Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance to Launch in 2 Weeks, Set to Benefit 3.52 Crore People
Bhubaneswar: 3.52 Crore Beneficiaries to Receive Coverage Under Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance in 2 Weeks
Anganwadi Centers Struggle: 21,462 Lack Own Buildings, 23,823 Without Electricity Connections
Bhubaneswar: In Odisha 21,462 Anganwadi centers lack their own buildings, and 23,823 centers do not have electricity connections.
Vikram Dev’s 31-Year Struggle Against Madras Government Leads to Jeypore Merger in Utkal
Jeypore: Maharaja Vikram Dev Verma played a crucial role in merging Jeypore with independent Utkal Pradesh, setting aside his personal comforts and dedicating himself to the nation and its people. Even before ascending the throne, Vikram Dev established the Odia society in Visakhapatnam and became a guardian for Odias living in the Madras Presidency. His sole objective was the upliftment of Odisha and the Odia language.
Jeypore remained separate from Utkal, but Vikram Dev argued that it was an Odia-dominated region and an integral part of Odisha. He tirelessly worked towards its merger with Utkal Pradesh.
During the first session of the Utkal Sammilani on December 30, 1903, the demand for forming Odisha by integrating the Odia-speaking southern regions was presented. However, the Madras government opposed this move. Consequently, on July 19, 1905, the then Viceroy ordered that Ganjam and Visakhapatnam districts would remain with Madras.
Vikram Dev strongly opposed this and, from the very first session of Utkal Sammilani, continued to demand a separate province for Odias and the merger of disconnected Odia-speaking regions. Kumar Vidyadhar Singh Deo supported him in this effort.
Under Vikram Dev’s leadership, the 10th session of Utkal Sammilani was held in Paralakhemundi on December 22, 1914, where demands were raised for the use of Odia language in schools and courts. The “Philip-Duff Committee” visited various places in Ganjam and Visakhapatnam, gathering public opinion and submitting its report to the government. Due to Vikram Dev’s efforts, the commission acknowledged the legitimacy of the Odia people’s demand.
In 1931, the British government appointed a committee under ICS officer Sir Samuel O’Donnell to determine Odisha’s boundaries. Historical, social, and linguistic evidence was presented to support the inclusion of Ganjam district and the entire Jeypore estate in Odisha. However, on December 24, 1931, Maharaja Vikram Dev argued that merging Jeypore with Utkal would weaken it financially and that deforestation in the region would cause Andhra to face droughts. The government’s official white paper did not initially include Jeypore in Utkal Pradesh.
Despite resistance, Vikram Dev persisted, emphasizing Jeypore’s deep ties with Odisha, the affinity of its tribal population towards the Odia language, and the limited number of Telugu speakers. His detailed analysis concluded that except for the Srikakulam taluk, the entire Ganjam district and Jeypore estate should be integrated into Odisha.
Finally, Vikram Dev’s vision was realized. According to the report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee published on November 22, 1934, Jeypore was merged with Utkal. On April 1, 1936, Odisha became a separate province, including six districts: Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur, Ganjam, and Koraput. The entire state expressed gratitude to leaders like Godabarish Mishra and Gopal Krishna Praharaj for their contributions to this historic achievement.
Kalbaisakhi Hits Odisha: Five Days of Intense Storms and Rain
Bhubaneswar: Five Days of Kalbaisakhi Kalbaisakhi rain will continue in the state from today until the 6th. Yellow warning issued for 10 districts for the next 24 hours. Yellow warning for Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal. Yellow warning issued for Nuapada, Balangir, Boudh, and Gajapati districts. Thunderstorms with rain and wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph expected.
Leaders Pay Tribute to Devendra Sharma on Eleventh Day, Remembering His Good Deeds
Bhubaneswar: Pratap Deb, Bhakta Das, and other leaders paid tribute to Devendra Sharma, recalling his good deeds. On the occasion of the eleventh day after the passing of former MLA of Aali constituency, former Panchayat Samiti chairman, president of Aali Athletics Association, founder of the women’s football team, and senior Congress leader, the late Devendra Nath Sharma, a memorial gathering was held near Niaal Chhak in Aali.
Tata Power Connects Electricity to Tunaguda Village After MLA Rupu Bhatara’s Efforts
Kotpad After the intervention of Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatara Tata Power connected electricity to Tunaguda village. The villagers have expressed their gratitude to the MLA.
Massive Fire Breaks Out in Dolmundai Showroom, Cuttack
Cuttack: A massive fire incident in Dolmundai, a showroom is burning. A fire has broken out in a clothing warehouse in Dolmundai. Thick smoke is emerging from inside the warehouse. The cause of the fire is yet to be known.
Rising Digital Addiction: 60percentof Children Hooked to Mobile Phones
New Delhi: Mobile addiction among children has increased alarmingly. Digital addiction is reflecting negatively in their behavior. They are showing anger and frustration towards their parents over small issues. They are becoming socially distant and spending hours on mobile phones.
There are several reasons behind this! From birth, parents hand over mobile phones to their children to keep them quiet. Due to the lack of time, many parents allow their kids to use mobile phones extensively. Children remain glued to screens for hours, unaware of how harmful it can be.
According to a report, 60% of children aged 5 to 16 in the country are now addicted to mobile phones. If mobile addiction among children is not controlled, it will pose a significant threat to them and society in the future. A survey conducted by Smart Rand Solutions Tech has issued this warning.
Alarming Consequences:
Lack of proper sleep
No physical exercise
Social isolation
Poor academic performance
More active in gaming and social media
85percent of parents are unable to control online content usage
The report highlights that excessive mobile phone usage is significantly altering children’s behavior, leading to increased negativity. In the future, it is uncertain whether they might even engage in criminal activities.
The negative impact of excessive digital addiction has been analyzed in this study. Children are experiencing reduced sleep, lack of physical activity, and detachment from social life. They prefer to stay alone and have weak academic performances.
This survey was conducted based on opinions from 1,000 parents.
According to the survey, 85 percent of parents struggle to control their children’s online content consumption. About 70-80% of children exceed daily screen time limits, spending excessive hours on mobile phones and other gadgets.
Children spend most of their time on gaming and social media, leading to exposure to inappropriate content and its harmful effects. The concerning fact is that only 10% of parents use parental control features to monitor their children’s online activities.
Sambalpur Hanuman Jayanti PIL Dismissed: No Threat of Unrest, Says Government
Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) case challenging the restrictions imposed on the Hanuman Jayanti procession in Sambalpur. In 2023, widespread riots, vandalism, and communal tensions were reported during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, leading to 15-16 police cases involving loss of life and property damage.
This year, Ram Navami falls on April 6, and Hanuman Jayanti on April 14. Based on intelligence inputs, concerns were raised that these festivals might again lead to communal unrest, prompting the filing of a PIL in the High Court.
During the hearing, a division bench consisting of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Abhinda Sinha reviewed the petitioners’ argument that major disturbances and breaches of peace were expected during the Hanuman Jayanti procession. The petitioners suggested deploying central security forces to maintain order.
However, the Odisha government argued that the state had no history of communal tensions and that religious processions were conducted peacefully without any disturbances. The administration assured that all necessary permissions for the procession would be granted, subject to strict regulations to ensure safety. The government asserted that there was no risk of unrest during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in Sambalpur, and that the event would be conducted peacefully.
The central government also stated that there was no possibility of any unpleasant situation arising during the procession. The High Court emphasized the need for adequate measures by the government to ensure a smooth and secure celebration. Considering the government’s assurances and submitted reports, the court dismissed the PIL case.
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High Court’s Verdict Welcomed: Promod Rath
Sambalpur, 26/03 (IMIS): Senior advocate and BJP leader Dr. Promod Rath has welcomed the High Court’s ruling. He recalled that in 2023, violence erupted due to attacks by opposing groups, leading to the death of a Hindu youth and multiple injuries. Rath criticized the attempt to impose restrictions on Hindu festivals, calling it unacceptable.
He also condemned the petition that sought a ban on the Hanuman Jayanti procession passing through areas near mosques. He questioned why Hindu religious processions should face restrictions, while processions for Muharram and Prophet Muhammad’s birthday were allowed to pass near temples.
Dr. Rath blamed the previous government for police inaction, which he claimed led to the 2023 Hanuman Jayanti riots. He stated that the current administration aims to ensure peaceful religious celebrations for all communities and to maintain harmony in the city. In a press statement, he expressed hope that brotherhood and peace would prevail in Sambalpur.
Santosh Kumar Nayak Honored at State Level for Excellence in Public Transport Management
Nabarangpur: For outstanding performance in the operation of buses and the Chief Minister’s Bus Service, Nabarangpur district has secured the first position in the state. As a result, the Nabarangpur District Road Transport Corporation Manager has been honored at the state level for the first time.
During a special program held in Bhubaneswar, Santosh Kumar Nayak, the District Manager of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), was awarded by Diptesh Patnaik, Director of Transport Operations, OSRTC. This recognition was given in appreciation of the excellent performance of Nayak and his team in public transport management.
Expressing his gratitude, Nayak thanked the district administration and the transport team for their collective efforts in achieving this milestone. With this success, Nabarangpur district has become a model in transport management across the state.