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 per preliminary information, the mishap took place near Bhalukuma in Anandpur area of the district in the morning when students of an educational institution were returning from a picnic in the bus.

Sources said around 50 Plus II students of an educational institution in Soro area of Balasore district had been to Sambalpur for a picnic.

While returning, the driver of the bus lost control over the wheels near a turn and the vehicle dashed against the truck from rear. Several students were injured in the mishap.

All of the injured were immediately taken to the Anandpur sub-divisional hospital for treatment. The bus driver and some students were stated to have sustained critical injuries in the accident.

The accused, Debasis Mohapatra, had demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 15,000 from an Ayurvedic assistant to prepare arrear salary bill and drawl of the same. He was caught red-handed while accepting an advance of Rs 5,000. The entire bribe money has been recovered from Mohapatra and seized, a Vigilance release said.

While case has been registered at Balasore Vigilance police station under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, simultaneous searches are on at 3 locations liked to Mohapatra to ascertained whether he has accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

As many as 180 students have taken admission in the programme which is carried out under Odisha Up-skilling and Placement Programme.

Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian interacted with the trainees on digital mode and encouraged them. “This training programme has been organised for you by the Odisha government. Therefore, in whichever place or country you are, whenever you get a chance to serve Odisha, please do it,” he said.

The state government has launched the Odisha Up-skilling and Placement Programme (OUPP) under its 5T initiative. It aims at training the youths, up-skilling them in cutting edge technology and ensuring assured placement opportunities in the IT sector.

The first phase of the programme is executed in Keonjhar in collaboration with Tech Mahindra Limited as training partner and Tata Steel Foundation as skilling partner. The programme offers free of cost training, lodging, boarding and transport facilities.

This will bring convenience and affordable public transit system for the residents in the mining district. The CRUT Board has also announced several transformative decisions aimed at fostering a more efficient and environmentally conscious urban transport system.

In alignment with recently announced PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, CRUT envisions plying e-bus service in key locations across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Keonjhar and Sambalpur. This strategic move not only emphasises CRUT’s commitment towards environmental responsibility but also places Odisha at the forefront in embracing innovative and eco-friendly transportation alternatives.

To complement these groundbreaking initiatives, CRUT has outlined a comprehensive infrastructure development plan. Key infrastructure development projects include the construction of a modern Bus Depot at Naraj in Cuttack, a dedicated EV Depot at Gadakana and a State-of-the-Art Bus Depot at Pokhariput in Bhubaneswar.

Further, CRUT envisions the creation of an Electric Charging Station at OD Terminal Ghatikia, Bhubaneswar, as well as the establishment of OD Terminals at strategic locations such as Chatrapur, Gopalpur and Haladipadar in Ganjam; and in Modipada and Ainthapalli in Sambalpur. Addressing the need for revitalized facilities, CRUT has allocated resources for the repair, renovation and improvement of the existing Bus Terminal at Master Canteen in Bhubaneswar. These infrastructure initiatives and upgrades are expected to significantly elevate the travel experience for citizens.

Among the other members of the board of directors, Principal Secretary of H&UD G. Mathi Vathanan, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Police Commissioner Soumendra Priyadarshi, Managing Director of CRUT Arun Bothra, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, Bhubaneswar Development Authority VC and MD, Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited Balwant Singh, Cuttack Municipal Corporation Commissioner and CDA Vice Chairman Nikhil Pawan Kalyan, Collectors of Sambalpur and Jharsuguda, Ganjam & Kendujhar were present.

The body of Sushant reached Anandapur this morning and then taken to the cremation ground in a procession followed by a a large number of mourners. The town reverberated with chants of ‘Veer jawan Sushant amar rahe’ as the procession moved.

The cremation was attended by a number of distinguished personalities from the area. He was accorded a full state honour before his body was consigned to the flames.

Sushant was killed during an encounter with Maoists in the forest under Tonto police limits of ​​West Singhbhum district in neighbouring Jharkhand on Friday. He was engaged with the CRPF since 2012.

According to sources, two jawans of CRPF’s 60th battalion were injured in the encounter with the Central Committee of the CPI-Maoist outfit and Misir Besra squad with a reward of Rs 1 crore. They were airlifted to Ranchi. Sushant, who was shot near the chest, was declared dead by the doctors at Medica. The other CRPF constable, Munna Lal, is out of danger.

Sushant had reportedly got married four months ago and his wife is now working as an ANM worker in Telkoi area of Keonjhar. His elder brother, who was also posted with CRPF, was killed a few years ago, while another died of cancer. His father had passed away last year. His mother is undergoing treatment for some illness at a hospital in Bhubaneswar, the sources added.