The Pioneer, May 31, 2008
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
Senior Congress leader of the State and former Revenue Minister Jagannath Patnaik met AICC president Sonia Gandhi at her residence in New Delhi on Friday.
He informed her about the present political situation of the State and "failure" of the BJD-BJP Government in executing the various Centrally-sponsored projects.
Patnaik informed her about the various dimensions of the KBK schemes and stressed upon a review of their implementation at the Central level. He also requested for establishment of a Central University in Kalahandi district.
Patnaik also held talks with Union Planning Minister Narayan Swami and AICC secretary in charge of Orissa Ajay Maken, according to a release here.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Orissa heat wave death toll crosses 50
Kalinga Times, 30th May, 2008
As heat wave conditions continued to prevail in several regions of Orissa, the number of sunstroke deaths in the State crossed 50 on Thursday. “As many as 51 deaths due to sunstroke have been confirmed so far,” said an official manning the State level control room of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department here. A total of 165 deaths, allegedly due to sunstroke, had been reported from different areas of the State this season. Verification carried out by the district administrations concerned, however, had found that 90 of these deaths took place due to `other reasons'. Inquiry reports in respect of the remaining 24 alleged heat wave deaths were awaited, the official added.
Of the 51 sunstroke deaths confirmed, seven had been reported from Dhenkanal district and six each from Angul and Jagatsinghpur. Besides, five deaths were confirmed in Khurda; four each in Ganjam, Nayagarh, Sambalpur and Sundargarh; three in Jajpur; two each in Balasore, Puri and Sonepur; and one each in Kendrapara and Mayurbhanj. The heat wave condition, however, had started subsiding in some coastal districts due to rain and thundershowers during the past few days.
However, the maximum day temperature continues to remain over 40 degrees Celsius in many interiors districts till date. The places that recorded more than 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday include Bolangir, Bhawanipatna, Sambalpur, Sundargarh and Angul. As regards weather forecast, there was possibility of thunder-squall and rain in some areas during the next 24 hours.
As heat wave conditions continued to prevail in several regions of Orissa, the number of sunstroke deaths in the State crossed 50 on Thursday. “As many as 51 deaths due to sunstroke have been confirmed so far,” said an official manning the State level control room of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department here. A total of 165 deaths, allegedly due to sunstroke, had been reported from different areas of the State this season. Verification carried out by the district administrations concerned, however, had found that 90 of these deaths took place due to `other reasons'. Inquiry reports in respect of the remaining 24 alleged heat wave deaths were awaited, the official added.
Of the 51 sunstroke deaths confirmed, seven had been reported from Dhenkanal district and six each from Angul and Jagatsinghpur. Besides, five deaths were confirmed in Khurda; four each in Ganjam, Nayagarh, Sambalpur and Sundargarh; three in Jajpur; two each in Balasore, Puri and Sonepur; and one each in Kendrapara and Mayurbhanj. The heat wave condition, however, had started subsiding in some coastal districts due to rain and thundershowers during the past few days.
However, the maximum day temperature continues to remain over 40 degrees Celsius in many interiors districts till date. The places that recorded more than 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday include Bolangir, Bhawanipatna, Sambalpur, Sundargarh and Angul. As regards weather forecast, there was possibility of thunder-squall and rain in some areas during the next 24 hours.
Hemalata Hospitals plan Rs 40 cr expansion
Business Standard, 30th May, 2008
Hemalata Hospitals and Research Centre (HHRC), a multi-speciality hospital for cancer and neurosciences, has planned to foray into other areas of healthcare specialities like orthopaedics, trauma and critical care by the end of 2009.
The 100- bed hospital would invest Rs 40 crore in providing additional beds, operation theatres and other necessary equipment.
"We intend to extend our healthcare facilities in other speciality areas like orthopaedics, trauma and critical care. We aim to raise the bed strength from 100 to 250 and also take the number of operation theatres from three to six by the end of next year", said AK Rath, the chairman and managing director of HHRC.
Rath, however admitted that there would be a problem in getting qualified professionals for the new specialities, especially that of trauma and critical care,When asked whether the hospital was getting cancer patients from outside the state, he replied, "We have been able to get a few patients from places like Ranchi and Raipur but the numbers are not very impressive.
There is still a growing number of people from Orissa who go out of the state for cancer treatment and we first need to win their confidence."
He was talking to reporters on the eve of World No Tobacco Day being observed by the hospital.
HHRC, spread over an area of around 80,000 sq ft and equipped with three super speciality operation theatres has treated over 2,000 cancer patients in two and a half years.
This year, HHRC would organise cancer awareness camps in different locations of the state like Puri, Rayagada, Bolangir, Bhawanipatna and Parlekhamundi.
"Tobacco use is a risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of death in the world. The eight leading causes of death are ischaemic heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS and diarrhoea", Rath added.
He stressed on the need for an organised cancer registry in the state to compile figures of the cancer patients and tobacco related deaths.
Hemalata Hospitals and Research Centre (HHRC), a multi-speciality hospital for cancer and neurosciences, has planned to foray into other areas of healthcare specialities like orthopaedics, trauma and critical care by the end of 2009.
The 100- bed hospital would invest Rs 40 crore in providing additional beds, operation theatres and other necessary equipment.
"We intend to extend our healthcare facilities in other speciality areas like orthopaedics, trauma and critical care. We aim to raise the bed strength from 100 to 250 and also take the number of operation theatres from three to six by the end of next year", said AK Rath, the chairman and managing director of HHRC.
Rath, however admitted that there would be a problem in getting qualified professionals for the new specialities, especially that of trauma and critical care,When asked whether the hospital was getting cancer patients from outside the state, he replied, "We have been able to get a few patients from places like Ranchi and Raipur but the numbers are not very impressive.
There is still a growing number of people from Orissa who go out of the state for cancer treatment and we first need to win their confidence."
He was talking to reporters on the eve of World No Tobacco Day being observed by the hospital.
HHRC, spread over an area of around 80,000 sq ft and equipped with three super speciality operation theatres has treated over 2,000 cancer patients in two and a half years.
This year, HHRC would organise cancer awareness camps in different locations of the state like Puri, Rayagada, Bolangir, Bhawanipatna and Parlekhamundi.
"Tobacco use is a risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of death in the world. The eight leading causes of death are ischaemic heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS and diarrhoea", Rath added.
He stressed on the need for an organised cancer registry in the state to compile figures of the cancer patients and tobacco related deaths.
Centre’s cash push for poor patients
The Telegraph, 29th May, 2008
Bhubaneswar, May 29: The Union government will provide Rs 90.03 lakh in 2008-09 fiscal towards information, education and communication (IEC) for the benefit of leprosy patients
Claiming a significant success in eradication of leprosy from the state, the government has pulled up its sleeve to wipe it out completely.
As on March 31, 2008, state’s leprosy cases on record were 3,283 with a prevalence rate of 0.8 per 10,000 population. Prevalence rate plummeted to one to none in as many as 23 districts.
Remaining seven districts, including Bolangir, Jharsuguda, Angul, Bargarh, Sonepur, Kalahandi and Nuapda, still have a prevalence rate above one. Out of these, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Jharsuguda and Bolangir have fixed December 2008 as the deadline to eradicate cases completely.
The government has identified 685 new patients with leprosy in addition to existing 3,283 patients those are undergoing treatments.
Of the new patients, 255 were women, 146 from Scheduled Tribes, 142 from Scheduled Castes and 58 children.
As of now, Bargarh district has the highest number of leprosy patients with the numbers at 69, while Rayagada district has two patients.
Other districts such as Angul, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Sonepur and Cuttack had 51, 49, 44, 39 and 37 patients respectively.
The national leprosy eradication programme was started in Orissa in 1983 with the introduction of multi-drug therapy (MDT) primarily in Ganjam district.
The objective of the national programme has been to achieve elimination by bringing all known cases under the MDT. The state (in 1983) had 3.2 lakh cases on record. The prevalence rate in the state was 121.4 per 10,000, against the 55 per 10,000 at the national-level. Orissa was hyper-endemic with a prevalence rate varying from 100 to 228.
Over 9 lakh cases were brought under MDT, of which about 8.8 lakh cases were cured.
Disabilities were prevented in 2.2 lakh cases.
Bhubaneswar, May 29: The Union government will provide Rs 90.03 lakh in 2008-09 fiscal towards information, education and communication (IEC) for the benefit of leprosy patients
Claiming a significant success in eradication of leprosy from the state, the government has pulled up its sleeve to wipe it out completely.
As on March 31, 2008, state’s leprosy cases on record were 3,283 with a prevalence rate of 0.8 per 10,000 population. Prevalence rate plummeted to one to none in as many as 23 districts.
Remaining seven districts, including Bolangir, Jharsuguda, Angul, Bargarh, Sonepur, Kalahandi and Nuapda, still have a prevalence rate above one. Out of these, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Jharsuguda and Bolangir have fixed December 2008 as the deadline to eradicate cases completely.
The government has identified 685 new patients with leprosy in addition to existing 3,283 patients those are undergoing treatments.
Of the new patients, 255 were women, 146 from Scheduled Tribes, 142 from Scheduled Castes and 58 children.
As of now, Bargarh district has the highest number of leprosy patients with the numbers at 69, while Rayagada district has two patients.
Other districts such as Angul, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Sonepur and Cuttack had 51, 49, 44, 39 and 37 patients respectively.
The national leprosy eradication programme was started in Orissa in 1983 with the introduction of multi-drug therapy (MDT) primarily in Ganjam district.
The objective of the national programme has been to achieve elimination by bringing all known cases under the MDT. The state (in 1983) had 3.2 lakh cases on record. The prevalence rate in the state was 121.4 per 10,000, against the 55 per 10,000 at the national-level. Orissa was hyper-endemic with a prevalence rate varying from 100 to 228.
Over 9 lakh cases were brought under MDT, of which about 8.8 lakh cases were cured.
Disabilities were prevented in 2.2 lakh cases.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
One killed, 25 hurt
Newindpress, 28th May, 2008
BHAWANIPATNA: A trolley, carrying members of a marriage party, has overturned near Jamchuan.One person was killed on the spot and 25 were injured. The passengers were residents of Dhanabhata village and on their way to Titijhola village.The injured were taken to the district headquarters hospital. The deceased has been identified as Sansari Majhi.
BHAWANIPATNA: A trolley, carrying members of a marriage party, has overturned near Jamchuan.One person was killed on the spot and 25 were injured. The passengers were residents of Dhanabhata village and on their way to Titijhola village.The injured were taken to the district headquarters hospital. The deceased has been identified as Sansari Majhi.
Malaria claims 17 lives in 15 days in Kalahandi
The Pioneer, 28th May, 2008
Pioneer News Service Bhawanipatna
After cholera, which recently took lives of several backward tribals in Thuamul-Rampur block of Kalahandi district, its now the turn of malaria, which has already claimed more than 17 deaths within a span of just five days.
Reports say that more than 100 other people are suffering from malaria and the number of the afflicted people is increasing day by day. Previously, malaria had taken lives of Badphala and Badchakari villages of this block. During that time the health department had assured to ensure free medical services but no steps have yet been taken.
Within the last 15 days, 17 deaths have been reported from Kerpai gram panchayat by the local sarpanch. According to the ward member and general public, three deaths have been reported from Kerpai village, two each from Kadhyal, Merkapal, Purlimall and Pilmall and one from Tavamandi.
According to the sources, there are only three doctors in the local hospital, out of whom one is on leave due to injury and another has been transferred. And now, a single doctor is hardly able to control the serious situation. A written petition in this regard has been submitted to the BDO by the sarpanch.
Pioneer News Service Bhawanipatna
After cholera, which recently took lives of several backward tribals in Thuamul-Rampur block of Kalahandi district, its now the turn of malaria, which has already claimed more than 17 deaths within a span of just five days.
Reports say that more than 100 other people are suffering from malaria and the number of the afflicted people is increasing day by day. Previously, malaria had taken lives of Badphala and Badchakari villages of this block. During that time the health department had assured to ensure free medical services but no steps have yet been taken.
Within the last 15 days, 17 deaths have been reported from Kerpai gram panchayat by the local sarpanch. According to the ward member and general public, three deaths have been reported from Kerpai village, two each from Kadhyal, Merkapal, Purlimall and Pilmall and one from Tavamandi.
According to the sources, there are only three doctors in the local hospital, out of whom one is on leave due to injury and another has been transferred. And now, a single doctor is hardly able to control the serious situation. A written petition in this regard has been submitted to the BDO by the sarpanch.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
PNB opens its 58th branch at Raygada
Business Standard, 27th May, 2008
The public sector bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), opened its 58th branch at Raygada. Satyabrata Sahoo, revenue divisional commissioner, southern division, inaugurated the branch.
The bank, which opened a branch at Christian Hospital in Berhampur recently, will open branches at Phulbani, Bhawanipatna, Bolangir and Daringbari.
It has already obtained the licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for opening branches in these locations.
The bank also plans to open a farmers training centre to cater to the training requirements of the farmers of the state.The farmers will be provided free training in this centre.
It is in talks with the Orissa government for geting land for the proposed centre B P Sharma, head, Orissa circle was present during the inauguration.
The public sector bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), opened its 58th branch at Raygada. Satyabrata Sahoo, revenue divisional commissioner, southern division, inaugurated the branch.
The bank, which opened a branch at Christian Hospital in Berhampur recently, will open branches at Phulbani, Bhawanipatna, Bolangir and Daringbari.
It has already obtained the licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for opening branches in these locations.
The bank also plans to open a farmers training centre to cater to the training requirements of the farmers of the state.The farmers will be provided free training in this centre.
It is in talks with the Orissa government for geting land for the proposed centre B P Sharma, head, Orissa circle was present during the inauguration.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Pottery caught in wheels of neglect
Newindpress, 26th May, 2008
BHAWANIPATNA: Without any industry, pottery is the lifeline of hundreds of families in several villages of Kalahandi district. But bereft of any government patronage, the artisans are finding it hard to the run the once throbbing pottery units. Balisara is a back of beyond village in predominantly tribal Thuamul Rampur block.There is no industry worth the name in the block and people are mostly dependent on minor agricultural and forest produces. However, the village is known for its pottery unit where 50 artisan families are engaged. From burnt tiles to pots, peachers and beautiful terracottas, the group produces all sorts of items and sell them in the nearby weekly sandies (markets). They work in a common kiln helping each other. To boost the craft, a decade back with the assistance of Directorate of Handicrafts and Cottage Industries, a common workshed was constructed. But the workshed is now lying in a dilapidated condition. The shed was damaged and its roof uprooted in cyclone two years back. The artisans are working under a temporary common shed. Specialised training by master craftsmen were imparted for skill upgradation and the group members enrolled in the Rehabilitation of Rural Artisan Scheme. However, for last two years the scheme is not operating. Assistance from any other scheme is not forthcoming. Hari Chalan, the team leader of the 50-member group, said the artisans are struggling without any support.Other pottery units of Kalahandi are also witnessing a similar fate. Asked, GM, District Industries Centre, said it has been decided to launch special drive villages having terracotta activities in the district by supporting the artisans.
BHAWANIPATNA: Without any industry, pottery is the lifeline of hundreds of families in several villages of Kalahandi district. But bereft of any government patronage, the artisans are finding it hard to the run the once throbbing pottery units. Balisara is a back of beyond village in predominantly tribal Thuamul Rampur block.There is no industry worth the name in the block and people are mostly dependent on minor agricultural and forest produces. However, the village is known for its pottery unit where 50 artisan families are engaged. From burnt tiles to pots, peachers and beautiful terracottas, the group produces all sorts of items and sell them in the nearby weekly sandies (markets). They work in a common kiln helping each other. To boost the craft, a decade back with the assistance of Directorate of Handicrafts and Cottage Industries, a common workshed was constructed. But the workshed is now lying in a dilapidated condition. The shed was damaged and its roof uprooted in cyclone two years back. The artisans are working under a temporary common shed. Specialised training by master craftsmen were imparted for skill upgradation and the group members enrolled in the Rehabilitation of Rural Artisan Scheme. However, for last two years the scheme is not operating. Assistance from any other scheme is not forthcoming. Hari Chalan, the team leader of the 50-member group, said the artisans are struggling without any support.Other pottery units of Kalahandi are also witnessing a similar fate. Asked, GM, District Industries Centre, said it has been decided to launch special drive villages having terracotta activities in the district by supporting the artisans.
2 killed, one missing as boat capsizes in Indravati
The Pioneer, 26th May, 2008
Pioneer News Service Bhawanipatna
A boat capsized in Indravati water reservoir on Saturday resulting in the death of two people and one was missing. It has been more than 24 hours since the incident occurred, and the body of one person is yet to be found. So, it is assumed that the missing person is dead.
Sources said Guru Majhi (60), Kalinga Majhi (70), Madhu Majhi (70) and his wife Janmati Majhi(60) of Phukjai village were returning on a boat from a nearby village situated on the other side of the river after attending a death ceremony. All of a sudden the boat got out of control and sank. The incident occurred at village Sanchhatran. Janmati Majhi showed courage to try to save the life of her husband. She pulled him out but it was too late and Madhu Majhi has already breathed his last.
Pioneer News Service Bhawanipatna
A boat capsized in Indravati water reservoir on Saturday resulting in the death of two people and one was missing. It has been more than 24 hours since the incident occurred, and the body of one person is yet to be found. So, it is assumed that the missing person is dead.
Sources said Guru Majhi (60), Kalinga Majhi (70), Madhu Majhi (70) and his wife Janmati Majhi(60) of Phukjai village were returning on a boat from a nearby village situated on the other side of the river after attending a death ceremony. All of a sudden the boat got out of control and sank. The incident occurred at village Sanchhatran. Janmati Majhi showed courage to try to save the life of her husband. She pulled him out but it was too late and Madhu Majhi has already breathed his last.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Water projects to battle crisis
The Telegraph, 25th May, 2008
Good news for the rural and interior parts of Orissa, which are reeling under water scarcity.
The state government has decided to cover all the 5,000-odd gram panchayats across the state under drinking water supply projects within coming three years.
This was disclosed by the state rural development minister, Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, who reviewed the status of rural drinking water supply in Orissa.
As many as 1,37,159 rural habitations out of total 1,41,358 such habitations identified have been covered, claimed the minister.
The cost of drinking water supply projects is being shared equally by the Centre and the state government under the accelerated rural water supply programme.
The yardstick is to provide one tubewell or stand-post for a population of 250 in general habitation and a population of 150 in the tribal populated undivided Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi districts, he said.
Under the Centre-sponsored Swajaldhara programme, 1,475 drinking water supply projects had been sanctioned during 2002-06, out of which 1,163 projects have been completed. Now, this scheme has been amalgamated with accelerated rural water supply programme.
“Moreover, 45,188 rural schools have been provided with drinking water against a target of 45,927 schools,” said Harichandan.
Meanwhile, under the sub-mission scheme, 89,784 sources of water were tested out of which 28,016 were detected with multiple contamination. Of 2,399 projects sanctioned for alternative safe drinking water sources, 255 have been completed by end-March this year.
The minister said Rs 454.02 crore had been released under all state and central rural drinking water supply schemes during 2007-08, out of which Rs 450.23 crore had been spent. Similarly, out of Rs 492.58 crore sanctioned for the current fiscal, Rs 80 crore had been utilised so far, he said.
Good news for the rural and interior parts of Orissa, which are reeling under water scarcity.
The state government has decided to cover all the 5,000-odd gram panchayats across the state under drinking water supply projects within coming three years.
This was disclosed by the state rural development minister, Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, who reviewed the status of rural drinking water supply in Orissa.
As many as 1,37,159 rural habitations out of total 1,41,358 such habitations identified have been covered, claimed the minister.
The cost of drinking water supply projects is being shared equally by the Centre and the state government under the accelerated rural water supply programme.
The yardstick is to provide one tubewell or stand-post for a population of 250 in general habitation and a population of 150 in the tribal populated undivided Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi districts, he said.
Under the Centre-sponsored Swajaldhara programme, 1,475 drinking water supply projects had been sanctioned during 2002-06, out of which 1,163 projects have been completed. Now, this scheme has been amalgamated with accelerated rural water supply programme.
“Moreover, 45,188 rural schools have been provided with drinking water against a target of 45,927 schools,” said Harichandan.
Meanwhile, under the sub-mission scheme, 89,784 sources of water were tested out of which 28,016 were detected with multiple contamination. Of 2,399 projects sanctioned for alternative safe drinking water sources, 255 have been completed by end-March this year.
The minister said Rs 454.02 crore had been released under all state and central rural drinking water supply schemes during 2007-08, out of which Rs 450.23 crore had been spent. Similarly, out of Rs 492.58 crore sanctioned for the current fiscal, Rs 80 crore had been utilised so far, he said.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Heat wave persists in Orissa, death toll mounts
Kalingatimes, 21st May, 2008
Normal life continued to be badly affected in most parts of Orissa on Monday due to the prevailing heat wave that has claimed at least 42 human lives so far. Many places in interior region of Orissa have been reeling under the heat wave condition for more than three weeks with no sign of rain. The areas that witnessed maximum day temperature beyond 40 degrees Celsius on Monday include Talcher, Angul, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Bhawanipatna, Malkangiri and Phulbani.
The heat wave condition was likely to prevail over some parts of the State during the next 24 hours, officials in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the State government said. The officials said that as many as 147 deaths allegedly due to sunstroke had been reported from different areas of the State by Monday.
While 42 deaths were found to have taken place due to sunstroke, as many as 82 were found to have occurred due to `other reasons'. The official death toll was likely to rise in the next few days as verification reports were awaited in the remaining 23 cases.
Meanwhile, people in some areas in the coastal belt of the State had got reprieve from the gruelling heat wave due to occurrence of thunderstorm and rain. Although temperature had shown a decline in the coastal district, high humidity condition was adding to the people's woes.
Normal life continued to be badly affected in most parts of Orissa on Monday due to the prevailing heat wave that has claimed at least 42 human lives so far. Many places in interior region of Orissa have been reeling under the heat wave condition for more than three weeks with no sign of rain. The areas that witnessed maximum day temperature beyond 40 degrees Celsius on Monday include Talcher, Angul, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Bhawanipatna, Malkangiri and Phulbani.
The heat wave condition was likely to prevail over some parts of the State during the next 24 hours, officials in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the State government said. The officials said that as many as 147 deaths allegedly due to sunstroke had been reported from different areas of the State by Monday.
While 42 deaths were found to have taken place due to sunstroke, as many as 82 were found to have occurred due to `other reasons'. The official death toll was likely to rise in the next few days as verification reports were awaited in the remaining 23 cases.
Meanwhile, people in some areas in the coastal belt of the State had got reprieve from the gruelling heat wave due to occurrence of thunderstorm and rain. Although temperature had shown a decline in the coastal district, high humidity condition was adding to the people's woes.
JNU first, UPSC now: Hearing no handicap for ‘hunger belt’ man
Expressindia.com, 21st May, 2008
PALLAVI SINGH
Posted online: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 10:42:38
K Manoranjan Nayak was the first from his family to enter a college in Malkangiri district of Orissa. At the time he travelled from his village Upperkatinga in neighbouring Koraput district to Malkangiri every day for his classes.
Despite the toil, he seldom missed classes, though he knew he couldn’t hear the lectures.
But being hearing impaired by birth was never a handicap for 26-year-old Nayak, who later made it to the Jawaharlal Nehru University as a Sociology student. For, he wanted to “make a difference”. Coming from the hunger-stricken Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput region of Orissa, Nayak, son of a forest guard, perhaps had learnt early to not give up easily.
And, last week, his constant efforts towards a better life led him to another laurel when he made it to the Civil Services in the physically handicapped category. “When I enrolled at JNU five years ago as an MA student, I knew I was the only student with hearing impairment. Yet, this was the last thing that bothered me,” he says in answer to a question passed on to him on a piece of paper.
And that is exactly how he appeared for his final interviews for the Civil Services as well. “There was a computer on which questions were typed for me; I read them and answered,” he explains.
At JNU, Nayak would quietly take notes and later write questions for the teachers to answer. “Three professors at my Centre helped me immensely with written notes in response to my questions,” he says.
His friend and senior research student at JNU Netajee Abhinandan says Nayak never let his handicap come in the way of his happiness. “You will always find him smiling,” Abhinandan says. “He is always forthcoming with his participation in sports and other extra-curricular activities and never lets himself be sidelined in any group.”
Nayak today is not just a student with hearing impairment — for many at the campus he is a symbol of achievement despite odds. Back home, he continues to inspire four younger siblings with his courage and ambition. His younger sister, too, has made it to JNU this year as a post-graduate student.
But Nayak seems tireless. “I will appear for the Civil Services exams again next year to improve my rank of 726.”
PALLAVI SINGH
Posted online: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 10:42:38
K Manoranjan Nayak was the first from his family to enter a college in Malkangiri district of Orissa. At the time he travelled from his village Upperkatinga in neighbouring Koraput district to Malkangiri every day for his classes.
Despite the toil, he seldom missed classes, though he knew he couldn’t hear the lectures.
But being hearing impaired by birth was never a handicap for 26-year-old Nayak, who later made it to the Jawaharlal Nehru University as a Sociology student. For, he wanted to “make a difference”. Coming from the hunger-stricken Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput region of Orissa, Nayak, son of a forest guard, perhaps had learnt early to not give up easily.
And, last week, his constant efforts towards a better life led him to another laurel when he made it to the Civil Services in the physically handicapped category. “When I enrolled at JNU five years ago as an MA student, I knew I was the only student with hearing impairment. Yet, this was the last thing that bothered me,” he says in answer to a question passed on to him on a piece of paper.
And that is exactly how he appeared for his final interviews for the Civil Services as well. “There was a computer on which questions were typed for me; I read them and answered,” he explains.
At JNU, Nayak would quietly take notes and later write questions for the teachers to answer. “Three professors at my Centre helped me immensely with written notes in response to my questions,” he says.
His friend and senior research student at JNU Netajee Abhinandan says Nayak never let his handicap come in the way of his happiness. “You will always find him smiling,” Abhinandan says. “He is always forthcoming with his participation in sports and other extra-curricular activities and never lets himself be sidelined in any group.”
Nayak today is not just a student with hearing impairment — for many at the campus he is a symbol of achievement despite odds. Back home, he continues to inspire four younger siblings with his courage and ambition. His younger sister, too, has made it to JNU this year as a post-graduate student.
But Nayak seems tireless. “I will appear for the Civil Services exams again next year to improve my rank of 726.”
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Landslide claims 5
The Statesman, 20th May, 2008
BHAWANIPATNA, May 19: Five labourers including a female labourer died and two others were seriously injured, in a land slide in a quarry at Pipal Digra near Khairmal village, about 16 km from here this afternoon.Sources said they were employed by a contractor and were digging inside a pit, when the accident took place. While four died on the spot, the female worker succumbed in Bhawanipatna government hospital. The two injured are under treatment.It is learnt that the deceased belonged to Khairmal, Deypur and Gudang villages, and the injured are from Deypur and Gudang villages.Police rushed to the spot and started investigation. A case under section 287 and 304 (a) have been registered, sources said.However, the contractor has not yet been arrested nor the tractor seized. n sns
BHAWANIPATNA, May 19: Five labourers including a female labourer died and two others were seriously injured, in a land slide in a quarry at Pipal Digra near Khairmal village, about 16 km from here this afternoon.Sources said they were employed by a contractor and were digging inside a pit, when the accident took place. While four died on the spot, the female worker succumbed in Bhawanipatna government hospital. The two injured are under treatment.It is learnt that the deceased belonged to Khairmal, Deypur and Gudang villages, and the injured are from Deypur and Gudang villages.Police rushed to the spot and started investigation. A case under section 287 and 304 (a) have been registered, sources said.However, the contractor has not yet been arrested nor the tractor seized. n sns
Landslide kills four in Orissa
Thaindian.com, 20th May, 2008
Bhubaneswar, May 20 (IANS) At least four workers died Monday in a landslide in Orissa’s Kalahandi district, police said. The landslide occurred when the workers were working at a dig near Depur village, some 610 km from here, additional district superintendent of police Vibek Kumar Rath told IANS over telephone.
Police rushed to the spot to help rescue efforts, he said.
Bhubaneswar, May 20 (IANS) At least four workers died Monday in a landslide in Orissa’s Kalahandi district, police said. The landslide occurred when the workers were working at a dig near Depur village, some 610 km from here, additional district superintendent of police Vibek Kumar Rath told IANS over telephone.
Police rushed to the spot to help rescue efforts, he said.
1,000 activists held in Bhawanipatna
The Pioneer, 20th May, 2008
Bhawanipatna: Protesting against the worsening law and order situation in the tenure of the BJD-BJP Government, the Kalahandi Congress Committee, under the directive of the OPCC, on Monday organised a demonstration before the Collectorate here. About 1,000 party activists, who tried to barge into the Collector's office breaking the police cordon, were arrested. Former Union Minister Bhakta Das, former Revenue Minister Jagannath Patnaik, PCC observer Bijay Gamang and DCC president Rash Behari Behera and activists, including women, from 13 blocks besides Bhawanipatna, Kesinga and Junagarh courted arrest. The activists before organising the meeting had gone around the town in a procession.
Bhawanipatna: Protesting against the worsening law and order situation in the tenure of the BJD-BJP Government, the Kalahandi Congress Committee, under the directive of the OPCC, on Monday organised a demonstration before the Collectorate here. About 1,000 party activists, who tried to barge into the Collector's office breaking the police cordon, were arrested. Former Union Minister Bhakta Das, former Revenue Minister Jagannath Patnaik, PCC observer Bijay Gamang and DCC president Rash Behari Behera and activists, including women, from 13 blocks besides Bhawanipatna, Kesinga and Junagarh courted arrest. The activists before organising the meeting had gone around the town in a procession.
Five die, 2 injured as Kalahandi quarry caves in
The Pioneer, 20th May, 2008
Pioneer News Service Bhawanipatna
In a tragic incident, five persons were killed and two severely injured at Pipaldigra village under Degur panchayat in Kalahandi district on Monday as the quarry, in which they were digging gravel, caved in.
The deceased were identified as Bhuban Goud (30), Bhagaban Majhi (30), Jagabandhu Jal (33), Krushna Goud (25) and Mamata Puti.
Sources said a contractor, Manoj Padhee, of Degur village took 13 labourers in two tractors to Pipaldigra rock to dig gravel for construction of the Khairamal village road. The labourers, at the time of digging gravel, came under a massive landslide and died on the spot.
After hearing about the tragedy, the villagers, along with the local sarpanh and police, rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies. Three injured labourers, Bada Majhi, Kshirasindhu Goud and Mamata Puti, were rushed to the district headquarters hospital, where Mamata died.
Former Minister and BJD district president Kiran Chandra Singh Deo, on reaching the spot, helped in the rescue operation and requested the Collector, SP and BDO over telephone to provide Government assistance to the families of the deceased and free medical treatment to the injured. The Collector announced ex-gratia of Rs 10, 000 to each family of the deceased.
The police registered a case of unnatural death. Police sources said legal action would be taken against the contractor.
Pioneer News Service Bhawanipatna
In a tragic incident, five persons were killed and two severely injured at Pipaldigra village under Degur panchayat in Kalahandi district on Monday as the quarry, in which they were digging gravel, caved in.
The deceased were identified as Bhuban Goud (30), Bhagaban Majhi (30), Jagabandhu Jal (33), Krushna Goud (25) and Mamata Puti.
Sources said a contractor, Manoj Padhee, of Degur village took 13 labourers in two tractors to Pipaldigra rock to dig gravel for construction of the Khairamal village road. The labourers, at the time of digging gravel, came under a massive landslide and died on the spot.
After hearing about the tragedy, the villagers, along with the local sarpanh and police, rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies. Three injured labourers, Bada Majhi, Kshirasindhu Goud and Mamata Puti, were rushed to the district headquarters hospital, where Mamata died.
Former Minister and BJD district president Kiran Chandra Singh Deo, on reaching the spot, helped in the rescue operation and requested the Collector, SP and BDO over telephone to provide Government assistance to the families of the deceased and free medical treatment to the injured. The Collector announced ex-gratia of Rs 10, 000 to each family of the deceased.
The police registered a case of unnatural death. Police sources said legal action would be taken against the contractor.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Family awaiting death due to starvation in Kalahandi
The Pioneer, 18th May, 2008
Bijay Dwibedi Bhawanipatna
Even though the State and Central Governments are spending crores of rupees so that nobody stays hungry and if somebody starves the local administration should be taken to task, a green card holder of Bamathana village of Kalahandi district, Biswambar Harijan (59), his wife Nila (50) and their daughter Sukar are starving. Biswambar, who is also ailing, cannot move from one place to another.
Even though he has a BPL card due to his precarious financial condition he fails to procure the rice available under the scheme. If the nieghbours out of mercy give them something to eat they have food or else they starve.
Whatever his wife earns is spend on medicines for Biswambar. Though he had approached the Collector and the BDO for Government assistance his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The family is likely to be victims of starvation death if the administration does not come to their immediate rescue.
On the intervention of some scribes who took up his case with the panchayat secretary he was sanctioned 10 kg of rice from a PDS dealer after five months. From this glaring example of callousness of the administration, their eagerness to help the starving and downtrodden in one of the poorest districts of the State could be easily imagined, said locals.
Bijay Dwibedi Bhawanipatna
Even though the State and Central Governments are spending crores of rupees so that nobody stays hungry and if somebody starves the local administration should be taken to task, a green card holder of Bamathana village of Kalahandi district, Biswambar Harijan (59), his wife Nila (50) and their daughter Sukar are starving. Biswambar, who is also ailing, cannot move from one place to another.
Even though he has a BPL card due to his precarious financial condition he fails to procure the rice available under the scheme. If the nieghbours out of mercy give them something to eat they have food or else they starve.
Whatever his wife earns is spend on medicines for Biswambar. Though he had approached the Collector and the BDO for Government assistance his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The family is likely to be victims of starvation death if the administration does not come to their immediate rescue.
On the intervention of some scribes who took up his case with the panchayat secretary he was sanctioned 10 kg of rice from a PDS dealer after five months. From this glaring example of callousness of the administration, their eagerness to help the starving and downtrodden in one of the poorest districts of the State could be easily imagined, said locals.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Preventive measures for flood being planned in Kalahandi
The Statesman, 17th May, 2008
Strategies were drawn up to meet eventualities of flood and epidemics in the coming rainy season in Kalahandi, during the district-level natural calamity meeting held yesterday. Early repair of the weak spots in the river embankments and spurs which may cause problem were given special preference. Members of the committee opined that breaches caused to several pockets under Kalahampur, Jaipatna and Junagarh blocks in the Hati river banks and Bhawanipatna, Kesinga and Karlamunda blocks in the Tel river banks during previous year’s flood could not be completely restored causing sand cast during flood situation. It was directed to concerned irrigation authorities for any repair and restoration of such breaches and weak points early. It was decided for storage of 2,800 quintals of rice and 8,800 litres of kerosene under public distribution system in 14 strategic pockets under Thuamul Rampur , Lanjigarh, Golamunda and Bhawanipatna blocks of the district to meet requirement of people during rainy season. It was also decided in the meeting for storage of diarrhoea, malaria and snakebite medicines in different health centres.The meeting was chaired by the district collector. Among others Lok Sabha member Mr Bikram Keshari Deo, labour and employment minister Mr Pradeep Kumar Naik, MLA Mr Bala-bhadra Majhi, panchayat samiti presidents and district officials participated in the meeting.
Strategies were drawn up to meet eventualities of flood and epidemics in the coming rainy season in Kalahandi, during the district-level natural calamity meeting held yesterday. Early repair of the weak spots in the river embankments and spurs which may cause problem were given special preference. Members of the committee opined that breaches caused to several pockets under Kalahampur, Jaipatna and Junagarh blocks in the Hati river banks and Bhawanipatna, Kesinga and Karlamunda blocks in the Tel river banks during previous year’s flood could not be completely restored causing sand cast during flood situation. It was directed to concerned irrigation authorities for any repair and restoration of such breaches and weak points early. It was decided for storage of 2,800 quintals of rice and 8,800 litres of kerosene under public distribution system in 14 strategic pockets under Thuamul Rampur , Lanjigarh, Golamunda and Bhawanipatna blocks of the district to meet requirement of people during rainy season. It was also decided in the meeting for storage of diarrhoea, malaria and snakebite medicines in different health centres.The meeting was chaired by the district collector. Among others Lok Sabha member Mr Bikram Keshari Deo, labour and employment minister Mr Pradeep Kumar Naik, MLA Mr Bala-bhadra Majhi, panchayat samiti presidents and district officials participated in the meeting.
CPM takes out rally against price rise
Newindpress, 17th May, 2008
BHAWANIPATNA: CPM activists took out a rally at Bhawanipatna and Madanpur Rampur on Thursday protesting the price hike.A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister demanding distribution of essential communities in consumer stores under PDS and stringent action against hoarders and black marketers, was handed over to BDOs of Bhawanipatna and Madanpur Rampur.
BHAWANIPATNA: CPM activists took out a rally at Bhawanipatna and Madanpur Rampur on Thursday protesting the price hike.A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister demanding distribution of essential communities in consumer stores under PDS and stringent action against hoarders and black marketers, was handed over to BDOs of Bhawanipatna and Madanpur Rampur.
Friday, May 16, 2008
CJ’s time sought before Vedanta verdict
The Telegraph, 15th May, 2008
Members of the Dangaria Kandha tribals from Kalahandi have appealed to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, K.G. Balakrishnan, to hear them before delivering the final verdict on the Vedanta Group’s bauxite mining project in the Niyamgiri hills.
Talking to reporters here today, Jitu Jakesika and Dodi Pusika, who belong to the Dangaria Kandha community, said they have faxed an appeal to the chief justice on behalf of both the Dangaria and the Jharania Kandha tribes along with other tribes living in Niyamgiri.
“We came to know that a bench of the apex court is going to decide on the bauxite mining operation shortly.
“We have prayed before the chief justice to hear us, the inhabitants of Niyamgiri, before taking a final decision,” said Jakesika showing a copy of the letter signed by him and Pusika.
Hundreds of tribals from the region will fax similar letters to the Supreme Court, he said.
The apex court is expected to deliver its final verdict on May 16.
Vedanta Alumina set up a 1MT alumina refinery at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore at Lanjigarh on the foothills of Niyamgiri range.
The group had been allotted the bauxite mines on Niyamgiri, too, a move that environmentalists and tribals have been opposing.
Jakesika lamented that tribals, the original residents of the area, have not been given the chance by the apex court or by the state government to present their case.
“If the mining project is allowed it will destroy our Niyamgiri and will ultimately lead to two major rivers and 36 perennial hilly streams to dry up,” he added.
“The bauxite mining project will not only destroy the livelihood of 20,000 tribals, it will also destroy the religious sanctity of Niyamgiri, our sacred place,” said the Dangaria Kandha youth.
If Niyamgiri deposits are allotted to any company ignoring tribal protests, it will lead to a violent uprising like the ones in Kalinganagar warned Pusika, a tribal youth.
“We have seen the plight of families displaced by Lanjigarh alumina refinery,” one of them added.
Earlier, the Dangaria Kandhas had drawn the attention of AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi to the issue when the latter visited Ijurpa, a tribal hamlet on the foothills of Niyamgiri, on March 7 during his “Discovery India” trip.
He discussed the matter for more than 30 minutes. Incidentally, Jakesika led the delegation.
During his second visit to the state, Jakesika, with a few others, met Rahul Gandhi again at the airport last evening and asked him to intervene in the matter.
Rahul Gandhi reportedly has assured all support to their cause and asked the community to carry on their agitation to save their Niyamgiri hilly home.
Members of the Dangaria Kandha tribals from Kalahandi have appealed to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, K.G. Balakrishnan, to hear them before delivering the final verdict on the Vedanta Group’s bauxite mining project in the Niyamgiri hills.
Talking to reporters here today, Jitu Jakesika and Dodi Pusika, who belong to the Dangaria Kandha community, said they have faxed an appeal to the chief justice on behalf of both the Dangaria and the Jharania Kandha tribes along with other tribes living in Niyamgiri.
“We came to know that a bench of the apex court is going to decide on the bauxite mining operation shortly.
“We have prayed before the chief justice to hear us, the inhabitants of Niyamgiri, before taking a final decision,” said Jakesika showing a copy of the letter signed by him and Pusika.
Hundreds of tribals from the region will fax similar letters to the Supreme Court, he said.
The apex court is expected to deliver its final verdict on May 16.
Vedanta Alumina set up a 1MT alumina refinery at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore at Lanjigarh on the foothills of Niyamgiri range.
The group had been allotted the bauxite mines on Niyamgiri, too, a move that environmentalists and tribals have been opposing.
Jakesika lamented that tribals, the original residents of the area, have not been given the chance by the apex court or by the state government to present their case.
“If the mining project is allowed it will destroy our Niyamgiri and will ultimately lead to two major rivers and 36 perennial hilly streams to dry up,” he added.
“The bauxite mining project will not only destroy the livelihood of 20,000 tribals, it will also destroy the religious sanctity of Niyamgiri, our sacred place,” said the Dangaria Kandha youth.
If Niyamgiri deposits are allotted to any company ignoring tribal protests, it will lead to a violent uprising like the ones in Kalinganagar warned Pusika, a tribal youth.
“We have seen the plight of families displaced by Lanjigarh alumina refinery,” one of them added.
Earlier, the Dangaria Kandhas had drawn the attention of AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi to the issue when the latter visited Ijurpa, a tribal hamlet on the foothills of Niyamgiri, on March 7 during his “Discovery India” trip.
He discussed the matter for more than 30 minutes. Incidentally, Jakesika led the delegation.
During his second visit to the state, Jakesika, with a few others, met Rahul Gandhi again at the airport last evening and asked him to intervene in the matter.
Rahul Gandhi reportedly has assured all support to their cause and asked the community to carry on their agitation to save their Niyamgiri hilly home.
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