The New Indian Express, Feb 23, 2008
BHUBANESWAR: Teachers of un-aided Plus Two and Plus Three colleges of KBK region on Friday took out a rally in the city demanding sanction of grant-in-aid.
Despite repeated representations and demands from the local MLAs, Government has been sitting on the issue, they said. There are 87 Plus Two and 46 Plus Three colleges which are operating in the KBK area since 1991. They are gathered under the banner of Un-aided College Teachers amd Employees KBK Forum.
In a memorandum, they said, a special discussion was held on their demands in the Assembly in 2005 and Higher Education Minister had assured action. After that, MLAs cutting across partylines have recommended, at least twice, their demands to the Government, but in vain.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Naveen repeats for central university in KBK with Arjun Singh
Decision on IIT & IIM soon, Arjun tells CM
The Statesman, Jan 24, 2007
Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, Jan. 23: A decision on setting up of an IIT/IIM in Orissa would be taken soon by the Union government, said the Union minister for HRD, Mr Arjun Singh, when the chief minister, Mr Naveen Patnaik, called on him in New Delhi today.
Mr Patnaik had iterated the demand for the elite technical institute and the B-school and pointed out that since Orissa is on the verge of a rapid industrial movement, it would provide a big potential for research and development activities.
It may be noted that a sustained campaign by the state government and the ruling party MPs on this issue had failed to evoke a positive response till date. To assuage the feelings of the state government, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has promptly laid the foundation stone for an elite science institute in Bhubaneswar under the atomic energy department.
The establishment of an IIT, during the 11th five-year plan, will greatly facilitate in intensifying the process, Mr Patnaik observed, while repeating his plea to the HRD minister today. The IIT would become the hub for quality managerial professionals required for various sectors of the economy.
Given the current industrial boom in the state, it is necessary to bring in a professional culture and management, Mr Patnaik said and demanded the establishment of a Greenfield Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Orissa. Mr Patnaik also demanded the setting up of a Central university in the KBK region, which would educate youths in both traditional as well as modern disciplines.
Since the quality of human resource holds the key to the development of any region, there is an urgent need to set up a top-class multi-disciplinary Central university in the KBK region, covering disciplines like basic sciences, humanities, law, medicine, agriculture and horticulture.
The chief minister observed and hoped that the Central university in KBK will indirectly help in combating left-wing extremism in the region. Later, Mr Patnaik called on the urban development minister, Mr S Jaipal Reddy to voice certain demands of the state relating to his ministry. Mr Reddy is said to have assured Mr Patnaik to extend maximum assistance to improve urban infrastructure and environment in the small towns of the state.
He also stated that the centre will help the state in building housing complexes at a affordable rate for the economically weaker sections of the society.
Bhubaneswar and Puri will be developed as world-class cities, Mr Reddy said.
The chief minister requested Mr Reddy to increase the allocation of funds to the state to at least Rs 2,500 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and Rs 1,000 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for the Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).
So far, only Rs 504 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Governance (UIG) component of JNNURM and Rs 144 crore under UIDSSMT have been sanctioned, the chief minister informed.
The chief minister reiterated the state government's commitment to undertake various mandatory and basic reforms in order to strengthen the resource base and delivery system of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the state.
The Statesman, Jan 24, 2007
Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, Jan. 23: A decision on setting up of an IIT/IIM in Orissa would be taken soon by the Union government, said the Union minister for HRD, Mr Arjun Singh, when the chief minister, Mr Naveen Patnaik, called on him in New Delhi today.
Mr Patnaik had iterated the demand for the elite technical institute and the B-school and pointed out that since Orissa is on the verge of a rapid industrial movement, it would provide a big potential for research and development activities.
It may be noted that a sustained campaign by the state government and the ruling party MPs on this issue had failed to evoke a positive response till date. To assuage the feelings of the state government, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has promptly laid the foundation stone for an elite science institute in Bhubaneswar under the atomic energy department.
The establishment of an IIT, during the 11th five-year plan, will greatly facilitate in intensifying the process, Mr Patnaik observed, while repeating his plea to the HRD minister today. The IIT would become the hub for quality managerial professionals required for various sectors of the economy.
Given the current industrial boom in the state, it is necessary to bring in a professional culture and management, Mr Patnaik said and demanded the establishment of a Greenfield Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Orissa. Mr Patnaik also demanded the setting up of a Central university in the KBK region, which would educate youths in both traditional as well as modern disciplines.
Since the quality of human resource holds the key to the development of any region, there is an urgent need to set up a top-class multi-disciplinary Central university in the KBK region, covering disciplines like basic sciences, humanities, law, medicine, agriculture and horticulture.
The chief minister observed and hoped that the Central university in KBK will indirectly help in combating left-wing extremism in the region. Later, Mr Patnaik called on the urban development minister, Mr S Jaipal Reddy to voice certain demands of the state relating to his ministry. Mr Reddy is said to have assured Mr Patnaik to extend maximum assistance to improve urban infrastructure and environment in the small towns of the state.
He also stated that the centre will help the state in building housing complexes at a affordable rate for the economically weaker sections of the society.
Bhubaneswar and Puri will be developed as world-class cities, Mr Reddy said.
The chief minister requested Mr Reddy to increase the allocation of funds to the state to at least Rs 2,500 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and Rs 1,000 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for the Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).
So far, only Rs 504 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Governance (UIG) component of JNNURM and Rs 144 crore under UIDSSMT have been sanctioned, the chief minister informed.
The chief minister reiterated the state government's commitment to undertake various mandatory and basic reforms in order to strengthen the resource base and delivery system of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the state.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sickle cell research unit holds out hope in KBK
The New Indian Express, Jan 2, 2008
BHAWANIPATNA: To combat sickle cell disease, a Sickle Cell Disease Research Centre has started functioning in Sardar Raja Medical College in Jaring of Kalahandi district under the leadership of project director Dr. Gyana Ranjan Padhi.
Padhi, a medicine specialist, after retiring from health Department services joined the medical college recently. He hails from Dasigaon of Kalahandi.
In 1994, Padhi developed the DTN (Disease Trait Normal) formula of genetic counselling to save the next generation from the dreaded disease.
According to the formula, blood will be examined by Electrophoresis Card and marriage should be avoided between diseased and diseased, diseased and trait and trait and trait so that a chain is broken. A special counselling is part of the formula.
The project proposal of Padhi was approved by Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi.
The then Director of health Services, Orissa, on March 29, 2005, had approved and suggested the Government to implement the research project of Padhi in Western Orissa.
Ironically it could not be materialised despite Padhi approaching various quarters and running from pillar to post.
Sickle cell is a type of anaemia in which red blood cells become sickle in shape. The clumps of sickle cells block blood flow in blood vessels that can cause severe pain, serious infection and organ damage.
It is also responsible for increased infant and maternal mortality rate and is found mostly among specific castes in Kalahandi, Koraput, Balangir, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Boudh, Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal and Ganjam districts.
It is prevalent mostly among various SC/ST groups, agria, kultha, chasha, paik, banka, goud, dumal, bholia, kurmi, mali and komar castes.
BHAWANIPATNA: To combat sickle cell disease, a Sickle Cell Disease Research Centre has started functioning in Sardar Raja Medical College in Jaring of Kalahandi district under the leadership of project director Dr. Gyana Ranjan Padhi.
Padhi, a medicine specialist, after retiring from health Department services joined the medical college recently. He hails from Dasigaon of Kalahandi.
In 1994, Padhi developed the DTN (Disease Trait Normal) formula of genetic counselling to save the next generation from the dreaded disease.
According to the formula, blood will be examined by Electrophoresis Card and marriage should be avoided between diseased and diseased, diseased and trait and trait and trait so that a chain is broken. A special counselling is part of the formula.
The project proposal of Padhi was approved by Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi.
The then Director of health Services, Orissa, on March 29, 2005, had approved and suggested the Government to implement the research project of Padhi in Western Orissa.
Ironically it could not be materialised despite Padhi approaching various quarters and running from pillar to post.
Sickle cell is a type of anaemia in which red blood cells become sickle in shape. The clumps of sickle cells block blood flow in blood vessels that can cause severe pain, serious infection and organ damage.
It is also responsible for increased infant and maternal mortality rate and is found mostly among specific castes in Kalahandi, Koraput, Balangir, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Boudh, Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal and Ganjam districts.
It is prevalent mostly among various SC/ST groups, agria, kultha, chasha, paik, banka, goud, dumal, bholia, kurmi, mali and komar castes.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Govt taking steps to improve KBK healthcare
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.
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.
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
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