipur block comprises 20 panchayats and 498 villages.
Out of the 1014 tubewells in the blocks 550 tubewells have been lying defunct over the last several years. This has compelled the tribals to fetch water from the nearby rivulets. The block has only one community health centre and five primary health centres. The sanctioned strength of doctors for these hospitals is 12. But only two doctors are working in the areas on a permanent basis.
Official sources said, the block officials have not been able to reach 70 per cent of the remotest part of this block. Sources further said that most of the rice under several scheme never reaches to the beneficiaries but later it reaches to the rice-miller for the recycling purposes.
Planning and Co-ordination Minister Padmanava Behera said, "Certain development has been made in the KBK areas. But more things have to be done particularly in the field of creating public awareness."
He further informed that Rs 1300 crore has already been spent for the overall development of KBK areas.
Official sources claimed as most of the NGOs working in these areas stress on the welfare of their organisations, people continue to suffer. Similarly is the case of the Government officials working in KBK areas. Vigilance officials maintained that the officials working in KBK areas , try to siphoned off the money as much as they can from different Government programmes implementing in the area.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Unclean water, few doctors add to crisis in KBK
Hindustan Times, Aug 31, 2007
DEFUNCT TUBEWELLS, food scarcity during the monsoon and the chronic absence of doctors is being blamed for the 81 cholera deaths in three Orissa districts. “Almost 80 per cent of tubewells are defunct, so people are forced to drink water from contaminated nullahs and rivers,” said Koraput MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
The massive scarcity of doctors has added to the death toll. Dasmantpur block, for example, has a community health centre (CHC), an area hospital and three dispensaries with a total of three doctors against the sanctioned strength of 12 to cater to a population of 74,091, spread over 558 square kilometers. Needless to say, when the health crisis struck, the doctors could not cope.
Lack of food in inaccessible areas like some villages in Kashipur block of Rayagada district is another factor responsible for the deaths. “We have nothing to eat. Sometimes, we eat mango kernels and sometimes mushrooms,” said local resident Turkuti. Bahinipati alleged the emergency feeding in Dasamantpur stopped four months ago, forcing people to eat contaminated food.
A health and sanitation awareness campaign has started with the rural water supply and sanitation department planning to put up red flags near contaminated water sources. “Red flags will be put up prominently near water sources that have not been disinfected. Green flags will be put up near water sources that have been disinfected,” said Usha Patnaik, director of health services in the state.
“Apart from 15 medical teams, village-level workers and anganwadi workers have been mobilised to bring affected persons to the nearest dispensaries and hospitals. Twenty vehicles have been engaged for this. The situation is gradually stabilising,” said Satyabrata Sahu, revenue divisional commissioner.
DEFUNCT TUBEWELLS, food scarcity during the monsoon and the chronic absence of doctors is being blamed for the 81 cholera deaths in three Orissa districts. “Almost 80 per cent of tubewells are defunct, so people are forced to drink water from contaminated nullahs and rivers,” said Koraput MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
The massive scarcity of doctors has added to the death toll. Dasmantpur block, for example, has a community health centre (CHC), an area hospital and three dispensaries with a total of three doctors against the sanctioned strength of 12 to cater to a population of 74,091, spread over 558 square kilometers. Needless to say, when the health crisis struck, the doctors could not cope.
Lack of food in inaccessible areas like some villages in Kashipur block of Rayagada district is another factor responsible for the deaths. “We have nothing to eat. Sometimes, we eat mango kernels and sometimes mushrooms,” said local resident Turkuti. Bahinipati alleged the emergency feeding in Dasamantpur stopped four months ago, forcing people to eat contaminated food.
A health and sanitation awareness campaign has started with the rural water supply and sanitation department planning to put up red flags near contaminated water sources. “Red flags will be put up prominently near water sources that have not been disinfected. Green flags will be put up near water sources that have been disinfected,” said Usha Patnaik, director of health services in the state.
“Apart from 15 medical teams, village-level workers and anganwadi workers have been mobilised to bring affected persons to the nearest dispensaries and hospitals. Twenty vehicles have been engaged for this. The situation is gradually stabilising,” said Satyabrata Sahu, revenue divisional commissioner.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Low level bridge over Hati river near Junagarh
The low level bridge (as shown above) over Hati river near Junagarh has been a very serious concern for cummuters on NH 201 during rainy days since decades, despite that to construct a new high bridge over Hati river near Junagarh is pending since long.
Visit the sites for more analysis and news coverage on this issue.
Cholera spreads, KBK areas quarantined
The New Indian Express, Aug 26, 2007
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Saturday rushed medical teams and senior health officials to Rayagada as samples collected from the patients in Kashipur and Dasmantpur confirmed the presence of ‘vibrio cholera bacteria.’
The MKCG Medical, Berhampur on Friday confirmed the presence of the deadly bacteria and sought immediate steps to contain cholera from spreading.
As a precautionary measure, the Government sealed the area as unofficially over 100 deaths were reported from the two blocks and more than 2,800 people were being treated at various hospitals. Considering the gravity of the situation, 18 medical teams were rushed to the blocks.
Agriculture Minister S N Naik rushed to the area to take stock of the situation. The Government alerted all the KBK districts to take precautionary measures to prevent the disease from spreading. The affected areas have been quarantined to ensure that the disease did not assume an epidemic proportion.
All the chief district medical officers of KBK districts have been asked to mobilise doctors and medicine to the affected areas.
Official sources so far claimed that 46 people had died in Rayagada district. Neighbouring blocks in Koraput, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts reported diarrhoea and gastroenteritis creating panic among the tribals.
Reports of spreading of cholera have been pouring in. About 300 tribals are undergoing treatment for acute diarrhoea and vomiting in Dasmantpur block.
Rayagada Collector Bhasakar Jyoti Sharma is camping in Kashipur and Koraput Collector B K Sahu is in Dasmantpur block to monitor the situation. Ten years ago, cholera had assumed epidemic proportion at Borrigumma block in Koraput district claiming 200 lives.
More news covergare in this subject.....
The Pioneer, Aug 27, 2007
The Hindu, Aug 26, 2007
Times of India, Aug 24, 2007
The Samja, Aug 24, 2007
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Saturday rushed medical teams and senior health officials to Rayagada as samples collected from the patients in Kashipur and Dasmantpur confirmed the presence of ‘vibrio cholera bacteria.’
The MKCG Medical, Berhampur on Friday confirmed the presence of the deadly bacteria and sought immediate steps to contain cholera from spreading.
As a precautionary measure, the Government sealed the area as unofficially over 100 deaths were reported from the two blocks and more than 2,800 people were being treated at various hospitals. Considering the gravity of the situation, 18 medical teams were rushed to the blocks.
Agriculture Minister S N Naik rushed to the area to take stock of the situation. The Government alerted all the KBK districts to take precautionary measures to prevent the disease from spreading. The affected areas have been quarantined to ensure that the disease did not assume an epidemic proportion.
All the chief district medical officers of KBK districts have been asked to mobilise doctors and medicine to the affected areas.
Official sources so far claimed that 46 people had died in Rayagada district. Neighbouring blocks in Koraput, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts reported diarrhoea and gastroenteritis creating panic among the tribals.
Reports of spreading of cholera have been pouring in. About 300 tribals are undergoing treatment for acute diarrhoea and vomiting in Dasmantpur block.
Rayagada Collector Bhasakar Jyoti Sharma is camping in Kashipur and Koraput Collector B K Sahu is in Dasmantpur block to monitor the situation. Ten years ago, cholera had assumed epidemic proportion at Borrigumma block in Koraput district claiming 200 lives.
More news covergare in this subject.....
The Pioneer, Aug 27, 2007
The Hindu, Aug 26, 2007
Times of India, Aug 24, 2007
The Samja, Aug 24, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Rural Development Minister Interacts with over 1100 Panchayats in KBK+ through the “Gram SAT- an ISRO Satellite
PIB Press Release, Aug 21, 2007
In a unique experiment to reach out to beneficiaries directly Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development linked up to over 1100 Panchayats in Orissa through the “Gram SAT- An ISRO Satellite” and interacted on the rural development schemes under operation in Orissa with about 75,000 rural development functionaries/ PRIs/ villages directly.
The Ministry of Rural Development stands committed to bring about transparency and efficiency in implementation of its various schemes all over the country. As a part of this effort the Ministry has of late been initiating different proactive measures like online monitoring, social auditing, etc. In yet another measure in this direction the Ministry organized a direct interaction with the beneficiaries of Rural development schemes in Orissa spread in 30 districts, 314 blocks and 1179 Panchayats through Gram SAT.
Addressing the beneficiaries of various rural development schemes, the field level implementers of rural development schemes, the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh told that this experiment would go a long way in taking the Government machinery to the doorsteps of the beneficiaries and mitigating their problems and issues. Dr. Singh also gave a detailed account of the financial and physical achievements of rural development schemes in Orissa in his address through the satellite. Dr. Singh informed that stern measures will be taken to stamp out any attempt at any level to deprive the beneficiaries from their rights and corruption shall not be tolerated in implementation of the rural development schemes. He urged the State Governments to ensure that benefits of the schemes are reached to the masses without any hindrances. The Minister had a face to face interaction with about 75,000 rural development functionaries/ PRIs/ villages directly. Also present in the occasion was Shri Chandra Shekhar Sahu, Union Minister of State for Rural Development. Sh. Sahu emphasized on the need of cooperation between the State and the Central Governments for effective implementation of rural development schemes.
The event which is first of its kind evoked tremendous enthusiasm and response from participants down up to the Panchayat level and nearly one lakh people were present at the Gram SAT centres. Some of the districts from where questions were asked are in the remote areas like Malkangiri, Nuapara, Kalahandi and Phulbani. This effort of the Ministry is also aimed at enhancing the awareness of the beneficiaries about their entitlement and various processes involved for getting the benefit of schemes. Through interaction, Ministry could get insight into field level problem, which shall help, in further planning and drawing up strategy in future.
Gram SAT pilot projects are being run in some select states of the country and are being utilized very effectively to reach out development messages directly to the villagers by ensuring community listening, viewing and linking up large body of villagers. In view of the high potential of this media the IEC Division of MoRD has initiated this unique experimentation. Appreciating the initiative, Dr. Singh directed to arrange for such conferences once in a month on rotational basis. The Minister shall discuss other technical options with ISRO to reach to the common masses including exploring the possibilities of creating a dedicated television and radio channel for rural development.
In a unique experiment to reach out to beneficiaries directly Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development linked up to over 1100 Panchayats in Orissa through the “Gram SAT- An ISRO Satellite” and interacted on the rural development schemes under operation in Orissa with about 75,000 rural development functionaries/ PRIs/ villages directly.
The Ministry of Rural Development stands committed to bring about transparency and efficiency in implementation of its various schemes all over the country. As a part of this effort the Ministry has of late been initiating different proactive measures like online monitoring, social auditing, etc. In yet another measure in this direction the Ministry organized a direct interaction with the beneficiaries of Rural development schemes in Orissa spread in 30 districts, 314 blocks and 1179 Panchayats through Gram SAT.
Addressing the beneficiaries of various rural development schemes, the field level implementers of rural development schemes, the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh told that this experiment would go a long way in taking the Government machinery to the doorsteps of the beneficiaries and mitigating their problems and issues. Dr. Singh also gave a detailed account of the financial and physical achievements of rural development schemes in Orissa in his address through the satellite. Dr. Singh informed that stern measures will be taken to stamp out any attempt at any level to deprive the beneficiaries from their rights and corruption shall not be tolerated in implementation of the rural development schemes. He urged the State Governments to ensure that benefits of the schemes are reached to the masses without any hindrances. The Minister had a face to face interaction with about 75,000 rural development functionaries/ PRIs/ villages directly. Also present in the occasion was Shri Chandra Shekhar Sahu, Union Minister of State for Rural Development. Sh. Sahu emphasized on the need of cooperation between the State and the Central Governments for effective implementation of rural development schemes.
The event which is first of its kind evoked tremendous enthusiasm and response from participants down up to the Panchayat level and nearly one lakh people were present at the Gram SAT centres. Some of the districts from where questions were asked are in the remote areas like Malkangiri, Nuapara, Kalahandi and Phulbani. This effort of the Ministry is also aimed at enhancing the awareness of the beneficiaries about their entitlement and various processes involved for getting the benefit of schemes. Through interaction, Ministry could get insight into field level problem, which shall help, in further planning and drawing up strategy in future.
Gram SAT pilot projects are being run in some select states of the country and are being utilized very effectively to reach out development messages directly to the villagers by ensuring community listening, viewing and linking up large body of villagers. In view of the high potential of this media the IEC Division of MoRD has initiated this unique experimentation. Appreciating the initiative, Dr. Singh directed to arrange for such conferences once in a month on rotational basis. The Minister shall discuss other technical options with ISRO to reach to the common masses including exploring the possibilities of creating a dedicated television and radio channel for rural development.
Energy Minister announces Rs 75 cr package for Koraput
The Pioneer, Aug 22, 2007
Pioneer News Service | Jeypore
Energy Minister and chairman of the Koraput District Planning Committee Surya Narayan Patro announced a package of Rs 75 crore under three different schemes-Biju KBK Yojana, Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) and National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) -for the district in the current financial year.
While addressing a Press conference at Koraput, Patro said the funds provided for the three schemes were exclusive of other schemes. A sum of Rs 38 crore would be spent on National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) that would help in providing employment to people for 100 days, with 60 per cent of the fund being used for payment of wages while the remaining 40 per cent being spent on purchasing of materials.
Under the Biju KBK Yojana, he said, the Government intends to spend Rs 21 crore so that each of the 14 blocks in the district receives Rs 1.5 crore for development works that would include rural electrification, communications, roads, water supply and construction of school buildings. Under the BRGF scheme, each of the blocks would get an additional amount of Rs 1 crore, 56 per cent of which would be spent in the rural areas and 44 per cent in the urban areas.
However, before the utilisation of the funds in various schemes, the local elected representatives would be consulted and a project report would be presented within the next 15 days, Patro said.
He further said that electricity would be provided to people who come under the BPL category on payment of Rs 35, which would be collected as the charge for the connection.
The Minister admitted that the reasons behind the failure of the Pradhan Mantri Gramya Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) were the strict guidelines from the Centre and the non-availability of contractors. Koraput Collector Balakrishna Sahu and Pottangi MLA Jayaram Pangi were present at the Press meet.
Pioneer News Service | Jeypore
Energy Minister and chairman of the Koraput District Planning Committee Surya Narayan Patro announced a package of Rs 75 crore under three different schemes-Biju KBK Yojana, Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) and National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) -for the district in the current financial year.
While addressing a Press conference at Koraput, Patro said the funds provided for the three schemes were exclusive of other schemes. A sum of Rs 38 crore would be spent on National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) that would help in providing employment to people for 100 days, with 60 per cent of the fund being used for payment of wages while the remaining 40 per cent being spent on purchasing of materials.
Under the Biju KBK Yojana, he said, the Government intends to spend Rs 21 crore so that each of the 14 blocks in the district receives Rs 1.5 crore for development works that would include rural electrification, communications, roads, water supply and construction of school buildings. Under the BRGF scheme, each of the blocks would get an additional amount of Rs 1 crore, 56 per cent of which would be spent in the rural areas and 44 per cent in the urban areas.
However, before the utilisation of the funds in various schemes, the local elected representatives would be consulted and a project report would be presented within the next 15 days, Patro said.
He further said that electricity would be provided to people who come under the BPL category on payment of Rs 35, which would be collected as the charge for the connection.
The Minister admitted that the reasons behind the failure of the Pradhan Mantri Gramya Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) were the strict guidelines from the Centre and the non-availability of contractors. Koraput Collector Balakrishna Sahu and Pottangi MLA Jayaram Pangi were present at the Press meet.
New KVs to come up in KBK+ region soon
The Pioneer, Aug 22, 2007
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
Since the Orissa-cadre IAS officer Rangalal Jamuda joined the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) as its Commissioner, the State has been fortunate to get the elite Central Schools one after another. The latest one is KV Bhadrak.
Since its inception in 1965, the KVS had opened 29 KVs in Orissa till 2006 in 41 years. After Jamuda took over as the chief executive officer of the KVS, the State has received sanctions of eight new KVs in one year only.
To set up a KV, the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) spends Rs 2.70 crore for its infrastructure and provides an annual recurring grant of Rs 70 lakh. So, in one year time, HRD Ministry has provided at least Rs 27.20 crore to the State to raise the primary and secondary education level, which is, otherwise, in a shambles.
During this period, the KBK region has benefited the most. The tribal districts like Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Gajapati and Boudh got their KVs. With the new sanction, 23 districts will be covered by the KVS. The remaining seven districts of Nuapada, Kandhamal, Subarnapur, Deogarh, Nayagarh, Kendrapara and Jajpur are yet to be covered.
Sources say that by the end of 2008 all the districts of the State will be covered by KVS. "It is certainly a great achievement," said former Additional Chief Secretary Prasanna Kumar Patnaik.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
Since the Orissa-cadre IAS officer Rangalal Jamuda joined the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) as its Commissioner, the State has been fortunate to get the elite Central Schools one after another. The latest one is KV Bhadrak.
Since its inception in 1965, the KVS had opened 29 KVs in Orissa till 2006 in 41 years. After Jamuda took over as the chief executive officer of the KVS, the State has received sanctions of eight new KVs in one year only.
To set up a KV, the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) spends Rs 2.70 crore for its infrastructure and provides an annual recurring grant of Rs 70 lakh. So, in one year time, HRD Ministry has provided at least Rs 27.20 crore to the State to raise the primary and secondary education level, which is, otherwise, in a shambles.
During this period, the KBK region has benefited the most. The tribal districts like Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Gajapati and Boudh got their KVs. With the new sanction, 23 districts will be covered by the KVS. The remaining seven districts of Nuapada, Kandhamal, Subarnapur, Deogarh, Nayagarh, Kendrapara and Jajpur are yet to be covered.
Sources say that by the end of 2008 all the districts of the State will be covered by KVS. "It is certainly a great achievement," said former Additional Chief Secretary Prasanna Kumar Patnaik.
Few wonderfuly suggestion for development of Orissa including KBK region by Mr Purna Misha in his letter to Elected Officials in Orissa
Dear Elected Officials,
How long we will keep exporting low tech chaprasi, cook, gardener, brick
laying, and similar jobs from Orissa? What is our strategy to start
exporting higher or better skilled jobs from Orissa?
As Newton's third law suggests until we keep exporting low tech jobs we will
be keep importing lower skill jobs also. Once we start exporting higher
skilled jobs we will start importing higher skilled jobs also.
With all the industrialization (assuming all the MOUs are for real), where
do we have skilled people in Orissa?
I am sure you and many of the administration people are lot smarter than me
so you probably have plans to initiate many wonderful ideas back in Orissa.
Here are a few more and I am sure you will consider some of these ideas:
1. Government of India is asking the states to open quality ITIs in the
states. Orissa has taken a lead and is starting 7 new ITIs under this
program. We have many qualified students who could not afford to go to
colleges. At least open 23 more of these quality ITIs so that we have 30+
quality ITIs in the state mostly funded through the Central Government.
2. We easily find Oriya plumbers and most of them are from Pattamundai. It
is a good news that the state is starting a hi-tech plumbing institute at a
cost of Rs. 5 Crores in Pattamundai. Unfortunately the institute due to
administration reasons has opened the campus (temporary) in Cuttack. Many
of these plumber wannabees cannot afford to get the training until the
institute is relocated to Pattamundai. I will strongly urge you to take
immediate steps and relocate the institute to Pattamundai. Like this one,
let us at least open 29 more (one in each district) to help the local people
get a skill. Some of these institutes can be for imparting skill in modern
cooking, marble and other flooring, auto mechanics, plumbing, carpeting,
carpentering, etc.
3. We need at least 5 more good government engineering colleges. Except a
few in private sectors, most of the engineering colleges mushroomed in the
state are more interested in selling education than imparting education.
While the private initiative is definitely a welcome and ultimately the
competition will weed out the questionable ones, the state government's
responsibility to impart a quality technical education should be
maintained. We should get these government engineering colleges in places
like Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bhawanipatna, Raygada, Jeypore, Angul,
Berhampur, Bhadrak. We should follow the examples of states like Kerala.
4. We need at least 5 more government medical colleges. The projected
health care sector would be higher than several billions in Indian rupees
just for the state of Orissa. With the rise in consumerism and middle class
there is a demand for more medical professionals in Orissa. At the same
time, Orissa provides very little healthcare to most of her citizens who are
farther away from towns and cities.
5. Of course the government needs funding to support these additional
institutes. I propose an additional cess of 2.5% on the industrial sectors
in Orissa. As a business man, I believe the industry should support this
additional cess as hiring qualified skilled professional (and retaining the
professionals) is the biggest challenge facing the industries in India and
Orissa right now.
6. We should designate one of our senior IAS officer who has previously
worked in the Human Resources Department to be designated as the gate keeper
to coordinate to make sure we get an IIT, IIM, and one of the 14 additional
Central Universities beyond our regular quota of a Central University as
each state will get at least one. Tamilnadu and Karnataka have started
offering premium land to attract one of these additional central
university. Let us offer land in Rourkela and get this additional central
university in Rourkela. With NIT, BPUT, and a medical college, this Central
University will build a complimentary knowledge center similar to
Bhubaneswar.
7. Before we demand an additional national highway, let us make sure the
existing highways are repaired and maintained. Many of these national
highways are death traps. We cannot support a 7% year over year growth with
sub standard infrastructures. The Vijaiwada-Ranchi highway should be a
priority also.
8. Many times we have demanded speedier implementation of the rail lines
that are getting built at such a rate that if this rate is not accelerated,
there would be serious lack of communication into many of the hinterlands.
9. We need to make sure the tracks between Bhadrak to Laksmanath that is
currently under South Eastern Railway moves under East Coast Railway. The
deepest sea port in the country is getting built at Dhamara. This sea port
will be a cash cow and we must make sure that the feeder rail line from
Calcutta-Chennai mainline to Dhamara should be operational under the East
Coast Railway. In addition the state should push for the Angul-Sukinda and
Angul-Gopalpur rail line as it will be extremely profitable and in addition
to the movement of goods many underprivileged will get the benefit of modern
communication.
10. None of these measures will make a much dent unless we move a
significant percentages of our typical farmers away from paddy cultivation
to more cash corps. From my limited research, most of these farmers with
small acreage typically loose money in paddy farming. We need to implement
some of the initiatives of this government such as goat farming, fruit
orchards, jojoba farming, banana plantation, etc be pursued with a vigor.
You have all the powers to make a change and please pursue these and others
initiatives that will transform Orissa to one of the better states in India.
Regards,
-- Purna
How long we will keep exporting low tech chaprasi, cook, gardener, brick
laying, and similar jobs from Orissa? What is our strategy to start
exporting higher or better skilled jobs from Orissa?
As Newton's third law suggests until we keep exporting low tech jobs we will
be keep importing lower skill jobs also. Once we start exporting higher
skilled jobs we will start importing higher skilled jobs also.
With all the industrialization (assuming all the MOUs are for real), where
do we have skilled people in Orissa?
I am sure you and many of the administration people are lot smarter than me
so you probably have plans to initiate many wonderful ideas back in Orissa.
Here are a few more and I am sure you will consider some of these ideas:
1. Government of India is asking the states to open quality ITIs in the
states. Orissa has taken a lead and is starting 7 new ITIs under this
program. We have many qualified students who could not afford to go to
colleges. At least open 23 more of these quality ITIs so that we have 30+
quality ITIs in the state mostly funded through the Central Government.
2. We easily find Oriya plumbers and most of them are from Pattamundai. It
is a good news that the state is starting a hi-tech plumbing institute at a
cost of Rs. 5 Crores in Pattamundai. Unfortunately the institute due to
administration reasons has opened the campus (temporary) in Cuttack. Many
of these plumber wannabees cannot afford to get the training until the
institute is relocated to Pattamundai. I will strongly urge you to take
immediate steps and relocate the institute to Pattamundai. Like this one,
let us at least open 29 more (one in each district) to help the local people
get a skill. Some of these institutes can be for imparting skill in modern
cooking, marble and other flooring, auto mechanics, plumbing, carpeting,
carpentering, etc.
3. We need at least 5 more good government engineering colleges. Except a
few in private sectors, most of the engineering colleges mushroomed in the
state are more interested in selling education than imparting education.
While the private initiative is definitely a welcome and ultimately the
competition will weed out the questionable ones, the state government's
responsibility to impart a quality technical education should be
maintained. We should get these government engineering colleges in places
like Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bhawanipatna, Raygada, Jeypore, Angul,
Berhampur, Bhadrak. We should follow the examples of states like Kerala.
4. We need at least 5 more government medical colleges. The projected
health care sector would be higher than several billions in Indian rupees
just for the state of Orissa. With the rise in consumerism and middle class
there is a demand for more medical professionals in Orissa. At the same
time, Orissa provides very little healthcare to most of her citizens who are
farther away from towns and cities.
5. Of course the government needs funding to support these additional
institutes. I propose an additional cess of 2.5% on the industrial sectors
in Orissa. As a business man, I believe the industry should support this
additional cess as hiring qualified skilled professional (and retaining the
professionals) is the biggest challenge facing the industries in India and
Orissa right now.
6. We should designate one of our senior IAS officer who has previously
worked in the Human Resources Department to be designated as the gate keeper
to coordinate to make sure we get an IIT, IIM, and one of the 14 additional
Central Universities beyond our regular quota of a Central University as
each state will get at least one. Tamilnadu and Karnataka have started
offering premium land to attract one of these additional central
university. Let us offer land in Rourkela and get this additional central
university in Rourkela. With NIT, BPUT, and a medical college, this Central
University will build a complimentary knowledge center similar to
Bhubaneswar.
7. Before we demand an additional national highway, let us make sure the
existing highways are repaired and maintained. Many of these national
highways are death traps. We cannot support a 7% year over year growth with
sub standard infrastructures. The Vijaiwada-Ranchi highway should be a
priority also.
8. Many times we have demanded speedier implementation of the rail lines
that are getting built at such a rate that if this rate is not accelerated,
there would be serious lack of communication into many of the hinterlands.
9. We need to make sure the tracks between Bhadrak to Laksmanath that is
currently under South Eastern Railway moves under East Coast Railway. The
deepest sea port in the country is getting built at Dhamara. This sea port
will be a cash cow and we must make sure that the feeder rail line from
Calcutta-Chennai mainline to Dhamara should be operational under the East
Coast Railway. In addition the state should push for the Angul-Sukinda and
Angul-Gopalpur rail line as it will be extremely profitable and in addition
to the movement of goods many underprivileged will get the benefit of modern
communication.
10. None of these measures will make a much dent unless we move a
significant percentages of our typical farmers away from paddy cultivation
to more cash corps. From my limited research, most of these farmers with
small acreage typically loose money in paddy farming. We need to implement
some of the initiatives of this government such as goat farming, fruit
orchards, jojoba farming, banana plantation, etc be pursued with a vigor.
You have all the powers to make a change and please pursue these and others
initiatives that will transform Orissa to one of the better states in India.
Regards,
-- Purna
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Health Care Deliver Service, a Serious Concern in KBK: Rajendra Dishri
My being of Tribal - I realised very late
Orissa is one of the ten states in the country covered under the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB). According to the latest report of NNMB , Orissa continues to have second highest level of under nutrition among the ten states. When compared with the aggregate figures for chronic energy deficiency (BMI < 18.5) in adult men and women in these states the level is higher in Orissa ( Kalahandi Region). The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) in adult men in the state is 38.6% compared to aggregate of 37.4%, whereas the CED prevalence in the adult women is 46% against 39.3% aggregate figure16. As malnutrition is known to potentiate susceptibility to death due to infectious diseases, the high mortality rate amongst the primitive tribes may be attributed to this cause.
In spite of the tremendous advancement in the field of preventive and curative medicine worldwide and particularly coastal Orissa, the health care delivery services in Kalahandi District is defunct and primitive tribal people are still poor and need to be strengthened.
Cuttack District alone count 1431 Hospitals where as Kalahandi statistic is like below
No. of District HQ Hospital 1
No.of subdivisional Hospitals 1
No.of Primary Health Centre (PHC) 3 Block level 39 Others
No.of Mobile Health Units 13
No.of Community Health Centre (CHC) 10
No.of Other Hospitals 4
No.of Taluk Hospita 1
No.of T.B. Hospital 1
No.of Homeopathic Hospital 13
No.of Ayurvedic Hospital 13
No.of Beds in Hospitals 483
Orissa is one of the ten states in the country covered under the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB). According to the latest report of NNMB , Orissa continues to have second highest level of under nutrition among the ten states. When compared with the aggregate figures for chronic energy deficiency (BMI < 18.5) in adult men and women in these states the level is higher in Orissa ( Kalahandi Region). The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) in adult men in the state is 38.6% compared to aggregate of 37.4%, whereas the CED prevalence in the adult women is 46% against 39.3% aggregate figure16. As malnutrition is known to potentiate susceptibility to death due to infectious diseases, the high mortality rate amongst the primitive tribes may be attributed to this cause.
In spite of the tremendous advancement in the field of preventive and curative medicine worldwide and particularly coastal Orissa, the health care delivery services in Kalahandi District is defunct and primitive tribal people are still poor and need to be strengthened.
Cuttack District alone count 1431 Hospitals where as Kalahandi statistic is like below
No. of District HQ Hospital 1
No.of subdivisional Hospitals 1
No.of Primary Health Centre (PHC) 3 Block level 39 Others
No.of Mobile Health Units 13
No.of Community Health Centre (CHC) 10
No.of Other Hospitals 4
No.of Taluk Hospita 1
No.of T.B. Hospital 1
No.of Homeopathic Hospital 13
No.of Ayurvedic Hospital 13
No.of Beds in Hospitals 483
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Central Tribal Varsity Being Planned In Orissa
Newspostindia, Aug 13, 2007
Thousands of tribals in Orissa's poverty ridden Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) districts may soon have access to better higher education with a central university being planned there.
The human resource development (HRD) ministry Monday said it was weighing a state government proposal to set up such a university in the region.
'Orissa being one of such states (without a central university), its request for establishment of a central university in the tribal-dominated KBK region shall receive due consideration,' Minister of State for HRD D. Purandeswari said.
'Further, a bill for setting up a central tribal university is in the process of being introduced in the current session of parliament,' Purandeswari informed the Rajya Sabha.
The proposed university shall have power to establish its regional centres in areas inhabited by tribals.
The HRD ministry had earlier said there was a proposal for setting up 16 central universities in states where there was no such university.
Several PIB releases on new central universities can be found at Orissalinks
Thousands of tribals in Orissa's poverty ridden Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) districts may soon have access to better higher education with a central university being planned there.
The human resource development (HRD) ministry Monday said it was weighing a state government proposal to set up such a university in the region.
'Orissa being one of such states (without a central university), its request for establishment of a central university in the tribal-dominated KBK region shall receive due consideration,' Minister of State for HRD D. Purandeswari said.
'Further, a bill for setting up a central tribal university is in the process of being introduced in the current session of parliament,' Purandeswari informed the Rajya Sabha.
The proposed university shall have power to establish its regional centres in areas inhabited by tribals.
The HRD ministry had earlier said there was a proposal for setting up 16 central universities in states where there was no such university.
Several PIB releases on new central universities can be found at Orissalinks
Monday, August 13, 2007
Koshali Ekta Manch for engineering college in KBK
The Pioneer, Aug 13, 2007
Bhawanipatna: A meeting of the Koshali Ekta Manch has decided that a memorandum would be submitted on August 24 to Vedanta Alumina limited in order to establish an engineering college in Kalahandi. It was also decided that an all-party meeting would be convened on August 14 to discuss the various problems of the district. Manch leaders Jagannath Mund, Govind Chandra Rath and Padma Kishore Pujari were present at the meeting.
Bhawanipatna: A meeting of the Koshali Ekta Manch has decided that a memorandum would be submitted on August 24 to Vedanta Alumina limited in order to establish an engineering college in Kalahandi. It was also decided that an all-party meeting would be convened on August 14 to discuss the various problems of the district. Manch leaders Jagannath Mund, Govind Chandra Rath and Padma Kishore Pujari were present at the meeting.
Indian at 60: Backward KBK is still a serious concern for the nation
Outlook, Aug 11, 2007
We Clicked. They Clicked
At the stroke of the midnight hour, as the world slept, a thousand flashbulbs popped to capture that moment which was to become the most defining one in the history of independent India...
Bishwadeep Moitra
Special Issue: India At 60
At the stroke of the midnight hour, as the world slept, a thousand flashbulbs popped to capture that moment which was to become the most defining one in the history of independent India. The next morning, August 15, 1947, India and the world woke up to pictures of Pandit Nehru taking over the reins from the Empire. An ancient civilisation was giving birth to the world's largest democracy. For photographers around the world, India was at the time the most fertile ground for news and documentary filming.
Partition had uprooted nearly 14 million people from either side of the newly created border between India and Pakistan.
[Any lensman worth his salt would have shots of Kalahandi, Dharavi and widows of Vrindavan.]
The stories of people desperately fleeing from the wrath of sectarian violence; the stories from the resettlement colonies that housed the new citizens of India; the stories of riots and wreckages; the stories of survival against the most severe odds, were captured
more vividly in stills than in words.
The independence movement had brought mega-personalities to the fore and the world press clicked away with extraordinary interest and vigour. Nehru was perhaps the most photogenic of these leaders and his portraits adorned covers of leading magazines around the world. A transforming nation was witnessing people’s movements across her landscape and the images captured on the lenses of thousands of cameras illustrated the mood of her people. As the years rolled, Nehru’s vision of a modern India moved from the drawing board to bricks and mortar; a new class of confident and self-reliant Indians came out of years of slavery and subjugation, yet the demons of poverty, hunger and caste discrimination would not go away. Disasters, man-made and natural, would thwart India’s dream repeatedly, and would give an image-hungry world a glimpse of our darkest recesses.
The world still looked at India as a mystic land crippled with poverty. Pictures from India the world saw were of starvation deaths, of famines, of floods, of violent riots, of destruction. Once in a while, a mystic man would pop up, uttering some mumbo-jumbo, or a debauched royal would pose with his wealth to seek the world’s attention. Any photographer worth his salt would have in his portfolio pictures of starving families in Kalahandi, or the miseries of Dharavi’s migrant labour or the destitute widows of Vrindavan. India was Destination Misery for the world press.
Six decades, fourteen general elections, economic liberalisation, the emergence of a confident new Indian middle class, the IT revolution...we have come a long way. And so has the way the world likes to look at us. Photographs are still clicked of the grieving families of farmers who have committed suicide by consuming pesticides in Andhra Pradesh.... But also clicked is a portfolio of an Indian tycoon with half a dozen global companies on his shopping list. Every time the camera captures a portrait of a family feeding on mango kernels in Bolangir, Orissa, it also trains its eye on the family that had created a thousand millionaires in its company in Bangalore. If the lives of the Vrindavan widows are documented on film, so also are of those members of the ‘only for women’ Salsa Dance School in neighbouring Mathura.
The two Indias trudge along. We live a pitiable existence in the slums but we also have moved to modern urban homes. There is not enough to feed all of us yet we are on the verge of a veritable boom in the hospitality industry. We still cannot guarantee the life of a newborn girl child, yet we could sneak in a woman president. India will continue to be in the most-favoured list of destinations for the lens-people of the world. Because, in India, for whatever is true, the opposite is also true.
In the following pages we have tried to essay India’s journey since her independence. Some of the pictures we have selected are iconic, others are lesser-seen photographs. They all tell our story poignantly.
We Clicked. They Clicked
At the stroke of the midnight hour, as the world slept, a thousand flashbulbs popped to capture that moment which was to become the most defining one in the history of independent India...
Bishwadeep Moitra
Special Issue: India At 60
At the stroke of the midnight hour, as the world slept, a thousand flashbulbs popped to capture that moment which was to become the most defining one in the history of independent India. The next morning, August 15, 1947, India and the world woke up to pictures of Pandit Nehru taking over the reins from the Empire. An ancient civilisation was giving birth to the world's largest democracy. For photographers around the world, India was at the time the most fertile ground for news and documentary filming.
Partition had uprooted nearly 14 million people from either side of the newly created border between India and Pakistan.
[Any lensman worth his salt would have shots of Kalahandi, Dharavi and widows of Vrindavan.]
The stories of people desperately fleeing from the wrath of sectarian violence; the stories from the resettlement colonies that housed the new citizens of India; the stories of riots and wreckages; the stories of survival against the most severe odds, were captured
more vividly in stills than in words.
The independence movement had brought mega-personalities to the fore and the world press clicked away with extraordinary interest and vigour. Nehru was perhaps the most photogenic of these leaders and his portraits adorned covers of leading magazines around the world. A transforming nation was witnessing people’s movements across her landscape and the images captured on the lenses of thousands of cameras illustrated the mood of her people. As the years rolled, Nehru’s vision of a modern India moved from the drawing board to bricks and mortar; a new class of confident and self-reliant Indians came out of years of slavery and subjugation, yet the demons of poverty, hunger and caste discrimination would not go away. Disasters, man-made and natural, would thwart India’s dream repeatedly, and would give an image-hungry world a glimpse of our darkest recesses.
The world still looked at India as a mystic land crippled with poverty. Pictures from India the world saw were of starvation deaths, of famines, of floods, of violent riots, of destruction. Once in a while, a mystic man would pop up, uttering some mumbo-jumbo, or a debauched royal would pose with his wealth to seek the world’s attention. Any photographer worth his salt would have in his portfolio pictures of starving families in Kalahandi, or the miseries of Dharavi’s migrant labour or the destitute widows of Vrindavan. India was Destination Misery for the world press.
Six decades, fourteen general elections, economic liberalisation, the emergence of a confident new Indian middle class, the IT revolution...we have come a long way. And so has the way the world likes to look at us. Photographs are still clicked of the grieving families of farmers who have committed suicide by consuming pesticides in Andhra Pradesh.... But also clicked is a portfolio of an Indian tycoon with half a dozen global companies on his shopping list. Every time the camera captures a portrait of a family feeding on mango kernels in Bolangir, Orissa, it also trains its eye on the family that had created a thousand millionaires in its company in Bangalore. If the lives of the Vrindavan widows are documented on film, so also are of those members of the ‘only for women’ Salsa Dance School in neighbouring Mathura.
The two Indias trudge along. We live a pitiable existence in the slums but we also have moved to modern urban homes. There is not enough to feed all of us yet we are on the verge of a veritable boom in the hospitality industry. We still cannot guarantee the life of a newborn girl child, yet we could sneak in a woman president. India will continue to be in the most-favoured list of destinations for the lens-people of the world. Because, in India, for whatever is true, the opposite is also true.
In the following pages we have tried to essay India’s journey since her independence. Some of the pictures we have selected are iconic, others are lesser-seen photographs. They all tell our story poignantly.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Docs working in KBK, other areas get pay hike
The Pioneer, Aug 8, 2007
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
... incentives applicable for a year; subject to review
In order to boost the morale of doctors working in the KBK and non-KBK areas, the State Government hiked remuneration of contractual doctors. A notification to this effect was issued on Tuesday.
Henceforth, contractual doctors posted against vacant posts of Asst Surgeons in the KBK districts and in the districts of Boudh, Kandhamal and Gajapati will get Rs 18,000 per month and Non-KBK districts, will get Rs 12,000. It may be noted that due to shortage of required number of doctors in the state, contractual appointments are being given to the retired doctors, private doctors and fresh medical graduates at a consolidated remuneration of Rs 12,000 in KBK and Rs 10,000 in non-KBK districts.
The remuneration of retired doctors, private doctors having postgraduate qualification to be appointed on contract basis against the vacant posts of Specialists at District Headquarter Hospitals and Sub Divisional Hospitals in KBK and Boudh, Kandhamal and Gajapati districts will be Rs 20,000.
The retired and private doctors having PG qualification to be appointed on contractual basis against the vacant posts of Specialists in the periphery hospitals (other than District Headquarters Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals) in the KBK and Boudh, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts will get a remuneration of Rs 25,000. The doctors having Post Graduate qualification to be appointed on contractual basis against the vacant posts of Specialists in the District Headquarter Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals of Non-KBK districts will get remuneration of Rs 15,000.
The doctors having PG qualifications to be appointed on contractual basis against the vacant posts of specialists in the periphery hospital (other than District Headquarter Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals) in the Non-KBK districts will get remuneration of Rs 20,000.
The doctors having PG qualification in Anaesthesiology, Radiology to be posted on contractual basis against the vacant post of Specialists in Anaesthesiology, Radiology in the District Headquarter Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals in the state will be given remuneration of Rs 25,000.
The contractual doctors posted against the vacant post of assistant surgeon, specialists are to be designated as 'consultant physician' and 'consultant specialists'. The Rogi Kalyan Samiti of the hospital concerned will monitor the attendance and performance of such contractual doctors. The contractual doctors will be called as consultant physician or consultant specialist.
Tathya.in also reported on it.
Comment: It seems the state government is taking few steps towards solving the long time required health problems in KBK plus region. But this step has not been very beneficial for last 2 years basically due to severe shortage of medical doctors in Orissa. So the state government should make sure that all proposed medical collges in the KBK region should be established in an early date. The government should catalyse in getting Medical Council of India (MCI) approval for all those private medical colleges coming to this region in a fastest possible time. The hospital attached with these medical collges would also benefit the local KBK plus people.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
... incentives applicable for a year; subject to review
In order to boost the morale of doctors working in the KBK and non-KBK areas, the State Government hiked remuneration of contractual doctors. A notification to this effect was issued on Tuesday.
Henceforth, contractual doctors posted against vacant posts of Asst Surgeons in the KBK districts and in the districts of Boudh, Kandhamal and Gajapati will get Rs 18,000 per month and Non-KBK districts, will get Rs 12,000. It may be noted that due to shortage of required number of doctors in the state, contractual appointments are being given to the retired doctors, private doctors and fresh medical graduates at a consolidated remuneration of Rs 12,000 in KBK and Rs 10,000 in non-KBK districts.
The remuneration of retired doctors, private doctors having postgraduate qualification to be appointed on contract basis against the vacant posts of Specialists at District Headquarter Hospitals and Sub Divisional Hospitals in KBK and Boudh, Kandhamal and Gajapati districts will be Rs 20,000.
The retired and private doctors having PG qualification to be appointed on contractual basis against the vacant posts of Specialists in the periphery hospitals (other than District Headquarters Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals) in the KBK and Boudh, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts will get a remuneration of Rs 25,000. The doctors having Post Graduate qualification to be appointed on contractual basis against the vacant posts of Specialists in the District Headquarter Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals of Non-KBK districts will get remuneration of Rs 15,000.
The doctors having PG qualifications to be appointed on contractual basis against the vacant posts of specialists in the periphery hospital (other than District Headquarter Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals) in the Non-KBK districts will get remuneration of Rs 20,000.
The doctors having PG qualification in Anaesthesiology, Radiology to be posted on contractual basis against the vacant post of Specialists in Anaesthesiology, Radiology in the District Headquarter Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals in the state will be given remuneration of Rs 25,000.
The contractual doctors posted against the vacant post of assistant surgeon, specialists are to be designated as 'consultant physician' and 'consultant specialists'. The Rogi Kalyan Samiti of the hospital concerned will monitor the attendance and performance of such contractual doctors. The contractual doctors will be called as consultant physician or consultant specialist.
Tathya.in also reported on it.
Comment: It seems the state government is taking few steps towards solving the long time required health problems in KBK plus region. But this step has not been very beneficial for last 2 years basically due to severe shortage of medical doctors in Orissa. So the state government should make sure that all proposed medical collges in the KBK region should be established in an early date. The government should catalyse in getting Medical Council of India (MCI) approval for all those private medical colleges coming to this region in a fastest possible time. The hospital attached with these medical collges would also benefit the local KBK plus people.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Lanjigarh - Umuri Railway Project, When?
Dharitri, Aug 7, 2007
Dharitri reports that Nabarangpur district has so far been neglected in railway map. In 1990 during Mr Chandra Sekhar government a survey was carried out to start a railway project from Lanjigarh to Umuri (Jeyapore). However, the central government has been totally neglecting this project since then.
Dharitri reports that Nabarangpur district has so far been neglected in railway map. In 1990 during Mr Chandra Sekhar government a survey was carried out to start a railway project from Lanjigarh to Umuri (Jeyapore). However, the central government has been totally neglecting this project since then.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Indravati project's side-effects hit KBK people
The Pionner, Aug 2, 2007
Pioneer News Service | Bhawanipatna
Even as the major hydro-irrigation project of Upper Indravati has brought cheers to the farmers of the KBK region, its side effects are harming them more than their benefits. A leading non-resident Oriya (NRO) Digamabar Patra, who belongs to this backward region, has analysed in great details the effects of the project.
The State Government is richer by hundreds of crores rupees annually by selling power to the neighbouring State. However, the negative side effects from this project from infrastructure and health counts are creating an appalling situation for the common men. Opening of various channels to irrigate agricultural farmland has brought various deadly waterborne diseases in the form of tuberculosis, malaria, brain fever to the region directly affecting the local mass.
However, whatever health facilities are available in the region are in a state of despair. Serious staff shortage in the Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), coupled with shortage of technical expertise as well as proper medical diagnostic instruments, has further worsened the situation.
Take the case of Dharamgarh: The total number of sanctioned doctors' posts in the Dharamgarh sub-divisional hospital is 18, but at present there are only six doctors in position. In the monsoon season, when the hospital records a higher number of patients, it finds it very difficult to cope with the situation. The Government has sanctioned an ENT specialist post in the hospital but has later coolly forgotten to post one.
Similarly, there are a half-constructed concrete buildings and a signboard of Sardar Raja Medical College at Jaring, but this private medical college is yet to be operational. Four years after its foundation stone was laid, the medical college has not yet obtained the approval of the Medical Council of India (MCI). In the absence of proper healthcare, ailing women, children, old and infirm people are suffering a lot.
The poor infrastructure brings owes to the entire rural folk. The Hati river used to be a dry one in summer before the irrigation project came into operation. So, the requirement of a permanent bridge over the river was not felt. However, after the project came into operation, now even in dry summer season the normal level of water in the river is four to six feet high as the water is diverted to the river through the Indravati dam. The people living in this part of the KBK region are, therefore, finding it difficult to cross the river.
Submergence of NH-201, one of the major routes in the region, by the overflowing Hati river water near Junagarh in rainy days has been a routine and serious concern since past decade affecting lakhs of commuters. It is also affecting road movement from Rourkela, Sambalpur, Balangir, Angul and Bhawanipatna to Jeypore, Sunabeda, Damanjodi, Nabarangpur and Koraput and vice versa.
At present, the river needs at least five more new bridges at various points. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation stone in 2003 for a new bridge over the river at Kalampur, but construction work is yet to start. A high-level new bridge is also required over the river near Junagarh on NH 201 over the present low-lying bridge. Despite public demand since last one decade for a new bridge over NH 201 near Junagarh, the Government has remained callous.
Pioneer News Service | Bhawanipatna
Even as the major hydro-irrigation project of Upper Indravati has brought cheers to the farmers of the KBK region, its side effects are harming them more than their benefits. A leading non-resident Oriya (NRO) Digamabar Patra, who belongs to this backward region, has analysed in great details the effects of the project.
The State Government is richer by hundreds of crores rupees annually by selling power to the neighbouring State. However, the negative side effects from this project from infrastructure and health counts are creating an appalling situation for the common men. Opening of various channels to irrigate agricultural farmland has brought various deadly waterborne diseases in the form of tuberculosis, malaria, brain fever to the region directly affecting the local mass.
However, whatever health facilities are available in the region are in a state of despair. Serious staff shortage in the Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), coupled with shortage of technical expertise as well as proper medical diagnostic instruments, has further worsened the situation.
Take the case of Dharamgarh: The total number of sanctioned doctors' posts in the Dharamgarh sub-divisional hospital is 18, but at present there are only six doctors in position. In the monsoon season, when the hospital records a higher number of patients, it finds it very difficult to cope with the situation. The Government has sanctioned an ENT specialist post in the hospital but has later coolly forgotten to post one.
Similarly, there are a half-constructed concrete buildings and a signboard of Sardar Raja Medical College at Jaring, but this private medical college is yet to be operational. Four years after its foundation stone was laid, the medical college has not yet obtained the approval of the Medical Council of India (MCI). In the absence of proper healthcare, ailing women, children, old and infirm people are suffering a lot.
The poor infrastructure brings owes to the entire rural folk. The Hati river used to be a dry one in summer before the irrigation project came into operation. So, the requirement of a permanent bridge over the river was not felt. However, after the project came into operation, now even in dry summer season the normal level of water in the river is four to six feet high as the water is diverted to the river through the Indravati dam. The people living in this part of the KBK region are, therefore, finding it difficult to cross the river.
Submergence of NH-201, one of the major routes in the region, by the overflowing Hati river water near Junagarh in rainy days has been a routine and serious concern since past decade affecting lakhs of commuters. It is also affecting road movement from Rourkela, Sambalpur, Balangir, Angul and Bhawanipatna to Jeypore, Sunabeda, Damanjodi, Nabarangpur and Koraput and vice versa.
At present, the river needs at least five more new bridges at various points. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation stone in 2003 for a new bridge over the river at Kalampur, but construction work is yet to start. A high-level new bridge is also required over the river near Junagarh on NH 201 over the present low-lying bridge. Despite public demand since last one decade for a new bridge over NH 201 near Junagarh, the Government has remained callous.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Make KBK Rail Connectivity a National Project
Dear esteemed Chief Minister, Commerce & Transport secretary
and Rail commissioner:
You may recall that the 2007-08 rail budget had very little allocation
for the new lines in Orissa such as Khurda Rd - Balangir. My analysis after
going through the rail budget is that it was not because Orissa was
singled out but because of recent Indian Railways policy
(a) to give priority to the gauge conversion of 13,000 kms of narrow gauge lines
(only 127 kms of which is in Orissa)
(b) to give priority to the projects labeled as national projects (J & K,
North eastern states)
(c) to force states to pay 50% or more for other projects
(d) to construct freight corridors (first two to be made during the 11th plan
do not pass through Orissa)
(e) to supplement metro rail construction in 10+ cities across India
(f) and to explore high speed corridors (none of the proposed ones pass through
Orissa)
Under these circumstances, and under normal circumstances
unless Orissa is able to find 50% of the necessary money
it may take 20-30 years or more for the Khurda-Balangir line and the
Juagarh-Nabrangpur-Jeypore-Malkangiri line to get complete.
The only way out is to try our best to designate the above lines
declared as national project with a time table of getting them done
during the 11th plan. If we succeed in getting them designated
as a national project then well and good, if not we may be able to
get them a high priority or force a change in the policy so that these
lines get done in 5 years. (This will be similar to the Vijaywada-Ranchi
highway, which although did not get the national highway designation,
got enough attention and funding promises to get in the priority list.)
A similar approach is being tried by Uttarakhand and recent news report
mention that Mr. Lalu Yadav has asked the PM to designate the making of certain lines
in Uttarakhand as national projects.
I think we need to move fast and make a similar effort by presenting
our case (to designate the making of lines in KBK+ as national project)
with both the PM as well as the railway minister. They claim to be in
a receptive mood vis-a-vis Orissa and we must not miss this chance.
We must make sure that the finishing of these lines in the next
five years is inked in the 11th plan.
To help you in this I have attached a draft presentation which
one may improve upon.
Again, this is the time. If we are not able to do something now, after the 11th
plan is being finalized, no matter how much we shout and cry in December/Jan/Feb it
may not help; as it did not help last year.
Please, please urgently contact Mr. Lalu Yadav and the PM and make
the case, and if necessary write about it, go to the media etc. etc. as you
did successfully with respect to the Vijaywada-Ranchi highway.
sincerely and with best regards
Chitta
--
Chitta Baral
Professor, Arizona State University
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following documents contains the proposal by Prof Chitta Baral to make KBK Rail Connectivity a National Project for bringing new infrastructure to backward KBK+ cluster.
Proposal in PPT
Proposal with a map in PDF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and Rail commissioner:
You may recall that the 2007-08 rail budget had very little allocation
for the new lines in Orissa such as Khurda Rd - Balangir. My analysis after
going through the rail budget is that it was not because Orissa was
singled out but because of recent Indian Railways policy
(a) to give priority to the gauge conversion of 13,000 kms of narrow gauge lines
(only 127 kms of which is in Orissa)
(b) to give priority to the projects labeled as national projects (J & K,
North eastern states)
(c) to force states to pay 50% or more for other projects
(d) to construct freight corridors (first two to be made during the 11th plan
do not pass through Orissa)
(e) to supplement metro rail construction in 10+ cities across India
(f) and to explore high speed corridors (none of the proposed ones pass through
Orissa)
Under these circumstances, and under normal circumstances
unless Orissa is able to find 50% of the necessary money
it may take 20-30 years or more for the Khurda-Balangir line and the
Juagarh-Nabrangpur-Jeypore-Malkangiri line to get complete.
The only way out is to try our best to designate the above lines
declared as national project with a time table of getting them done
during the 11th plan. If we succeed in getting them designated
as a national project then well and good, if not we may be able to
get them a high priority or force a change in the policy so that these
lines get done in 5 years. (This will be similar to the Vijaywada-Ranchi
highway, which although did not get the national highway designation,
got enough attention and funding promises to get in the priority list.)
A similar approach is being tried by Uttarakhand and recent news report
mention that Mr. Lalu Yadav has asked the PM to designate the making of certain lines
in Uttarakhand as national projects.
I think we need to move fast and make a similar effort by presenting
our case (to designate the making of lines in KBK+ as national project)
with both the PM as well as the railway minister. They claim to be in
a receptive mood vis-a-vis Orissa and we must not miss this chance.
We must make sure that the finishing of these lines in the next
five years is inked in the 11th plan.
To help you in this I have attached a draft presentation which
one may improve upon.
Again, this is the time. If we are not able to do something now, after the 11th
plan is being finalized, no matter how much we shout and cry in December/Jan/Feb it
may not help; as it did not help last year.
Please, please urgently contact Mr. Lalu Yadav and the PM and make
the case, and if necessary write about it, go to the media etc. etc. as you
did successfully with respect to the Vijaywada-Ranchi highway.
sincerely and with best regards
Chitta
--
Chitta Baral
Professor, Arizona State University
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following documents contains the proposal by Prof Chitta Baral to make KBK Rail Connectivity a National Project for bringing new infrastructure to backward KBK+ cluster.
Proposal in PPT
Proposal with a map in PDF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Hati River Bridge over NH 201 near Junagarh still a Serious Concern in Rainy Season
The Hindu, June 29, 2007
Heavy rains in Orissa, rivers in spate
Bhubaneswar, June. 29 (PTI): Heavy rains lashed coastal and southern Orissa as the deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal crossed the coast near Puri today, leaving several rivers in a spate.
The depression hit the coast between 0530 and 0630 hours but rains had been continuing since Wednesday afternoon in many places as squally weather prevailed.
Revenue Control Room sources said several places in south Orissa were virtually deluged experiencing cloudbursts as normal life was thrown out of gear.
Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district experienced as much as 32 cm of rainfall during the 24 hours ended at 0830 hours this morning while Jeypore town in Koraput district, which was deluged by 27 cm of rains on Wednesday night, was subjected to another 21 cm during the last 24 hours.
Koraput town experienced 22 cm of precipitation over the same period.
The sources said that the heavy rains had caused the Vamsadhara river to swell which was flowing at 53.64 metres, just above the warning level of 53.60 metres at Kashinagar. The Mahendratanaya river was also in spate.
Special Relief Commissioner N K Sundarray said the situation in Koraput district, which was lashed by heavy rains, was improving.
Meanwhile, two Thai fishing trawlers have sunk in the Bay of Bengal off the Paradip coast, but the crew members are safe, official sources said today.
All the 28 crew members in the two vessels managed to reach the coast in life boats. One of them, who was sick, had been admitted into the Port Trust Hospital.
A report from Bhawanipatna said heavy rains in the district had flooded the Hathi river and the water was flowing three feet above the bridge near Junagarh on NH-201.
The Hathi feeds the Tel river, the biggest tributary of the Mahanadi system downstream of Hirakud dam.
"We are keeping track of the heavy rains and watching the rivers," a senior revenue department official said adding "right now no serious flood situation is being visualised."
Several units of the Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force had been kept ready to meet the emerging situation.
The places which received major amount of rainfall included Nabarangpur (20 cm), Patangi (19), Umarkote (18), Krushna Prasad (17), Kosagumuda (16), Jaleswar (13), Jaipatna (12) and Tikabali (11).
Meanwhile, a restless sea continued to pound the coast affecting two seaside villages under Satbhaya gram panchayat in Kendrapara district.
The waves submerged Satbhaya and Kanhupur villages marooning about 200 families. Some of them, however, had subsequently shifted to the nearby panchayat building and a sand dune, the local sarpanch Sasmita Das said.
The sea had already devoured five nearby villages over the last few decades with only two remaining now.
Similar report: Samaja, 8 Aug 2007
Dharitri, Aug 8, 2007
The Hindu, Aug 12, 2007
The New Indian Express, Aug 13, 2007
Times of India, Aug 11, 2007
The Telegraph, Kolkata, Aug 13, 2007
The Pioneer, Aug 13, 2007
Dharitri, Aug 13, 2007
The Samaja, Aug 13, 2007
The Pioneer, Aug 17, 2007
The New Indian Express, Aug 18, 2007
The New Indian Express, Aug 19, 2007
Heavy rains in Orissa, rivers in spate
Bhubaneswar, June. 29 (PTI): Heavy rains lashed coastal and southern Orissa as the deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal crossed the coast near Puri today, leaving several rivers in a spate.
The depression hit the coast between 0530 and 0630 hours but rains had been continuing since Wednesday afternoon in many places as squally weather prevailed.
Revenue Control Room sources said several places in south Orissa were virtually deluged experiencing cloudbursts as normal life was thrown out of gear.
Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district experienced as much as 32 cm of rainfall during the 24 hours ended at 0830 hours this morning while Jeypore town in Koraput district, which was deluged by 27 cm of rains on Wednesday night, was subjected to another 21 cm during the last 24 hours.
Koraput town experienced 22 cm of precipitation over the same period.
The sources said that the heavy rains had caused the Vamsadhara river to swell which was flowing at 53.64 metres, just above the warning level of 53.60 metres at Kashinagar. The Mahendratanaya river was also in spate.
Special Relief Commissioner N K Sundarray said the situation in Koraput district, which was lashed by heavy rains, was improving.
Meanwhile, two Thai fishing trawlers have sunk in the Bay of Bengal off the Paradip coast, but the crew members are safe, official sources said today.
All the 28 crew members in the two vessels managed to reach the coast in life boats. One of them, who was sick, had been admitted into the Port Trust Hospital.
A report from Bhawanipatna said heavy rains in the district had flooded the Hathi river and the water was flowing three feet above the bridge near Junagarh on NH-201.
The Hathi feeds the Tel river, the biggest tributary of the Mahanadi system downstream of Hirakud dam.
"We are keeping track of the heavy rains and watching the rivers," a senior revenue department official said adding "right now no serious flood situation is being visualised."
Several units of the Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force had been kept ready to meet the emerging situation.
The places which received major amount of rainfall included Nabarangpur (20 cm), Patangi (19), Umarkote (18), Krushna Prasad (17), Kosagumuda (16), Jaleswar (13), Jaipatna (12) and Tikabali (11).
Meanwhile, a restless sea continued to pound the coast affecting two seaside villages under Satbhaya gram panchayat in Kendrapara district.
The waves submerged Satbhaya and Kanhupur villages marooning about 200 families. Some of them, however, had subsequently shifted to the nearby panchayat building and a sand dune, the local sarpanch Sasmita Das said.
The sea had already devoured five nearby villages over the last few decades with only two remaining now.
Similar report: Samaja, 8 Aug 2007
Dharitri, Aug 8, 2007
The Hindu, Aug 12, 2007
The New Indian Express, Aug 13, 2007
Times of India, Aug 11, 2007
The Telegraph, Kolkata, Aug 13, 2007
The Pioneer, Aug 13, 2007
Dharitri, Aug 13, 2007
The Samaja, Aug 13, 2007
The Pioneer, Aug 17, 2007
The New Indian Express, Aug 18, 2007
The New Indian Express, Aug 19, 2007
Orissa may get 3 more edu institutes
Busness Standard, June 25, 2007
The Central government is likely to establish at least three educational and professional institutes in southern Orissa as part of its 11th Plan agenda for education. While the first Central University is likely to be set up in Koraput, plans for an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) and National Institute of Design (NID) in Berhampur are in the works.
The Center has decided to establish a Central University in each state and 19 IIITs across the country during the 11th Plan period. “Orissa should get these institutes during the 11th plan period and I suggested that these should be set up in Berhampur and Koraput,” said Chandra Sekhar Sahu, the union minister of state for rural development, adding: “When I gave these suggestions to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he warmed up to it and I hope these institutes will be established in the southern Orissa towns.”
Sahu also said he has discussed the possibility of a National Institute of Design (NID) and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) being set up in Berhampur and Bhubaneswar. The recent discussions with the Union minister for commerce, Kamal Nath, and the minister for textiles, Shankarsingh Veghela, “were very positive and they assured us that they are willing to establish these institutes if the state government extended its cooperation,” said Sahu.
Another national institute – the National Institute of Handloom Technology (NIHT) – will be established at Bargarh, a town in western Orissa. While the Central University and IIIT are under the Ministry of Human Resources Development, the NID is under the Ministry of Commerce. NIFT and NIHT come under the Ministry of Textiles.
Meanwhile, the Berhampur University in south Orissa is planning to introduce a five-year integrated course in Masters of Computer
Application (MCA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Once it gets the green signal, the university will start the five-year integrated courses in these two subjects.
The matter was discussed in the syndicate meeting of the university held here recently and was referred to the Board of Studies of MCA and
MBA for consideration and recommendation. At present, the Berhampur University offers three-year MCA and Law courses, and a two-year degree in MBA.
The Central government is likely to establish at least three educational and professional institutes in southern Orissa as part of its 11th Plan agenda for education. While the first Central University is likely to be set up in Koraput, plans for an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) and National Institute of Design (NID) in Berhampur are in the works.
The Center has decided to establish a Central University in each state and 19 IIITs across the country during the 11th Plan period. “Orissa should get these institutes during the 11th plan period and I suggested that these should be set up in Berhampur and Koraput,” said Chandra Sekhar Sahu, the union minister of state for rural development, adding: “When I gave these suggestions to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he warmed up to it and I hope these institutes will be established in the southern Orissa towns.”
Sahu also said he has discussed the possibility of a National Institute of Design (NID) and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) being set up in Berhampur and Bhubaneswar. The recent discussions with the Union minister for commerce, Kamal Nath, and the minister for textiles, Shankarsingh Veghela, “were very positive and they assured us that they are willing to establish these institutes if the state government extended its cooperation,” said Sahu.
Another national institute – the National Institute of Handloom Technology (NIHT) – will be established at Bargarh, a town in western Orissa. While the Central University and IIIT are under the Ministry of Human Resources Development, the NID is under the Ministry of Commerce. NIFT and NIHT come under the Ministry of Textiles.
Meanwhile, the Berhampur University in south Orissa is planning to introduce a five-year integrated course in Masters of Computer
Application (MCA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Once it gets the green signal, the university will start the five-year integrated courses in these two subjects.
The matter was discussed in the syndicate meeting of the university held here recently and was referred to the Board of Studies of MCA and
MBA for consideration and recommendation. At present, the Berhampur University offers three-year MCA and Law courses, and a two-year degree in MBA.
Our Govt will fight for central varsity: Naveen
The New Indian Express, June 20, 2007
BHUBANESWAR: Denial of a central university to the State by Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has come as a shock for people of Orissa.
The university will now be established at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, the home state of HRD Minister Arjun Singh.
Describing this as another glaring instance of Centre’s indifference towards the State, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told newspersons that his government would fight for establishment of the university in Orissa.
Besides, the BJD would also organise State-wide demonstration on the issue. Underscoring the need for setting up the central university in KBK region, the Chief Minister said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that this would immensely benefit the SC, ST and BPL families.
The demand goes back to 1991 when the then Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had moved the Centre for upgrading Utkal University to a central university.
Naveen Patnaik raised the issue again after taking over as the Chief Minister in 2000.
However, neither the previous NDA government nor the present UPA government considered the demand favourably.
The shifting of the central university has come at atime when the State has already been deprived by the Centre of having a National Institute of Science (NIS) or an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
BHUBANESWAR: Denial of a central university to the State by Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has come as a shock for people of Orissa.
The university will now be established at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, the home state of HRD Minister Arjun Singh.
Describing this as another glaring instance of Centre’s indifference towards the State, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told newspersons that his government would fight for establishment of the university in Orissa.
Besides, the BJD would also organise State-wide demonstration on the issue. Underscoring the need for setting up the central university in KBK region, the Chief Minister said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that this would immensely benefit the SC, ST and BPL families.
The demand goes back to 1991 when the then Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had moved the Centre for upgrading Utkal University to a central university.
Naveen Patnaik raised the issue again after taking over as the Chief Minister in 2000.
However, neither the previous NDA government nor the present UPA government considered the demand favourably.
The shifting of the central university has come at atime when the State has already been deprived by the Centre of having a National Institute of Science (NIS) or an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
No dearth of funds for KBK dists: CM
The New Indian Express, June 23, 2007
RAYAGADA: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced that his Government was taking all possible measures to fulfill the dream of Biju ‘babu’ to make Orissa a prosperous State and bring about development of tribals and downtrodden.
Addressing a workers’ meeting presided over by BJD leader N Bhaskar Rao, Naveen said there will be no dearth of funds for development of KBK districts.
He said the BJD-BJP Government in the State has launched various developmental programmes which can only be implemented with the support of the people.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister continued with his inauguration spree. He inaugurated the new collectorate building and circuit house besides unveiled the statue of Biju Patnaik at the new busstand.
He also inaugurated the market complex of Chandili panchayat near JKPur. This apart, Naveen distributed 18,200 land ‘pattas’ and 56 tractors. He also promised that the Naupada-Gunupur railway line would be completed by March 2008. Around 10 platoons of police were deployed in the town.
RAYAGADA: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced that his Government was taking all possible measures to fulfill the dream of Biju ‘babu’ to make Orissa a prosperous State and bring about development of tribals and downtrodden.
Addressing a workers’ meeting presided over by BJD leader N Bhaskar Rao, Naveen said there will be no dearth of funds for development of KBK districts.
He said the BJD-BJP Government in the State has launched various developmental programmes which can only be implemented with the support of the people.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister continued with his inauguration spree. He inaugurated the new collectorate building and circuit house besides unveiled the statue of Biju Patnaik at the new busstand.
He also inaugurated the market complex of Chandili panchayat near JKPur. This apart, Naveen distributed 18,200 land ‘pattas’ and 56 tractors. He also promised that the Naupada-Gunupur railway line would be completed by March 2008. Around 10 platoons of police were deployed in the town.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Rs 20,000 cr Alumina plant to be set up in Rayagada
The Pioneer, June 12, 2007
Another Alumina plant is in the offing. L&T and Dubai-based Dubal Company will set up an Alumina plant at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore at Kushumshila in Rayagada.
Representatives of both the companies met the Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy on Monday and held a detailed discussion. at the State Secretariat.
Another Alumina plant is in the offing. L&T and Dubai-based Dubal Company will set up an Alumina plant at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore at Kushumshila in Rayagada.
Representatives of both the companies met the Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy on Monday and held a detailed discussion. at the State Secretariat.
Fill vacant posts of doctor in KBK, Panel to Govt
The Pioneer, June 12, 2007
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
...State to appoint 890 nursing staffs
The Standing Committee on Health on Monday recommended the Government to fulfill the posts of doctors that are lying vacant in the KBK region.
The meeting which was held under the chairmanship of BJD MLA Kalinidi Charan Behera observed that Government should take some proactive steps to strengthen the health system in the State.
It also asked the Government inform the people when a health mobile unit visits a particular area. "As people are not able to know the exact date of the mobile van coming to the area, they are unable to get the benefit from the doctors,'' the Committee members argued.It also asked the Government to direct the Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC) to appoint doctors on regular basis.
Meanwhile, the Government has decided to appoint 890 nurses in different hospitals on a contract basis. In the district headquarter hospitals eight nurses will be given appointment. Similarly, in the sub-divisional level hospitals the number would be six each, three each in 68 community hospitals and two each in 131 primary health centres. In the 2007-08 financial year, another 1,000 nursing staffs and 400 ANM will be given appointment.
Similarly, 60 laboratory technicians, 314 homeopathic and Ayurvedic doctors, 314 programme officers and 314 accountants will be given appointment. Fifty system analysts, date-entry operators will also be given appointment.
For the management of the three medical colleges, 35 hospital administrators and 22 Accountant -cum-DEO will be given appointment.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
...State to appoint 890 nursing staffs
The Standing Committee on Health on Monday recommended the Government to fulfill the posts of doctors that are lying vacant in the KBK region.
The meeting which was held under the chairmanship of BJD MLA Kalinidi Charan Behera observed that Government should take some proactive steps to strengthen the health system in the State.
It also asked the Government inform the people when a health mobile unit visits a particular area. "As people are not able to know the exact date of the mobile van coming to the area, they are unable to get the benefit from the doctors,'' the Committee members argued.It also asked the Government to direct the Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC) to appoint doctors on regular basis.
Meanwhile, the Government has decided to appoint 890 nurses in different hospitals on a contract basis. In the district headquarter hospitals eight nurses will be given appointment. Similarly, in the sub-divisional level hospitals the number would be six each, three each in 68 community hospitals and two each in 131 primary health centres. In the 2007-08 financial year, another 1,000 nursing staffs and 400 ANM will be given appointment.
Similarly, 60 laboratory technicians, 314 homeopathic and Ayurvedic doctors, 314 programme officers and 314 accountants will be given appointment. Fifty system analysts, date-entry operators will also be given appointment.
For the management of the three medical colleges, 35 hospital administrators and 22 Accountant -cum-DEO will be given appointment.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Centre’s social audit finds tribals hardpressed for work in KBK
Financial Express, June 11, 2007
RURAL ECONOMY
Centre’s social audit finds tribals hardpressed for work in Kalahandi
ASHOK B SHARMA
Posted online: Monday, June 11, 2007 at 0000 hours IST
NEW DELHI, JUN 10: There are no smiles on the faces of the poverty-stricken tribals of the infamous KBK hunger belt of Orissa. The government’s ambitious National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, being implement in the region, has turned out to be a mockery, largely benefiting the implementing authorities at the expense of poor tribals, according to a survey by Centre for Enviournment and Food Security (CEFS), conducted under the Union government’s social audit programme.
The erstwhile Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK) has been divided into six districts, namely Bolangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabrangpur and Rayagada. As the region was known for starvation deaths, it was declared as the region for special attention.
According to the survey, there are irregularities in entries in job cards, maintenance of muster rolls and disbursement of payments to the intended beneficiaries. CEFS conducted a survey of 100 villages in the six districts in the last two months.
Among the major findings of the CEFS report social audit has not been conducted in any of the 100 villages and the muster rolls have not been checked by the village people. In none of the villages under survey 100-day employment was given. No job cards are issued in 11 villages, no work was undertaken in 37 villages after issuance of job cards and after 16 months of the launch of the scheme. Job cards issued in 23 villages are not given to the workers, they are still in the custody of panchayat executive officers (PEOs) and junior officers.
In 25 villages under survey partial payments have been made to workers and in three village no payments have been made even after 4 to 8 months of work. In 6 villages in Kashipur block in Rayagada district work is being undertaken without issuance any job cards
“Our findings reveal a nexus between a chain of officials, from state to village levels, responsible for implementation of the scheme. Benefits are not reaching the beneficiaries," CEFS director, Parashuram Ray told FE.He said the BDO of Nandur block in Koraput district, Jyoti Rajan Mishra had instructed the PEOs not to show any muster rolls to the visiting CEFS team.
The PEO of Raisingh gram panchayat, Nagesh Choudhary has given in writing that he would not show any muster roll without the permission of the BDO. The next day when the CEFS team contacted the BDO he said that the permission from the district collector was necessary. The CEFS team even contacted the state commissioner-cum-secretary of panchayati raj, Rabindranath Dash to resolve the issue, but failed.
Ray said despite such hindrances, the CEFS team could get some interesting accounts from the people. In Maagaral village card no 2401 was issued to Hari Sisa for 59 day-work, but actually he was offered work for only 20 days.
According to the study, there are six enteries in the muster rolls in the name of Hari Sisa. Similarly job card no 2335 was issued to Mini Budi Khilo for 36-day work while he was offered work for only 8 days with three entries in the muster rolls. Balaram Sisa was issued job card no 2397 for 30-day work, but was offered work for only 5 days. Hagu Hemendru was issued job card no 2360 for 58-day work, but was offered work for only 6 days.
RURAL ECONOMY
Centre’s social audit finds tribals hardpressed for work in Kalahandi
ASHOK B SHARMA
Posted online: Monday, June 11, 2007 at 0000 hours IST
NEW DELHI, JUN 10: There are no smiles on the faces of the poverty-stricken tribals of the infamous KBK hunger belt of Orissa. The government’s ambitious National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, being implement in the region, has turned out to be a mockery, largely benefiting the implementing authorities at the expense of poor tribals, according to a survey by Centre for Enviournment and Food Security (CEFS), conducted under the Union government’s social audit programme.
The erstwhile Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK) has been divided into six districts, namely Bolangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabrangpur and Rayagada. As the region was known for starvation deaths, it was declared as the region for special attention.
According to the survey, there are irregularities in entries in job cards, maintenance of muster rolls and disbursement of payments to the intended beneficiaries. CEFS conducted a survey of 100 villages in the six districts in the last two months.
Among the major findings of the CEFS report social audit has not been conducted in any of the 100 villages and the muster rolls have not been checked by the village people. In none of the villages under survey 100-day employment was given. No job cards are issued in 11 villages, no work was undertaken in 37 villages after issuance of job cards and after 16 months of the launch of the scheme. Job cards issued in 23 villages are not given to the workers, they are still in the custody of panchayat executive officers (PEOs) and junior officers.
In 25 villages under survey partial payments have been made to workers and in three village no payments have been made even after 4 to 8 months of work. In 6 villages in Kashipur block in Rayagada district work is being undertaken without issuance any job cards
“Our findings reveal a nexus between a chain of officials, from state to village levels, responsible for implementation of the scheme. Benefits are not reaching the beneficiaries," CEFS director, Parashuram Ray told FE.He said the BDO of Nandur block in Koraput district, Jyoti Rajan Mishra had instructed the PEOs not to show any muster rolls to the visiting CEFS team.
The PEO of Raisingh gram panchayat, Nagesh Choudhary has given in writing that he would not show any muster roll without the permission of the BDO. The next day when the CEFS team contacted the BDO he said that the permission from the district collector was necessary. The CEFS team even contacted the state commissioner-cum-secretary of panchayati raj, Rabindranath Dash to resolve the issue, but failed.
Ray said despite such hindrances, the CEFS team could get some interesting accounts from the people. In Maagaral village card no 2401 was issued to Hari Sisa for 59 day-work, but actually he was offered work for only 20 days.
According to the study, there are six enteries in the muster rolls in the name of Hari Sisa. Similarly job card no 2335 was issued to Mini Budi Khilo for 36-day work while he was offered work for only 8 days with three entries in the muster rolls. Balaram Sisa was issued job card no 2397 for 30-day work, but was offered work for only 5 days. Hagu Hemendru was issued job card no 2360 for 58-day work, but was offered work for only 6 days.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Vijayawada-Ranchi road corridor gets PM's approval, Good news for KBK+ Districts
Indian Express, June o6, 2007
Road re-routed to bring Orissa’s Naxal heartland onto the map
Anubhuti VishnoiPosted online: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 at 0000 hrs Print Email
NEW DELHI, JUNE 5: A solution to the Naxalite problem in Orissa could lie down a dream road. The Prime Minister’s Office has cleared a long-standing demand of Orissa to build a two-lane, state-of-the-art road through its 12 insurgency-affected districts, bringing these tribal areas closer to the rest of the state and, it is hoped, to development.
At a recent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways was asked to expedite finalisation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Vijayawada-Ranchi corridor cutting through Orissa, and take it up on a priority basis. Special assistance will be given to Orissa for its state, district and rural roads running along the alignment.
Around 1,219 km of the 1,729-km corridor planned between Vijayawada and Ranchi will fall in Orissa, and the state government had requested that its state highways, district and rural roads be incorporated in the corridor. Now 235.8 km of national highway sections, 878 km of state high ways and 104.5 km of rural roads will be a part of the corridor. The road from Vijayawada enters Orissa at Motu in Malkangiri district and leaves at Tiring in Mayurbhanj district on the north.
Orissa has long sought a security corridor through the ‘red’ tribal belts. The state, in fact, wanted that the entire stretch through the state be declared a national highway, or at best be developed on a par with national highways. While the Ministry may not call the stretch NH as yet, with the Prime Minister taking a keen interest, it is set to be developed as per national highway standards.
What that means is that tribal areas of Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Anugul, Sambalpur, Deograh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Boudh, currently insurgency hotbeds, may emerge out of the hinterlands.
Confirming that the project had been put on the fast track, a senior Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways official said: “The DPR of the corridor is underway and should be ready in six-seven months.”
Road re-routed to bring Orissa’s Naxal heartland onto the map
Anubhuti VishnoiPosted online: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 at 0000 hrs Print Email
NEW DELHI, JUNE 5: A solution to the Naxalite problem in Orissa could lie down a dream road. The Prime Minister’s Office has cleared a long-standing demand of Orissa to build a two-lane, state-of-the-art road through its 12 insurgency-affected districts, bringing these tribal areas closer to the rest of the state and, it is hoped, to development.
At a recent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways was asked to expedite finalisation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Vijayawada-Ranchi corridor cutting through Orissa, and take it up on a priority basis. Special assistance will be given to Orissa for its state, district and rural roads running along the alignment.
Around 1,219 km of the 1,729-km corridor planned between Vijayawada and Ranchi will fall in Orissa, and the state government had requested that its state highways, district and rural roads be incorporated in the corridor. Now 235.8 km of national highway sections, 878 km of state high ways and 104.5 km of rural roads will be a part of the corridor. The road from Vijayawada enters Orissa at Motu in Malkangiri district and leaves at Tiring in Mayurbhanj district on the north.
Orissa has long sought a security corridor through the ‘red’ tribal belts. The state, in fact, wanted that the entire stretch through the state be declared a national highway, or at best be developed on a par with national highways. While the Ministry may not call the stretch NH as yet, with the Prime Minister taking a keen interest, it is set to be developed as per national highway standards.
What that means is that tribal areas of Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Anugul, Sambalpur, Deograh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Boudh, currently insurgency hotbeds, may emerge out of the hinterlands.
Confirming that the project had been put on the fast track, a senior Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways official said: “The DPR of the corridor is underway and should be ready in six-seven months.”
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Getting KBK+ districts closer to the state capital by Prof Chitta Baral
The completion of the (a) Kurdha Rd - Balangir new line, (b) Lanjigarh Rd - Junagarh new line, (c) broad gauge conversion of Naupada Rd and Gunupur and (d) the completion of the Gunupur-Theruvali line will have the following benefits. [Among these, with the current funding level (b) and (c) will be completed in a couple of years. What is needed is a big push to complete (a) and (d) in the next 3-4 years.]
1. Parlakhemundi, the district headquarter of Gajapati will be on Broad gauge rail and will be 305 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [c]
2. Sonepur, the district HQ of Sonepur district will be on Broad gauge rail and will be 259 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [a]
3. Boudh, the district HQ of Boudha district will be on Broad gauge and will be 217 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital).[a]
4. Nayagarha, the district HQ of Nayagarha district will be on Broad gauge and will be 84 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [a]
5. Bhawanipatna, the district HQ of Kalahandi district will be on Broad gauge and will be 450 kms from Bhubaneswar via Balangir [a,b] and 504 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital) via Gunupur. [b,c,d]
6. Balangir, the district HQ of Balangir district will now be 309 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 397 kms. [a]
7. Nawapara Rd, near the district HQ of Nawapara district will now be 459 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 547 kms. [a]
8. Rayagada, the district HQ of Rayagada district will now be 419 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 502 kms. [c,d]
Koraput, the district HQ of Koraput district will now be 573 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 676 kms. [c,d]
9. Titlagarh, a major junction will now be 373 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 461 kms. [a]
Thus these four lines will connect 5 new district HQs to the broad gauge railways and will significantly reduce the distance between 4 other district HQs and the state capital. That is 8 district HQs would be within half-a-day intercity distance away from the state capital and the 9th one (Koraput) will be within a overnight ride from the state capital.
Two further extensions of Junagarh-Nawarangpur and Jeypore-Malkangiri will bring two other KBK district HQs to be connected to the broad gauge railways.
Following explains the calculations [orissalinks] :
1. Parlakhemundi-Naupada Rd is 40 kms and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms.
2. Sonepur to Khurda Rd is 240 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
3. Boudha to Khurda Rd is 198 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
4. Nayagarh to Khurda Rd is 65 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
5. Bhawanipatna to Lanjiharh Rd is 30 kms, Lanjigarh Rd to Titlagarh is 47 kms, Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms, Balangir to Khurda Rd is 290 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms. Lanjigarh Rd to Theruvali is 74 kms, Theruvali to Gunupur is estimated to be 45 kms, Gunupur to Naupada rd is 90 kms, and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms.
6. Balangir to Khurda Rd is 290 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms. Balangir to Sambalpur is 118 kms, Sambalpur to Talcher Rd is 169 kms, Talcher Thermal to Barang is 94 kms and Barang to Bhubaneswar is 16 kms.
7. Nawapara Rd to Titlagarh is 86 kms and Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms.
8. Rayagada to Theruvali is 19 kms, Theruvali to Naupada Rd is estimated to be 135 kms and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms. Rayagad to Vijainagaram is 124 kms and Vijainagaram to Bhubaneswar is 378 kms.
9. Koraput to Rayagada is 174 kms.
10. Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms.
1. Parlakhemundi, the district headquarter of Gajapati will be on Broad gauge rail and will be 305 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [c]
2. Sonepur, the district HQ of Sonepur district will be on Broad gauge rail and will be 259 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [a]
3. Boudh, the district HQ of Boudha district will be on Broad gauge and will be 217 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital).[a]
4. Nayagarha, the district HQ of Nayagarha district will be on Broad gauge and will be 84 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [a]
5. Bhawanipatna, the district HQ of Kalahandi district will be on Broad gauge and will be 450 kms from Bhubaneswar via Balangir [a,b] and 504 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital) via Gunupur. [b,c,d]
6. Balangir, the district HQ of Balangir district will now be 309 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 397 kms. [a]
7. Nawapara Rd, near the district HQ of Nawapara district will now be 459 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 547 kms. [a]
8. Rayagada, the district HQ of Rayagada district will now be 419 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 502 kms. [c,d]
Koraput, the district HQ of Koraput district will now be 573 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 676 kms. [c,d]
9. Titlagarh, a major junction will now be 373 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 461 kms. [a]
Thus these four lines will connect 5 new district HQs to the broad gauge railways and will significantly reduce the distance between 4 other district HQs and the state capital. That is 8 district HQs would be within half-a-day intercity distance away from the state capital and the 9th one (Koraput) will be within a overnight ride from the state capital.
Two further extensions of Junagarh-Nawarangpur and Jeypore-Malkangiri will bring two other KBK district HQs to be connected to the broad gauge railways.
Following explains the calculations [orissalinks] :
1. Parlakhemundi-Naupada Rd is 40 kms and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms.
2. Sonepur to Khurda Rd is 240 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
3. Boudha to Khurda Rd is 198 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
4. Nayagarh to Khurda Rd is 65 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
5. Bhawanipatna to Lanjiharh Rd is 30 kms, Lanjigarh Rd to Titlagarh is 47 kms, Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms, Balangir to Khurda Rd is 290 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms. Lanjigarh Rd to Theruvali is 74 kms, Theruvali to Gunupur is estimated to be 45 kms, Gunupur to Naupada rd is 90 kms, and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms.
6. Balangir to Khurda Rd is 290 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms. Balangir to Sambalpur is 118 kms, Sambalpur to Talcher Rd is 169 kms, Talcher Thermal to Barang is 94 kms and Barang to Bhubaneswar is 16 kms.
7. Nawapara Rd to Titlagarh is 86 kms and Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms.
8. Rayagada to Theruvali is 19 kms, Theruvali to Naupada Rd is estimated to be 135 kms and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms. Rayagad to Vijainagaram is 124 kms and Vijainagaram to Bhubaneswar is 378 kms.
9. Koraput to Rayagada is 174 kms.
10. Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Tathya: Black Hole syndrome hits KBK
Koraput:29/May/2007
While massive industrialization of the state is trumpeted by the Naveen Government it seems the worst sufferer will be KBK (undivided Kalahandi, Balangir and Koraput) districts.
Now it is abundantly clear that industries would develop in the KBK region or not in the distant future is all but wishful thinking or at best a hopeful guess work.
However, by the time these wishes and guesses come true, the entire KBK would look like a huge Black Hole.
Take the case of 'Mali Parbat' in Koraput. The State Government has leased out the Aditya Alumina (Hindalco) to mine the huge mountain, rich in mineral deposits.
The Company's commitment at Koraput is a paltry Rs.13 lakh plus as compensation to 30 odd families.
The employment that would be generated would be a paltry 100 odd, and that too in the semi-skilled and unskilled segments.
The minerals will be carted to the refinery at Lucknow in UP and in turn it will feed the smelting plant at Hirakud to meet its capacity, which as of date is not even one - third.
So after losing huge mineral wealth Orissa in general and KBK of Koraput in particular would gain NOTHING.
In the name of investment the industrialists will save razing to ground every other mineral mountain and Black Holes for posterity.
What indeed is shocking is that the Company has suo motu agreed to pay 3 times higher cost of land and yet it works out to a mere Rs.13 lakh.
Worse, no politician of any hue is making any noise.
It is alleged that sufficient greasing has been done to buy silence.
That is but obvious with the ensuing elections to the State Assembly in late 2008.
The officials who have recommended the project are now enjoying a lot at the cost of the innocent tribals, alleged an activist.
Bureaucrat and political nexus that seems apparent in this sordid deal, all that KBK would have is a HUGE BLACK HOLE, what is now engulfing ranges of unending mountains.
Sadly, the poor tribals of Koraput are not even aware that the Paradise on which they are dependant on today for their very survival will soon become a veritable Hell.
While massive industrialization of the state is trumpeted by the Naveen Government it seems the worst sufferer will be KBK (undivided Kalahandi, Balangir and Koraput) districts.
Now it is abundantly clear that industries would develop in the KBK region or not in the distant future is all but wishful thinking or at best a hopeful guess work.
However, by the time these wishes and guesses come true, the entire KBK would look like a huge Black Hole.
Take the case of 'Mali Parbat' in Koraput. The State Government has leased out the Aditya Alumina (Hindalco) to mine the huge mountain, rich in mineral deposits.
The Company's commitment at Koraput is a paltry Rs.13 lakh plus as compensation to 30 odd families.
The employment that would be generated would be a paltry 100 odd, and that too in the semi-skilled and unskilled segments.
The minerals will be carted to the refinery at Lucknow in UP and in turn it will feed the smelting plant at Hirakud to meet its capacity, which as of date is not even one - third.
So after losing huge mineral wealth Orissa in general and KBK of Koraput in particular would gain NOTHING.
In the name of investment the industrialists will save razing to ground every other mineral mountain and Black Holes for posterity.
What indeed is shocking is that the Company has suo motu agreed to pay 3 times higher cost of land and yet it works out to a mere Rs.13 lakh.
Worse, no politician of any hue is making any noise.
It is alleged that sufficient greasing has been done to buy silence.
That is but obvious with the ensuing elections to the State Assembly in late 2008.
The officials who have recommended the project are now enjoying a lot at the cost of the innocent tribals, alleged an activist.
Bureaucrat and political nexus that seems apparent in this sordid deal, all that KBK would have is a HUGE BLACK HOLE, what is now engulfing ranges of unending mountains.
Sadly, the poor tribals of Koraput are not even aware that the Paradise on which they are dependant on today for their very survival will soon become a veritable Hell.
Govt to launch enterprise development programme
The New Indian Express, May 28, 2007
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has decided to launch enterprise development programme in 200 villages in the catchment area of Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project to create alternative employment opportunities and end dependence on forest.
The enterprise development activities planned by the Government include value addition to non-timber forest product, medicinal plants, agriculture and horticulture products, leaf plate making, hill broom making, mushroom cultivation, spawn production, fruit preservation and opening of handicraft centre for bamboo articles.
Interventions planned under the project are focused to conserve natural resources and improve economic conditions of people in the project villages. Bio-diversity conservation followed by sustainable non-destructive harvest would increase availability of raw materials needed by the people for livelihood support.
The project was constructed during the eighties across the Kolab river at Koranga village in Koraput district. The installed capacity of the project is to generate 320 MW of power and provide irrigation for 44,454 hectares.
The river originates in the Sinkaran hills of the Eastern Ghats in Koraput district. It flows through Jeypore tehsil and forms Orissa-Chhattisgarh border. The reservoir is now under serious threat of siltation which has reduced its storage capacity and life span.
According to sources, villagers will be encouraged planting on backyard/farm land by making available quality planting materials through nurseries. Besides the line departments, the self-help groups, the VSS, watershed committees and other village-level institutions will be involved in the implementation of the project.
As per the detailed project report, Rs 109 crore will be spent over a period of seven years. A project director stationed at Koraput will head the Mission to coordinate the activities of the different line departments. Besides, the project-level steering committee will be headed by the Administrator, KBK, and the Chief Secretary will be the head of the State-level monitoring committee.
The funds will be routed through the catchment area management society.
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has decided to launch enterprise development programme in 200 villages in the catchment area of Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project to create alternative employment opportunities and end dependence on forest.
The enterprise development activities planned by the Government include value addition to non-timber forest product, medicinal plants, agriculture and horticulture products, leaf plate making, hill broom making, mushroom cultivation, spawn production, fruit preservation and opening of handicraft centre for bamboo articles.
Interventions planned under the project are focused to conserve natural resources and improve economic conditions of people in the project villages. Bio-diversity conservation followed by sustainable non-destructive harvest would increase availability of raw materials needed by the people for livelihood support.
The project was constructed during the eighties across the Kolab river at Koranga village in Koraput district. The installed capacity of the project is to generate 320 MW of power and provide irrigation for 44,454 hectares.
The river originates in the Sinkaran hills of the Eastern Ghats in Koraput district. It flows through Jeypore tehsil and forms Orissa-Chhattisgarh border. The reservoir is now under serious threat of siltation which has reduced its storage capacity and life span.
According to sources, villagers will be encouraged planting on backyard/farm land by making available quality planting materials through nurseries. Besides the line departments, the self-help groups, the VSS, watershed committees and other village-level institutions will be involved in the implementation of the project.
As per the detailed project report, Rs 109 crore will be spent over a period of seven years. A project director stationed at Koraput will head the Mission to coordinate the activities of the different line departments. Besides, the project-level steering committee will be headed by the Administrator, KBK, and the Chief Secretary will be the head of the State-level monitoring committee.
The funds will be routed through the catchment area management society.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Center Promises for Khurdha-Balangir NH-224 Road
State lays roadmap for 1,000 km double lane
The New Indian Express, Wednesday May 23 2007 12:07 IST
BHUBANESWAR: More than 1,000 km of National Highway of the State, which are either one lane or intermediate lane, will be improved to double lane in the fourth phase of the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP).
Union Road Transport and Highway Secretary Vijay Singh, who is on a visit to the State, informed this to Works Minister A.U Singhdeo here on Tuesday.
The State will get Rs 2,200 crore under NHDP over a period of five years. A mechanism will be put in place to spend Rs 480 crore annually for development of National Highways. Presently, the State is receiving Rs 80 crore from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
The Minister proposed to convert 660 km of single lane and 461 km of intermediate-lane into double lane. Singh said the proposed National Highways will be taken up in the fourth phase of NHDP.
Responding to the Minister’s concern on the slow progress of the Khurda-Balangir NH-224, the Union Secretary said Rs 76 crore was allotted for the NH in 2006-07 and the required amount will be made available in the current year.
The Naranpur-Harichandanpur-Bamnipal road has been approved by the Eleventh Finance Commission and Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned for the project. Singhdeo called for urgent repair of the Panikoili-Rajamunda NH-215 and Kanaktara-Chandikhole NH-210.
The New Indian Express, Wednesday May 23 2007 12:07 IST
BHUBANESWAR: More than 1,000 km of National Highway of the State, which are either one lane or intermediate lane, will be improved to double lane in the fourth phase of the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP).
Union Road Transport and Highway Secretary Vijay Singh, who is on a visit to the State, informed this to Works Minister A.U Singhdeo here on Tuesday.
The State will get Rs 2,200 crore under NHDP over a period of five years. A mechanism will be put in place to spend Rs 480 crore annually for development of National Highways. Presently, the State is receiving Rs 80 crore from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
The Minister proposed to convert 660 km of single lane and 461 km of intermediate-lane into double lane. Singh said the proposed National Highways will be taken up in the fourth phase of NHDP.
Responding to the Minister’s concern on the slow progress of the Khurda-Balangir NH-224, the Union Secretary said Rs 76 crore was allotted for the NH in 2006-07 and the required amount will be made available in the current year.
The Naranpur-Harichandanpur-Bamnipal road has been approved by the Eleventh Finance Commission and Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned for the project. Singhdeo called for urgent repair of the Panikoili-Rajamunda NH-215 and Kanaktara-Chandikhole NH-210.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Some Collected Opinion:-
On KBK Infrastructure...
Dear Sir,
Kandhmal District is always neglected, but your voice will definitely make a impact on overall development of the region. Thanks for that.
As Kandhmal is neither in the KBK or in the costal region. Administration and Every Party seems to neglect it in every respect of development.
I strongly support your view for a new railway line from Bhawanipatna to Bhubaneswar via Plulbani.
Please continue to include Kandhmal while you pitch for any development works.
Thanks
Regards
Asutosh
(Comment to this site)
________________________________________________________________________________
On Vedanta University .....
Dear Readers,
.......................It may once again be noted that the great Benevolent and Philanthropic Agarwal could not even set up a proper Medical Centre at Lanjigarh, the Site of Vedanta Alumina, for the workers engaged in the Construction of the Project and also for the thousands of people displaced by the Project, as per the Video footage broadcast by ETV-Oriya Channel on the 2nd May. Certainly this is NOT the trait of a World Class Visionary!
Indeed, a true philanthropic human being, would have set up a Multi-speciality Medical hospital in the district of Kalahandi, where the vendanta Alumina Project is located.
People shd not forget that a Man is known by his action and not by his statements. We are anxiously waiting for Vedanta to first set up a proper Medical Centre with qualified Doctors and all facilities, before we could repose our confidence in Vedanta Group.................
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Jibanendar Mahanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)______________________________________________________________________________
On IIT in Orissa ........
Dear All,
Rayagada or Jeypore in south Orissa or Baripada in north Orissa should be chosen.
Human resources in Cuttack, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Baleswar and Sambalpur are much developed and competetive.So please give top priority to Rayagada or Jeypore or Baripada.
Regards
Binod
Biond K Mohanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)
............................................................
Dear All,
With due respect to feelings of various readers, I would suggest that the
IIT ( for Orissa) should be located in the district of KALAHANDI.
Hope that the High-tech Institute will erase the general perception abt
Kalahandi ( which was synonym for Starvation Death).
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Jibanendar Mahanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)
_________________________________________________________________
Dear Sir,
Kandhmal District is always neglected, but your voice will definitely make a impact on overall development of the region. Thanks for that.
As Kandhmal is neither in the KBK or in the costal region. Administration and Every Party seems to neglect it in every respect of development.
I strongly support your view for a new railway line from Bhawanipatna to Bhubaneswar via Plulbani.
Please continue to include Kandhmal while you pitch for any development works.
Thanks
Regards
Asutosh
(Comment to this site)
________________________________________________________________________________
On Vedanta University .....
Dear Readers,
.......................It may once again be noted that the great Benevolent and Philanthropic Agarwal could not even set up a proper Medical Centre at Lanjigarh, the Site of Vedanta Alumina, for the workers engaged in the Construction of the Project and also for the thousands of people displaced by the Project, as per the Video footage broadcast by ETV-Oriya Channel on the 2nd May. Certainly this is NOT the trait of a World Class Visionary!
Indeed, a true philanthropic human being, would have set up a Multi-speciality Medical hospital in the district of Kalahandi, where the vendanta Alumina Project is located.
People shd not forget that a Man is known by his action and not by his statements. We are anxiously waiting for Vedanta to first set up a proper Medical Centre with qualified Doctors and all facilities, before we could repose our confidence in Vedanta Group.................
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Jibanendar Mahanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)______________________________________________________________________________
On IIT in Orissa ........
Dear All,
Rayagada or Jeypore in south Orissa or Baripada in north Orissa should be chosen.
Human resources in Cuttack, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Baleswar and Sambalpur are much developed and competetive.So please give top priority to Rayagada or Jeypore or Baripada.
Regards
Binod
Biond K Mohanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)
............................................................
Dear All,
With due respect to feelings of various readers, I would suggest that the
IIT ( for Orissa) should be located in the district of KALAHANDI.
Hope that the High-tech Institute will erase the general perception abt
Kalahandi ( which was synonym for Starvation Death).
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Jibanendar Mahanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)
_________________________________________________________________
Tathya: Turn at KBK for industry
Bhawanipatna:16/May/2007
While Orissa is witnessing an unprecedented boom in industrial growth recently, industrial prospects of KBK area looks bleak.
Except few mineral based industries none of the other industries seems to be interested in the backward region of the state.
How ever the State Government in its Industrial Policy-2007 have announced special incentives for non-mineral based new industrial units to be located in KBK region along with Kandhamal, Gajapati and Mayurbhanj.
But this is not enough.
There are many possibilities to bring industries to this large backward cluster but it needs strong commitments by our policy makers and political leaders.
This backward region suffers major bottle neck of infrastructure.
Emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convinced to invest in KBK region.
State government has already signed 43 MOUs only in the steel sector; if these are actually implemented then it is quite enough for a state like Orissa.
Therefore, now the Government of Orissa should modify a bit the exiting rule for steel industry putting a new clause that any new proposal to establish steel industry in the state will be considered only if it would be located in KBK region or other no major industries districts like Kandhamal, Gajapati or Mayurbhanj district, otherwise mining rights would not be provided.
For growth of down stream industries in KBK region NALCO, Vedanta Alumina Ltd, and Utkal Alumina Ltd should be encouraged to establish industrial park at Koraput, Bhawanipatan and Rayagada respectively rather in non-KBK region.
IRRIGATION AND HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT: Project:
KBK region has the higher potential for generating electricity through hydroelectricity project that needs construction of new dams.
However it needs huge amount of investment that the state government might not commit in a single instance, therefore private players should be encouraged to establish dam for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation purposes in this region.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(IT) INDUSTRIES:
IT and BPO has generated huge employment in India recently.
Bhubaneswar is already emerging as an IT and ITES destination in the country.
In the next step the state government should expand these industries to other parts of the state.
There are already plan for expanding IT parks in Rourkela and Berhampur.
Keeping geographical location and future growth of KBK region in mind, the state government should establish at least three IT parks in Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir for the whole region for IT, BPO and KPO industries.
Establishment of three real universities in the region would benefit these industries.
BIOTECHNOLOGY PARK:
As such KBK region has great potential for biotechnology, especially, for agricultural biotechnology, herbal biotechnology and medicinal biotechnology.
Plantation of herbal plants and agricultural biotechnology in this region would be much beneficial.
KBK region could be a very good source of ethanol from not only agriculture but also from the forest.
Mahul a locally known forest flower that is used to make local wine) could be a good source for ethanol and methanol.
Though wine is locally discouraged, nevertheless it can be used for industrial growth to export out side the country.
The export market of Indian made wine and beer is flourishing recently.
Orissa should encourage such activity by inviting major industrialists to invest in wine and food processing market.
We must explore the possibility of local made products for export market, so that it will benefit the state government to generate more tax.
And local people including those tribal people who collect Mahul from the forest for making local wine, who are paid much lesswill also be benefitted.
The region would also be a good source for bio-diesel and bio-fuel production.
Therefore, the state government should establish biotechnology parks in the three major towns such as Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Balangir to explore all the above possibilities in KBK region.
PDF
While Orissa is witnessing an unprecedented boom in industrial growth recently, industrial prospects of KBK area looks bleak.
Except few mineral based industries none of the other industries seems to be interested in the backward region of the state.
How ever the State Government in its Industrial Policy-2007 have announced special incentives for non-mineral based new industrial units to be located in KBK region along with Kandhamal, Gajapati and Mayurbhanj.
But this is not enough.
There are many possibilities to bring industries to this large backward cluster but it needs strong commitments by our policy makers and political leaders.
This backward region suffers major bottle neck of infrastructure.
Emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convinced to invest in KBK region.
State government has already signed 43 MOUs only in the steel sector; if these are actually implemented then it is quite enough for a state like Orissa.
Therefore, now the Government of Orissa should modify a bit the exiting rule for steel industry putting a new clause that any new proposal to establish steel industry in the state will be considered only if it would be located in KBK region or other no major industries districts like Kandhamal, Gajapati or Mayurbhanj district, otherwise mining rights would not be provided.
For growth of down stream industries in KBK region NALCO, Vedanta Alumina Ltd, and Utkal Alumina Ltd should be encouraged to establish industrial park at Koraput, Bhawanipatan and Rayagada respectively rather in non-KBK region.
IRRIGATION AND HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT: Project:
KBK region has the higher potential for generating electricity through hydroelectricity project that needs construction of new dams.
However it needs huge amount of investment that the state government might not commit in a single instance, therefore private players should be encouraged to establish dam for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation purposes in this region.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(IT) INDUSTRIES:
IT and BPO has generated huge employment in India recently.
Bhubaneswar is already emerging as an IT and ITES destination in the country.
In the next step the state government should expand these industries to other parts of the state.
There are already plan for expanding IT parks in Rourkela and Berhampur.
Keeping geographical location and future growth of KBK region in mind, the state government should establish at least three IT parks in Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir for the whole region for IT, BPO and KPO industries.
Establishment of three real universities in the region would benefit these industries.
BIOTECHNOLOGY PARK:
As such KBK region has great potential for biotechnology, especially, for agricultural biotechnology, herbal biotechnology and medicinal biotechnology.
Plantation of herbal plants and agricultural biotechnology in this region would be much beneficial.
KBK region could be a very good source of ethanol from not only agriculture but also from the forest.
Mahul a locally known forest flower that is used to make local wine) could be a good source for ethanol and methanol.
Though wine is locally discouraged, nevertheless it can be used for industrial growth to export out side the country.
The export market of Indian made wine and beer is flourishing recently.
Orissa should encourage such activity by inviting major industrialists to invest in wine and food processing market.
We must explore the possibility of local made products for export market, so that it will benefit the state government to generate more tax.
And local people including those tribal people who collect Mahul from the forest for making local wine, who are paid much lesswill also be benefitted.
The region would also be a good source for bio-diesel and bio-fuel production.
Therefore, the state government should establish biotechnology parks in the three major towns such as Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Balangir to explore all the above possibilities in KBK region.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Possibilities in Bringing Industries to KBK+ Region
Mining and Metal: KBK+ region is rich in bauxite, gemstone, and other minerals. State government has made a special tax benefit for industrialists to establish industries in KBK. However, it is not enough to bring investment to a backward region like this where infrastructure is in bottleneck. Emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convienced to invest in KBK+ region.
State government has already signed 43 MOUs only in the steel sector; if these are actually implemented then it is quite enough for a state like Orissa. Therefore, now the state government should modify a bit the exiting rule for steel industry putting a new clause that any new proposal to establish steel industry in the state will be considered only if it would be located in KBK+ region or Mayurbhanj district, otherwise mining rights would not be provided.
For growth of down stream industries in KBK+ region NALCO, Vedanta Alumina Ltd, and Utkal Alumina Ltd should be encouraged to establish industrial park at Koraput, Bhawanipatan and Rayagada respectively.
Irrigation and Hydroelectric Project: KBK+ region has the higher potential for generating electricity through hydroelectricity project that needs construction of new dams. The state government should encourage private players to establish dam for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation purposes in this region.
Information Technology, BPO, and KPO: IT and BPO generate lots of employment in India recently. Bhubaneswar is already emerging as an IT and ITES destination in the country. In the next step the state government should expand these industries to other parts of the state. There are already plan for Rourkela, Berhampur. Keeping geographical location, distance and future growth of KBK* region in mind, the state government should establish at least three IT parks in Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir for the whole region for IT, BPO and KPO. Establishment of three real universities as proposed earlier in the region would benefit these industries.
Biotechnology Park: As such KBK+ region has great potential for biotechnology, especially for agricultural biotechnology, herbal biotechnology and medicinal biotechnology. Plantation of herbal plants and agricultural biotechnology in this region would be much beneficial.
KBK+ region could be a very good source of ethanol from not only agriculture but also the forest. Mahul (a locally known forest flower that is used to make local wine) could be a good source for ethanol and methanol. Though wine is locally discouraged, nevertheless it can be used for industrial growth to export out side the country. The export market of Indian made wine and beer is flourishing recently. Orissa should encourage such activity by inviting major industrialists to invest in wine and food processing market to explore the possibility of local made products for export market so that it will benefit both the state government and local people that included tribal people who collect Mahul from the forest for local making local wine. As realized by the state government the region would also be a source for bio-diesel and bio-fuel production.
Therefore, the state government should establish biotechnology parks in the three major towns such as Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Balangir to explore all the above possibilities in KBK+ region.
State government has already signed 43 MOUs only in the steel sector; if these are actually implemented then it is quite enough for a state like Orissa. Therefore, now the state government should modify a bit the exiting rule for steel industry putting a new clause that any new proposal to establish steel industry in the state will be considered only if it would be located in KBK+ region or Mayurbhanj district, otherwise mining rights would not be provided.
For growth of down stream industries in KBK+ region NALCO, Vedanta Alumina Ltd, and Utkal Alumina Ltd should be encouraged to establish industrial park at Koraput, Bhawanipatan and Rayagada respectively.
Irrigation and Hydroelectric Project: KBK+ region has the higher potential for generating electricity through hydroelectricity project that needs construction of new dams. The state government should encourage private players to establish dam for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation purposes in this region.
Information Technology, BPO, and KPO: IT and BPO generate lots of employment in India recently. Bhubaneswar is already emerging as an IT and ITES destination in the country. In the next step the state government should expand these industries to other parts of the state. There are already plan for Rourkela, Berhampur. Keeping geographical location, distance and future growth of KBK* region in mind, the state government should establish at least three IT parks in Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir for the whole region for IT, BPO and KPO. Establishment of three real universities as proposed earlier in the region would benefit these industries.
Biotechnology Park: As such KBK+ region has great potential for biotechnology, especially for agricultural biotechnology, herbal biotechnology and medicinal biotechnology. Plantation of herbal plants and agricultural biotechnology in this region would be much beneficial.
KBK+ region could be a very good source of ethanol from not only agriculture but also the forest. Mahul (a locally known forest flower that is used to make local wine) could be a good source for ethanol and methanol. Though wine is locally discouraged, nevertheless it can be used for industrial growth to export out side the country. The export market of Indian made wine and beer is flourishing recently. Orissa should encourage such activity by inviting major industrialists to invest in wine and food processing market to explore the possibility of local made products for export market so that it will benefit both the state government and local people that included tribal people who collect Mahul from the forest for local making local wine. As realized by the state government the region would also be a source for bio-diesel and bio-fuel production.
Therefore, the state government should establish biotechnology parks in the three major towns such as Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Balangir to explore all the above possibilities in KBK+ region.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Prospective of KBK in Mining and Industries
Pratisruti Plus, May 1~15, 2007, PDF
KBK is a mineral and natural resources rich region in the state, mainly bauxites, gem stones, graphite, manganese, limestone, quartz, diamond etc are abundantly present in the region, but these resources are limited and not in the scale of Orissa’s North-Western region that has huge deposits of coal, chromites, iron ores, and other minerals. Coal is the basic need for most of the mineral and mining based industries in an energy starving country like India. Therefore, most of the proposals coming to Orissa in mining and mineral based industries are either in the coal rich North-Western region or in the costal region which is proxy to port for export market.
KBK which has neither coal deposits nor proxy to any port in Orissa has unimpressive industrial proposals in mining and mineral based industries. Except NALCO in Damanojodi no other major mining industry was located in KBK. Recently some graphite based and ferro alloy industries of small scale size are being established in this region. The most cited mining based industrial proposal in KBK in recent times is the Alumina Refineries in Kashipur and Lanjigarh. However, these industries are often more known for controversies and political power struggle rather than actual progress. In fact political and environmental problems associated with these plants are so much complicated that it’s not only slowing down the implementation of the project but also discouraging other industrialists to invest in this region. KBK has a large forest area and people should bear in mind that a small environmental and forest degradation for development of industries in this backward region would be worthy for its social development. Social workers and politicians should rather be seriously concerned about other sources like forest fire, deforestation, etc which is really degrading large sum of forest land and environment in the KBK region.
In the mean time the state government should also encourage industrial houses to establish industries in backward KBK region rather than focusing only in few regions in Orissa. For example, Vedanta Alumina has recently signed a MOU to establish alumina-aluminium complex in Lanjigarh and Jharsuguda. There are many proposals around Jharsuguda for mining based industries like steel, thermal plants etc, some of which are of large scale; therefore, environmental degradation in this region will be quite higher. It could be possible to shift some of the industries to other less degraded region like KBK. For instance it would have been wiser if initially the state government could have negotiated with the Vendant Alumina to make its entire proposed complex including the proposed aluminium smelter in Kalahandi (Lanjigarh) or KBK region instead of Jharsuguda.
State government has made a special tax benefit for industrialists to establish industries in KBK. However, it is not enough to bring investment to a backward region like this. So, emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convinced to invest in KBK region. For example, Orissa government has already signed 43 MOUs for steel industries in Orissa and many big players like POSCO, Arcelor-Mittal, Tata, Jindal etc are investing in this sector. The government has enough proposals for steel for a state like Orissa, so now onwards it should focus on their proper implementation and make a new rule that any new steel industry must come in KBK, otherwise mining right would not be provided to that company.
Many parts of KBK region have not made any scientific survey for minerals though the region has potential for minerals like gemstones, diamond, gold, bauxites, iron ores, quartz, graphite, manganese etc. The state government should take initiative in this regard.
Unless state and central government give special attention to establish industries in KBK by developing infrastructure and giving special emphasis, the development of this part of the planet is in darkness. Mining as well as agriculture are Orissa’s core assets towards developments at this hour. One in expense of the other will spoil the development of Orissa. Both should be treated as two sides of a coin towards development. Therefore, any thing that would mix both the issues would bring chaos that Orissa is going through presently. The best way is to treat both industry and agriculture with equal importance to come out from the acute poverty and backwardness in KBK. Indeed, prospective of KBK lies in its industrial growth to which the mining sector has the potential to contribute in a large way.
KBK is a mineral and natural resources rich region in the state, mainly bauxites, gem stones, graphite, manganese, limestone, quartz, diamond etc are abundantly present in the region, but these resources are limited and not in the scale of Orissa’s North-Western region that has huge deposits of coal, chromites, iron ores, and other minerals. Coal is the basic need for most of the mineral and mining based industries in an energy starving country like India. Therefore, most of the proposals coming to Orissa in mining and mineral based industries are either in the coal rich North-Western region or in the costal region which is proxy to port for export market.
KBK which has neither coal deposits nor proxy to any port in Orissa has unimpressive industrial proposals in mining and mineral based industries. Except NALCO in Damanojodi no other major mining industry was located in KBK. Recently some graphite based and ferro alloy industries of small scale size are being established in this region. The most cited mining based industrial proposal in KBK in recent times is the Alumina Refineries in Kashipur and Lanjigarh. However, these industries are often more known for controversies and political power struggle rather than actual progress. In fact political and environmental problems associated with these plants are so much complicated that it’s not only slowing down the implementation of the project but also discouraging other industrialists to invest in this region. KBK has a large forest area and people should bear in mind that a small environmental and forest degradation for development of industries in this backward region would be worthy for its social development. Social workers and politicians should rather be seriously concerned about other sources like forest fire, deforestation, etc which is really degrading large sum of forest land and environment in the KBK region.
In the mean time the state government should also encourage industrial houses to establish industries in backward KBK region rather than focusing only in few regions in Orissa. For example, Vedanta Alumina has recently signed a MOU to establish alumina-aluminium complex in Lanjigarh and Jharsuguda. There are many proposals around Jharsuguda for mining based industries like steel, thermal plants etc, some of which are of large scale; therefore, environmental degradation in this region will be quite higher. It could be possible to shift some of the industries to other less degraded region like KBK. For instance it would have been wiser if initially the state government could have negotiated with the Vendant Alumina to make its entire proposed complex including the proposed aluminium smelter in Kalahandi (Lanjigarh) or KBK region instead of Jharsuguda.
State government has made a special tax benefit for industrialists to establish industries in KBK. However, it is not enough to bring investment to a backward region like this. So, emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convinced to invest in KBK region. For example, Orissa government has already signed 43 MOUs for steel industries in Orissa and many big players like POSCO, Arcelor-Mittal, Tata, Jindal etc are investing in this sector. The government has enough proposals for steel for a state like Orissa, so now onwards it should focus on their proper implementation and make a new rule that any new steel industry must come in KBK, otherwise mining right would not be provided to that company.
Many parts of KBK region have not made any scientific survey for minerals though the region has potential for minerals like gemstones, diamond, gold, bauxites, iron ores, quartz, graphite, manganese etc. The state government should take initiative in this regard.
Unless state and central government give special attention to establish industries in KBK by developing infrastructure and giving special emphasis, the development of this part of the planet is in darkness. Mining as well as agriculture are Orissa’s core assets towards developments at this hour. One in expense of the other will spoil the development of Orissa. Both should be treated as two sides of a coin towards development. Therefore, any thing that would mix both the issues would bring chaos that Orissa is going through presently. The best way is to treat both industry and agriculture with equal importance to come out from the acute poverty and backwardness in KBK. Indeed, prospective of KBK lies in its industrial growth to which the mining sector has the potential to contribute in a large way.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Good news for KBK but Kandhamal was still ignored by Orissa State Road Project
The New Indian Express on May 1, 2007, PDF, quoted that state government along with World Bank have cleared Orissa State Road Project (OSRP) to be implemented in three phases.
“The roads proposed under Phase-I is 835 kilometers of state highways. The roads included in phase-1 are, Berhampur-Digapahandi-JK Pur-Rayagada (201 kilometers), Kereda-Rayagada-JK Pur-Bhawanipatna-Khariar (213 kilometers), Jagatpur-Kendrapara-Chandbali-Bhadrak (152 kilometers), Bhadrak-Anandpur-Karanjia-Jashipur (142 kilometers), Daspalla-Narsinghpur-Hindol-Banarpal (89 kilometers) and Aska-Bhanjanagar (38 kilometers).
Official sources said that at a later stage the 39 kilometre long Dhamra port to Digochhia Chhak road connecting Bhadrak-Chandbali corridor and the 199 kilometer long Mohana-Chandiput-R Udaygiri-Paralakemundi-Gunupur and Bangi junction were added to the project.”
Comment:
These are few good initiatives by the state government to develop road connectivity in KBK region; however, the state government totally ignored one of the backward Kandhamal district and few parts of Kalahandi - Nuapada – Padampur route.
If we assume state government is expecting to implement the proposed Balangir – Khordha national highway in the following route;
Balangir (Balangir district) – Sonepur (Subarnapur district) – Boudh (Boudh district) - Purunakatak (Boudh district) - Dashapalla (Nayagarh Dist) – Nayagarh (Nayagarh Dist) – Khordha (Khordha district)
Then it is fine, other wise Balangir – Sonepur state highway should be included in the above list;
If it also plans to include the following route in the proposed Vijayawada – Ranchi national highway; (Tathya, 5 Dec, 2006, PDF )
Motu (Malkangiri district) – Malkangiri (Malkangiri district) – Mattili (Malkangiri district) – Boipariguda (Koraput district) – Jeypore (Koraput district) – Koraput (Koraput district) – Lakshmipur (Koraput district) - Rayagada (Rayagada district)
Then its fine, otherwise Malkangiri - Koraput – Rayagada route could also be included in the above list.
Of course NH 201 linking Boriguma - Nabarangpur – Bhawanipatna – Balangir – Bargarh would be a great boost to the region, but it needs more central grant for implementation.
Similar to Gajpati and Ganjam districts, Kandhamal district should have given importance in the first phase of road developments, we expected more importance could have given to the following routes:
Purunakatak (Boudh district, meeting point of Balangir-Khorda NH) –Phulbani (Kandhamal district) – Sadingia (Kandhamal district) – Baligurha (Kandhamal district) – Lankagarh (Kandhamal district) – Rampur (Kalahandi district)-Bhawanipatna (Kalahandi district, meeting point of proposed NH 201)
Similarly, the following route also needed attention by the state government in the fist phase,
Sohela (Bargarh district, a meeting point to NH6 towards Bargarh) – Padampur (Bargarg district) - Nuapada (Nuapada district) – Khariar (Nuapada district) – Sinapali (Nuapada district) – Golamunda (Kalahandi district) – Dharamgarh (Kalahandi district) – Moter (Kalahandi district, a meeting point to NH 201)
Hopefully, the sate government would consider the above routes in very near future.
[An Open Letter to the CM of Orissa, PDF]
“The roads proposed under Phase-I is 835 kilometers of state highways. The roads included in phase-1 are, Berhampur-Digapahandi-JK Pur-Rayagada (201 kilometers), Kereda-Rayagada-JK Pur-Bhawanipatna-Khariar (213 kilometers), Jagatpur-Kendrapara-Chandbali-Bhadrak (152 kilometers), Bhadrak-Anandpur-Karanjia-Jashipur (142 kilometers), Daspalla-Narsinghpur-Hindol-Banarpal (89 kilometers) and Aska-Bhanjanagar (38 kilometers).
Official sources said that at a later stage the 39 kilometre long Dhamra port to Digochhia Chhak road connecting Bhadrak-Chandbali corridor and the 199 kilometer long Mohana-Chandiput-R Udaygiri-Paralakemundi-Gunupur and Bangi junction were added to the project.”
Comment:
These are few good initiatives by the state government to develop road connectivity in KBK region; however, the state government totally ignored one of the backward Kandhamal district and few parts of Kalahandi - Nuapada – Padampur route.
If we assume state government is expecting to implement the proposed Balangir – Khordha national highway in the following route;
Balangir (Balangir district) – Sonepur (Subarnapur district) – Boudh (Boudh district) - Purunakatak (Boudh district) - Dashapalla (Nayagarh Dist) – Nayagarh (Nayagarh Dist) – Khordha (Khordha district)
Then it is fine, other wise Balangir – Sonepur state highway should be included in the above list;
If it also plans to include the following route in the proposed Vijayawada – Ranchi national highway; (Tathya, 5 Dec, 2006, PDF )
Motu (Malkangiri district) – Malkangiri (Malkangiri district) – Mattili (Malkangiri district) – Boipariguda (Koraput district) – Jeypore (Koraput district) – Koraput (Koraput district) – Lakshmipur (Koraput district) - Rayagada (Rayagada district)
Then its fine, otherwise Malkangiri - Koraput – Rayagada route could also be included in the above list.
Of course NH 201 linking Boriguma - Nabarangpur – Bhawanipatna – Balangir – Bargarh would be a great boost to the region, but it needs more central grant for implementation.
Similar to Gajpati and Ganjam districts, Kandhamal district should have given importance in the first phase of road developments, we expected more importance could have given to the following routes:
Purunakatak (Boudh district, meeting point of Balangir-Khorda NH) –Phulbani (Kandhamal district) – Sadingia (Kandhamal district) – Baligurha (Kandhamal district) – Lankagarh (Kandhamal district) – Rampur (Kalahandi district)-Bhawanipatna (Kalahandi district, meeting point of proposed NH 201)
Similarly, the following route also needed attention by the state government in the fist phase,
Sohela (Bargarh district, a meeting point to NH6 towards Bargarh) – Padampur (Bargarg district) - Nuapada (Nuapada district) – Khariar (Nuapada district) – Sinapali (Nuapada district) – Golamunda (Kalahandi district) – Dharamgarh (Kalahandi district) – Moter (Kalahandi district, a meeting point to NH 201)
Hopefully, the sate government would consider the above routes in very near future.
[An Open Letter to the CM of Orissa, PDF]
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