Businessstandard, Feb 10, 2009
Press Trust of India / New Delhi February 09, 2009, 20:52 IST
Sahara group firm Sahara India Power Corporation today said it would set up a 1,320 Mw coal-based thermal power project in Orissa.
"Sahara India Power Corp would set up a 1,320 Mw coal-based thermal power plant at Balangir in Orissa at an investment of Rs 5,604 crore," a company release said.
To be built on an area of 1,500 acres, the first unit of 660 Mw capacity would commission in about four years. The second unit is expected to be commissioned in nearly five years time, it said.
The plant would be set up through joint venture participation with power companies from different parts of the world, the release said.
The company would also develop non-conventional power plants using the latest and emerging technologies. It would set up a 5 Mw Grid Interactive Solar Photo Voltaic Power Plant at Dhenkanal in Orissa at an investment of Rs 125 crore.
Sahara Power has tied up with Solar Integrated Technologies (USA) for supply and installation of the required plant and equipment.
The company is also planning to set up 25-Mw wind power projects in Orissa. It has proposed to set up a 2,000 Mw coal-based power plants in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh at an estimated investment of Rs 8,000 crore each.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Call for government medical colleges in Orissa
Merinews, Feb 10, 2009
Central government has upgraded five more medical colleges to the standard of AIIMS all over the nation. It has also sanctioned two more premier referral institutes on the lines of AIIMS, at Raiganj in West Bengal and in Uttar Pradesh..
IN A letter, Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik was urged to take new initiative to convert either VVS Medical College, Burla to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) standard or proposed a similar institution in backward regions such as for Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) initiated medical college in Jaring or Balangir.
Recently, Central government has upgraded five more medical colleges to the standard of AIIMS all over the nation. Central government has also sanctioned two more premier referral institutes on the lines of the prestigious AIIMS, one at Raiganj in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district and the other in Uttar Pradesh.
Despite high profile foundation ceremony for both the private medical colleges at Balangir and Jaring in Orissa before the election, they have not yet met the expectations even after five years. Situation of proposed private medical college in Balangir is worst among the three proposed private medical colleges through WODC initiative in Rourkela, Jaring and Balangir. In future, private medical college in Rourkela may be successful like in state capital region.
Though Orissa has severe shortage of medical professionals such as doctors and has less number of government medical colleges compared to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra etc, medical college is more than an educational institution for local people in backward pockets. It serves as a hospital for secondary and tertiary health facilities providing better service and facilities for local people in backward region, where finding good quality private hospitals like Apollo, Kalinga Hospital, etc is very difficult.
Private medical colleges and hospitals rarely meet what government medical colleges provide towards local health facilities to poor people who have little support to even travel to the state capital from Koraput, Kalahandi or Balangir regions or pay the required fees.
Keeping backward regions in mind, West Bengal government has proposed to establish similar AIIMS like institution in North Bengal, whereas Chhattisgarh government has established government medical college in Jagdalpur region. Similarly, Tamil Nadu government is establishing a medical college in Tiruvarur and Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments are focusing in other backward pockets in their states.
However, Orissa government has only initiated, through WODC, private medical college in backward and less deserved regions. It does not make sense, when state government is establishing fully government medical colleges in capital region such as Capital Hospital medical college, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) medical college at the same time encouraging private player to open medical college in regions like Balangir, Kalahandi etc and as a result such institutions in backward places are struggling to meet local expectation even after five years, where as other proposed private medical colleges in Bhubaneswar region have already started their courses and hospital by this time.
In fact, it creates a wrong impression that Orissa state government is more concerned towards establishing government institutions in state capital region such as Law University, Capital medical college, ESIC medical college, Culture University, Ravenshaw University, IIT, NISER, WCCU, etc by ignoring other backward parts except consolation given to Kalahandi and Berhampur regions recently for their respective local demand for national institution since decades in the form of engineering colleges.
Orissa government should write to central government to establish a similar AIIMS type institution in KBK region or upgrade VSS Medical College to an AIIMS type institution along with completely taking out medical colleges proposed in Balangir and Jaring from private players.
Converting regional diagnostic centres at Baripada, Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Sundergarh to full fledge government medical colleges will be an excellent idea for the state government as these locations were chosen based on backwardness, tribal population and geographical requirements. Similar regional diagnostic centre in Capital Hospital has been converted to a government medical college. Indeed, it will serve in greater interest of the state along with present government medical colleges in Cuttack, Berhampur, Burla and Bhubaneswar apart from recently proposed medical college in Talcher/Angul by Central Coal Ministry which will be logically expected to be equivalent to government medical colleges.
Central government has upgraded five more medical colleges to the standard of AIIMS all over the nation. It has also sanctioned two more premier referral institutes on the lines of AIIMS, at Raiganj in West Bengal and in Uttar Pradesh..
IN A letter, Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik was urged to take new initiative to convert either VVS Medical College, Burla to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) standard or proposed a similar institution in backward regions such as for Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) initiated medical college in Jaring or Balangir.
Recently, Central government has upgraded five more medical colleges to the standard of AIIMS all over the nation. Central government has also sanctioned two more premier referral institutes on the lines of the prestigious AIIMS, one at Raiganj in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district and the other in Uttar Pradesh.
Despite high profile foundation ceremony for both the private medical colleges at Balangir and Jaring in Orissa before the election, they have not yet met the expectations even after five years. Situation of proposed private medical college in Balangir is worst among the three proposed private medical colleges through WODC initiative in Rourkela, Jaring and Balangir. In future, private medical college in Rourkela may be successful like in state capital region.
Though Orissa has severe shortage of medical professionals such as doctors and has less number of government medical colleges compared to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra etc, medical college is more than an educational institution for local people in backward pockets. It serves as a hospital for secondary and tertiary health facilities providing better service and facilities for local people in backward region, where finding good quality private hospitals like Apollo, Kalinga Hospital, etc is very difficult.
Private medical colleges and hospitals rarely meet what government medical colleges provide towards local health facilities to poor people who have little support to even travel to the state capital from Koraput, Kalahandi or Balangir regions or pay the required fees.
Keeping backward regions in mind, West Bengal government has proposed to establish similar AIIMS like institution in North Bengal, whereas Chhattisgarh government has established government medical college in Jagdalpur region. Similarly, Tamil Nadu government is establishing a medical college in Tiruvarur and Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments are focusing in other backward pockets in their states.
However, Orissa government has only initiated, through WODC, private medical college in backward and less deserved regions. It does not make sense, when state government is establishing fully government medical colleges in capital region such as Capital Hospital medical college, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) medical college at the same time encouraging private player to open medical college in regions like Balangir, Kalahandi etc and as a result such institutions in backward places are struggling to meet local expectation even after five years, where as other proposed private medical colleges in Bhubaneswar region have already started their courses and hospital by this time.
In fact, it creates a wrong impression that Orissa state government is more concerned towards establishing government institutions in state capital region such as Law University, Capital medical college, ESIC medical college, Culture University, Ravenshaw University, IIT, NISER, WCCU, etc by ignoring other backward parts except consolation given to Kalahandi and Berhampur regions recently for their respective local demand for national institution since decades in the form of engineering colleges.
Orissa government should write to central government to establish a similar AIIMS type institution in KBK region or upgrade VSS Medical College to an AIIMS type institution along with completely taking out medical colleges proposed in Balangir and Jaring from private players.
Converting regional diagnostic centres at Baripada, Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Sundergarh to full fledge government medical colleges will be an excellent idea for the state government as these locations were chosen based on backwardness, tribal population and geographical requirements. Similar regional diagnostic centre in Capital Hospital has been converted to a government medical college. Indeed, it will serve in greater interest of the state along with present government medical colleges in Cuttack, Berhampur, Burla and Bhubaneswar apart from recently proposed medical college in Talcher/Angul by Central Coal Ministry which will be logically expected to be equivalent to government medical colleges.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Develop rail network in kandhamal
Expressbuzz, Feb 4, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: Agami Odisha and several organisations staged a demonstration in front of the headquarters of the East Coast Railway here today demanding development of railway network in Kandhamal and other backward regions of the State.
In a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the organisations maintained that Kandhamal and Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) regions are most backward areas of the country.
Similar backward areas in the country like the north-eastern states have received special treatment from the Railway Board but the KBK region has been neglected for decades, the memorandum alleged and demanded a special package for the region.
Alleging step-motherly attitude of the Railways towards the State, the memorandum maintained that Khurda Road- Balangir and Lanjigarh Road- Junagarh railway lines in Orissa were approved much earlier than Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi and Sultanganj-Deogarh railway lines in Bihar, but only 10 per cent work has been completed.
But both the projects in Bihar have been completed.
During last 15 years more lines were approved in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal than in Orissa, it alleged and demanded that a Kandhamal rail link should be sanctioned.
Former MP and CPM leader Shivaji Patnaik participated in the demonstration.
BHUBANESWAR: Agami Odisha and several organisations staged a demonstration in front of the headquarters of the East Coast Railway here today demanding development of railway network in Kandhamal and other backward regions of the State.
In a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the organisations maintained that Kandhamal and Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) regions are most backward areas of the country.
Similar backward areas in the country like the north-eastern states have received special treatment from the Railway Board but the KBK region has been neglected for decades, the memorandum alleged and demanded a special package for the region.
Alleging step-motherly attitude of the Railways towards the State, the memorandum maintained that Khurda Road- Balangir and Lanjigarh Road- Junagarh railway lines in Orissa were approved much earlier than Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi and Sultanganj-Deogarh railway lines in Bihar, but only 10 per cent work has been completed.
But both the projects in Bihar have been completed.
During last 15 years more lines were approved in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal than in Orissa, it alleged and demanded that a Kandhamal rail link should be sanctioned.
Former MP and CPM leader Shivaji Patnaik participated in the demonstration.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
NRI seeks rail infrastructure in Orissa’s backward region
Thaiindian.com, Jan 31, 2009
January 31st, 2009 - 4:05 pm ICT by IANS - Send to a friend:
Bhubaneswar, Jan 31 (IANS) An Oriya NRI based in Lebanon has urged the government to develop railway infrastructure in Orissa’s most backward districts to ensure the economic prosperity of the region.The Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) region, known for its economic backwardness, has been neglected by the central government for years, Digambara Patra, an Oriya academic based in Beirut, told IANS in an email.
Patra said he had Friday written letters to President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stressing the need for developing a railway network in the region.
“Railway infrastructure development is one of the keys to success and can bring economic prosperity to such a backward region,” Patra, who works as an assistant professor at the department of chemistry in the American University in Beirut, wrote in the email.
“Unfortunately, in railway development, the Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput region is being neglected…In the last couple of years, Indian Railways has committed Rs.50,000 crore (Rs.500 billion) investment only in Bihar for various ongoing and new projects, but it has neglected Orissa, especially the KBK areas,” Patra said.
He pointed out that the central government had in the past has established a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) project in Sunabeda, Koraput and an ordinance factory in Balangir and both had increased the employment potential in the regions. But the neighbouring Kalahandi region has not been considered for any major industrial project, Patra said.
He added that “setting up a new East Coast railway division in the region would help speed up railway projects in the impoverished western and southern Orissa, which are poorly connected by railways”.
January 31st, 2009 - 4:05 pm ICT by IANS - Send to a friend:
Bhubaneswar, Jan 31 (IANS) An Oriya NRI based in Lebanon has urged the government to develop railway infrastructure in Orissa’s most backward districts to ensure the economic prosperity of the region.The Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) region, known for its economic backwardness, has been neglected by the central government for years, Digambara Patra, an Oriya academic based in Beirut, told IANS in an email.
Patra said he had Friday written letters to President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stressing the need for developing a railway network in the region.
“Railway infrastructure development is one of the keys to success and can bring economic prosperity to such a backward region,” Patra, who works as an assistant professor at the department of chemistry in the American University in Beirut, wrote in the email.
“Unfortunately, in railway development, the Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput region is being neglected…In the last couple of years, Indian Railways has committed Rs.50,000 crore (Rs.500 billion) investment only in Bihar for various ongoing and new projects, but it has neglected Orissa, especially the KBK areas,” Patra said.
He pointed out that the central government had in the past has established a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) project in Sunabeda, Koraput and an ordinance factory in Balangir and both had increased the employment potential in the regions. But the neighbouring Kalahandi region has not been considered for any major industrial project, Patra said.
He added that “setting up a new East Coast railway division in the region would help speed up railway projects in the impoverished western and southern Orissa, which are poorly connected by railways”.
NRO reminder on KBK rail
Tathya.in, Jan 31, 2009
Bhawanipatna:31/January/2009
Critical infrastructure like national highway, railway line and telecommunication is poorest in Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) region in Orissa.
And Naxalism takes advantage of the backward region due to hilly and forest terrain.
However, infrastructure owes in general and rail connectivity in particular in KBK is being neglected severely and has not yet been considered by the Centre.
It is clearly evident from struggling ongoing projects since decades in KBK region such as Lanjigarh road – Junagarh and Balangir – Khordha road lines.
In last couple of years Indian Railway has committed Rs.50,000 crore investment only in Bihar for various ongoing and new projects where as Orissa, especially KBK, is being continuously neglected since decades by Indian railway.
Politicians have often used backwardness of KBK in general and Kalahandi in particular to show case their eagerness towards the poor people in the society though they fail to scrutinize high rate of unemployment rate among semi-skilled and skilled laborer in the region.
While Indian Railway has proposed to establish new factory in UP, Bihar and Kerala, it has coolly forgotten Orissa, alleged Digamabara Patra in a memorandum to Dr. Man Mohan Singh.
Lanjigarh road is located in the border of Kandhamal, Rayagada and Kalahandi.
A factory based at Lanjigarh road/Bhawanipatna will enormously benefit Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Gajpati, Sonepur and Malkangiri equally as it is centrally located to all the districts, feel Dr. Patra.
A leading Non Resident Oriya (NRO) argues for a new East Coast railway division in Lanjigarh road/Bhawanipatna.
This will help to speed up the railway projects in Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Gajpati, Sonepur and Malkangiri districts many of which are poorly connected by Indian railway.
Completion of Lanjigarh road – Jungarh line completely in 2009-10 , conneting Khordha road – Balangir line in Eleventh Plan has been urged.
Immediate approval of the projects like Lanjigarh road – Phulbani – Angul line Junagarh – Nabarangpur – Jeypur – Malkangiri – Balachandar road line and Kantabanji – Khariar – Dharamgarh – Ampani – Nabarangpur – Jeypur line has been urged by Dr.Patra, who teaches in American University of Beirut.
Bhawanipatna:31/January/2009
Critical infrastructure like national highway, railway line and telecommunication is poorest in Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) region in Orissa.
And Naxalism takes advantage of the backward region due to hilly and forest terrain.
However, infrastructure owes in general and rail connectivity in particular in KBK is being neglected severely and has not yet been considered by the Centre.
It is clearly evident from struggling ongoing projects since decades in KBK region such as Lanjigarh road – Junagarh and Balangir – Khordha road lines.
In last couple of years Indian Railway has committed Rs.50,000 crore investment only in Bihar for various ongoing and new projects where as Orissa, especially KBK, is being continuously neglected since decades by Indian railway.
Politicians have often used backwardness of KBK in general and Kalahandi in particular to show case their eagerness towards the poor people in the society though they fail to scrutinize high rate of unemployment rate among semi-skilled and skilled laborer in the region.
While Indian Railway has proposed to establish new factory in UP, Bihar and Kerala, it has coolly forgotten Orissa, alleged Digamabara Patra in a memorandum to Dr. Man Mohan Singh.
Lanjigarh road is located in the border of Kandhamal, Rayagada and Kalahandi.
A factory based at Lanjigarh road/Bhawanipatna will enormously benefit Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Gajpati, Sonepur and Malkangiri equally as it is centrally located to all the districts, feel Dr. Patra.
A leading Non Resident Oriya (NRO) argues for a new East Coast railway division in Lanjigarh road/Bhawanipatna.
This will help to speed up the railway projects in Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Gajpati, Sonepur and Malkangiri districts many of which are poorly connected by Indian railway.
Completion of Lanjigarh road – Jungarh line completely in 2009-10 , conneting Khordha road – Balangir line in Eleventh Plan has been urged.
Immediate approval of the projects like Lanjigarh road – Phulbani – Angul line Junagarh – Nabarangpur – Jeypur – Malkangiri – Balachandar road line and Kantabanji – Khariar – Dharamgarh – Ampani – Nabarangpur – Jeypur line has been urged by Dr.Patra, who teaches in American University of Beirut.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Centre approves 4 polytechnics
Tathya.in, Jan 24, 2009
Bhubaneswar:24/January/2009
Centre has approved to open 4 polytechnics in Malkangiri, Boudh, Gajapati and Samabalpur district
In order to lure the youth of the Maoist predominant areas for technical education the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has chalked out program to establish more diploma engineering institutions.
So Orissa being largely affected by Left Wing Extremism has been benefited handsomely.
Malkangiri, the worst affected by Maoist menace has been allotted a polytechnic.
Each polytechnic will cost Rs.12 crore and the MHRD has provided Rs.8 crore as the first instalment.
Vir Vikaram Yadav, Director Techinal Education, speaking to tathya.in said that the State Government is trying to cover all the districts with polytechnics.
While the State Government has 13, there are 7 private polytechnics imparting diploma in engineering.
With these 4 new institutions, many other districts are left.
Districts carved out in 90’s like Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Nayagarh, Nawarangpur and Sonepur also do not have any polytechincs.
Mr.Yadav said that the State Government has also decided to cover all the blocks with Industrial Training Institute (ITI).
Accordingly plans are afoot to cover 125 blocks which are yet to have an ITI.
In the meantime the Directorate of Technical Education & Training (DTET) has prepared a Vision Document keeping in view the growing demand for technical education.
Government of Orissa is also preparing a memorandum for the National Knowledge Commission, which will be included in the agenda of the Centre to provide future course for technical and technological development.
Bhubaneswar:24/January/2009
Centre has approved to open 4 polytechnics in Malkangiri, Boudh, Gajapati and Samabalpur district
In order to lure the youth of the Maoist predominant areas for technical education the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has chalked out program to establish more diploma engineering institutions.
So Orissa being largely affected by Left Wing Extremism has been benefited handsomely.
Malkangiri, the worst affected by Maoist menace has been allotted a polytechnic.
Each polytechnic will cost Rs.12 crore and the MHRD has provided Rs.8 crore as the first instalment.
Vir Vikaram Yadav, Director Techinal Education, speaking to tathya.in said that the State Government is trying to cover all the districts with polytechnics.
While the State Government has 13, there are 7 private polytechnics imparting diploma in engineering.
With these 4 new institutions, many other districts are left.
Districts carved out in 90’s like Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Nayagarh, Nawarangpur and Sonepur also do not have any polytechincs.
Mr.Yadav said that the State Government has also decided to cover all the blocks with Industrial Training Institute (ITI).
Accordingly plans are afoot to cover 125 blocks which are yet to have an ITI.
In the meantime the Directorate of Technical Education & Training (DTET) has prepared a Vision Document keeping in view the growing demand for technical education.
Government of Orissa is also preparing a memorandum for the National Knowledge Commission, which will be included in the agenda of the Centre to provide future course for technical and technological development.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tribal Central varsity to be set up in Koraput: Union Minister
The Pioneer, Jan 16, 2009
PNS | Sunabeda
The Union Government would set up a tribal Central university in Koraput district, said Union Minister of State for Rural Development Chandrasekhar Sahu while addressing the annual function of the women’s college here.
Attending the function as the chief guest, Sahu advised students to be self-sustained and utilise their knowledge acquired due course of their academic pursuit for social development. Education should not be confined to getting a job only, he added.
Attending as the chief speaker, DAV College principal Harisankar Mishra said eradication of poverty is must for bringing an improvement in education. The function was presided over by college principal Pabitra Kumar Bedanta.
Among others, former Minister Raghunath Patnaik, Koraput MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, Ayodhya Samal and Indira Priyadarsini Patnaik also spoke. Sahu distributed prizes to the deserving candidates.
PNS | Sunabeda
The Union Government would set up a tribal Central university in Koraput district, said Union Minister of State for Rural Development Chandrasekhar Sahu while addressing the annual function of the women’s college here.
Attending the function as the chief guest, Sahu advised students to be self-sustained and utilise their knowledge acquired due course of their academic pursuit for social development. Education should not be confined to getting a job only, he added.
Attending as the chief speaker, DAV College principal Harisankar Mishra said eradication of poverty is must for bringing an improvement in education. The function was presided over by college principal Pabitra Kumar Bedanta.
Among others, former Minister Raghunath Patnaik, Koraput MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, Ayodhya Samal and Indira Priyadarsini Patnaik also spoke. Sahu distributed prizes to the deserving candidates.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Civil Society favor K'mal rail
Tathya.in, Jan 9, 2009
Bhubaneswar:9/January/2009
Civil Society of Orissa will demand railway connectivity to Kandhamal.
So the members of the Civil Society will stage dharana in front of the Orissa East Coast Railways (ECOR) headquarters here on 3 February.
They will also present a detailed picture of the continuous neglect and step motherly attitude of the Indian Railways to Orissa
It seems that they have lost high hopes pinned on Kalyan Coomar Jena.
People from all walks of life in Orissa were very happy as Mr.Jena took over reins of Indian Railways.
Least said is better about the Chairman of Railway Board, said many members of the Civil Society.
During Jena’s tenure, Bihar got the maximum and Orissa as usual suffered a lot.
There are only cosmetic changes and lollypops for Orissa, lamented they.
So the leading members of the Civil Society are furious with the Indian Railways authorities.
They have decided to vent anger in public in a peaceful way on 3 February here.
Their main demand is to connect Kandhamal with railways network.
People from all walks of life participated in the meeting held here on 7 January and they voiced the demand for new rail line in Kandhamal.
They were unanimous over the issue as they felt that once the connectivity will be there, the problem will eased.
Professor Chitta Baral, leading voice of NROs gave out details how Orissa has been neglected during Lalu Prasad Yadav regime when Mr.Jena is the Chairman of the Board.
Among others Braja Kishore Tripathy, MP, Sibaji Pattnaik, former MP, Dhananda Mishra, Narendra Mishra, Sudarsan Das also raised pertinent issues.
Engineer BC Praharaj, Ajaya Pattnaik, Bimal Mishra,Rajesh Mishra and SN Mishra pointed out the requirement of the state so far railways infrastructure is concerned.
Political personalities including Sura Jena, Biswanath Mohapatra,Tapasi Praharaj, Deba Parija, Bikram Swain vented their ire against the authorities.
Social activists like Tusar ray, Sashiprabha Bindhani, Madhu Bhai, Manoj Jena, Abhaya Singh, Pradipta Pradhan, Dillip Sabat also spoke on the occasion.
More than 70 members of the Civil Society and at least 20 from Kandhamal participated in the brain storming.
ECOR was represented by TK Joshi and Sanjay Mishra.
Civil Society has decided to organize a meeting prior to 3 February in Kandhamal to raise awareness.
It has been decided to publicize a composite document on Rail neglect in Orissa.
The meeting was organized by Agami Odisha, Swabhiman Odisha Munch, Loksamukhya and Focus Orissa.
All Participant organizations almost vowed to make the people of Orissa aware about Railway neglect and fight for the Railway infrastructural development in Orissa.
Er.Lalit Mohan Pattnaik of Agami Orissa coordinated the meeting.
Bhubaneswar:9/January/2009
Civil Society of Orissa will demand railway connectivity to Kandhamal.
So the members of the Civil Society will stage dharana in front of the Orissa East Coast Railways (ECOR) headquarters here on 3 February.
They will also present a detailed picture of the continuous neglect and step motherly attitude of the Indian Railways to Orissa
It seems that they have lost high hopes pinned on Kalyan Coomar Jena.
People from all walks of life in Orissa were very happy as Mr.Jena took over reins of Indian Railways.
Least said is better about the Chairman of Railway Board, said many members of the Civil Society.
During Jena’s tenure, Bihar got the maximum and Orissa as usual suffered a lot.
There are only cosmetic changes and lollypops for Orissa, lamented they.
So the leading members of the Civil Society are furious with the Indian Railways authorities.
They have decided to vent anger in public in a peaceful way on 3 February here.
Their main demand is to connect Kandhamal with railways network.
People from all walks of life participated in the meeting held here on 7 January and they voiced the demand for new rail line in Kandhamal.
They were unanimous over the issue as they felt that once the connectivity will be there, the problem will eased.
Professor Chitta Baral, leading voice of NROs gave out details how Orissa has been neglected during Lalu Prasad Yadav regime when Mr.Jena is the Chairman of the Board.
Among others Braja Kishore Tripathy, MP, Sibaji Pattnaik, former MP, Dhananda Mishra, Narendra Mishra, Sudarsan Das also raised pertinent issues.
Engineer BC Praharaj, Ajaya Pattnaik, Bimal Mishra,Rajesh Mishra and SN Mishra pointed out the requirement of the state so far railways infrastructure is concerned.
Political personalities including Sura Jena, Biswanath Mohapatra,Tapasi Praharaj, Deba Parija, Bikram Swain vented their ire against the authorities.
Social activists like Tusar ray, Sashiprabha Bindhani, Madhu Bhai, Manoj Jena, Abhaya Singh, Pradipta Pradhan, Dillip Sabat also spoke on the occasion.
More than 70 members of the Civil Society and at least 20 from Kandhamal participated in the brain storming.
ECOR was represented by TK Joshi and Sanjay Mishra.
Civil Society has decided to organize a meeting prior to 3 February in Kandhamal to raise awareness.
It has been decided to publicize a composite document on Rail neglect in Orissa.
The meeting was organized by Agami Odisha, Swabhiman Odisha Munch, Loksamukhya and Focus Orissa.
All Participant organizations almost vowed to make the people of Orissa aware about Railway neglect and fight for the Railway infrastructural development in Orissa.
Er.Lalit Mohan Pattnaik of Agami Orissa coordinated the meeting.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Letter to CM: Proposal to Convert Govt Auton. College Bhawanipatna to Unitary University
Orissadiary, Dec 25, 2008
Dear honorable Chief Minister, Mr. Patnaik,
Unitary University provides many additional advantages to autonomous college to design/introduce new courses depending on local need in the graduate and post graduate level, to substantially improve research activities, to employ permanent faculties who can support in research and education in the long term development of the institution and importantly ushers in more funds from the state and UGC to improve infrastructure, teaching programs, and research facilities.
Recent decision by the state Government to convert Ravenshaw College, UCE Burla and Khallikote College are welcome decision in that respect.
Coincidentally, these institutions were affiliated with Utkal University (Ravenshaw College), BPUT (UCE Burla) and Berhampur University (Khallikote College) representing Central (Ravenshaw College), Western (UCE Burla) and South (Khallokote) Orissa regions. However, none of them belong to KBK region or are affiliated with the Sambalpur University (except UCE’s association in the past).
UGC has recommended “College with Potential for Excellence” (CPE) status so far to only five Colleges from Orissa, out of which two of them, Ravenshaw Autonomous College Cuttack and Khallikote Autonomous College Berhamapur, are (being) made Unitary University by the state Government. Other three are GM Autonomous College Sambalpur, Govt. Autonomous College Bhawanipatna and Fakir Mohan Autonomous College Balasore.
Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna, being one of the prides of the KBK as well as Western Orissa regions, caters to the flame of learning since about last 50 years. It is enjoying the status of “College with Potential for Excellence” (CPE) since September 2004 being one among the first 47 colleges of the whole nation. It is among the first 3 colleges and only College in KBK region to receive CPE honor.
Despite being located in a backward and underdeveloped region, Government (Autonomous) College Bhawanipatna has established itself for maintaining high quality in education in this part of the state. Students of this College have been securing top ranks at the University level as well as state level in various fields of education.
KBK region is known to be backward in higher education and research facilities. Lack of sufficient teachers/lecturers in major Govt. Colleges in the region has been a serious concern.
Unitary University would facilitate highly skilled professionals in the various fields to join as permanent faculties, such as, as Assistant, Associate and full Professors, in such institutions and will fulfill deficiencies in shortage of lecturers in Autonomous College in Kalahandi.
In major Govt. and private institutions in Kalahandi shortage of lecturers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, agriculture and horticulture professionals etc are always noticed as there are only few professionals in various fields at the local level.
Where as local students in Kalahandi are struggling to get employment in the local level and some of them are forcefully migrating to other states in search for opportunities. There is a high percentage of local youth with bachelor degree without any employment. Many of them [such as Mr. Ajit Barik (OBC), Mr. Surudhan Hans (OBC), Mr. Raita Hans from Gambhariguda, P.O. Khairpadar, Dharamgarh], are working as barber or daily laborer despite having bachelor degree and OBC certificate with them. This contradiction in place like Kalahandi is surprising but it is a real fact and mainly due to improper planning in higher educational policy, specially, at the local level.
On the other hand, there is no state University in Kalahandi or KBK region to meet local requirements. Being an autonomous college, Government Autonomous College, Bhawanipatna has limited flexibility to introduce new courses on nursing, pharmacy, optometrist, agriculture, horticulture, banking and services, metal processing, information processing, computer science, medicine etc in the diploma, bachelor as well as postgraduate level course to fulfill local demand.
A Unitary University, however, will give this institution independency to introduce new courses not only in the discipline mentioned above but also in the field of medicine, agriculture, technology etc based on local requirements as a “Real University”.
Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna is located on NH 201 and has 60 acres of land and towards its north-east more than 100 acres of land are under the possession of the State Government and some private individuals which are lying vacant and can be utilized for horizontal structural growth. If situation arises like for Ravenshaw University, there is sufficient of land near to Bhawanipatna for future possible expansion of a new separate campus.
Recently, Human Resource Development, Govt. of India has selected locations for IIT/IIM/WCCU based on region and not based on population and other parameters. In fact, as per Government notification Amarkantak was chosen for “Indira Gandhi National Tribal University” because it is centrally located tribal region in Maharastra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.
Kalahandi is the central district in KBK region. Even including other backward districts of Kandhamal, Boudh and Padampur sub-division, Bhawanipatna, could be ideally suited as a central location in this region. All major towns/districts of KBK as well as Boudh, Kandhamal and Padampur (Bargarh Dist) could be easily reached within 200 km by state/national highways from this place.
Based on location, available infrastructure, local & regional requirements, quality and importantly merit Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna deserves to be a Unitary University.
Making Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna a Unitary University will help this institution to improve its infrastructure to introduce new courses and improve its research facilities in this part, specially, in a backward part of the state that does not have any state University to meet all local requirements in employment and education.
We urge you to immediately approve and make the Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna to a Unitary University in the next cabinet meeting.
Thanking you
Best regards
Dr Digambara Patra
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
Email: digpatra@rediffmail.com
Dear honorable Chief Minister, Mr. Patnaik,
Unitary University provides many additional advantages to autonomous college to design/introduce new courses depending on local need in the graduate and post graduate level, to substantially improve research activities, to employ permanent faculties who can support in research and education in the long term development of the institution and importantly ushers in more funds from the state and UGC to improve infrastructure, teaching programs, and research facilities.
Recent decision by the state Government to convert Ravenshaw College, UCE Burla and Khallikote College are welcome decision in that respect.
Coincidentally, these institutions were affiliated with Utkal University (Ravenshaw College), BPUT (UCE Burla) and Berhampur University (Khallikote College) representing Central (Ravenshaw College), Western (UCE Burla) and South (Khallokote) Orissa regions. However, none of them belong to KBK region or are affiliated with the Sambalpur University (except UCE’s association in the past).
UGC has recommended “College with Potential for Excellence” (CPE) status so far to only five Colleges from Orissa, out of which two of them, Ravenshaw Autonomous College Cuttack and Khallikote Autonomous College Berhamapur, are (being) made Unitary University by the state Government. Other three are GM Autonomous College Sambalpur, Govt. Autonomous College Bhawanipatna and Fakir Mohan Autonomous College Balasore.
Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna, being one of the prides of the KBK as well as Western Orissa regions, caters to the flame of learning since about last 50 years. It is enjoying the status of “College with Potential for Excellence” (CPE) since September 2004 being one among the first 47 colleges of the whole nation. It is among the first 3 colleges and only College in KBK region to receive CPE honor.
Despite being located in a backward and underdeveloped region, Government (Autonomous) College Bhawanipatna has established itself for maintaining high quality in education in this part of the state. Students of this College have been securing top ranks at the University level as well as state level in various fields of education.
KBK region is known to be backward in higher education and research facilities. Lack of sufficient teachers/lecturers in major Govt. Colleges in the region has been a serious concern.
Unitary University would facilitate highly skilled professionals in the various fields to join as permanent faculties, such as, as Assistant, Associate and full Professors, in such institutions and will fulfill deficiencies in shortage of lecturers in Autonomous College in Kalahandi.
In major Govt. and private institutions in Kalahandi shortage of lecturers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, agriculture and horticulture professionals etc are always noticed as there are only few professionals in various fields at the local level.
Where as local students in Kalahandi are struggling to get employment in the local level and some of them are forcefully migrating to other states in search for opportunities. There is a high percentage of local youth with bachelor degree without any employment. Many of them [such as Mr. Ajit Barik (OBC), Mr. Surudhan Hans (OBC), Mr. Raita Hans from Gambhariguda, P.O. Khairpadar, Dharamgarh], are working as barber or daily laborer despite having bachelor degree and OBC certificate with them. This contradiction in place like Kalahandi is surprising but it is a real fact and mainly due to improper planning in higher educational policy, specially, at the local level.
On the other hand, there is no state University in Kalahandi or KBK region to meet local requirements. Being an autonomous college, Government Autonomous College, Bhawanipatna has limited flexibility to introduce new courses on nursing, pharmacy, optometrist, agriculture, horticulture, banking and services, metal processing, information processing, computer science, medicine etc in the diploma, bachelor as well as postgraduate level course to fulfill local demand.
A Unitary University, however, will give this institution independency to introduce new courses not only in the discipline mentioned above but also in the field of medicine, agriculture, technology etc based on local requirements as a “Real University”.
Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna is located on NH 201 and has 60 acres of land and towards its north-east more than 100 acres of land are under the possession of the State Government and some private individuals which are lying vacant and can be utilized for horizontal structural growth. If situation arises like for Ravenshaw University, there is sufficient of land near to Bhawanipatna for future possible expansion of a new separate campus.
Recently, Human Resource Development, Govt. of India has selected locations for IIT/IIM/WCCU based on region and not based on population and other parameters. In fact, as per Government notification Amarkantak was chosen for “Indira Gandhi National Tribal University” because it is centrally located tribal region in Maharastra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.
Kalahandi is the central district in KBK region. Even including other backward districts of Kandhamal, Boudh and Padampur sub-division, Bhawanipatna, could be ideally suited as a central location in this region. All major towns/districts of KBK as well as Boudh, Kandhamal and Padampur (Bargarh Dist) could be easily reached within 200 km by state/national highways from this place.
Based on location, available infrastructure, local & regional requirements, quality and importantly merit Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna deserves to be a Unitary University.
Making Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna a Unitary University will help this institution to improve its infrastructure to introduce new courses and improve its research facilities in this part, specially, in a backward part of the state that does not have any state University to meet all local requirements in employment and education.
We urge you to immediately approve and make the Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna to a Unitary University in the next cabinet meeting.
Thanking you
Best regards
Dr Digambara Patra
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
Email: digpatra@rediffmail.com
Meeting on “Railways in Orissa” & our demand to sanction a Rail Link in Kandhamal
Respected Sir,
We would like to invite you to our session on Railways in Orissa and our demand to sanction a Rail Link in Kandhamal. The gathering will comprise of concerned Odia Budhijibi inside and outside of Orissa as well as political activist and representative from different Political party. Agami Odisha member Prof Chitta Baral from Arizona University ( USA) will give a presentation on Railways.
This programme is being conducted jointly by Agami Odisha. Swabhiman Odisha Munch , Lokasamukhya and Focus Orissa. Being convener of this programme, I will be highly obliged for your august presence in our meeting on 7th January’09 at Red Cross Bhawan by 10.30 AM. Please find our leaflet attached.
Thanking You,
Yours Truely
Programme;
Date & Time-7th Jan’09 at 10.30AM to 2PM ( Lunch)
Redcross Bhawan, Unit-9,Bhubaneswar
Convener) Er. Lalit Pattnaik.
Working President Agami Odisha
Organisers- AGAMI ODISHA, SWABHIMAN ODISHA MUNCH & LOKASAMUKHYA
We would like to invite you to our session on Railways in Orissa and our demand to sanction a Rail Link in Kandhamal. The gathering will comprise of concerned Odia Budhijibi inside and outside of Orissa as well as political activist and representative from different Political party. Agami Odisha member Prof Chitta Baral from Arizona University ( USA) will give a presentation on Railways.
This programme is being conducted jointly by Agami Odisha. Swabhiman Odisha Munch , Lokasamukhya and Focus Orissa. Being convener of this programme, I will be highly obliged for your august presence in our meeting on 7th January’09 at Red Cross Bhawan by 10.30 AM. Please find our leaflet attached.
Thanking You,
Yours Truely
Programme;
Date & Time-7th Jan’09 at 10.30AM to 2PM ( Lunch)
Redcross Bhawan, Unit-9,Bhubaneswar
Convener) Er. Lalit Pattnaik.
Working President Agami Odisha
Organisers- AGAMI ODISHA, SWABHIMAN ODISHA MUNCH & LOKASAMUKHYA
Naveen's pre-poll gift to Kalahandi
Expressbuzz.com, 28th December, 2008
The State Government has decided to open an engineering college and an agriculture college in Kalahandi district. This was decided at a high-level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here today. Naveen has directed the authorities concerned to start the construction of the two colleges immediately.
Work on the two colleges will start during the current financial year. A provision of Rs 5 cr each will be made for this. The engineering college will be established at Bhawanipatna with 240 seats. The seats will be filled up through joint entrance examination and admissions will start from the next academic year. The proposed college has got the approval of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
The new agriculture college, with 48 seats, will function from the next academic year in the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at Bhawanipatna. This will be the third agriculture college in the State after Bhubaneswar and Chiplima.
The Chief Minister said establishment of these two colleges in Kalahandi will help in the economic growth of the district. Among others, Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, Development Commissioner TK Mishra and senior officials attended the meeting.
Spokesperson of Kalahandi Central University Kriyanustan Committee Akshaya Kumar Nanda welcomed the decision and said in Bhawanipatna that the move will boost higher education in technical field in the district having no technical college.
However, the proposed two colleges are no alternative for Central university for which the people are fighting. Similarly, president of Sikshya Vikash Committee Gopabandhu Behera said setting up of a Central university is the prime demand of the people
The State Government has decided to open an engineering college and an agriculture college in Kalahandi district. This was decided at a high-level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here today. Naveen has directed the authorities concerned to start the construction of the two colleges immediately.
Work on the two colleges will start during the current financial year. A provision of Rs 5 cr each will be made for this. The engineering college will be established at Bhawanipatna with 240 seats. The seats will be filled up through joint entrance examination and admissions will start from the next academic year. The proposed college has got the approval of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
The new agriculture college, with 48 seats, will function from the next academic year in the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at Bhawanipatna. This will be the third agriculture college in the State after Bhubaneswar and Chiplima.
The Chief Minister said establishment of these two colleges in Kalahandi will help in the economic growth of the district. Among others, Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, Development Commissioner TK Mishra and senior officials attended the meeting.
Spokesperson of Kalahandi Central University Kriyanustan Committee Akshaya Kumar Nanda welcomed the decision and said in Bhawanipatna that the move will boost higher education in technical field in the district having no technical college.
However, the proposed two colleges are no alternative for Central university for which the people are fighting. Similarly, president of Sikshya Vikash Committee Gopabandhu Behera said setting up of a Central university is the prime demand of the people
Friday, December 19, 2008
500 acres to be provided for Central Varsity in Koraput
The Pioneer, Dec 19, 2008
PNS | Bhubaneswar
The State Government would provide 500 acre of land to the Centre to facilitate the establishment of a Central University in Koraput town, said Higher Education Minister Samir Dey in the State Assembly on Thursday.
Dey on the floor of the Assembly said the Ministry of Human Resources Development has already constituted an inspection committee to identify the land.
“A committee under the Deputy Secretary Sunil Kumar would soon visit the State to examine the lands. After the Committee completes its work, the establishment work for the university would start,” he said, adding that the land would be provided at free of cost.
A serious debate took place during the Question Hour regarding the establishment of the Central University in Koraput.
PNS | Bhubaneswar
The State Government would provide 500 acre of land to the Centre to facilitate the establishment of a Central University in Koraput town, said Higher Education Minister Samir Dey in the State Assembly on Thursday.
Dey on the floor of the Assembly said the Ministry of Human Resources Development has already constituted an inspection committee to identify the land.
“A committee under the Deputy Secretary Sunil Kumar would soon visit the State to examine the lands. After the Committee completes its work, the establishment work for the university would start,” he said, adding that the land would be provided at free of cost.
A serious debate took place during the Question Hour regarding the establishment of the Central University in Koraput.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Koraput-Bhawanipatna-Rayagda Tribal Tourism Triangle in Orissa
Dharitri, Nov 28, 2008
Toursim attraction in between Bhawanipatna and Indravati Artificial Lake
Comment:
Similar to golden triangle comprising Puri-Konark-Bhubaneswar, Koraput – Bhawanipatna – Rayagada could be marketed as Tribal Tourism Triangle by Orissa tourism Department.
Koraput (temple) – Kolab (water reservoir and power station) – Raniguda - Tentulikhunti (Temple) - Mukhiguda (water reservoir and power station) – Indravati dam (water reservoir) - Thuamul Rampur (tribal life, tea/coffee garden, waterfall) –Karlapat (sanctuary, wildlife) – Phurli Jharan and Jakham (water fall)– Bhawanipatna (temple) – Asurgarh(historial place, ruins of a fort) – Bisam Cuttack (tribal: dongria kondh) – Gadgada (water fall) - Therubali (temple) – Rayagada (temple) – Hati Pathar (waterfall) - Laxmipur – Damanjodi (natural beauty) – Koraput (temple)
Toursim attraction in between Bhawanipatna and Indravati Artificial Lake
Comment:
Similar to golden triangle comprising Puri-Konark-Bhubaneswar, Koraput – Bhawanipatna – Rayagada could be marketed as Tribal Tourism Triangle by Orissa tourism Department.
Koraput (temple) – Kolab (water reservoir and power station) – Raniguda - Tentulikhunti (Temple) - Mukhiguda (water reservoir and power station) – Indravati dam (water reservoir) - Thuamul Rampur (tribal life, tea/coffee garden, waterfall) –Karlapat (sanctuary, wildlife) – Phurli Jharan and Jakham (water fall)– Bhawanipatna (temple) – Asurgarh(historial place, ruins of a fort) – Bisam Cuttack (tribal: dongria kondh) – Gadgada (water fall) - Therubali (temple) – Rayagada (temple) – Hati Pathar (waterfall) - Laxmipur – Damanjodi (natural beauty) – Koraput (temple)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Letter for Tribal Tourism Triangle in KBK
Dear Director, Dept of Tourism, Govt. of Orissa,
Similar to golden triangle comprising Puri-Konark-Bhubaneswar, Koraput – Bhawanipatna – Rayagada could be marketed as Tribal Tourism Triangle by Orissa tourism Department.
Koraput (temple) – Kolab (water reservoir and power station) – Raniguda - Tentulikhunti (Temple) - Mukhiguda (water reservoir and power station) – Indravati dam (water reservoir) - Thuamul Rampur (tribal life, tea/coffee garden, waterfall) –Karlapat (sanctuary, wildlife) – Phurli Jharan and Jakham (water fall)– Bhawanipatna (temple) – Asurgarh(historial place, ruins of a fort) – Bisam Cuttack (tribal: dongria kondh) – Gadgada (water fall) - Therubali (temple) – Rayagada (temple) – Hati Pathar (waterfall) - Laxmipur – Damanjodi (natural beauty) – Koraput (temple)
Doing so other tourist places near to Koraput (like Jeypore, Duduma, Nandapur, Gupteswar etc), Bhawanipatna (like Junagarh, Ranipur Jharial, Khariar, Bhim Khoj near Dharamgarh, Dokrichanchra, Patalganga, Sunabeda in Nuapada, Gudahandi etc) and Rayagada (Minajhola, Devgiri, Padampur, Gunpur, Daringbadi in Kandhamal, etc) will also get more emphasis and importance as Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Rayagada would facilitate as the center for them encouraging more nature and tribal loving tourists to KBK-Kandhamal regions.
A state highway is required to connect Raniguda with Indravati dam via Singpuru, Jagganathpur and Tentulikhunti for tourism development in the area, particularly natural and tribal beauty of Thuamul Rampur, Karlapat (wildlife) and Indravati dam could be well exploited through it.
Similarly connecting Indravati dam with Ranipur jharial, Patalganga, Sunabeda in Nuapada via Moter, Dharamgarh, Sindhekela by a state highway would also encourage tourists in KBK region.
Tribal dance like Ghumura, Dalkhai, Danda, Kondh dance, Paraja dance, Bonda dance etc could be associated at various tourist locations.
Thanks and best regards
Digambara
Similar to golden triangle comprising Puri-Konark-Bhubaneswar, Koraput – Bhawanipatna – Rayagada could be marketed as Tribal Tourism Triangle by Orissa tourism Department.
Koraput (temple) – Kolab (water reservoir and power station) – Raniguda - Tentulikhunti (Temple) - Mukhiguda (water reservoir and power station) – Indravati dam (water reservoir) - Thuamul Rampur (tribal life, tea/coffee garden, waterfall) –Karlapat (sanctuary, wildlife) – Phurli Jharan and Jakham (water fall)– Bhawanipatna (temple) – Asurgarh(historial place, ruins of a fort) – Bisam Cuttack (tribal: dongria kondh) – Gadgada (water fall) - Therubali (temple) – Rayagada (temple) – Hati Pathar (waterfall) - Laxmipur – Damanjodi (natural beauty) – Koraput (temple)
Doing so other tourist places near to Koraput (like Jeypore, Duduma, Nandapur, Gupteswar etc), Bhawanipatna (like Junagarh, Ranipur Jharial, Khariar, Bhim Khoj near Dharamgarh, Dokrichanchra, Patalganga, Sunabeda in Nuapada, Gudahandi etc) and Rayagada (Minajhola, Devgiri, Padampur, Gunpur, Daringbadi in Kandhamal, etc) will also get more emphasis and importance as Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Rayagada would facilitate as the center for them encouraging more nature and tribal loving tourists to KBK-Kandhamal regions.
A state highway is required to connect Raniguda with Indravati dam via Singpuru, Jagganathpur and Tentulikhunti for tourism development in the area, particularly natural and tribal beauty of Thuamul Rampur, Karlapat (wildlife) and Indravati dam could be well exploited through it.
Similarly connecting Indravati dam with Ranipur jharial, Patalganga, Sunabeda in Nuapada via Moter, Dharamgarh, Sindhekela by a state highway would also encourage tourists in KBK region.
Tribal dance like Ghumura, Dalkhai, Danda, Kondh dance, Paraja dance, Bonda dance etc could be associated at various tourist locations.
Thanks and best regards
Digambara
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Govt to restructure State’s 314 blocks
The Pioneer, Nov 2, 2008
The Orissa Government has decided to restructure all the 314 blocks of the State. A decision to this effect was taken at the all-secretaries meeting chaired by Chief Secy Ajit Kumar Tripathy.
It was decided in the meeting that Government would seek financial assistance from the 13th Finance Commission to go ahead with the restructuring of the blocks. Steps would be taken to build up the cluster of different categories block wise.
At the time of restructuring of the blocks, existing population, the socio-economic condition of the people would be taken into consideration. The SC and ST population and the population of other backward class would be taken into consideration. The block would be restructured to improve the administrative efficiency and augmenting the delivery mechanism. Most of the funds now straight come to the block. A lot of money under NREGS and other programmes is being spent by the block unit.
Tripathy asked the officials to take steps for expediting the establishments of ITIs in block level. In yet another development, the Planning Commission has asked the State to submit an- eight year action plan for the KBK districts for which fund can be released.
The Orissa Government has decided to restructure all the 314 blocks of the State. A decision to this effect was taken at the all-secretaries meeting chaired by Chief Secy Ajit Kumar Tripathy.
It was decided in the meeting that Government would seek financial assistance from the 13th Finance Commission to go ahead with the restructuring of the blocks. Steps would be taken to build up the cluster of different categories block wise.
At the time of restructuring of the blocks, existing population, the socio-economic condition of the people would be taken into consideration. The SC and ST population and the population of other backward class would be taken into consideration. The block would be restructured to improve the administrative efficiency and augmenting the delivery mechanism. Most of the funds now straight come to the block. A lot of money under NREGS and other programmes is being spent by the block unit.
Tripathy asked the officials to take steps for expediting the establishments of ITIs in block level. In yet another development, the Planning Commission has asked the State to submit an- eight year action plan for the KBK districts for which fund can be released.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Single Window authority clears 2 projects: one in Balangir
The Pioneer, Oct 28, 2008
The State level- Single Window Clearance Authority on Monday cleared two proposals in power sector. It approved the NTPC's 4, 300 megawatt power project. Rs 19,840 crore would be invested and the project would come up in Dhenkanal.
It also approved another proposal in the thermal sector. Sahara India Power Corporation in collaboration with Goudin of China will set up a thermal project at Bolangir. Rs 5,604 crore will be invested in the project. Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy presided over the meeting.
The State level- Single Window Clearance Authority on Monday cleared two proposals in power sector. It approved the NTPC's 4, 300 megawatt power project. Rs 19,840 crore would be invested and the project would come up in Dhenkanal.
It also approved another proposal in the thermal sector. Sahara India Power Corporation in collaboration with Goudin of China will set up a thermal project at Bolangir. Rs 5,604 crore will be invested in the project. Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy presided over the meeting.
Monday, October 27, 2008
KBK still limping
The Statesman, Oct 27, 2008
Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, Oct 26: Two decades of focused intervention, entailing pumping in crores of rupees, seems to have had little impact on the notoriously backward KBK region (erstwhile undivided Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi districts) according to the Food Security Atlas released by World Food Programme and Institute for Human Development.
"It is surprising that the efforts put into the development of the region have not yielded tangible results," states the report, while dealing with KBK region and noting that widespread malnutrition and mortality levels are a pointer to the dismal situation.
The region is characterised by wastelands, scrublands, low agriculture development, abysmally low literacy levels and high malnutrition levels.
The KBK region accounts for 31 per cent of the total area of the state, but only 20 per cent of the total population indicating low density of population. A huge part of the region is unfit for cultivation and is mostly degraded forests and scrublands. Koraput, for instances, has more than 1,000 sq kms of its area under wastelands.
Low levels of land development in the region have resulted in poor performance on the agricultural front. Despite all talk of wasteland development, the fact is that the region has not benefited from the programme as yet.
Consequent to this is the fact that very small area can be cultivated twice in an agricultural year and the cropping intensity is low. Only 19 per cent of the total area of Rayagada district is under cultivation while it is barely 20 per cent in Malkangiri district, 35 per cent in Koraput, 37 per cent in Bolangir and 41 percent in Kalahandi. The KBK average works out to 35.5 per cent in terms of area under cultivation.
The food grain yield per heactre in KBK region is 590 kg with the yield per hectare in some districts like Nuapada being as low as 221 kg, Bolangir 302 kg and Kalahandi 491 kg said the report.
Less than five per cent of the surveyed tribal population were found to be in a food secure situation in these districts. The proportion of extremely food insecure tribal households that can hardly manage one square meal a day is highest in Rayagada district at almost 12 per cent of the tribal population being unable to get one meal per day for major part of the year. Five of the eight districts in the region have a less than 10 per cent urbanisation level and these districts have a very high proportion of STs, almost twice the proportion of tribes in other parts of the state.
Other parameters too show that KBK is lagging behind the rest of the state. Koraput, Nawarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada have a rural female literacy rate of less than 20 per cent. The food insecurity status of the region manifests itself in high mortality and malnourishment. Most of the districts in the region record over 150 child deaths per 1000 live births and over 40 percent of the children are in the moderately underweight category.
Shockingly, the situation prevailing in KBK region is despite special interventions in the form of Area Development for Poverty Termination (ADAPT) in 1988 followed by the Long Term Action Plan ( LTAP) in 1993 and the Revised Long Term Action Plan ( RLTAP) in 1998. Each of these schemes involved expenditure of crores of rupees towards overall improvement of the region, feeding programmes, water harvesting etc.
Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, Oct 26: Two decades of focused intervention, entailing pumping in crores of rupees, seems to have had little impact on the notoriously backward KBK region (erstwhile undivided Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi districts) according to the Food Security Atlas released by World Food Programme and Institute for Human Development.
"It is surprising that the efforts put into the development of the region have not yielded tangible results," states the report, while dealing with KBK region and noting that widespread malnutrition and mortality levels are a pointer to the dismal situation.
The region is characterised by wastelands, scrublands, low agriculture development, abysmally low literacy levels and high malnutrition levels.
The KBK region accounts for 31 per cent of the total area of the state, but only 20 per cent of the total population indicating low density of population. A huge part of the region is unfit for cultivation and is mostly degraded forests and scrublands. Koraput, for instances, has more than 1,000 sq kms of its area under wastelands.
Low levels of land development in the region have resulted in poor performance on the agricultural front. Despite all talk of wasteland development, the fact is that the region has not benefited from the programme as yet.
Consequent to this is the fact that very small area can be cultivated twice in an agricultural year and the cropping intensity is low. Only 19 per cent of the total area of Rayagada district is under cultivation while it is barely 20 per cent in Malkangiri district, 35 per cent in Koraput, 37 per cent in Bolangir and 41 percent in Kalahandi. The KBK average works out to 35.5 per cent in terms of area under cultivation.
The food grain yield per heactre in KBK region is 590 kg with the yield per hectare in some districts like Nuapada being as low as 221 kg, Bolangir 302 kg and Kalahandi 491 kg said the report.
Less than five per cent of the surveyed tribal population were found to be in a food secure situation in these districts. The proportion of extremely food insecure tribal households that can hardly manage one square meal a day is highest in Rayagada district at almost 12 per cent of the tribal population being unable to get one meal per day for major part of the year. Five of the eight districts in the region have a less than 10 per cent urbanisation level and these districts have a very high proportion of STs, almost twice the proportion of tribes in other parts of the state.
Other parameters too show that KBK is lagging behind the rest of the state. Koraput, Nawarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada have a rural female literacy rate of less than 20 per cent. The food insecurity status of the region manifests itself in high mortality and malnourishment. Most of the districts in the region record over 150 child deaths per 1000 live births and over 40 percent of the children are in the moderately underweight category.
Shockingly, the situation prevailing in KBK region is despite special interventions in the form of Area Development for Poverty Termination (ADAPT) in 1988 followed by the Long Term Action Plan ( LTAP) in 1993 and the Revised Long Term Action Plan ( RLTAP) in 1998. Each of these schemes involved expenditure of crores of rupees towards overall improvement of the region, feeding programmes, water harvesting etc.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Initiative by Er Lalit Patnaik for Lanjigarh road-Phulbani-Angul Railway Line
Yesterday in an Action Plan for Khandhamal, I proposed our Rail Line demand for growth of Khandhamal to be included. The rail line should connect Lanjigarah Station to Angul via Phulbani that will almost bisect Khandhamal District. The chairman Dr Bhagaban & Prof Radhamohan appreciated the proposal but there were very few in public who could fully visualise the would be impact of our demand in peace making process.
In the mean time many a reporter and public of Bolangir region have telephoned me and have highly appriciated our proposal about Khandhamal that came out in a local news paper after our meeting at Bolangir. ........................
Yours,
Lalit Mohan Pattnaik
In the mean time many a reporter and public of Bolangir region have telephoned me and have highly appriciated our proposal about Khandhamal that came out in a local news paper after our meeting at Bolangir. ........................
Yours,
Lalit Mohan Pattnaik
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Poor infrastructure in K'mal escalates conflict
The Pioneer, Oct 8, 2008
Pioneer News Service | Phulbani
The Kandhamal ethno-communal violence seems to have lost some of its force. Ground-level intelligence sources, however, feel that the truce may be a temporary phenomenon.
Thanks to new DGP Manmohan Praharaj's direct initiative - 107 alleged conspirators and instigators, including Hindu and Christian fundamentalists, have been arrested. On Saturday morning, the police apprehended two Christians carrying crude bombs. The VHP has accused the Government of arresting Hindu activists while being soft towards the perpetrators of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati's murder. Long term improvement of the most backward environment of Kandhamal district, the basic cause of conflict, are not being addressed, lamented a former chief administrator of KBK. Though till date Kandhamal has not been included in KBK fold, but situation is more pathetic than KBK, he revealed.
Poor communication is one of the most nagging problems of the district, said an NRO, Sandip K Dasverma. He in a letter to the Chief Minister has detailed out the both physical and cyber connectivity for the district and KBK. After 61 years of Independence, Kandhamal continues to be one of the districts in the country without any railway connectivity. Khurda Road-Kandhamal-Balangir railway line will go a long way to serve the backward zone in a big way. The funding for the Khurda Road-Balangir railway track by the Railway Ministry is woeful. With the present level of funding it will take another half a century to complete the link, alleged Professor Chitta Baral.
Just like Ranchi-Vijayawada Highway intended to counter Maoists, the road connectivity inside the Kandhamal district will go a long way to serve the hapless tribals, he said he.
Equally concerned for the people of Kandhamal, Dhirendra Kar, a pro-active NRO said all the 12 blocks of the district from the district headquarters are ill served by the road network. In an e-mail to the Chief Minister, Kar has also harped on the infrastructure owes of the unrest-hit zone. t is very much difficult to contact people in the interior areas of the district. Internet service is equally dismal and it is non-existent even in the Block Headquarters.
Given such poor infrastructure, the ability of the administration and police to contain the raging frenzy is seriously compromised, said a senior police officer posted at Baliguda.
Pioneer News Service | Phulbani
The Kandhamal ethno-communal violence seems to have lost some of its force. Ground-level intelligence sources, however, feel that the truce may be a temporary phenomenon.
Thanks to new DGP Manmohan Praharaj's direct initiative - 107 alleged conspirators and instigators, including Hindu and Christian fundamentalists, have been arrested. On Saturday morning, the police apprehended two Christians carrying crude bombs. The VHP has accused the Government of arresting Hindu activists while being soft towards the perpetrators of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati's murder. Long term improvement of the most backward environment of Kandhamal district, the basic cause of conflict, are not being addressed, lamented a former chief administrator of KBK. Though till date Kandhamal has not been included in KBK fold, but situation is more pathetic than KBK, he revealed.
Poor communication is one of the most nagging problems of the district, said an NRO, Sandip K Dasverma. He in a letter to the Chief Minister has detailed out the both physical and cyber connectivity for the district and KBK. After 61 years of Independence, Kandhamal continues to be one of the districts in the country without any railway connectivity. Khurda Road-Kandhamal-Balangir railway line will go a long way to serve the backward zone in a big way. The funding for the Khurda Road-Balangir railway track by the Railway Ministry is woeful. With the present level of funding it will take another half a century to complete the link, alleged Professor Chitta Baral.
Just like Ranchi-Vijayawada Highway intended to counter Maoists, the road connectivity inside the Kandhamal district will go a long way to serve the hapless tribals, he said he.
Equally concerned for the people of Kandhamal, Dhirendra Kar, a pro-active NRO said all the 12 blocks of the district from the district headquarters are ill served by the road network. In an e-mail to the Chief Minister, Kar has also harped on the infrastructure owes of the unrest-hit zone. t is very much difficult to contact people in the interior areas of the district. Internet service is equally dismal and it is non-existent even in the Block Headquarters.
Given such poor infrastructure, the ability of the administration and police to contain the raging frenzy is seriously compromised, said a senior police officer posted at Baliguda.
Orissa to explore bauxite in Keonjhar, Koraput
Business Standard, Oct 8, 2008
With a view to augment the availability of bauxite for the aluminium plants coming up in the state, the Orissa government plans to start exploration of bauxite in the Keonjhar and Koraput districts during the current fiscal.
It will take up exploration in the surrounding areas of Dholkata Pahar in the Keonjhar district and small and medium size plateaus in Dashmantapur block in the Koraput district to assess the availability of bauxite there.
An exploration was undertaken in Dholkata Pahar by the directorate of geology between the field seasons 1975-76 and 1981-82 and a reserve of 5.09 million tonnes of metallurgical grade bauxite was found.
Preliminary investigations carried out in the surrounding areas of Dholkata Pahar, like Unsir, Serenda and Samrajpahar, also indicated the presence of bauxite.
Drilling in Dholkata Pahar has revealed the thickness of laterite profile of up to 18metres, with bauxite being encountered up to a maximum depth of 16 metres from the surface. As Unsir, Serenda and Samraja Pahar are adjacent to Dholkata Pahar and have similar geological set up, the directorate hopes to get bauxite of the same nature there.
Keeping that in view, it plans to carry out geological mapping for bauxite in these areas, followed by drilling wherever necessary. While geological mapping will be taken up for 100 square kilometres, trial excavation, drilling and sampling are proposed to be taken up if necessary, sources added.
Similarly, assessment of bauxite and gemstone potential in Dashmantpur block in the Koraput district is proposed to be taken up during the current fiscal. It may be noted that the area around Girliguma in Dashmantapur exposes the ‘Eastern Ghat Super’ group of rocks.
While the eastern part of Girliguma is occupied by about 36 plateaus of various dimensions, the valley part of the area exposes basic granulites, pegmatites and quartz veins. The gravels, derived from the pegmatites and their contact zones, are often panned by the local people to recover fibrolite with cat’s eye effect.
In this backdrop, an exploration will be undertaken in these plateaus for bauxite.
With a view to augment the availability of bauxite for the aluminium plants coming up in the state, the Orissa government plans to start exploration of bauxite in the Keonjhar and Koraput districts during the current fiscal.
It will take up exploration in the surrounding areas of Dholkata Pahar in the Keonjhar district and small and medium size plateaus in Dashmantapur block in the Koraput district to assess the availability of bauxite there.
An exploration was undertaken in Dholkata Pahar by the directorate of geology between the field seasons 1975-76 and 1981-82 and a reserve of 5.09 million tonnes of metallurgical grade bauxite was found.
Preliminary investigations carried out in the surrounding areas of Dholkata Pahar, like Unsir, Serenda and Samrajpahar, also indicated the presence of bauxite.
Drilling in Dholkata Pahar has revealed the thickness of laterite profile of up to 18metres, with bauxite being encountered up to a maximum depth of 16 metres from the surface. As Unsir, Serenda and Samraja Pahar are adjacent to Dholkata Pahar and have similar geological set up, the directorate hopes to get bauxite of the same nature there.
Keeping that in view, it plans to carry out geological mapping for bauxite in these areas, followed by drilling wherever necessary. While geological mapping will be taken up for 100 square kilometres, trial excavation, drilling and sampling are proposed to be taken up if necessary, sources added.
Similarly, assessment of bauxite and gemstone potential in Dashmantpur block in the Koraput district is proposed to be taken up during the current fiscal. It may be noted that the area around Girliguma in Dashmantapur exposes the ‘Eastern Ghat Super’ group of rocks.
While the eastern part of Girliguma is occupied by about 36 plateaus of various dimensions, the valley part of the area exposes basic granulites, pegmatites and quartz veins. The gravels, derived from the pegmatites and their contact zones, are often panned by the local people to recover fibrolite with cat’s eye effect.
In this backdrop, an exploration will be undertaken in these plateaus for bauxite.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
