Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched SUMANGAL portal to provide cash incentives for promotion of inter-caste marriage.

While inaugurating the Sumangal portal, the Chief Minister said that inter-ethnic marriages increased social unity and it reduced racial discrimination while promoting equality and peaceful coexistence in society.

Rs 2.5 lakh can be availed for beneficiaries within 60 days of applying at the portal. The incentive amount would be deposited in a joint account of the couple in any nationalised bank and they would be able to withdraw the amount only after three years of marriage.

He also launched the Integrated Odisha State Scholarship Portal to help eligible students of the state avail scholarship avail benefits in a seamless and transparent manner.

As per a statement, 21 scholarships would be offered by eight state departments and more than 11 lakh beneficiary students from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and educationally backward classes would benefit from the scholarship portal.

"Only through the use of technology can we provide the public with the best services at the right time with efficiency and transparency. This portal will reduce the distance between government departments and prospective students and they can apply from their homes within a specified time frame," the Chief Minister said at the virtual launch.

"6,00,000 students are benefiting from the program under the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Tribes Development Department alone. Odisha is an example for other states today to bring about change through five programs," said Minister for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Tribes Development Jagannath Sarka while speaking at the launch.

(With inputs from agencies)

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched SUMANGAL portal to provide cash incentives for promotion of inter-caste marriage. While inaugurating the Sumangal portal, the Chief Minister said that inter-ethnic marriages increased social unity and it reduced racial discrimination while promoting equality and peaceful coexistence in society.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched SUMANGAL portal to provide cash incentives for promotion of inter-caste marriage. While inaugurating the Sumangal portal, the Chief Minister said that inter-ethnic marriages increased social unity and it reduced racial discrimination while promoting equality and peaceful coexistence in society. Rs 2.5 lakh can be availed for beneficiaries within 60 days of applying at the portal. The incentive amount would be deposited in a joint account of the couple in any nationalised bank and they would be able to withdraw the amount only after three years of marriage. He also launched the Integrated Odisha State Scholarship Portal to help eligible students of the state avail scholarship avail benefits in a seamless and transparent manner. As per a statement, 21 scholarships would be offered by eight state departments and more than 11 lakh beneficiary students from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and educationally backward classes would benefit from the scholarship portal. "Only through the use of technology can we provide the public with the best services at the right time with efficiency and transparency. This portal will reduce the distance between government departments and prospective students and they can apply from their homes within a specified time frame," the Chief Minister said at the virtual launch. "6,00,000 students are benefiting from the program under the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Tribes Development Department alone. Odisha is an example for other states today to bring about change through five programs," said Minister for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Tribes Development Jagannath Sarka while speaking at the launch. (With inputs from agencies)

To promote inter-caste marriages Odisha government launches portal

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led BJD government on Saturday reshuffled many IAS officers.

Senior IAS officer Gagan Kumar Dhal has been appointed the chairman of Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd (OFDC).

Earlier, Dhal was Commissioner, Agriculture Production. According to a statement, seven other IAS officers were reshuffled.

They were Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Sudershan Pal Thakur, Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, Mona Sharma, Sanjiv Chopra, Manoj Kumar Mishra, and Rudra Narayan Palai.

Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment Department, has been appointed Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary of Planning and Convergence Department.

He is allowed to have the additional charge of Working Chairperson, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri.

Thakur, Director General of Training Coordination, Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, is allowed to hold the additional charge of Chief Administrator, KBK, Koraput, in addition to his own duties.

Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of School and Mass Education Department, has been appointed Agriculture Production Commissioner vice transfer of Dhal.

He is allowed to have the additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary of School and Mass Education Department in addition to his own duties.

Sharma, Principal Secretary of Rural Development Department, has been allowed to have the additional charge of Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment Department in addition to her own duties.

Chopra, Principal Secretary of Industries Department with Additional Charge, Chairman, OMC Limited, is allowed to have the additional charge of Principal Secretary of Home Department in addition to his own duties.

IRTS officer Mishra, CRC and Special Secretary of Commerce and Transport Department, has been allowed to have the additional charge of Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology Department, in addition to his own duties.

Palai, Special Secretary of Electronics and Information Technology Department, has been appointed Special Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department.&nbsp;

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led BJD government on Saturday reshuffled many IAS officers. Senior IAS officer Gagan Kumar Dhal has been appointed the chairman of Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd (OFDC).

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led BJD government on Saturday reshuffled many IAS officers. Senior IAS officer Gagan Kumar Dhal has been appointed the chairman of Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd (OFDC). Earlier, Dhal was Commissioner, Agriculture Production. According to a statement, seven other IAS officers were reshuffled. They were Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Sudershan Pal Thakur, Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, Mona Sharma, Sanjiv Chopra, Manoj Kumar Mishra, and Rudra Narayan Palai. Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment Department, has been appointed Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary of Planning and Convergence Department. He is allowed to have the additional charge of Working Chairperson, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri. Thakur, Director General of Training Coordination, Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, is allowed to hold the additional charge of Chief Administrator, KBK, Koraput, in addition to his own duties. Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of School and Mass Education Department, has been appointed Agriculture Production Commissioner vice transfer of Dhal. He is allowed to have the additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary of School and Mass Education Department in addition to his own duties. Sharma, Principal Secretary of Rural Development Department, has been allowed to have the additional charge of Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment Department in addition to her own duties. Chopra, Principal Secretary of Industries Department with Additional Charge, Chairman, OMC Limited, is allowed to have the additional charge of Principal Secretary of Home Department in addition to his own duties. IRTS officer Mishra, CRC and Special Secretary of Commerce and Transport Department, has been allowed to have the additional charge of Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology Department, in addition to his own duties. Palai, Special Secretary of Electronics and Information Technology Department, has been appointed Special Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

Major administrative reshuffle in Odisha, Gagan Dhal appointed OFDC chairman

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday chaired a high-level state committee meeting and approved five welfare projects worth Rs 265 crore for Puri.

The Infrastructure Development will be done under "Abhada Yojana" of the state government.

The government is of the view that Puri is the destination for the large number devotees from all over the world and it should be developed in order to provide high-quality service and facilities.

"Under these projects, 1250 shops, multi Level parking space with the accommodation facility of 400 cars each will be constructed. All the government offices including the Puri Collector`s office will be accommodated under a single roof. The municipal market will be renovated into a modern market complex and beautification work will be done," read a press release issued by the Chief Minister's Office.

All infrastructural development work will be carried out by the Works Department and Odisha Bridges and Construction Corporation Limited.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday chaired a high-level state committee meeting and approved five welfare projects worth Rs 265 crore for Puri. The Infrastructure Development will be done under "Abhada Yojana" of the state government.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday chaired a high-level state committee meeting and approved five welfare projects worth Rs 265 crore for Puri. The Infrastructure Development will be done under "Abhada Yojana" of the state government. The government is of the view that Puri is the destination for the large number devotees from all over the world and it should be developed in order to provide high-quality service and facilities. "Under these projects, 1250 shops, multi Level parking space with the accommodation facility of 400 cars each will be constructed. All the government offices including the Puri Collector`s office will be accommodated under a single roof. The municipal market will be renovated into a modern market complex and beautification work will be done," read a press release issued by the Chief Minister's Office. All infrastructural development work will be carried out by the Works Department and Odisha Bridges and Construction Corporation Limited.

Odisha government approves project worth Rs 265 crore for Puri's development

The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said.

The step was taken in view of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the formation of a low-pressure area in North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours.

"Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," Director of IMD, Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said.

Due to the likely formation of a low-pressure area over north Bay of Bengal, squally weather with the wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to prevail over north Bay of Bengal and the adjoining west central bay from June 30 to July 2, he added.

In an advisory issued to the district collectors, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said, "Administrative machinery of all the districts has been asked to remain alert to meet any localised flood/waterlogging situation that may arise in the event of extremely very heavy rainfall. The situation may be closely watched."

The SRC said Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri and Balasore districts were specially told to remain alert.

The IMD advised fishermen not to venture along and off the Odisha coast and north Bay of Bengal from June 30 to July 2.

Those who had ventured to the deep sea were advised to return to the coast by June 29 night, the IMD said.

Extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada districts and heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places in the coastal districts, besides in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Kandhmal and Malkangiri have been forecast on Sunday, the department said.

It forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday with extremely heavy rainfall likely to occur over one or two places in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur and Boudh districts.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over one or two places of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Sundargarh districts, the IMD said.

Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said.

The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said. The step was taken in view of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the formation of a low-pressure area in North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours. "Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," Director of IMD, Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said. Due to the likely formation of a low-pressure area over north Bay of Bengal, squally weather with the wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to prevail over north Bay of Bengal and the adjoining west central bay from June 30 to July 2, he added. In an advisory issued to the district collectors, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said, "Administrative machinery of all the districts has been asked to remain alert to meet any localised flood/waterlogging situation that may arise in the event of extremely very heavy rainfall. The situation may be closely watched." The SRC said Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri and Balasore districts were specially told to remain alert. The IMD advised fishermen not to venture along and off the Odisha coast and north Bay of Bengal from June 30 to July 2. Those who had ventured to the deep sea were advised to return to the coast by June 29 night, the IMD said. Extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada districts and heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places in the coastal districts, besides in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Kandhmal and Malkangiri have been forecast on Sunday, the department said. It forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday with extremely heavy rainfall likely to occur over one or two places in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur and Boudh districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over one or two places of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Sundargarh districts, the IMD said. Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday.

Odisha government puts all districts on alert due to forecast of heavy rain

The Odisha government on Tuesday has ordered laboratory test of litchi fruit that is being sold in the markets in the state.

''Encephalitis is spreading in Litchi growing areas of Bihar &amp; other parts of country. In view of this, Food Safety Commissioner has been directed to collect&amp;test sample of Litchi being sold in market to ascertain toxic contents,'' Department of Health and Family Welfare said.

The government's action came following reports that litchi consumption was one of the factors behind the spread of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

So far, over 100 children had died due to AES.

Watch: Bihar health minister admits AES outbreak

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bihar-health-minister-admits-aes-outbreak-227282/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bihar Chief Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-greet-nitish-kumar-during-muzaffarpur-hospital-visit-toll-climbs-to-111-228479"> Nitish Kumar on Tuesday visited</a> Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died.

In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.

The Odisha government on Tuesday has ordered laboratory test of litchi fruit that is being sold in the markets in the state. ''Encephalitis is spreading in Litchi growing areas of Bihar & other parts of country.

The Odisha government on Tuesday has ordered laboratory test of litchi fruit that is being sold in the markets in the state. ''Encephalitis is spreading in Litchi growing areas of Bihar & other parts of country. In view of this, Food Safety Commissioner has been directed to collect&test sample of Litchi being sold in market to ascertain toxic contents,'' Department of Health and Family Welfare said. The government's action came following reports that litchi consumption was one of the factors behind the spread of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). So far, over 100 children had died due to AES. Watch: Bihar health minister admits AES outbreak Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday visited Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died. In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.

Bihar Encephalitis deaths: Odisha government orders laboratory test of litchi

The Odisha government Friday claimed to have taken adequate steps to avoid the outbreak of an epidemic in the aftermath of cyclone 'Fani'.

"There is no report of any disease outbreak from any parts of the cyclone-affected 14 districts," an official statement said, adding that reports about an outbreak of cholera in a section of media are completely baseless.

Though there have been sporadic reports of diarrhoea cases in Puri and other districts, none of them has taken the form of an epidemic, a health official said, adding that teams have been deployed in all the affected areas to look after health issues.

Health and Family Welfare Secretary PK Meherda has visited the cyclone-affected areas and ensured sufficient stock of essential medicines made available at all health care centres, another official said.

He said National Health Mission (NHM) Director Shalini Pandit is also in continuous touch with the field staff and mobile health units operating in the zone.

At least 89,091 open water sources have been disinfected and 60 samples tested for dengue gave negative results, the official said.

Meanwhile, hot and humid weather has compounded the woes of people living in Puri district as the power supply has still not been restored in the majority of the households there.

Of the 1,58,805 consumers of electricity in the district, the power supply has been restored in 4,800 households, the official said.

In Nimapada block of the district, only 840 households, out of 1,22,549 have been provided electricity, he said.

However, there was no information about other blocks of Puri district like Brahmagiri, Astarang, Chandanpur, Delang, Gadisagada, Kakatpur, Konark, Krushnaprasad, Pipili, Ramachandi and Satyabadi, he added.&nbsp;

The Odisha government Friday claimed to have taken adequate steps to avoid the outbreak of an epidemic in the aftermath of cyclone 'Fani'. "There is no report of any disease outbreak from any parts of the cyclone-affected 14 districts," an official statement said, adding that reports about an outbreak of cholera in a section of media are completely baseless.

The Odisha government Friday claimed to have taken adequate steps to avoid the outbreak of an epidemic in the aftermath of cyclone 'Fani'. "There is no report of any disease outbreak from any parts of the cyclone-affected 14 districts," an official statement said, adding that reports about an outbreak of cholera in a section of media are completely baseless. Though there have been sporadic reports of diarrhoea cases in Puri and other districts, none of them has taken the form of an epidemic, a health official said, adding that teams have been deployed in all the affected areas to look after health issues. Health and Family Welfare Secretary PK Meherda has visited the cyclone-affected areas and ensured sufficient stock of essential medicines made available at all health care centres, another official said. He said National Health Mission (NHM) Director Shalini Pandit is also in continuous touch with the field staff and mobile health units operating in the zone. At least 89,091 open water sources have been disinfected and 60 samples tested for dengue gave negative results, the official said. Meanwhile, hot and humid weather has compounded the woes of people living in Puri district as the power supply has still not been restored in the majority of the households there. Of the 1,58,805 consumers of electricity in the district, the power supply has been restored in 4,800 households, the official said. In Nimapada block of the district, only 840 households, out of 1,22,549 have been provided electricity, he said. However, there was no information about other blocks of Puri district like Brahmagiri, Astarang, Chandanpur, Delang, Gadisagada, Kakatpur, Konark, Krushnaprasad, Pipili, Ramachandi and Satyabadi, he added.

Cyclone Fani: Odisha government says adequate steps taken to avoid outbreak of any epidemic

Seeking a relaxation in disaster assistance norms, the Odisha government Wednesday estimated a tentative loss of Rs 12,000 crore due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-around-20-lakh-trees-uprooted-in-odisha-218405">cyclone Fani that killed at least 64 people</a> and damaged more than 5 lakh dwelling units in the state's coastal districts.

The state government, which has launched a massive restoration work in the cyclone-ravaged areas, in a preliminary report to a visiting inter-ministerial team, said an initial assessment has put the overall loss at approximately Rs 12,000 crore.

While the loss to public properties was to the tune of Rs 5,175 crore, expenditure towards relief and response stands at Rs 6,767.56 crore, the report said.

"We have submitted a tentative loss figure to the central team. This amount may increase as the officials will undertake a door-to-door survey to access the actual loss caused by the cyclone. The government will prepare a full report on the loss after the completion of the detailed survey," Special&nbsp; 
Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.

In its preliminary report, the state government has estimated the highest loss in the power sector at Rs 1,160 crore, while the loss in the Panchayati raj and the drinking water department stands at Rs 587 crore.

"The loss shown in the preliminary report is purely tentative. It will go up as we get a detailed report," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said after a meeting with the central team, which wrapped up its three-day visit to the cyclone-hit areas.

Stating that there has been huge losses to public and private infrastructure in the calamity, Padhi said, "We have urged the central team to consider revising the norms of the NDRF and the SDRF so that the loss in the power sector can be covered."

Padhi said while the NDRF and SDRF norms include assistance for loss due to the damage of 220 KV, 132 KV, 33 KV, 11 KV and low tension power supply, there was no provision for losses in the high tension (HT) power supply.

As many as 75 towers have been uprooted by the high-velocity winds in Puri district alone and a huge investment is required to make them operational.

Vivek Bharadwaj, Additional Secretary in the Union Home Ministry, who is heading the team, said: "There has been massive destruction to houses, hotels and livelihood means of the affected people. Puri has been severely hit in the cyclone."

Noting that the central government has been assisting the cyclone-ravaged state and will continue to do so in restoration and rehabilitation works, Bharadwaj said there is a need to further strengthen the MGNREGA scheme in order to provide livelihood means to the affected people.

He said there has been a substantial loss to betel vines and coconut plantations.

"Keeping in view the gravity of the devastation, the Odisha government's action in providing relief and other assistance to the affected people is praiseworthy," Bharadwaj said, adding that people have been provided with relief immediately after the cyclone.

"The people have been given rice, cash and tarpaulin sheets," he said.

The 11-member central team visited some of the worst-affected areas in Puri, Khurda and Cuttack districts, besides the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) region, during its visit.

Seeking a relaxation in disaster assistance norms, the Odisha government Wednesday estimated a tentative loss of Rs 12,000 crore due to cyclone Fani that killed at least 64 people and damaged more than 5 lakh dwelling units in the state's coastal districts.

Seeking a relaxation in disaster assistance norms, the Odisha government Wednesday estimated a tentative loss of Rs 12,000 crore due to cyclone Fani that killed at least 64 people and damaged more than 5 lakh dwelling units in the state's coastal districts. The state government, which has launched a massive restoration work in the cyclone-ravaged areas, in a preliminary report to a visiting inter-ministerial team, said an initial assessment has put the overall loss at approximately Rs 12,000 crore. While the loss to public properties was to the tune of Rs 5,175 crore, expenditure towards relief and response stands at Rs 6,767.56 crore, the report said. "We have submitted a tentative loss figure to the central team. This amount may increase as the officials will undertake a door-to-door survey to access the actual loss caused by the cyclone. The government will prepare a full report on the loss after the completion of the detailed survey," Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. In its preliminary report, the state government has estimated the highest loss in the power sector at Rs 1,160 crore, while the loss in the Panchayati raj and the drinking water department stands at Rs 587 crore. "The loss shown in the preliminary report is purely tentative. It will go up as we get a detailed report," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said after a meeting with the central team, which wrapped up its three-day visit to the cyclone-hit areas. Stating that there has been huge losses to public and private infrastructure in the calamity, Padhi said, "We have urged the central team to consider revising the norms of the NDRF and the SDRF so that the loss in the power sector can be covered." Padhi said while the NDRF and SDRF norms include assistance for loss due to the damage of 220 KV, 132 KV, 33 KV, 11 KV and low tension power supply, there was no provision for losses in the high tension (HT) power supply. As many as 75 towers have been uprooted by the high-velocity winds in Puri district alone and a huge investment is required to make them operational. Vivek Bharadwaj, Additional Secretary in the Union Home Ministry, who is heading the team, said: "There has been massive destruction to houses, hotels and livelihood means of the affected people. Puri has been severely hit in the cyclone." Noting that the central government has been assisting the cyclone-ravaged state and will continue to do so in restoration and rehabilitation works, Bharadwaj said there is a need to further strengthen the MGNREGA scheme in order to provide livelihood means to the affected people. He said there has been a substantial loss to betel vines and coconut plantations. "Keeping in view the gravity of the devastation, the Odisha government's action in providing relief and other assistance to the affected people is praiseworthy," Bharadwaj said, adding that people have been provided with relief immediately after the cyclone. "The people have been given rice, cash and tarpaulin sheets," he said. The 11-member central team visited some of the worst-affected areas in Puri, Khurda and Cuttack districts, besides the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) region, during its visit.

Odisha pegs Cyclone Fani loss at Rs 12,000 crore, seeks relaxation of norms

Odisha Government on Monday inaugurated its first high-performance centre in the state for realizing its dream of becoming a global sports destination.

With intent to provide quality sport in the State, this high-performance centre is established by professional shooter Abhinav Bindra's 'Abhinav Futuristics Pvt&nbsp;Ltd'&nbsp;with the help of Government of Odisha.

The centre was inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the presence of Bindra.

Speaking about the inauguration, Chief Minister Patnaik said, "the inauguration of this HPC will encourage athletes to use Sports Science to enhance their performance. Coaching has always been good in Odisha, but now with best available technology, our athletes will have access to a state-of-the-art, world-class sports medicine and rehab setup.''

The founder of the ABTP Centre, Abhinav Bindra stated, “The ABTP Centre’s have been made with the aim of encouraging athletes to use Sports Science to add value to their training routine. With cutting edge technology from all over the world in physiology, biomechanics, functional training and recovery we aspire to take the best care of the athletes with us."

The centre’s services would include performance enhancement, injury prevention, and management, biomechanics, physiology testing and training, recovery, as well as strength and conditioning training.

The ABTP Centre will be open to athletes from February, 19th.&nbsp;

Odisha Government on Monday inaugurated its first high-performance centre in the state for realizing its dream of becoming a global sports destination. With intent to provide quality sport in the State, this high-performance centre is established by professional shooter Abhinav Bindra's 'Abhinav Futuristics Pvt Ltd' with the help of Government of Odisha.

Odisha Government on Monday inaugurated its first high-performance centre in the state for realizing its dream of becoming a global sports destination. With intent to provide quality sport in the State, this high-performance centre is established by professional shooter Abhinav Bindra's 'Abhinav Futuristics Pvt Ltd' with the help of Government of Odisha. The centre was inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the presence of Bindra. Speaking about the inauguration, Chief Minister Patnaik said, "the inauguration of this HPC will encourage athletes to use Sports Science to enhance their performance. Coaching has always been good in Odisha, but now with best available technology, our athletes will have access to a state-of-the-art, world-class sports medicine and rehab setup.'' The founder of the ABTP Centre, Abhinav Bindra stated, “The ABTP Centre’s have been made with the aim of encouraging athletes to use Sports Science to add value to their training routine. With cutting edge technology from all over the world in physiology, biomechanics, functional training and recovery we aspire to take the best care of the athletes with us." The centre’s services would include performance enhancement, injury prevention, and management, biomechanics, physiology testing and training, recovery, as well as strength and conditioning training. The ABTP Centre will be open to athletes from February, 19th.

Odisha: State’s first high-performance centre inaugurated

The Odisha government asked the Centre Thursday to release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for relief-and-restoration work in 17 districts as last week's Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood caused a loss of about Rs 2,765 crore and affected 60.11 lakh people.

Apart from a severe damage to infrastructure, the natural calamities had claimed 57 lives in the state, officials said.

"I would request you to kindly consider the grave situation in the state on account of the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Titli' and its associated impacts and request you to please release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to the state to enable taking up relief and restoration works of immediate nature," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This apart, Patnaik mentioned in the letter that keeping in view the fact that 57,131 houses were damaged, the Government of India should consider a special allocation of the same number of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Noting that the state government had already submitted a preliminary memorandum to the Centre, pegging the funds required at Rs 2,770.28 crore,

Patnaik said, "We are seeking central assistance of Rs 2014.09 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund, over and above the funds available in the State Disaster Response Fund for the year 2018-19."

Besides the loss of human lives, there had been an extensive damage to private and public properties, Patnaik said, adding that the standing crop on about 2.73 lakh hectares of land had also suffered massive damage.

The chief minister said the damage to the electrical infrastructure in Ganjam and Gajapati districts was immense and the roads in the rural as well as urban areas were also in a very poor shape.

These needed to be repaired on an urgent basis, he added.

Stating that his government had fully utilised its resources to tackle "Titli" and the resultant flood, Patnaik said the natural calamities had caused damage and destruction in 17 districts and affected 60.11 lakh people.

"A non-coastal district, namely Gajapati, has been the worst affected. Besides the cyclone and the flood, a massive landslide occurred in the Mahendragiri hills, which completely destroyed one village, namely Baraghara, under Gangabada GP of Gajapati district," the chief minister said, adding that 57 people lost their lives in different districts and 10 were reportedly missing due to landslides, wall-collapse incidents and drowning.

Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, visited Gajapati and Ganjam districts and expressed concern over the plight of the people even eight days after the cyclone hit the coast.

Unhappy over the manner in which the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in the state undertook the relief-and-restoration activities, he said, "The government should wake up from its slumber and swing into action to mitigate the miseries of the affected people."

The Odisha government asked the Centre Thursday to release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for relief-and-restoration work in 17 districts as last week's Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood caused a loss of about Rs 2,765 crore and affected 60.

The Odisha government asked the Centre Thursday to release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for relief-and-restoration work in 17 districts as last week's Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood caused a loss of about Rs 2,765 crore and affected 60.11 lakh people. Apart from a severe damage to infrastructure, the natural calamities had claimed 57 lives in the state, officials said. "I would request you to kindly consider the grave situation in the state on account of the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Titli' and its associated impacts and request you to please release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to the state to enable taking up relief and restoration works of immediate nature," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This apart, Patnaik mentioned in the letter that keeping in view the fact that 57,131 houses were damaged, the Government of India should consider a special allocation of the same number of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Noting that the state government had already submitted a preliminary memorandum to the Centre, pegging the funds required at Rs 2,770.28 crore, Patnaik said, "We are seeking central assistance of Rs 2014.09 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund, over and above the funds available in the State Disaster Response Fund for the year 2018-19." Besides the loss of human lives, there had been an extensive damage to private and public properties, Patnaik said, adding that the standing crop on about 2.73 lakh hectares of land had also suffered massive damage. The chief minister said the damage to the electrical infrastructure in Ganjam and Gajapati districts was immense and the roads in the rural as well as urban areas were also in a very poor shape. These needed to be repaired on an urgent basis, he added. Stating that his government had fully utilised its resources to tackle "Titli" and the resultant flood, Patnaik said the natural calamities had caused damage and destruction in 17 districts and affected 60.11 lakh people. "A non-coastal district, namely Gajapati, has been the worst affected. Besides the cyclone and the flood, a massive landslide occurred in the Mahendragiri hills, which completely destroyed one village, namely Baraghara, under Gangabada GP of Gajapati district," the chief minister said, adding that 57 people lost their lives in different districts and 10 were reportedly missing due to landslides, wall-collapse incidents and drowning. Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, visited Gajapati and Ganjam districts and expressed concern over the plight of the people even eight days after the cyclone hit the coast. Unhappy over the manner in which the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in the state undertook the relief-and-restoration activities, he said, "The government should wake up from its slumber and swing into action to mitigate the miseries of the affected people."

Cyclone: Odisha asks Centre for Rs 1,000 crore as interim assistance

The Odisha government is set to apply for geographical indication (GI) tags for Odishara Rasagola and Kandhamal turmeric after neighbouring West Bengal was granted it for the Banglar Rosogolla.&nbsp;

The Odishara Rasagola is Odisha&#39;s variant of the sweetmeat.&nbsp;

Odisha Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) minister Prafulla Samal said the state will &quot;soon&quot; apply for GI tags for the two products.

The state government has completed collection of primary data and will apply for GI tags for Odishara&nbsp;Rasagola and Kandhamal turmeric at the GI Registry office in January 2018, he said.

About the sweet Odisha has said it has been a part of the state&#39;s centuries-old ritual of offering prayers to Lord Jagannath and was mentioned in a 16th century Odiya epic.

Kandhamal turmeric is famous for being organically grown without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and has a demand in international market too.

The Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) for MSMEs at the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) here has already started preliminary research and field work necessary for submitting the application with the GI Registry at Chennai, sources in it said.

The GI status would enhance the trade value of the Kandhamal turmeric and its import to other states would become easy, he added.

The GI tag is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a particular place.

The 15 items from Odisha which have already obtained GI tag comprise nadicraft items Kotpad handloom fabric, Orissa ikat, Konark stone carving, Orissa pattachitra, Pipli applique work, Khandua saree and fabrics and Gopalpur tussar fabrics.

The other handicraft products for which Odisha won the GI tag are Dhalapathar parda and fabrics, Sambalpuri bandha saree and fabrics, Bomkai saree and fabrics, Habaspuri saree and fabrics, Berhampur patta and saree and joda.

The state had also won the tag for agricultural products Ganjam kewda rooh, Ganjam kewda flower and Orissa pattachitra, the sources said.&nbsp;

Odisha will also apply for a GI tag for Kandhamal turmeric

The Odisha government is set to apply for geographical indication (GI) tags for Odishara Rasagola and Kandhamal turmeric after neighbouring West Bengal was granted it for the Banglar Rosogolla. The Odishara Rasagola is Odisha's variant of the sweetmeat. Odisha Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) minister Prafulla Samal said the state will "soon" apply for GI tags for the two products. The state government has completed collection of primary data and will apply for GI tags for Odishara Rasagola and Kandhamal turmeric at the GI Registry office in January 2018, he said. About the sweet Odisha has said it has been a part of the state's centuries-old ritual of offering prayers to Lord Jagannath and was mentioned in a 16th century Odiya epic. Kandhamal turmeric is famous for being organically grown without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and has a demand in international market too. The Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) for MSMEs at the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) here has already started preliminary research and field work necessary for submitting the application with the GI Registry at Chennai, sources in it said. The GI status would enhance the trade value of the Kandhamal turmeric and its import to other states would become easy, he added. The GI tag is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a particular place. The 15 items from Odisha which have already obtained GI tag comprise nadicraft items Kotpad handloom fabric, Orissa ikat, Konark stone carving, Orissa pattachitra, Pipli applique work, Khandua saree and fabrics and Gopalpur tussar fabrics. The other handicraft products for which Odisha won the GI tag are Dhalapathar parda and fabrics, Sambalpuri bandha saree and fabrics, Bomkai saree and fabrics, Habaspuri saree and fabrics, Berhampur patta and saree and joda. The state had also won the tag for agricultural products Ganjam kewda rooh, Ganjam kewda flower and Orissa pattachitra, the sources said.

After Bengal gets GI tag for 'rosogolla', Odisha to apply for 'Odishara rasagola'

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