Odisha Govt

Odisha 2nd in India for max increase in green cover inside forest area

Odisha has ranked second in the country for maximum increase in green cover inside recorded forest area, according to the latest India State of Forest Report-2023. Published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) since 1987, the report, which was released by Union forest minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday, provides a detailed assessment of the nation's forest and tree resources. According to the report, Odisha reported an increase of 118.17 sq km of forest inside the recorded forest area, while Mizoram was at the top position with an increase of 192.92 sq km. Karnataka recorded an increase of 93.14 sq km of forest, West Bengal (64.79 sq km), and neighbouring Jharkhand's growth was 52.72 sq km. In combined forest and tree cover, the state recorded a growth of 558.57 sq km and secured third position in the country. Chhattisgarh topped the list with an increase of 684 sq km, followed by Uttar Pradesh (559.19 sq km). Rajasthan was in fourth position with a 394 sq km rise, th

Odisha Govt deploys special teams to check illegal paddy inflow into state

The Odisha government has deployed special enforcement teams in various districts to curb the illegal inflow of paddy from neighbouring states during the procurement season, the state government said on Friday. So far, 84 enforcement teams have been deployed in various districts, including 10 in Bargarh district and 21 in Sambalpur district, it said. While the central government's minimum support price (MSP) for paddy is Rs 2,300 per quintal, the state government has announced an additional Rs 800 per quintal as assistance to farmers. This has triggered concerns that some traders may attempt to bring paddy from other states to sell it in Odisha at a higher price. The government has set a target of procuring 80 lakh tonnes of paddy during the current Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25. According to the statement, the teams will monitor vehicles entering Odisha with paddy from neighboring states, as well as vehicles moving from mandis (paddy procurement centres) to mills and ...

PM Modi to attend all India DGP/IGP conference in Odisha's Bhubaneswar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the all India conference of director generals/inspector generals of police in Bhubaneswar for two days starting Saturday. The Prime Minister's Office said the three-day conference, which begins on Friday, will include deliberations on critical components of national security, including counter terrorism, Left Wing Extremism, coastal security, new criminal laws and narcotics. The conference, it said, will provide an interactive platform for senior police professionals and security administrators in the country to freely discuss and debate diverse national security-related issues besides various operational, infrastructural and welfare-related problems faced by police. Its deliberations will include formulation and sharing of professional practices and processes in tackling challenges relating to crime control, and law and order management, besides internal security threats. The statement noted Modi has encouraged organising the annual confere

Odisha govt rejects IAS Sujata R Karthikeyan's leave extension application

The Odisha government has rejected an application of senior IAS officer Sujata R Karthikeyan for extension of child care leave (CCL) and asked her to join the duty, an official said on Wednesday. Karthikeyan is the wife of V K Pandian who was a close aide of former chief minister Naveen Patnaik. The General Administration and Public Grievance department through a letter on Tuesday informed Karthikeyan to join duty on Wednesday as her application for an extension of child care leave has not been accepted by the government, the official said. "I am directed to invite a reference to your letter of dated 04.11.2024 (sanction of extension of CCL for six months from November 27) and say that after careful consideration, your leave application for extension of CCL is not acceded to. You are, therefore, requested to join on 27.11.2024 i.e. after availing of the CCL from 31.05.2024 to 26.11.2024," said letter issued by Manoj Mohanty, additional secretary, General Administration and Public .

Subhadra Yojana's third phase to launch on Nov 24: Odisha dy CM Parida

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the scheme will be launched in Sundargarh district, highlighting that it will benefit more than 2 million women

Odisha govt approves investment of Rs 3,353 crore in various sectors

The Odisha government on Friday gave its nod to 15 new industrial projects with a total investment of Rs 3,353 crore, which is expected to generate 4,637 jobs. The approvals came during a meeting of the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja. These projects cover a wide range of sectors, including Chemical/Renewable Energy, Steel, Aluminium, Food Processing, Manufacturing, Textile & Apparel, Tourism, Pharmaceuticals, and Cement. They will be implemented across several districts, such as Koraput, Khurda, Baragarh, Puri, Cuttack, and Jharsuguda. In the chemical/renewable energy sector, Reliance Bio Energy Limited will set up a compressed bio-gas and organic manure plant in Puri with an investment of Rs 121.21 crore. The project is expected to create 69 jobs, officials said. In the steel sector, Beekay Steel Industries Ltd. plans to invest Rs 750 crore in Cuttack, expanding its operations with sponge iron, billets, ferro alloys,

News updates: Modi govt committed to building terror-free India, says Amit Shah

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Majhi unveils web portal for Odisha vision document, seeks people's opinion

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has unveiled the logo and web portal for the state's vision document and urged people to give suggestions and opinions for development. The realisation of a dream of building a developed Odisha will play an important role in making a developed India by 2047, he said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country today is progressing on the development path. Special emphasis is being given to Odisha as part of the Mission Purvodaya, Majhi said. The CM on Wednesday unveiled the web portal Bikasita Bharat pain bikasita Odisha (developed Odisha in developed India) that sought inputs from people for the vision document. Our government is requesting intellectuals, organisations, educators and non-resident Odias to give their suggestions and opinions for the development of the state. Their opinion will be included in the vision document in the coming days and will be discussed, he said. The proposals will be assessed and ...

Cyclone Dana: Schools closed in Odisha's 14 districts from Oct 23-25

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in Odisha in the upcoming week as Cyclone Dana is expected landfall on October 24

Rising food prices cuts lunch options for poor school kids in India: Poll

A case in point is 8-year old Ranjit Nayak, who lives in Ghugudipada village, 150 kilometres from Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of the eastern Indian state of Odisha

Boundary walls to washrooms: Odisha issues new safety policy for doctors

In response to the Kolkata rape and murder case, the Odisha government has introduced new safety measures at hospitals, colleges, and hostels

Illicit drug trade not only domestic but a global challenge: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the illegal narcotics trade is not only a challenge for India but also a global issue, stressing that the country can fight the menace if it pursues with determination and strategy. Addressing a meeting at a hotel in Nava Raipur on the scenario of narcotics substances in Chhattisgarh, Shah emphasised the need to adopt four formulas of drug detection, network destruction, culprit detention and addict rehabilitation in achieving success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to make the country drug-free in 2047 when the 100th year of the country's independence will be celebrated and gradually the resolution has become the resolution of the 130 crore population. I believe that the resolution of a drug-free India is very important in making a prosperous, safe and glorious India, Shah said. The illicit drug trade is not only a challenge for India but also a global issue, he said, pitching for the need to raise awareness of this menace. If

Upholding pride, Odisha to reach pinnacle of development: CM Majhi

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said the state has embarked on a journey for change and development while upholding its Ashmita' (pride). After hoisting the Tricolour and taking a salute from the security forces during the Independence Day celebration at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg here, Majhi also announced several development programmes. Today is a very important day for Odisha. The state has embarked on a path of change. The people of Odisha have left the path of propaganda," the chief minister said. This is the first Independence Day function under the BJP government in the state. While paying tribute to the great sons and daughters of the soil who sacrificed for the nation, Majhi said, Odisha has vowed to reach the pinnacle of development with Asmita (pride) and Swaviman (self-respect)." Noting that he does not believe in showing big dreams to the people, Majhi said he is committed to fulfil promises made to the state. For the sake of my land, I know how to

Over 300 people from Odisha held in Bengal's Pachim Medinipur return home

Over 300 people from Odisha, who were allegedly detained by locals in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur, safely returned home on Wednesday after being rescued by police, officials said. The incident is suspected to be a fallout of the alleged assault on migrant laborers from West Bengal in Odisha, who were mistakenly identified as Bangladeshi nationals. The people, from Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts, had traveled to Kharika village in Keshpur for treatment by a local healer. On their way back, they were allegedly attacked by a mob, which also damaged their vehicles, they claimed. "All the people were rescued due to police intervention and safely reached Odisha," said Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar. He confirmed that the buses carrying the group dropped them off at Laxmannath Gate on the Odisha-Bengal border on Tuesday evening. The situation came to light after some affected people contacted Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, who then informed Chief ..

No report of influx of Bangladeshis through sea route: Odisha's law min

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan asserted there was no report of an influx of Bangladeshis into the coastal state through the sea route after unrest in the neighbouring country. He said Bangladeshis staying illegally in Odisha will be identified and repatriated to their country. Police said three-tier security is being maintained along the coastline by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Odisha Marine Police. Replying to queries from journalists on the possibility of an influx from Bangladesh through the sea route in the wake of political turmoil in the neighbouring country, Harichandan said that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed both Coast Guard and Odisha Marine Police to undertake patrolling along the coastline to prevent such attempts. He asserted there has been no such report after the recent incidents in Bangladesh. "Some Bangladeshis have been residing in Odisha for a long time. The state government will verify their documents such as visa and work pe

CM Majhi seeks cooperation from central officers to build 'New Odisha'

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday sought cooperation of senior officers from the state working in various central government departments to help build a 'New Odisha' by 2036, marking the state's 100th year of formation. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi after a meeting with Odisha cadre IAS and other senior officers on central deputation, Majhi emphasised the state's mission to become a developed state by 2047, coinciding with India's 100 years of Independence. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and other senior Odisha government officials. "The state government is working on a mission mode, implementing a 100-day action plan, a five-year plan, a 12-year programme leading up to 2036, and a vision extending to 2047," Majhi said. In a press statement, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) highlighted Majhi's call for the officers' cooperation to expedite the implementation of proposals presented at

Nothing wrong in UP police diktat to display names of shopkeepers: Manjhi

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday asserted that he saw "nothing wrong" with fruit sellers along the 'Kanwar Yatra' route in Uttar Pradesh being asked to display their names at their stalls. Manjhi was responding to journalists' questions about the controversial UP police directive, which has faced criticism from the opposition and some BJP allies, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and Union Minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). Manjhi, who heads the Hindustani Awam Morcha, said, "I cannot speak for other parties, but I see nothing wrong with such an order. What is the harm if people involved in businesses are asked to display their names and addresses prominently?" "In fact, such display only makes it easy for buyers to spot a favourite stall. It is wrong to view the episode through the prism of religion", said Manjhi, who made his parliamentary debut, at a ripe age of 79, in the recent elections. Manjhi's stance on the issue differs

Govt forms panel to oversee reopening of Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath temple

The Odisha government has formed a fresh high-level committee to supervise the reopening of Ratna Bhandar of Puri's Jagannath temple for repair and inventory of valuables stored inside the treasury. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, in a press conference on Thursday night, said that the panel has been formed in accordance with the direction of the Orissa High Court in this regard. In March this year, the previous BJD government had formed a 12-member committee led by retired judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Arijit Pasayat, to supervise the inventory of jewellery and other valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar. The BJP government has dissolved the Justice Pasayat-led panel and formed the fresh committee. "A high-level committee is hereby reconstituted, under the chairmanship of Justice Biswanath Rath, to supervise the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee in carrying out the inventorisation of valuables including jewelleries stored in the Ratna Bhandar," a ...

Odisha govt asks collectors to be prepared for possible flood situation

The Odisha government has asked all district collectors and municipal commissioners to remain fully prepared for probable flood situation in the monsoon season. In a letter to all collectors and municipal commissioners, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu on Monday said IMD has forecasted that an intense spell of rainfall due to active monsoon would occur throughout the state from June 26. "As a result, there may be instances of flash floods, flood like situation, waterlogging and landslides at different locations. Keeping this in mind, you are requested to take immediate action," Sahu told the collectors. He said the field-level functionaries should not leave the headquarters and they should be deployed in strategic locations of flash flood or waterlogging and ready to meet any eventuality. As low-lying areas in urban pockets may have waterlogging and roads may be submerged, the SRC directed the urban local bodies (ULBs) to keep the drains and storm water channels ..

Odisha seeks higher allocation of Centre's funds for infra development

The new BJP government in Odisha has submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking expansion of Paradip port, a second AIIMS at Sambalpur and higher allocation of funds to further accelerate infrastructure development in the state, an official release said on Saturday. The memorandum was submitted by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo who attended the meeting of Finance ministers of the states before the Union Budget. The meeting was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday. The Odisha government memorandum sought higher allocation under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI), 2024-25 to further accelerate infrastructure development, the release said. Apart from the demand for the establishment of a second AIIMS at Sambalpur, the state government also sought expeditious completion of National Highways, specifically the Coastal Highway and Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR) projects, in Odisha. The new BJP