Drunk man killed in clash after temple ruckus in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: As the state immersed in the celebrations of Maha Vishuba Sankranti on Monday, a 55-year-old man was hacked to death by a group in Bolagarh, about 67 km from the state capital, after he reportedly created nuisance inside a temple under the influence of alcohol. The deceased Pratap Sethi was a native of Gudia Sahi within Bolagarh police limits in Khurda. Sethi, reportedly in an inebriated state, entered the Shiva temple in his village during the Pana Sankranti rituals. He even attempted to touch the feet of the deity when one of the accused persons stopped him. Sources said, Sethi reportedly assaulted him for opposing his entry into the temple. After a few hours, Sethi and his family members again went to the persons house to confront him and a heated exchange broke out between them. The latters supporters rushed to his rescue and a brawl broke out between the two groups. During the time, at least five persons attacked Sethi with sharp weapons and fled. He sustained injuries in his chest and was rushed to a hospital where the doctors declared him received dead. His son Rasananda Sethi was also injured in the attack but his condition is stated to be stable. Police said the identity of three accused persons involved in the crime have been established and a search operation has been launched to nab them. Some of the accused persons have criminal antecedents, they added. A scientific team visited the spot to carry out investigation at the crime scene. Special teams have been formed under the supervision of SDPO to nab the culprits at the earliest, said Khurda SP, Sagarika Nath.
Son kills dad to avenge grandmothers murder in Rourkela
Team from mines dept conclude probe into illegal coal mining
Criminal arrested in Berhampur after years on the run
Hanuman Jayanti observed peacefully in Odisha; Majhi and Pradhan participate in procession
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and several state ministers and lawmakers Monday joined the Hanuman Jayanti celebration which was observed peacefully across the state. Wearing a headgear with Jai Sriram written on it, Majhi participated in the Hanuman Jayanti procession at his hometown Keonjhar, while saffron-clad Union Education Minister []
Hanuman Jayanti celebrations peaceful in Sambalpur
Govt asked to hike daily dietary expenses of prisoners
Dont hold on to seized property indefinitely for sake of investigation: HC
Party being hijacked by a few, warns senior BJD MLA
Serial bicycle thief arrested, 40 cycles recovered
Chief secy seeks enhanced protection for Olive Ridley hatchlings
CM Majhi announces Rs 215cr for development of Maa Tarini temple
Odisha to acquire advanced equipment for high-rise firefighting
State to begin NEP-based UG admissions with flexible course options
State celebrates Odia new year with Maha Bishuba Sankranti festivities
Commuters criticize stone matrix asphalt technology on Bomikhal ROB
One detained in Bhubaneswar baby theft case involving visually impaired woman
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police Monday detained one person in connection with the theft of a one-and-half-year-old boy of a visually impaired beggar from a footpath in Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said that multiple police teams have been formed to look for the stolen boy. Steps are being taken to obtain photographs and footage of []
Meru festival, Hanuman Jayanti celebrated amid tight security
According to preliminary reports, the mother and her two childrenliving in abject povertyhad taken refuge on the pavement outside Ram Mandir, an area often used as a shelter by the homeless. The mother, who is visually challenged, was asleep with her younger child in her arms when an unidentified person allegedly lured her older child with a juice packet and abducted the infant
Two-month fishing ban along Odisha coast starts today
BSF organises blood donation camp in Koraput
Deity emerges from pond in annual ritual
Odisha: Applications for Plus-III admission to begin April 16; know full details
Bhubaneswar: Department of Higher Education, Odisha, has announced that the application process for admissions into Plus-III courses for the academic year 2025-26 will begin April 16, a source said Monday. The source mentioned that the admission procedure will be carried out in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Students aiming to enroll in []
Odisha weather news: IMD warns of incoming thunderstorms in 22 districts
Bhubaneswar: The regional centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar has issued a yellow warning for several districts across Odisha, forecasting thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, along with light to moderate rainfall over the next two days. According to the IMD bulletin, till 8:30 AM of April 15, thunderstorms with lightning []
BJP wraps up three-day training for new MLAs in Puri with focus on ideology, leadership
BHUBANESWAR: The three-day training camp of BJP MPs and MLAs in Puri concluded on Sunday with party ideologue Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Sangathak (organiser) V Satish and national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh taking separate sessions with the lawmakers. Sources in the BJP said with as many as 57 out of 78 MLAs of the party being first-timers, the training programme provided an opportunity to reorient them with party ideology, ethics, objectives and policies. Academically accomplished and trainer in democracy by profession, Sahasrabuddhe is learnt to have taught the lawmakers how to enhance their capabilities and leadership qualities to bring a qualitative change in the party and public life. Satish, one of the four organisers of the party in charge of west zone and a major architect of partys electoral success in the northeastern states, is stated to have spoken at length on the importance of a strong party organisation and the role of party cadres. A man from RSS, he also explained the purpose for which the BJP was formed and why it was different from other political parties. The national general secretary (organisation), who played a key role in the success of the party in the 2024 elections, leading to BJP forming government for the first time in the state, is reported to have given insights into three aspects for sustainable growth of the party. The last session was on Dr BR Amebedkar and his contribution to the Indian democracy.
Doctor crunch hits MKCG Medical College as 123 posts lie vacant, absenteeism rampant
BERHAMPUR: The Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) in Berhampur is reeling under a serious shortage of doctors and paramedic staff, despite being equipped with medical equipment and infrastructure. The hospital has 43 departments and a sanctioned strength of 449 doctors, including professors. However, only 326 doctors are currently in position, out of which over 100 are either on contract or deputation. While the official vacancy stands at 123, at least seven doctors who are still officially in position have not attended duty for an extended period. Similarly, of the 951 sanctioned nursing officer posts, only 702 are currently filled. According to the hospital records, some of the doctors who have not attended the hospital for a long time include an assistant professor of neurosurgery department who has been absent since 2016, an ENT specialist away since 2016, and another assistant professor of radiodiagnosis who has been absent since November 2018. Dean (in-charge) of MKCGMCH Dr Suchitra Dash said that the cases of long-absenteeism of doctors have been informed to the higher authorities for necessary actions. She, however, denied the allegations that seniors doctors were not attending to the patients as required. While the hospital has specialists on record, many doctors reportedly spend time in private clinics across the city. As a result, despite having specialised departments, patients are regularly referred to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or even Andhra Pradesh for further treatment due to lack of doctors, sources said. The medical college has installed a biometric attendance system, recently upgraded with facial recognition. However, this has done little to improve accountability. Adding to the woes of the patients, the premier hospital also has a shortage of beds, with only 1,583 beds available. Due to this, the sight of patients lying on the floor has become routine at MKCGMCH. The non-supply of clean bedsheets and pillows is also very common at the hospital. Last year, Rs 850 crore was earmarked for the hospitals expansion. As per the plan, MKCGMCH is to be upgraded to a 2,500-bed facility, including trauma care, burn care units, a dental college, expanded cancer wing, and upgraded postgraduate departments. However, the proposal is yet to be put into action.
NHAI urges Odisha to speed up forest clearances for Rs 7,500 crore ring road projects
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to fast-track the implementation of two major ring road projects worth over Rs 7,500 crore, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has urged the Odisha government to immediately initiate the process for statutory clearances, especially forest land diversion. The two critical infrastructure projects - Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR) and Sambalpur Ring Road - have been delayed by over two years due to pending forest clearances at various levels within the state Forest department. Worried over the delay, NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav has requested chief secretary Manoj Ahuja to intervene and direct forest officials to expedite the process for obtaining the clearances at the earliest. The projects are time-bound, and postponement in statutory approvals could lead to significant time and cost escalations. Delays also deprive the state of timely benefits in terms of improved connectivity, enhanced productivity, overall development, and increased GDP contribution, Yadav said in a letter to Ahuja. Even as NHAI pushed for speedy forest clearances, environmentalists have raised serious concerns over the CRRR alignment, which passes through an ecologically-sensitive zone in Dhenkanal district. The road alignment is such that it will pass through Kapilash elephant sanctuary, a key habitat of the flagship species. Wildlife experts fear that the road could trigger increased human-elephant conflict and severely impact elephant habitat, potentially disrupting their movement. At least 10 km of the proposed CRRR alignment overlaps with forest patches that serve as traditional elephant paths. The project in its current form will bisect a crucial habitat used by elephants and other wildlife. Once construction begins, it will permanently alter the landscape and could prove disastrous for conservation efforts, said a wildlife researcher. The CRRR project is a 111-km six-lane access-controlled expressway that will form a ring around Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Aimed at easing traffic congestion and streamlining long-distance vehicular movement on NH-16, the road will allow bypassing of urban stretches including Khurda, Bhubaneswar, Athagarh, Cuttack, and Choudwar. Conceptualised in April 2021, the alignment of the CRRR was finalised that year and land acquisition began in June 2022. The project, approved under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, will be executed in three phases with an estimated cost of Rs 6,100 crore. The second major project - a 35.38-km four-lane greenfield ring road around Sambalpur will be built as a vital link for reducing traffic congestion and facilitating industrial development in western Odisha. The project, estimated to cost Rs 1,333 crore, will require 290 hectare (ha) of land, including 170 ha of private land and 120 ha of government land. Land acquisition involving around 19 villages surrounding Sambalpur city has already been completed.
BJD leader Pranab Balabantarays car attacked in Jajpur; Naveen slams law and order lapse
JAJPUR/BHUBANESWAR: BJD leader and former Dharmasala MLA Pranab Kumar Balabantaray was attacked and his car vandalised by some miscreants at Aruha village in Jajpur district on Sunday. Balabantaray, who escaped unharmed, was going to attend a religious ceremony at the village when the incident took place. According to reports, the former legislator was heading in his SUV to take part in the Hingula Yajna at the village. When he was about to reach the venue at around 1 pm, some club-wielding youths, intercepted his vehicle and started attacking it. The former MLA escaped unhurt as he was rescued by locals, said to be his supporters, who rushed to the spot seeing the commotion. But his vehicle was severely damaged by the armed group. The incident has sparked tension in the area. Even as Balabantaray accused local MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo of being behind the attack, he did not file any complaint saying he had no faith in Jajpur police. I was invited to the Hingula Yajna at Aruha village. When I reached there, supporters of the local MLA attacked my vehicle. They had been plotting to kill me by using armed goons for the last couple of days. They had come with bhujali and swords to attack me, Balabantaray alleged. BJD president Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack on Balabantaray, stating that it was a reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. In a post on social media platform X, he said,If public representatives are unsafe, it raises serious concern about the safety of common citizens. Alleging that the incident took place in the presence of police, Balabantaray said he had informed the Jajpur SP before leaving Bhubaneswar on the day. Police should take suo motu action against the attackers after examining video footage of the incident which has gone viral, he added. Balabantaray alleged that criminal activities are on the rise in the district and the sitting MLA was patronising such elements and forcing police not to take any action against the culprits. However, Sahoo dismissed the allegations and said he was presently outside the state. We are not involved in the matter. It is a dispute between two groups of BJD. The law will take its own course, he said. Meanwhile, two platoons of police forces have been deployed and security has been tightened in the area to prevent any escalation. We have started investigation into the incident and will arrest all the culprits soon, said Jenapur police station IIC Nirupama Jena. Senior BJD leader Bhrugu Baxipatra said that a delegation of party leaders will meet the DGP if the culprits are not arrested within 48 hours.
International film festival for kids, youngsters in Bhawanipatna
Governor visits Ganjam rookery to watch mass hatching of Olive Ridleys
Class 2 student found hanging in Mayurbhanj school
Crackdown against illegal arms, ganja smuggling in Koraput
BDO turns mentor, holds free classes for students in Kandhamal
Odia Pakhya celebrations: Self-help groups, anganwadi workers prepare traditional dishes
State plans skill development initiative for transgender community
Criminal injured in cop encounter
Capital city celebrates 77th foundation day with fervour
Man kidnaps blind beggars toddler son in city
With music, dance & food, Odias abroad observe Utkal Divas
Buyers in a fix as ORERA cancels registration of 2 projects
CM releases calendar on Puris temple festivals, rituals
Security tightened across state for peaceful Hanuman Jayanti celebrations
Sambalpur gears up for festival after a year
Tight security arrangements in place in Odisha for Hanuman Jayanti
Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has made tight security arrangements across the state for the peaceful conduct of Hanuman Jayanti, Maha Bishuba Sankranti, the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar and Odia New Year, which have fallen on the same day this year Monday. Though security has been tightened across the state, the police have identified at least []
Berhampur univ hikes research fellowship to Rs 8,000/month
Governor visits Ganjam rookery to watch mass hatching of baby Olive Ridleys
Odisha University (Amendment) Bill gets Governors assent
Bhubaneswar: With Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati giving his assent, the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, came into effect Sunday, marking a significant reform in the states higher education sector. The bill was passed April 2 after extensive deliberation in the Odisha Assembly, and it got the governors assent April 12. Expressing his gratitude to the []
Odisha University Amendment Act 2024 comes into force after extensive deliberation
Odisha's higher education landscape is set for a major overhaul with the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, now in effect. The Act grants universities greater autonomy in faculty recruitment through internal committees, increases the vice-chancellor's age limit to 70, and reintroduces the Senate as a key advisory body.
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack gets power boost with new 45 km transmission line
BHUBANESWAR: A new 45-km-long transmission line from Nuapada to Pratapsasan was energised on Friday, giving a boost to power supply infrastructure in the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack region. The line was energised by OPTCL chairman and MD Bhaskar Sarma in presence of director projects BB Mehta, director operations PK Patnaik, ED central zone PK Dash and AK Das Associates Limited MD Amiyakanta Das. Executed by AK Das Associates, the 220 KV transmission line is a strategic project aimed at strengthening power supply network of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and their periphery. It will meet the growing demand of electricity in the region. This power was earlier being sourced through the 400 KV Meramundali grid sub station. With the commissioning of the new line, the connection is now established through the PGCIL Padibahal grid substation, significantly improving the quality and reliability of power. Execution of this project involved overcoming of severe right of way challenges and resistance from some locals. However, the project was delivered on time with full adherence to safety and quality standards, said Amiyakanta Das. Das, however, thanked the OPTCL, local administration, residents and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation in implementation of the challenging project.
Ratna Bhandar work likely to be over by Rath Yatra
BHUBANESWAR: The repair and renovation of Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple, which is underway since the last five months, is likely to be over before the ensuing Rath Yatra. Following a review meeting of the works with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Friday, temple chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said while the conservation works of Bhitara Bhandar are nearing completion, renovation of the chambers floor is pending. Ratna Bhandars floor had been substantially damaged and would be replaced with Khondalite stones. The five damaged beams in the Bhitara Bhandar have been replaced by stainless steel beams, he added. Padhee said conservation works of Bahara Bhandar or the outer chamber of the temple treasury is also underway in full swing. So far, the renovation and replacement of damaged stone members in the Bahara Bhandar are nearing completion, along with the exterior structural conservation work, he said. The exterior structural work encompasses de-plastering near the junction between Jagamohan Pidha stones and outer structure of Ratna Bhandar, with replacement of damaged porous stone blocks. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration had handed over the empty Ratna Bhandar to ASI for renovation and repair, and work had started on December 17. While the ASI had set a target to finish the work within three months, the exercise has been delayed owing to the regular rituals, devotees movement in the temple and the sensitive nature of conservation work. After the repair and renovation is over, the jewels and ornaments of the Trinity will be shifted from the two temporary strongrooms to the Ratna Bhandar where the inventorisation will take place amid tight security. Earlier, Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan had announced that another SOP would be framed by the government for inventory of the ornaments and jewels. This year, Rath Yatra will be celebrated on June 27. Submit status report on Ratna Bhandar inventory: Orissa High Court
Thunderstorm to continue across Odisha for four more days: IMD
BHUBANESWAR: Thunderstorm with lightning activity will continue over parts of Odisha for the next four days, thereby keeping mercury levels lower than usual, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday. The national weather forecaster said thunderstorm with lightning and gusty surface wind speeds reaching 30 kmph to 40 kmph may occur in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts on Sunday. A few places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda and nine other districts are likely to experience light to moderate rains during the period, it informed. Director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Manorama Mohanty said, Parts of the state will continue to experience thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind activity till Wednesday due to sufficient availability of moisture and local heating. On the day, Bolagarh in Khurda witnessed hailstorm and recorded 12 mm rains between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm. Bhubaneswar too, experienced light rains in the evening.
East Indias first skin bank to come up at AIIMS-BBS
BHUBANESWAR: Union Health minister JP Nadda on Saturday announced that eastern Indias first government-run skin bank will be established at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. This facility will collect skin from donors within six hours of death and provide lifesaving skin grafts for acute burn patients, eliminating dependence on centres outside the state. This will not only improve survival outcomes but also significantly enhance the quality of life for patients in Odisha and neighbouring states, said Nadda. The minister inaugurated the state-of-the-art central research laboratory, which has been developed to facilitate medical innovation and translational research. He also inaugurated EHS Clinic and AMRIT pharmacy and laid the foundation stone of the multiutility and gastronomy block. He launched the revamped website of AIIMS and visited the burn centre, integrated health and wellness clinic, rheumatology and geriatric clinic and neonatal intensive care unit. AIIMS executive director Dr Ashutosh Biswas said the central research lab will be a catalyst for scientific discovery and translational research.ENS
In a freewheeling chat with The New Indian Express at Odisha Dialogues, Bhubaneswar MP and national spokesperson of BJP Aparajita Sarangi outlines her work for transformation of the state capital while speaking on the performance of Mohan Charan Majhi government in the state, the Waqf (Amendment) Act as well as her aims and aspirations. Excerpts. You have been a two-time MP from Bhubaneswar. How has your tenure transformed the capital city in terms of development and ensuring ease of living for the citizens? Im extremely grateful to the people of Bhubaneswar for having reposed faith in me twice and it is a big responsibility. It is my sixth year as member of Parliament from the seat. However, the first five years of my tenure were extremely challenging and dotted with obstacles as my government was not here. Every moment I had to face opposition because I was right under the nose of the then chief minister. There were a lot of hindrances and opposition everywhere. But the best part was that I tried to reach out to as many people in my own way as possible. This time, Im more confident and very much in a position to deliver in a much better manner and Im delivering. I strongly feel that there are two components of development - hard component and soft component or the hardware and software, as I call them. The hardware is the infrastructure and amenities we focus on to cater to the needs of different segments of people. I have been able to ensure implementation of road infrastructure projects worth Rs 508 crore in my tenure so far. This includes 33 vehicle underpasses, six foot-over-bridges and 10 flyovers. I thank Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ji for that. He has been a big support for me. There are also other infrastructure projects I am pursuing. This includes the 111 km capital region ring road project from Rameshwar in Khurda to Tangi in Cuttack, to be carried out by the NHAI. The Khurda town by-pass road, that I pursued, has also been taken up by the NHAI now at an investment of around Rs 157 crore. The Begunia bypass worth Rs 53.25 crore is also being implemented. I would like to inform that the Hanspal flyover worth Rs 24 crore, my first project as the member of parliament from Bhubaneswar, was also dedicated to public recently, while the four-lane Gangua nullah road project, from Hanspal canal to Naharkanta has also been approved and the Rs 50 crore project is likely to be started by Gadkari ji on April 17, if he is able to make it to Bhubaneswar. Apart from road infrastructure, around Rs 400 crore is also being spent for the renovation, rather construction of the new railway station. The makeover of Khurda railway station is also in progress, while the renovation of Lingaraj temple railway station is expected to be completed by October-end. I have also been able to ensure passenger halt at Atri and Sanapadar and considering peoples genuine demand I am also pursuing for a passenger halt at Taraboi in Jatni and it is expected to be done by June 30. Prime Minister Modi always talks of saturation approach. And Im a great follower of that particular idea. Taking inspiration from that, I have started working for the people in my rural areas. Four of my seven Assembly segments are rural. As part of that approach, we are trying to ensure every household has a concrete roof under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), piped water supply, electricity, gas connection and toilet. These are the five components that we want every house to have in the next five years and I will ensure this is my personal agenda. I will also ensure that every house is connected to concrete road at panchayat level. I would also thank Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for his support in early resolve of 10 issues I had taken up with him. Those issues have been cleared in record time. They include development of a Rs 59 crore modern fish market at Pandra, land for community park for the senior citizens in Nayapalli, renovation of Ugratara Mandir, rejuvenation of Prachi river and two acre land for vendors of Saheed Nagar haat. Bhubaneswar is growing rapidly, but much of this urban growth seems haphazard and unregulated. I fully endorse that. As I told you, a good city is one which caters to the needs of all. We have to have a holistic plan, a very coordinated approach towards any kind of big development project that we take up. There has to be proper planning. When I met the chief minister for the first time, we discussed about the traffic congestion and the whole vast network of roads in Bhubaneswar. I am happy to share that there was good deal of exercise pertaining to my proposals. With the direction of the chief minister, the Works department has prepared a plan and now we will have a coordinated approach. Earlier many things were done in an ad hoc manner, which should have been avoided. Waterlogging is the most persistent problem of the capital city and has only grown over the recent years. Eliminating this problem was a major promise of yours. If you ask me what the biggest issue in Bhubaneswar is, I will say drainage. A comprehensive drainage master plan is the first requirement of the city. I could not resolve the issue last time, though I had a number of meetings with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, because the government was not ours. But now our government is keen to solve these problems. I have discussed the matter with the chief minister and he means business. Im sure the comprehensive master plan will be worked out and things will change for better. The BJP government has committed its support for the metro rail project but is going for a fresh DPR and expansion. Will this affect its progress and the deadlines? The metro project was a good initiative. We all wanted that. However, the Housing and Urban Development department under whose aegis this particular work is being done had initially said no to the project as they thought it was not feasible. However, the project was started by the earlier government in a haphazard manner. They had also made provisions in the budget, but after the new government came and had dialogues with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, they thought we need to revisit the DPR to make the project sustainable. So I think the government is taking steps in the right direction. Given the overwhelming support the people of Odisha had shown to BJP in the 2024 elections, Odisha has failed to get special attention as compared to states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Why? If you analyse the last 10 months of our government here, you see tremendous focus has been given by Prime Minister Modi, our Home minister and all central ministers. In the budget too, Odisha has been given due preference in different schemes. Odisha has become a centre of activities, it has hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas; Navy Day was conducted here. Investment is coming in. Utkarsh Odisha conclave was successful. The chief minister had also gone to New Delhi recently and he talked about huge investment coming to Odisha. The prime minister and the Centre are keen that Odisha must look up and Odisha has the capability to actually come forward. So its a very positive environment. I must say that you cannot compare a government of 10 months with a government which has been there for 25 years. Lets wait and watch. We have to give time to the government. You were a member of the JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill which has now become an Act. But now some states like West Bengal are refusing to implement it. What will be the implications of such action? See, I had the great opportunity of being part of the JPC and we had 38 sittings. We deliberated extensively for more than 113 hours. We went to states all over the country and had dialogues with all sections. So I think everybodys concerns and their views - whether Opposition, ruling party or non-political organisations and individuals - were given importance and we tried to incorporate them. What was the intention of the government behind bringing the Bill which has become an Act now. The first was to bring about transparency in the management of Waqf property. Two, we wanted to uproot corruption. Three, we wanted the economic upliftment of poor Muslims, especially women and children. This is a government headed by Prime Minister Modi which means business, which wants transparency and uprooting of corruption, which wants the Mutawali, the caretaker of the Waqf property to have more money in his pocket. As simple as that. Within the next six months, all the details of all the Waqf properties in the country would be uploaded in the website. Let us not talk in terms of Hindus and Muslims. The government has brought a legislation which would actually ensure proper governance, proper administration of the Waqf properties. The voting for Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha has caused a great turmoil in the BJD. What is your view on the developments in the rival party? See, it is not about just voting on Waqf Bill. This is a reflection of the bickering within the party. Waqf Bill voting actually is an excuse. There is no leader in BJD at this juncture. We have to accept that. So I think, the tussle within the BJD has actually got reflected in this voting thing. Thats an internal matter of the BJD but I do think BJD is beyond repair now. BJD is a thing of the past. The Mohan Charan Majhi government in the state has completed 10 months in power. How do rate its performance? His government is doing well and I am sure in the days to come, it will improve further. The state had 25 years of corruption, saw for 25 years a non-performing head of the government. I can say Chief Minister Majhis government is finding its foot. Majhi ji is performing extremely well with his team. People are at the centre of things as far as Majhis government is concerned. The way things are moving, the way central government is supporting. I am very confident. But at the same time, a word of caution. The chief minister of a state with his ministers and MLAs should be allowed to perform. We should not interfere and have faith in the functioning, in the ability of Shri Majhi and his ministers. There is a general perception that the Majhi government is an extension of the previous Naveen Patnaik government. More bureaucratic and less transparent. It is too early to comment like that. I do not think so. See, hardly 10 months have gone, and, so many things have happened. The government is fulfilling all its promises. Every day something or the other is happening. If you move to the villages, if you go to the urban areas and the wards, you will find a general atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. I think people are happy. Here is the chief minister whos working hard, who is trying to take everybody along, who is also trying to learn in the process. We are all there to help him. We are all there to work as catalyst and facilitators. I do not think we should be negative at this stage. But there is a common feeling that this government is not moving fast. No big bang things. Subhadra is a big bang thing. All central ministers are coming and announcing projects. The central government and various ministries have started their own plans and programmes in a huge way in Odisha. From drinking water to housing, solving common problems, there are sincere and targeted efforts. Government posts are being filled up. I think we should not be in so much of hurry and let us not look at Mr Majhis government, with pessimism at this juncture. It is too early. And, I can only say with all conviction at my command that Shri Majhi with his team of ministers and his MLAs, if left alone, would do extremely well. A key issue confronting the party is the election of state president. Sharp divide within the party has stalled selection of a common candidate as president. What is your view? No. I can only say that, ours is a very different kind of party. We have a democratic process. It starts from booth to the national president. And for the past couple of months, we have been into it. The democratic process is on. It will take time. And, I think very shortly, the national president will be announced and then thereafter, the remaining states, which do not have the state presidents. I think, we will get the state president very soon. Given that Odisha sent 20 BJP MPs to the Lok Sabha, more ministers were expected from the state. So what next for Aparajita Sarangi ? Will Odisha see the first woman Union minister in the near future? I am thankful to my leaders because of their faith in me. I wear too many hats. They have given me many responsibilities. I am in the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) as the vice-president. I am also the co in-charge of the Kerala BJP. I am the vice-president of the state unit here and the national spokesperson of the party. I am also on the public accounts committee. So many things. I understand what you mean. But I think, you know, I have a lot of faith in the wisdom of my leaders. My leaders whom I hold in very high esteem, Prime Minister Modi, honorable Amit Shah ji, I have full faith in them and their wisdom. They will take the right decision for me at the appropriate time.
CRUT team reviews commute experience
Bhubaneswar: As part of its continuous efforts to improve public transport services, Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) Saturday conducted a field visit this morning to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the Citys bus services. CRUT managing director N Thirumala Naik, accompanied by the general manager Sanjay Kumar Biswal travelled in an Ama Bus along []
Raju elected ABFI vice-president
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 12: In a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir, Raju Sharma, president of the Jammu & Kashmir Baseball Association, has been elected as the vice-president of the Amateur Baseball Federation of India (ABFI). The elections were held today in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, under the supervision of retired Odisha High Court Judge Debadras Das. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty from Odisha was elected as the new president of ABFI. Confirming the development, Bilal Ahmad, secretary of the J&K Baseball [] The post Raju elected ABFI vice-president appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Doc infuses life into dead river
City growth in stark contrast to planners vision
As it turns 77, capital city tries to balance heritage and modernity
Man beats brother to death, detained
Norwester brings respite from heat in city
UPI outage brings city to a halt
Ex-bank cashier gets 2-yr RI for embezzling Rs 11L
Cops detain three suspects in builders murder
Pandian wields undue influence in BJD: Patasani
Man shoots elder brother with arrow, beats him to death
Nadda asks party MPs, MLAs to strengthen grassroots connect, maintain humility
Vigilance nabs engineer in cash haul
BMC to set up states largest fish market at Pandra
2 cyber frauds held from Guj; part of gang that duped Berhampur univ VC
Koraput admn curbs movement of tourists, littering on Deomali
7 held in Rourkela student murder case, 3 on the run
Skin bank to be set up at AIIMS Bhubaneswar: Nadda
Bhubaneswar: Union Health Minister JP Nadda Saturday announced the setting up of Eastern Indias first government-run skin bank at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Nadda made the announcement during a visit to the states premier health institute, highlighting the facilitys significance in providing lifesaving care for burn victims. This crucial facility will collect skin from donors within six []
BJD alleges rise in Maoist activities in Odishas mineral-rich districts
Bhubaneswar: Opposition BJD Saturday alleged that there has been a rise in Maoist activities in Odishas mineral-rich districts of Dhenkanal, Jajpur and Keonjhar. The claim was made by former minister Priti Ranjan Ghadai at a press conference in the BJDs state headquarters Sankha Bhawan. Over the past few months, media reports have consistently highlighted this []
Bhubaneswar: Three arrested in connection with killing of builder
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police Saturday arrested three people in connection with the killing of a builder in Bhubaneswar, an officer said. The arrested persons were identified as Gulu Mohanty (34), Silu alias Manoj Behera (31), and Sukanta Behera (41), residents of Pradhan Sahi village in Airfield police station area in Bhubaneswar, DCP Jagmohan Meena told reporters. []
More BJD leaders question Naveen Patnaiks defense of VK Pandian, diktat on meeting
BHUBANESWAR: The line of dissenters within the BJD is getting longer with two more senior leaders openly countering party president Naveen Patnaik for giving a clean chit to former bureaucrat and politician VK Pandian over his alleged role in influencing the voting decision of the party MPs on Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha. Former steel and mines minister Prafulla Mallick on Friday said, instead of the party president coming forward to defend Pandian, the latter should himself clarify whether he had any role to play in the issue. The suspicion among the party leaders and workers will be removed once and for all, if Pandian himself announces he does not play any role in the party now, Mallick said. Stating that Pandian was responsible for the partys defeat in the 2024 elections, Mallick said nobody in BJD wants his interference in party matters. He also strongly disapproved the partys presidents order that leaders cannot meet in hotels. It is a personal matter where we will have meetings. If party convenes a meeting, we meet at Sankha Bhawan. Senior leaders have decided to meet again to discuss party matters, he said. Another leader Nrusingha Charan Sahoo also said that the BJD lost elections because of the Pandian factor. The BJD started declining after Pandian joined the party, he said and added that some people have wrongly represented the meeting of senior leaders in different places before the party president. When we sit together, we talk in the interest of the party. Even leaders like Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Sanjay Das Burma have attended such meetings, he said.
Odisha Government forms task force to accelerate industrial projects
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has constituted a high-level task force to accelerate the pace of industrialisation by ensuring early grounding of proposed investments and expedite pending infrastructure projects in the state. The 17-member task force headed by the chief secretary will regularly review the progress of major industrial projects and ensure inter-departmental coordination for swift resolution of bottlenecks. The high-level committee has been tasked to resolve issues related to mining, industries, energy, water resources, highways, mobile connectivity and projects covered under project monitoring group (PMG) and proactive governance and timely implementation (PRAGATI). The move comes in the wake of the state attracting investment intents worth Rs 16.73 lakh crore during the Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025 held in January. The proposals include 593 industrial projects across more than 20 sectors, with a projected employment potential for 12.88 lakh people. In the recently concluded investors meet at New Delhi, the state has also signed MoUs worth over Rs 1 lakh crore, including mega investments from Indian Oil and Petronet LNG. There are also several railway and national highway projects that are pending since long due to lack of statutory clearances and delay in land acquisition. Industries department sources said the task force will act as a central mechanism to monitor implementation timelines, facilitate faster approvals, and address project-level issues in real-time. The state government aims to ensure that these proposed projects are grounded at the earliest, driving job creation and boosting economic growth. The Mohan Majhi government has laid out a clear roadmap to position the state as a manufacturing and investment hub in next one decade. With an eye on long-term development, the government has also set an ambitious target to transform Odisha into a developed state by 2036 coinciding with the centenary celebration of the statehood. The states proactive approach, investor-friendly policies and single-window facilitation mechanism have significantly improved the ease of doing business. The state has signed MoUs with several companies from niche sectors. The task force is expected to play a critical role in translating MoUs and investment intents into on-ground realities, besides accelerating pending projects, said an official.
Man sets off gelatin bomb at wifes house, held in Odisha
BERHAMPUR: Police on Friday arrested a 34-year-old man for allegedly setting off gelatin bomb at the rented accommodation of his wife in a bid to kill her and their son at Kusapada village in Digapahandi of Ganjam district. The accused is Surendra Dora of Goudapali village in Balangir district. Police said Surendra married Gitanjali of Kusapada village in 2018 and the couple was blessed with a son. Later, he shifted to Bhubaneswar with his family. The accused reportedly used to quarrel with his wife frequently over trivial issues. Fed up with the fights, Gitanjali returned to Kusapada village and stayed in a rented accommodation with her son. On Tuesday, Surendra arrived at Kusapada and started a fight with Gitanjali. Subsequently, he left his wifes place in a fit of rage. However, he returned after some time and thinking that his wife and son were inside the house, set off the gelatin bomb. While the roof was blown away, the explosion caused extensive damage to the house. Fortunately, none was injured in the incident as Gitanjali and her son had gone to watch Danda Nacha in the village. Soon after the explosion, Surendra fled from Kusapada and hid himself in Digapahandi while Gitanjalis landlord lodged a complaint with the local police in this connection. Digapahandi IIC PK Patra said basing on the complaint, police registered a case and launched a manhunt to nab the accused. On Friday, police received a tip off about Surendra and raided his hideout. The accused was arrested and produced in court. Investigation is underway to trace the source of the gelatin bomb procured by the accused, Patra added.
Plastic banned on Odisha's Deomali, violators to pay Rs 1k fine
BHUBANESWAR: AMID growing concern over plastic waste on Odishas highest peak Deomali, the Koraput administration on Friday banned use of single waste plastic and regulated movement of tourists on the mountain in Pottangi block. As per the new rules of the administration, anyone found using single-use plastic or littering plastic and food waste or any other kind of garbage on Deomali peak will be fined Rs 1,000. Besides, anyone found hosting picnics or parties on the peak without the permission of authorities concerned, will face punitive action, informed Koraput collector V Keerthi Vasan. The administration has also decided to impose restrictions on movement of tourists, particularly overnight campers. Tourists can now visit Deomali from 5 am to 8 pm. Beyond 8 pm, only tourists who have prior bookings in eco-cottages and the tent sites can stay on the peak, the collector added. Deomali has witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals over the last few years, which leads to heavy pollution on the peak. Owing to this, the Koraput administration had banned private camping on the peak in November last year. The state operates 10 eco-cottages on the peak and the local administration had introduced 100 tents for night camping on the peak last year. According to reports, Deomali was visited by 4.8 lakh tourists in 2024 as compared to 3.9 lakh in 2023. Recently, ace director SS Rajamouli, who shot a few scenes for his upcoming movie in Talamali, had highlighted the poor condition and plastic pollution in Deomali. After a solo trek to Deomali, Rajamouli through his social media handles had urged people to have the basic responsibility to help maintain the pristine beauty of the peak. Had an amazing solo trek to Deomali, Odishas highest and most stunning peak. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. However, it was disheartening to see the trail marred by litter. Such pristine wonders deserve better. A little civic sense can make a huge difference. Every visitor should carry back their waste to help protect these places, he wrote on X.
Nadda to inaugurate Central Research Lab at City AIIMS
Bhubaneswar: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will inaugurate the Central Research Laboratory and lay the foundation stone of Multi-utility (Gastronomy) Block at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)-Bhubaneswar Saturday, official sources said Friday. The Central Research Laboratory is expected to elevate the research capabilities of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar to new heights. The []
Process begins for election to 1,134 vacant PRI posts
Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission has initiated the process for election to 1,134 vacant posts in three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Odisha. As per an official statement issued by the SEC, by-elections will be held for five zilla parishad (ZP) members, 41 panchayat samiti members, 45 sarpanches and 272 ward members, while fresh polls []
OHRC seeks govt report on closure of classes in city school
Rejecting Ayushman Bharat led to poll loss for Naveen, Kejriwal: Nadda
Builder killed by former biz partner over land row
3 water coolers installed for Thakurani yatra devotees
Injured elephant calf dies in Keonjhar forest
Natonal I-T employees meet begins in Puri
Man arrested for loan scam in Sundargarh
Govt hikes DA by 2%, to benefit 8.5L staffers, pensioners
