Varsity proposes to set up medical college

IBNlive, July 30. 2012
Koraput (Odisha), Jul 29 (PTI) Proposing to open a medical college and hospital here, Central University of Odisha (CUO) has sent a detailed project report to the Centre for setting up such an institution in the backward region. This was revealed by CUO's Vice Chancellor Surabhi Banerjee at the second convocation of the university organised at Sunabeda in Koraput district. "Considering the long-standing demand for a medical college in KBK region (Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi) under the auspices of CUO, we have submitted a detailed project report for establishment of a medical college and hospital in Koraput to the Centre," Banerjee said. The project report also includes the budget estimate for setting up the college and hospital and final approval is awaited during the 12th Plan period, she said. Former Supreme Court Judge Ruma Pal was the chief guest at the convocation while secretary in union ministry of tribal affairs, Vibha Puri Das was the guest of honour.         Speaking on the occasion, the vice-chancellor further said the CUO would launch a school of education and education technology, school of basic and applied sciences and school of health sciences from the academic year 2012-13. As many as six topper students Arun Kumar Raj (Odia), Archana Nayak (English), Moushumi Nayak (Anthropology), Arupama Senapath (Sociology), Priyaranjan Swain and Sudarsan Sahoo (Journalism and Mass Communication) in five departments were awarded gold-medals by the varsity in the convocation ceremony.

Roadblocks to bauxite mines opening hurt smelters

Business Standard, July 10, 2012
Kunal Bose
Ideally, the least of concerns for Indian smelters of aluminium should be the sourcing of bauxite from which the intermediate chemical alumina is derived. The reason is the country’s bauxite reserves (proved, probable and possible) are well over three billion tonnes (bt) making it the world’s fifth largest owner of the mineral. Countries endowed with richer deposits are Guinea, Australia, Brazil and Jamaica. Whatever the riches of our deposits, the country has not seen the opening of a new bauxite mine close to the size of the one at Panchpatmali hills in Odisha opened by the National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) some 30 years ago.
It has been seen time and again that from identification of bauxite deposits to winning leasehold over areas to be mined and getting a host of environment and forest clearances, the process is so frustratingly time-consuming that groups planning to build alumina refineries on the basis of captive bauxite mines run the risk of being worn out of patience. No group has found itself in as difficult a bind as Vedanta Aluminium, which in the belief that overcoming all the odds it would be able to feed its alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in Odisha where capacity could be expanded to six million tonnes (mt) from one mt by opening mines at Niyamgiri hills. This, however, proved to be a non-starter thanks to some spirited campaigns by NGOs and goalpost shifting by government agencies. Vedanta is, therefore, compelled to source bauxite from more than one source to feed its refinery. In the process, its cost of production of alumina and aluminium is significantly more than would be the case had three mt of bauxite come annually from Niyamgiri.
The desperate search for deposits alternative to the one of about 90 mt at Niyamgiri hills has led Vedanta to acquire Dubai Aluminium’s (Dubal) ownership of Raykal, a special purpose vehicle (SPV)created by Larsen & Toubro and Dubal with ownership ratio of 76 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively. Vedanta’s interest in Raykal in which it retains the right to become the single owner over a period of time provided it achieves “certain milestones,” is not because of the SPV’s grounded plan to build a three mt refinery but for the two bauxite deposits in the upstream in Odisha for which L&T was issued prospecting licences in 1992 but since lapsed for lack of activity. With Vedanta entering the scene with a hugely growing appetite for bauxite and a big refinery in the state to show, it may already have started the work to get the prospecting licences for two deposits totalling an estimated 280 mt revived and then get these converted into mining licences. The development must be giving comfort to the Orissa government, which made many attempts to break the logjam at Niyamgiri. Vedanta is, however, not expected to give up pursuing the state government to compensate it for virtual loss of Niyamgiri by giving it access to new deposits.
In time slippages, Utkal Alumina which was conceived as early as 1990s remains ahead of Raykal. All the original promoters, including Norwegian Hydro, Canadian Alcan (now part of Rio Tinto) and Tata Industries left the project one by one frustrated by the roadblocks. Utkal Alumina, since under full ownership of Hindalco, will finally be commissioning a mine of capacity close to 4.5 mt in October and a 1.5 mt alumina refinery in January 2013. Utkal Alumina has ownership of 198 mt of bauxite deposit in Baphlimali hills. The commissioning of mines there will be an event of its kind in Odisha in nearly three decades. Hopefully, another wholly owned enterprise of Hindalco building an alumina refinery-cum-smelter in Odisha will have success in opening mines at Odisha’s Lakharis having bauxite deposit of 45 mt and Kodingamali where the resource is bigger at 85 mt.
A government minister is supposed to be a facilitator of new industries coming up, while at the same time keep an eye that displaced families are properly settled with sustainable sources of income and the environment is not damaged. But when a central minister recently shot off a letter to the Andhra Pradesh governor that there should be a blanket ban on bauxite mining in Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam for that could destroy forests and pollute rivers, he acted without considering that such eventualities could be avoided by taking preventive steps. For the minister, the compulsion to improve his profile among the tribal fraternity took precedence over commitments by Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation to supply bauxite from the two districts to refineries planned by JSW and Anrak, part of Ras Al Khaimah of UAE. If anything, such attitudes are helping the extremists to rally tribals against the opening of any new mines. Hasn’t Nalco virtually put on hold its bauxite mines project in AP and a refinery in downstream because of unchecked disturbances by Maoists? Nalco Chairman B L Bagra will, however, euphemistically describe extremist threats as “unfavourable ground conditions”. The country has got large aluminium capacity in the pipeline and also on the drawing board calling for opening of many new bauxite mines. The challenge is to remove all roadblocks, including extremist threats to new mines openings.

Insects destroy crops in 18 villages in Kalahandi

Reported by Sri Debendra Bisi
Sambad, July 29, 2012

Flood in Hati river in Kalahandi

Reported by Sri Debendra Bisi
Sambad, July 29, 2012

Make Rahul Leader of Lok Sabha: Congress MPs to Sonia Gandhi

NDTV, July 26, 2012
New Delhi: Ten Congress MPs have written to party president Sonia Gandhi suggesting that Rahul Gandhi be appointed Leader of the Lok Sabha, a position vacated by Pranab Mukherjee, who is now President of India. 

The letter, written by Odisha MP Bhakta Charan Das and also signed by nine other MPs, reportedly says that making Rahul the Leader of the House is the "need of the hour". 


The Congress, which is the single largest party in the Lok Sabha, has reportedly been considering veteran Congressman from Maharashtra Sushil Kumar Shinde for the post.  
The request to elevate Mr Gandhi, who is a two-term MP, comes days after he promised to play a "more pro-active role in the party and the government." Mr Gandhi said after voting in the presidential elections last week that the decision that he would play a bigger role had been taken and now the timing was up to his "two bosses." One of them - his mother, Congress president Sonia Gandhi - was by his side as he offered this limited insight into his political future. The other boss he was referring to is the Prime Minister.

Recently, senior Congress leaders like Salman Khurshid and Digvijaya Singh too have said the party is waiting for Mr Gandhi to officially accept a larger role.  Mr Singh told NDTV on Thursday evening that he accepts that Mr Gandhi "has to come out more often" and share his opinions; he also agreed that "interaction with media should be far more than what it is at the moment."  He said that while Mr Gandhi may not air his views on crucial policies, "he has a very definite idea on most issues...he reads a lot and formulates his own ideas...he has a very inquisitive mind."

In a controversial interview recently, Mr Khurshid had said about Mr Gandhi, "We have only seen cameos of his thought and ideas like democratising elections to the Youth Congress. But he has not weaved all of this into a grand announcement. This is a period of waiting." 

There is much speculation about what form that larger role for Mr Gandhi will come in. There is talk about a ministerial position - a cabinet reshuffle is expected before August 8, when the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins. 

Then there are those in the party who say that Mr Gandhi will perhaps opt for a bigger role within the party rather than in government. Digvijaya Singh has said that if it were upto him, he would like to see the 42-year-old Rahul Gandhi adopting a bigger role "within the organisation." 

A Central varsity for Kalahandi, please!

The Pioneer, July 26, 2012

While the Union HRD Ministry has decided to establish two central universities each in Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir and an IIM in Rajasthan, the demand for a Central University in the backward Kalahandi district of Odisha has been ignored, rued several educationists, including non-resident Odias.

In letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, they have said that Kalahandi has been demanding for a Central University since the 1980s. Many letters and petitions have been submitted to both the State and Central Governments in past decades requesting for a central university but in vain.

On many occasions, the issue was also already raised in the State Assembly and Lok Sabha. Leaders from Odisha also had pleaded with Congress president Sonia Gandhi to establish a varsity in Kalahandi. Besides, local MLAs and intellectuals have met the Chief Minister of Odisha reiterating the same demand. But nothing has been done, they said.

Showing the rationale behind the demand, they said Kalahandi is located at the central place of the KBK districts. It is an ideal location in terms of infrastructure, 200 km from Raipur International Airport and has direct train communication with most major cities in India.

When two Central Universities are approved for the backward States, why Odisha should not have two such Central institutions with Kalahandi housing one, asked they and termed the apathy of the HRD Ministry as gross violation of equality and civil right.

Those who have made the plea are Prof Digambara Patra, Omkar Joshi, Madhusmita Panda, Sachin Kumar Agrawal, Sheshadev, Omkar Joshi, Rajesh Mund and Sumanta Praharaj.

Also you can read in Orissadiary

Land acquisition move for K’handi wagon factory initiated

Note: Seems to be a positive development, hope all our struggle materializes and politics does not come in the development of Kalahandi.

The Pioneer, July 25, 2012

The State Government has initiated the process of land acquisition for the proposed second railway wagon factory in Kalahandi district.

According to official sources, the district administration has already identified the required land for the ambitious railway project in the backward district of Kalahandi, part of the KBK region.

Since the project would help develop the socio-economic status of the local people, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday assured the Railway Ministry to provide all possible cooperation to ensure the setting up of the project. He also asked the Revenue Department and the IDCO to undertake acquisition of land as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Patnaik also advised the Railway Ministry to expedite the construction  of the first railway wagon factory at Sitapali in Ganjam district.

The Union Railway Minister has provided a token sum of Rs. 1 crore in the current year’s Railway Budget for the Sitapali wagon project.

Odisha govt identifies land for wagon factory in Kalahand

WebIndia

Thanks to Prof. Chitta Baral for the following pointer.

The Odisha government has identified the required land for establishing the Railway Wagon factory in Kalahandi district. ChiefMinister Naveen Patnaik, meanwhile, has assured the railways to provide all required assistance from the government side for the Wagon factory, the second in the state. Mr Patnaik said the wagon factory when established will help economic development of Kalahandi region. The chief minister also asked the officials to expedite the work of the first wagon factory at Sitalapali in Ganjam district. The Railway had already sanctioned Rs.1 crore for the project in the 2012-2013 budget. UNI DP AK sdg1947 NNNN

Odisha offers land to set up wagon factory in Kalahandi

Economic Times, July 25, 2012

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha government today offered to provide land for establishment of a railway wagon factory in tribal dominated Kalahandi district, official sources said.

Indian Railway, which had already sanctioned Rs 1 crore for establishment of the first wagon factory at Sitalapalli in Ganjam district during 2012-13 fiscal, had also indicated that it would not hesitate to construct another such project if the state government provides land.

"Responding to the Indian Railways, the state government had already identified land to set up the second wagon factory in Kalahandi district," the official said.

A railway wagon factory in the undeveloped and tribal dominated district like Kalahandi, would certainly help boost the economic condition of the local people. The state government would provide all assistance for establishment of the wagon factory in Kalahandi, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said.

Ten forest dwellers for bail

Reported by Sri Debendra Bisi
Sambad, July 23, 2012

Seeking justice for Kalahandi people in the line of Bihar

July 19, 2012

To
The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr Singh

CC
The Honorable President, Mrs. Patil
The Honorable HRD Minister, Mr Sibal
The Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha, Sri Patnaik
MPs from Odisha

Dear Honorable Prime Minister Dr Singh,
I am pleased to learn that HRD ministry has decided to establish two central universities in Bihar, one of the backward states inIndia. Earlier the same ministry had approved to establish two suchuniversities in Jammu & Kashmir. Rajasthan also received an IIM beside IIT.However, similar demand for Kalahandi and its people has been ignored and neglected by the HRDministry in past years.

Kalahandi has been demanding for a Central Universityin late 1980s and early 1990s. Public demand for a University is growing day byday in the region. Many letters, petitions, postcard etc have been submitted toboth the state as well as central Governments in past decades to establish aCentral University in Kalahandi. Since the political decision made by stateGovt. to establish the Central University of Orissa at Koraput publicdissatisfaction in the region is nurturing. In many occasions the issue wasalready raised in the state assembly and Lok Sabha (Parliament) of India sincepast five years. Leader of opposition of Odisha assembly and MPs have alsoraised this issue with you as well as Mrs. Sonia Gandhi personally to establisha Central University in Kalahandi. Beside that MLAs and local intellectualshave met and given their grievances to Chief Minister of Odisha, who haddisfavored Kalahandi due to political reasons, to establish such a Universityin Kalahandi. The issue has been widely covered in national and state media buthas gone in the deaf ear of HRD ministry.

The rational of Kalahandi being located in the centralplace of KBK as well as KBK, Kandhamal, Boudh, Gajapati and Bargarh districtsand being an ideal location in terms of infrastructure, ~ 200 km from Raipur InternationalAirport and direct train communication to most of the major cities in India hasbrought lots criticism against the decision made by state Govt. in the locallevel, despite this fact unlike the case of Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir the HRDminister rather has not listened to the grievances of Kalahandi people andcollaborated with the state Govt. to marginalize local sentiment of Kalahandi.

Keeping public and political sentiments, two centraluniversities are established in Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir, and additional IIMis established in Rajasthan, but unfortunately similar public and politicaldemand of Kalahandi is undermined by HRD ministry. This is a gross violation ofequality and civil right by the HRD ministry against Kalahandi and its people.  

I anticipate you will take this matter to HRD ministry seriously and establish a second central University for Odisha in Kalahandi in the line of Bihar.

Thank you and best regards

Digambara Patra

Impure edible oil circulating in Kalahandi's market !!!

Reported by Sri Debendra Bisi
Sambad, July 22, 2012

Ten forest dwellers sent to jail in a false case by the forest department

Reported by Sri Debendra Bisi
Sambad, July 22, 2012

Central University of Bihar row: Bihar emerges ultimate winner

Note: If Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir could get two central Universities why not another in Kalahandi for Odisha

Times of India, July 19, 2012

GAYA: Strange but true, Bihar is the ultimate winner in the Nitish-Sibal match that ended in a 1-1 draw, as the wish list of both chief minister Nitish Kumar and Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal got fulfilled and the state of Bihar, in the process, got two central universities instead of one. Whereas CM Kumar wanted the proposed central university to be located in Motihari, Sibal, backed by a favourable report for the Site Selection Committee, pitched for Gaya.

The state's victory becomes all the more pronounced in view of the fact that Bihar had to wait for 65 long years in the post independence era to get its first central university, whereas neighbouring UP had three central universities from the very beginning.

The history of injustice to the state in respect of education, besides other sectors, is fairly old as the claim of both Patna and Magadh Universities for central university status was rejected outright even though the claims were based on hard facts and sound logic.

Whereas, Patna University, for long enjoyed an enviable reputation as a centre of academic excellence, the vast infrastructural advantages and growth potential of Magadh University have never been properly appreciated.

Notwithstanding the stand of the perennial critics trying to undermine the contribution of Nitish Kumar in the now certain establishment of the two central universities, the fact remains that but for the success of the CM in not blinking first in the rather long battle of wits with an argumentative and somewhat stubborn HRD minister Sibal, the state would never have got two central universities.

Chief minister's political rivals hell bent on depriving the CM of his due share of credit for the establishment of one more central university in the state, may argue that but for the JD(U) support to the UPA candidate, Pranab Mukherjee, in the presidential election, Motihari would never have figured on the central university map of the country.

Even if, for the sake of argument, it is conceded that the additional central university was part of a political bargain between the UPA leadership and CM Nitish Kumar, the 'bargain' is worth it as the CM is duty bound to promote the interest of the state and then, politics, they say is the art of the possible.

Nitish has only converted that 'possibility 'into a reality. And then, the JD(U) supported the better of the two presidential contestants and for that reason, too, Kumar's pragmatism cannot be faulted, says activist Ali Hussain who teachers politics to under-graduate students.

Govt approves posting of 351 doctors in KBK region, Kandhamal

The Pioneer, July 18, 2012

In order to improve the health services in remote and tribal areas, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday approved the proposal of the Health and Family Welfare Department for appointment of 351 new doctors to fill up the existing vacancies.

On the request of the H and FW Department, the Odisha Public Service Commission had conducted recruitment examination and recommended the list of 351 eligible doctors for appointment.

According to official sources, the new doctors would be recruited particularly in dispensaries, PHCs and CHCs in the remote areas of the underdeveloped Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput region and other

tribal regions of Kandhamal and Gajapati districts.

The sources said in order to check the problem of shortage of doctors, the State Government has enhanced the age of superannuation of doctors to 60 years. Besides, seats in the SCB Medical College and Hospital, MKCG Medical College and Hospital and VSS Medical College and Hospital have been enhanced to 150 each.

Train shall be operating from Bhawanipatna by the end of July

Shared by Sri Anshuman Patra
Dharitri, July 16, 2012

Dharamgarh Sub-divisional Hospital Functioning with Only two Doctors

Reported by Sri Anshuman Patra
Dharitri, July 16, 2012

Unsafe Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

Reported by Sri Debendra Bisi
Sambad, July 16, 2012

A Reflection from Life: Bela Bairi

Reported by Sri Anshuman Patra
Dharitri, July 12, 2012

Planning Commission raises KBK fund to Rs 250 crore

Business Standard, July 12, 2012

he Planning Commission has raised financial assistance under Revised Long Term Action Plan (RLTAP) from Rs 130 crore to Rs 250 crore for the overall development of Odisha's undeveloped Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput region, official sources said.

Poverty in the region had come down by 24.6 per cent from 87.14 per cent in 1999-2000 to 62.5 per cent in 2004-05 and by 16.9 per cent from 62.5 per cent in 2004-05 to 45.65 per cent in 2007-08.

Meanwhile, the state government submitted a new Eight Year Prospective Plan for KBK districts for Rs 4,550 crore. "The people of KBK region would have been benefited if the planning commission sanctioned the Rs 4,550 crore plan," finance minister Prafulla Ghadai said.

Amazing Handicrafts from Khairpadar

Reported by Sri Anshuman Patra
Dharitri, Junly 7, 2012

Odisha: Ashram Building inaugurated for 30 children at Bhawanipatna

Orissadiary, July 5, 2012
Report by OD bureau; Bhawanipatna: The fate of 30 orphan children in Kalahandi district of Odisha took a different turn – thanks to Hemant Mund and his wife Sunanda Mishra who are parenting the kids like their own family at Bhawanipatna. The 30 children – who were adopted by Mr. Mund from tribal dominated places of the district – have a home to live, dreams to fulfill with a nice parent.
With the name of ‘Bal Gopal Seva Niketan’, Hemant was running the orphanage school at his home earlier. However, thanks to Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh, Member of Parliament (MP) Mr. Bhakta Charan Das and the then MP for their financial support. Now the children have a newly constructed Ashram to live with good infrastructure.
On July 3, 2012, the new Ashram for the 30 orphan children was inaugurated by the MP Bhakta Charan Dash in presence of Chief Information Commissioner Mr. Satyananda Mishra and Dr. Mukesh Kumar, President and COO Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh.
On the occasion, an emotional Hemant says, “I am happy for my children for their new home. Vedanta arranged a land for the Ashram at Bhawanipatna and later helped us to build the building for the children. I am thankful to the corporate house for their kind support in the noble cause.” Hemant also extended gratitude to Mr. Satyananda Mishra for helping him and giving guidance all the time.
Hemant and his wife not only providing food and a home, they also ensure that the children get good education as all are doing well in different schools. The couple takes special care to impart spiritual education to them. All the children have become experts in reciting Gita and Vedic hymns. They have also displayed their skills in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar and won accolades.
Hemant and his wife dine and sleep together with the children and take special care like their own kids.

Nalco agrees to set up medical college hospital in Koraput .

Note: VAL should be pushed for the same in Kalahandi/Bhawanipatna.

The Pioneer, July 6, 2012

Immediately responding to the State Government’s proposal, the National Aluminium Company (Nalco) has agreed to establish a medical college at Koraput with 100 seats.


Besides, the company has informed the Government on its own that it will also establish a 300-bed hospital at Koraput. The Nalco has told the Government that it will send its consent letter within seven days.
The Health and Family Welfare Department had recently sent a proposal to Nalco CMD BL Bagra asking the company chief to establish a medical college in Koraput district and offered to affiliate the District Headquarters Hospital to the medical college if it was established.
H & FW Minister who presided over a review meeting over the progress related to proposals by private bodies, corporates and PSUs to astablish medical colleges and hospitals in the State, said after the meeting that he was hopeful about the Nalco starting its process for the medical college and the hospital soon.
As to the medical college and hospital proposed to be established by the NTPC at Sundargarh, Acharya said the land for the purpose had already been identified.But the Government was not agreeable to its conditions, he said and added, “We hope the NTPC will consider it and stari their work as immediately as possible.”
Similarly, about the MCL proposal Acharya said identification of the land at Talcher would be finalised soon. He advised the MCL authorities to open a DMLT training centre to meet the shortage of laboratory technicians and other technical manpower.
The Narayan Hridayalay which has already been given land in Bhubaneswar for a superspeciality hospital will start its work from September this year, the Minister said. The hospital will be 300-400 bedded initially and will later be expanded to a 1,000-bed hospital.
The Minister said for some reasons, admission could not be possible this Year at the Sardar Rajas Medical College at Jaring in Kalahandi district set up by Selvam Education and Charitable Trust of Tamil Nadu. “But steps are being taken to solve this problem,” he said.
Proposals by the Basanti Charitable Trust and the Bidya Bharati Trust to open a medical college and hospital at Rayagada are under consideration and a final decision would be taken soon, Acharya informed.
The DFID proposal for a medical college and hospital at Balangir, accelerating the process of land transfer to Sahayog Foundation for its medical college and hospital at Keonjhar were also discussed. The proposal by Shankar Natralay of Chennai to open a 200-bed eye hospital at Brahmapur was accepted at the review meeting.

Cong leaders up ante for rail wagon unit in K’handi .

The Pioneer, July 5, 2012

The district Congress unit has threatened to take to the streets on the prolonged uncertainty over establishment of a rail wagon factory in Kalahandi.
The party leaders are organising public meetings at various places accusing the BJD Government of betraying the people of the district.
Kalahandi MP Bhakta Charan Das has organised a meeting at Narla recently where the proposal for the establishment of the factory was given. It was attended by former Revenue Minister Jagannath Patnaik, said to be the mentor of Das.
After long years, both the leaders were seen in a platform, where they attacked the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD Government, saying that the regional party was neglecting the district knowingly despite sufficient availability of land at Narla for the factory.
The meeting was not attended by Opposition leader Bhupinder Singh which had raised eyebrows as Singh is the MLA from Narla Constituency. Singh’s silence in the Assembly to set up the rail wagon factory was another concern for the people. However, sources informed that Singh was away in Delhi during the meeting. Political observers said the absence of Singh may go against his political prospect in the area while other Congress leaders might reap its benefit.
The party leaders present in the meeting told the audience that the wagon factory would generate employment in the area. Das vowed that at any cost the factory would be established at Narla, where the State Government will be compelled to provide land.

Odisha: Elephant population increased to 1930 from 1886

Orissadiary, June 29, 2012
Bhubaneswar: The population of Elephant has increased to 1930 from 1886 in 2010. The elephant population in the state is 1930 which comprises 334 tuskers, 1087 females, 46 of unknown sex and 463 calves, forest and environment minister Debi Prasad Mishra told reporters here.
Stating that about 7,000 people were involved in the three-day elephant census carried out in 38 forest divisions on June 1, 2 and 3, the minister said no elephant was sighted in seven divisions.
While the population of jumbos rose in five regions like Angul, Rourkela, Baripada, Berhampur and Bhubaneswar, the number of pachyderm declined in three regions of Bhawanipatna, Sambalpur and Koraput. The previous census, conducted in 2010 showed the elephant population at 1886 comprising 332 tuskers, 1064 female, 42 unknown sex and 448 calves.
There were three elephant reserves namely Mayurbhanj, Mahanadi and Sambalpur. There were 14 elephant corridors in the state, the minister informed.
Though there had been increase in the elephant population, they died in large number during last three years. While 51 elephants died in 2009-10, the casualty figure in 2010-11 and 2011-12 was 83 and 66 respectively.

Odisha denying tribals their rights: Centre

Times of India, July 1, 2012
NEW DELHI: The Centre has told Odisha that transit and sale of bamboo by tribals was being denied in the state in violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), a complaint which is at odds with CM Naveen Patnaik's bid to position himself as champion of tribal rights by pushing for P A Sangma for President.

Union tribal affairs minister Kishore Chandra Deo on Thursday wrote a letter to Patnaik, complaining that forest authorities were not allowing transit permit to a gram sabha in Kalahandi district to sell harvested bamboo, despite FRA giving them a claim over minor forest produce. The letter said, "Kindly issue necessary instructions to authorities concerned to allow unfettered right of transit for sale of bamboo by gram panchayats to buyers which is a right given to them under the FRA."

The lament that Odisha was not implementing the landmark FRA, which seeks to rescue forest dwellers like tribals from oppressive forest bureaucracy, does not augur well for the ruling Biju Janata Dal which has sought to flag its pro-tribal credentials by making it an issue in the July 19 Presidential poll.

CM Patnaik was the first person to back NCP dissident Sangma for the President's post by arguing that it was time for a tribal to move to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Observers said Patnaik's surprise move was aimed at embarrassing Congress while consolidating his hold over 23% of the state's tribal population. Else, the bid to back Sangma makes little political sense for Patnaik since the opposition has fewer votes to harbour any realistic hope of victory.

In the backdrop of Presidential poll, the tribal minister's plaint about forest communities" rights in Odisha contrasts starkly with Patnaik's objective. Observers wondered if the timing of the letter — a day after Sangma filed his nomination to cross swords with UPA's Pranab Mukherjee — was not well thought out.

The issue pertains to a remote tribal village in Jamguda. The villagers complained they were in danger of losing bamboo produce worth Rs 30 lakh. The forest authorities turned down gram sabha's request for transit permit to enable buyers to pick the bamboo, saying the state government had not issued any such circular.

Police bar on German scribe visit to Red rebels area

Times of India, June 28, 2012
BALANGIR: Kalahandi district police on Thursday prevented a German journalist from venturing into the Maoist stronghold of Lanjhigarh in view of the Red rebels observing protest week from June 26 to July 2. Police identified the journalist as Sandra Petersman, correspondent of ARD German Radio network in New Delhi.
"After we came to know that she had ventured into Lanjhigarh area without informing us, local policemen were directed to advice her not to move in the area as the Maoists have called a protest against security operations," said SP (Kalahandi) Sudha Singh.
The SP added that Sandra later met her and produced a journalist visa and other documents. "We conveyed to her the present situation in Lanjigarh and advised her against visiting the area. It was just an advisory and now it is up to her to go to the area or not," the SP said.
Police have been discouraging the visit of foreigners into Odisha's tribal areas after the Left-wing extremists kidnapped two Italians in Kandhamal district March 14.
Recently, five Germans were spotted in the Maoist stronghold of Turla village in Balangir district's Khaprakhol police station area. After TOI's report on their entry to Maoist area, the police had traced the five Germans and brought them to district police office for verification.
They were later given a stern warning not to venture into Maoist areas.

Let state Govt. run Jaring Medical College

Shared by Shesha Dev

Villagers demanded teachers in scholl of Sandhikuler

Reported by Sri Anshuman Patra
Dharitri, June 28, 2012

‘Aluminium industry can make Odisha prosperous’

The Pioneer, June 27, 2012

At a seminar recently by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers on the ‘Prospects of Alumina and Aluminium Industry in Odisha,’ many eminent scientists, academicians, engineers and industry houses interacted on the importance of bauxite, alumina and aluminium for development of Odisha.

Speaking on the occasion, president and COO of Vedanta Aluminium Ltd Dr Mukesh Kumar pointed out that Odisha is blessed with high quality bauxite reserves, and based on the present analysis nearly 60 per cent of India’s reserves are available in Odisha. However, this wealth of natural resources could not be translated into the State’s economic prosperity. The availability of such vast natural resources could have been used for turning the mineral and metal potential of Odisha into a goldmine and eradicating poverty, but unfortunately the State is still reeling under chronic poverty without realising the benefits of these natural resources.

Dr Kumar said it has been projected that the country’s aluminium demand may touch around 5 MT by 2015 and 10 MT by 2020 which can generate employment to nearly 7 million people by 2020. Besides, the industry can contribute nearly Rs 33,000 crore annually to the exchequer. If immediate measures are not taken to boost aluminium production domestically, the targets of electrifying all the villages would also be difficult to achieve in the absence of power distribution network, which is the main consumer aluminium.

He further observed that India, particularly Odisha which is the main depository of aluminium reserves, could not take the advantage of its mineral wealth and, accordingly, not even a single alumina refinery and smelter could have been put up in the State even after 25 years of commissioning of Nalco. The Vedanta integrated aluminium complex set up in Odisha is also forced to run at lower capacity and no bauxite from the State could be made available to the project.

Also present on the occasion were Padmashree PK Jena and academician Prof Omkar Nath Mohanty. They said that Odisha’s rich mineral resources need to be utilised effectively and efficiently for inclusive growth. The industry as well as scientists and experts appealed to the policymakers to realise that time has come when one must start using the State’s mineral wealth for eradication of poverty and bringing the State as a leader in the GDP contribution of the nation.

Former IPICOL chairman HP Mishra said it is high time companies shifted from basic metal production to alloy production, which would benefit the downstream industries in adding value to aluminium. The aluminium industry can provide opportunities for other ancillary units like caustic soda plant based on salt and lime, kiln plant, casting and extrusion facilities for automobile components and aluminium alloys manufacturing facilities for space and defence.

‘Re-assess Odisha’s seismic status’

The Pioneer, June 18, 2012
SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR

In the wake of the recent earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 in the Richter scale hitting Balangir, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts of western Odisha on June 9 last, considered as seismically quiet zone, former Sambalpur MP Bhabani Shankar Hota has demanded reassessment of the seismic status of Odisha, including the quiet zones.

The epicentre of the earthquake was Kalahandi. The known earthquake zone in western Odisha are Sambalpur-Talcher, Sambalpur-Jharsuguda and Talcher-Deogarh-Rourkela and past history has shown that the magnitude of earthquake in these zones has been limited to between 4.5 and 5.3 in Richter scale. However, no tremor ever occurred in Balangir-Kalahandi-Nuapada in known history.

So, there is an urgent need now to study the cause of the new phenomenon. Most of the reservoirs are mapped as seismically active zone. It has to be further investigated whether the Indravati project led to a rearrangement of seismic zone, Hota said.

Hota further said earlier Latur region in Maharashtra was also mapped as seismically quiet region and yet devastation occurred there due to an earthquake of a magnitude of 5.5 to 6 in the Richter scale in 1993 in which about 10,000 people had died. Hence, the Odisha Government should reassess the seismic status of Odisha, including the Balangir-Kalahandi-Nuapada region.

Similarly, NRO Professor Digambara Patra from the American University of Beirut has said the earthquake in Kalahandi, Balangir and Nuapada did not indicate that human activities like mining or dam had caused it.

“The regions come under lowest (Zone 1) seismic zones in India. However, Zone 1 does not mean it is no earthquake zone. But certainly, it is also not wise to link the minor earthquake with human activities as a few activists may overreact to suit their propaganda against industrialisation and dam. So steps should be taken both at the Government and private levels to build earthquake resistance buildings in the areas,” he said.

Protest due tp shortage of gynecologist in Kalahandi

Shared by Sri Debendra Bisi
Sambad, June 17, 2012

Odisha Government says Mega Food Park in Rayagada on track

Orissadiary, June 14, 2012

Report by Jyoti Prakash, Bhubaneswar: Govt has put Mega Food Park, Rayagada on track with the objective of increasing the level of food processing and ensuring value addition to agri-products.  The grounding of the project has been given a boost in the  State Level Coordination Committee  held under Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik in secretariat conference hall today afternoon.
Discussions in the meeting reveal that with the approval from the Ministry of Food Processing( GOI),  Govt of Odisha has decided to set up a Mega Food Park at Rayagada, the industrial hub of southern Odisha. The park will have its major Primary Processing Centers ( PPC)  at Khurda, Nawarangpur and Gopalpur ( Ganjam). PPCs will also be set up in Koraput, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Subanrapur,Ganjam, Gajpati, Malkangiri, Boudh and Kandhamal.
The collectors of theses districts have been asked to locate 5 to 10 acres of land in each district for the purpose. It has also been decided that Collection Centers ( CC) will be established in each block of these districts. Each collection centers will need about 2 to 5 acres of land.
The Food Park will be developed over an area of 50 acres. However, it has been proposed to extend the area to 100 acres in different phases to accommodate more investors. It has been decided that the project will be implemented on PPP mode with investment of around Rs200 cr for creation of enabling infrastructure. It will create direct and indirect employment opportunity for around 30000 people. To ground the project one SPV has been formed involving IDCO, Expo Bio-Tech Ltd, Keventor Agro Ltd. and Basanta Devi Charitable Trust. The SPV has been named as MITS Mega Food Park and it has been incorporated by the Registrar of Companies Odisha.
The raw material viability analysis shows there is potentiality for growth of 16 types of industries can  in the Mega Food Park. These sectors are maize processing, rice processing, diary industry, poultry, spices, fruits & vegetables, mango pulp, tomato puree, grains-milling & processing such as breakfast cereals, coffee, cashew processing, pickle industry, tamarind processing, Ready To Eat Products, soft drinks & natural juice, ancillary material for food packaging. It has been decided that investors awareness programmes will be organized at Rayagada, Berhampur, Koraput, Bolangir, Titilagarh and Bhubaneswar for attracting the entrepreneurs and investors.
Chief Secretary has advised the department of Micro Small & Medium Enterprise to expedite the process of formulation of the State Food Processing Policy. Sri Patnaik has advised the department to formulate the Operational guide Lines along with the policy so as to facilitate expedited process of implementation of the policy. Pr. Secretary Finance J.K.Mohapatra, Pr. Secretary ME&ME N.K.Sundaray, Pr.  Secretary Agriculture R.L.Jamuda, Secretary Fisheries & Animal Resource Development Satyabrata Sahu, CMD,IPICOL C.J.Venugopal, Special Secretary MS&ME Panchanana Das,  R.D.C. South Division L.N.Nayak , collectors of Rayagada, Bolangir and Kalahandi, Director, MITS Mega Food Park Ltd. B.K.Panda along with other senior officials participated in discussions.

Quake in western Odisha

IBNlive, June 9, 2012
Bhubaneswar, Jun 9 (PTI) An earthquake of slight intensity with a magnitude of 3.9 on the Richter scale was experienced in some places of Odisha's western region today, official sources said. The tremmor which was felt in Bolangir, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts occurred at 1.45 pm. "The epicentre of the tremmor was at latitude 20.1 degree north and longitude 82.9 degree east in Kalahandi district of Odisha," said A K Sahoo, director in-charge of the Meteorological Centre here. Though there had been no damage to human lives or properties, people in large number came out of their houses after feeling the tremmor. "We felt the tremmor twice in quick succession," a resident of Nuapada said.

A nice video of Wagon Factory: Bhakta Charan Das exposes state Govt and BJD

Thanks to Sri Saroj Mahapatra for sharing this.

Vedanta to buy aluminium firm in Odisha for Rs 1,811 cr

Business Standard, June 9, 2012 Move to give Anil Agarwal secure bauxite supply deal linked to milestones

Shubhashish, Arijit Barman & Dillip Kumar Satapathy / Mumbai/Bhubaneswar Jun 09, 2012, 00:14 IST Anil Agarwal of Vedanta has found an ally in Larsen & Tourbo (L&T) to bail himself out of the raw material crisis ailing his flagship Odisha aluminium project. The London-listed Vedanta, promoted by Agarwal, has entered into a tripartite agreement with L&T and its partner Dubai Aluminium Company (Dubal) to buy them out from their aluminium venture in Odisha, called Raykal Aluminium. Raykal was the SPV (special purpose vehicle) floated by the two partners.

In a filing with the US regulator, SEC, Vedanta has said it has already acquired 24.5 per cent stake in Raykal for Rs 200.70 crore and has the right to acquire the entire 100 per cent over a period of time for a total consideration of Rs 1,811 crore, “subject to certain milestones being achieved.”

SECURE ORE FOR AGARWAL

1992: L&T gets prospecting licences  for two bauxite mines in Odisha with potential reserves of 280 million tonnes 2005: L&T and Dubal form a 76:24 JV, Raykal, to set up a 3-Mt alumina refinery in Odisha for ~5,000 crore, which would source bauxite from L&T 2006-10: Project proposal expanded, but fails to take off 2012: Dubal exits Raykal, selling its 24% stake to Vedanta Aluminium for ~200.70 crore; VAL has option to buy out 100 per cent in Raykal

Analysts say the company’s value will rise exponentially with the progress of the mining development programme.
Since 1993, L&T has been sitting on two to three prospecting licences (PLs) for bauxite mines in Sijmali and Kurumali of Rayagad and Kalahandi districts in Odisha. Under the original agreement, the entire bauxite excavated from these mines was to be used by Raykal for its own proposed alumina refinery and smelter project in the state. But with the project not taking off due to various reasons, Dubal walked out of the venture and will now be replaced by Vedanta Aluminium (VAL).
According to the Directory of Geology in Odisha, the two mines are estimated to have 250-280 million tonnes of bauxite reserves, good enough to take care of VAL’s current requirement for 50-90 years. Such a long-term bauxite supply agreement is bound to give Vedanta’s Lanjigargh project a much needed lifeline.
Vedanta had entered into an agreement with L&T and Dubal on February 23 this year, but the disclosures were revealed only last week. There is also widespread expectation that Vedanta or its Indian arm Sterlite will make a detailed announcement this weekend, which even saw the Sterlite stock react positively by 3.5 per cent to close the day at Rs 100.60 when the Sensex ended flat. The L&T stock moved up 2.53 per cent to Rs 1,309 apiece.
When contacted, L&T’s spokesperson did not want to comment on the subject, citing compliance issues. Vedanta’s spokesperson said beyond the SEC communiqué, they had nothing to add.
Analysts cheered the positive news expected to give a major relief to Vedanta Aluminium on the raw material security front. Its massive Rs 60,000-crore project to expand its alumina refining capacity from a million tonnes to five million tonnes has been facing problems over the past few years after environment clearances were not sanctioned for its captive bauxite mines in the Niyamgiri hills. The company has already pumped in Rs 45,000 crore into the project, but with no raw material linkages it has been desperately seeking alternatives to revive sinking production.
VAL has an ambitious plan of integrated aluminium facilities, including an operating alumina refinery at Lanjigarh and an aluminium smelter at Jharsuguda.
“With this acquisition of Raykal, a major chunk of VAL’s raw material issues will get solved,” said Ravindra Deshpande, metals analyst, Elara Securities. According to his calculations, the cost of production of VAL can come down by around $150 per tonne, thanks to this strategic acquisition.
VAL, in its business plan, had said with the captive raw material, the cost of producing aluminium would be around $1,200 per tonne, one of the lowest in the world. Currently, the aluminium LME is ruling at less than $2,000 per tonne. Since VAL is now forced to buy bauxite from outside — local suppliers, BALCO and Orissa Mining Company — its cost of making one tonne of aluminium is over $2,100, causing cash losses to the company. This is the reason VAL is not running at its full capacity. But, a secure bauxite supply will help turn around VAL’s finances and bring down its $4-billion debt. These depressed numbers have also upset the Sterlite and Vedanta shareholders. They are believed to be unhappy with VAL getting merged into Sesa-Sterlite, scheduled later this month.
According to senior officers at the Odisha steel and mines department, with the change of shareholders in Raykal, L&T’s prospecting licence that has lapsed due to inactivity will get “revived” and subsequently get upgraded into a proper mining licence.
The state is also expected to earn a minimum of Rs 400 crore in mining levies. “L&T was allotted two mines nearly 20 years back for prospecting. However, a mining licence was not granted in favour of the company as it had no end-use plant at the time of expiry of the prospecting licence period. They can be renewed in favour of the company if the project gathers some pace following the restructuring of the promoter JV company.”
However, Vedanta group officials said mining would start in a few years, once the MLs were in place. The payout from Vedanta is also gradual and is based on gradual development of the mining programme. “There is still a long way to go. Both central and state clearances are required before the project can take off. So, it’s premature to say all the issues have been sorted,” an official in the know added. Parts of the land where the mines are located are also under 'village forest' category, thereby requiring forest clearance under Stage 2 of Ministry of Environment & Forests approvals.

Odisha: Tourism department neglecting Kalahandi

Orissadiary, June 7, 2012

Report by Debadatta Panda; Kalahandi: Although Kalahandi is enriched in tourist spots as well as historical places but due to lack of interest of the Govt. and local people no such development of  tourist sector in Kalahandi district. Kalahandi was the thirteenth district of Odisha and now it became the thirtieth in all respect in the state.

There are so many historical places as well as visiting spots in the kalahandi district but due to want of tourist infrastructure no such developments are seen. The tourism dept. is neglecting Kalahandi and so many official is posted for it. As there is no any office building the office is functioning in a revenue quarter at Bhawanipatna since 1997.In the year 1979 when the tourist office started at that time a tourist officer,a statistical assistant,one clerk and two peons with one chowkidar was posted. Later on the statistical assistant, clerk, pein and chowkidar post was lying vacant. In last january the tourist officer was placed under suspenssion and the existing one peon will be retired soon.In this context the tourist office at kalahandi will be lying vacant without any employee.

The natural and cultural scenario as well as the eenvironment of Kalahandi is also very attractive. Century and dance forests, mountains are very attractive. The dance forest of Karlapat, Ghanajungle, Niyamgiri, Chura dangar, Ampani and Jaring jungle are very environment supported as wellas the forests of Thuamul Rampur and Mahulpatna area are very coolest and known as Kalahandia kasmir. The temperature of this locality in summer is very low. The Furlijharan waterfall,Origin of Indravati Mardiguda, Jakkam wooden bunglow, natural beauti of Ampani and chhura dangar, kadlighati and Dokrichanchara are some famous points for tourists.Like that the historical places like Asurgad, Gudahandi, Junagad and Thuamul Rampur are very attractive for the tourists. Temple city Junagad and Goddes Manikeswari at Bhawanipatna and Th-Rampur,Shiv temple at Belkhandi,  Saptamatruka temple at    the besides of Tel and Uttei river are the visiting spots in kalahandi.

After all there are somany temple related to human culture like Dokri at Talgud,Sapgaranda and other temples are in kalahandi which can attract to the tourists but as there is no any infrastructure for the tourists no such tourists are comming to this district. Govt. should take steps for the tourism and the people of this locality can get self employment.

The tourist office which  was foundation stonned on 05.09.1992  by the than tourism minister is not yet complited  due to lack of interested shown by the Govt.A tourist complex is also un-complited at Th-Rampur and non to look after it so it is going to be demolished.Govt.should take appropriate step for the evelopment of tourism i Kalahandi soon.

Mass Education Program in Thuamul Rampur in Misery

Shared by Sri Debendra Bisi
June 4, 2012

VAL to make forest inside plant’

The Pioneer, June 7, 2012
Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL), Lanjigarh celebrated the World Environment Day by organising a massive plantation programme. President & COO Dr Mukesh Kumar said one lakh saplings would be planted in and around the plant this year as part of the company’s commitment towards improving the ecology of the area.

He said, “Our mission is to make a forest inside the plant instead of building a plant inside the forest.” He reiterated the company’s objective to make optimum use of natural resources through recycling and recovering of wealth from wastes and making VAL-Lanjigarh the first alumina refinery across the globe to have zero waste in addition to being a zero discharge plant.

For awareness on environment, competitions on slogan and painting were organised among the employees of VAL and associated companies as well as among schoolchildren. The daylong programme also included an awareness march held at the VAL Township by all the families of the company’s employees and school kids followed by plantation and prize giving ceremony to the winners of various competitions.

Illegal Cattle Trade from Lanjigarh region

Reported by Sri Sushil Kumar Bag

Scrap asbestos project in Bargarh, urges NRI prof

The Pioneer, June 4, 2012

Asbestos is one of the toxic and carcinogenic materials. In view of its proximity to cause harm, most of the countries are slowly phasing out. In developed nations these materials are already banned. Though these materials are still in use in some old buildings, slowly it is being replaced with new materials, pointed out a non-resident Odia expert.

It is very unfortunate that such a plant is being proposed and established in Bargarh region of Odisha, rued Prof Digambara Patra of the Department of Chemistry in American University of Beirut.

In a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the NRO professor has urged for the scrapping of the asbestos project in Bargarh.

The most misery for asbestos plant is for the workers who work in such plants. In a poor State like Odisha, once the materials are cheaply available, common people start using it without bothering about environment and health risk associated with it.

Therefore, care must be given not to popularise such toxic materials among poor population, a first step towards it will be to stop the production, he said.

B’patna rally demands black money repatriation

The Pioneer, June 4, 2012

On a call of a nationwide protest given by Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev against corruption and black money, Kalahandi District Bharat Swabhimaan Trust took out a peaceful rally on Sunday morning in Bhawanipatna town from Manikeswari Temple to Balaji Temple.

Hundreds of supporters of the Baba holding placards shouted slogans against the corrupt people saying kala dhan layenge desh ko bachayenge (We will bring back the black money and save the country).

Bharat Swabhimaan and Yuva Bharat district president Dhabaleswar Panda, coordinator Sisir Kumar Pattjoshi, organising secretary Santanu Kumar Patnaik, treasurer Biswamohan Rath, Dilip Choudhary, Roshanlal Agrawal, Ashok Kumar Mund, Ajay Swain, Krushna Chandra Das, among others, were present.

Funds that NGOs get

The Pioneer, June 1, 2012
Anuradha Dutt

Dubious organisations flourish while genuine ones struggle to survive

Last week, the media reported that the bank accounts of 30 non-Government organisations had been frozen. Seventy NGOs had been barred from getting foreign funds. This information was provided by Minister of State for Home M Ramachandran in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. He also revealed that 35 NGOs had been placed in the ‘prior permission’ category,24 cases referred to the CBI and seven to State police. This was in response to a question whether the Government had received complaints about some organisations using foreign funds against the nation’s interests. To those who have closely been following reports of hawala transactions, and terror and subversion funding being routed through myriad NGOs and shell companies, this number may appear too meagre to believe.
There are numerous foreign-funded NGOs purportedly engaged in welfare work and there are other altruistic NGOs that raise finances locally. The former are in the news for the wrong reasons after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh averred that activists’ protests against the Kudankulam nuclear project were being financed by sources in the United States and the Scandinavian countries. The comment provoked BJP national secretary P Muralidhar Rao to demand that the Centre release a white paper on such funding being used against national interests. The Union Home Ministry’s annual report on foreign contributions has also been recently cited to support the charge that insurgency in tribal areas in the North-eastern States, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh is being fuelled by funds from abroad.
The Home Ministry’s report apparently states that 2,325 foreign-funded NGOs are registered in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, which are hotbeds of Maoist violence. Between 2009 and 2010, these NGOs received an estimated `600 crore. In the North-east, 516 NGOs received `251 crore; 465 NGOs in Jharkhand got `160 crore from abroad; in Chhattisgarh, the amount was `65 crore; and `143 crore in Madhya Pradesh , all in 2009-2010. Hundreds of crores of rupees are being injected into Odisha to alter its religious profile.
This raises concerns about why the Home Ministry looked the other way, until it was pushed into a corner by repeated acts of Islamist terror in cities, Maoist violence and North-east militancy. It is only when Opposition leaders raised the heat on the Congress-led ruling coalition’s colossal failure to block terror channels by clamping down on sources of funding that some action was initiated. However, those who fear that there is a global conspiracy to balkanise India, just as the Soviet Union was, want that The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, be scrapped altogether. This will quash at its source the menace of foreign funds for potentially subversive activities such as evangelism, civil liberties, tribal uplift, poverty alleviation and the like.
In December 1991, the Soviet Union disintegrated into 15 smaller units, independent countries. Before this happened, the ground for the break-up was prepared by lakhs of of human rights activists and NGOs, recipients of foreign funds, who untiringly propagated glasnost and perestroika — openness and transparency in Government, and economic and political reforms, a campaign that culminated in the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Ethnic insurgency in constituent units contributed to the collapse. The West predictably hailed the events as a triumph of democracy. It marked the end of the Cold War between the US and the then USSR, leaving just the US-led power axis as a super power, and gave the transnational companies access to huge untapped markets and large natural resources.
The Government appears to have woken up rather late to the perils of unmonitored foreign funding. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act came into being in 1976, to monitor foreign funds for voluntary organisations: money coming in as well as going out of the country. It was repealed when the 2010 Act was passed, coming into effect from May 1, 2011. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, framed under section 48 of FCRA, 2010 also came into effect at the same time. The new Act was touted as an improvement on the old one, with more stringent provisions being laid down to prevent misuse of such funds. However, if subversion and militancy continue unabated, the demand to scrap the act should be accepted. This will block channels of foreign funding.
For, those who wish to work for others’ uplift will do so by depending on local contributions or their own resources. ‘Mountain man’ Dashrath Manjhi single-handedly chiselled a one km-long, 16 ft-wide road through a hill in Bihar’s Gaya district so that people of his village did not have to travel around to reach Wazirganj, the nearest town. This arduous work, finished in 1982, took 22 years. A 50km distance was reduced to eight km by one man. And in Delhi, Nand Prakash Thareja, aged 87, has singlehandedly been providing succour to hundreds of persons since he retired as a senior bank officer in December 1985.
He began by first raising funds for altruistic bodies via the unique method of garnering contributions from the thousands who consulted him daily for guidance on the basis of astrology, palmistry and numerology. Since August 1996, his own trust has channelised the funds so raised every month to needy students, widows, indigent aged and other charities.
It has also turned a municipal park into a sylvan escape for residents, with an overhead water tank for everyone. The trust has spent over `2.6 crore till date, and wants to built a free hospital for the poor. But he still struggles for funds and has to depend on his resources.
These two successes owe to the power of individual initiative and not foreign funds.

Unfinished Dharamgarh-Jharkundamal PMGSY Road

Reported by Sri Anshuman Patra
Dharitri, June 2, 2012

FIR filed against Minister, ex-Minister in Kalahandi

The Pioneer, June 1, 2012
To find out the honesty of BJD leaders of Kalahandi regarding Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s letter to the Railway Minister on the issue of location of a railway coach factory in the State, an FIR was lodged at the Town police station here on Wednesday by lawyer and social activist Santosh Kumar Mund against State Minister Puspendra Singh Deo and Odisha TDCC chairman and former Minister Balabhadra Majhi.

The FIR alleged criminal conspiracy on the part of the BJD leaders by forging the original document relating to the Chief Minister’s letter with an intention to mislead the media and the people.

Mund, who is also convener of the Raildaba Pratistha Kriyanusthan Committee, took the step a day after a Press conference was called by Kalahandi Congress MP Bhakta Charan Das on the railway coach factory issue. Das had accused the BJD leaders of forging the document signed by the Chief Minister and circulating its copies to mediapersons at a Press meet on May 6.

Das showed the video footage of Parliament discussions where Railway Minister Mukul Roy had clearly indicated the State Government’s apathy towards Kalahandi on the issue of location of the proposed coach factory in his speech on March 22, 2012.

The FIR said that while presenting the Railway Budget of 2010-11, then Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced in the Parliament that a railway wagon factory would be established either in Bhubaneswar or in Kalahandi district, the Odisha Government submitted a proposal to the Railway Minister for establishment of the factory at Sitalapalli of Ganjam district.

Knowing this apathetic attitude of the State Government, the people of Kalahandi raised voice against the Naveen Patnaik Government wearing black badges for seven days under the leadership of the Congress, the FIR pointed out.

The FIR said both the BJD leaders, Singh Deo and Manjhi, who are public servants, claimed at their Press meet that the Chief Minister had written a letter to then Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi dated December 28 last year where the CM had submitted a proposal for two rail wagon factories, one at Sitalapalli of Ganjam and the other at Narla of Kalahandi. But in the original letter such a proposal in favour of Kalahandi was mentioned nowhere by the CM.

Mund alleged that both Puspendra Singh Deo and Balabhadra Majhi in order to mislead and cheat the people conspired together and forged the CM’s original letter after inserting some paragraphs in it and used the concocted letter as genuine knowing very well that it was a forged one and thereby they committed offence and cheated the people as well as the Press.

Mund has demanded that the police inquire into the matter and take legal action against both the leaders in the interest of justice.

Kalahandi sees total bandh

The Pioneer, June 1, 2012
The bandh called by the NDA at the Central level and the ruling BJD and other none-Congress parties in the State on Thursday in protest against petrol price hike by the Congress-led UPA Government, was successful in Kalahandi district with markets, business establishments, banks, Government offices and road transport communications remaining closed since morning.

Besides the BJD and the BJP, the protest move was supported by CPI, RJDand Samajbadi Party who took out a rally holding banners across the town here giving slogans against the UPA Government.The protesters burnt tyres on the main road of the town and gave slogans against the Central Government.

CPI leader Dama Behera threatened to go for mass agitation if petrol price hike was not rolledback.

All nationalised banks, ATMs, courts and Government offices remained closed for the entire day and commuters suffered as the buses did not ply.

Similarly, in other parts of the district like Junagarh, Kesinga, Dharmagarh and other blocks, markets wore a deserted look. However, no untoward incidents were reported.