Odia Language Overlooked in TGT Recruitment Process Sparks Concern
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Odia Language Overlooked in TGT Recruitment Process Sparks Concern

Bhubaneswar, 30th July 2025:In the recruitment process for Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) for high schools, the Odia language has been neglected. The School and Mass Education Department has overlooked the need to appoint dedicated Odia language teachers. Earlier, during the Leave Training Teacher (LTTR) recruitment, for the first time, independent Odia teachers were appointed. However, in the upcoming TGT recruitment process, there is no separate provision for recruiting Odia language teachers.

As a result, language scholars and educationists are questioning the government’s commitment to Odia identity and language pride.

On July 24, the School and Mass Education Department issued instructions to the Director of Secondary Education to initiate the process for filling up TGT vacancies in high schools. The recruitment drive includes subjects like TGT Arts, PCM, CBZ, Hindi, Sanskrit, PET, and Urdu. However, there is no provision for a separate Odia language teacher.

Even in the original notification for LTTR recruitment, no such provision existed. But it was later amended to create independent Odia teacher posts, reserving 25% of the total TGT Arts positions for Odia. The government had claimed to be prioritizing Odia identity by doing so.

However, now, with the TGT recruitment process underway, there is growing concern about how the government could ignore Odia language posts once again.

Experts argue that, like in LTTR recruitment where 25% of TGT Arts posts were reserved for Odia language teachers, the same 33% reservation should be applied here. Otherwise, they demand the creation of a separate, dedicated Odia language teacher post.

Currently, language subjects like Hindi, Sanskrit, and in some regions Urdu, Bengali, Telugu, have their own teacher positions. So, why not Odia? This question is being asked by language advocates and scholars.

They insist that, to make the Odia language popular and sustainable, independent Odia language teachers must be appointed in high schools.

If the government fails to appoint them separately, they should at least reserve 33% of the TGT Arts positions for Odia language teachers.

In high schools, under TGT Arts, there are only three core subjects: Odia, English, and Social Science (History and Geography). All three contribute to a total of 300 marks. Thus, if a separate Odia post is not created, at least one-third (33%) of the TGT Arts posts should be reserved for Odia.

In the LTTR recruitment process, Social Science was split into History and Geography, and 25% of the posts were reserved for Odia.

Therefore, language scholars and Odia language advocates are now demanding that the same or better measures be taken for TGT recruitment: either create dedicated Odia teacher posts, or reserve a significant percentage of Arts positions for Odia, in respect of the classical language status of Odia.

PM Highlights Tribal Women of Mayurbhanj in ‘Mann Ki Baat’; Lauds Keonjhar Kirtan Group
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PM Highlights Tribal Women of Mayurbhanj in ‘Mann Ki Baat’; Lauds Keonjhar Kirtan Group

Bhubaneswar, 30th July 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 124th edition of his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ today, engaged with listeners from India and abroad.

During the episode, he highlighted notable achievements and rich folk traditions of the country, with special mention of Odisha’s Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.

While emphasizing the Swadeshi movement, local products, and India’s rich handicraft heritage, PM Modi cited the example of tribal women from Mayurbhanj who weave traditional Santhali sarees.

He said that over 650 tribal women from Mayurbhanj have successfully revived this traditional craft. These women now earn thousands of rupees every month.
They haven’t just become skilled weavers—they have also created an independent identity for themselves.

The Prime Minister also mentioned a unique initiative from Keonjhar, where a Kirtan group is raising awareness about forest fires.

He stated, “India’s diversity is beautifully reflected in our folk music and traditions. An important part of this is our bhajans and kirtans. But have you ever heard of forest fire awareness being spread through kirtans? Perhaps not—but such an initiative is happening in Odisha’s Keonjhar district.”

There, a group called Radhakrishna Sankirtan Mandali is chanting not just devotional hymns, but also messages about environmental protection.

Led by Pramila Pradhan, the group has added new lyrics and meanings to traditional songs to highlight jungle and environmental conservation.

They travel from village to village, using songs to explain how forest fires cause immense damage.

The Prime Minister said, “Our traditional folk practices are not just relics of the past—they still have the power to guide society today. This example proves that clearly.”

Rayagada Teachers Protest Against Online Attendance Rule
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Rayagada Teachers Protest Against Online Attendance Rule

Rayagada, 30th July 2025: The Rayagada District United Teachers’ Forum has strongly opposed the state government’s directive to record teacher and student attendance through online mode, demanding its immediate withdrawal.

In protest, a meeting was held today at Ambabhairavi in Penguda, under the leadership of Forum Convener Shiv Prasad Mahapatra, with participation from teacher leaders of various blocks.

The Forum stated that until the government fulfills teachers’ core demands, it should not impose burdens like mandatory online attendance through the YOU-AS app.

A district-wide protest strategy has been finalized:

  • Block-level protests will be held on Tuesday
  • District-level demonstrations will take place on Thursday
  • The Forum has urged hundreds of teachers to participate.

Their key objections:

The government is enforcing online attendance without providing basic infrastructure in schools such as:

Devices

Wi-Fi services

Data Entry Operators

The Forum stated that such orders are unacceptable and deeply disappointing.

They emphasized that unless basic facilities are ensured across all schools and the Forum’s core demands are addressed, this directive must be suspended immediately.

Green Dropped from School Uniforms, Saffron ID Cards Introduced
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Green Dropped from School Uniforms, Saffron ID Cards Introduced

Bhubaneswar,30th July 2025: In a significant change, primary school students in Odisha will now have saffron-colored identity cards (ID cards) for the academic year 2025–26, replacing the green ones previously used during the BJD government’s tenure. This new format will apply to all students from Class 1 to Class 8 across primary schools.

Each ID card will include essential student details such as name, class, date of birth, roll number, and contact number, along with the headteacher’s signature — now mandatory. Due to instances of outsiders entering campuses, carrying ID cards will be compulsory, and students must wear them around their necks while attending school.

But the changes don’t stop at just the ID card color. The slogan printed on students’ house uniforms and caps has also been changed. The previous BJD-era slogan “Ame Gadhibu Nua Odisha” (We Will Build a New Odisha) has been replaced with the state government’s new slogan: “Bidyabanta Bidyarthi, Bikashita Odisha” (Educated Students, Developed Odisha).

Uniform Colors and Branding

Although the ID card and slogan have changed, the house uniform color scheme remains the same:

Track pants: Navy blue

T-shirts: Green, Yellow, Red, and Blue

Cap: White, with the new slogan and logo printed on it

These updates apply to all government and government-aided schools, as well as schools under the SC/ST development department. Each student (from Class 1 to 8) will receive materials worth ₹500, which includes:

 Rs 200 – One pair of black shoes and two pairs of white socks

 Rs 125 – One house T-shirt

 Rs 125 – One track pant

 Rs 30 – One branded cap

 Rs 20 – One identity card

The slogan and branding on the T-shirts and caps will reflect the state’s new educational vision.

Focus on Free Distribution

The state government aims to emphasize the free distribution of uniforms, shoes, socks, and accessories. The cost will be covered under programs such as Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and the Gangadhar Meher Education Quality Improvement Programme.

Shoes: Black

Socks: White

House System Guidelines

Schools with fewer than 100 students will implement 2-house systems with 2 T-shirt colors

Schools with more than 100 students will use a 4-house system with 4 different T-shirt colors

As the academic session has already begun, the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has issued urgent directives to all District Education Officers (DEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) to ensure the materials are distributed promptly. However, there are reports of delays and concerns that procurement has not yet been completed in some areas.

Tribal Uans Festival Celebrated with Kendu Twig and Turmeric Leaf Rituals
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Tribal Uans Festival Celebrated with Kendu Twig and Turmeric Leaf Rituals

Malkangiri, 30th July 2025:In tribal-dominated regions, local tribal communities celebrate 22 different festivals across 12 months. Among them, Uans (or Uansi) Festival is one of the most significant. This unique agricultural festival is celebrated with the hope of a good harvest, protection of crops from pests and wild animals, and for the well-being of the family. It is not an exaggeration to call this a farming-based festival.

The festival is generally celebrated in the month of Shravan, starting seven days from the new moon of Chitalagi Amavasya. During this time, rice seedlings in the fields have already grown into saplings with tender green leaves and are often prone to pest attacks.

As a tradition, tribal farmers perform rituals in their farmlands, where they plant Kendu twigs, offer turmeric leaves, food offerings, and light lamps and incense to worship the rice plants. They also worship Mother Earth, along with village deities and ancestral gods. To protect their domesticated animals such as cows, goats, and sheep, they are bathed and cleaned thoroughly, offered jaggery and rice cakes, and in some cases, special pithas (rice cakes) are cooked and floated in nearby rivers and ponds.

In Malkangiri district headquarters’ areas like Talasahi, Pradhaniguda, and the surrounding regions of Chalanguda and Tandiki, tribal farmers celebrated this festival with enthusiasm and grandeur. Farmers ventured into nearby forests to collect Kendu twigs, Shatavari, Dashamoola roots, and other medicinal herbs, while also bringing turmeric leaves from their backyards.

They went to their fields with their families, where they planted the Kendu twigs in the center of the farmland. Near the rice saplings, they performed rituals using items like milk, Deobadani (sacred grass), Rasna (a medicinal plant), Diuna, Baatri, Bhelua, and Kendu branches. After the rituals, the twigs were firmly planted in their field.

This festival has been celebrated since ancient times, handed down through generations. Its purpose is to ensure a bountiful harvest, prevent wild animals from harming the crops, avoid crop diseases and pests, and bring peace and prosperity to the family. According to farmers from the old tribal village of Podapadar, near Goiparbat in Malkangiri, Uans is a deeply rooted traditional agricultural festival.

Farewell Ceremony Held for Malkangiri District Collector
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Farewell Ceremony Held for Malkangiri District Collector

Malkangiri, 30th July 2025: Malkangiri District Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil has been transferred to Dhenkanal district. On behalf of the district administration, a farewell felicitation ceremony was organized in the District Council Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Additional District Magistrate (Revenue), Bedabar Pradhan. Prior to his tenure in Malkangiri, Mr. Patil had served efficiently as the Collector of Kandhamal district.

During his tenure in Malkangiri, Mr. Patil left a distinct mark on the district. Due to his efforts, the aspirational blocks of Malkangiri are now on the verge of being recognized by NITI Aayog for outstanding performance across various sectors. Additionally, significant steps were taken under his leadership for the distribution of forest land titles and compensation disbursement for railway projects.

Officials attending the event praised Mr. Patil’s remarkable contributions. Many officers shared their personal experiences of working with him, appreciating his unique working style and leadership. They unanimously commended his innovative approach and dedication to public service.

In his farewell address, Mr. Patil expressed that working in Malkangiri would always hold a special place in his heart. He remarked that the innocent tribal population and the unconditional love and respect of the people of the district would remain unforgettable. He also emphasized the power of teamwork, stating that even the impossible can be achieved through collective effort.

The ceremony was attended by District Forest Officer Sai Kiran, Additional District Magistrate (General) Somanath Pradhan, District Planning Officer Naresh Chandra Sabar, Deputy Collector Duryodhan Bhoi, Additional Superintendent of Police Rashmiranjan Senapati, and other senior district-level officers. Similarly, the staff of the Collector’s office also organized a separate felicitation program in honor of the outgoing Collector.

Two Years After Floods Washed Away Bridge, 4,000 People from 6 Villages Still Struggle
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Two Years After Floods Washed Away Bridge, 4,000 People from 6 Villages Still Struggle

Malkangiri, 30th July 2025: It has been two years since the old bridge was washed away in heavy rains, yet no steps have been taken to construct a new bridge. Despite repeated demands from villagers, the construction has not even started. As a result, over 4,000 residents from six villages are facing severe transportation issues.

Villagers have resorted to crossing the river by dangerously laying cement electric poles to create makeshift paths, risking their lives daily. Such scenes have been witnessed in Anantapali village under Kalimela Block of Malkangiri district, which dates back to the British era.

According to locals, the old bridge was the only means of communication for villages like Anantapali, Jamara Guda, Clarasanpalli, Nelakata, M-81, and Tinirajpalli. Even though there is an alternate road, the old route is shorter, so residents continue to rely on it. The old bridge, considered the lifeline for these villages, was washed away during the floods two years ago.

At that time, the Rural Development Department (RD) created a temporary road with morrum and laid palm trunks for movement, which has now completely collapsed. Due to the broken connection and lands being located across the river, villagers recently placed cement electric poles across the stream and are using bikes to cross — risking serious accidents.

The villagers questioned, “Who will be responsible if a tragedy occurs?” Despite submitting multiple written complaints to the administration, no action has been taken, leading to growing anger among locals.

They allege that the village has been neglected since British rule, not just in terms of the bridge, but also basic infrastructure — no concrete roads, no drainage system, no telecom services, and no internet connectivity. Young people in the village have to travel nearly 10 km just to get a mobile signal.

In response, the Junior Engineer of RD-2 stated that around ₹4 crore will be spent on the new bridge. Tenders have already been floated, and within 15 days, the agency to undertake the work will be finalized. The selected agency will also be instructed to create a diversion road for public use during construction. According to the department, the new bridge construction will begin very soon, which should alleviate the villagers’ long-standing travel difficulties.

12th Battalion Nabarangpur Organizes Cycle Rally for Public Awareness
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12th Battalion Nabarangpur Organizes Cycle Rally for Public Awareness

Nabarangpur, 30th July 2025: A cycle rally was organized today by the 12th Battalion stationed in Nabarangpur as part of the Raising Day celebrations. On this special occasion, a green flag was waved by Battalion Commandant Mr. N.K.K. Prasad, marking the official start of the rally.

The rally commenced from the battalion camp and proceeded through a route covering Nabarangpur town. During the rally, officers and jawans rode bicycles to promote physical fitness and to spread awareness about environmental protection.

Several dignitaries participated in this event, including Deputy Commandant Firoz Arli, Medical Officer Dr. Madhav Kumar, Raju Pattnayak, Inspector Sujit Kumar, Mahesh Kumar, N.D. Naidu, and Pramod Sonowal, along with all the jawans of the battalion.

UltraTech Inaugurates Tailoring Training Centers in Dhutra and Orda Villages
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UltraTech Inaugurates Tailoring Training Centers in Dhutra and Orda Villages

Jharsuguda 30th July 2025: As part of its ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihood development, Jharsuguda Cement Works under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has inaugurated two Tailoring Training Centers in Dhutra and Orda villages.

These centers aim to provide skill development opportunities to rural women from the surrounding areas, thereby promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship. The training is expected to equip the women with practical tailoring skills, enabling them to generate income and become self-employed.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by:

  • Mr. Purushottam Vemuri, Unit Head, Jharsuguda Cement Works
  • Mr. Abhinash Lakra, Block Development Officer (BDO), Kirmira
  • Mr. Pitambar Prusty, HR Head, Jharsuguda Cement Works
  • Binapani Podh, local Sarpanch
  • Other distinguished guests from the community

This initiative will help local women gain essential tailoring skills, creating new livelihood opportunities and fostering economic independence. The program was anchored by Factory Development Officer Mr. Simiyan Barik, and was supported by the village youth groups.

10 Sarpanches from Brajarajnagar Constituency Join BJP
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10 Sarpanches from Brajarajnagar Constituency Join BJP

Bhubaneswar, 30th July 2025: Losing faith in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), many of its leaders and workers from the Brajarajnagar Assembly constituency in Jharsuguda district formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday.

Sarpanches from various Gram Panchayats under Lakhanpur block of Brajarajnagar Assembly constituency ceremonially joined the BJP. The induction ceremony took place at the BJP State Headquarters, where Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, and Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra welcomed the new members by offering them party caps and scarves.

With the joining of these 10 sarpanches from Lakhanpur block, the BJP’s organizational strength in the region is expected to grow significantly, and this move is anticipated to boost local development. Minister Pujari remarked that many more BJD workers would be joining BJP in the coming days.

Among those who switched allegiance from BJD to BJP are:

  • Ashok Kumar Seth, Sarpanch of Kandheikela GP
  • Prafulla Kumar Singh, Sarpanch of Remta GP
  • Arun Suna, Sarpanch of Charpali GP, along with his wife Prashanta Suna
  • Tarulata Barik, Sarpanch of Kadamdihi GP
  • Sunima Pradhan, Sarpanch of Baghamunda GP
  • Gopinath Sai, Sarpanch of Jamgaon GP
  • Sushanta Nayak, Sarpanch of Remenda GP
  • Jharana Seth, Sarpanch of Saranda Mal GP
  • Seema Sahu, Sarpanch of Banjari GP
  • Rangadhar Dila, Sarpanch of Pipilimala GP

Also present on the occasion were State BJP Vice President Birancha Narayan Tripathy, State General Secretary Jatin Mahanti, Sharada Prasad Satapathy, and Jharsuguda District President Raghunandan Panda, among others.