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Articles by Sujit Bijoy
gst: Odisha records 47% growth in SGST collection during February | Bhubaneswar News - Times of India
Representative image BHUBANESWAR: Odisha has recorded nearly 47% growth in collection of state GST (SGST) in February as the collection for the month is estimated at Rs 1152 crore compared to Rs 781 crore during February, last year.
naveen: Plan to reduce poverty to 10% in next 5 yrs: Naveen Patnaik | Bhubaneswar News - Times of India
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced his government's plan to bring down poverty in the state to 10% in the next five years. Addressing party workers across the state through video-conference, marking the 25th foundation day of the BJD, Naveen termed Odisha a leading state in terms of reducing poverty. "We have reduced poverty from 63% to 29% in recent years.
Odisha cabinet clears projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore
BHUBANESWAR: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved several rural infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 20 ,000 crore. Among the ones getting the nod are those related to irrigation, rural road, bridge, drinking water and rural entrepreneur promotion projects.
Odisha: Parties begin process to finalise candidates for panchayat polls
BHUBANESWAR: With the process for the three-tier panchayat election having already started, political parties have started working on their strategies and picking candidates for various posts. Though only the zilla parishad seat will be fought on party symbols, candidates affiliated to different parties contest for the posts of ward member, sarpanch and samiti member. It has been noticed that maximum aspirants are interested to fight under the BJD banner because of the winnability factor.
CM Naveen Patnaik asks Modi to extend free ration scheme for 8 more months
BHUBANESWAR: With the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) set to end on November 30, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend the free food distribution scheme for at least another eight months. The Centre had announced PMGKAY last year to ameliorate the distress among the poor during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ban liquor sale a week before rural election: Opposition
BHUBANESWAR: The opposition BJP and Congress on Saturday demanded complete ban on sale of liquor seven days before the panchayat polls scheduled for early next year. During an all-party meeting convened by the State Election Commission ( SEC ) to discuss various issues pertaining to the rural polls, all the parties unanimously raised issues of increasing the candidates' expenditure limit during the poll and to allow use of more vehicles.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik likely to visit all districts before rural poll
BHUBANESWAR: Ahead of the panchayat polls, scheduled to be held early next year, chief minister Naveen Patnaik is likely to visit all 30 districts of the state to launch the revised Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) and various other development projects. After visiting Malkangiri, Sundargarh , Balangir and Gajapati districts in the past two months, on Thursday, the chief minister visited Brahmagiri in Puri district and started distributing smart cards under the BSKY.
Odisha: As assembly ends, parties shift focus to Pipili bypoll
BHUBANESWAR: With end of monsoon session of assembly, political parties have now shifted their focus to the forthcoming Pipili by-election to be held on September 30. Even as campaign for the by-election would officially start from September 20, the groundwork has already began. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of sitting BJD MLA Pradeep Maharathy.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik hails sports model, says it will inspire others
BHUBANESWAR: CM Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said Odisha’s sports model is being hailed all over the country and is an endorsement of the vision the state has seen over the years. In a video message on the National Sports Day, Naveen said the entire country loves Odisha for supporting the national hockey teams, which went on to script history at the Tokyo Olympics . “Our model of partnership and high-performance centres have drawn national attention.
Odisha: Panchayat polls will be held on time, assures panchayati raj minister
BHUBANESWAR: State panchayati raj minister Pratap Jena on Tuesday said the three-tier panchayat elections in the state will be held on time and the government would soon submit the status report to the state election commission ( SEC ). Panchayat polls in the state are due in February next year as tenure of all the panchayati raj institutions (PRI) — gram panchayats, panchayat samitis and zilla parishads — ends on March 10, 2022.
Talcher Thermal Power Station nears closure, CM urges Centre to speed up expansion
BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has urged the Centre to direct the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to address concerns related to closure of Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS) and take steps for early execution of stage-III expansion of the project. In a letter to Union power minister R K Singh, Naveen wrote, “Closure of TTPS w.e.f. March 31 will have severe direct and indirect impact on thousands of families and the local economy.
BJD revamps media panel, inducts 'outspoken' leaders
BHUBANESWAR: The ruling BJD on Wednesday revamped its media panel by inducting more outspoken and tech-savvy leaders. The party issued a list of five national spokespersons, 15 spokespersons and 10 panelists. Four senior MPs - Pinaki Mishra, Anubhav Mohanty, Sasmit Patra and Amar Patnaik - and retired bureaucrat, Satyanarayan Sahu, were chosen as the national spokespersons. Pinaki - the Lok Sabha member from Puri - is a Supreme Court lawyer.
Naveen Patnaik writes to Rajnath Singh; seeks relaxation in NDRF norms | India News - Times of India
BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday requested the Centre to relax the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms to take up the huge cost of restoration to the power sector infrastructure in cyclone Fani ravaged districts.
KALIA scheme a model in the country: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik - Times of India
BHUBANESWAR: With focus on the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday inaugurated Krushi Odisha, the annual farmers’ convention here coinciding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Balangir. The chief minister took the occasion to highlight reforms undertaken by his government in agriculture sector in the convention that brings together farmers, agriculture scientists, academicians and policy makers.
With eye on polls, CM to start touring districts from January 1st week - Times of India
BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will embark on a tour of the districts from the first week of January in what is being seen as the start of his campaign for the 2019 elections. The chief minister had carried out a similar exercise before the 2014 Lok Sabha and assembly elections, paving the way for his return to power for a record fourth term.
Naveen Patnaik announces scheme to create awareness on government programmes - Times of India
BHUBANESWAR: With an aim at creating awareness about various schemes of the state government and improve transparency in distribution of individual and social benefits, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced PEETHA initiative. The programme namely-- People’s empowerment-- enabling transparency and accountability of Odisha Initiative--is part of the 3-T initiative of technology, transparency and team work model.
Odisha to move SC against HC order on quota in local bodies - Times of India
BHUBANESWAR: The state government will move the Supreme Court against an Orissa high court order that stopped it from allotting more than 50% of reserved seats to SCs, STs and backward classes in non-scheduled areas in the coming local body election.Altogether 90 urban local bodies will go to the polls in November-December this year.Sangramjit Nayak, director of municipal administration ( DMA ), on Wednesday said since the election process is on and delimitation of wards and the reservation...
Upgrade Biju steel institute: CM to Centre - Times of India
BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday proposed the Centre to upgrade the Biju Patnaik National Steel Institute (BPNSI) in Puri to a full-fledged national institute on the lines of Indian Institute of Technology.Naveen made the proposal during a discussion with Union steel minister Chaudhary Birender Singh here, said an official statement issued by the chief minister's office.The BPNSI was set up by the Union ministry of steel in 2002 to cater to the technical manpower need of...
IED fear prompts call for concrete roads to bridge - Times of India
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha police have objected to construction of bitumen approach roads to the Gurupriya bridge, which is nearing completion in Maoist-hit Malkangiri district.
Odisha government sets aside 59,000 acre as land bank for industrial use
BHUBANESWAR: As part of its efforts to provide land to investors without hassle, the state government has reserved more than 59,718 acres in various districts under the land bank project.
State may move SC against truant mining leaseholders
BHUBANESWAR: The state government, on the basis of the August 2 apex court order, had slapped a demand notice of Rs 17,576 crore against 152 iron ore and manganese leaseholders The penalty was imposed as mining operation in these blocks was carried out without forest and environment clearances, beyond the permitted area and in excess of what had been allowed.
‘Slighted’ BJD accuses Centre of neglect
PURI: In an unspoken acknowledgement of BJP's hectic grassroots mobilization, its stellar performance in the February panchayat election, and its twin victories in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, the ruling BJD on Tuesday asked its leaders and cadres to do all they could to prevent the saffron party from coming to power in the state in 2019.The BJD also criticized the NDA-ruled Centre for allegedly neglecting the state on all fronts.
Judicial inquiry raises question on role of leaders in Kalinga Nagar police firing
BHUBANESWAR: The P K Mohanty commission on police firing incident at Kalinga Nagar has blamed the local leaders, political parties and NGOs for instigating the villagers to adopt a path of confrontation against land acquisition for Kalinga Nagar Integrated Industrial Complex (KNIIC).In its inquiry report, tabled in the state assembly on Thursday, the commission stated that taking advantage of the volatile situation; some local leaders mobilized, instigated and led the villagers to adopt a...
Odisha CM unveils logo & mascot of Hockey World Cup 2018
BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday unveiled the official logo for the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup - 2018.
BJD plans a big show on its foundation day
BHBANESWAR: As the ruling BJD would celebrate its 20th foundation day on December 26, the party is planning launch a massive people-connect programme from the day, keeping the 2019 general and assembly elections in mind.Though officially no programme has been finalized yet, a huge convention would be organized for its grassroots workers as part of the foundation day celebration programme.
Union secretary emphasizes on expeditious implementation of PMGSY
BHUBANESWAR: Union rural development secretary Amarjeet Sinha on Thursday emphasized on expeditious implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yoyja (PMGSY).During a joint review meeting here at the state secretariat along with chief secretary A P Padhi, the Union secretary asked the state government to enhance the current years' target to construct 10,000 km road under PMGSY.It was revealed during the review meeting that against the target to construct 7000 km road connecting 2800...
Netas bicker over Jeypore-Malkangiri rail project
BHUBANESWAR: Delay over commencement of work on the 130km Jeypore-Malkangiri rail line has triggered a war of words between political parties. The project is expected to benefit tribal-dominated areas but is yet to take off despite being announced in the 2016-17 Rail Budget.As part of the MoU signed by Odisha and the railways, the state government would bear 25% cost of the project and an equal proportion of the cost of the land.
Odisha urges Centre to strengthen mobile and banking infra in Maoist-hit districts
BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Thursday urged the Centre to strengthen the mobile connectivity and banking infrastructure in Maoist affected Koraput and Malkangiri districts.The issue was discussed when Union cabinet secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha reviewed the development activities in Maoist-hit districts in Odisha with senior state government officers through videoconferencing."We apprised the Union cabinet secretary about the poor mobile and banking infrastructure in both the districts.
IAAF partners with Odisha government for establishment of high performance academy
BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Thursday signed an expression of intent (EOI) with the IAAF and the Athletics Federation of India ( AFI ) for establishment of a high performance academy inside the premises of Kalinga Stadium.This was the first occasion when the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) partnered with any state government in the country for developing the academy for better training of athletes.The IAAF has currently only seven high performance training...
State administration on toes for smooth conduct of meet
BHUBANESWAR: With all eyes on Odisha for the Asian Athletics Championships to be held here at Kalinga Stadium from July 5, the entire state administration is on its toes for the smooth conduct of the event.A team of young IAS officers are working tirelessly to ensure that the event is a success.
Include Bhubaneswar as a stop for the Colombo-Varanasi flight: Naveen Patnaik to Centre
BHUBANESWAR: To explore the Buddhist heritage sites in Odisha , the state government on Friday urged the Centre to include Bhubaneswar as a stop for the Colombo-Varanasi flight Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Sri Lanka had announced that India's national carrier Air India would begin direct flights between Colombo and the holy city of Varanasi.Naveen in a letter to Union civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has welcomed the move saying the initiative will no...
Naveen Patnaik appoints heads of districts plan bodies
BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday appointed 10 ministers and seven MLAs as chiefs of district planning committee (DPC) in 17 districts to oversee the development process.The ministers, who have been appointed as chiefs of district planning committee are Niranjan Pujari (Bargarh), Ananta Das (Bhadrak), Surya Narayan Patro (Balangir), Pratap Jena (Gajapati), Nrusingha Sahu (Kendrapada), Shashi Bhusan Behera (Nayagarh), Ramesh Majhi (Nuapada), Chandrasarathi Behera...
Odisha: Ministers list out success stories of four more departments
BHUBANESWAR: Four more departments on Thursday joined the image makeover campaign of chief minister Naveen Patnaik and announced the achievements of the BJD government While energy minister Prafulla Mallik listed the achievements of energy department, his cabinet colleague Prafulla Samal spoke on the success of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), women and child development and social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities departments.Mallik said over 50 lakh new...
BJD plans media blitz to highlight govt's success
BHUBANESWAR: As the BJD government has completed three years of its fourth term in office on Sunday, ministers and senior officers of all departments would hold news conferences from May 22 to May 30 to highlight the achievements of the government.Besides highlighting the success stories of the state government, the ministers has been asked to come out with facts about reduced flow of central fund under different centrally-sponsored schemes, official sources said."After assuming power for the...
Speaker Niranjan Pujari resigns, all eyes on Naveen's ministry reshuffle
BHUBANESWAR: Assembly speaker Niranjan Pujari on Friday resigned from his post, setting the tone for the much-hyped reshuffle in the council of ministers that chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced would happen very soon.Pujari, who was away in his constituency Sonepur, rushed here and submitted his resignation to deputy speaker Sananda Marndi in the evening.He refused to disclose the reason behind his sudden decision to quit or whether he was asked to resign, but celebration by his...
Maharathy's comment on farmers sparks row
BHUBANESWAR: Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy kicked up a controversy on Sunday after he said "reports of farmer suicides come only when the assembly is in session"."Have you ever reported incidents of farmer suicide after the assembly session?" Maharathy asked reporters on the sidelines of a book release function here.He also blamed the media and opposition for portraying every death as farmer suicide. "Our farmers are not the ones like those in other states.
CM Naveen Patnaik to raise special status issue at NITI Aayog meeting today
Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has decided to raise the long-standing demand of special category status (SCS) for the state at the NITI Aayog meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday."We will raise the issue (special category status) during the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi.
Naveen Patnaik attends 11th day rituals of Pyarimohan Mohapatra
BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday attended the 11th day rites of former two-time Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatra, who passed away on March 19 in Mumbai.According to sources, Naveen offered flowers on the photo of his one-time advisor. The chief minister spent around 10 minutes at the venue here.
Bhubaneswar: Grant of mine lease of 50 blocks likely to lapse
BHUBANESWAR: The applications for grant of mining lease of nearly 50 blocks are set to lapse as the state government could not execute the lease deeds with the applicants by January 11.The validity of blocks will lapse as the letters of intent were granted to the developers after the implementation of the New Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act-2015.
Naveen Patnaik gets President invite, gives rise to rumours
BHUBANESWAR: BJD president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said his party is yet to take any stand on the ensuing presidential election even as an invitation from the Rashtrapati Bhavan has raised eyebrows."I have been invited for lunch by the President tomorrow," Naveen told reporters here at the secretariat, hours before leaving for New Delhi.Asked about the purpose, Naveen said, "No purpose is indicated in the invitation."According to sources in the chief minister's office,...
Talcher plant to be ready by September '20
BHUBANEESWAR: The fertilizer plant at Talcher , which has been shut since 2002, is set to start production by September 2020.Four central PSUs the Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited (FCIL), Coal India Limited (CIL), GAIL India Limited and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF) have joined hands to revive the plant with an estimated investment of Rs 8700 crore."The revival process would be done through coal gasification route. The plant will have a capacity of 1.2 million tonne per annum.
'Note ban has hurt state revenue'
BHUBANESWAR: Despite being one of the early backers of the demonetisation move , the state government on Wednesday informed the Centre that it has severely impacted Odisha's economic activities."In the aftermath of the withdrawal of bank notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 denominations, economic activity has been interrupted," finance minister P K Amat , who attended the pre-budget consultation meeting convened by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi, said."As per preliminary estimate,...
BJD to add some star power to its rural poll campaign
BHUBANESWAR: With just a week left for the nomination filing process of the forthcoming rural polls to begin, the BJD has reportedly finalised a list of 40 star campaigners.
Model code comes into force for panchayat polls
BHUBANESWAR: With the announcement of dates for the three-tier panchayat polls in the state, the model code of conduct came into force from Tuesday.
BJD to sound rural poll bugle at b'day today
BHUBANESWAR: Elaborate arrangements are put in place as the ruling BJD has geared up to observe its 19th foundation day on Monday.According to party insiders, the ruling dispensation would virtually sound the bugle for the ensuing panchayat elections The party has decided to observe the foundation day across the 147 assembly segments unlike its earlier practice of holding a grand programme at the party headquarters here.BJD president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to address...
Restart railway stations: Naveen Patnaik to Centre
BHUBANESWAR: Two days after seeking a whopping Rs 5,870 crore railway package for Odisha in the upcoming budget, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday demanded the Centre for re-commissioning of railway stations at Paralakhemundi and Kashinagar.In a letter to Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu, Patnaik pitched on the importance of the project for people of Gajapati and Rayagada district and described the historical significance of the project.The chief minister in his letter mentioned...
Cabinet nod to name irrigation scheme after Parbati Giri
BHUBANESWAR: To appease the agitating peasants of western Odisha, the state government on Saturday announced to name Rs 6,600 crore mega lift irrigation scheme after popular freedom fighter Parbati Giri A proposal in this regard was approved at the state cabinet meeting headed by chief minister Naveen Patnaik Giri, born in Bargarh district is known for his contribution to the freedom movement of the country.
Helipad location system overhauled
BHUBANESWAR: From now on there will be a three-tier review system regarding the location of helipads and their co-ordinates to ensure smooth movement of VVIPs in the state.The step was taken a day after the chopper carrying chief minister Naveen Patnaik to Kotpad in Koraput could not land for nearly 40 minutes due to wrong information about location of the helipad.At present, the longitude and latitude of the helipad is provided by the executive engineer of the works department to the...
Naveen Patnaik requests Suresh Prabhu for re-commissioning of Paralakhemundi and Kashinagar stations
BHUBANESWAR: Two days after seeking a whopping Rs 5,870 crore railway package for Odisha in the upcoming budget, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday demanded the Centre for re-commissioning of railway stations at Paralakhemundi and Kashinagar.In a letter to Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu , Naveen pitched on the importance of the project for people of Gajapati and Rayagada district and described the historical significance of the project.The chief minister in his letter mentioned...
Odisha government plans elevated corridor to ease traffic congestion
BHUBANESHWAR: To ease the mounting traffic congestion on the busy Raj Bhavan- Nandankanan square road, the state government plans an elevated corridor (fly over) over the 14-km route in the city.The 14-km stretch that connects some of the posh localities of the city like Shastri Nagar, Jaydev Vihar, Pal Heights, Nayapalli, Chandrasekharpur, Sailashree Vihar, Niladri Vihar, KIIT--witnesses heavy traffic during office hours and in the evening.Chief minister Naveen Patnaik , who reviewed the...
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