The bus services under the scheme would be launched in 6 southern districts including Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati and Kandhamal in the first phase. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will flag off the bus service in Malkangiri on October 12.

In an interaction with the bus employees in Bhubaneswar on Monday, 5(T) secretary VK Pandian said an efficient road communication is the foundation for economic and social development of an area. Considering this, the government has come up with the LAccMI scheme.

“The bus service under the scheme will benefit all sections of the society including school students, members of Mission Shakti, farmers and traders. It would also help the patients and their attendants reach the hospital safely,” he said.

Advising the bus employees to carry out their duties sincerely and consider it as their moral obligation to the society, Pandian stressed on 3 S – Suraksha (security), Subidha (comfort) and Samman (respect) – to be followed by them.

It was also decided to distribute land pattas (Records of Right) to people in Jharsuguda, who were earlier displaced for the construction of multi-purpose Hirakud Dam project

It is worth noting that during his tour of districts, 5T Secretary V K Pandian received several land-related complaints from the people.

People had apprised the 5T Secretary about the long-standing problem of Hirakud Dam displaced persons, land right issues of people residing on government land for a long period of time, ryot issues and several other similar issues.

After 5T Secretary apprised the Chief Minister of these issues, the decision was taken at a meeting held on the direction of the Chief Minister.

Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue Department Satyabrat Sahu, 5T Secretary VK Pandian, Collectors of Ganjam and Jharsuguda and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

It was decided at the meeting to allot pattas to the people after permanent resolution of land-related issues.

The problem of Hirakud Dam displaced persons in Jharsuguda district is of over 50 years. It was decided to resolve the land-related issues of 19 villages which include 18 villages of Lakhanpur tehsil and one village of Jharsuguda tehsil.

A total of 1749 families will be given rights over about 3231 acres of land.

Distribution of pattas will start in the 5 villages – Limeithikra, Sahasbag, Chitlachipalli, Patrapalli and Duanmunda – in December.

5T Secretary visited Ganjam district on August 26. After listening to the problems of the people there, the land issue was resolved in just 5 days.

According to the decision of the meeting, 883 people of 17 villages of Sorada block of Ganjam district will be allotted pattas of homesteads and patta distribution process will be completed by September 22, 2023.

Similarly, 168 people will be given pattas for farmlands and the process will start from October.

The Chief Minister has directed various departments and District Collectors to take timely steps to resolve the various grievances of the people. He will review its progress in mid-September this year

The assistance will be given from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), an official release said.

Writing a letter to Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Naveen has expressed concern over the distress of the people and loss of property following incessant rains and massive floods.

‘My government and the people of Odisha stand firmly by the people of Himachal at this hour of crisis’, said the CM in the letter.

The money will be utilised for repair and restoration in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

The projects will be operationalised in phases from January 2024. He directed the officials concerned to ensure quality of work and timely completion.

Pandian also reviewed the progress of Integrated Development Plan of Ugratara Shakti Pitha Temple being renovated at a cost of Rs. 19 crore at Tangi and development of Maa Bhagabati temple at a cost of Rs. 19 crore in Banpur
.
He reviewed the progress of some other important projects like construction of Fish Landing Centre at a cost of Rs. 35 Cr at Kalupadaghat in Tangi and Sorana in Chilika, construction of New CHC at a cost of Rs. 7 Cr in Banpur, Construction of Biju Patnaik Indoor Stadium at a cost of Rs 12 Cr at Banpur and Balugaon. These projects would be completed in phases from August 2023 onwards.

Later, he interacted with Mission Shakti Groups at Khordha and assured them all support from the government for their activities. He visited Mission Shakti Café at Khordha and appreciated their initiative. He emphasized that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has high priority for women empowerment. He directed the Collector to facilitate the awareness about the interest free loans and also to organise loan melas at Panchayat level.

He also reviewed the progress of the Water Supply Projects at a cost of Rs. 16 Cr to Balugaon NAC and Banpur NAC which would commence soon. This project would solve the water supply issues in both the NACs.

Pandian informed the public regarding the sanction of Construction of Nirakarpur Fly Over Bridge at a cost of Rs. 58 Cr in Tangi Block and Construction of new 132/33 KV Grid Substation at a cost of Rs. 52 Cr at Bolgarh which would commence soon. This would mitigate the low voltage issue in Bolgarh and Begunia Block.

During the day, he participated in the Public Grievance Meetings at Begunia, Khordha and Banpur. He interacted with the public regarding their grievances. He emphasised that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gives top priority towards citizen grievances and assured early resolution of the petitions submitted.

Special Secretary to CM R. Vineel Krishna, IG Ashish Singh, Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarty, SP Siddharth Kataria and other district level officials accompanied him during his visit.

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.

According to an official release by Information & Public Relations Department dated today, the Government of Odisha approved creation of total 902 new posts including 642 teaching posts in higher secondary schools across the state.

The vacancies in the schools, which were upgraded as the Plus 2 college, will be notified and the recruitment process will begin soon.

The School and Mass Education Department had proposed recruitment for 642 post-graduate teachers (PGT) and 260 non-teaching staff to meet the needs of 106 recently upgraded higher secondary schools. The proposal received the Government nod.

As per the release, the Government had asked the department to proactively identify staff shortage and to explore new avenues for job creation in upgraded higher secondary schools.

Recently, total 106 schools have been upgraded in the state adding Class 11 and 12 to the school education. With addition of these new classes, the government created 642 posts for teaching faculties and 260 non-teaching staff. Of approved non-teaching posts, 24 each for Laboratory assistants and Laboratory attendants, 106 Assistant librarians and 106 junior clerks.

The Cabinet meeting, presided by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, extended its approval to 9 proposals. It included the proposal of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department to modify the guidelines of “Ama Gaon Ama Bikash” by giving it a new dimension in the form of “Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha” under State Plan.

The new police would be effective from financial year 2023-24 for taking up measures to augment rural infrastructure leading to accelerated growth as well as to promote, preserve and protect Jagannath culture and tradition of the state.

The scheme aims at providing missing links to the existing small and essential projects and development of infrastructure. It plans to achieve empowerment of women and youth, bridge critical gap in education and provide digital and sports facilities.

There is budget provision of Rs 4000 crore under the scheme from the State Budget. The scheme will cover all Gram Panchayats in each block with entitlement of Rs 50 lakh. The project cost will be between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.

The Cabinet also approved 99 number of 33/11 KV sub-stations and 64 independent lines with an outlay of Rs 1796.73 crore. At present, these projects are under execution.

Following are other major proposals approved by the Cabinet:

Amendment to the Odisha Secretariat Executive Assistants’ and Persona/ Assistants’ (Method of and Conditions of Service) Rules, 1997. It aims at raising the promotion quota of Group-D employees from the existing 5% to 20% in order to provide a wide scope for promotion of Group-D employees to Group-C posts of Junior Executive Assistant.

Sanction of lease of government land measuring 8.69 acre in Balangir in favour of Rajendra University, Balangir for infrastructure development of the University.

The tender of BEKEM Infra Projects Pvt Ltd of Rs 97.24 crore for construction of high level bridge over river Kharasrota on Nua Bazar-Balitara Ghat Road in Kendrapada district through EPC mode. The project is targeted to be completed within 30 months.

Exemption of Kharif Compulsory Basic Water Rate (CBWR) of non- recurring amount of Rs 4,37,120 and recurring amount of Rs 36,103 for non-supply of KALO Irrigation Project canal water to the farmers of Kainsari village under Udala block of Mayurbhanj district.

Proposal for inclusion of Kui language in 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

The State government is committed to converting the investment intents into ground reality and in this endeavour, holds SLSWCA meetings at regular intervals to fast-track the grounding of projects. This showcases the government’s intent to reinforce Odisha’s rank as 2nd among the States in attracting ongoing investments in FY 2023. Projects spread across diverse sectors like Metal Downstream and Ancillary, Chemicals, Food Processing, Agro Processing, Plastics, Textiles Apparel, IT & ESDM, and Renewable Energy received approvals in the 119th SLSWCA. The approved projects will be set up across various parts of the State including Balasore, Bolangir, Kalhandi,Khurda,and Jajpur Districts.

Odisha has consistently been a leader in the mining and metallurgy sector owing to its natural resource advantage. However, in the last few years, due to concerted efforts by the Government of Odisha, the State has been able to broad-base its industrial ecosystem.The State has attracted one of the leading multinational companies infood-processing sector in the form of Nestlé India Limited. Nestle will be setting up a food processing unit with an investment of over Rs 890 crores providing employment to over 800 people.

In the Textiles & Apparel sector, M/s. Colortone Garments Pvt Ltd (a subsidiary of First Step Baby-Wear), the 2nd largest baby-wear manufacturer in India is setting up an integrated apparel manufacturing facility along with 1.2 MW Rooftop captive solar power plant with an investment of over Rs 200 crores providing employment to over 4820 people.

Similarly, a marquee name in the chemicals sector, Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited also receives approval to set up their first chemical manufacturing unit in Odisha with an investment of over Rs 980 crores providing employment to over 1400 people.

Odisha is also becoming a major investment destination for companies in the plastics sector and threekey projects were approved in this sector during the 119th SLSWCA. IDVB Recycling Operations Pvt Ltd. is setting up a new unit of recycled pet flakes and recycled per resin products having an annual capacity of 63,000 MT with an investment of Rs 318 Crores providing employment to over 240 people. Purv Packaging Pvt Ltd is setting up a new manufacturing unit for Plastic caps, Pet preforms and other allied products, having an annual capacity of 1,017.70 Million Pcs with an investment of Rs 152 Crores providing employment to over 133 people.RDB Rasayans Ltd.is setting up of a new manufacturing unit for Flexible intermediate bulk containers & other allied products, having annual capacity of 6,000MT with an investment of Rs 59 Crores providing employment to over 390 people.

While Odisha remains the leader in the production of Steel, Stainless Steel, Alumina and Aluminium, it is also emerging as the leader in the metal downstream and ancillary sector. This claim was further strengthened today when the SLSWCA approved another two projects in the Metal Downstream and Ancillary sectors. The projects of Beekay Utkal Steel Private Limited and IFGL Refractories Limited were approved which aim to provide employment to more than 350 people of Odisha with an investment of over Rs 260 Crores. IFGL Refractories Limited, one of the leading refractory manufacturers in the country is setting up its 2nd unit in the State, while Beekay Utkal Steel Private Limited, a leading metal downstream company is setting up its 3rdunit in the state.

In the IT & ESDM sector, the committee gave a nod to 1 project, by Nisum Consulting Private Limited with an investment of INR 200 crores. The company proposes to set upa software development centre facility which will provide employment opportunities to over 640 people in Odisha.