The Economic Times,Kolkata:
TATA Steel is setting up a Rs 675-crore coal-fired power station in Orissa in alliance with Hyderabadbased Jasper Industries. The proposed plant of 2 x 67.5 mw capacity will meet the steel major’s captive power requirement.Along with its wholly-owned subsidiary Rawmet Ferrous Industries, Tata Steel has entered into a share subscription and shareholders’ agreement with Jasper Industries for the venture, the steel major said in a filing to the Bombay stock exchange (BSE) on Monday.Following the shareholders’ agreement, Tata Steel and Rawmet would together pick up 26% in the new company, Bhubaneswar Power while Jasper Industries will hold a controlling 74% stake, the steel major noted. Incidentally, Jasper Industries is a dealer of cars and commercial vehicles for Tata Motors. Based in Hyderabad, Jasper shares a long association with the Tata Group auto company.
“This is our first foray into the power sector. We share old ties with the Tata group. This venture will be helpful for both the partners,” a Jasper Industries source said. “Some 60% of the power generated will be used for Tata Steel’s captive ferro alloy units in Orissa. The remaining 40% will be given to the state grid,” the source added.Coal required for the project will be supplied by Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL) from Talcher. “The power plant will need around one million tonne of coal per annum. We have already been provided linkages for coal supply,” the source said.
The project is expected to achieve financial closure within the next couple of months. The plant will come up at Anantpur village, around 20 km from Cuttack, Orissa. The shareholders’ agreement is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, Tata Steel said in the statement.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Berhampur Varsity to start Astrology course.
Pioneer News Service | Berhampur
The Berhampur University, for the first time in Orissa, has decided to introduce astrology as a subject under the distance education system from the current academic session.According to sources, the course of studies and the regulation for the one-year postgraduate diploma in Jyotirvidya were formulated on Thursday at the meeting of the Board of Studies of the university held under the chairmanship of noted astrologer Nimai Banarjee.
The other members of the committee are retired professors Tara Prasad Mohapatra and Mayadhar Sahu, KC Acharya, Dhaneswar Das and Pradeep Kumar Subudhi.The sources said the course is likely to be started from this year after the approval of the course of studies and regulations by the university's Academic Council.
The Berhampur University, for the first time in Orissa, has decided to introduce astrology as a subject under the distance education system from the current academic session.According to sources, the course of studies and the regulation for the one-year postgraduate diploma in Jyotirvidya were formulated on Thursday at the meeting of the Board of Studies of the university held under the chairmanship of noted astrologer Nimai Banarjee.
The other members of the committee are retired professors Tara Prasad Mohapatra and Mayadhar Sahu, KC Acharya, Dhaneswar Das and Pradeep Kumar Subudhi.The sources said the course is likely to be started from this year after the approval of the course of studies and regulations by the university's Academic Council.
Sudarsan Pattnaik bags first prize at Berlin Sand Art Championship
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
Orissa's well-known sand artiste Sudarsan Pattnaik has bagged the first prize for his 25-feet-high sculpture on global warming at the USF World Double Championship in Berlin on Thursday. The second and third prizes were won by artistes from the US and the Netherlands, respectively.
Pattnaik sculpted a polar bear on top of a globe praying save my family, and beneath the sculpture were three different faces representing Africa, Europe and Asia. Pattnaik and his student Jitendra Kishore Jagadev were the only Indian representatives in the championship.
Sand artistes from 12 countries, including India, Denmark, Germany, the US, the UK, Spain, Holland, Japan, Belgium, Morocco, Italy and France, participated in the championship organised by Sandsation. The sand carving began on June 5 and ended on June 12. The sculptures would, however, remain for public display for another couple of weeks in Berlin.
It may be noted that Pattnaik recently won the People's Choice Prize at the Moscow international sand sculpture championship, in which he had also created a sand art based on global warming. He had also won the first prize at the Berlin competition in 2005 with a 15-feet-high sculpture titled World Peace that depicted Mahatma Gandhi with three monkeys.
Orissa's well-known sand artiste Sudarsan Pattnaik has bagged the first prize for his 25-feet-high sculpture on global warming at the USF World Double Championship in Berlin on Thursday. The second and third prizes were won by artistes from the US and the Netherlands, respectively.
Pattnaik sculpted a polar bear on top of a globe praying save my family, and beneath the sculpture were three different faces representing Africa, Europe and Asia. Pattnaik and his student Jitendra Kishore Jagadev were the only Indian representatives in the championship.
Sand artistes from 12 countries, including India, Denmark, Germany, the US, the UK, Spain, Holland, Japan, Belgium, Morocco, Italy and France, participated in the championship organised by Sandsation. The sand carving began on June 5 and ended on June 12. The sculptures would, however, remain for public display for another couple of weeks in Berlin.
It may be noted that Pattnaik recently won the People's Choice Prize at the Moscow international sand sculpture championship, in which he had also created a sand art based on global warming. He had also won the first prize at the Berlin competition in 2005 with a 15-feet-high sculpture titled World Peace that depicted Mahatma Gandhi with three monkeys.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Ravenshaw students hold demonstration .
The Hindu,Cuttack: Hundreds of students of Ravenshaw University staged a demonstration in the university campus on Thursday over the State government’s decision to slash the seats in the arts stream of graduation and post graduation courses of the university from this year.The students under the banner of Democratic Students Organisation (DSO) came in a rally from the railway station in the morning and held protest meeting inside the campus. The students later handed over a memorandum to the Registrar .The students are demanding immediate revoke of the government notification reducing the number of seats in the university. They are also demanding that the ongoing admission process be stalled until the impugned notification is withdrawn.
Meanwhile the Oriya students studying in New Delhi under the banner of Delhi Odia Students’ Association (DOSA) have also criticized the government’s decision to slash the seats in the Arts stream of the famous Ravenshaw University. In a release, the DOSA convener Tejeswar Parida has flayed the decision and has called for increase in number of seats in Arts stream by recruiting more teachers.
Meanwhile the Oriya students studying in New Delhi under the banner of Delhi Odia Students’ Association (DOSA) have also criticized the government’s decision to slash the seats in the Arts stream of the famous Ravenshaw University. In a release, the DOSA convener Tejeswar Parida has flayed the decision and has called for increase in number of seats in Arts stream by recruiting more teachers.
DOSA opposed Ravenshaw University seat Reduction .
SEAT REDUCTION IN ARTS STREAM IN RAVENSHAW UNIVERSITY IS OPPOSED BY DELHI ORIYA STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (DOSA)
Sir/Madam,
It is very sad and unfortunate that the authorities of prestigious Ravenshaw University have reduced the the seats in Arts stream of both undergraduate and post graduate courses by 256 and 80 respectively. While for BA(Hons) seats are reduced in Economics(112 to 64),English(96 to 64),Political Science(112 to 64),History(112 to64) and Oriya(80 to 64), for MA course the number of seats are reduced in Economics(104 to 64) and English(104 to64) by 40 in each subject .The authority is taking the plea of decreasing quality of education with more number of students , increasing the number of seats in self financing courses, seats lying vacant in Arts stream, that the reduced seats used to be in the former Ravenshaw Morning College and inadequate number of teachers in the University which are the easy escapes of the University authority from the real solution.
Answering these pleas Delhi Oriya Students Association (DOSA) which comprise of a large number of old Ravenshavians want a response from Ravenshaw University authority and the Govt. of Orissa that
1. Why the University authority is feeling that the 256 students of BA(Hons) and 80 students of MA(Economics and English) were the liabilities or extra burdens on Ravenshaw ?
2. Has the University authority taken any major initiatives like Orientation Programmes for students at the beginning of educational year, special coaching facility for the students scoring less marks in Internal examinations,free and compulsory soft skill development classes etc. to improve the quality of education among these so called extra students for which seats are no more available from this year ?
3. How many Campus Recruitment Camps exclusively for BA and MA students were organised by the University every year to motivate these students ?
4. If there is a shortage of teachers in the University why Ad hoc teachers were not recruited for these Departments ?
5.There is no reasonable link between decreasing seats in BA and MA courses and increasing seats in self financing courses, where a meritorious but economically poor student can not get the opportunity to take admission. As old Ravenshavians we have seen and observed so many cases every year.
6.Students do not join Ravenshaw only to get Govt. or Pvt. jobs and earn huge amount of money.Many students join there to be good citizens, to be in a good intellectual environment ,to get better peer socialization, to be politicians, to be writers, poets, creative thinkers, social workers and above all to be Swabhimani Odias.
7.If the seats were added from the former Ravenshaw Morning College then it must be known that Ravenshaw Morning College was an inseparable part of Ravenshaw and abolishing the seats saying that these were of the Ravenshaw Morning College will be very much unacceptable.
8. Yes, it is a fact that very less number of students are on the street today in protest, but the reasons are many .As there is a vacation most students are outside and is difficult to be organized, The annual/semester examinations of UG and PG classes are starting from next week, most of the present and old Ravenshavian students, teachers are unaware of this Reduction of Seats in Arts Stream. So as the days progress gradually the Opposition to the Seat Reduction is spreading rapidly.
9. How the BA and MA students will show their potentials at the national level when many problems are not solved by Ravenshaw authority, such as
a) The entrance examination dates of Ravenshaw is clashing with that of the other top institutions like Delhi University which does not allow Ravenshaw Arts students to join Delhi University in large number. So without solving this problem how can the University authority question the quality of Arts students in Ravenshaw ?
b) If it is true that very very few seats are vacant in Ravenshaw then it is the University authority who are to be blamed and saying that students are not available will never be accepted. What steps the University authority has taken till today to solve this problem?
10.Ravenshaw authorities are saying that seats for BA are lying vacant .But truth is different. The results of CHSE +2 Arts results were declared. Total 3582 students have scored more than 60%(1st division), 15,470 students scored between 50% to 60%(2nd division).In Ravenshaw Junior College only about 219 students scored more than 50%,including the All Orissa Topper Ms Swayamshree Mishra ,while in Cuttack City alone more than 600 students scored more than 50%.On the other hand the eligibility criteria to seat in the Ravenshaw University UG entrance is only 40% marks in +2 exam.
11. Another fact is that large number students from +2 Science and Commerce with good marks join Arts in UG. .It is a well known fact that students all over Orissa give Ravenshaw their 1st preference. Even many students from West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar prefer Ravenshaw as their 1st choice for BA and MA courses. So how it is true that seats in Ravenshaw remain vacant ?
12.This decision to reduce seats in Ravenshaw Arts Departments which has produced so many Chief Ministers of Orissa, IAS/IPS and Allied Service Officers, State Officers, Thinkers, Social Workers, Politicians, Educationists, Writers, Actors, Play Writers, Journalists, Army Officers, Artists, top Businessmen and other successful persons in their respective spheres is a huge emotional shock for every Odia who feel proud of Ravenshaw.
With due respect to the Vice Chancellor Mr.Devdas Chhotray who was also a student of Ravenshaw , Delhi Oriya Students Association (DOSA) members are demanding Ravenshaw University authorities to withdraw the notification to reduce the seats in BA(Hons) and MA classes.
Thanking You
Tejeswar Parida,
Convenor,DOSA
Mob-09999974473 (delhi)
9937125322 (Orissa)
DELHI ORIYA STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION (DOSA)
168,INDIRA VIHAR
DELHI-110009
visit us at : www.contactdosa.blogspot.com
Sir/Madam,
It is very sad and unfortunate that the authorities of prestigious Ravenshaw University have reduced the the seats in Arts stream of both undergraduate and post graduate courses by 256 and 80 respectively. While for BA(Hons) seats are reduced in Economics(112 to 64),English(96 to 64),Political Science(112 to 64),History(112 to64) and Oriya(80 to 64), for MA course the number of seats are reduced in Economics(104 to 64) and English(104 to64) by 40 in each subject .The authority is taking the plea of decreasing quality of education with more number of students , increasing the number of seats in self financing courses, seats lying vacant in Arts stream, that the reduced seats used to be in the former Ravenshaw Morning College and inadequate number of teachers in the University which are the easy escapes of the University authority from the real solution.
Answering these pleas Delhi Oriya Students Association (DOSA) which comprise of a large number of old Ravenshavians want a response from Ravenshaw University authority and the Govt. of Orissa that
1. Why the University authority is feeling that the 256 students of BA(Hons) and 80 students of MA(Economics and English) were the liabilities or extra burdens on Ravenshaw ?
2. Has the University authority taken any major initiatives like Orientation Programmes for students at the beginning of educational year, special coaching facility for the students scoring less marks in Internal examinations,free and compulsory soft skill development classes etc. to improve the quality of education among these so called extra students for which seats are no more available from this year ?
3. How many Campus Recruitment Camps exclusively for BA and MA students were organised by the University every year to motivate these students ?
4. If there is a shortage of teachers in the University why Ad hoc teachers were not recruited for these Departments ?
5.There is no reasonable link between decreasing seats in BA and MA courses and increasing seats in self financing courses, where a meritorious but economically poor student can not get the opportunity to take admission. As old Ravenshavians we have seen and observed so many cases every year.
6.Students do not join Ravenshaw only to get Govt. or Pvt. jobs and earn huge amount of money.Many students join there to be good citizens, to be in a good intellectual environment ,to get better peer socialization, to be politicians, to be writers, poets, creative thinkers, social workers and above all to be Swabhimani Odias.
7.If the seats were added from the former Ravenshaw Morning College then it must be known that Ravenshaw Morning College was an inseparable part of Ravenshaw and abolishing the seats saying that these were of the Ravenshaw Morning College will be very much unacceptable.
8. Yes, it is a fact that very less number of students are on the street today in protest, but the reasons are many .As there is a vacation most students are outside and is difficult to be organized, The annual/semester examinations of UG and PG classes are starting from next week, most of the present and old Ravenshavian students, teachers are unaware of this Reduction of Seats in Arts Stream. So as the days progress gradually the Opposition to the Seat Reduction is spreading rapidly.
9. How the BA and MA students will show their potentials at the national level when many problems are not solved by Ravenshaw authority, such as
a) The entrance examination dates of Ravenshaw is clashing with that of the other top institutions like Delhi University which does not allow Ravenshaw Arts students to join Delhi University in large number. So without solving this problem how can the University authority question the quality of Arts students in Ravenshaw ?
b) If it is true that very very few seats are vacant in Ravenshaw then it is the University authority who are to be blamed and saying that students are not available will never be accepted. What steps the University authority has taken till today to solve this problem?
10.Ravenshaw authorities are saying that seats for BA are lying vacant .But truth is different. The results of CHSE +2 Arts results were declared. Total 3582 students have scored more than 60%(1st division), 15,470 students scored between 50% to 60%(2nd division).In Ravenshaw Junior College only about 219 students scored more than 50%,including the All Orissa Topper Ms Swayamshree Mishra ,while in Cuttack City alone more than 600 students scored more than 50%.On the other hand the eligibility criteria to seat in the Ravenshaw University UG entrance is only 40% marks in +2 exam.
11. Another fact is that large number students from +2 Science and Commerce with good marks join Arts in UG. .It is a well known fact that students all over Orissa give Ravenshaw their 1st preference. Even many students from West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar prefer Ravenshaw as their 1st choice for BA and MA courses. So how it is true that seats in Ravenshaw remain vacant ?
12.This decision to reduce seats in Ravenshaw Arts Departments which has produced so many Chief Ministers of Orissa, IAS/IPS and Allied Service Officers, State Officers, Thinkers, Social Workers, Politicians, Educationists, Writers, Actors, Play Writers, Journalists, Army Officers, Artists, top Businessmen and other successful persons in their respective spheres is a huge emotional shock for every Odia who feel proud of Ravenshaw.
With due respect to the Vice Chancellor Mr.Devdas Chhotray who was also a student of Ravenshaw , Delhi Oriya Students Association (DOSA) members are demanding Ravenshaw University authorities to withdraw the notification to reduce the seats in BA(Hons) and MA classes.
Thanking You
Tejeswar Parida,
Convenor,DOSA
Mob-09999974473 (delhi)
9937125322 (Orissa)
DELHI ORIYA STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION (DOSA)
168,INDIRA VIHAR
DELHI-110009
visit us at : www.contactdosa.blogspot.com
DOSA opposed Ravenshaw University seat Reduction .
SEAT REDUCTION IN ARTS STREAM IN RAVENSHAW UNIVERSITY IS OPPOSED BY DELHI ORIYA STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (DOSA)
Sir/Madam,
It is very sad and unfortunate that the authorities of prestigious Ravenshaw University have reduced the the seats in Arts stream of both undergraduate and post graduate courses by 256 and 80 respectively. While for BA(Hons) seats are reduced in Economics(112 to 64),English(96 to 64),Political Science(112 to 64),History(112 to64) and Oriya(80 to 64), for MA course the number of seats are reduced in Economics(104 to 64) and English(104 to64) by 40 in each subject .The authority is taking the plea of decreasing quality of education with more number of students , increasing the number of seats in self financing courses, seats lying vacant in Arts stream, that the reduced seats used to be in the former Ravenshaw Morning College and inadequate number of teachers in the University which are the easy escapes of the University authority from the real solution.
Answering these pleas Delhi Oriya Students Association (DOSA) which comprise of a large number of old Ravenshavians want a response from Ravenshaw University authority and the Govt. of Orissa that
1. Why the University authority is feeling that the 256 students of BA(Hons) and 80 students of MA(Economics and English) were the liabilities or extra burdens on Ravenshaw ?
2. Has the University authority taken any major initiatives like Orientation Programmes for students at the beginning of educational year, special coaching facility for the students scoring less marks in Internal examinations,free and compulsory soft skill development classes etc. to improve the quality of education among these so called extra students for which seats are no more available from this year ?
3. How many Campus Recruitment Camps exclusively for BA and MA students were organised by the University every year to motivate these students ?
4. If there is a shortage of teachers in the University why Ad hoc teachers were not recruited for these Departments ?
5.There is no reasonable link between decreasing seats in BA and MA courses and increasing seats in self financing courses, where a meritorious but economically poor student can not get the opportunity to take admission. As old Ravenshavians we have seen and observed so many cases every year.
6.Students do not join Ravenshaw only to get Govt. or Pvt. jobs and earn huge amount of money.Many students join there to be good citizens, to be in a good intellectual environment ,to get better peer socialization, to be politicians, to be writers, poets, creative thinkers, social workers and above all to be Swabhimani Odias.
7.If the seats were added from the former Ravenshaw Morning College then it must be known that Ravenshaw Morning College was an inseparable part of Ravenshaw and abolishing the seats saying that these were of the Ravenshaw Morning College will be very much unacceptable.
8. Yes, it is a fact that very less number of students are on the street today in protest, but the reasons are many .As there is a vacation most students are outside and is difficult to be organized, The annual/semester examinations of UG and PG classes are starting from next week, most of the present and old Ravenshavian students, teachers are unaware of this Reduction of Seats in Arts Stream. So as the days progress gradually the Opposition to the Seat Reduction is spreading rapidly.
9. How the BA and MA students will show their potentials at the national level when many problems are not solved by Ravenshaw authority, such as
a) The entrance examination dates of Ravenshaw is clashing with that of the other top institutions like Delhi University which does not allow Ravenshaw Arts students to join Delhi University in large number. So without solving this problem how can the University authority question the quality of Arts students in Ravenshaw ?
b) If it is true that very very few seats are vacant in Ravenshaw then it is the University authority who are to be blamed and saying that students are not available will never be accepted. What steps the University authority has taken till today to solve this problem?
10.Ravenshaw authorities are saying that seats for BA are lying vacant .But truth is different. The results of CHSE +2 Arts results were declared. Total 3582 students have scored more than 60%(1st division), 15,470 students scored between 50% to 60%(2nd division).In Ravenshaw Junior College only about 219 students scored more than 50%,including the All Orissa Topper Ms Swayamshree Mishra ,while in Cuttack City alone more than 600 students scored more than 50%.On the other hand the eligibility criteria to seat in the Ravenshaw University UG entrance is only 40% marks in +2 exam.
11. Another fact is that large number students from +2 Science and Commerce with good marks join Arts in UG. .It is a well known fact that students all over Orissa give Ravenshaw their 1st preference. Even many students from West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar prefer Ravenshaw as their 1st choice for BA and MA courses. So how it is true that seats in Ravenshaw remain vacant ?
12.This decision to reduce seats in Ravenshaw Arts Departments which has produced so many Chief Ministers of Orissa, IAS/IPS and Allied Service Officers, State Officers, Thinkers, Social Workers, Politicians, Educationists, Writers, Actors, Play Writers, Journalists, Army Officers, Artists, top Businessmen and other successful persons in their respective spheres is a huge emotional shock for every Odia who feel proud of Ravenshaw.
With due respect to the Vice Chancellor Mr.Devdas Chhotray who was also a student of Ravenshaw , Delhi Oriya Students Association (DOSA) members are demanding Ravenshaw University authorities to withdraw the notification to reduce the seats in BA(Hons) and MA classes.
Thanking You
Tejeswar Parida,
Convenor,DOSA
Mob-09999974473 (delhi)
9937125322 (Orissa)
DELHI ORIYA STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION (DOSA)
168,INDIRA VIHAR
DELHI-110009
visit us at : www.contactdosa.blogspot.com
Sir/Madam,
It is very sad and unfortunate that the authorities of prestigious Ravenshaw University have reduced the the seats in Arts stream of both undergraduate and post graduate courses by 256 and 80 respectively. While for BA(Hons) seats are reduced in Economics(112 to 64),English(96 to 64),Political Science(112 to 64),History(112 to64) and Oriya(80 to 64), for MA course the number of seats are reduced in Economics(104 to 64) and English(104 to64) by 40 in each subject .The authority is taking the plea of decreasing quality of education with more number of students , increasing the number of seats in self financing courses, seats lying vacant in Arts stream, that the reduced seats used to be in the former Ravenshaw Morning College and inadequate number of teachers in the University which are the easy escapes of the University authority from the real solution.
Answering these pleas Delhi Oriya Students Association (DOSA) which comprise of a large number of old Ravenshavians want a response from Ravenshaw University authority and the Govt. of Orissa that
1. Why the University authority is feeling that the 256 students of BA(Hons) and 80 students of MA(Economics and English) were the liabilities or extra burdens on Ravenshaw ?
2. Has the University authority taken any major initiatives like Orientation Programmes for students at the beginning of educational year, special coaching facility for the students scoring less marks in Internal examinations,free and compulsory soft skill development classes etc. to improve the quality of education among these so called extra students for which seats are no more available from this year ?
3. How many Campus Recruitment Camps exclusively for BA and MA students were organised by the University every year to motivate these students ?
4. If there is a shortage of teachers in the University why Ad hoc teachers were not recruited for these Departments ?
5.There is no reasonable link between decreasing seats in BA and MA courses and increasing seats in self financing courses, where a meritorious but economically poor student can not get the opportunity to take admission. As old Ravenshavians we have seen and observed so many cases every year.
6.Students do not join Ravenshaw only to get Govt. or Pvt. jobs and earn huge amount of money.Many students join there to be good citizens, to be in a good intellectual environment ,to get better peer socialization, to be politicians, to be writers, poets, creative thinkers, social workers and above all to be Swabhimani Odias.
7.If the seats were added from the former Ravenshaw Morning College then it must be known that Ravenshaw Morning College was an inseparable part of Ravenshaw and abolishing the seats saying that these were of the Ravenshaw Morning College will be very much unacceptable.
8. Yes, it is a fact that very less number of students are on the street today in protest, but the reasons are many .As there is a vacation most students are outside and is difficult to be organized, The annual/semester examinations of UG and PG classes are starting from next week, most of the present and old Ravenshavian students, teachers are unaware of this Reduction of Seats in Arts Stream. So as the days progress gradually the Opposition to the Seat Reduction is spreading rapidly.
9. How the BA and MA students will show their potentials at the national level when many problems are not solved by Ravenshaw authority, such as
a) The entrance examination dates of Ravenshaw is clashing with that of the other top institutions like Delhi University which does not allow Ravenshaw Arts students to join Delhi University in large number. So without solving this problem how can the University authority question the quality of Arts students in Ravenshaw ?
b) If it is true that very very few seats are vacant in Ravenshaw then it is the University authority who are to be blamed and saying that students are not available will never be accepted. What steps the University authority has taken till today to solve this problem?
10.Ravenshaw authorities are saying that seats for BA are lying vacant .But truth is different. The results of CHSE +2 Arts results were declared. Total 3582 students have scored more than 60%(1st division), 15,470 students scored between 50% to 60%(2nd division).In Ravenshaw Junior College only about 219 students scored more than 50%,including the All Orissa Topper Ms Swayamshree Mishra ,while in Cuttack City alone more than 600 students scored more than 50%.On the other hand the eligibility criteria to seat in the Ravenshaw University UG entrance is only 40% marks in +2 exam.
11. Another fact is that large number students from +2 Science and Commerce with good marks join Arts in UG. .It is a well known fact that students all over Orissa give Ravenshaw their 1st preference. Even many students from West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar prefer Ravenshaw as their 1st choice for BA and MA courses. So how it is true that seats in Ravenshaw remain vacant ?
12.This decision to reduce seats in Ravenshaw Arts Departments which has produced so many Chief Ministers of Orissa, IAS/IPS and Allied Service Officers, State Officers, Thinkers, Social Workers, Politicians, Educationists, Writers, Actors, Play Writers, Journalists, Army Officers, Artists, top Businessmen and other successful persons in their respective spheres is a huge emotional shock for every Odia who feel proud of Ravenshaw.
With due respect to the Vice Chancellor Mr.Devdas Chhotray who was also a student of Ravenshaw , Delhi Oriya Students Association (DOSA) members are demanding Ravenshaw University authorities to withdraw the notification to reduce the seats in BA(Hons) and MA classes.
Thanking You
Tejeswar Parida,
Convenor,DOSA
Mob-09999974473 (delhi)
9937125322 (Orissa)
DELHI ORIYA STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION (DOSA)
168,INDIRA VIHAR
DELHI-110009
visit us at : www.contactdosa.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Odias in Jharkhand feel let down .
Odia people in Jharkhand have accused that government of adopting a step-motherly attitude towards their linguistic and cultural identity.A delegation of Jamshedpur-based Utkal Association met Revenue Minister M.M.Samal and Law Minister B.B. Harichandan here recently and presented a memorandum; copies of which were also sent to the Chief Ministers of both the states.
The memorandum states that although Odias are natives of the state and are having a dominant population in some regions; Odia is yet to be declared as the second official language in Jharkhand despite repeated demands.The memorandum further says that there are a large number of Odia schools and socio-cultural institutions of the Odias in Jharkhand while people observe a number of Oriya fairs and festivals. But the government does not provide any patronage to such institutions and activities, it alleged.
During the discussion with both the ministers, the delegation demanded that Odisha government should take up the matter with its Jharkhand counterpart for its earliest settlement.Sources informed that during the tenure of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, a Cabinet decision was taken to recognize Odia as the second official language but the resolution is yet to be implemented. Mr. Munda, who called on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here recently, assured that he would ensure implementation of the decision when his party would rule the state.
The memorandum states that although Odias are natives of the state and are having a dominant population in some regions; Odia is yet to be declared as the second official language in Jharkhand despite repeated demands.The memorandum further says that there are a large number of Odia schools and socio-cultural institutions of the Odias in Jharkhand while people observe a number of Oriya fairs and festivals. But the government does not provide any patronage to such institutions and activities, it alleged.
During the discussion with both the ministers, the delegation demanded that Odisha government should take up the matter with its Jharkhand counterpart for its earliest settlement.Sources informed that during the tenure of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, a Cabinet decision was taken to recognize Odia as the second official language but the resolution is yet to be implemented. Mr. Munda, who called on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here recently, assured that he would ensure implementation of the decision when his party would rule the state.
Dhamra Port not to affect Olive Ridley turtles: PFA.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
The Kendrapara unit of the People for Animals (PFA) has discarded the allegation of some organisations that the upcoming Dhamra Port would adversely affect the travelling and nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
The proposed Dhamra Port is located at the north of Dhamra river under Josinga gram panchayat of Chandbali block in the district of Bhadrak. It has been alleged by some organisations that the presence of Olive Ridley turtles near the locality of the port would be badly affected by the port.
Responding to the allegation, a PFA team visited the spot and observed that the muddy north beach of Dhamra is unsuitable for habitation and nesting of turtles. The Gahirmatha nesting location is more than 25 km away through the coastal sea route from the port. Even two major rivers, Mahipura and Dhamra, separate Gahirmatha and the port. There are a lot of land masses between the two locations, including Kalinga and Wheeler Islands.
These obstacles result in not a single turtle crossing Maipura river. Again, the PFA also claimed that the Paradip Port is on the way of Olive Ridley turtles' travel path to Gahirmatha, but Dhamra Port limit does not come along the turtle travel path.
The Kendrapara unit of the People for Animals (PFA) has discarded the allegation of some organisations that the upcoming Dhamra Port would adversely affect the travelling and nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
The proposed Dhamra Port is located at the north of Dhamra river under Josinga gram panchayat of Chandbali block in the district of Bhadrak. It has been alleged by some organisations that the presence of Olive Ridley turtles near the locality of the port would be badly affected by the port.
Responding to the allegation, a PFA team visited the spot and observed that the muddy north beach of Dhamra is unsuitable for habitation and nesting of turtles. The Gahirmatha nesting location is more than 25 km away through the coastal sea route from the port. Even two major rivers, Mahipura and Dhamra, separate Gahirmatha and the port. There are a lot of land masses between the two locations, including Kalinga and Wheeler Islands.
These obstacles result in not a single turtle crossing Maipura river. Again, the PFA also claimed that the Paradip Port is on the way of Olive Ridley turtles' travel path to Gahirmatha, but Dhamra Port limit does not come along the turtle travel path.
Govt Aviation Training Institute to be revived.
The State Government has decided to revive the Government Aviation Training Institute which has been closed since 2005. Global Avionatics, the sister organisation of the Ahamadabad Aviation and Aeronautics Limited has come forward to revive the institution.Nandalal Bhatia, CMD of the Company called on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in this regard and held a detailed and elaborate discussion on Tuesday.
The institute would be revived through the PPP mode. An agreement to this effect would be made in July. In the first phase, one batch would start. In each batch, 15 students would be accommodated."We will put the aviation industry of Orissa into the world map," said Bhatia after meeting the Chief Minister. But he did not divulge much about the discussion.
Meanwhile, the State Government has proceeded to set up an air strip in Jharsuguda. The Air Port Authority of India asked the State Government to provide 800 acre of land for this purpose.
The institute would be revived through the PPP mode. An agreement to this effect would be made in July. In the first phase, one batch would start. In each batch, 15 students would be accommodated."We will put the aviation industry of Orissa into the world map," said Bhatia after meeting the Chief Minister. But he did not divulge much about the discussion.
Meanwhile, the State Government has proceeded to set up an air strip in Jharsuguda. The Air Port Authority of India asked the State Government to provide 800 acre of land for this purpose.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Start IIT Orissa classes at Kharagpur, argue educationists.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
The move of the BJD-BJP Government to begin classes of IIT Orissa at a makeshift location would be a blunder, cautioned leading educationists. Minister of Industries Biswabhusan Harichandan seems adamant to start IIT Orissa classes at the CET Campus in Bhubaneswar, where there are no proper facilities, they argued.Expressing their reaction to the decision, two leading non-resident Oriyas, Prof Chitta Baral and Digambara Patra, have appealed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik not to allow such casualness. Baral, who is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, said it would be a big mistake to start the IIT Orissa classes at a make-shift location.
He said it is important to have the first year of class in IIT Kharagpur as it would allow the students to bring some of the good cultural aspects of the established IITs to IIT Orissa. For example, in IIT Kharagpur, junior students and senior students are equal. A junior student does not call a senior student a 'big brother' or a 'bhai' or a 'Sir.'
In IIT Kharagpur, no student is afraid of any other student and there is zero 'goondagiri' or 'dadagiri' in the campus. Such a fear-free atmosphere is very important. There are many other good cultural aspects of IIT Kharagpur, which the first batch of IIT Orissa students can bring back to Orissa when the permanent campus of the new IIT is ready. Some of the other cultural highlights of IIT Kharagpur are its hostel libraries, some of which have more books than many colleges in Orissa, Baral argued.
On the other hand, the existing colleges such as CET Bhubaneswar have their own culture and by having the IIT Orissa students starting their class in CET Bhubaneswar they will be copying the culture of CET rather than the culture of an IIT, he said, adding that it is of paramount importance that the first batch of IIT Orissa spends one year in Kharagpur.
Similarly, Patra said he also strongly feels that IIT Orissa should function at IIT Kharagpur campus for the time being. At least for the couple of years since it would help IIT Orissa get hold of better quality students and faculties. He said the State Government should pursue with the Union HRD Ministry on how the IIT Orissa campus is built in an expeditious manner.
The move of the BJD-BJP Government to begin classes of IIT Orissa at a makeshift location would be a blunder, cautioned leading educationists. Minister of Industries Biswabhusan Harichandan seems adamant to start IIT Orissa classes at the CET Campus in Bhubaneswar, where there are no proper facilities, they argued.Expressing their reaction to the decision, two leading non-resident Oriyas, Prof Chitta Baral and Digambara Patra, have appealed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik not to allow such casualness. Baral, who is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, said it would be a big mistake to start the IIT Orissa classes at a make-shift location.
He said it is important to have the first year of class in IIT Kharagpur as it would allow the students to bring some of the good cultural aspects of the established IITs to IIT Orissa. For example, in IIT Kharagpur, junior students and senior students are equal. A junior student does not call a senior student a 'big brother' or a 'bhai' or a 'Sir.'
In IIT Kharagpur, no student is afraid of any other student and there is zero 'goondagiri' or 'dadagiri' in the campus. Such a fear-free atmosphere is very important. There are many other good cultural aspects of IIT Kharagpur, which the first batch of IIT Orissa students can bring back to Orissa when the permanent campus of the new IIT is ready. Some of the other cultural highlights of IIT Kharagpur are its hostel libraries, some of which have more books than many colleges in Orissa, Baral argued.
On the other hand, the existing colleges such as CET Bhubaneswar have their own culture and by having the IIT Orissa students starting their class in CET Bhubaneswar they will be copying the culture of CET rather than the culture of an IIT, he said, adding that it is of paramount importance that the first batch of IIT Orissa spends one year in Kharagpur.
Similarly, Patra said he also strongly feels that IIT Orissa should function at IIT Kharagpur campus for the time being. At least for the couple of years since it would help IIT Orissa get hold of better quality students and faculties. He said the State Government should pursue with the Union HRD Ministry on how the IIT Orissa campus is built in an expeditious manner.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Setting up IIT in Orissa : State identifies land near Banki,Cuttack.
Pragativadi,BBSR:
The state government has identified 1200 acres of land in between Dampada and Talabasta under Banki sub-division in Cuttack district for setting up of the Indian Institute of Technology while it has selected the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) in Bhubaneswar to start the academic session of the said institute instead at Kharagpur.A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting presided over by industry minister Biswabhusan Harichandan at the State Secretariat here on Saturday.Among others, chief secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, principal secretary, industry Chinmoy Basu, vice chancellor of Biju Patnaik University of Technology Prof Omkar Mohanty and senior officials of the concerned departments were present at the meeting.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the minister said that the Centre had given a condition that the institution should be located closer to the airport, National Highways and railway station.The selected site is only 62 km from the Bhubaneswar airport and would take one hour drive from the state capital to reach there, he said, adding that though the Centre wants only 600 acres of land for this purpose, the state wants to give more land to make it a world-class institution.
In order to begin classes from this year, he said the Government has decided to provide the campus of College of Engineering and Technology (CET), Bhubaneswar, to start classes of IIT from the current academic year.Eighteen quarters will be converted to students' hostel within 15 days, he said, adding that students would be allowed to use their laboratory after 2 PM.Some arrangements would be made to this effect so that the students would use all the facilities available in the CET.
On the question of availability of required number of faculties, he said that the guest lectures would be arranged from the Institute of Mathematics and NISER also.
We have already met all the conditions laid down by the Centre.We hope that the IIT in Orissa would begin functioning from the current session, he said.
However, the state government and its officials are still uncertain about the exact number of students that are going to take admission this year.We don't have got any clear information at official level from the Centre, said Basu, adding that as per the unconfirmed students over 100 students are likely to get admission in IIT, Orissa.
The state government has identified 1200 acres of land in between Dampada and Talabasta under Banki sub-division in Cuttack district for setting up of the Indian Institute of Technology while it has selected the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) in Bhubaneswar to start the academic session of the said institute instead at Kharagpur.A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting presided over by industry minister Biswabhusan Harichandan at the State Secretariat here on Saturday.Among others, chief secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, principal secretary, industry Chinmoy Basu, vice chancellor of Biju Patnaik University of Technology Prof Omkar Mohanty and senior officials of the concerned departments were present at the meeting.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the minister said that the Centre had given a condition that the institution should be located closer to the airport, National Highways and railway station.The selected site is only 62 km from the Bhubaneswar airport and would take one hour drive from the state capital to reach there, he said, adding that though the Centre wants only 600 acres of land for this purpose, the state wants to give more land to make it a world-class institution.
In order to begin classes from this year, he said the Government has decided to provide the campus of College of Engineering and Technology (CET), Bhubaneswar, to start classes of IIT from the current academic year.Eighteen quarters will be converted to students' hostel within 15 days, he said, adding that students would be allowed to use their laboratory after 2 PM.Some arrangements would be made to this effect so that the students would use all the facilities available in the CET.
On the question of availability of required number of faculties, he said that the guest lectures would be arranged from the Institute of Mathematics and NISER also.
We have already met all the conditions laid down by the Centre.We hope that the IIT in Orissa would begin functioning from the current session, he said.
However, the state government and its officials are still uncertain about the exact number of students that are going to take admission this year.We don't have got any clear information at official level from the Centre, said Basu, adding that as per the unconfirmed students over 100 students are likely to get admission in IIT, Orissa.
IIT to be set up in Banki,Cuttack.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
Though every one in the State is happy over the fact that an IIT will begin to function from the State in the current academic year, but uncertainty prevails there. "We have complied with all the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development on setting up an IIT. But they have to take the final decision on this issue," said Secretary, Industries Chinmoy Basu, adding that the State Government would soon send a detailed proposal to the Centre.Sources said a section of officials in the IIT wants that it should not be allowed to operate from the State in the current academic year, rather in should run in the campus of the IIT, Khargapur. As Saturday is an off-day in the Centre, the State Government will likely to send the proposal on Monday.
However, the State Government held a detailed and elaborate discussion on setting up the IIT in the State. A high-level meeting to this effect was held under the chairmanship of Industries Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan on Saturday.Briefing the media, Harichandan said the Government has identified 1,200 acres of land near Banki for setting up the world-class institution. This would be set up in an area between Dampada and Talabasta road near Banki.The Centre had given a condition that the institution should be located closer to the Airport, National Highways and Railway station. "Its only 62 km from the Bhubaneswar Airport and would take one hour drive from the State capital to reach there," he said, adding that though the Centre wants only 600 acres of land for this purpose, the State wants to give more land to make it a world-class institution.
In order to begin classes from this year, he said the Government has decided to provide the campus of College of Engineering and Technology (CET), Bhubaneswar, to start classes of IIT from the current academic year. "Eighteen quarters will be converted to students' hostel within 15 days," he said, adding that students would be allowed to use their laboratory after 2 pm. Some arrangements would be made to this effect so that the students would use all the facilities available in the CET.
On the question of availability of required number of faculties, he said guest lectures would be arranged from the Institute of Mathematics and NISER also. "We have already met all the conditions laid down by the Centre. We hope that the IIT in Orissa would begin functioning from the current session," he said.
However, the State Government and its officials are still uncertain about the exact number of students that are going to take admission this year. "We don't have got any clear information at official level from the Centre," said Secretary Industries Basu, adding that as per the unconfirmed students over 100 students are likely to get admission in IIT, Orissa.Sources said a section of officials in the Centre and IIT have begun to oppose that the IIT should not be allowed run from this year.
Though every one in the State is happy over the fact that an IIT will begin to function from the State in the current academic year, but uncertainty prevails there. "We have complied with all the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development on setting up an IIT. But they have to take the final decision on this issue," said Secretary, Industries Chinmoy Basu, adding that the State Government would soon send a detailed proposal to the Centre.Sources said a section of officials in the IIT wants that it should not be allowed to operate from the State in the current academic year, rather in should run in the campus of the IIT, Khargapur. As Saturday is an off-day in the Centre, the State Government will likely to send the proposal on Monday.
However, the State Government held a detailed and elaborate discussion on setting up the IIT in the State. A high-level meeting to this effect was held under the chairmanship of Industries Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan on Saturday.Briefing the media, Harichandan said the Government has identified 1,200 acres of land near Banki for setting up the world-class institution. This would be set up in an area between Dampada and Talabasta road near Banki.The Centre had given a condition that the institution should be located closer to the Airport, National Highways and Railway station. "Its only 62 km from the Bhubaneswar Airport and would take one hour drive from the State capital to reach there," he said, adding that though the Centre wants only 600 acres of land for this purpose, the State wants to give more land to make it a world-class institution.
In order to begin classes from this year, he said the Government has decided to provide the campus of College of Engineering and Technology (CET), Bhubaneswar, to start classes of IIT from the current academic year. "Eighteen quarters will be converted to students' hostel within 15 days," he said, adding that students would be allowed to use their laboratory after 2 pm. Some arrangements would be made to this effect so that the students would use all the facilities available in the CET.
On the question of availability of required number of faculties, he said guest lectures would be arranged from the Institute of Mathematics and NISER also. "We have already met all the conditions laid down by the Centre. We hope that the IIT in Orissa would begin functioning from the current session," he said.
However, the State Government and its officials are still uncertain about the exact number of students that are going to take admission this year. "We don't have got any clear information at official level from the Centre," said Secretary Industries Basu, adding that as per the unconfirmed students over 100 students are likely to get admission in IIT, Orissa.Sources said a section of officials in the Centre and IIT have begun to oppose that the IIT should not be allowed run from this year.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Finally, Centre declares IIT Bhubaneswar .
After dillydallying over the place of the proposed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Orissa, the Government of India has declared it as IIT Bhubaneswar.
The website http://www.jee.iitb.ac.in has carried the list of the proposed six new IITs, in which classes will begin between end week of July and first week of August. The website carried the admission to new IITs, saying the Government of India has announced setting up of eight more new IITs.
However, admission in the latest six new IITs is likely to take place during the counselling session of the Joint Entrance Examination-2008, subject to the approval of the competent authority of the Government of India. The list includes IIT Bhubaneswar, whose mentor will be IIT Kharagpur.
The new IIT Bhubaneswar will have 120 seats in three streams such as Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. The programme will start from July 24 in the IIT Kharagpur campus.
The website http://www.jee.iitb.ac.in has carried the list of the proposed six new IITs, in which classes will begin between end week of July and first week of August. The website carried the admission to new IITs, saying the Government of India has announced setting up of eight more new IITs.
However, admission in the latest six new IITs is likely to take place during the counselling session of the Joint Entrance Examination-2008, subject to the approval of the competent authority of the Government of India. The list includes IIT Bhubaneswar, whose mentor will be IIT Kharagpur.
The new IIT Bhubaneswar will have 120 seats in three streams such as Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. The programme will start from July 24 in the IIT Kharagpur campus.
Orissa at top among investment destinations in India.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is basking in the glory of a finding that Orissa, among the States, is the number one destination for investments. The State has ranked first in terms of value of total envisaged projects. It has been successful to attract Rs 5,99,181 crore for the period ending December, 2007.The analyses of CapEX database of the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reveal the fact. Maharashtra and Gujarat have stepped down to allow Orissa to be the numero uno. Orissa also ranks first in terms of value of total projects under implementation in the country.
As on date, Rs 3,08,589 crore worth of projects are implemented in the State, which is much higher than that of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana. These four States are also attracting huge investments and implementing the projects.
There are altogether 483 projects envisaged with a total project cost of Rs 5,99,181 as on January 1, 2008. Out of this, 52 per cent projects are being implemented and 48percent projects amounting to Rs 2,90,592 crore are in the "announced"stage.
The investment projects in the State include the sectors like steel, aluminum road, power, port, mining, railways and tourism. In the manufacturing sector, aluminum, ferroalloys, steel and refinery are the main areas attracting investments. The State has attracted major investments in power generation, reports the CMIE.
As on date, Rs 3,08,589 crore worth of projects are implemented in the State, which is much higher than that of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana. These four States are also attracting huge investments and implementing the projects.
There are altogether 483 projects envisaged with a total project cost of Rs 5,99,181 as on January 1, 2008. Out of this, 52 per cent projects are being implemented and 48percent projects amounting to Rs 2,90,592 crore are in the "announced"stage.
The investment projects in the State include the sectors like steel, aluminum road, power, port, mining, railways and tourism. In the manufacturing sector, aluminum, ferroalloys, steel and refinery are the main areas attracting investments. The State has attracted major investments in power generation, reports the CMIE.
IDCOL in expansion mode: Two steel complexes planned at Jajpur Road and Barbil.
Managing Director of the Industrial Development Corporation Orissa Limited (IDCOL) Ashok Kumar Meena is eager for big ticket investment by the State-run undertaking. He sees a big picture for the IDCOL in the steel sector.Meena has asked MECON to prepare a perspective plan for the IDCOL to set up two steel complexes at Jajpur Road and Barbil. While a 1-lakh-tonne-per-annum stainless steel project is envisaged at Jajpur Road, a pig iron, sponge iron and steel melting unit has also been planned, said an official.
IDCOL has come out of red and will invest more than Rs.1,000 crore in both steel complexes. During 2007-08, the IDCOL registered more than cent per cent capacity utilisation in both its existing plants at Jajpur Road and Barbil. The last fiscal saw the IDCOL turnover crossing Rs 500 crore and cash surplus being more than Rs 100 crore.
In 2008-09, the IDCOL is planning for a turnover of Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 crore and a cash surplus of Rs 200 to Rs 250 crore, said a financial analyst. The IDCOL's mining operations have also produced positive results, and with the success rate being high, the corporation is asking for more iron ore and chrome ore mines to cater to its expansion plans.
IDCOL has come out of red and will invest more than Rs.1,000 crore in both steel complexes. During 2007-08, the IDCOL registered more than cent per cent capacity utilisation in both its existing plants at Jajpur Road and Barbil. The last fiscal saw the IDCOL turnover crossing Rs 500 crore and cash surplus being more than Rs 100 crore.
In 2008-09, the IDCOL is planning for a turnover of Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 crore and a cash surplus of Rs 200 to Rs 250 crore, said a financial analyst. The IDCOL's mining operations have also produced positive results, and with the success rate being high, the corporation is asking for more iron ore and chrome ore mines to cater to its expansion plans.
Jindal to supply free saplings in periphery villages in Angul.
Pioneer News Service | Angul:
Private-sector industrial establishments seem to be more concerned about protection of environment to keep the people of periphery villages in good humour than most of the public sector units at Angul, including Nalco, which are neglecting the pollution control measures. Several public sector units have been told by the Rehabilitation and Periphery Development Committee to minimise the pollution and go for an extensive plantation programme around their plants.
"JSPL (Jindal Steel and Power Limited) will distribute free saplings in all peripheral villages of its project to assist people in creating a green environment," said JSPL ED Rajesh Jha while addressing a large gathering on the occasion of celebration of the World Environment Day at village Nisha. He expressed his concern over global warming and said that JSPL is committed to an environment-friendly project at Angul.
Jha said pollution would be substantially controlled at JSPL by adopting the coal gasification technology. Addressing the gathering, Angul Sub-Collector S Parida stressed upon corporate social responsibility of the industries. An awareness rally on environment protection was also organised on the occasion.The management of the Talcher Thermal Power Project also observed the World Environment Day. A mass tree plantation was undertaken at Nakula Chandra School of Deaf and Dumb.
Private-sector industrial establishments seem to be more concerned about protection of environment to keep the people of periphery villages in good humour than most of the public sector units at Angul, including Nalco, which are neglecting the pollution control measures. Several public sector units have been told by the Rehabilitation and Periphery Development Committee to minimise the pollution and go for an extensive plantation programme around their plants.
"JSPL (Jindal Steel and Power Limited) will distribute free saplings in all peripheral villages of its project to assist people in creating a green environment," said JSPL ED Rajesh Jha while addressing a large gathering on the occasion of celebration of the World Environment Day at village Nisha. He expressed his concern over global warming and said that JSPL is committed to an environment-friendly project at Angul.
Jha said pollution would be substantially controlled at JSPL by adopting the coal gasification technology. Addressing the gathering, Angul Sub-Collector S Parida stressed upon corporate social responsibility of the industries. An awareness rally on environment protection was also organised on the occasion.The management of the Talcher Thermal Power Project also observed the World Environment Day. A mass tree plantation was undertaken at Nakula Chandra School of Deaf and Dumb.
Losers oppose Essar's compensation package in Jagatsinghpur.
Pioneer News Service | Jagatsinghpur
People, who lost their land in the acquisition for the proposed Essar Steel project in Jagatsingpur district, have expressed dissatisfaction over the land prices fixed by the company in recent rehabilitation and periphery development advisory committee meeting held in the Collectorate here on Wednesday.Senior officials including Collector PK Meherda, project director of the company HS Sethy, four MLAs and MP of Jagatsinghpur district discussed the progress of the project work in the meeting, which was chaired by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner SN Sarangi.Participants of the meeting stressed on suitable compensation for the land losers and proper implementation of the R&R policy of the State Government.
About four years ago the State Government had signed MoU with Eassar Company for setting up the proposed steel plant in Paradip. But the project proceeds slow owing to the land acquisition process becoming a hurdle for the company.
Official reports reveal that about 1,925 acres of land are required for the project and only 103 acres of land have been provided by the Government. Rest 1,625 acres of private land would be acquired from the residents of Nuagada, Bijayachandpur and Udyabata villages.Meanwhile, the company has successfully conducted socio-economic survey of the people near the project site and found about 909 families to be affected for the project.Company officials said the land price to have been fixed in three categories in different villages. Lands in Udayabata village have been fixed to be Rs 17 lakh per acre followed by Rs 10 lakh per acre in Nuagada and Rs 12 lakh per acre in Bijyachandpur villages.
However, the villagers opposed the land price fixed by the company and say the ongoing price of the lands are much higher.The project director on the other hand said about 5500 local people would get employment and as many as 10,000 people would be benefited through employment generation works.However, Sarangi directed the company officials to revise the land prices.
People, who lost their land in the acquisition for the proposed Essar Steel project in Jagatsingpur district, have expressed dissatisfaction over the land prices fixed by the company in recent rehabilitation and periphery development advisory committee meeting held in the Collectorate here on Wednesday.Senior officials including Collector PK Meherda, project director of the company HS Sethy, four MLAs and MP of Jagatsinghpur district discussed the progress of the project work in the meeting, which was chaired by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner SN Sarangi.Participants of the meeting stressed on suitable compensation for the land losers and proper implementation of the R&R policy of the State Government.
About four years ago the State Government had signed MoU with Eassar Company for setting up the proposed steel plant in Paradip. But the project proceeds slow owing to the land acquisition process becoming a hurdle for the company.
Official reports reveal that about 1,925 acres of land are required for the project and only 103 acres of land have been provided by the Government. Rest 1,625 acres of private land would be acquired from the residents of Nuagada, Bijayachandpur and Udyabata villages.Meanwhile, the company has successfully conducted socio-economic survey of the people near the project site and found about 909 families to be affected for the project.Company officials said the land price to have been fixed in three categories in different villages. Lands in Udayabata village have been fixed to be Rs 17 lakh per acre followed by Rs 10 lakh per acre in Nuagada and Rs 12 lakh per acre in Bijyachandpur villages.
However, the villagers opposed the land price fixed by the company and say the ongoing price of the lands are much higher.The project director on the other hand said about 5500 local people would get employment and as many as 10,000 people would be benefited through employment generation works.However, Sarangi directed the company officials to revise the land prices.
State doubles Calamity Relief .
The Hindu Bhubaneswar :
With the monsoon round the corner and so also floods, the State government on Friday decided to double the quantum of relief material for victims of natural calamity.
A decision to this effect was taken in the State Natural Calamity Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Secretariat here.Briefing media persons after the meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Manmohan Samal said that he per-head relief material would be increased from 500 gram to 1 kg for adult and from 250 gram to 500 gram for child. The per-head expenditure on account of providing cooked food for adult was doubled from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 while for children it was raised from Rs. 8 to Rs. 15, Mr. Samal said.
Similarly, the State government said it was fully prepared to meet any emergency. “We have already procured 200 tonnes of polythene while breaches on different river and canal embankments in flood-prone areas will be repaired by June 15,” he said.Moreover, some Rs. 60 crores was released from the Calamity Relief Fund and provided to different district administrations for spending on storing food material in panchayat godowns, Mr. Samal said.
Rehabilitation
In another major step, the government also decided to extend its rehabilitation package to those who would be affected by change of courses by rivers in different areas.Besides, anti-cyclone infrastructures would be created in seven districts with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 609.40 crore. “We are providing 25 per cent share in the Central assisted programme,” Mr. Samal said.According to the committee, as many as 34 persons lost their lives after being struck by lightning in 2008 while sunstroke deaths were put at 50.The Minister said emphasis had been given to put in place early warning systems in all districts, which were traditionally ravaged by floods.Secretaries of Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Agriculture and representatives of Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority were present
With the monsoon round the corner and so also floods, the State government on Friday decided to double the quantum of relief material for victims of natural calamity.
A decision to this effect was taken in the State Natural Calamity Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Secretariat here.Briefing media persons after the meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Manmohan Samal said that he per-head relief material would be increased from 500 gram to 1 kg for adult and from 250 gram to 500 gram for child. The per-head expenditure on account of providing cooked food for adult was doubled from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 while for children it was raised from Rs. 8 to Rs. 15, Mr. Samal said.
Similarly, the State government said it was fully prepared to meet any emergency. “We have already procured 200 tonnes of polythene while breaches on different river and canal embankments in flood-prone areas will be repaired by June 15,” he said.Moreover, some Rs. 60 crores was released from the Calamity Relief Fund and provided to different district administrations for spending on storing food material in panchayat godowns, Mr. Samal said.
Rehabilitation
In another major step, the government also decided to extend its rehabilitation package to those who would be affected by change of courses by rivers in different areas.Besides, anti-cyclone infrastructures would be created in seven districts with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 609.40 crore. “We are providing 25 per cent share in the Central assisted programme,” Mr. Samal said.According to the committee, as many as 34 persons lost their lives after being struck by lightning in 2008 while sunstroke deaths were put at 50.The Minister said emphasis had been given to put in place early warning systems in all districts, which were traditionally ravaged by floods.Secretaries of Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Agriculture and representatives of Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority were present
Orissa to introduce SRI farming .
It requires 30 per cent less water and seed
Initially it is being launched in a few villages on experimental basis
Government seeks partnerships with farmers, individuals and NGOs
The Hindu,Bhubaneswar: The Orissa Government has decided to introduce the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) farming in a few villages before taking it in a big way to other districts in the State.Speaking at a workshop to mark the launching of project on up-scaling SRI in the State, Director of Agriculture and Food Production Arabinda Padhee said the department would go for SRI farming by taking a village as an unit in order to encourage others.
The Centre for World Solidarity (CWS), a non-government organisation and Mumbai-based Sir Dorabji Tata Trust have partnered with NGOs to reach out to 7,000 farmers in 355 villages, covering 3,000 acres with the SRI farming in six districts in Orissa.The project is initially being implemented in six south-eastern districts such as Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh and Cuttack.
Top agriculture researchers, officials of agriculture department and farmers attended the workshop.Mr. Padhee said everybody had misconception that organic farming yield less but it had been documented that the productivity in SRI farming increased. Government would seek partnerships with farmers, individuals as well as NGOs to experiment the system and spread it different districts, he said.
Addressing the farmers, former information commissioner and a prominent advocate of SRI farming Prof Radhamohan said this particular farming required 30 per cent less water and seed. “SRI is a huge success in some of teh villages in Ganjam and Koraput district.Even tribals have started accepting the SRI method of agriculture in their fields,” he said.
Prof. Radhamohan emphasised on proper coordination between the government agencies and farmers to take up the SRI farming in all the districts.“The project aims to improve livelihood of small and marginal farmers through efficient management of various factors of crop production and increase productivity, profitability and innovation in SRI, the alternative farming system approach,” CWS coordinator Rekha Panigrahi said.
Initially it is being launched in a few villages on experimental basis
Government seeks partnerships with farmers, individuals and NGOs
The Hindu,Bhubaneswar: The Orissa Government has decided to introduce the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) farming in a few villages before taking it in a big way to other districts in the State.Speaking at a workshop to mark the launching of project on up-scaling SRI in the State, Director of Agriculture and Food Production Arabinda Padhee said the department would go for SRI farming by taking a village as an unit in order to encourage others.
The Centre for World Solidarity (CWS), a non-government organisation and Mumbai-based Sir Dorabji Tata Trust have partnered with NGOs to reach out to 7,000 farmers in 355 villages, covering 3,000 acres with the SRI farming in six districts in Orissa.The project is initially being implemented in six south-eastern districts such as Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh and Cuttack.
Top agriculture researchers, officials of agriculture department and farmers attended the workshop.Mr. Padhee said everybody had misconception that organic farming yield less but it had been documented that the productivity in SRI farming increased. Government would seek partnerships with farmers, individuals as well as NGOs to experiment the system and spread it different districts, he said.
Addressing the farmers, former information commissioner and a prominent advocate of SRI farming Prof Radhamohan said this particular farming required 30 per cent less water and seed. “SRI is a huge success in some of teh villages in Ganjam and Koraput district.Even tribals have started accepting the SRI method of agriculture in their fields,” he said.
Prof. Radhamohan emphasised on proper coordination between the government agencies and farmers to take up the SRI farming in all the districts.“The project aims to improve livelihood of small and marginal farmers through efficient management of various factors of crop production and increase productivity, profitability and innovation in SRI, the alternative farming system approach,” CWS coordinator Rekha Panigrahi said.
Plantation drive in Talcher industrial belt.10 lakh saplings to be planted.
New Indian Express,Talcher:
At least 10 lakh saplings would be planted in the Talcher industrial belt during monsoon season to combat the rising temperature in the area, said Angul District Collector Girish. S.N.
After a high-level meeting with all the operating Central public and private sector units here, the Collector said of the 10 lakh saplings Forest Department will plant eight lakh trees, while industries will plant two lakh saplings in July. Around Rs 50lakh will be spent by the industries for the two lakh trees, he said adding, the cost would be shared among them.
According to Sub-Collector Nirmal Mishra, MCL will plant 50,000 saplings, the highest, followed by NTPC 25,000. The three private sector units have agreed to plant 5,000 trees each. The decision was taken considering the rising temperature at Talcher during summer.
At least 10 lakh saplings would be planted in the Talcher industrial belt during monsoon season to combat the rising temperature in the area, said Angul District Collector Girish. S.N.
After a high-level meeting with all the operating Central public and private sector units here, the Collector said of the 10 lakh saplings Forest Department will plant eight lakh trees, while industries will plant two lakh saplings in July. Around Rs 50lakh will be spent by the industries for the two lakh trees, he said adding, the cost would be shared among them.
According to Sub-Collector Nirmal Mishra, MCL will plant 50,000 saplings, the highest, followed by NTPC 25,000. The three private sector units have agreed to plant 5,000 trees each. The decision was taken considering the rising temperature at Talcher during summer.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Demand for 'Commerce' subject on the rise in the State.
Ravenshaw takes more students in the stream
Students eager to cash in on employability
The Hindu,BHUBANESWAR: Gone are the days when students joined the commerce stream only after seats in the science and arts subjects were filled in different colleges. With the admission season peaking, the demand for commerce is increasing. This is prompting college authorities to seek increase in seat strength in the subject. BJB Junior College, a leading college of the State, has been sending representations seeking increase in number of seats from the existing 128 in the higher secondary level.
“We are even prepared to downsize the strength of arts stream to strengthen the Commerce Department,” said P.C Rath, principal of BJB Junior College. While the college had 512 seats in the arts and 544 in the science streams, there are only 128 seats for commerce in the Plus Two level.
Ravenshaw Junior College, Cuttack, has already taken an initiative to accommodate more students in the commerce stream. Bhubaneswar-based Rama Devi Autonomous College doubled its commerce strength last year.The Higher Education Department seems to have not woken up to the situation. When employability of students in commerce subject is growing astronomically, the department is dragging the process of sanctioning more seats in commerce wing.
On an average, 1,25,000 students appear for Plus Two Arts examination conducted by the Council for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) all over the State every year. Some 55,000 students appear for the science examination. Compared to these two subjects, only 15,000 students sit for commerce examination.
Mr. Rath said students as well as parents were more than eager to take advantage. Another trend suggests that demand for commerce in the graduation level was also fast catching up. In Rama Devi College, out of 127 students who appeared for Plus Two Commerce examination this year, 125 students passed while 87 secured first division. “Students are aware of the prospects and its employability. They can opt for CA, CS, etc.,” said Sanjay Satpathy, reader in Commerce in Rama Devi College.
Students eager to cash in on employability
The Hindu,BHUBANESWAR: Gone are the days when students joined the commerce stream only after seats in the science and arts subjects were filled in different colleges. With the admission season peaking, the demand for commerce is increasing. This is prompting college authorities to seek increase in seat strength in the subject. BJB Junior College, a leading college of the State, has been sending representations seeking increase in number of seats from the existing 128 in the higher secondary level.
“We are even prepared to downsize the strength of arts stream to strengthen the Commerce Department,” said P.C Rath, principal of BJB Junior College. While the college had 512 seats in the arts and 544 in the science streams, there are only 128 seats for commerce in the Plus Two level.
Ravenshaw Junior College, Cuttack, has already taken an initiative to accommodate more students in the commerce stream. Bhubaneswar-based Rama Devi Autonomous College doubled its commerce strength last year.The Higher Education Department seems to have not woken up to the situation. When employability of students in commerce subject is growing astronomically, the department is dragging the process of sanctioning more seats in commerce wing.
On an average, 1,25,000 students appear for Plus Two Arts examination conducted by the Council for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) all over the State every year. Some 55,000 students appear for the science examination. Compared to these two subjects, only 15,000 students sit for commerce examination.
Mr. Rath said students as well as parents were more than eager to take advantage. Another trend suggests that demand for commerce in the graduation level was also fast catching up. In Rama Devi College, out of 127 students who appeared for Plus Two Commerce examination this year, 125 students passed while 87 secured first division. “Students are aware of the prospects and its employability. They can opt for CA, CS, etc.,” said Sanjay Satpathy, reader in Commerce in Rama Devi College.
State to fill over 9,000 posts .
Naveen Patnaik chairs a meeting of secretaries of various departments
Indicating removal of restrictions on making regular appointments in the government sector by 2009, the State government on Thursday decided to fill 9,200 posts, including 371 doctor, 434 constable and 319 junior engineer.Official sources said that the decision to fill the posts, which were vacant in 31 different departments, was taken at a meeting of secretaries chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.“The Chief Minister asked the secretaries that developmental activities should not be affected due to lack of employees,” an official spokesman said.
MoU with Centre
r. Patnaik directed the senior officials that posts should be filled within a specific time frame.The government had been working to fill 35,808 posts since September 2007.As many as 44,893 base posts under different departments were abolished ever since the government signed an MoU with the Centre in 1999, State Finance Minister Prafulla Ghadei said.“As the tenure of restriction on making appointment will be over in 2009, the State government may go for making fresh appointments,” the Finance Minister said.He said though the State’s financial situation improved to some extent, it could not go on making massive appointments as a number of welfare schemes were to be funded from the State exchequer.
The Finance Minister said of the 9,200 posts, some would be filled on regular basis while others on ad hoc basis. – PTI
Indicating removal of restrictions on making regular appointments in the government sector by 2009, the State government on Thursday decided to fill 9,200 posts, including 371 doctor, 434 constable and 319 junior engineer.Official sources said that the decision to fill the posts, which were vacant in 31 different departments, was taken at a meeting of secretaries chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.“The Chief Minister asked the secretaries that developmental activities should not be affected due to lack of employees,” an official spokesman said.
MoU with Centre
r. Patnaik directed the senior officials that posts should be filled within a specific time frame.The government had been working to fill 35,808 posts since September 2007.As many as 44,893 base posts under different departments were abolished ever since the government signed an MoU with the Centre in 1999, State Finance Minister Prafulla Ghadei said.“As the tenure of restriction on making appointment will be over in 2009, the State government may go for making fresh appointments,” the Finance Minister said.He said though the State’s financial situation improved to some extent, it could not go on making massive appointments as a number of welfare schemes were to be funded from the State exchequer.
The Finance Minister said of the 9,200 posts, some would be filled on regular basis while others on ad hoc basis. – PTI
Special Crime Control Act on anvil to check dreaded criminals in the State.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar:
Criminals be aware! The Orissa Government will soon come up with a Special Crime Control Act to check top-rated criminals and criminal activities in the State.
The decision of the State Home Department assumes significance following gangsters and criminals keeping policemen on their toes in several sensational murder and extortion cases. "The Act will be drafted on the lines of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA)," highly placed Home Department sources said on Thursday. The sources said the draft of the proposed Act is being prepared.
Under the proposed Act, which is likely to be introduced in the next session of the State Assembly, confession of a criminal before the police could be considered as evidence. Besides, it would also have provisions to accept telephonic conversations between criminals as evidence, which could help in conviction, the sources said. "The law will also have provisions of awarding death," the sources informed.
Under the Act, all the witnesses could be provided security that would encourage people to come up with evidences against criminals. Now, due to lack of such a facility, no one dares to stand as witness against the criminals. "We require a stringent law to deal with the criminals as gangsters like Raja Acharya, Sheikh Hyder, Anil Chhotray, Minja, Tito and some others," a top cop told The Pioneer.
He pointed out that with huge amount of money in their hands, the criminals could now easily manage to get bail by paying handsome amounts to lawyers due to non-existence of tough laws. This apart, the present criminals are different from their predecessors because they are educated and have some knowledge of law, he added. "Unless you bring a stringent law, you cannot win them," the top cop reasoned.
Criminals be aware! The Orissa Government will soon come up with a Special Crime Control Act to check top-rated criminals and criminal activities in the State.
The decision of the State Home Department assumes significance following gangsters and criminals keeping policemen on their toes in several sensational murder and extortion cases. "The Act will be drafted on the lines of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA)," highly placed Home Department sources said on Thursday. The sources said the draft of the proposed Act is being prepared.
Under the proposed Act, which is likely to be introduced in the next session of the State Assembly, confession of a criminal before the police could be considered as evidence. Besides, it would also have provisions to accept telephonic conversations between criminals as evidence, which could help in conviction, the sources said. "The law will also have provisions of awarding death," the sources informed.
Under the Act, all the witnesses could be provided security that would encourage people to come up with evidences against criminals. Now, due to lack of such a facility, no one dares to stand as witness against the criminals. "We require a stringent law to deal with the criminals as gangsters like Raja Acharya, Sheikh Hyder, Anil Chhotray, Minja, Tito and some others," a top cop told The Pioneer.
He pointed out that with huge amount of money in their hands, the criminals could now easily manage to get bail by paying handsome amounts to lawyers due to non-existence of tough laws. This apart, the present criminals are different from their predecessors because they are educated and have some knowledge of law, he added. "Unless you bring a stringent law, you cannot win them," the top cop reasoned.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
E-tendering for works to start from July 1.
In order to maintain transparency in the entire tendering process, there will be on-line e-tendering for all works of Rs 50 lakh and above in the engineering departments from July 1. A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday.With its implementation, works under manual tendering process will be discontinued. National Informatics Centre (NIC) will provide the requisite software for the State wide e-tendering initiative.
Meanwhile, e-tendering has been successfully implemented in Water Resource and Works Departments. However, 20 more projects will be completed by the engineering departments in June.
A massive training programme has already been launched by the NIC and IT Departments to train all officers of engineering departments dealing with tenders.Training will also be conducted for prospective builders belonging to various categories.There will be substantial saving of time and cost with the implementation of such e-tendering project besides making the tendering process more transparent and competitive.
An e-procurement cell will also be set up in the engineering departments.Chief Secretary Ajit Triapthy, Development Commissioner RN Bohidar, Agricultural Production Commissioner Satya Prakash Nanda and many senior officers attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, e-tendering has been successfully implemented in Water Resource and Works Departments. However, 20 more projects will be completed by the engineering departments in June.
A massive training programme has already been launched by the NIC and IT Departments to train all officers of engineering departments dealing with tenders.Training will also be conducted for prospective builders belonging to various categories.There will be substantial saving of time and cost with the implementation of such e-tendering project besides making the tendering process more transparent and competitive.
An e-procurement cell will also be set up in the engineering departments.Chief Secretary Ajit Triapthy, Development Commissioner RN Bohidar, Agricultural Production Commissioner Satya Prakash Nanda and many senior officers attended the meeting.
Sand artiste Sudarsan leaves for Berlin .
Noted sand artiste Sudarsan Pattnaik, after winning the people's choice prize at the Moscow international sand sculpture championship, on Wednesday left for Berlin to represent India in the USF World Double Sand Sculpture Championship 2008. The championship will kick off from Thursday and continue till June 13 in Berlin, Germany. Pattnaik and his student Jitendra Kishore Jagadev will participate as double in the championship. In this event, 11 countries, including Denmark, Germany, US, UK, Spain, Holland, Japan, Belgium, Maraco and India will participate. The artistes will create seven-meter-high sculptures. Pattnaik said he would create a sculpture-based global warming phenomenon.
LN Gupta gets Petroleum berth at Centre .
The 1986-batch IAS officer of the Orissa cadre, Laxmi Narayan Gupta, was appointed as the Joint Secretary of the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday. Presently serving as Resident Commissioner of the State Government, he will take over his new assignment in the next week, sources said. As the Resident Commissioner, he for the first time brought out an elaborate Delhi-Bhubaneswar combined official telephone directory covering almost all dignitaries and officials of Orissa and New Delhi. Similarly, the 1980-batch IAS officer, Anita Agnihotri, has also received a Central berth as the chief of Santacruz Export Promotion Zone. She is presently the State's Principal Secretary of the Handloom and Textiles Department.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Students protest seat reduction in Ravenshaw University.
The Hindu,Cuttack :
A students’ unrest is in the offing at Ravenshaw University as the students are regrouping during the ongoing summer vacation to protest against the arbitrary decision of the State government to reduce the number of seats in the Arts stream of both under graduate and post graduate courses of the University.
On Tuesday, some DSO students submitted a memorandum to the University registrar demanding to revoke the seat reduction notification. The students also urged the university authorities to stop the ongoing admission process till the notification is withdrawn.
“Since the university is now closed for summer vacation, we are regrouping the students and from Thursday we would launch an agitation inside the campus”, said the DSO district secretary Sibashis Praharaj.
A students’ unrest is in the offing at Ravenshaw University as the students are regrouping during the ongoing summer vacation to protest against the arbitrary decision of the State government to reduce the number of seats in the Arts stream of both under graduate and post graduate courses of the University.
On Tuesday, some DSO students submitted a memorandum to the University registrar demanding to revoke the seat reduction notification. The students also urged the university authorities to stop the ongoing admission process till the notification is withdrawn.
“Since the university is now closed for summer vacation, we are regrouping the students and from Thursday we would launch an agitation inside the campus”, said the DSO district secretary Sibashis Praharaj.
CM-headed panel clears 11 mega projects.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
The High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) of the State Government headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday cleared around 11 projects in steel, power and petro-chemical sectors.Briefing the media, Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy said the State Government cleared the ship building yard and ship repairing project of Apeejay Shipping Ltd. The project would come up at Dhamra and Rs 2,200 crore would be invested in the project. The ship building yard and repairing project will be implemented through a joint venture company named as Oceanic Shipyard Ltd (OSL) formed by APJ Shipping and Bharati Shipyard.The company has indicated it would complete all phases of the project within 72 months. It has sought 1,000 acres of land. "The State Government has already accorded the administrative approval for the acquisition of the required land for this employment intensive project," Tripathy said.
The State Government will gain revenue of about Rs 3,700 crore over the next 25-30 years in the form of taxes and duties. Besides, it will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for about 51,300 persons when fully commissioned.He further said that the Government also agreed to the Centre's proposal to set up a Petroleum, Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) at Paradip. An estimated Rs 15,275 crore is proposed to be invested in the project.The Central support for PCPIR is projected at about Rs 5,008 crore while the remaining Rs 7,517 crore will be mobilised through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP).The project will be implemented in three phases with an estimated investment Rs 2,200 crore in the first phase. The project would be completed by 2030.
Similarly, the Committee approved Welspun Power and Steel Ltd's proposal for setting up a 5 million tonne per annum iron ore beneficiation plant and 3 million tonne per annum pelletisation plant at Dhamara.
The committee also cleared the capacity expansion plan of the Essar Steel from 4 million tonne to 6 million tonne per annum along with a 8 million tonne per annum iron ore benificiation plant. The company intended to change its steel making technology from the sponge iron route to blast furnace route.
Besides, the proposal of the SMC Power Generation Ltd to expand capacity from 0.5mtpa to 1mtpa, increasing the capacity of MSP Metaliks from 0.25 mtpa to 1 mtpa, enhancement of steel making capacity of Bhusan Steel from 3.10 million tonne to 9 million tonne per annum were approved by HLCA.
The HLCA also gave its nod to the proposal of Bhusan Energy Ltd for a 2,000 MW thermal power plant at one go, 1,000 MW thermal power plant by Monnet Ispat and Energy at one go instead of two phases and 1,000 MW thermal power plant at one go.
The High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) of the State Government headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday cleared around 11 projects in steel, power and petro-chemical sectors.Briefing the media, Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy said the State Government cleared the ship building yard and ship repairing project of Apeejay Shipping Ltd. The project would come up at Dhamra and Rs 2,200 crore would be invested in the project. The ship building yard and repairing project will be implemented through a joint venture company named as Oceanic Shipyard Ltd (OSL) formed by APJ Shipping and Bharati Shipyard.The company has indicated it would complete all phases of the project within 72 months. It has sought 1,000 acres of land. "The State Government has already accorded the administrative approval for the acquisition of the required land for this employment intensive project," Tripathy said.
The State Government will gain revenue of about Rs 3,700 crore over the next 25-30 years in the form of taxes and duties. Besides, it will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for about 51,300 persons when fully commissioned.He further said that the Government also agreed to the Centre's proposal to set up a Petroleum, Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) at Paradip. An estimated Rs 15,275 crore is proposed to be invested in the project.The Central support for PCPIR is projected at about Rs 5,008 crore while the remaining Rs 7,517 crore will be mobilised through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP).The project will be implemented in three phases with an estimated investment Rs 2,200 crore in the first phase. The project would be completed by 2030.
Similarly, the Committee approved Welspun Power and Steel Ltd's proposal for setting up a 5 million tonne per annum iron ore beneficiation plant and 3 million tonne per annum pelletisation plant at Dhamara.
The committee also cleared the capacity expansion plan of the Essar Steel from 4 million tonne to 6 million tonne per annum along with a 8 million tonne per annum iron ore benificiation plant. The company intended to change its steel making technology from the sponge iron route to blast furnace route.
Besides, the proposal of the SMC Power Generation Ltd to expand capacity from 0.5mtpa to 1mtpa, increasing the capacity of MSP Metaliks from 0.25 mtpa to 1 mtpa, enhancement of steel making capacity of Bhusan Steel from 3.10 million tonne to 9 million tonne per annum were approved by HLCA.
The HLCA also gave its nod to the proposal of Bhusan Energy Ltd for a 2,000 MW thermal power plant at one go, 1,000 MW thermal power plant by Monnet Ispat and Energy at one go instead of two phases and 1,000 MW thermal power plant at one go.
Free Electricity to 35 lakh BPL families within one year.
The State Government has decided to give free electricity to nearly 35 lakh BPL families within one year. A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the Energy Minister Surjya Naryan Patro on Tuesday. All the officials of the distribution companies were present in the meeting.Later briefing the media, Energy Minister Patro said in the preliminary phase, electrical instruments like bulb, meter and wire within a price of Rs 2,200 would be supplied to the people living under BPL category. The programme would be initiated in 4,000 villages under the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Programme and Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana.
He further said that an electrical poll will be set up after every 30 metres. All the distribution companies would take steps to provide uninterrupted supply of power to the towns and take steps to provide high-voltage line to the rural areas.
"The low voltage problem would be solved within one-and-a-half years. The old transformers would be replaced by new transformers within one-and-a-half years", Patro said, adding that decision has been taken to purchase 3,000 new transformers.
The Power Distribution Company CESU has already changed 150 transformers. OPTCL would set up 19 new transformers. In order to solve the low voltage crisis, a review meeting would be held every month.
He further said that an electrical poll will be set up after every 30 metres. All the distribution companies would take steps to provide uninterrupted supply of power to the towns and take steps to provide high-voltage line to the rural areas.
"The low voltage problem would be solved within one-and-a-half years. The old transformers would be replaced by new transformers within one-and-a-half years", Patro said, adding that decision has been taken to purchase 3,000 new transformers.
The Power Distribution Company CESU has already changed 150 transformers. OPTCL would set up 19 new transformers. In order to solve the low voltage crisis, a review meeting would be held every month.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Road work starts on Red Corridor.
In order to curb the Maoist menace in the Red Corridor, the State Government has decided to expedite the road works in these areas. The road would connect Vijaywada to Ranchi and pass through 12 Maoist-infested districts of the State. It would pass through nearly 1,200 km in the State.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday laid the foundation stone for the work. He laid the foundation at Nakatideula near Rairkhol. In the first phase, the road would cover 29 km.
Speaking on the occasion Patnaik said the road would bring prosperity to the local people and would enable them to mingle with the developmental process.The Chief Minister took up this issue in 2006 with the Centre on constructing of a road that would pass through the Red Corridor. The road would be helpful for the easy movement of the police forces in the areas. However, the Maoists are dead against the construction of the roads.
Speaking on the occasion Patnaik said the road would bring prosperity to the local people and would enable them to mingle with the developmental process.The Chief Minister took up this issue in 2006 with the Centre on constructing of a road that would pass through the Red Corridor. The road would be helpful for the easy movement of the police forces in the areas. However, the Maoists are dead against the construction of the roads.
Road work starts on Red Corridor.
In order to curb the Maoist menace in the Red Corridor, the State Government has decided to expedite the road works in these areas. The road would connect Vijaywada to Ranchi and pass through 12 Maoist-infested districts of the State. It would pass through nearly 1,200 km in the State.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday laid the foundation stone for the work. He laid the foundation at Nakatideula near Rairkhol. In the first phase, the road would cover 29 km.
Speaking on the occasion Patnaik said the road would bring prosperity to the local people and would enable them to mingle with the developmental process.The Chief Minister took up this issue in 2006 with the Centre on constructing of a road that would pass through the Red Corridor. The road would be helpful for the easy movement of the police forces in the areas. However, the Maoists are dead against the construction of the roads.
Speaking on the occasion Patnaik said the road would bring prosperity to the local people and would enable them to mingle with the developmental process.The Chief Minister took up this issue in 2006 with the Centre on constructing of a road that would pass through the Red Corridor. The road would be helpful for the easy movement of the police forces in the areas. However, the Maoists are dead against the construction of the roads.
Mobile towers to be set up in Police stations in Maoist affected areas of Orissa.
The Centre has asked the State Government to provide land to set up mobile towers in the Maoist affected areas. "The State Government is considering the request of the Centre," said State Home Secretary TK Mishra.
It has been found that the Maoists have started targeting the mobile towers to disrupt the entire communication system. They have already destroyed a number of towers in the Maoist affected areas as police failed to provide necessary security cover to the towers. The police have also admitted that it is practically impossible to provide security cover to the mobile towers.
In order to tackle the rising Maoists threat, the Centre has decided to set up towers in the premises of police stations. "If there is land available in the premises of police stations, we will certainly allow the companies to set up their mobile tower centres," said Mishra.
It has been found that the Maoists have started targeting the mobile towers to disrupt the entire communication system. They have already destroyed a number of towers in the Maoist affected areas as police failed to provide necessary security cover to the towers. The police have also admitted that it is practically impossible to provide security cover to the mobile towers.
In order to tackle the rising Maoists threat, the Centre has decided to set up towers in the premises of police stations. "If there is land available in the premises of police stations, we will certainly allow the companies to set up their mobile tower centres," said Mishra.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Equality Forum raises voice against Caste based Reservation system.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
Protesting caste-based reservation on the ground that it violates the provisions of equality before law and equal protection of law as prescribed under Article 12 of the Constitution, the State wing of the All India Equality Forum on Sunday said reservation is not the only way of uplifting economically and educationally backward classes, including Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes. This has been proved since the Constitution came into force, it argued.
However, the Government is using reservation as a weapon to win elections violating the provisions of Article 335 of the Constitution and inducing casteism among the people, said State president of the forum, Vagirathi Mahasuar, at a news conference here.He stressed on equal treatment before law for all citizens of the country, irrespective of posts and status held by the individuals. Reservation is just an enabling provision and it can no longer be included under fundamental rights, he said.
The forum is determined to protect the right of equality to all citizens in the matter of direct recruitments and promotions in all services without any preferential treatment on the basis of caste, creed, religion, province and place of birth.It demanded abolition of special rules or Acts made in the interest of a special caste group, said Mahasuar.The State Government is violating the directions of the Supreme Court while framing special provisions of reservation, he said, adding that the forum would launch an Equality Rath Yatra soon to protest against reservation and create public participation on the issue.
Protesting caste-based reservation on the ground that it violates the provisions of equality before law and equal protection of law as prescribed under Article 12 of the Constitution, the State wing of the All India Equality Forum on Sunday said reservation is not the only way of uplifting economically and educationally backward classes, including Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes. This has been proved since the Constitution came into force, it argued.
However, the Government is using reservation as a weapon to win elections violating the provisions of Article 335 of the Constitution and inducing casteism among the people, said State president of the forum, Vagirathi Mahasuar, at a news conference here.He stressed on equal treatment before law for all citizens of the country, irrespective of posts and status held by the individuals. Reservation is just an enabling provision and it can no longer be included under fundamental rights, he said.
The forum is determined to protect the right of equality to all citizens in the matter of direct recruitments and promotions in all services without any preferential treatment on the basis of caste, creed, religion, province and place of birth.It demanded abolition of special rules or Acts made in the interest of a special caste group, said Mahasuar.The State Government is violating the directions of the Supreme Court while framing special provisions of reservation, he said, adding that the forum would launch an Equality Rath Yatra soon to protest against reservation and create public participation on the issue.
Centurion Group launches NHANCE.
A new type of school in eastern India, NHANCE, has been established with the objective of providing high-end technical, functional and soft skills like communication, personality development training to its students in order to make them industry-ready professionals.The ongoing and pass-out engineering students as well as executives, who need to excel in the corporate world, can join the institute. The institute provides two types of courses related to Information Technology (IT) and Finance.All the students shall be provided soft skills training in addition to their respective courses.
CCNA Authorised Training and Testing, CAD/CAM, CATIA, AUTOCAD and SAP are the IT related courses provided by NHANCE.CCNA Authorised Training and Testing course is provided in the Jagannath Institute for Technology and Management (JITM), an authorised training partner of CISCO with CISCO certified faculty members and the only online testing center in Orissa.
Other IT related courses are provided in the best equipped CAD/CAM laboratories in the eastern region Certificate in Capital Markets and Advanced Diploma in Capital Markets are the finance-related courses offered by NHANCE in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Stock Exchange.Certificate in Capital Markets is a three-month course for working executives where as Advanced Diploma in Capital Markets is a one year course attached with two months internship with a financial company and placement assistance.
CCNA Authorised Training and Testing, CAD/CAM, CATIA, AUTOCAD and SAP are the IT related courses provided by NHANCE.CCNA Authorised Training and Testing course is provided in the Jagannath Institute for Technology and Management (JITM), an authorised training partner of CISCO with CISCO certified faculty members and the only online testing center in Orissa.
Other IT related courses are provided in the best equipped CAD/CAM laboratories in the eastern region Certificate in Capital Markets and Advanced Diploma in Capital Markets are the finance-related courses offered by NHANCE in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Stock Exchange.Certificate in Capital Markets is a three-month course for working executives where as Advanced Diploma in Capital Markets is a one year course attached with two months internship with a financial company and placement assistance.
Aptech launches N-Power in Bhubaneswar .
Aptech Limited, an IT education and training group, launched its specialised hardware and networking training centre, N-Power, here.Bhubaneswar centre was the 36th centre of N-Power in India, Aptech said in a release.The N-Power courses would have recognition of international vendors like CompTIA, Microsoft and RedHat, it said.
“There is a massive requirement of hardware and networking professionals in the banking and financial services, manufacturing, small and medium enterprises and retail. We are sure this state-of-the-art N-Power training centre will address the training requirements of aspiring hardware and networking professionals,” said Rajendra Singh, zonal head of Aptech’s northern and eastern region.Keeping various groups of student community and job requirements in view, N-Power has launched a series of programs divided into basic, foundation, career and professional tracks ranging from 1.5 month to 11 months.
“There is a massive requirement of hardware and networking professionals in the banking and financial services, manufacturing, small and medium enterprises and retail. We are sure this state-of-the-art N-Power training centre will address the training requirements of aspiring hardware and networking professionals,” said Rajendra Singh, zonal head of Aptech’s northern and eastern region.Keeping various groups of student community and job requirements in view, N-Power has launched a series of programs divided into basic, foundation, career and professional tracks ranging from 1.5 month to 11 months.
State mulls Irish PDS to reduce fake beneficiaries.
To streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) and curb the pilferage of commodities, the State Government is mulling a plan to reduce the number of beneficiaries of PDS on the lines of Ireland.This was revealed by some officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, who were here to inquire into the circulation of ghost rations cards in Kendrapara district. To make the system perfect and to curb the circulation of 'ghost' beneficiaries, the ration cards for both APL and BPL category of beneficiaries are being refurbished similar to the popular model introduced in Ireland. Some of these cards have been issued on a trial basis in some parts of the backward Rayagada district under the World Food Programme.
If found suitable, the cards would be introduced in other parts of the State, informed the officials.
The new ration cards would have several new features that would stop the menace of unscrupulous practice of bogus cards and ghost beneficiaries. The model card would have all the details of the enlisted beneficiary, his dependant family members and other details.To stop manipulation of facts and misleading data, the model card would have eyelashes and fingerprints affixed and attached on it. Unlike the cards on circulation now, there would be no photograph of beneficiaries. The eyelashes and fingerprints are free from tampering, sources said.
If found suitable, the cards would be introduced in other parts of the State, informed the officials.
The new ration cards would have several new features that would stop the menace of unscrupulous practice of bogus cards and ghost beneficiaries. The model card would have all the details of the enlisted beneficiary, his dependant family members and other details.To stop manipulation of facts and misleading data, the model card would have eyelashes and fingerprints affixed and attached on it. Unlike the cards on circulation now, there would be no photograph of beneficiaries. The eyelashes and fingerprints are free from tampering, sources said.
State mulls Irish PDS to reduce fake beneficiaries.
To streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) and curb the pilferage of commodities, the State Government is mulling a plan to reduce the number of beneficiaries of PDS on the lines of Ireland.This was revealed by some officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, who were here to inquire into the circulation of ghost rations cards in Kendrapara district. To make the system perfect and to curb the circulation of 'ghost' beneficiaries, the ration cards for both APL and BPL category of beneficiaries are being refurbished similar to the popular model introduced in Ireland. Some of these cards have been issued on a trial basis in some parts of the backward Rayagada district under the World Food Programme.
If found suitable, the cards would be introduced in other parts of the State, informed the officials.
The new ration cards would have several new features that would stop the menace of unscrupulous practice of bogus cards and ghost beneficiaries. The model card would have all the details of the enlisted beneficiary, his dependant family members and other details.To stop manipulation of facts and misleading data, the model card would have eyelashes and fingerprints affixed and attached on it. Unlike the cards on circulation now, there would be no photograph of beneficiaries. The eyelashes and fingerprints are free from tampering, sources said.
If found suitable, the cards would be introduced in other parts of the State, informed the officials.
The new ration cards would have several new features that would stop the menace of unscrupulous practice of bogus cards and ghost beneficiaries. The model card would have all the details of the enlisted beneficiary, his dependant family members and other details.To stop manipulation of facts and misleading data, the model card would have eyelashes and fingerprints affixed and attached on it. Unlike the cards on circulation now, there would be no photograph of beneficiaries. The eyelashes and fingerprints are free from tampering, sources said.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Talcher country's most polluted place: CPCB.
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has termed the industrial region of Talcher as the most polluted place in the country.The CPCB has identified 24 problem areas on the basis of air and water pollution by industries. The board will prepare Environment Management Plans (EMPs) for these regions soon.Talcher in the Angul district in Orissa is known for its vast coal reserves and also houses major NTPC plants. The district is also home to the Nalco, one of the profit-making public sector units.
Following Talcher, Ankleshwar in Gujarat, Bhadravati in Karnataka, Bollaram in Karnataka, Chembur in Maharashtra and Dhanbad in Bihar are among the worst polluted places in India, the Board's report said. The board said it has been conducting inspections to ensure compliance by industrial units of various pollution control norms.The CPCB has identified 17 categories of polluting industries located along the rivers and lakes and in problem areas
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has termed the industrial region of Talcher as the most polluted place in the country.The CPCB has identified 24 problem areas on the basis of air and water pollution by industries. The board will prepare Environment Management Plans (EMPs) for these regions soon.Talcher in the Angul district in Orissa is known for its vast coal reserves and also houses major NTPC plants. The district is also home to the Nalco, one of the profit-making public sector units.
Following Talcher, Ankleshwar in Gujarat, Bhadravati in Karnataka, Bollaram in Karnataka, Chembur in Maharashtra and Dhanbad in Bihar are among the worst polluted places in India, the Board's report said. The board said it has been conducting inspections to ensure compliance by industrial units of various pollution control norms.The CPCB has identified 17 categories of polluting industries located along the rivers and lakes and in problem areas
Oriya Sand Artist Sudarshan Patnaik's Global Warming Sculpture wins Russian prize.
Noted sand artiste Sudarshan Patnaik on Saturday won the People's Choice prize at the 1st Moscow International Sand Sculpture Championship held in the Russian capital. The artistes from Italy won the 'Jury Choice' prize, Ireland the 'Sculptor Choice' in the championship.Pattnaik had created a 15-feet-high Lord Ganesh to create awareness among the people on the potential dangers of global warming at the International Sand Championship.The top of the sculpture depicted the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and in the flowing water on which Lord Ganesh is travelling on a boat with a sign 'Divine Concern on Global Warming'.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Pragyan Ojha : fourth Odia in Indian Cricket Team.
Good news for Orissa cricket lovers. After a gap of nearly five years, yet another Orissa cricketer has found a berth in Indian cricket team when Pragyan Ojha was picked up by the national selectors for the upcoming Triangular series in Bangladesh as well as the subsequent Asia Cup to be played in Pakistan.
The 22-year-old left arm off spinner who plays for the Hyderabad and represented the Deccan Chargers in the ongoing IPL, is actually the fourth Oriya to be selected for the national team.Sanjay Roul, Debashis Mohanty and S S Das of the state have earlier done duty for the Team India.Born in Khurda district in 1986, Ojha started his cricketing career from Sahid Sporting club in Bhubaneswar along with Mohanty. He played in the Under-15 inter-state cricket tournament organized by the Orissa Cricket Association. He went to Hyderabad in the year 2000 for his studies and from since then is a regular player of the Hyderabad Ranji team.
Under-19
Ojha had also represented India U-19 and played against Zimbabwe and Kenya. His inclusion in the India team is to fill in the off-spinner’s slot in the absence of banned Harbhajan Singh.Cricket lovers in the State have welcomed the inclusion of Ojha in the India team. “Although, he plays for Hyderabad but we are definitely happy that an Oriya has booked a berth in India team.
We congratulate him and wish him good luck”, said the OCA secretary Ashirbad Behera. OCA president Ranjib Biswal, a member of the national selection committee too is elated over the news. “It’s definitely a good news for every Oriya cricket lover”, Biswal said.
The 22-year-old left arm off spinner who plays for the Hyderabad and represented the Deccan Chargers in the ongoing IPL, is actually the fourth Oriya to be selected for the national team.Sanjay Roul, Debashis Mohanty and S S Das of the state have earlier done duty for the Team India.Born in Khurda district in 1986, Ojha started his cricketing career from Sahid Sporting club in Bhubaneswar along with Mohanty. He played in the Under-15 inter-state cricket tournament organized by the Orissa Cricket Association. He went to Hyderabad in the year 2000 for his studies and from since then is a regular player of the Hyderabad Ranji team.
Under-19
Ojha had also represented India U-19 and played against Zimbabwe and Kenya. His inclusion in the India team is to fill in the off-spinner’s slot in the absence of banned Harbhajan Singh.Cricket lovers in the State have welcomed the inclusion of Ojha in the India team. “Although, he plays for Hyderabad but we are definitely happy that an Oriya has booked a berth in India team.
We congratulate him and wish him good luck”, said the OCA secretary Ashirbad Behera. OCA president Ranjib Biswal, a member of the national selection committee too is elated over the news. “It’s definitely a good news for every Oriya cricket lover”, Biswal said.
Greenpeace 'twisting facts' on Dhamra port !
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar:
A major port at Dhamra in Orissa's Bhadrak district was initiated in 1996, though the earlier old Dhamra port was operating till 1947. The current port limits of the Dhamra port were defined way back in 1931. Greenpeace, India is deliberately trying to spread a maligned misinformation campaign against the upcoming modern Dhamra port with ulterior motives, which can be seen from its several motives, according to the port management sources.
Although the work of the major port at Dhamra was initiated in 1996, Greenpeace never raised its objections till 2001. It also did not file its objections during the environment clearance nor did it move the National Appellate Authority.
As per the various studies of the Central and Orissa Governments, the State has three nesting and mating places along its coast, Gahirmatha, mouth of river Devi and mouth of river Rusikulya. As per studies of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 1994, the Orissa coast, which is north of Dhamra river, is shallow and muddy in nature and unfit for turtle mating and nesting. Why is Greenpeace then trying to prove that Dhamra port is going to harm the Olive Ridley turtles in spite of the Government of India's report, which is as old as 14 years, much before Dhamra major port was conceived, ask knowledgeable quarters.
As per WWF, an UN-based organisation, banning of movement of ships and trawlers needs to done during the turtle breeding and mating period of 45 days on a 20-km radius of turtle breeding grounds. The facts of the ports in Orissa with regard to the turtle breeding grounds are as follows: The Paradip port is located about 30 km (sea coast distance) from the Gahirmatha breeding ground. But it may be noted that the turtles travel from south to north, so they pass through the activity area of the Paradip Port to reach Gahirmatha. There are no visible obstacles between the Gahirmatha breeding ground and Paradip Port. Further, the Debi river mouth's turtle breeding place is also located 30 km south of Paradip.
The upcoming Dhamra port is also located 30 km from Gahirmatha. But there are three major obstacles between the two locations. They are Mahipura river, Kanika Sands and Dhamra river in order of south to north. The Dhamra port site is north of Dhamra river. Further, the DRDO is also located between the two locations. Due to these obstacles the turtles do not cross the Mahipura river as per the observation during the last 20 years. There is no mating and breeding area of turtles north to Dhamra. It is absolutely clear that the location of Dhamra port is the safest location vis-Ã -vis turtle travelling, mating and nesting ground. Greenpeace is twisting the facts against the Dhamra port, rued the sources.
A major port at Dhamra in Orissa's Bhadrak district was initiated in 1996, though the earlier old Dhamra port was operating till 1947. The current port limits of the Dhamra port were defined way back in 1931. Greenpeace, India is deliberately trying to spread a maligned misinformation campaign against the upcoming modern Dhamra port with ulterior motives, which can be seen from its several motives, according to the port management sources.
Although the work of the major port at Dhamra was initiated in 1996, Greenpeace never raised its objections till 2001. It also did not file its objections during the environment clearance nor did it move the National Appellate Authority.
As per the various studies of the Central and Orissa Governments, the State has three nesting and mating places along its coast, Gahirmatha, mouth of river Devi and mouth of river Rusikulya. As per studies of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 1994, the Orissa coast, which is north of Dhamra river, is shallow and muddy in nature and unfit for turtle mating and nesting. Why is Greenpeace then trying to prove that Dhamra port is going to harm the Olive Ridley turtles in spite of the Government of India's report, which is as old as 14 years, much before Dhamra major port was conceived, ask knowledgeable quarters.
As per WWF, an UN-based organisation, banning of movement of ships and trawlers needs to done during the turtle breeding and mating period of 45 days on a 20-km radius of turtle breeding grounds. The facts of the ports in Orissa with regard to the turtle breeding grounds are as follows: The Paradip port is located about 30 km (sea coast distance) from the Gahirmatha breeding ground. But it may be noted that the turtles travel from south to north, so they pass through the activity area of the Paradip Port to reach Gahirmatha. There are no visible obstacles between the Gahirmatha breeding ground and Paradip Port. Further, the Debi river mouth's turtle breeding place is also located 30 km south of Paradip.
The upcoming Dhamra port is also located 30 km from Gahirmatha. But there are three major obstacles between the two locations. They are Mahipura river, Kanika Sands and Dhamra river in order of south to north. The Dhamra port site is north of Dhamra river. Further, the DRDO is also located between the two locations. Due to these obstacles the turtles do not cross the Mahipura river as per the observation during the last 20 years. There is no mating and breeding area of turtles north to Dhamra. It is absolutely clear that the location of Dhamra port is the safest location vis-Ã -vis turtle travelling, mating and nesting ground. Greenpeace is twisting the facts against the Dhamra port, rued the sources.
Centre to provide funds to increase Cereal and Edible Oil production in Orissa.
The Centre has reportedly agreed to provide huge funds for the development of agriculture in the State in the current financial year.The funds would be utilised for enhancing the production of cereals and edible oil seeds. This was stated by the Secretary, Union Ministry of Agriculture PK Mishra after he called on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat on Friday.Briefing the media about the assurance made by Mishra, Secretary, Agriculture UP Singh said the Centre has put stress on enhancing the production of oil seeds and pulses in the State.
Though the country has been self-reliant in the production of paddy, it has not yet been able to be self-sufficient in the production of cereals and edible oil. The country aims to produce 227 million tonne of paddy in the current year. "Similarly, the paddy production in Orissa has increased over the years," he said, adding that the country imports 40 per cent of its required cereals and two million tonne of edible oil.
Under the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the Centre would provide Rs 115 crore and Rs 61 crore under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) programme.He further said the Centre has given a proposal to introduce Weather based Crop insurance programme. Under the National Horticulture Programme, the Centre has also reportedly agreed to give Rs 95 crore, Singh said.
Though the country has been self-reliant in the production of paddy, it has not yet been able to be self-sufficient in the production of cereals and edible oil. The country aims to produce 227 million tonne of paddy in the current year. "Similarly, the paddy production in Orissa has increased over the years," he said, adding that the country imports 40 per cent of its required cereals and two million tonne of edible oil.
Under the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the Centre would provide Rs 115 crore and Rs 61 crore under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) programme.He further said the Centre has given a proposal to introduce Weather based Crop insurance programme. Under the National Horticulture Programme, the Centre has also reportedly agreed to give Rs 95 crore, Singh said.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Orissa To Upgrade Technology To Check Cyber Crimes.
To check the growing cyber crimes in the state, Orissa police has decided to upgrade facilities, including procurement of state-of-the-art cyber technology to meet the situation.
Advanced cyber forensic software and hardware were being procured to upgrade the facilities in police stations and regular training programs organised to educate the investigating officers, Director General of Police Gopal Chandra Nanda said.Addressing a workshop on cyber crime, Nanda said a cyber police station was opened in the state in 2006 to deal with such crimes. The police station, despite certain limitations, had successfully investigated some cases including an e-mail threat addressed to state government, he said.Nanda hoped the workshop would benefit the state police in understanding the nuances of the cyber crime, its investigation and the legal framework to deal with it.
At least 30 officers, including police and computer professions participated in the workshop and exchanged ideas on various aspects of the crime including cyber terrorism.Other crimes against individuals such as cyber pornography, cyber stalking and cyber defamation were also discussed. The participants expressed concern over crime against property like online gambling, intellectual property infringement, phishing and credit card frauds.
Advanced cyber forensic software and hardware were being procured to upgrade the facilities in police stations and regular training programs organised to educate the investigating officers, Director General of Police Gopal Chandra Nanda said.Addressing a workshop on cyber crime, Nanda said a cyber police station was opened in the state in 2006 to deal with such crimes. The police station, despite certain limitations, had successfully investigated some cases including an e-mail threat addressed to state government, he said.Nanda hoped the workshop would benefit the state police in understanding the nuances of the cyber crime, its investigation and the legal framework to deal with it.
At least 30 officers, including police and computer professions participated in the workshop and exchanged ideas on various aspects of the crime including cyber terrorism.Other crimes against individuals such as cyber pornography, cyber stalking and cyber defamation were also discussed. The participants expressed concern over crime against property like online gambling, intellectual property infringement, phishing and credit card frauds.
Infosys to invest Rs 500 cr in State.
Computer software major Infosys will invest Rs 500 crore in the Information Technology Enabled Service (ITES) in the State. A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Director HR, Infosys TV Mohan Das Pai along with his team attended the meeting.More than 5,000 employment opportunities would be created in the IT sector. Infosy has also decided to give employment to 700 engineers at its Development Centre in Bhubaneswar this year. Software exports would reach Rs 5,000 crore by the end of 2011-12, the Government spokesperson claimed.
The team under the leadership of Pai assured the State Government that it would invest in the health sector, creating job employment opportunities in the rural areas. It has also extended help to popularise the mid-day meal scheme.Pai said the Infosys would provide help in developing the health structure. It has planned to open a multi specialty hospital in Bhubaneswar. Another heart-care hospital in the lines of Narayan Hrudalaya of Bangalore would be opened."However, we need SEZ status to develop our computer centre. We require 50 acres of land for this purpose," he said, adding that it would extend the mid-day meal scheme provided under the "Akshya Patra" to areas like Kandhamal and Gajapati. Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Bijay Kumar Patnaik and other senior officials were present at the meeting
The team under the leadership of Pai assured the State Government that it would invest in the health sector, creating job employment opportunities in the rural areas. It has also extended help to popularise the mid-day meal scheme.Pai said the Infosys would provide help in developing the health structure. It has planned to open a multi specialty hospital in Bhubaneswar. Another heart-care hospital in the lines of Narayan Hrudalaya of Bangalore would be opened."However, we need SEZ status to develop our computer centre. We require 50 acres of land for this purpose," he said, adding that it would extend the mid-day meal scheme provided under the "Akshya Patra" to areas like Kandhamal and Gajapati. Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Bijay Kumar Patnaik and other senior officials were present at the meeting
Achyuta Samanta is now the member of both UGC and AICTE.
Founder of KIIT Group of Institutions and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences A. Samanta, has been nominated member of the Executive Committee of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). He will hold the office for three years.He is already a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), appointed to the office in February this year, making him the first ever Oriya member in UGC. His nomination to the AICTE Executive Committee will give a momentum to the qualitative and quantitative growth of technical and professional education system in the State in particular and in the country in general.
100 Gramin Bazars (Rural Market Yards) to be set up in the State.
The State Government has decided to set up 100 Gramin Bazars (Rural Market Yards) in the State. In the first phase, 10 rural market yards would be set up. All facilities would be provided in the market yard. Paddy would be purchased and sold at the market yard.
The market yards would bet set up in RMC. One market yard would be set in Angul RMC, two in Atabira RMC, two in Sambalpur, two in Baragarh, one in Baharakhela, one in Kendupatna and one in Digapanhadi. The State Government has so far provided computers to 61 market yard centres. Government would provide Rs 15 lakh from the National Horticulture Mission Programme for the development of the market yards.
The market yards would bet set up in RMC. One market yard would be set in Angul RMC, two in Atabira RMC, two in Sambalpur, two in Baragarh, one in Baharakhela, one in Kendupatna and one in Digapanhadi. The State Government has so far provided computers to 61 market yard centres. Government would provide Rs 15 lakh from the National Horticulture Mission Programme for the development of the market yards.
All families in the State to get Electricity by 2015, Insulated cables to check power theft .,
BERHAMPUR: Insulated cables would be used for all new connections to provide electricity to families under rural electrification programs to put check on power theft, said State Energy Minister Surya Narayan Patro.
He attended a high-level meeting in the city on Thursday to review the progress of rural electrification programme in south Orissa under Biju Gramin Jyoti Yojana (BGJY) of the State Government and the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) of the center. Collectors of 10 districts of south Orissa, State Energy Secretary Suresh Mohapatra and Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), southern division, Satyabrata Sahu attended this meeting.
The stumbling blocks in the path of rural electrification under these two programmes were major points of discussion at this meeting. Discussions were also held on non-availability of Prestressed Cement Concrete (PCC) poles which had been responsible for slow progress of RGGVY. Under the RGGVY, the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) has released 239.79 crores to NTPC, NHPC and PGCIL for the first phase rural electrification projects in Ganjam, Gajapati, Angul, Balasore, Jajpur and Puri.
Speaking to newsmen after the review meeting Mr Patro said during the current financial year around 4000 habitations and villages would be electrified. The BGJY was being taken up at habitats with a population of less than 100. At present work of the BGJY was on in 3,036 habitats of 238 blocks of the State. The BGJY was initiated by the State Government last year. Under this project Rs. 50 lakhs has been placed for utilisation for rural electrification work for every block.
The State Government has submitted project report for implementation of the RGGVY in all the 30 districts of the State to the REC. The total outlay for the State for implementation of the RGGGVY would be around Rs. 3,582.19 crores. In total the RGGVY would electrify 17,895 unelectrified or de-electrified villages and 31,85,863 BPL households.Mr Patro said maintenance of this rural electrification programme would be taken up through community participation. Village groups would be responsible for checking power theft and collection of power dues, from which they would also get some commission. It was envisioned that all families in the State would get electricity by 2015
He attended a high-level meeting in the city on Thursday to review the progress of rural electrification programme in south Orissa under Biju Gramin Jyoti Yojana (BGJY) of the State Government and the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) of the center. Collectors of 10 districts of south Orissa, State Energy Secretary Suresh Mohapatra and Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), southern division, Satyabrata Sahu attended this meeting.
The stumbling blocks in the path of rural electrification under these two programmes were major points of discussion at this meeting. Discussions were also held on non-availability of Prestressed Cement Concrete (PCC) poles which had been responsible for slow progress of RGGVY. Under the RGGVY, the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) has released 239.79 crores to NTPC, NHPC and PGCIL for the first phase rural electrification projects in Ganjam, Gajapati, Angul, Balasore, Jajpur and Puri.
Speaking to newsmen after the review meeting Mr Patro said during the current financial year around 4000 habitations and villages would be electrified. The BGJY was being taken up at habitats with a population of less than 100. At present work of the BGJY was on in 3,036 habitats of 238 blocks of the State. The BGJY was initiated by the State Government last year. Under this project Rs. 50 lakhs has been placed for utilisation for rural electrification work for every block.
The State Government has submitted project report for implementation of the RGGVY in all the 30 districts of the State to the REC. The total outlay for the State for implementation of the RGGGVY would be around Rs. 3,582.19 crores. In total the RGGVY would electrify 17,895 unelectrified or de-electrified villages and 31,85,863 BPL households.Mr Patro said maintenance of this rural electrification programme would be taken up through community participation. Village groups would be responsible for checking power theft and collection of power dues, from which they would also get some commission. It was envisioned that all families in the State would get electricity by 2015
'Yashoda' scheme launched, to be implemented in 9 districts.
To take care of the newborn children and safeguard their health, the State Government will implement the Yashoda scheme in nine districts. Under the scheme, the pregnant women coming to the hospitals for delivery would be advised not to leave the hospital immediately and advice would be given to take care of the newborn child for at least 48 hours. As a result this would help in decreasing the child mortality rate, said Health Minister Sanatan Bisi.Bisi said the mother and child would be provided with advanced healthcare facilities and women would be persuaded for more and more institutional delivery to curb the Infant Mortality Rate and Mother Mortality Rate in the State.
The MMR is 401 in 1 lakh mothers and IMR which is 58 in 1,000 live births at the national level,in Orissa it is 358 and 73 respectively.This would be curbed further and efforts are by the Health Department to reduce MMR to 250 and IMR 50 respectively by 2010.An agreement was signed with Norway India Partnership Initiative on December 13,2007 according to which NIPI is extending cooperation. 'Yashodas' would be appointed in hospitals to advise and take care of the news born children.
The scheme has been already started in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Angul district.While 12 Yashodas were appointed in each of the district headquarter hospitals of Sambalpur and Angul, nine were absorbed in Jharsuguda district hospital. Other districts, which will be covered are Balasore, Keonjhar, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkanagiri and Kalahandi.In the hospitals or PHCs were more than 50 children are being born or delivered Yahodas would be appointed to give round the clock services, said the Minister.
The MMR is 401 in 1 lakh mothers and IMR which is 58 in 1,000 live births at the national level,in Orissa it is 358 and 73 respectively.This would be curbed further and efforts are by the Health Department to reduce MMR to 250 and IMR 50 respectively by 2010.An agreement was signed with Norway India Partnership Initiative on December 13,2007 according to which NIPI is extending cooperation. 'Yashodas' would be appointed in hospitals to advise and take care of the news born children.
The scheme has been already started in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Angul district.While 12 Yashodas were appointed in each of the district headquarter hospitals of Sambalpur and Angul, nine were absorbed in Jharsuguda district hospital. Other districts, which will be covered are Balasore, Keonjhar, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkanagiri and Kalahandi.In the hospitals or PHCs were more than 50 children are being born or delivered Yahodas would be appointed to give round the clock services, said the Minister.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Raheja Corporation (Mindspace) to set up IT park in Bhubaneswar.
The State Government on Tuesday inked an MoU with K Raheja Corporation for setting up a dedicated infrastructure facility for the Information Technology/ Information Technology Enabled Service (IT/ITES) sectors under the brand name of Mindspace.
It is expected to be completed in three years and an estimated Rs 250 crore will be invested in the first phase. The Mindspace IT Park will facilitate the city to turn into a preferred destination for IT, ITES and financial sectors.On behalf of the State Government, Secretary, IT PK Mohapatra and Ravi C Raheja from Raheja Crop signed the MoU in the presence of IT Minister Surjya Narayan Patro and Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy.
The proposed IT Park will be implemented through a joint venture company to be formed by IDCO and K Raheja Corp. The IT Park will be designed as a green building thereby promoting environment-friendly and energy conserving infrastructure development practices.Three possible locations at Infocity-I, Infocity-II and Mancheswar Industrial Estate have been identified. It would be built over 30 acres of land. The park is expected to generate employment opportunities for more than 12,000 people in the next 3-4 years.
Speaking on the occasion, IT Minister Surjya Naryan Patro said the park would be developed on a public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. "The State Government will earn revenue to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore from software export by 2012," he said, adding that about 3-4 lakh jobs were likely to be created in the IT and ITES sector. Raheja said the Bhubaneswar IT Park would generate vast employment opportunities for the people.Orissa Computer Application Centre (OCAC), the nodal agency for IT sector promotion and facilitation, will provide single-window support to the IT Park for project implementation.Secretary IT, PK Mohapatra said the proposed IT park would provide the much needed quality IT infrastructure in the State. Chief Secretary AK Tripathy and Vishal Dev, Director, IT Department, were present on the occasion.
It is expected to be completed in three years and an estimated Rs 250 crore will be invested in the first phase. The Mindspace IT Park will facilitate the city to turn into a preferred destination for IT, ITES and financial sectors.On behalf of the State Government, Secretary, IT PK Mohapatra and Ravi C Raheja from Raheja Crop signed the MoU in the presence of IT Minister Surjya Narayan Patro and Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy.
The proposed IT Park will be implemented through a joint venture company to be formed by IDCO and K Raheja Corp. The IT Park will be designed as a green building thereby promoting environment-friendly and energy conserving infrastructure development practices.Three possible locations at Infocity-I, Infocity-II and Mancheswar Industrial Estate have been identified. It would be built over 30 acres of land. The park is expected to generate employment opportunities for more than 12,000 people in the next 3-4 years.
Speaking on the occasion, IT Minister Surjya Naryan Patro said the park would be developed on a public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. "The State Government will earn revenue to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore from software export by 2012," he said, adding that about 3-4 lakh jobs were likely to be created in the IT and ITES sector. Raheja said the Bhubaneswar IT Park would generate vast employment opportunities for the people.Orissa Computer Application Centre (OCAC), the nodal agency for IT sector promotion and facilitation, will provide single-window support to the IT Park for project implementation.Secretary IT, PK Mohapatra said the proposed IT park would provide the much needed quality IT infrastructure in the State. Chief Secretary AK Tripathy and Vishal Dev, Director, IT Department, were present on the occasion.
OAS mains exam begins, 3,485 candidates appear.
As many as 3,485 students, who qualified the Orissa Administrative Service preliminary examination, appeared at the mains examination which began on Tuesday in five different zones, including13 centres, in the State. The examination will continue until the next hearing of the High Court on June 17.The examination may be held once again, if the court will declare it null and void, said a student. However, the aspirants cannot claim for the results. This has been notified in the notice boards of every examination centre by the Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC) authorities.
As the case is under res sub-judice before the High Court, no one can demand their result, the Commission mentioned in the notice boards. However, wheher the same thing can be obtained under the prevalent RTI Act, is a matter of question, questioned an aspirant Amit Barik.Notably, the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) had deferred the examinations by three months. But challenging the order of SAT, the Commission had filed a petition before High Court pledging the pre-preparation of the examination to have been completed and abiding by the permission of the High Court, the Commission conducted the examination yet with uncertainty of the announcement of its results.
As the case is under res sub-judice before the High Court, no one can demand their result, the Commission mentioned in the notice boards. However, wheher the same thing can be obtained under the prevalent RTI Act, is a matter of question, questioned an aspirant Amit Barik.Notably, the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) had deferred the examinations by three months. But challenging the order of SAT, the Commission had filed a petition before High Court pledging the pre-preparation of the examination to have been completed and abiding by the permission of the High Court, the Commission conducted the examination yet with uncertainty of the announcement of its results.
Two new auditoriums to be set up .
The State Government has decided to open two big auditoriums in Bhubaneswar and Berhampur, each with a sitting capacity for 1,000.The auditoriums would be set up on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode. Four galleries would be set up for this purpose. Photo-galleries would also be set up.At an investment of Rs 17 lakh, a regional archives centre would be at set up at Sambalpur.A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Culture Minister Surjya Naryan Patro. He also took a review meeting of various building projects.
NABARD ropes in NGOs for SHG-Bank-linkage programme.
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to promote Self Help Group-Bank linkage, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has roped in non-government organisations by making them partner.About 150 NGOs so far had been associated with NABARD in promotion of SHG-Bank Linkage programme in Orissa, which scaled to new heights, Chief General Manager of bank C. R Patnaik said here on Tuesday.He said 2,75,587 SHGs were credit-linked with different financial institutions as on March 31 involving cumulative credit outflow of Rs.1329.31 cr. “Managing and leading an NGO is a multi-disciplinary and complicated task for the leader. NGOs working in the micro-finance sector are facing greater challenges as it involves considerable resources and management skill to ensure empowerment of the community,” Mr. Patnaik said.
World-class tech to be adopted for Orissa project:Arcelor Mittal CEO.
The world's best possible technology would be adopted at the Patna green field project in Keonjhar district and Jharkhand project, Chief Executive Officer of Arcelor Mittal (India) Vijay Bhatnagar said at a one-day workshop here on Monday.
CEO Bhatnagar said 20 high level technocrats from Europe, Brazil and Spain are engaged for these two projects for formulating a corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan. CEO of the Orissa project Sanak Mishra informed that Acelor Mittal would spend Rs 1,200 crore for the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced people of 14 villages to be affected by the project at Patna in accordance with R&R Policy, 2006 of the State Government.
Mishra also informed that there is a plan to set up an ITI at Rajanagar for which the required 10 acre of Government land has been identified along with initial upgradation of medical facilities in Swampatna, Kendeiposi, Turmunga and Rajanagar in Patna and Keonjhar Hospital to develop the health and education infrastructure.
District Collector Bipin Behari Mohapatra urged the residents of the mineral rich district to come forward and join hands for this mega steel project. District Superinten-dent of Police Soumendra Priydarshi welcoming the initiative of CSR expressed this will usher in an new era for the whole district including stakeholders of Patna.
CEO Bhatnagar said 20 high level technocrats from Europe, Brazil and Spain are engaged for these two projects for formulating a corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan. CEO of the Orissa project Sanak Mishra informed that Acelor Mittal would spend Rs 1,200 crore for the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced people of 14 villages to be affected by the project at Patna in accordance with R&R Policy, 2006 of the State Government.
Mishra also informed that there is a plan to set up an ITI at Rajanagar for which the required 10 acre of Government land has been identified along with initial upgradation of medical facilities in Swampatna, Kendeiposi, Turmunga and Rajanagar in Patna and Keonjhar Hospital to develop the health and education infrastructure.
District Collector Bipin Behari Mohapatra urged the residents of the mineral rich district to come forward and join hands for this mega steel project. District Superinten-dent of Police Soumendra Priydarshi welcoming the initiative of CSR expressed this will usher in an new era for the whole district including stakeholders of Patna.
3 lakh fishermen to be insured against accidents in Orissa.
The State Government has decided to insure 3 lakh fishermen against any accidents by the end of the current financial year, said Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Golak Bihari Nayak.In a phase manner in the next three years, 10lakh fishermen would be insured against any sorts of accidents. It would cover fishermen in the age group of 18 to 70. In case of any accident, the kith and kin of the deceased would receive Rs 50,000 as ex-gratia. Those who suffer injuries would only receive Rs 25,000 per annum. Both the State Government and the Centre would equally share the expenditure incurred towards the insurance.The State Government has also decided to set up a training centre in Bhubaneswar. The training Centre would offer special packaging system to export dry fishes.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
BDA unveils plan for south city expansion .
Bhubaneswar: Keeping in view the mushrooming of a host of IT and ITES companies, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has come up with a perspective plan for south city of Bhubaneswar to the tune of Rs. 80,000 crore in the next 15 years for the new area.
The Authority has included 40 villages along two sides of National Highway-5 from Khandagiri to Khurda that would be the south extension of the capital city.
According to the draft interim plan of South City, Bhubaneswar, the new development area would accommodate 10 lakh to 12 lakh people and can create about 2 lakh to 3 lakh jobs (IT & ITES as well as ancillary sectors).
Most of the top companies, including Infosys, TCS, WIPRO, MindTree and Genpact, have promised substantial investments in the temple city while the state government already declared to locate its second Infocity within the South City.
The BDA has solicited public opinion on the interim development plan before its final notification.
The investments in infrastructure required would be to the tune of Rs 4,000 crores over 15 years and will have an investment potential of about Rs 80,000 crores, the plan said. The plan was prepared by BDA in association with Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, IL&FS and Alchemy Urban Systems Private Limited.
The planning regulatory body also proposed to develop 18 high-end residential projects in the corridor.
Besides, a sports complex over 70 acres land at Khudupur and a number of institutional and commercial zones are planned in the upcoming city which will be spread across 6,740.17 hectares.
About 44.05 per cent of the area has been earmarked for residential purposes.
The Authority has included 40 villages along two sides of National Highway-5 from Khandagiri to Khurda that would be the south extension of the capital city.
According to the draft interim plan of South City, Bhubaneswar, the new development area would accommodate 10 lakh to 12 lakh people and can create about 2 lakh to 3 lakh jobs (IT & ITES as well as ancillary sectors).
Most of the top companies, including Infosys, TCS, WIPRO, MindTree and Genpact, have promised substantial investments in the temple city while the state government already declared to locate its second Infocity within the South City.
The BDA has solicited public opinion on the interim development plan before its final notification.
The investments in infrastructure required would be to the tune of Rs 4,000 crores over 15 years and will have an investment potential of about Rs 80,000 crores, the plan said. The plan was prepared by BDA in association with Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, IL&FS and Alchemy Urban Systems Private Limited.
The planning regulatory body also proposed to develop 18 high-end residential projects in the corridor.
Besides, a sports complex over 70 acres land at Khudupur and a number of institutional and commercial zones are planned in the upcoming city which will be spread across 6,740.17 hectares.
About 44.05 per cent of the area has been earmarked for residential purposes.
Agni IV ready to take off.
Indian Express,BALASORE:
If everything goes according to defence scientists’ plans, nuke-capable and most powerful longest range missile Agni-IV will in India’s arsenal soon.This has been envisaged as after the successful test-firing of 3000-km range ballistic missile Agni-III earlier this month, defence scientists have already started planning for the maiden test of Agni-IV.“This 5,000-km range missile has already been developed. The missile will be tested from the Wheeler Island only after scientists get the government nod, which could be anytime this year,” a source at the Chandipur defence base told this website's newspaper on Sunday.“But before that, India will also carry out further tests of its special naval missile, an acronym used by DRDO scientists for a submarine launched ballistic missile and the second test of interceptor missile, for which preparations are on here,” the source added.
The scientists working in the DRDO are a delighted lot because they are planning for the first test-flight of the country’s longest range missile at the time, perfectly 19 years after the first test of the Agni missile.India’s most sophisticated and indigenously developed Agni was first tested on May 22, 1989 from the Integrated (then Interim) Test Range (ITR) here.The Agni-IV missile, which will surpass all the previous three versions of the missile, will be surface-based, solid and liquid-propellant ballistic missile and equipped with inertial guidance systems with an improved optical or radar terminal phase co-relation system.The missile also possesses a submarine launch capability. It would be virtually indestructible and unstoppable in times of war.Defence experts said launching of the 5,000-km range missile would entail strapping third stage booster rocket on Agni-IV missiles powered by solid fuel propellant.Its success will propel the country into the select group of nations which have long range ballistic missiles.
If everything goes according to defence scientists’ plans, nuke-capable and most powerful longest range missile Agni-IV will in India’s arsenal soon.This has been envisaged as after the successful test-firing of 3000-km range ballistic missile Agni-III earlier this month, defence scientists have already started planning for the maiden test of Agni-IV.“This 5,000-km range missile has already been developed. The missile will be tested from the Wheeler Island only after scientists get the government nod, which could be anytime this year,” a source at the Chandipur defence base told this website's newspaper on Sunday.“But before that, India will also carry out further tests of its special naval missile, an acronym used by DRDO scientists for a submarine launched ballistic missile and the second test of interceptor missile, for which preparations are on here,” the source added.
The scientists working in the DRDO are a delighted lot because they are planning for the first test-flight of the country’s longest range missile at the time, perfectly 19 years after the first test of the Agni missile.India’s most sophisticated and indigenously developed Agni was first tested on May 22, 1989 from the Integrated (then Interim) Test Range (ITR) here.The Agni-IV missile, which will surpass all the previous three versions of the missile, will be surface-based, solid and liquid-propellant ballistic missile and equipped with inertial guidance systems with an improved optical or radar terminal phase co-relation system.The missile also possesses a submarine launch capability. It would be virtually indestructible and unstoppable in times of war.Defence experts said launching of the 5,000-km range missile would entail strapping third stage booster rocket on Agni-IV missiles powered by solid fuel propellant.Its success will propel the country into the select group of nations which have long range ballistic missiles.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Over 80,000 students appear for Orissa JEE .
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for admissions into various engineering and medical colleges of the state ended peacefully on Sunday in all the 158 centres spread across in 35 cities of the country, including seven cities outside the State. Barring few hiccups for the lateral entry students, around 80,000 students appeared the tests for different courses.According to Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) sources, 128 examination centers were setup in 28 cities of the State including the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
While the maximum 33 centers were in the State capital Bhubaneswar, 16 centers were in Cuttack city. Similarly, 30 centers were set up in cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Kharagpur and Vishakhapatnam to facilitate the Oriya students settled in these places.
Sources said the entrance examinations were held to select students for admissions into four government and 41 private engineering colleges of the State.The entrance tests were also held to pick up students for admissions into MBBS and BDS courses in all the three government and five private medical colleges of the State.Students would also be selected for admissions into MBA, MCA, and B Pharma courses of different government institutions from these tests also.While the tests went off peacefully in all the centers, the diploma students who are seeking admissions to B.E. and B. Tech course as lateral entry candidates were found in a quandary, as there were no separate questions for these candidates.These students were asked to attempt the same set of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics questions as were meant for other students.
Results on June 14
Sources pointed out that the JEE-2008 results would be published on June 14 and counselling of the students would begin from July 11.
While the maximum 33 centers were in the State capital Bhubaneswar, 16 centers were in Cuttack city. Similarly, 30 centers were set up in cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Kharagpur and Vishakhapatnam to facilitate the Oriya students settled in these places.
Sources said the entrance examinations were held to select students for admissions into four government and 41 private engineering colleges of the State.The entrance tests were also held to pick up students for admissions into MBBS and BDS courses in all the three government and five private medical colleges of the State.Students would also be selected for admissions into MBA, MCA, and B Pharma courses of different government institutions from these tests also.While the tests went off peacefully in all the centers, the diploma students who are seeking admissions to B.E. and B. Tech course as lateral entry candidates were found in a quandary, as there were no separate questions for these candidates.These students were asked to attempt the same set of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics questions as were meant for other students.
Results on June 14
Sources pointed out that the JEE-2008 results would be published on June 14 and counselling of the students would begin from July 11.
Pipe water to all panchayats of Orissa in 3 yrs: Minister
The State Government has decided to supply pipe water to all the panchayats of the State. All the tube-wells would be replaced by the pipe drinking water within next three months. A decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting chaired by Rural Development Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan.He further said that the construction of 2,000 new water project pipe schemes would be completed by December. So far 142 projects have been completed, he said, adding that all the district collectors have been asked to take steps in this connection.
He further said that steps are being taken to provide drinking water to school also. 45,188 rural schools have been provided with drinking water against target of 45,927.The cost is shared by the State and the Centre on 50:50 basis under ARWSP. The yardstick is to provide one tube wells/standposts for 250 populations in general habitations and 150 populations in KBK areas.He further said that steps are being taken to provide good toilet and running water supply to 1,003 tribal girls' hostels in the State.
He further said that steps are being taken to provide drinking water to school also. 45,188 rural schools have been provided with drinking water against target of 45,927.The cost is shared by the State and the Centre on 50:50 basis under ARWSP. The yardstick is to provide one tube wells/standposts for 250 populations in general habitations and 150 populations in KBK areas.He further said that steps are being taken to provide good toilet and running water supply to 1,003 tribal girls' hostels in the State.
Orissa to embark on massive plantation drive.
To take the 'plant a sapling each' campaign to the masses, the Orissa Government has chosen a day for massive plantation across the State on the line of the drive undertaken in the States like Uttar Pradesh.On a single day, tentatively fixed as July 15, the Government has decided to plant at least 20 lakh saplings in 250 locations having about 1,250 hectares of land, a senior forest official said. Like the Uttar Pradesh Government had planted about one crore saplings on a single day last year, the Orissa Government will also lead the drive on a mammoth scale, according to Forest Department sources.
The massive plantation will involve all sections of the people to build awareness as well as to ensure transparency in forestation programme," the sources said.During the year, the Government decided to plant 4.50 crore saplings on about one lakh hectares of land.Factors like the onset of monsoon prompted the authorities to settle for July as the time would be conducive for plantation. The Forest Department has sent a letter to the implementing agency of NREGS to include plantation work under its labour intensive work, according to the officials.The drive would help to raise the forest area by growing forest on barren lands.
The massive plantation will involve all sections of the people to build awareness as well as to ensure transparency in forestation programme," the sources said.During the year, the Government decided to plant 4.50 crore saplings on about one lakh hectares of land.Factors like the onset of monsoon prompted the authorities to settle for July as the time would be conducive for plantation. The Forest Department has sent a letter to the implementing agency of NREGS to include plantation work under its labour intensive work, according to the officials.The drive would help to raise the forest area by growing forest on barren lands.
Campaign launched to stop child hunger in State.
The Campaign against Child Hunger (CACH), a network of NGOs and Civil Society members on Sunday, organised a workshop and pledged to fight child hunger and malnutrition.Notably, the situation in Orissa is drastic. Death of children in Jarigaon block of Nabarangpur district in 2004, the recent death of children in Koraput due to cholera, 18 children died in Similipal forest range in2007, highest infant mortality of 97 out of 1,000 live births, plight in malnourishment and chronic hunger in KBK districts are some of the burning examples of the issue.
This is not that non -availability of food or economic status of the family. But the child hunger deaths persists due to the denials of food rights, faulty distribution system and mass corruption are sole cause of killing of number of children , said Mahesh Purohit of the campaign.
Campaign against Child Hunger believes that if the four important schemes to fight hunger and food insecurity like ICDS, MDM, PDS and NREGA are implemented properly no doubt Orissa would save its children from acute hunger.Instead of the Supreme Court's verdict to universalize ICDS the State Government has failed to cover all the targeted children and all the settlements in the State.The scheme needs to improve the quality in its delivery system.
This is not that non -availability of food or economic status of the family. But the child hunger deaths persists due to the denials of food rights, faulty distribution system and mass corruption are sole cause of killing of number of children , said Mahesh Purohit of the campaign.
Campaign against Child Hunger believes that if the four important schemes to fight hunger and food insecurity like ICDS, MDM, PDS and NREGA are implemented properly no doubt Orissa would save its children from acute hunger.Instead of the Supreme Court's verdict to universalize ICDS the State Government has failed to cover all the targeted children and all the settlements in the State.The scheme needs to improve the quality in its delivery system.
Dhamra Port CEO allays doubts over project.
The doubts lingering in the minds of the populace of Bhadrak district over the construction of Dhamra port are gradually disappearing.The people had pondered when the railway tracks are going to be laid, when the Government would acquire their land. But all these doubts were removed by the Chief Executive Officer of Dhamra Port, Santosh Mahapatram at a Press conference on Sunday.
In 1998, the then Chief Minister JB Patnaik had laid the foundation of the Dhamra - Chandbali port. However, the project construction is in full swing from 2005 in a joint collaboration of Tata and L & T at an estimated cost of Rs 2,400 crore. The port is expected to be functional from 2010. Tata and L and T are investing Rs 600 crore and the rest of the funds are being generated from the national and international market.Nearly 1,100 crore would be invested in construction of the port and berths. But due to the delay by the construction company in laying railway lines connecting the port there is a delay in construction of berths. In the initial phase the port would have a capacity of 13 million tonnes and from 2013 and 2015 the capacity would increase to 25 million tones.
After the construction of the port, ships carrying 180 thousand tones capacity can use the port. More than Rs 550 crore would be spent in the initial phase for dredging of the port. Mahapatra informed that the construction of Kirtania and Chudamani port which would be coming up in the State would be an expensive proposition.The Dhamra port which would be the second largest port in Asia would have a channel of 18 km. After Dhamra the distance of the deep sea increases from the coast. For that reason while a 18 km channel is needed for Dhamra for ships to come in, it is 30 km for Chudamani , 40 km for Kirtania and 60 km for Haldia port.
On the other hand the port authorities have signed an agreement for the safety of olive ridley turtles at Gahirmatha and Babubali.The port authorities have tied up with international organisation IUCN which would suggest how the dredging work would be carried out, in what routes the ships would navigate and what would be the lighting facilities for the port. The environmental protection for the turtles would be monitored by IUCN, informed Mahapatra.
In 1998, the then Chief Minister JB Patnaik had laid the foundation of the Dhamra - Chandbali port. However, the project construction is in full swing from 2005 in a joint collaboration of Tata and L & T at an estimated cost of Rs 2,400 crore. The port is expected to be functional from 2010. Tata and L and T are investing Rs 600 crore and the rest of the funds are being generated from the national and international market.Nearly 1,100 crore would be invested in construction of the port and berths. But due to the delay by the construction company in laying railway lines connecting the port there is a delay in construction of berths. In the initial phase the port would have a capacity of 13 million tonnes and from 2013 and 2015 the capacity would increase to 25 million tones.
After the construction of the port, ships carrying 180 thousand tones capacity can use the port. More than Rs 550 crore would be spent in the initial phase for dredging of the port. Mahapatra informed that the construction of Kirtania and Chudamani port which would be coming up in the State would be an expensive proposition.The Dhamra port which would be the second largest port in Asia would have a channel of 18 km. After Dhamra the distance of the deep sea increases from the coast. For that reason while a 18 km channel is needed for Dhamra for ships to come in, it is 30 km for Chudamani , 40 km for Kirtania and 60 km for Haldia port.
On the other hand the port authorities have signed an agreement for the safety of olive ridley turtles at Gahirmatha and Babubali.The port authorities have tied up with international organisation IUCN which would suggest how the dredging work would be carried out, in what routes the ships would navigate and what would be the lighting facilities for the port. The environmental protection for the turtles would be monitored by IUCN, informed Mahapatra.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
OPSC exams as per schedule .
The Hindu,Cuttack.
High Court vacation judge quashes the order of State Administrative Tribunal
Exams to be held from May 27 to June 24
Applications invited to fill 381 posts
It is official now. The Orissa Civil Services (OCS) main examinations will be held as per the schedule. The examinations will be conducted from May 27 to June 24 as announced earlier by the Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC).The directive came from the vacation judge of the High Court on Friday. Adjudicating over a petition filed by the OPSC, vacation judge Justice M.M. Das quashed the May 15 order of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) and made it clear that the said examinations would begin from May 27.The High Court, however, directed the OPSC not to publish the results till the Tribunal disposes of the main cases.
Interim order
“With this direction, it is now implied that only the 3,485 candidates, who have cleared the preliminary examination, will now take the main examination and not 4,572 candidates as directed by the SAT,” said the OPSC counsel Bijay Kumar Das.The SAT last week, while taking up the petitions filed by some unsuccessful candidates, in an interim order asked the OPSC to postpone the examinations by three months.The Tribunal also asked the OPSC to recast the impugned preliminary examination results and publish it afresh allowing candidates 12 times that of the posts advertised for to write the main examination.
The OPSC came out with an advertisement in August 2006 inviting applications for the civil services examination to fill 381 Class-II posts for the Orissa Administrative Service (OAS) and Orissa Financial Service (OFS). The advertisement was given after a gap of six years accommodating the vacancies from 2001 to 2006.Out of some 50,000 candidates who applied, approximately 35,000 of them appeared the preliminary examination that was held in May 2007.After a hue and cry over the reservation percentage for SC, ST and OBC, the preliminary results were published in February this year.
Despite the delay, the OPSC is gearing up to conduct the main examinations from May 27. But it ran into a temporary trouble last week following the SAT ruling. However, following the HC vacation judge’s intervention, the uncertainty over the much-awaited examinations is over and it will now be held as per the schedule.But the matter would be heard again at full length after the vacation was over on June 17 by a regular bench of the High Court, the OPSC counsel said making it clear that the ruling by the vacation judge was only ‘interim’.
High Court vacation judge quashes the order of State Administrative Tribunal
Exams to be held from May 27 to June 24
Applications invited to fill 381 posts
It is official now. The Orissa Civil Services (OCS) main examinations will be held as per the schedule. The examinations will be conducted from May 27 to June 24 as announced earlier by the Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC).The directive came from the vacation judge of the High Court on Friday. Adjudicating over a petition filed by the OPSC, vacation judge Justice M.M. Das quashed the May 15 order of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) and made it clear that the said examinations would begin from May 27.The High Court, however, directed the OPSC not to publish the results till the Tribunal disposes of the main cases.
Interim order
“With this direction, it is now implied that only the 3,485 candidates, who have cleared the preliminary examination, will now take the main examination and not 4,572 candidates as directed by the SAT,” said the OPSC counsel Bijay Kumar Das.The SAT last week, while taking up the petitions filed by some unsuccessful candidates, in an interim order asked the OPSC to postpone the examinations by three months.The Tribunal also asked the OPSC to recast the impugned preliminary examination results and publish it afresh allowing candidates 12 times that of the posts advertised for to write the main examination.
The OPSC came out with an advertisement in August 2006 inviting applications for the civil services examination to fill 381 Class-II posts for the Orissa Administrative Service (OAS) and Orissa Financial Service (OFS). The advertisement was given after a gap of six years accommodating the vacancies from 2001 to 2006.Out of some 50,000 candidates who applied, approximately 35,000 of them appeared the preliminary examination that was held in May 2007.After a hue and cry over the reservation percentage for SC, ST and OBC, the preliminary results were published in February this year.
Despite the delay, the OPSC is gearing up to conduct the main examinations from May 27. But it ran into a temporary trouble last week following the SAT ruling. However, following the HC vacation judge’s intervention, the uncertainty over the much-awaited examinations is over and it will now be held as per the schedule.But the matter would be heard again at full length after the vacation was over on June 17 by a regular bench of the High Court, the OPSC counsel said making it clear that the ruling by the vacation judge was only ‘interim’.
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