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“Mr Pandian Is Not My Successor”: Naveen Patnaik

June 8, 2024, 2:44 pm

Following the Odisha assembly election outcomes, outgoing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stated on Saturday that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader VK Pandian is not designated as his “successor,” highlighting that the residents of the state will determine this.

Pandian, an IAS officer from the 2000 batch, worked as Patnaik’s private secretary for more than twenty years. He transitioned to the BJD in 2023 following voluntary retirement from the civil service.

In a conversation with reporters in Odisha’s Bhubaneshwar, Patnaik said, “I would like to say that Mr Pandian has also worked and helped in health, education, sports, and our programme of temple restoration. Mr Pandian joined the party but has not had any posts. I have always clearly said that when they asked me about my successor, I said clearly that it was not Mr. Pandian. I repeat it. The people of Odisha will decide my successor.”

The BJD faced a loss in the Odisha assembly elections to the Bharatiya Janata Party, marking the conclusion of Naveen Patnaik’s 24-year tenure. Patnaik also conveyed his appreciation to the people of Odisha, and said, “My deep gratitude to the people of Odisha, for blessing me time and again, showering me with their blessings. Also, I think that we have always tried to do an excellent job and we have much to be proud of in our government and our party.”

On BJD’s debacle in Odisha, he stated, “That is in the people’s hands. In a democracy, you either win or lose. Having been defeated after a long time, we must always take the verdict of the people gracefully. I have always said that the four and a half crore people of Odisha are my family and I will continue to serve them in whichever way I can.”

“It has also come to my attention that there has been some criticism of Mr. Pandian. This is unfortunate. As an officer, he did excellent work. He did an excellent job helping with the two cyclones and the COVID-19 epidemic in our state. Later, he retired from bureaucracy and joined my party and he has contributed largely to that by doing excellent work. He is a person of integrity and honesty and he should be respected for that,” he added.

Following significant losses in both the State Assembly and Parliamentary elections, the 24-year-long tenure of Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik came to an end as he tendered his resignation to Odisha Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

BJD, which had been in power in Odisha since 1997, was defeated by the BJP, terminating Naveen Patnaik’s 24-year leadership as Chief Minister. In the 147-seat assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party secured 78 seats, while the BJD obtained 51 seats, falling significantly short of the majority mark of 74, and the Indian National Congress secured 14 seats. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP also performed well by winning 20 out of the 21 parliamentary seats in the state, with the remaining one seat secured by the Congress.

Odisha CM Naveen Pattanaik Quits After Defeat, BJP To Make Government

June 5, 2024, 4:54 pm

Witnessing a defeat with a huge margin in both state assembly and parliamentary elections, former Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has recently tendered his resignation to state governor Raghubar Das at Bhubaneswar’s Raj Bhavan on Wednesday.

Breaching BJD’s fortress, Bharatiya Janata Party, has recently won 78 seats in the 147-seat assembly.

While in contrast, BJD had gotten only 51 seats, which was below the mark of 74, and other parties like Indian national congress had acquired only 14 seats.

Meanwhile in the Lok sabha elections, BJP performed well, as it managed to secure 20 seats, out of 21 parliamentary seats, with one seat won by congress.

The counting of Lok Sabha elections was conducted on Tuesday. As per ECI (Election Commission of India), the BJP will form the government, but with a reduced majority, as the ruling party has secured only 240 seats, which is lower than its 2019 count.

On the other hand, the Congress has increased its tally to 99 seats, with the INDIA Bloc as a whole crossing the 230-mark, contrary to predictions made by exit polls. Thus, registering a strong growth.

Although the BJP has secured a third term, it will need to rely on the support of other parties, notably JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.

NDA Allies Naidu And Kalyan To Arrive In Delhi At 2:30 PM

June 5, 2024, 1:01 pm

TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu and Jan Sena chief Pawan Kalyan are set to land in Delhi at 2:30 PM, accompanied by BJP state in-charge Sidharth Nath Singh, for an NDA meeting later today. Both leaders have been in touch with BJP leadership and are committed to supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his third term.

The BJP, TDP, and Jan Sena Party (JSP) alliance swept the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, securing a dominant position in the state. The BJP secured 78 seats in the 147-seat assembly, while the TDP and its allies won 164 out of 175 seats. The BJP also performed well in the Lok Sabha elections, winning 20 out of 21 parliamentary seats in Andhra Pradesh, with the remaining seat going to Congress.

Naveen Patnaik, TDP’s chief, attributed the electoral victory to the coalition’s united efforts. “It is a combined effort, and we are all equals. I thank JSP president Pawan Kalyan for his initiative in building up the alliance to prevent the splitting of the anti-establishment vote. The BJP also joined the mission to save democracy,” Naidu said.

The NDA secured 55.38% of the votes in Andhra Pradesh, including 45.60% for TDP, whereas the YSR Congress Party garnered 39.37%. Naidu praised the voters for their participation, noting that even those who had migrated for work returned to cast their votes.

Speaking at his residence in Amaravati, Naidu dismissed speculations about TDP joining the INDIA bloc alliance. “We are in the NDA, and I am going to New Delhi this afternoon to take part in the meeting of the NDA allies. I shall let you know all the details once I return from New Delhi,” he said.

Naidu also lauded his party workers for their dedication. “Even when harassed to say ‘Jai Jagan,’ they stuck to their ‘Jai TDP’ and ‘Jai Chandrababu’ slogans. We spent these last five years struggling to protect democracy, and we’ve succeeded today,” he added.

In the Assembly, the TDP won 135 seats on its own, with allies JSP and BJP securing 21 and 8 seats, respectively. In the Lok Sabha, the TDP won 16 seats, while BJP and JSP won 3 and 2 seats, respectively, bringing the total tally to 21 seats.

Naidu expressed his commitment to governing responsibly and rebuilding Andhra Pradesh. “We shall responsibly rule the state and restore its glory,” he affirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside NDA allies Naidu and Kalyan, is preparing for the new term, with the coalition set to play a crucial role in the central government.

‘He should eat properly’ says VK Pandian on Sambit Patra’s decision to fast for remarks on Lord Jagannath

May 21, 2024, 2:28 pm

Five Times Chairman and BJD leader VK Pandian advised BJP leader Sambit Patra to take care of his health because of the heat and dust in response to the backlash against his statement that “Lord Jagannath is Modi’s bhakt,” for which Patra has promised to fast for three days as penance.

Subsequent to Sambit Patra’s declaration of a three-day fast beginning on Tuesday and his explanation that his remark was a “slip of the tongue,” Pandian made his observation. During an interview with ANI, Pandian said, “I believe he needs to exercise caution as there is excessive heat and dust.” Take care of himself and eat healthily. He is not supposed to pass out three days before the election. As a physician, he need to be aware of what to do.

When questioned about the BJD’s stance on the issue, Pandian emphasized that the BJD does not engage in politics over religion, particularly regarding Lord Jagannath, who symbolizes Odisha’s identity. “Lord Jagannath can never be escalated and should always be above everything else. BJD never believes in politics over religion, especially Lord Jagannath who is the symbol of Odisha’s identity,” he stated.

Pandian also highlighted Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s stance on keeping religion out of politics. He added, “Many people have commented on social media that it hurt the sentiments of the people of Odisha. The BJP talks about Odia identity, but Lord Jagannath is the symbol of Odisha. The Chief Minister has always felt that we should keep our God outside politics. They are immortal, and we are mortal. Why should we mix both? So he felt hurt when this statement was made.”

Criticizing the BJP, Pandian pointed out that dragging Lord Jagannath into politics is inappropriate and unpopular among the people of Odisha. He said, “Lord Jagannath has been dragged into politics so much in this election, which is not fair. People of Odisha don’t like dragging religion or Lord Jagannath into politics. You should focus on your achievements like reducing rice prices, improving infrastructure, and providing jobs. Dragging the Lord into elections shows desperation.”

Patra faced controversy on Monday after telling a local news channel that “Lord Jagannath is a devotee (bhakt) of PM Modi,” later describing it as a “slip of the tongue.” Prime Minister Modi held a roadshow in Puri with Patra and addressed two public rallies on Monday.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with counting and results set to be declared on June 4.

Naveen Patnaik Government Faces Backlash Over Missing Keys To Jagannath Temple’s Treasure Chamber

May 20, 2024, 11:44 am

For six years, the keys to the inner chamber of Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of the Jagannath temple in Puri, have been officially missing. The issue has resurfaced as a major point of contention, with the BJP leveraging it to attack the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government. Despite multiple investigations, the findings have not been made public, fueling further controversy.

Background of the Ratna Bhandar

The Ratna Bhandar, located within the 12th-century Jagannath temple, stores the precious ornaments of the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. These treasures, donated by devotees and erstwhile kings, are kept in two chambers: the Bhitar Bhandar (inner chamber) and the Bahara Bhandar (outer chamber). While the outer chamber is regularly accessed for various rituals, the inner chamber has remained closed for 38 years.

Historical Context

The last official inventory of the Ratna Bhandar was conducted between May 13 and July 23, 1978. It was briefly opened again on July 14, 1985, but the inventory was not updated. In 2018, following a directive from the Orissa High Court, the state government attempted to open the inner chamber for inspection. However, the keys could not be found, prompting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct an inspection from outside.

The 2018 Controversy

The missing keys became public knowledge during a temple committee meeting on April 5, 2018, leading to widespread outrage. The Puri Collector, the official custodian of the keys, reported that an envelope labelled “duplicate keys of inner Ratna Bhandar” was later found in the record room of the Collectorate. Subsequently, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordered a judicial inquiry. The commission submitted a 324-page report on November 29, 2018, but its findings remain undisclosed.

BJP’s Allegations and BJD’s Response

The BJP has consistently criticized the BJD government over the missing keys. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his roadshow in Puri, and other top BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have questioned the handling of the Ratna Bhandar issue. Modi has alleged that the duplicate keys might have been used to steal the deities’ jewels. He promised that a BJP government in Odisha would “restore the sanctity of Ratna Bhandar.”

In response, the Odisha government constituted a 12-member committee in March, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Arijit Pasayat, to supervise the inventory of Ratna Bhandar. Amit Shah has pledged to make the probe report public within six days if the BJP comes to power.

Political and Cultural Significance

The Jagannath temple holds immense cultural and religious significance in Odisha, where nearly 90% of the population are Hindus. The emotional connection to Lord Jagannath and concerns about the safety of the temple’s ornaments have led to significant public and servitor demand for transparency. Puri royal scion Dibyasingha Deb and other stakeholders have also called for an early opening of the Ratna Bhandar and a thorough inventory.

Conclusion

As the BJP intensifies its campaign in Odisha, the issue of the missing keys to Ratna Bhandar continues to haunt the Naveen Patnaik government. The political ramifications are profound, given the deep cultural and religious ties the people of Odisha have with the Jagannath temple. With promises of transparency and accountability, the BJP aims to capitalize on this controversy to challenge the long-standing BJD rule.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to launch Samalei project today

January 27, 2024, 9:27 am

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is set to inaugurate the Samalei project in Sambalpur on Saturday. The project encompasses the peripheral development of the shrine, the creation of a heritage corridor, provision of amenities for pilgrims, enhanced access to the temple, and the development of the Mahanadi riverfront.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed gratitude to those who voluntarily relinquished their lands for the Samalei project, emphasizing the enduring blessings of Maa Samaleswari for the people of Odisha. Despite challenges posed by COVID, the project has been completed in record time.

The inauguration follows the Parikrama Project in Puri, with the state government investing over Rs 200 crore in the Samalei project, focusing on the beautification and development of the Maa Samaleswari temple in western Odisha, covering an area of approximately 40 acres.

Previously, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik participated in rituals for the Shreemandir Parikrama project in Puri, inaugurated on January 17, aiming to enhance the visual appeal and surroundings of the iconic Jagannath Temple.

Odisha to Promote Its Status as a Global Skill Hub

April 12, 2023, 1:27 pm

The Government of Odisha will organise the Odisha Skill Conclave in Bhubaneswar from 20th-22nd April, 2023. The three-day event aims to position Odisha as a global skill hub, creating a brighter future for its people and beyond.

In his keynote address, Pritiranjan Gharai, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Government of Odisha said, “The time has come for the country to witness a ‘New Odisha’. Through Odisha Skill Conclave, we aim to make the youth ready to face the geopolitical uncertainties, macro-economic challenges and secure their future.

The Odisha Skill Conclave will be an interactive one where students, training partners and corporates can come together and engage in constructive conversations. We are looking forward to signing MoUs with various corporates that will enable them to cater to their needs of strengthening their workforces.”

The conclave will witness various upcoming MoUs, conferences, exhibitions, demonstration, and cultural activities and will offer a plethora of opportunities to the skilled workforce from the state.

Odisha CM flags off flight service between Bhubaneswar, Rourkela

January 7, 2023, 5:41 pm

The flight services between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela commenced on Saturday it has started under the UDAN initiative. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off the first flight to Rourkela Airport from Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Odisha CM Patnaik also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, “Glad to have flagged off the 1st flight to Rourkela Airport. Thank PM Narendra Modi ji for the support to improve connectivity to the hinterland of Odisha under UDAN. It will boost connectivity, commerce, and tourism, fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik’s message to BJP, ‘will never support those who disrespect women’

December 9, 2022, 3:23 pm

Biju Janata Dal president and Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik warned the Bhartiya Janta party that people in his state would never allow disrespect for women after BJD candidate Barsha Singh Bariha defeated the saffron party handily in the Padampur bypolls.

Thanking people for Bariha’s victory in a video message, Patnaik told the saffron party: “Let’s work together for the good of the people, for the betterment of Odisha,” Bariha defeated BJP’s Pradip Purohit from Padampur with a margin of over 42,000 votes on Thursday.
“Thank you all for your support and this extraordinary victory. This is the victory of the people of Padampur. I would also like to thank the lakhs of Biju Janta Dal workers for their hard work and determination,” Patnaik said in his video message in Odia.

Patnaik expressed his sadness over the manner the Bharatiya Janata Party behaved, attacking Bariha personally and treating her with complete disregard while she was grieving. After the passing of her father and incumbent BJD MLA Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha on October 3, the Padampur byelections became necessary.

Some people are asking why I didn’t go canvassing for panchayat elections and other bypolls, why I didn’t go in Padampur election for campaigning,
“I want to state here, the way a woman, an educated young woman, a woman who was in grief due to the loss of her father, was disrespected by some leaders of the state Bharatiya Janata Party — it saddened to me.
“I think it was not just a very sad thing for me alone, but for all the women of Odisha,” he said.
“Losing and winning in politics, contesting the elections are different things. But to disrespect, a woman like that is reprehensible. That’s why I decided to stand by Barsha Singh Bariha – like a father, like a brother, like a friend,” he added.

In his video message in Odia, Patnaik praised the people and the thousands of Biju Janta Dal members for their dedication and hard work while also warning the opposition BJP that Odisha will never tolerate anyone who mistreats women for political gain.

Odisha CM urges Nirmala Sitharaman to eliminate GST on Kendu leaf

November 27, 2022, 1:43 pm

The chief minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, on Saturday urged the union finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, to take into consideration eliminating the center-levied goods and services tax (GST) on Kendu leaf in the state because it was negatively impacting trade and the livelihoods of locals who depended on it.

In a letter to the finance minister, who also heads the GST council, Patnaik requested that the 18% GST on Kendu leaf be rolled back in the greater interest of the state of Odisha as lakhs of people associated with the trade are getting affected.

“The tribal people collect the leaves as part of their right defined under Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. They have the right to procure and sell these products,” said Patnaik.

“The imposition of GST of 18% on Kendu leaves is adversely affecting the trade. This in turn affects the livelihoods of Kendu leaves pluckers, binders & seasonal workers and the implementation of the social security and welfare schemes for them. In the interest of the livelihoods of the community it is urged upon to withdraw the imposition of GST on Kendu leaves for the greater interest of the state of Odisha,” wrote Patnaik.

Patnaik said as Kendu, a minor forest produce, is the financial backbone of about 8 lakh leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal workers, most of whom belong to the tribal community and poorest sections of Odisha, the imposition of GST on the item has a negative impact on the implementation of welfare schemes.

Kendu leaves were subject to a 5% VAT in Odisha prior to the introduction of the GST. Following the introduction of the GST in July 2017, Kendu leaves are now subject to an 18% GST, comprised of 9% central GST and 9% state GST. Due to the hefty tariff, the traders who win the bid from the Odisha Forest Development Corporation to gather Kendu leaves pay the tribals who are harvesting the leaves even less.

On Wednesday, the chief minister of Odisha announced a special package for the welfare of the 8 lakh people who pick Kendu leaves and other members of the trade.

This development follows the approaching assembly by-election in the Bargarh district’s Padampur next month.

Patnaik said ₹1,000 will be given to each plucker and ₹1,500 to each seasonal staff and binders in the first phase.

Help desk system to be strengthened in Odisha’s govt medical colleges, hospitals

November 18, 2022, 11:40 am

Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Shalini Pandit has directed all government medical colleges and hospitals (MCHs) to strengthen the help desk system in their respective institutions for common people.

Under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana Shalini Pandit has directed Superintendents for making universal clinical care.

Meanwhile, following directions of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik the decision has been taken.

Pandit further stated, “Learning from Covid-19 showed that informing the attendants/relatives about the patients’ updated health condition was of crucial importance for mitigating their anxiety.”

Talking about the system Pandit said, “Be quite helpful to the relatives, attendants of the patients in ICU, HDU of government MCHs where access of others is restricted.”

Moreover, a Nursing officer such as Swasthya Sanjoak will be nominated who has a good attitude and aptitude.

“Swasthya Sanajoak ‘will act as a link between the hospital and patients’ family/attendants’ for dissemination of updated information about treatment and health condition of the indoor patients,” the statement read.

“It may be pertinent to mention that earlier Government had engaged Swasthya Sahayaks in all the private hospitals impanelled under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) for facilitating cashless treatment to poor patients enrolled under BSKY. As of now, these Swasthya Sahayaks are operating in 402 privately impanelled hospitals in different districts of the State. The system functioned well as the number of patients getting cashless treatment in private hospitals showed a constant increase. With dedicated Swasthya Sanjojak in Govt MCHs, felt-need of the people would be met thereby providing a fillip to the universal health care under BSKY,” the statement added.

CM Patnaik announces “Mukhyamantri Siksha Purashkar Yojna”

November 17, 2022, 12:18 pm

An award and scholarship program “Mukhyamantri Siksha Purashkar Yojna” has been announced by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday.

The award has been announced to encourage healthy competition between different state schools and to recognize excellence in education.

“Under the program, annual awards to the tune of Rs 100 crore per year will be given to the school students, educational institutions and principals, teachers, school management committee for achieving excellence in education and alumni for their contribution under the program,” Patnaik said on the closing ceremony of State Level children’s day celebration.

Meanwhile, to 50,000 students, 1,500 Principals, school management committees, alumni, Gram Panchayats, and district administrations the award will be given under the scholarship program.

Moreover, Patnaik also gave advice to the students and said, “First – call of time as time is most important for the students, doing the right thing at the right time, the students will always excel. And advised the students that now is the time for children to acquire knowledge and create their own identity by excelling in all fields.”

“Change is inevitable, one has to move forward with time and accept the change,” Patnaik said.

CM Patnaik further stated, “The main aim of the 5T transformation is to prepare children to face the call of the time and advised them to develop scientific temperament.”

However, CM Patnaik also asked students to never forget their teachers, family members, their village, and their school who tried hard to build their lives.

Rs 200 crores relief for distressed farmers: Odisha government

November 15, 2022, 6:27 pm

Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha, stated on Tuesday that the state would provide Rs 200 crores in input assistance to help the state’s struggling farmers in drought-affected districts.

The Odisha government informed through a press release that the entire expenditure would be borne by the State Government. According to statistics, 2,63560 hectares of agriculture in 64 blocks and 15 ULBs of 12 districts had experienced crop losses of at least 33%. Despite ongoing follow-up and pursuit by the state government with the technical advisory committee under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, the release stated that many affected farmers have still not received their crop insurance dues.

The Chief Minister has decided to provide help using state funds in this situation, after taking into account the seriousness of the situation, the demands of the affected farmers, and crop loss data from the Collectors.

The collectors of the affected districts have been instructed to inform SRC of the need for funds, and the necessary actions will be taken to provide aid right away. To alleviate the farmers’ plight, an estimated Rs. 200 crores will be given out.

On December 5, there will be by-elections in the state’s Bargarh district’s Padampur Assembly Constituency. The results of those elections are expected to be announced on December 8.

The death of sitting BJD MLA Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha on October 3 forced the Padampur byelection.

November 17 is the deadline for submitting nomination papers. On November 18, the papers will be scrutinised. The deadline to withdraw from consideration is November 21.

Odisha CM approves State-of-the-Art Medical Cyclotron Unit

November 11, 2022, 1:27 pm

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the proposal for establishing a state-of-the-art Medical Cyclotron unit to improve the quality of cancer care in Odisha.

At the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, the unit will be located within the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) campus at Jatni.

Meanwhile, to set up the unit, a fund will be given by the Odisha state government up to 150 crores.

Moreover, in the entire South-East Asia region, Odisha is a leading research and applications hub of Medical Cyclotron.

“Medical Cyclotron unit will produce radioactive isotopes required for critical imaging procedures such as the Positron emission tomography (PET) scan for treatment of cancers and other critical ailments. Presently, Odisha obtains the isotopes on a daily basis from Hyderabad, Mumbai, or Kolkata and the isotopes remain effective for only a few hours,” the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare of Odisha, Shalini Pandit stated in a press statement.

However, to the entire South East Asian region, a state-of-the-art Medical Cyclotron facility would be unique which is proposed by the Odisha government.

Pandit further said, “It would be operated by NISER in close collaboration with Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology, and the Department of Atomic Energy and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.”

The production of medically useful radioisotopes would be included. “The unit would facilitate skill development in the field of applied sciences, and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students”, the statement reads.

Furthermore, as part of a National facility for Research and Development in the areas of basic sciences this unit will work in the area of nuclear medicine as a part of South East Asian regional facility.

Odisha govt to return land taken for Tata project, after 26 years

October 22, 2022, 11:44 am

The 206 acres of property near the Gopalpur coast in Ganjam district that the Odisha government had previously acquired for a Tata Steel plant would now be returned to the original landowners, according to officials.

For the projected plant, the government purchased more than 6,900 acres of land in Kalipalli and a number of other villages in 1996. However, the project was never successful.

At a cabinet meeting presided over by chief minister Naveen Patnaik, the decision was made to return the 206 acres of land to the original owners or their legitimate heirs.

“In consideration of the public interest, the government has decided to return 206.685 acre of land which remained unutilised for the last two decades,” chief secretary SC Mohapatra said after the meeting.

He added that the land will be handed over to the original owners or to their legal heirs as per the provision of Rule 20 of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition.

Though the land losers were compensated, the government has decided that the amount paid to the affected people would be waived, Mohapatra said.

Former Chhatrapur CPI MLA Narayan Reddy, who had organised the demonstration against the proposed steel mill, claimed that the return of 206 acres of land was enough.

He said, “The government should return the remaining unused land to the people. The land was acquired using strong-arm tactics and people suffered for more than two decades. Neither the steel plant nor the proposed employment of over 2,000 people happened”.

Naveen Patnaik advises new auditors to ensure effectiveness in public spending

September 9, 2022, 12:53 pm

Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha, gave advice to the new Common Cadre Auditors on Thursday, telling them to “oversee the use of government funds and ensure effectiveness in public spending” and pointing out that their pay is funded by the state’s citizens.

The Finance Department of the State Government hired up to 147 Common Cadre Auditors. At an orientation and induction programme held at Lok Seva Bhawan’s Convention Center, they received appointment letters.

The new participants were urged by Patnaik, who joined the programme virtually, to work hard, with the utmost honesty, accept new technologies, and give their all to the position they have been chosen for.

“We must keep it in mind that every single pie we are getting as salary and other emoluments comes from the people of the state.’ As Auditors, you are expected to oversee the utilisation of Government funds and ensure effectiveness in public spending,” he said.

“The Principles of ‘5T’ have set very high standards in Public Service delivery. All Government employees are required to work with commitment, dedication and serve the people of the State with empathy and sincerity,” said the Chief Minister.

He also emphasized the developmental work being done in Odisha and said that there has been a “phenomenal transformation” of the state in the past two decades.

“Odisha has come a long way to be regarded now as one of the fastest growing states in the Country. Besides remarkable economic growth, the State has emerged as a model in the field of Governance and Public Service,” he said.

Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari said that 5T and Mo Sarkar have become symbols of good governance in the state.

According to Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Odisha is best known for its financial prudency. He asked the auditors to ensure financial discipline

Odisha government distributes Rs 869 crore to farmers under KALIA scheme

September 2, 2022, 1:06 pm

Under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme, the Odisha government on Thursday distributed Rs 869 crore to 41 lakh farmers on the occasion of Nuakhai.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the Harvesting festival of Odisha Rs 869 crore was distributed to 41 lakh small and marginalized farmers and 85,000 landless farmers.

Moreover, Rs 2000 has been directly transferred to the registered farmer’s bank account, CMO said.

Earlier Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik addressed the farmers through Video conferencing and said, “KALIA Scheme is the best scheme in the country. It has created hope and confidence among the small and marginal farmers, It is also helping to protect the livelihood of the landless farmers.”

“More than Rs 800 crore was provided to our farmer brothers even on Akshay Tritiya in May. I hope this assistance would enable them to carry out their farming duties,” Patnaik said.

However, on crop damages, CM Patnaik also guaranteed aid to farmers.

“I want to let you know that I am here for you always. I have asked for a damage assessment and report to be made as quickly as possible. You will receive aid for crop damage shortly,” he added.

“Our farmers have brought glory to Odisha. They have brought fame to the state in food security. So all the people of the state are indebted to the farmers,” Patnaik asserted.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launches ‘Startup Odisha Yatra 2.0’

August 27, 2022, 2:14 pm

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched “Startup Odisha Yatra 2.0” to promote entrepreneurship among youth on Friday.

It aims to promote entrepreneurship among women, scouting grassroots and youth. Over 100 educational institutions will be covered in this yatra in 30 districts for 60 days.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Patnaik stated this event will provide exposure to young entrepreneurs and will also instill a culture of ideas among youth.

“The state has a mission of 5000 startups by 2025 and Startup Odisha Yatra 2.0 will be pivotal in bringing innovative ideas to the forefront,” CM Patnaik said.

Moreover, the state has 1300 recognized Startups and generated 10,000 employments in the state. 40 percent of women are leading this entrepreneurship.

At various organizations, bootcamps will be organized during this yatra across the state to develop the spirit of entrepreneurship.

However, Startup Odisha Yatra 2.0 campaigns and boot camps are started to identify new ideas among youth across the state.