Pandian reviewed the progress of Baitarani Left Embankment Strengthening and Road Development Project at a cost of Rs 150.24 crore. The project was taken up based on feedback from people during his last visit to Dhamnagar in December 2023.

The embankment strengthening project will reduce the impact of floods in Bhandaripokhari, Dhamnagar and Chandbali area from river Baitarani. The pucca road from Biridi to Tintar Ghat on the river embankment will reduce the travel time by 2 hours, provide faster access to Jajpur Medical College and also to NH 16. The project would benefit approximately 1,20,00 people in Bhadrak.

He also reviewed the progress of Akhuapada and Kochila instream storage structures over river Baitarani at a total cost of Rs 681 crore. Both the projects would provide irrigation facilities to an ayacut area of 81,200 acre. Water would also be available in the Rabi season for cultivation. It would also help in fishery sector development in the area.

During his interaction with the public in meetings at Akhuapada Field and IGM College Field in Dhamnagar, he informed about major decisions taken by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik including increase in social security pensions across all categories by Rs 500 each that would benefit around 58 lakh beneficiaries.

He also informed that financial assistance under MAMATA Yojana has been increased from Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000. This will further benefit women and infants towards improved nutrition and better health outcomes.

He said the Chief Minister has launched a novel initiative in providing Nua-O Scholarships to the under-graduate and post-graduate students studying in state universities, government and non-government aided colleges including Sanskrit Colleges and unaided colleges under Higer Education department.

Under the initiative, male students will get Rs 9,000, while the female students will get Rs 10,000 per annum. The students belonging to SC/ST and Nirman Shramik families will get Rs 10,000 (male) and Rs 11,000 (female) per annum. The scholarships for the current academic year will be deposited in the bank accounts of the eligible students from February 26.

He informed about the rolling out of bus service under LaCCMI scheme in every panchayat of the district in which the bus fare for female passengers and students will be Rs 5 only.

He also directed the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) team to expedite the remaining finishing activities and ready it by mid-February.

The ISBT is poised to become a crucial transit hub not only for the residents of Odisha but also for those from neighbouring states.

According to an official release, Pandian took stock of the facilities provided for commuters, including waiting areas, sanitation facilities, bus bays, upcoming F&B outlets, lighting installations, and restroom facilities. He appreciated the Operation Control Centre ( OCC). Pandian also directed officials to make provision of proper Odia signages and map facility to guide the commuters.

Once operationalised, ISBT, spread over 15.5 acre, will serve as the biggest bus terminus in the state handling more than 500 buses and thousands of passengers daily. The terminal has been designed to provide a world-class travel experience to passengers and is equipped with modern amenities such as state-of-the-art Aahaar Centre, restaurants, multi-storey car parking, pick-up/drop-off facility, solar panel system, and sewage treatment plant.

It also has provisions for police facilitation centre to ensure safety of passengers, administrative building for managing the terminal operations, toilet facilities for passengers, ramp facilities for the convenience of passengers with disabilities, and baby feeding rooms for mothers travelling with infants. Besides, there will be children’s play area, a primary health clinic, and additional parking for seasonal buses.

The feel and experience will be that of an airport, the release added.

During a visit to the university, Pandian reviewed the progress of the development works and directed the officials engaged in the project to speed up the construction works to complete those in time.

Pandian, who also interacted with the students in the university ground, told them to focus on their studies and responsibility towards the society. Encouraging the students to participate in the state government’s Nua-O programme, he said it is a highly rewarding platform for their career and future.

“You can participate in different competitions organised at college, block and district levels to explore their talent. You should know that participation in the competitions counts, not winning or losing. The programme will not only help you in your career but also make you responsible citizens of the country,” he said.

Urging the students to participate in different sports, he said a health mind in a healthy body makes a man achieve success. “You all should participate in different types of physical activities and do mediation for at least 15 minutes daily,” he said.

Advising them not to waste time in social media, Pandian advised them to focus on their studies. “Be active for at least 14 hours in a day and focus on your studies. Respect your parents and march towards your goal on the path shown by them,” he said.

As many as 105 high schools in Mayurbhanj district, 100 in Balangir, 63 in Sambalpur, 60 in Rayagada and 33 in Nuapada were inaugurated after transformation under the government initiative.

The chief minister had inaugurated 389 schools in 5 districts on the first day of the 4th phase, 327 schools in 6 districts on second day.

Total 1,794 schools across the state will be covered in this phase of the transformation programme. In the earlier 3 phases, 6,883 schools have undergone developmental changes.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the government has taken up transformation of schools, colleges, tourist places, temples, mutts and hospitals as part of the government’s efforts to build a strong Odisha.

“Schools play an important role in deciding the future of any race. Education shows the way to the society to development and progress. Hence, the government attaches importance to school transformation,” he said.

The president and members of Samaleswari Temple Trust Board and priests came to chief minister’s residence, Naveen Niwas, in Bhubaneswar on the day. They handed over the invitation amid chanting of Mangalastoka (hymns for Devi).

They said the temple trust will invite the devotees in Sambalpur city by sending coconut as a symbolic gesture. In return, it will collect vermilion from the people to be applied on the deity of the temple.

On receiving the invitation, the chief minister said he has been working for welfare of the people of Sambalpur. 5T chairman VK Pandian, who was present on the occasion, said the transformation work of the temple was going in right pace and will be completed in time. The temple with new look will be dedicated to the people with the blessing of Maa Samaleswari on January 27, he added.

The event, jointly organised by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the Payments Council of India (PCI), and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), convened on Wednesday in Mumbai.

The Global Fintech Festival 2023 serves as a vital forum for fintech leaders to cultivate partnerships and chart a course for the future of the industry. It is a platform that unites some of the brightest analytical minds in the fintech industry. Over the past three years, the Global Fintech Festival has played a pivotal role in showcasing the multifaceted fintech ecosystem’s transformative potential and its capacity to drive sustainable global progress.

Tusharkanti Behera underlined that India stands among the world’s fastest-growing fintech markets, rivalling the United Kingdom in funding volume. Highlighting Odisha’s participation in the fintech revolution, the Minister expressed the state’s commitment to innovation. Odisha has launched several citizen welfare schemes, leveraging technology for the delivery of public services and financial assistance, he shared.

The state’s financial inclusion has been recognised nationally and internationally for schemes like Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) and the Social Protection Delivery Platform (SPDP), which offer cashless, paperless, and faceless access to social benefits and services.

The Minister outlined Odisha’s efforts to create a conducive environment for fintech startups and businesses, offering incentives, promoting innovation, and attracting major players to the state. This commitment has already yielded promising results, with several fintech startups making a mark nationally.

Today, Odisha has a thriving fintech ecosystem, and a rapidly growing economy and the state’s strong focus on technology and innovation makes it an ideal destination for fintech ventures.

Manoj Kumar Mishra Principal Secretary E & IT, Manas Ranjan Panda, Special Secretary, E & IT also attended the program.

Speaking at the function, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik advised the teachers and principals to make endeavor to unlock students’ potential. This large appointment is a huge boost for Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, he said and expected the new principals and teachers to try their best for making these institutions one of the best in the country.

“While the quality of teaching is of paramount importance, the success of an educator lies in understanding the inherent potential of students and making active efforts to unlock them. There should be a conscious endeavor to help children dream big and create the confidence in them to achieve what has been hitherto impossible,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, School & Mass Education Minister Sudam Marndi said OAVs are a vision of the chief minister to take Odisha forward in every field. Many of OAVs are comparable to best schools in the country, he added. He said that 261 of the teachers are women. Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya Sangathan Chairman Upendra Tripathy also spoke on the occasion.

Focusing on the 5-T initiative, Naveen said this can be an empowering tool for children. The knowledge of technology, learning the essence of teamwork, maintaining transparency, and understanding the importance of time can bring a transformative change in children, he added.

“The new Odisha of our dreams can be built by empowering every child with the power of education. The Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas were set up to achieve this objective by providing free quality education in English medium to rural talents,” he said.

The chief minister also inaugurated 9 hostel buildings in Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, and Sundargarh districts. Besides, an academic building was inaugurated at Angul. The CM also launched the Mukhyamantri Shikhya Puraskar web portal.

Interacting with the new teachers and principals, secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian said as all of them have come purely on merit through an absolute transparent system, they should also follow the same in their teaching career.

He further said for the students, teachers are the real heroes. For the state, they are the architects of modern Odisha. Therefore, they should guide the children with their own action, he advised. They should follow SCHOOL- Sincerity, Camaraderie, Honesty, Obedience, Orderliness and Learning.

Secretary Aswathi S delivered the welcome address and Project Director of OAV Yamini Sadangi proposed the vote of thanks.

This was decided during the ongoing visit of Secretary to CM (5T) V K Pandian to Jajpur district. As per the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Pandian visited Jajpur to review the progress of various developmental works and redressal of public grievances.

The 5T Secretary discussed development of Mahabinayak temple in Badachana and Baruneswar temple in Binjharpur, where he interacted with Sebayats, Trustee Members and general public for development of shrines along with better facilities for the devotees.

He took suggestions on various aspects of transformation of the temple and related pilgrim/ tourist amenities. He directed the district administration to prepare a master plan for development, a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Thursday.

Pandian reviewed the progress of ongoing Mega Piped Water Supply Projects at a cost of Rs. 956 crore in Badachana, Binjharpur, Dasarathpur, Dharmasala , Rasulpur and Jajpur Block. These projects will provide water supply to the households across all the blocks. The projects will be operationalized in phases from December 2023 onwards. He directed the officials concerned to ensure timely completion and quality of services.

He also reviewed the progress of Mega Lift Irrigation projects at a cost of Rs. 223 Crores and In-stream Storage Structures across Kochila and Baitarani River at a cost of Rs. 373 Crores. These projects will be completed by September 2025. He asked the officials concerned to ensure adherence to project timelines.

During the day, he participated in the Public Grievance Meetings in Badachana, Binjharpur, Dharmasala and Jajpur. He interacted with the public regarding their grievances. He said that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gives top priority towards citizen grievances and assured early resolution of the petitions submitted.

Pandian reviewed the progress of other major ongoing projects in the district such as the new 250 bedded DHH building at Jajpur at a cost of Rs. 98 crores and Sports Stadium and Sports Academy at Jajpur at a cost of Rs. 41 crores. He instructed for early completion of these projects adhering to the principles of 5T.

He also reviewed the progress of major Roads in the district and instructed the officials to ensure timely completion of these projects.

The projects are being constructed at a cost of Rs.2,127 crore in Bangriposi, Samakhunta, Kuliana, Suliapda, Morada, Rasgovindpur, Betnoti, Udala, Gopabandhu Nagar, Kaptipada, Tiring, Bahalda, Jamda, Rairangpur, Saraskana, Bisoi blocks. The projects will be operationalised in phases from October onwards.

He directed the officials to ensure the completion within the timelines. Pandian also reviewed the ongoing Subarnarekha Irrigation project works. Currently, 20,000 acre in Betnoti block is covered, which will increase to 72,000 acre in the coming years, while 11,000 acre in Badasahi will be covered.

He also reviewed the progress of ongoing Mega Lift Irrigation Projects at a cost of Rs. 179 Crores that will irrigate 14,910 Ac in Kuliana, Betnoti and Saraskana Blocks which are in Tender Stage and directed the officials to ensure completion within the timelines.
Pandian also reviewed the progress of various road projects at a cost Rs.245 crore in Bangriposi, Moroda and Udala blocks. He reviewed the progress of Ama Hospitals in Bangriposi, Morada, Betnoti and Udala blocks.

During the day, he participated in the public grievance meetings at Bangriposi, Morada, Betnoti and Udala. He interacted with the public regarding their grievances. He conveyed that Hon’ble Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gives top priority towards citizen grievances and assured early resolution of the petitions submitted.

He interacted with Mission Shakti Groups at Baripada and assured them support from the government for their activities. He visited the Mission Shakti Cafe in Baripada and appreciated their initiative.

Special Secretary to CM R Vineel Krishna, IG Himansu Lal, Collector Vineet Bhardwaj, SP Batula Gangadhar and other district level officials accompanied him during the visit.

Today Pandian first visited the Chandanpur-Joka-Shankhabhanga-Bisoi road and discussed with the local citizens their problems. People explained to him the problem they are facing due to traffic jams at the Bangiriposi cut. An alternate road can help people to bypass the cut. He instructed Rural Works Department to submit a proposal at the earliest.

He then visited the Jagannath Temple in Baripada and reviewed the renovation and other developmental works. He interacted with all stakeholders and assured them of all the support for the temple. The Sevayats appreciated the Chief Minister for sanctioning funds for the transformation and development of Jagannath Temple.

At the Baripada Stadium and the Sports Hostel, he took a review of the sports infrastructure and interacted with the players. He asked the district administration to provide all required support and facilities to the players and to send a proposal for further improvement of sports infrastructure.

He then visited the Balidiha Dam in Shanakhunta Block. He discussed with local citizens and PRI members regarding the demand for developing the dam as a tourist spot. He asked the officials of the Irrigation department to send a proposal accordingly. Also, asked them to examine the feasibility of a Mega Lift Project at the dam site.

He then visited the site at Budhabalanga river where there is a demand for the construction of a flood protection embankment-cum-ring road. He instructed the officials of the Irrigation department to prepare a proposal and send it to Government for approval.

He then visited MKC High School in Baripada which has undergone a transformation under 5T. He interacted with students and enquired about the facilities being provided to the students

Then he visited PRM Medical College & Hospital in Baripada and saw the facilities being provided to the patients. He interacted with the patients and listened to their experiences. He also visited the academic campus of the Medical College and the teaching hospital which is under construction. He also interacted with faculty, students and patients on the workings of various facilities. The feedback was very positive on all fronts.

Pandian visited the residence of Pandit Raghunath Murmu in Baripada and interacted with the citizens of the locality. He assured them about the development of infrastructure at the place. He asked the Collector to discuss with all and submit a proposal within one month for its preservation and development.

He then visited Badjode GP in Baripada Block and interacted with women SHG members of the Guhaldihi Sabai Producer Group. He advised the district administration to send a proposal for the development of infrastructure for the members.

Then he visited Manatri Temple in Badasahi Block and interacted with all stakeholders regarding infrastructure development at the temple. He asked the district administration to send a proposal at the earliest.