Why Berhampur is more deserving and suitable than Sambalpur to host the IIM in Odisha?

Widespread agitation resurfaces across Ganjam district demanding the establishment of IIM in Berhampur city

World Bank discusses strategies with BMC to develop infrastrcuture in Berhampur city

GANJAM FORUM HOLDS DRIVE FOR IIM AT BRAHMAPUR

To strengthen the demand for setting up of the proposed IIM Odisha at Brahmapur and to create public awareness on the apathetic attitude of the State Government towards the silk city, the Forum for Ganjam held a drive here on Tuesday. Forum members distributed pamphlets and leaflets among the public at important places like Khallikote Collage, Girja Square, Ramalingam Tank Road, Gandhinagar, Komapalli. The pamphlets displayed information on how Brahmapur has been neglected.

The forum members alleged that ignoring the demand to set up the proposed IIM at Brahmapur, the State Government is contemplating to have the institute in Sambalpur or in Bhubaneswar. Form coordinator Sidhir Sahoo and members J Suresh, Rajendra Panda and Rabi Kumar, among others, joined the awareness drive.

Puri priest held for assaulting couple

A Puri priest was arrested on Tuesday for assaulting a couple and misbehaving with their daughter when they refused to take his assistance to enter the Jagannath temple.

Singhadwar police nabbed the priest, Chandan Khuntia, 30, after receiving a complaint from the victim, Sanatan Nayak, a retired army officer from Bhadrak.

"Khuntia forced us to take his assistance while offering puja and then demanded dakshina. When we refused, he abused us," said Nayak. "The priests called two others who misbehaved with us. Khuntia pulled the hands of my daughter and wife. My wife sustained injuries. When I intervened, he rained punches on my nose and face. Nobody came to our rescue," Nayak said. A profusely bleeding Nayak came out of the temple and went straight to Singhadwar police station. "We took him to Puri district hospital. Based on his complaint, we arrested Khuntia," said Krushna Chandra Sethi, the IIC of Singhadwar police station.

-Debabrata Mohapatra,TNN | May 20, 2015

Air pollution in Bhubaneswar alarming

The air you breathe in the city may invite respiratory complications if the recent report of Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) is any indication. According to the board, the air quality here was found to be bad.

At present, the city is recording an alarming level of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in air. According to prescribed standard, the SPM shouldn't exceed 100 micro gram per metre cube, but samples taken by pollution board show SPM between 180 and 200 micro gram per metre cube.

"We take weekly data of ambient air quality from five places, where we have installed devices. By collating the data taken from five places in last one month, we found an increased SPM level in air," said OSPCB regional officer (Bhubaneswar) Hadibandhu Panigrahi.

He said unlike winter, the SPM in the air in summer is usually not found above the limit. "We need to find the reasons as to why the city is recording high SPM in summer. In winter, air quality remains continuously bad as the low temperature keeps the air particle at a low level," he said.

Panigrahi attributed vehicle pollution and construction activities to increasing SPM level in air. "Road and flyover expansion works and transportation of construction materials are perhaps responsible for higher SPM. However, a scientific study will help to find the other factors responsible for it," he added.

Capital Hospital director B B Patnaik said everyday about 30-40 adult patients and same number of children with respiratory disorders are coming to the hospital. "Bad air quality can cause tuberculosis, bronchitis and dry cough," said the director.

Senior environment scientist with OSPCB D K Behera said, "We have been asking the civic body, works department and National Highways Authority of India to sprinkle water on the roads on a regular basis. We are planning to install one more air quality reading device in the city."

-TNN | Apr 22, 2015

No takers for Netaji light & sound show in Cuttack

The light and sound show at Netaji Birthplace Museum here is waiting for audience. The museum authorities are running the show only twice a week due to thin attendance.

Only 10 turn up for the show, though arrangements for 50 people have been made.

The 25-minute programme on childhood and early life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was introduced in the museum on January 23, 2013, at a cost of Rs 30 lakh. The authorities had hoped that the addition would increase footfall and the popularity of the museum.

The museum records revealed that only 1136 visitors, mostly locals, watched the show in the last two years. It attracts over 38,000 visitors annually.

Locals attributed the sorry state of affairs to the government's apathy. "The approach road to the museum from Dargha Bazaar is not properly lit. The street lights on the stretch hardly function, so tourists are not inclined to visit the museum in the evening hours for the light and sound show," said Rabindra Sahoo, a resident of Odia bazaar.

The light and sound show starts at 6.45 pm. Visitors have to pay Rs 15 each for the show. "The government had planned to landscape the areas adjacent to the museum. It had also announced to introduce boating facility and construct amusement parks. But the projects are gathering dust for last four years," said Dibyashankar Sen, a resident of Dargha Bazaar.

The beautification project would have helped to attract more tourists, he added.

There has been a long-standing demand for dubbing the script of the show in Hindi and English so that tourists from outside Odisha can understand and enjoy it. The show is currently being run in Odia only.

The authorities admitted to the problems and claimed measures are being taken to resolve them. "We have decided to dub the script in Bengali and Hindi. Besides an interpretation centre will be set up near the museum. After completion of these projects, things will definitely improve," said deputy director of culture department B P Ray.

TNN | Apr 23, 2015

Orissa CM's nod for university status to Khallikote, RD colleges

The state government on Thursday approved the proposals to upgrade Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur and, RD Autonomous Women's College, Bhubaneswar to universities.

Higher education minister Pradeep Panigrahy told the media that the universities would function from 2015-16 academic year. RD will become a women's university. Around 50 women's colleges, which are under Utkal University, will be affiliated to it. The exact shape of the university and its affiliated colleges will be decided soon. Besides the existing 25-acre campus, the government will look for another 25 acre for its second campus, the minister said.

Khallikote will be part of a cluster university, comprising five nearby colleges. The other four are S D Women's College and Binayak Acharya College in Berhampur, besides colleges at Chhatrapur and Gopalpur, the minister said.

The government will spend Rs 55 crore each on infrastructure development of the two universities. The funds will be drawn from Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan, a central-sponsored programme for higher education.

-TNN | Apr 24, 2015

B-school shuts down in Bhubaneswar for 'want of students'

The International School of Business Management (ISBM) deciding to close down from coming academic year has evoked different responses from experts. While some attributed it to poor response to management courses, others said it is an isolated case.

Around 95 institutions, including 11 government-run, offer management courses in Odisha. Of them, 85 offer MBA while 10 offer postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM). Government sources said over 50% seats remained vacant in 2014-15. Altogether 2,548 students took admissions in various courses against an intake capacity of 5,455. "It is a struggle for survival for most institutions," said a senior management functionary of another institute.

Official sources said ISBM, an autonomous institution located at Gangapada on the outskirts of the city, has applied to the All India Council for Technical Education, seeking its nod to down shutters. The institute offers two-year PGDM course.

Confirming the development, ISBM chairman A B Singh said the management was forced to take the decision because it is not getting enough students. "Probably because of poor job prospects, a few students have been taking admission," he said. Against an intake capacity of 50 seats, the institute attracted eight students in 2013-14 and two students in 2014-15, he said.

Run by the Orissa Charitable Trust, the institute established in 2007 is located on an 11-acre Wi-Fi campus, having administrative block, academic block, separate hostels for boys and girls, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, library and gymnasium.

The Odisha Management College Association (OMCA), a body of private management colleges, said the situation is improving and admissions would be far better in 2015-16. "Closure of an institute may be an isolated example. Students' response to upcoming entrance examinations for admissions has been far better this time," said OMCA secretary Saroj Kumar Sahoo.

Around 7,700 students have applied for MBA through Odisha joint entrance examination (OJEE). The number is over 2,000 more compared to that last year. "The last year's admission too was around 20% better compared to that in 2013," Sahoo said. "This year's very good placement records and rebound in economy would attract significantly higher number of students this time," he said.

Famous Thakurani Yatra extended by 11 days in Berhampur

In view of popular demand, the district administration in Ganjam has extended the famous Thakurani Yatra on April 19, 2015 in Berhampur by 11 days. The biennial festival, which started on March 28, will continue till April 27, officals said today.

Initially, the district administration had allowed the festival committee to hold the yatra for 20 days even though the latter had sought permission for 31 days.

"Several people approached the district administration requesting for extension of the festival", said Sub-Collector (Berhampur) Nikhil Pawan Kalyan.

The festival is attracting huge crowd from different places and hundreds of the people are thronging the Silk City to witness the famous Yatra. Locals dressed like mythological characters are seen moving around the city and so are chariots in different shapes like boita (ship) and doli (swing).

Famous Berhampur Thakurani Jatra to begin from March 28

The famous Budhi Thakurani Jatra of Berhampur will start from March 28 this year and will continue till April 27. Preparations for the biannual festival have started at the Desibehera Street in Berhampur after the Subha Khunti (auspicious post) was laid on March 12.

Devotees in huge numbers expected to visit the temporary temple at the Desibehera Street at the time of Jatra,

Devotees in huge numbers expected to visit the temporary temple at the Desibehera Street at the time of Jatra, 

“The construction of the temporary temple at the Desibehera Street has started, it will take four more days to complete,” informed the craftsman of the temporary Mandap Dasarathi Maharana. The Jatra begins with the arrival of the floral sign of the deity (Aagyamala) to the temporary temple. This will be followed by Ghata Yatra in which the Aagyanmala will be taken on a public procession around the streets of Old Berhampur.

As devotees in huge numbers are expected at the time of Jatra, the Public Health Department has planned to increase drinking water supply in the Bada Bazar area.

As informed by the Executive Engineer of PHD Deba Sundar Mahapatra, around 20 temporary stand points will be placed in Desibehera Street and the nearby places. Water tankers will be positioned on different squares of the city at the time of jatra.

20 March 2015 | Ronalisa Parida | Edited By: Longjam Dineshwori

http://microstatindia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2296&catid=19&Itemid=630

Railway line from Gopalpur to Kandhamal demanded

A group of intellectuals of different social organisations and civil society forums on Wednesday demanded rail connectivity from Gopalpur to Phulbani and extended connection with the Khordha-Balangir railway line.

The intellectuals including Sriya Nayak, Dr Subash Chandra Sahu, Deepak Pattnaik and Sudhansu Panda said the Kandhamal district of south Odisha is yet to get railway connectivity. As communication is one of the vital components of development, people of the district are deprived of it, they added.

They said the rail connectivity would help to develop the economy standard of these areas. Rail connectivity to the Gopalpur port would not only create jobs, but also enhance business in the State. Kandhamal, which is famous for its spices like ginger and turmeric and forest goods, would get easy connectivity to market its products. It would also help to attract investment in the region, said the intellectuals.

Source: The Pioneer 

Plastic ban in and around Tara Tarini

Use of polythene and plastic carry bags has been banned in and around Tara Tarini, a famous shakti shrine and tourist destination of India, near Berhampur city in Odisha's Ganjam district.

This was decided at the coordination committee meeting for the ensuing Chaitra Mela at Chhatrapur. The meeting was chaired by revenue divisional Commissioner (southern division) S N Deb.

"The ban will be implemented from Chaitra Mela, beginning on March 10," Ganjam district Collector P C Choudhary said.

All shops in the area will be asked to strictly follow the order. Last year, the administration banned polythene and liquor during the festival.

Campaigners and environmentalists have welcomed the decision. "Massive awareness is needed before implementing the decision," secretary of Tara Tarini Development Board Pramod Kumar Panda said.

Lakhs of devotees from the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh get their children tonsured at the shrine, 35 km from here, during the festival.

The administration has directed officials concerned to ensure supply of electricity and water, maintain sanitation and set up temporary health camps before the start of the festival.

PTI

Tara Tarini Chaitra Yatra/Mela to be polythene-free

The famous Maa Tara Tarini Chaitra Yatra of Ganjam is going to begin from March 10. As per traditions, it will be performed on the four Tuesdays of the month of Chaitra. Keeping in view the flow of lakhs of devotees to the temple, the district administration held a preparatory meeting at Chatrapur on February 10. Revenue Divisional Commissioner (SD) and chairperson of the Tara Tarini Development Council Sailendra Narayan De presided over the meeting.

Old Image of Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha :Braving heat lakhs of

devotees standing in long queue to enter the famous Tara Tarini hill temple

(Breast Shrine of Shakti) near Berhampur city in Ganjam district, Odisha

Ganjam Collector Premchand Choudhury explained the significance and pride of the heritage temple and the famous yatra and sought the cooperation of all the service wings of the district administration and people of all walks of life for smooth and successful conduct of the yatra.

The meeting, among other things, decided to make the entire region of Maa Tara Tarini Temple free from polythene, construct adequate  rest sheds to protect devotees from possible heat wave, provide drinking water, put in place effective traffic system for transportation of devotees, provide temporary healthcare camps and sanitation in the temple premises, deploy fire fighting vehicles and ODRAF team, prohibit sale and consumption of liquor and other drugs in the region, repair and renovate all approaching roads on war footing and construct temporary toilets for devotees, among others.

It was also decided in the meeting that the Chatrapur Sub-Collector will review the progress of the preparatory work once in each week till the yatra begins. A master plan for all-round development of the temple was presented. The committee advised the chief of the Technical Committee Binod Kumar Patra to complete all the pending works on war footing.

Among others, Maa Tara Tarini Temple Development Council secretary Pramod Kumar Panda, Additional Collector Pradeep Kumar Nanda, CDMO Dr PC Sahu, the Ganjam ADMO, the Chatrapur Sub-Collector, the Purushottampur BDO, representatives of Sevayats Tapan Rana and Jagannath Rana attended.

Maa Tara Tarini Sthana Peeth, Ganjam, Odisha

How the state government in Odisha cheated the public on the IIM establishment issue?

This is how the state government in Odisha cheated the public on the IIM establishment issue. Actually the State Govt had decided about the location of IIM beforehand and it was just looking for an alibi to justify its decision. The 'airport' clause was self inflicted by the State government to hoodwink the people of Ganjam who tried every possible civilised method to convince the State Govt on the historic necessity of IIM in Berhampur. However, Odisha being Odisha here civilised methods and passionate appeals just does not work despite valid considerations of equity and distributive justice.  

(The Sambad)

Images of BERHAMPUR BANDH demanding establishment of IIM at Berhampur

Odisha Govt should follow the old Saying, "Dont put all your Eggs in One Basket" and for all round development Education must be evenly spread across the State. 
Images of BERHAMPUR BANDH demanding establishment of IIM at Berhampur

Odisha Govt. Ditched & Deceived the people of South Odisha

Friends If we remain silent today we will have no right to complain in the future

Silence is not the answer to the problems facing South Odisha. If we remain silent today we will have no right to complain in the future. Because remaining silent will mean supporting the present development template being followed by the State Govt. Every citizen in India has right to development and the people of South Odisha cannot be denied this right. The questions raised here are certainly from the perspective of Berhampur city which is agitating for the IIM, but we do know that every single individual in South Odisha and Ganjam is equally concerned about the enigmatic silence of the Statate Govt on development issues after garnering their votes. This is not acceptable and we have to shout at the loudest to be heared by a Govt which is completely deaf and bereft of a sense of equity and justice.

Berhampur erupts in protest against the State Government

Berhampur erupts in protest against the State Government's highly retrograde moves on the establishment of IIM. Students across the district protest against the biased decision even as more aggressive protests have been planned for the coming days.

Handling IIM establishment issue proves lowest point in Naveen Patnaik's career as Chief Minister even as corruption charges flying thick and fast against the State Govt.

People not ready to give up yet on the IIM-Berhampur demand. Massive agitations planned in the coming days. BJD loses its credibility in Ganjam as it is accused of stage-managing the whole episode. Handling IIM establishment issue proves lowest point in Naveen Patnaik's career as Chief Minister even as corruption charges flying thick and fast against the State Govt.

People of Ganjam and Berhampur fought for the establishment of IIM-Berhampur against all odds. But they were fighting against a highly biased State Government, arrogant and drunk with power who have displayed scant respect for distributive justice. Not only Berhmapur city; for 90% of Odisha this decision comes as a big letdown. However this cannot be the end of the story and with greater public awareness we can set bigger goals for Berhampur and Ganjam and aspire for our rightful space in a developed India. Not to be disheartened and time to work with greater vigor and enthusiasm for the cause of Berhampur..

Is Odisha State government forcing the people of Berhampur & South Odisha to demand a separate Kalinga State??????

This is the right time to expose the State Government which has taken the people of Ganjam and South Odisha for granted.These questions follow from the opinions expressed by the readers in the previous post. As responsible citizens you are free to give opinions outsides the choices indicated on the path forward for Berhampur city, Ganjam and the backward southern odisha.

Is Berhampur city (South Odisha, Kalinga) not a part of Odisha State??????

Ganjam produced a former President of India, Former PM PV Narasimha Rao was MP of Berhampur, Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Sadasiva Tripathy, Binayak Acharya, Biju Patnaik and his Son went on to become Chief Ministers of Odisha. Yet 10 lakh people from Ganjam live in the slums of Surat, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Not even a screw and bolt factory has not been built in Ganjam and the last major Institution (the Berhampur University) was established in the district almost 50 years ago. For last 5 decades Ganjam is crying for development but Ganjam people are as passive as ever. If they do not wake up now to question their leaders, then better they should prepare to live like slaves. The question is not only about the IIM; it is about self respect. Some people are saying that Berhampur does not have the infra to host an IIM. But then the question is who is responsible for poor infrastructure in Berhampur and Ganjam. So, time has come when people must speak up and oppose the continuous neglect of the State Govt.

Bhubaneswar Janata Dal= BJD

The decision on IIM site selection, if true, should serve as a lesson for the people of rest of Odisha (Ganjam in particular) that they are second grade citizens and aliens in their own State who are remembered only once in 5 years during elections as they dont enjoy the rights same as the State capital. See how audacious the corrupt BJD Govt in Odisha has been on the IIM issue? The CM has no time to assuage the people of Berhampur who are on hunger strike demanding the establishment of IIM and the decision is being selectively leaked through the media about the decision to establish yet another central Institute in Bhubaneswar, now the IIM.

Does the CM even know about the IIM-Berhampur agitation?

Does the CM even know about the IIM-Berhampur agitation? He is silent as ever and the Berhampur MP goes missing every now and then to appear only during elections. With such representatives who denied even the Smart-city tag to Berhampur; people are bound to be frustrated.

Stop Step-motherly treatment to South Odisha (Kalinga)..... Establish IIM @ Berhampur

Shodasha Pooja starts at Maa Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth

Last huddle for the establishment of IIM at Berhampur cleared; LOW-COST AIRPORT WILL COME UP SOON IN BRAHMAPUR

POLICY SOON ON BUILDING LOW-COST AIRPORTS IN 50 NON-METRO CITIES

New Delhi | Having identified 50 non-metro cities and remote locations across the country for building low-cost airports, the Centre is shortly coming up with a policy on the matter in which state governments would have a major role to play.

The Civil Aviation Ministry would soon finalise names of the first five of these 50 no-frill airports to be taken up first, official sources said here on Friday.The policy, which is being given final shape by the Ministry, is likely to put the onus of providing land, water and electricity free of charge to these airports on State Governments, which would also have to grant tax concessions or exemptions for these projects.

It comes in the wake of the BJP-led Government’s announcements that these airports would be built on a private -public partnership (PPP) model to provide air connectivity to non-metro cities and those in remote areas.

Apart from the facilities to be granted by State Governments to these airports, the Government would grant concessions to airlines operating there, such as exemption from paying landing, parking, navigation, night parking and fuel throughput charges, among other things.In June last year, the UPA-II Government, while finalising infrastructure projects for 2013-14, had also decided to build low-cost airports at 51 cities and towns across the country.

Under the decision taken by the Manmohan Singh government, State-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) was to have set up these airports at towns and cities spread across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

There are over 125 functional airports and another 400 airstrips, of which many can be developed as full-fledged airports, the sources said.However, official data shows that of these 125-odd functional airports, 93 were loss-making and only ten profitable. The loss-making airports are mostly located in Tier-II cities, apart from some state capitals. Connectivity by low-cost airlines to the smaller towns and cities could beef up the financial fortunes of these small airports, the sources said.

Observing that growth in traffic was concentrated on certain major routes and not all across the country, they said though air tickets were now available at competitive rates due to fierce competition among airlines and air traffic was growing at a rapid pace, almost 70 per cent of the population does not have air connectivity and many cannot afford to fly.

The policy would aim at making air connectivity available at a cheaper rate, the officials said.On the names of the 50 proposed no-frill airports, they said the list was likely to remain the same as decided by the previous Government, barring a few changes in some states.

As per the UPA-II Government’s decision last year, the 51 low-cost airports were to have come up at Vijayawada, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Nizamabad, Tirupati, Anantapur and Karimnagar in Andhra Pradesh, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, at Muzaffarpur, Chapra and Sasaram in Bihar, at Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Firozpur in Punjab, at Agra, Allahabad, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Meerut, Aligarh, Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar and Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.

Tezu, Bomdila and Along in Arunachal Pradesh, at Silchar, Jorhat and Tezpur in Assam, at Gwalior, Singrauli, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Sidhi and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh, Brahmapur (Odisha), Rourkela and Kendujhar in Odisha, at Ajmer, Kota, Bhilwada and Alwar in Rajasthan and at Kolhapur, Nasik, Jalgaon, Solapur and Amarawati in Maharashtra were also to have low-cost airports.

Source: The Pioneer| Saturday, 06 September 2014

other links: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-09-05/news/53601736_1_low-cost-airports-small-airports-state-owned-airports-authority

Policy on building low-cost airports expected soon

Airports Authority of India to Develop 50 Low-Cost Airports | Travel | www.indiatimes.com

Berhampur Comprehensive Development Plan ready

Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) has proposed five major industrial zones, a new airport and ring roads in the draft comprehensive development plan (CDP) for greater Berhampur.

Under the proposals prepared for the south Odisha city and nearby areas, Greater Berhampur would have 327 sq km area comprising the jurisdiction of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC), Chhatrapur and Gopalpur Notified Area Acouncils (NACs) and adjoining villages, BDA officials said.

Besides the existing industrial park and titanium dioxide complex, new facilities will come up at Ratanpur, Phulta and Chikalakhandi. Around 8 sq km at Laxmipur on Purushottampur road has been earmarked for an airport.

The CDP was prepared by the Town and Country Planning Organization (TCPO) under the ministry of the urban development, keeping in mind the growth possibility of the town in the next two decades.

About Rs 1.09 crore has been spent for preparation of the plan BDA chairman Subash Moharana said adding the plan had been uploaded on website for people to respond to it.

"The CDP is necessary for the development of the town in a planned way. Real estate players and industries face problems in approving their plans owing to the absence of a masterplan. I hope it will help all stakeholders," said MLA (Berhampur), R C Chyaupatnaik.

The last master plan for Berhampur town was prepared in 1969. Since then, BDA has attempted to prepare a CDP for the town on several occasions. Finally TCPO was chosen for the job which it completed in 26 months.

Demand for IIM in Berhampur

"Forum for IIM in Berhampur" formed by eminent citizens to press the demand before the state and central government

Several academics, activists and advocates on Sunday decided to form a "Forum for IIM in Berhampur" to mount pressure on the government to establish the prestigious management institute in the southern Odisha town in Ganjam district.

A delegation led by former deputy chairman, state planning commission and retired professor Pramod Kumar Sahu, would soon meet chief minister Naveen Patnaik and tell him that the town deserves an Indian Institute of Management (IIM).

Before meeting Naveen, a memorandum would be submitted to the revenue divisional commissioner, southern division, stating the need of an IIM in Berhampur, especially because there is no central institute in the town, said coordinator of the forum Sudhir Rout.

The central government had declared that an IIM would be set up in Odisha in the last budget.

"We had demanded for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), when the Central government sanctioned such an institute for the state. But the government ignored our demand citing that no air connectivity to the town" Pati said.

Ganjma is the home district of chief minister. When the government deserve, there would no dearth of infrastructure facilities for setting of the proposed IIM in the district, added senior advocate Prafulla Jagannath Padhy.

Sahu, however said readily available infrastructure was not the pre-condition for establishment of any premier national level institute. He cited several examples including IIT, Kharagpur, IIT, Bhubaneswar, M.K.C.G.Medical College and Hospital, Brahmapur, Central University, Odisha at Koraput and Brahmapur University. "In order to maintain regional balance across the state, the proposed IIM is needed to establish here" said convener of forum J.Sheshagiri Rao. Moreover Berhampur is the first university in the state was introduced the undergraduate course in management through a private institute in the town, the speakers pointed out.

Several retired professors, activists of different organizations, including president, Ganjam chamber of commerce (GCC) VVRN Rao were attended the meeting. Sahu was presided. The meeting was also decided to involve more and more people, including the political leaders and public representatives of Ganjam district to mount pressure on government, sources said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Demand-for-IIM-in-Berhampur/articleshow/39596343.cms

Lawyers go on stir seeking court bench at Berhampur

Members of Ganjam District Consumer Bar Association started indefinite agitation from Friday demanding immediate commencement of proposed circuit bench of Odisha State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (SCDRC) in Berhampur.

Led by the president of the association, Kailash Chandra Mishra, and secretary Shyamakant Jena, the agitating lawyers sat on dharna on the premises of District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum (DCDRF) in the city. They shouted slogans criticising the State government and the SCDRC for the delay in starting of the proposed circuit bench.

In January this year, the government had proposed to have two circuit benches of the SCDRC in Berhampur and Sambalpur. The decision was taken considering the large number of cases pending before the State Commission from southern and western parts of the State. At present the aggrieved consumers of south Odisha have to travel to Cuttack to file cases before SCDRC.

The director of department of consumer affairs had written to the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), southern division and western division as well as the secretary of SCDRC to initiate necessary measures for functioning of the two proposed circuit benches of the commission.

The RDC had given consent to provide all facilities for holding circuit bench the city. But, according to the members of the Bar association, till date the SCDRC has not held any hearing of its circuit bench in Berhampur. They alleged that similar was the situation in Sambalpur. The lawyers said they had given a notice to the State government on their demand 15 days back but no decision has been taken in this regard. They said they would continue their agitation till their demand was met....

Source-the hindu

Brahmapur celebrates Indian star weightlifter Ravi Kumar’s Silver at CWG 2014

Ravi Kumar personally thanks all Berhampurians through Future Berhampur for congratulating him on winning the weightlifting Silver in the Common Wealth Games 2014

The Silver winning performance of the star weightlifter from Odisha K Ravikumar has led to celebrations in his home town of Brahmapur with family members distributing sweets after his victory.

“I am happy that he has won the silver, though I would have been happier if he had won the gold. But this was the first time he was contesting in the 77 kg category and also the first time he was competing after the surgery. I am sure he would bring the gold at the forthcoming Asian championship,” said his elated mother.

Ravikumar won the silver medal in the 77 kg category at the ongoing Common Wealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow on Sunday.

Ravikumar lifted 142 kg in snatch and 175 kg in clean & jerk to win the bronze in the event in which compatriot Satish Shivalingam from Tamil Nadu won the gold.

Ravikumar had set a new record in the 69 kg category at the last CWG in New Delhi in 2010. This was the first time he participated in the 77 kg category.

BJP DEMANDS HIGH COURT BENCH AT BRAHMAPUR

While extending support to the lawyers for the establishment of a permanent Bench of the Odisha High Court at Brahmapur, the district BJP has urged the State Government to immediately place the demand of the Ganjam Bar Association and the people of south Odisha in the Monsoon Session of the Assembly and send its resolution for the Central Government’s consideration.`

It may be mentioned that the demand for a HC Bench here is being made for the last two decades, but in vain. The BJP is consistently supporting the lawyers’ agitation in this regard, said BJP district general secretary Sunil Kumar Sahu in a statement.

The party would soon bring this demand to the notice of the Union Law Minister as decided at a meeting of the BJP district Mahila Morcha executive body and communicated to the Ganjam Bar Association president Basanta Kumar Panda and secretary Rama Prasad Panda, said Sahu.

Former Assembly Deputy Speaker Rama Chandra Panda has also submitted several memorandums in the past to the State Governor and the Union Law Minister demanding a HC bench at Brahmapur, pointing out that Brahmapur is both commercial and education hub of the entire south Odisha and Ganjam Bar Association is a century-old body.

Source: The Pioneer

WHY THE GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA ALWAYS SHOWS STEP-MOTHERLY TREATMENT TO BERHAMPUR ?

Blackbucks migrate to newer habitats in Ganjam

For the past few weeks large herds of blackbucks were sighted in Khallikote range under Berhampur forest division, which was not considered to be their habitat earlier.

Areas under Aska and Buguda forest ranges of Ganjam district are the natural habitat of the antelope. In these areas, blackbucks live close to human habitats in villages like Bhetanai, Buguda, Bajraput, Siddhanai, Banabali etc.

With monsoon being active, large herds of blackbucks were seen in open fields of Khandadeuli, Santoshpur, UDSpur, Poirasi panchayats. As they prefer to remain in the open during rain, they are called the harbingers of rain. Inhabitants of Ganjam district revere blackbucks.

Wildlife activist, R.N.Sahu said the presence of these blackbucks is a welcome change for environment. He urged the forest department to ensure that water was provided to the animals.

Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) S.S.Mishra said they had started tracking the movement of blackbuck herds that have started to appear in Khallikote forest range.

“If these blackbucks prefer to stay back in this area, we would make all possible efforts to provide them necessary protection with support of locals,” he said. There are also several young ones in the herd.

According to the DFO, the animals seem to have migrated from Buguda and Aska forest ranges after cyclone Phailin. The Phailin cyclone in October last year and the continuous rains that followed had led to migration of blackbucks from their normal regions of habitation in Ganjam district.

Migration of black bucks is not new to Ganjam district. Earlier, blackbucks used to migrate from Aska and Buguda forest range areas in search of food. In 2012, some blackbucks had migrated to Khallokote forest range, but their number was small. Blackbuck herds were also seen to have migrated to areas near Bhanjanagar in 2012. Source: The Hindu 

NIST, Berhampur among the Best Engineering Colleges of India

Lakhs of devotees witness Puri Rath Yatra

Over 10 lakh devotees witnessed the world famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath held here on Sunday with religious fervour and enthusiasm amid tight security as the practice of people climbing the chariots was stopped in a major reform initiative.

Devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha for a glimpse of the presiding deities of the 12th century shrine of Sri Jagannath and mingled with the sea of humanity during the annual festival of chariots. “The festival was held peacefully in a smooth manner. There was no untoward incident as elaborate security measures were taken,” a senior police officer said.

Devotees poured in to the seaside town since early morning to watch the ceremony and pull the three majestic and colourful chariots on the ‘bada danda,’ the grand avenue.

A host of VIPs including Odisha Governor S.C. Jamir and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik witnessed the proceedings.

Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati did not visit the chariots before they were pulled accusing the Odisha government of interfering in religious matters by asking him to ascend the raths (chariots) alone without his disciples.

“The state government has dared to dictate terms to the Shankaracharya of Puri. I will not visit the chariots before they are pulled for Rath Yatra,” Saraswati had told reporters at the Govardhan Peeth in Puri on Saturday. The Hindu

At 43.7°C, Bhubaneswar hottest place in Odisha

Bhubaneswar was the hottest place in the state on Thursday with mercury touching 43.7 degree Celsius. This was the highest May temperature in the last five years.

The city's highest temperature touched 44 degree Celsius last on April 3, 2008. This year, on last Monday, mercury in the city touched 43.2 degree Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted on Thursday that severe heat wave condition would prevail at some parts of the state for the next few days.

"Fast urbanization is one of the major reasons for the sharp rise in day temperature in the city," weathermen said.

After Bhubaneswar, Chandbali was the second hottest place in the state at 43.5 degrees, followed by Titlagarh sizzling at 43 degree Celsius. Eleven other places saw mercury touching 41 degree Celsius.

Sunstroke toll confirmed by the government on Thursday remained 17, while unconfiremedurces suggested at least 39 cases. Source: ToI

Over one lakh Odia workers migrated to other States in 2014

Researchers termed the figure as grossly under reported

Over one lakh workers from the State have been sent through middlemen to work in other States in 2014, Odisha Legislative Assembly was informed here on Friday.

In response to a query of Congress legislator Naba Kishore Das, Labour and State Employees Insurance Corporation Minister Prafulla Mallick updated that as on March this year, 1,19,001 migrant workers were sent to other State through 3,044 labour agents under Interstate Migrant Workmen Act 1979.

Researchers, however, termed the figure as grossly under reported. They said over 3 lakh labourers including minor children from western Odisha districts had gone to work in brick kilns in States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

“During past two years, 726 migrant workers were rescued from workplace outside the State. Under Interstate Migrant Workmen Act 1979, as many as 159 criminal cases were filed during past five years,” Mr. Mallick said.

The statistics presented in the Assembly points out highest 32,487 migrant workers from Bolangir had been engaged in other States by labour agents while 20,233 workers had gone from Khurda district.

The government information makes it clear that district administrations in western Odisha districts had no clue as to how many poverty stricken people migrated to other States in search of jobs. From last part of 2013 till March 2014, district police and labour department officials had tracked hundreds of migrant workers who were being sent to other States in Nuapada alone.

“We think more than 3 lakh workers from western Odisha districts migrate to other States, mostly through unregistered labour agents. These workers are forced to work in inhospitable condition and any form of protest by workers often leads to torture by employers,” said Umi Daniel, head of Migration Information and Resource Centre (MiRC), Aide et Action South Asia.

Mr. Daniel said, “Odisha surely sends more than 20 lakh migrant workers every year. While a large number of workers from Ganjam migrate to States like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa, destinations of workers from western Odisha are mostly brick kilns of southern States.”

He said the official figure on rescue of distressed workers also did not give a clear picture of hopeless situation the migrant workers were in. “Compared to 726 migrant workers claimed to be rescued by Odisha government, Tamil Nadu, erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka had officially released more than 1400 workers after identifying them as bonded labourers.”

State Labour Minister said government was taking steps to provide a toll free numbers to register grievances of migrant workers who work in distress condition.

---

In the past two years 726 migrant workers were rescued from workplaces outside the State

Often workers are forced to work in inhospitable conditions and are subjected to torture

Source: The Hindu