School & Mass Education Dept Orders Strict Enforcement of Anti-Harassment Law

Bhubaneswar, 21st July 2025: The anti-harassment law will be enforced strictly in every school. A major step has been taken by the School and Mass Education Department. The department has sent a letter to all DEOs (District Education Officers) across the state. The directive aims to ensure the safety of women employees in the workplace. It includes instructions to form an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC). Schools have been directed to create a safe environment for girl students.

The department has also issued various helpline numbers:

Women’s Helpline: 181

Child Helpline: 1098

Student Helpline: 1800-345-6722

Instructions have been given to display these helpline numbers prominently.

These numbers must be clearly mentioned at workplaces, schools, and hostels.

Keonjhar Medical College Performs First Successful Ortho Surgery, Giving Kshiroda a New Life

Keonjhar.21st July 2025: A 10-year-old accident victim has been given a new lease on life. The first orthopedic surgery at the Trauma Care Center of Dharanidhar Medical College and Hospital in Keonjhar was successfully completed, bringing widespread appreciation from medical experts.

On the evening of July 14, Kshiroda Jamuda was seriously injured in a road accident. He was initially given primary treatment at Harichandrapur Community Health Center, then referred to Dharanidhar Medical College’s Trauma Center for advanced care. Upon examination, doctors identified a critical drop in hemoglobin levels, and he was given urgent treatment.

Following stabilization, preparations began for orthopedic surgery. A special team was formed, including:

Prof. Dr. Ashok Kumar Nayak (Orthopedics)

Prof. Dr. Debashish Smai (Anesthesia)

Dr. Ananta Narayan Patra

Prof. Dr. Mahendra Kumar Nayak (Head of Department)

After a successful surgery, Kshiroda is now under 24-hour observation in the Trauma Care ICU.

Role of Dr. Umakant Satapathy and Trauma Care Center’s Expansion

Professor Dr. Umakant Satapathy, Additional DMET and Nodal Officer, has played a key role in establishing Trauma Care Centers across the state.

The Trauma Care Center at Dharanidhar Medical College was established and is operated with joint support from the State Health Department and the Keonjhar District Mineral Foundation (DMF). It was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on May 5, after which treatment services began.

Now, the center features newly set up ICUs and other modern medical facilities, enhancing the district’s ability to handle serious trauma cases.

The Trauma Care Center (TFC), located within the Dharanidhar Medical College and Hospital campus, has launched modern ortho-trauma services with the latest medical equipment.

From now on, patients injured in accidents will be admitted and provided emergency care here. This service was inaugurated by Dr. Mahendra Kumar Nayak, Superintendent of the hospital, who stated that the facility will be very helpful for treating critical accident victims.

This initiative was started in collaboration with the State Department of Health and Family Welfare and the District Mineral Foundation. Many doctors and staff members of the medical college attended the launch.

As Keonjhar is a high-accident zone, this Trauma Care Center is already helping save the lives of many critically injured patients by providing high-quality emergency treatment.

The Trauma Care Center, inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on May 5, is expected to continue playing a vital role in delivering life-saving medical services to the people of Keonjhar.

Another Low-Pressure Area Forms, Weather Alert Issued

21st July 2025: Bhubaneswar: A new low-pressure area is forming over the Bay of Bengal. There is a possibility of this system developing between July 22 and 24. As a result, rainfall is expected to increase in Odisha starting from July 23. The effect of this system is likely to continue until July 26. Heavy rainfall is most likely on July 24 and 25. Initially, northern Odisha will experience intense rain under its influence. Today, thunderstorms with rainfall are expected in interior and southern Odisha.

Nabarangpur ADCs Inspect Revenue Offices at Sindhiguda and B. Maliguda

Nabarangpur .21st July 2025:  Shri Tapan Pankutia, Additional District Collector (General), and Shri Biswajit Barman, Additional District Collector (Revenue) of Nabarangpur, conducted inspections of the Sindhiguda and B. Maliguda revenue circle offices under the Nandahandi Tahasil.

In the forenoon, Shri Pankutia inspected the Sindhiguda Revenue Circle, while in the afternoon, Shri Barman visited the B. Maliguda Revenue Circle Office. During their inspections, they reviewed and verified 16 types of registers as per the Tahasil Accounts Manual.

They also directed officials to expedite the correction of records under the Second Khana (Column) of the Revenue Department, and to identify and evict illegal encroachments on government land.

Present during the inspection were:

Chandradash Mahanandi, Tahasildar of Nandahandi

Biswajit Karkara, Additional Tahasildar

Mohammad Javed Akhtar, Revenue Supervisor

Biswajit Das, Revenue Inspector, Sindhiguda

Khemraj Pujari, Revenue Inspector, B. Maliguda

Smt. Manjulata Nayak, Assistant Revenue Inspector
…along with other concerned officials.

College Marks 115th Birth Anniversary of Its Esteemed Founder

Polasara, 21st July 2025: The 115th birth anniversary of Late Kahnucharan Nayak, founder of Polasara Science College and former MLA of Kodala, was celebrated with great reverence at the college campus. The event was graced by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Resources Development, and MSMEs Gokulananda Mallik as the chief guest.

The program commenced after the minister paid floral tribute to the statue of the late founder on the college premises. Among the distinguished guests present at the event were Tahsildar Deeptimayee Patra, Executive Officer Kailash Chandra Jena, the founder’s daughter Snehaprabha Dalai, and former principal Pramod Kumar Mallick.

In his address, the honorable minister inspired the students by emphasizing the importance of disciplined study, character building, the value of struggle, and hard work.

A two-minute silent prayer was also observed in memory of Soumyashree Bishi, a departed student of Fakir Mohan College.

The program was led by college President and Secretary Dr. Dillip Kumar Nayak, while the event coordination was managed by Odia Department Professor Dr. Biranchi Narayan Rath. The opening prayer was conducted by English lecturer Harischandra Paik, and a memorial note was read out.

On the occasion of the 115th birth anniversary, a special speech was delivered by Debashis Swain from the Science Department, and the vote of thanks was offered by Odia Department lecturer Ms. Jashkarani Pattnaik.

The event witnessed the participation of many eminent personalities, local dignitaries, media representatives, and the entire teaching and non-teaching staff of the college, along with enthusiastic support from the students, contributing to the success of the celebration.

Railway Projects Crawl in Backward Districts, Triggering Public Discontent

Jeypore,21st July 2025:Land acquisition is currently underway for new railway projects, and compensation is being provided to those who are losing their land. Public hearings for land acquisition are also taking place. Every year, budget allocations are made for these projects. However, the projects have not progressed.

While many eagerly awaited railway projects in the state have been completed and train services have already begun, the Jeypore-Malkangiri and Jeypore-Nabarangpur projects still remain uncertain. It is being said that the projects are stalled due to issues related to land acquisition.

This has now raised serious questions about rail connectivity in the backward districts.

Govt Staff Ordered to Report to Office by 9 AM Sharp

Bhubaneswar, 21st July 2025: In response to the protest called by opposition party BJD tomorrow over the alleged suicide of Fakir Mohan College student Soumyashree Bishi, the government has issued strict instructions for all officials and employees to report to office by 9 AM.

BJD leaders and workers are expected to lay siege to Lok Seva Bhawan starting 10 AM, which could lead to law and order issues. Hence, all officials have been instructed to arrive early, by 9 AM, at their respective offices.

This directive applies to Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan, and all departmental headquarters located in Nayapalli’s New Tower. A notice regarding this was issued by the State Home Department (Special Section) on Tuesday.

As per the notice, the main gate of Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 9 AM. However, internal connecting gates between Lok Seva Bhawan and NALCO Bhawan will remain open. Entry and exit will be permitted through Gates 9, 4, and 5.

All officers and employees must carry valid ID cards, which must be presented at the gate for verification. Security personnel will allow only those with valid identification to enter. Vehicles bearing official Lok Seva Bhawan car passes will be permitted inside.

Visitor entry has been restricted for tomorrow. However, in case of any urgent or essential work, visitors will be allowed entry only with the permission of the Special Secretary. Such visitors will be required to leave the premises immediately after completing their work.

In case of any untoward incident, officials are advised to contact the Special Secretary, Home Department at 0674-2536761, or the Additional DCP in charge of Secretariat Security at 0674-2322522.

Faulty Aadhaar Corrections Spark Public Frustration; Simplification Demanded

Nandapur,21st July 2025: The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has become a mandatory requirement for inclusion in all government schemes. However, widespread errors in Aadhaar data and the complicated correction process have become a major concern for citizens.

In the Nandapur block of Koraput district, almost every family has at least one or two members whose Aadhaar card contains errors such as incorrect names, father’s names, spelling mistakes, gender, date of birth, village, address, or mobile number. These mistakes are hindering access to various government welfare schemes. Parents are particularly concerned when Aadhaar discrepancies prevent student enrollment in schools.

Authorities advise citizens to correct the errors, but the process is burdensome. Parents complain of difficulties due to the distance to Aadhaar centers and the financial burden involved.

Following the government’s announcement that Aadhaar is mandatory for availing any welfare scheme, people rushed to get Aadhaar cards made for themselves and their family members — through post offices, postal agents, Bal Aadhaar, WCD Aadhaar, education department, and block Aadhaar centers. However, due to low literacy levels, rushed work by competing agents, and language barriers in mobile and computer applications, many Aadhaar cards were created with multiple errors.

These errors have led to mismatches with other identity documents such as school certificates, voter ID cards, and driving licenses, making correction even harder. To fix these mismatches, citizens are being asked to submit birth certificates, affidavits approved by magistrates, newspaper advertisements, and even gazette notifications — a process that is not only complex but also expensive, costing individuals between ₹3,000 to ₹4,000.

Many people, often borrowing money, collect the necessary documents and pay a ₹500 fee on the Citizen Portal for the gazette notification, waiting months for clearance — which often never arrives. As a result, they keep running from one Aadhaar center to another, wasting both time and money.

People report that failure to correct Aadhaar in time is causing them to miss out on vital government schemes. They are therefore urging the block, district, and state administration, along with UIDAI authorities, to simplify the Aadhaar correction process and take urgent steps to streamline the system.

OERC Questions Quality of Power Services Provided by Tata

Bhubaneswar, 21st July 2025: The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the performance of Tata-distribution companies — namely TPCODL, TPWODL, TPSODL, and TPNODL — regarding their power service delivery.

Following repeated complaints from consumers against Tata’s electricity services, the Director (Regulatory Affairs) of OERC had registered Case No. 51/2025. A hearing in this case was held today.

Former OERC Member Vijay Chandra Jena participated in the hearing and expressed serious discontent over Tata’s power services. As evidence, he submitted around 10 photographs before the Commission.

Based on these allegations, Commission Chairman Pradeep Kumar Jena decided to resolve the matter through a public hearing. He directed officials to issue a general notice, which will be published in newspapers.

As per the directive, within one month of the notice’s publication, the one crore electricity consumers in the state can submit their feedback on Tata’s power service via the OERC website.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for August 29.

Implement Vision Document with Full Commitment: Ahuja Warns Inefficient Staff

Bhubaneswar, 21st July 2025: As the Odisha Vision Document, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, moves forward, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Ahuja has issued strict directives to all departments to make coordinated efforts to achieve its objectives.

Chairing a high-level meeting of secretaries at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for inter-departmental coordination to meet the government’s goals. To ensure effective implementation of the Vision Document, the Chief Secretary advised focus on areas such as health, education, and transportation, along with appropriate training for government employees and enforcement of the Odisha Public Service Conduct Rules.

It was stated that any employee who repeatedly neglects their duties or shows incompetence will be compulsorily retired. A decision was also taken to conduct strict performance evaluations of all officers and employees.

Among others, Development Commissioner Anu Garg and senior officials of various departments were present at the meeting.