Expressbuzz, Nov 24, 2009
BHAWANIPATNA: Stage is set for cotton plucking in Kalahandi district and sources said cotton will be ready for marketing next week. However, farmers are a worried lot because of the uncertainty in procurement of cotton.
This year cotton is grown on 18,292 hectares and the agriculture department expects a yield of about 2. 2 lakh quintals. Last year the major procuring agent was Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) which procured 40 percent of the 2.06 lakh quintals harvested in the district. The rest was procured by some private firms who entered into an agreement with farmers under contract farming system and others who got licences to procure cotton at mandies.
But as these private traders failed to fulfil the terms and conditions of the MoU, it has been decided that there would be no contract farming this year. Also the private traders, who participate in the procurement at mandies, have not renewed their licences this year. To add to the uncertainty, this year CCI is planning to procure cotton only at its ginning mill sight at Kesinga.
This has caused concern among farmers. In the district-level cotton development committee meeting held here recently attended by farmer representatives, district-level officials, representative of Regulated Market Committee (RMC) and CCI and cotton traders, the farmer representatives expressing concern said the CCI should procure cotton from ‘mandi’ points because it will be difficult on the part of farmers to carry their products to Kesinga from far away places.
The meeting decided that four regular mandies and two temporary mandies of RMC will operate for smooth cotton procurement. But as the private traders are yet to renew their licences to participate in the procurement in the mandies, uncertainty prevails over procurement. Farmers of the district expect active intervention of CCI this year like last year to streamline the procurement process.
If the uncertainty prevails, market-watchers say it may lead to distress sale and farmer unrest.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Quality system for organic products
Expressbuzz, Nov 24, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: Orissa’s organic products sector could soon find a firm footing in the international markets, thanks to a comprehensive quality and standards assessment mechanism that is being put in place by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Union Ministry of Commerce.
APEDA is all set to launch the web-based Traceability System that will contain realtime information on the products by January. The global launch of the traceability software at Biofach, the world’s largest trade fair on organic products, in Germany a month later.
Importers, buyers and consumers will then be able to trace and affirm the quality maintenance of the organic products “right from the farm to fork,” as APEDA chairman Asit Tripathy put it. The system would have the minutest of details from not only the names of the farmers, farming practices, use of implements, certifications, path of the produce to processing and packaging. So comprehensive the system is that it would have the longitude and latitude details of the farms so as to enable the enquirers to actually see them realtime through Google Earth,” Tripathy said.
The mechanism has been devised to assuage the quality concerns of the major international markets, particularly European Union, the USA and Japan which have raised objections over residue levels. Traceability system has been already on ground for individual produce like grapes (grapenet) and pomegranates (anarnet) and deemed successful. The plan is to include all the around 550 products under the ambit of APEDA in the system, Tripathy said.
Organic products are high in demand worldwide. In 2008-09, export volume from India was to the tune of 44,476.23 tonne at Rs 536.9 crore. The growth rate for exports has been pegged at 50 per cent and rising. Orissa with its rich and varied resources can be a significant contributor to the organic product exports. Currently as many as 24 projects are on in cotton, medicinal plants, pulses, ginger, turmeric, spices, banana, peanut, sunflower, vegetables, mango, tamarind, coffee, rice, soap nut, mustard, orange, cashew nut and pineapple, etc.
About 63,436 hectares have been covered with around 33,651 farmers spanning Balangir, Phulbani, Koraput, Kalahandi, Titlagarh and Gajapati, advisor (org. products) of APEDA Dr PVSM Gouri said.
The authority has also started training stakeholders on the system and its processes like certification across the country and held one here today. While there are about 18 certifying agencies in the country accredited by APEDA, the Orissa State Seed and Organic Products Certification Agency is likely to become the certifier agency for Orissa.
BHUBANESWAR: Orissa’s organic products sector could soon find a firm footing in the international markets, thanks to a comprehensive quality and standards assessment mechanism that is being put in place by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Union Ministry of Commerce.
APEDA is all set to launch the web-based Traceability System that will contain realtime information on the products by January. The global launch of the traceability software at Biofach, the world’s largest trade fair on organic products, in Germany a month later.
Importers, buyers and consumers will then be able to trace and affirm the quality maintenance of the organic products “right from the farm to fork,” as APEDA chairman Asit Tripathy put it. The system would have the minutest of details from not only the names of the farmers, farming practices, use of implements, certifications, path of the produce to processing and packaging. So comprehensive the system is that it would have the longitude and latitude details of the farms so as to enable the enquirers to actually see them realtime through Google Earth,” Tripathy said.
The mechanism has been devised to assuage the quality concerns of the major international markets, particularly European Union, the USA and Japan which have raised objections over residue levels. Traceability system has been already on ground for individual produce like grapes (grapenet) and pomegranates (anarnet) and deemed successful. The plan is to include all the around 550 products under the ambit of APEDA in the system, Tripathy said.
Organic products are high in demand worldwide. In 2008-09, export volume from India was to the tune of 44,476.23 tonne at Rs 536.9 crore. The growth rate for exports has been pegged at 50 per cent and rising. Orissa with its rich and varied resources can be a significant contributor to the organic product exports. Currently as many as 24 projects are on in cotton, medicinal plants, pulses, ginger, turmeric, spices, banana, peanut, sunflower, vegetables, mango, tamarind, coffee, rice, soap nut, mustard, orange, cashew nut and pineapple, etc.
About 63,436 hectares have been covered with around 33,651 farmers spanning Balangir, Phulbani, Koraput, Kalahandi, Titlagarh and Gajapati, advisor (org. products) of APEDA Dr PVSM Gouri said.
The authority has also started training stakeholders on the system and its processes like certification across the country and held one here today. While there are about 18 certifying agencies in the country accredited by APEDA, the Orissa State Seed and Organic Products Certification Agency is likely to become the certifier agency for Orissa.
NRO activist stresses multi-disciplinary varsities in State
The Pioneer, Nov 24, 2009
PNS | Bhubaneswar
Noted non-resident Odia (NRO) activist Digambara Patra has requested the Higher Education Task Force of the Odisha Government to give emphasis on reforming towards multi-disciplinary universities in the State like in US and Europe, instead of specialised universities as envisaged by the task force.
Unfortunately, instead of bringing reform in administration to effectively administer all the affiliated colleges within a university, our policy makers are separating those out of university which is not the need of the hour. A multi-disciplinary education and multi-cultural environment is needed to compete at the international level, Patra expressed in his letter.
There is a section of educationalists in India who think these kind of special universities are more political than for acquiring knowledge. By establishing such kinds of special universities we are not doing any favour towards the real cause of education, knowledge gaining, sharing and inter-disciplinary research except doing a favour for the politicians and administration, opined Patra who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, American University of Beirut.
One should not limit a university similar to the Utkal University of Culture. Rather the objective should be that it fulfills the requirement qualitatively as well. Instead of going by population or urbanisation and establishing universities in each town or city, 13 undivided districts should get independent status in higher education through a complete university, so that they build their own future.
Of course, this will balance the regional imbalance existing today in higher education as well as bring effectiveness in knowledge acquiring and sharing, explained Patra in his letter.
Such multi-disciplinary universities in each undivided district can independently fulfill all the local needs and should have authority to perform and, if required, open new campus in its locality which will bring accountability to the process without political/regional favouritism, he further suggested. Autonomous colleges in each district may work independently but affiliating with their local universities, he intimated in the letter.
PNS | Bhubaneswar
Noted non-resident Odia (NRO) activist Digambara Patra has requested the Higher Education Task Force of the Odisha Government to give emphasis on reforming towards multi-disciplinary universities in the State like in US and Europe, instead of specialised universities as envisaged by the task force.
Unfortunately, instead of bringing reform in administration to effectively administer all the affiliated colleges within a university, our policy makers are separating those out of university which is not the need of the hour. A multi-disciplinary education and multi-cultural environment is needed to compete at the international level, Patra expressed in his letter.
There is a section of educationalists in India who think these kind of special universities are more political than for acquiring knowledge. By establishing such kinds of special universities we are not doing any favour towards the real cause of education, knowledge gaining, sharing and inter-disciplinary research except doing a favour for the politicians and administration, opined Patra who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, American University of Beirut.
One should not limit a university similar to the Utkal University of Culture. Rather the objective should be that it fulfills the requirement qualitatively as well. Instead of going by population or urbanisation and establishing universities in each town or city, 13 undivided districts should get independent status in higher education through a complete university, so that they build their own future.
Of course, this will balance the regional imbalance existing today in higher education as well as bring effectiveness in knowledge acquiring and sharing, explained Patra in his letter.
Such multi-disciplinary universities in each undivided district can independently fulfill all the local needs and should have authority to perform and, if required, open new campus in its locality which will bring accountability to the process without political/regional favouritism, he further suggested. Autonomous colleges in each district may work independently but affiliating with their local universities, he intimated in the letter.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Vedanta Aluminum to double alumina output after mine approval
Steelguru.com, Nov 23, 2009
Bloomberg reported that Vedanta Aluminum Limited plans to double alumina production once it gains approval to mine bauxite in Orissa. Approval for the mine will come soon.
Mr Mukesh Kumar COO of the unit of Vedanta Resources Plc said that once approval is given it will take 8 months to increase refinery output to 1.4 million tonnes.
Mr Kumar said that "We will have steady raw material supply and our costs would significantly come down once the mine becomes operational as there will be no additional freight cost."
Vedanta Aluminum plans to spend as much as INR 80 billion to raise refining capacity to 6 million tonne by 2013. Aluminum is made from alumina which is refined from bauxite.
Mr Kumar said that "We have applied for the approval of the refinery expansion and would proportionately seek to secure raw material supplies."
Vedanta Aluminum is currently producing alumina at a rate of 700,000 tonnes per year below the 1 million tonnes capacity because of delays in securing mining rights from the federal government.
(Sourced from Bloomberg)
NOTE: Since Refinery provides less job opportunity and downstream industries compared to smelter, VAL should be pursued to establish a Aluminium smelter in Kalahandi.
Bloomberg reported that Vedanta Aluminum Limited plans to double alumina production once it gains approval to mine bauxite in Orissa. Approval for the mine will come soon.
Mr Mukesh Kumar COO of the unit of Vedanta Resources Plc said that once approval is given it will take 8 months to increase refinery output to 1.4 million tonnes.
Mr Kumar said that "We will have steady raw material supply and our costs would significantly come down once the mine becomes operational as there will be no additional freight cost."
Vedanta Aluminum plans to spend as much as INR 80 billion to raise refining capacity to 6 million tonne by 2013. Aluminum is made from alumina which is refined from bauxite.
Mr Kumar said that "We have applied for the approval of the refinery expansion and would proportionately seek to secure raw material supplies."
Vedanta Aluminum is currently producing alumina at a rate of 700,000 tonnes per year below the 1 million tonnes capacity because of delays in securing mining rights from the federal government.
(Sourced from Bloomberg)
NOTE: Since Refinery provides less job opportunity and downstream industries compared to smelter, VAL should be pursued to establish a Aluminium smelter in Kalahandi.
Vendata expects quick nod for Orissa project
Business Standard, Nov 23, 2009
Mining giant Vedanta Resources today said it expects speedy clearance from the Centre for bauxite mining at the Niyamgiri hills in Orissa after the state government claimed the project would not cause any displacement of tribals.
"I hope the statement of the minister would expedite the process (of grant of the mining lease)," Vedanta Resources Chief Executive Officer M S Mehta told PTI in a telephonic interview.
Orissa Steel and Mines Minister Raghunath Mohanty informed the Assembly last week that "not a single family of Dangaria Kandha tribe lived at the proposed mining area of Lanjigarh, located between Rayagada and Kalahandi districts" and there would be no displacement.
The company is understood to be awaiting final clearance from the Union Environment Ministry.
Vedanta Resources will enter into a joint venture with Orissa Mining Corporation for mining bauxite at the Niyamgiri hills to feed its upcoming alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in the state.
The proposed mining project has reportedly been facing protest from locals as well as international NGOs over allegation of tribal displacement.
Mehta said, "The Minister's clarification should settle the undesirable and malicious debate which has been taking place at the behest of vested parties."
"There have been misplaced concerns about displacement. All the independent environment-impact studies have revealed that there would be no displacement due to our project," Mehta said.
The project, which would start within four months of final clearance from the Centre, would bring $2 billion investment in a phased manner in "one of the poorest areas" in the country, he said.
"The $2 billion has the potential to transform the socio-economic condition of the people of the poor region."
Asked if the global company is disappointed over the regulatory delays to commence the project, Mehta said, "We feel sorry for the locals as development of the region is getting delayed. The approval has taken longer than expected time but is progressing along the channel."
The green bench of the Supreme Court last year gave approval to the project along with that to Rs 54,000-crore steel project of Posco in the state.
Vedanta Resources has planned an investment of $8 billion (around Rs 37,000 crore) in the state across its projects in the power and aluminium sector.
However, there are Dangaria' and 'Kutia' Kandha population living on periphery of the Niyamgiri hills and steps are being taken towards there welfare, Mehta said.
Mining giant Vedanta Resources today said it expects speedy clearance from the Centre for bauxite mining at the Niyamgiri hills in Orissa after the state government claimed the project would not cause any displacement of tribals.
"I hope the statement of the minister would expedite the process (of grant of the mining lease)," Vedanta Resources Chief Executive Officer M S Mehta told PTI in a telephonic interview.
Orissa Steel and Mines Minister Raghunath Mohanty informed the Assembly last week that "not a single family of Dangaria Kandha tribe lived at the proposed mining area of Lanjigarh, located between Rayagada and Kalahandi districts" and there would be no displacement.
The company is understood to be awaiting final clearance from the Union Environment Ministry.
Vedanta Resources will enter into a joint venture with Orissa Mining Corporation for mining bauxite at the Niyamgiri hills to feed its upcoming alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in the state.
The proposed mining project has reportedly been facing protest from locals as well as international NGOs over allegation of tribal displacement.
Mehta said, "The Minister's clarification should settle the undesirable and malicious debate which has been taking place at the behest of vested parties."
"There have been misplaced concerns about displacement. All the independent environment-impact studies have revealed that there would be no displacement due to our project," Mehta said.
The project, which would start within four months of final clearance from the Centre, would bring $2 billion investment in a phased manner in "one of the poorest areas" in the country, he said.
"The $2 billion has the potential to transform the socio-economic condition of the people of the poor region."
Asked if the global company is disappointed over the regulatory delays to commence the project, Mehta said, "We feel sorry for the locals as development of the region is getting delayed. The approval has taken longer than expected time but is progressing along the channel."
The green bench of the Supreme Court last year gave approval to the project along with that to Rs 54,000-crore steel project of Posco in the state.
Vedanta Resources has planned an investment of $8 billion (around Rs 37,000 crore) in the state across its projects in the power and aluminium sector.
However, there are Dangaria' and 'Kutia' Kandha population living on periphery of the Niyamgiri hills and steps are being taken towards there welfare, Mehta said.
Farmers resent slow paddy procurement
Expressbuzz, Nov 23, 2009
BHAWANIPATNA: Resentment is brewing among the farmers of Kalahandi over tardy progress of paddy procurement in the current kharif season.For 2009-2010, it was targeted to procure 3,82,352 MT of paddy from Kalahandi of which, about 2 lakh MT was targeted to be procured during current kharif season and the rest in rabi. Bulk of the produce was expected from the farmers of Indravati ayacut areas.As per the State Government, procurement was channelised through primary agriculture cooperative societies (PACS) in 77 centres across the district.The PACS would act as commission agents for procurement of paddy from farmers on behalf of the Orissa Civil Supplies Corporation (OCSC).It was decided that the OCSC would lift the stock from PACS through custom millers and the procurement would begin by November 10. However since then, procurement has been on at a snail’s pace.Although 64 rice mills of the district have so far signed an agreement with the Civil Supplies Corporation to act as custom millers but till date, only 19 millers have participated in lifting of 909 MT of paddy through the PACS. Besides, FCI has so far procured just 400 MT of paddy from nine centres.Sources alleged that most of the rice millers who had agreed to act as custom millers of OCSC are avoiding participation disrupting procurement process.Recently, the Managing Director of Civil Supplies Corporation Suresh Kumar Basistha visited various pockets under Indravati ayacut area to take stock of the situation. Department sources said Basistha was critical of the defaulting rice mills and advised the district administration to tag rice mills of the neighbouring districts in the procurement process if the problem continued.He asked PACS to start procurement as per the terms of the agreement with OCSC. He also directed OCSC to open at least one mandi in each block for smooth procurement.Sources said most of the PACS lack basic infrastructure for storage, weighing, cleaning and moisture testing facilities.Farmer leader and president of Charbahal PACS Anil Nanda said the custom millers should be warned of action if they don’t join procurement process in the PACS at the earliest.
BHAWANIPATNA: Resentment is brewing among the farmers of Kalahandi over tardy progress of paddy procurement in the current kharif season.For 2009-2010, it was targeted to procure 3,82,352 MT of paddy from Kalahandi of which, about 2 lakh MT was targeted to be procured during current kharif season and the rest in rabi. Bulk of the produce was expected from the farmers of Indravati ayacut areas.As per the State Government, procurement was channelised through primary agriculture cooperative societies (PACS) in 77 centres across the district.The PACS would act as commission agents for procurement of paddy from farmers on behalf of the Orissa Civil Supplies Corporation (OCSC).It was decided that the OCSC would lift the stock from PACS through custom millers and the procurement would begin by November 10. However since then, procurement has been on at a snail’s pace.Although 64 rice mills of the district have so far signed an agreement with the Civil Supplies Corporation to act as custom millers but till date, only 19 millers have participated in lifting of 909 MT of paddy through the PACS. Besides, FCI has so far procured just 400 MT of paddy from nine centres.Sources alleged that most of the rice millers who had agreed to act as custom millers of OCSC are avoiding participation disrupting procurement process.Recently, the Managing Director of Civil Supplies Corporation Suresh Kumar Basistha visited various pockets under Indravati ayacut area to take stock of the situation. Department sources said Basistha was critical of the defaulting rice mills and advised the district administration to tag rice mills of the neighbouring districts in the procurement process if the problem continued.He asked PACS to start procurement as per the terms of the agreement with OCSC. He also directed OCSC to open at least one mandi in each block for smooth procurement.Sources said most of the PACS lack basic infrastructure for storage, weighing, cleaning and moisture testing facilities.Farmer leader and president of Charbahal PACS Anil Nanda said the custom millers should be warned of action if they don’t join procurement process in the PACS at the earliest.
MPs demand ESIC medical at Rourkela
Expressbuzz, Nov 23, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: Four senior Congress MPs from Western Orissa have demanded establishment of the proposed ESIC medical college and hospital at Rourkela in Sundargarh district instead of near the Capital for which the State Government is insisting on.Though the maximum number of industrial and mine workers reside in the area which is tribal dominated, it has been neglected in the health sector since Independence, the four MPs said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The four MPs, former chief minister Hemananda Biswal, former Union minister Bhakta Charan Das, former minister Amarnath Pradhan and Sanjay Bhoi, said that the area includes border districts and industrial belt of Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Bargarh and Sambalpur. Out of the 2.4 lakh ESI insured persons in the State, 1.4 lakh are from this area, they said and added that the first public sector integrated steel plant was established at Rourkela in 1955.That the area has been neglected is evident from the fact it has only one medical college and hospital, they said, adding that it does not have a super speciality medical and health care facility. They said that regional imbalance will have to be bridged for overall development of the State as well as gaining the confidence of the tribals.Though several medical colleges are going to be set up in the State in the near future, none of these has been proposed to be established in this region.While the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is going to be set up near Bhubaneswar, another medical recommended by the Human Resource Development Ministry will be set up in the coastal district. Besides, another medical college recommended by the Ministry of Railways will be established at Bhubaneswar. Two more medical colleges have been recommended to be set up Koraput and Talcher. Bhubaneswar city also has three private medical colleges and hospitals, they said.The MPs said that the establishment of an ESI medical college and hospital will cater to their needs of the industrial workers in a tribal-dominated region. Besides, it will create more employment and means of livelihood contributing to the economy of the area, they added.
BHUBANESWAR: Four senior Congress MPs from Western Orissa have demanded establishment of the proposed ESIC medical college and hospital at Rourkela in Sundargarh district instead of near the Capital for which the State Government is insisting on.Though the maximum number of industrial and mine workers reside in the area which is tribal dominated, it has been neglected in the health sector since Independence, the four MPs said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The four MPs, former chief minister Hemananda Biswal, former Union minister Bhakta Charan Das, former minister Amarnath Pradhan and Sanjay Bhoi, said that the area includes border districts and industrial belt of Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Bargarh and Sambalpur. Out of the 2.4 lakh ESI insured persons in the State, 1.4 lakh are from this area, they said and added that the first public sector integrated steel plant was established at Rourkela in 1955.That the area has been neglected is evident from the fact it has only one medical college and hospital, they said, adding that it does not have a super speciality medical and health care facility. They said that regional imbalance will have to be bridged for overall development of the State as well as gaining the confidence of the tribals.Though several medical colleges are going to be set up in the State in the near future, none of these has been proposed to be established in this region.While the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is going to be set up near Bhubaneswar, another medical recommended by the Human Resource Development Ministry will be set up in the coastal district. Besides, another medical college recommended by the Ministry of Railways will be established at Bhubaneswar. Two more medical colleges have been recommended to be set up Koraput and Talcher. Bhubaneswar city also has three private medical colleges and hospitals, they said.The MPs said that the establishment of an ESI medical college and hospital will cater to their needs of the industrial workers in a tribal-dominated region. Besides, it will create more employment and means of livelihood contributing to the economy of the area, they added.
B’patna girl wins Vigilance debate competition
The Pioneer, Nov 23, 2009
Bhawanipatna: On the occasion of the closing ceremony of the Vigilance Awareness Week at the Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar, Pratyusha Behera of Class-IX of Sri Satya Sai Vidya Mandir, Bhawanipatna, received the first prize from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his performance in the State-level debate competition.
Bhawanipatna: On the occasion of the closing ceremony of the Vigilance Awareness Week at the Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar, Pratyusha Behera of Class-IX of Sri Satya Sai Vidya Mandir, Bhawanipatna, received the first prize from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his performance in the State-level debate competition.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Dharmagarh and Nuapda among 15 new Notified Area Councils in Odisha
Note: Dharmagarh has been proposed for NAC since past 15 years, however, state Govt. has not yet approved it.
15 new Notified Area Councils proposed
The Pioneer, Nov 22, 2009
Bhubaneswar: Urban Development Minister Badri Narayan Patra told the State Assembly on Friday that the Government has a proposal to constitute 15 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) in the State. Replying to a question by BJD member Bijay Nayak, he said the areas like Bhogarai, Hindol, Sakhigopal, Brahmagiri, Chandikhol, Dharmasala, Salepur, Dharmagarh, Attabira, Betonati, Tusara, Simulia, Muniguda, Chandbali and Nuapada have been identified for the new NACs.
15 new Notified Area Councils proposed
The Pioneer, Nov 22, 2009
Bhubaneswar: Urban Development Minister Badri Narayan Patra told the State Assembly on Friday that the Government has a proposal to constitute 15 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) in the State. Replying to a question by BJD member Bijay Nayak, he said the areas like Bhogarai, Hindol, Sakhigopal, Brahmagiri, Chandikhol, Dharmasala, Salepur, Dharmagarh, Attabira, Betonati, Tusara, Simulia, Muniguda, Chandbali and Nuapada have been identified for the new NACs.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Kalahandi missing for major industrial parks in Odisha
Industries must benefit common man: CM
Expressbuzz, Nov 21, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: Inclusive growth is one of the biggest challenges before industrialisation. In order to make the process of growth inclusive, impact of industrial progress has to be visibly felt on the lives of the common man, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said here today.Unveiling ‘Enterprise Orissa 2009,’ the annual flagship event of CII Orissa, Naveen said, one way of actively promoting these beneficial impact is through enhanced employment opportunities for local people - directly or indirectly.The State Government, he said, has set clear guidelines for employment of the local community at various skill levels by the industries.However, the much more has to be done by industries in this regard who the Chief Minister said must promote ancillary and downstream activities. An aluminium park is being set up at Angul, while other similar projects include a stainless steel park at Kalinga Nagar, downstream park at Rourkela, plastic park in Balasore and a bio-technology park near Khurda. Since employability improvement is a major thrust area, Naveen laid emphasis on technical education and said the number of students who pass out from ITIs and polytechnics has increased from about 15,000 to one lakh a year.“Greater thrust is being given to curriculum development and enhancement of infrastructure for continued development of technical education, he said adding, all the industries setting up new projects have been asked to set up one or two ITIs in their locality.Speaking on the occasion CII Eastern Region Chairman Mukul Somany said the organisation has worked on assessing skill set gaps in the State. One of the major tasks is to bridge the gap to improve employability and increase the value chain as development of ancillary and downstream industries. Industries Secretary Saurav Garg, State CII Chairman SS Nandurdikar, past chairman SK Mohapatra and vice-chairman RK Jena also spoke.
Expressbuzz, Nov 21, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: Inclusive growth is one of the biggest challenges before industrialisation. In order to make the process of growth inclusive, impact of industrial progress has to be visibly felt on the lives of the common man, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said here today.Unveiling ‘Enterprise Orissa 2009,’ the annual flagship event of CII Orissa, Naveen said, one way of actively promoting these beneficial impact is through enhanced employment opportunities for local people - directly or indirectly.The State Government, he said, has set clear guidelines for employment of the local community at various skill levels by the industries.However, the much more has to be done by industries in this regard who the Chief Minister said must promote ancillary and downstream activities. An aluminium park is being set up at Angul, while other similar projects include a stainless steel park at Kalinga Nagar, downstream park at Rourkela, plastic park in Balasore and a bio-technology park near Khurda. Since employability improvement is a major thrust area, Naveen laid emphasis on technical education and said the number of students who pass out from ITIs and polytechnics has increased from about 15,000 to one lakh a year.“Greater thrust is being given to curriculum development and enhancement of infrastructure for continued development of technical education, he said adding, all the industries setting up new projects have been asked to set up one or two ITIs in their locality.Speaking on the occasion CII Eastern Region Chairman Mukul Somany said the organisation has worked on assessing skill set gaps in the State. One of the major tasks is to bridge the gap to improve employability and increase the value chain as development of ancillary and downstream industries. Industries Secretary Saurav Garg, State CII Chairman SS Nandurdikar, past chairman SK Mohapatra and vice-chairman RK Jena also spoke.
Women weave a success story
Expressbuzz, Nov 21, 2009
BHAWANIPATNA: Barel y literate, women from Boridapa hamlet of Palsapada village under Narla block in Kalahandi, who joined hands and formed Maa Santoshi Mahila Mandal SHG, are now expert agriculturists.With the help of the Western Orissa Rural Livelihood Programme (WORLP), implemented by NGO Sahabhagi Vikas Abhiyan in the area, the SHG learnt about the dynamics of farming. The SHG was formed in 2005 with the help of the WORLP that provided them a revolving fund of Rs 20,000. Six months later, the SHG could get a bank loan of Rs 25,000 from SBI. The women utilised the funds for cultivating cotton and pisciculture on two acres of land.They could repay the loan after one and a half years and were able to get the second phase of funds of Rs 2,76,000 from the bank under the Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) at 50 per cent subsidy. The initial success was stimulus for new ventures. The group decided to take up banana cultivation in over five acres. With training in banana farming and assistance from the WORLP, the SHG is reaping profits now.SHG president Puspa Sahu said the members receive daily wages and they have cleared all the loans.During the current year, after repayment of bank dues, the group members have shared profit at the rate of Rs 20,000 per head besides depositing Rs 70,000 in savings bank account of the group. “This was only possible with the dedication of the SHG members and timely guidance by the WORLP,” she said.
BHAWANIPATNA: Barel y literate, women from Boridapa hamlet of Palsapada village under Narla block in Kalahandi, who joined hands and formed Maa Santoshi Mahila Mandal SHG, are now expert agriculturists.With the help of the Western Orissa Rural Livelihood Programme (WORLP), implemented by NGO Sahabhagi Vikas Abhiyan in the area, the SHG learnt about the dynamics of farming. The SHG was formed in 2005 with the help of the WORLP that provided them a revolving fund of Rs 20,000. Six months later, the SHG could get a bank loan of Rs 25,000 from SBI. The women utilised the funds for cultivating cotton and pisciculture on two acres of land.They could repay the loan after one and a half years and were able to get the second phase of funds of Rs 2,76,000 from the bank under the Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) at 50 per cent subsidy. The initial success was stimulus for new ventures. The group decided to take up banana cultivation in over five acres. With training in banana farming and assistance from the WORLP, the SHG is reaping profits now.SHG president Puspa Sahu said the members receive daily wages and they have cleared all the loans.During the current year, after repayment of bank dues, the group members have shared profit at the rate of Rs 20,000 per head besides depositing Rs 70,000 in savings bank account of the group. “This was only possible with the dedication of the SHG members and timely guidance by the WORLP,” she said.
Govt admits not enough doctors
Note: Thankfully vacancies in Kalahandi has reduced from 68 to 32 recently because diaherra.
Expressbuzz, Nov 21, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: Health and Family Welfare Minister Prasanna Acharya today informed the Assembly that 578 posts assistant surgeons are vacant in the State.In a written reply to a question from Amar Prasad Satpathy of the NCP, the Minister said 2034 doctors are in position in different hospitals as against the sanctioned strength of 2612.Highest number of 50 vacancies are in Keonjhar district followed by 41 in Koraput district. While 33 posts are vacant in Kandhamal district, Kalahandi is short by 32 doctors. Dhenkanal and Kendrapara districts have also reported 30 vacancies each.Lowest vacancy of one post is in Boudh while Gajapati and Sonepur have three vacancies each. There are eight vacancies each in Khurda and Cuttack districts.The Minister, however, maintained that steps are being taken for filling up the vacancies.Besides, the State Government has also initiated several schemes to take health services to the people. While budgetary provision has been made for establishment of 50 primary health centres (PHCs), malaria, filaria, tuberculosis, leprosy and blindness eradication programmes have been launched for the entire State.Ashakarmis have been appointed in anganwadi centres to take care of mothers and new born babies, he said.
Expressbuzz, Nov 21, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: Health and Family Welfare Minister Prasanna Acharya today informed the Assembly that 578 posts assistant surgeons are vacant in the State.In a written reply to a question from Amar Prasad Satpathy of the NCP, the Minister said 2034 doctors are in position in different hospitals as against the sanctioned strength of 2612.Highest number of 50 vacancies are in Keonjhar district followed by 41 in Koraput district. While 33 posts are vacant in Kandhamal district, Kalahandi is short by 32 doctors. Dhenkanal and Kendrapara districts have also reported 30 vacancies each.Lowest vacancy of one post is in Boudh while Gajapati and Sonepur have three vacancies each. There are eight vacancies each in Khurda and Cuttack districts.The Minister, however, maintained that steps are being taken for filling up the vacancies.Besides, the State Government has also initiated several schemes to take health services to the people. While budgetary provision has been made for establishment of 50 primary health centres (PHCs), malaria, filaria, tuberculosis, leprosy and blindness eradication programmes have been launched for the entire State.Ashakarmis have been appointed in anganwadi centres to take care of mothers and new born babies, he said.
Vedanta SPV for development around Niyamgiri bauxite mines
The Financial Express, Nov 21, 2009
Bhubaneswar: London-based Vedanta Resources Plc has formed a special purpose vehicle (SPV) — Lanjigarh Project Area Development Foundation — to take up peripheral development works around Niyamgiri bauxite mines in Orissa's Kalahaindi and Rayagada districts.
The SPV, where Vedanta Resources through its subsidiary Sterlite Industries (India) has 49% stake, the Orissa government and Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) have 26% and 25%, respectively, has been formed as per the directive of the Supreme Court. The apex court had made formation of an SPV as one of the conditions for exploitation of bauxite mines in Niyamgiri hills.
The court has directed Sterlite to provide Rs 10 crore per annum for carrying out peripheral development in the area. Vedanta Resources has contributed Rs 20 crore at the rate of Rs 10 crore per annum for 2007-08 and 2008-09.
The SPV, in its first meeting, has decided to take up programmes of solar electrification, development of infrastructure for education, health and communication in the peripheral area spreading over two districts of Kalahandi and Rayagada at a cost of Rs 17.70 crore. Orissa steel and mines minister Raghunath Mohanty said the SPV is a step towards making Niyamgiri mines operational.
He said the state government is taking steps for granting bauxite mining lease over an area of 721.323 hectares in Niyamgiri hills of Kalahandi and Rayagada districts to the state-owned OMC, which, in turn, would firm up a joint venture company with Sterlite Industries for operation of the mines. The JVC will sell the bauxite to Vedanta’s plant at Lanjigarh, he added.
Bhubaneswar: London-based Vedanta Resources Plc has formed a special purpose vehicle (SPV) — Lanjigarh Project Area Development Foundation — to take up peripheral development works around Niyamgiri bauxite mines in Orissa's Kalahaindi and Rayagada districts.
The SPV, where Vedanta Resources through its subsidiary Sterlite Industries (India) has 49% stake, the Orissa government and Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) have 26% and 25%, respectively, has been formed as per the directive of the Supreme Court. The apex court had made formation of an SPV as one of the conditions for exploitation of bauxite mines in Niyamgiri hills.
The court has directed Sterlite to provide Rs 10 crore per annum for carrying out peripheral development in the area. Vedanta Resources has contributed Rs 20 crore at the rate of Rs 10 crore per annum for 2007-08 and 2008-09.
The SPV, in its first meeting, has decided to take up programmes of solar electrification, development of infrastructure for education, health and communication in the peripheral area spreading over two districts of Kalahandi and Rayagada at a cost of Rs 17.70 crore. Orissa steel and mines minister Raghunath Mohanty said the SPV is a step towards making Niyamgiri mines operational.
He said the state government is taking steps for granting bauxite mining lease over an area of 721.323 hectares in Niyamgiri hills of Kalahandi and Rayagada districts to the state-owned OMC, which, in turn, would firm up a joint venture company with Sterlite Industries for operation of the mines. The JVC will sell the bauxite to Vedanta’s plant at Lanjigarh, he added.
Sub-standard BSNL Lepo-SIMs distributed in Kalahandi
The Pioneer, Nov 21, 2009
Bikash Khemka | Bhawanipatna
The sub-distributors here have alleged supply of sub-standard Lepo-SIMs to them by the local BSNL office. The sub-distributors alleged that the SIMS were being sold at Rs 300 in the market by the distributor, whereas according to sources the actual cost is between Rs 100 to Rs 150.
Besides, they alleged that money-receipt for purchasing the Lepo-SIMs is not being issued to them. The SIMs are being sold without printing any maximum retail price (MRP).
Once the Lepo-SIM is damaged, it will not display anything on mobile phones. Re-issue of Lepo-SIMs having same number is not being provided to the sub-distributors as officials informed to the complainant that once it is damaged, another SIM has to be bought by the sub-distributors. One sub-distributor complained to The Pioneer that he had already purchased three Lepo-Sims within two months paying Rs 300 each.
The sub-distributors are also complaining about the shortage of balance in the Lepo-SIM where customers are returning back without recharging their mobile when distributor is unable to provide them sufficient balance in their mobile.
Repeated network failure is harassment for the customers in Kalahandi in which a customer is paying full call charges per minute with a few seconds of talk over the cell phone.
Sources alleged that some officials have misappropriated lakhs of rupees in the installation of BSNL hoardings where approximately Rs 60 lakh was allotted for marketing in 2008-09. Many truths can be revealed after conducting a probe in this regard.
It is also reported that the tender for data warehousing for the current financial year was already tendered to a Bhubaneswar based contractor. But afterwards the tender was cancelled allegedly by a local political leader’s interference. Re-tender has been called again in this regard. The enquiry for cancellation of tender and a call of re-tender can reveal many things in the office, the sources said.
While several times the scribe wanted to ascertain the facts from the telecom district manager (TDM), he gave many excuses and avoided meeting the scribe. Further when the scribe contacted the TDM over his cell-phone and office landline number he did not receive the calls. A high level inquiry can unearth many loopholes in the BSNL office here, said the locals.
Bikash Khemka | Bhawanipatna
The sub-distributors here have alleged supply of sub-standard Lepo-SIMs to them by the local BSNL office. The sub-distributors alleged that the SIMS were being sold at Rs 300 in the market by the distributor, whereas according to sources the actual cost is between Rs 100 to Rs 150.
Besides, they alleged that money-receipt for purchasing the Lepo-SIMs is not being issued to them. The SIMs are being sold without printing any maximum retail price (MRP).
Once the Lepo-SIM is damaged, it will not display anything on mobile phones. Re-issue of Lepo-SIMs having same number is not being provided to the sub-distributors as officials informed to the complainant that once it is damaged, another SIM has to be bought by the sub-distributors. One sub-distributor complained to The Pioneer that he had already purchased three Lepo-Sims within two months paying Rs 300 each.
The sub-distributors are also complaining about the shortage of balance in the Lepo-SIM where customers are returning back without recharging their mobile when distributor is unable to provide them sufficient balance in their mobile.
Repeated network failure is harassment for the customers in Kalahandi in which a customer is paying full call charges per minute with a few seconds of talk over the cell phone.
Sources alleged that some officials have misappropriated lakhs of rupees in the installation of BSNL hoardings where approximately Rs 60 lakh was allotted for marketing in 2008-09. Many truths can be revealed after conducting a probe in this regard.
It is also reported that the tender for data warehousing for the current financial year was already tendered to a Bhubaneswar based contractor. But afterwards the tender was cancelled allegedly by a local political leader’s interference. Re-tender has been called again in this regard. The enquiry for cancellation of tender and a call of re-tender can reveal many things in the office, the sources said.
While several times the scribe wanted to ascertain the facts from the telecom district manager (TDM), he gave many excuses and avoided meeting the scribe. Further when the scribe contacted the TDM over his cell-phone and office landline number he did not receive the calls. A high level inquiry can unearth many loopholes in the BSNL office here, said the locals.
Friday, November 20, 2009
IBM eyes Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Vishakhapatnam for expansion
IBM eyes Raipur, Bhopal for expansion
Economic Times, Nov 20, 2009
JAIPUR: IT solutions provider IBM is planning to expand its footprints in tier II and tier III cities with a bouquet of hardware, software and India's top 10 BPOs
IBM Growth markets vice president Harish Krishnamurthy told ET that the company is soon going to set up its hubs in potential cities like Raipur, Bhopal, Bhubhaneshwar, Vizag and Nagpur. “These cities have great untapped potential.
By starting our hub in these cities we would be able to cater to the requirements of surrounding tier III cities through our partners under hub and spoke model. The small and medium enterprises offer great business opportunities,” he said.
At present, IBM has a direct presence in 22 cities across the country. The company has also appointed IT players Sequel Infocom and Icon Integrated services as the channel partners to sell IBM’s infrastructure services to clients. “These two partners will focus primarily on Rajasthan market. They will help us in enhancing our reach in the state by offering infrastructure services to clients helping them in areas of Green IT, security, business continuity, improved collaboration and communication among others,” he said.
IBM has also launched first of its kind service offering named IBM Express Remote managed Infrastructure Services (ERMIS) exclusively to be sold by its channel partners. “IBM cannot sell it directly to the clients. It has to be sold through our channel partners. It is designed to enable IBM business partners in providing their clients with remote monitoring, management and service reporting of their IT infrastructure,” said Vivek Malhotra, IBM vice president – North & East, General Business.
Apart from that the company has also launched a cost-efficient Scalable Modular Server Rooms (SMSR), which has been successfully implemented in Shree Cements. “This is also first of its kind in the country. Unlike other conventional servers, which take 6-7 months for installation, this data server takes shipment time of 2-3 weeks and just 3 days of implementation time. Also, it consumes 15-30% less power than other servers. The entry level model comes at a competitive price point of $50,000 which is almost 10% of any conventional server,” Mr. Malhotra said.
Economic Times, Nov 20, 2009
JAIPUR: IT solutions provider IBM is planning to expand its footprints in tier II and tier III cities with a bouquet of hardware, software and India's top 10 BPOs
IBM Growth markets vice president Harish Krishnamurthy told ET that the company is soon going to set up its hubs in potential cities like Raipur, Bhopal, Bhubhaneshwar, Vizag and Nagpur. “These cities have great untapped potential.
By starting our hub in these cities we would be able to cater to the requirements of surrounding tier III cities through our partners under hub and spoke model. The small and medium enterprises offer great business opportunities,” he said.
At present, IBM has a direct presence in 22 cities across the country. The company has also appointed IT players Sequel Infocom and Icon Integrated services as the channel partners to sell IBM’s infrastructure services to clients. “These two partners will focus primarily on Rajasthan market. They will help us in enhancing our reach in the state by offering infrastructure services to clients helping them in areas of Green IT, security, business continuity, improved collaboration and communication among others,” he said.
IBM has also launched first of its kind service offering named IBM Express Remote managed Infrastructure Services (ERMIS) exclusively to be sold by its channel partners. “IBM cannot sell it directly to the clients. It has to be sold through our channel partners. It is designed to enable IBM business partners in providing their clients with remote monitoring, management and service reporting of their IT infrastructure,” said Vivek Malhotra, IBM vice president – North & East, General Business.
Apart from that the company has also launched a cost-efficient Scalable Modular Server Rooms (SMSR), which has been successfully implemented in Shree Cements. “This is also first of its kind in the country. Unlike other conventional servers, which take 6-7 months for installation, this data server takes shipment time of 2-3 weeks and just 3 days of implementation time. Also, it consumes 15-30% less power than other servers. The entry level model comes at a competitive price point of $50,000 which is almost 10% of any conventional server,” Mr. Malhotra said.
‘Steps taken to fill up vacancies’
Expressbuzz, Nov 20, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: Higher Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra today said steps had been initiated by the State Government to fill up vacancies in the lecturer posts in government and aided colleges in KBK (undivided Kalahandi, Balangir and Koraput) districts.
In a written reply to Hitesh Kumar Bagarti of the BJP, the Minister said that the process had already been initiated to fill up 328 lecturer posts through the Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC) in these colleges. He said the principals of the colleges had been asked to engage guest faculties whenever necessary for teaching.
The Minister admitted that teaching was affected in the colleges of KBK districts because of vacancies in the lecturer and reader posts. He said the State Government had decided to constitute Service Selection Board (SSB) to fill up vacancies.
Besides, if necessary, vacancies in the aided private colleges will be filled up by transfers, he said.
BHUBANESWAR: Higher Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra today said steps had been initiated by the State Government to fill up vacancies in the lecturer posts in government and aided colleges in KBK (undivided Kalahandi, Balangir and Koraput) districts.
In a written reply to Hitesh Kumar Bagarti of the BJP, the Minister said that the process had already been initiated to fill up 328 lecturer posts through the Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC) in these colleges. He said the principals of the colleges had been asked to engage guest faculties whenever necessary for teaching.
The Minister admitted that teaching was affected in the colleges of KBK districts because of vacancies in the lecturer and reader posts. He said the State Government had decided to constitute Service Selection Board (SSB) to fill up vacancies.
Besides, if necessary, vacancies in the aided private colleges will be filled up by transfers, he said.
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