ORISSA

Odisha has become the third state in India to offer menstrual leave, granting government employees under 55 years of age 12 days of leave annually. This policy, implemented after months of advocacy by women’s rights activists, aims to acknowledge the physical discomfort women experience during menstruation. However, the leave is restricted to one day per month, with unused leave expiring at the end of each month. While the government’s decision is seen as a positive step towards gender equality, activists urge private sector companies to follow suit and implement similar policies to ensure parity in the workforce. The policy supersedes an earlier notification that granted 10 additional casual leaves to women employees, but lacked clarity on usage and carryover.

The upcoming Bali Yatra festival in Cuttack will feature a special exhibition dedicated to the history of Odia cinema, showcasing its evolution from its humble beginnings in Cuttack to its current prominence. The exhibition will feature interactive displays, replicas of old theatres, tributes to legendary actors and directors, and showcases of award-winning films. This dedicated pavilion aims to highlight the significant role Ollywood has played in shaping the cultural landscape of Odisha and its contribution to Indian cinema. The exhibition, designed by over 40 artisans, promises an immersive experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and legacy of Odia cinema.

The Orissa High Court’s recent concern over the inadequate water supply in Cuttack highlights a fundamental human right: access to clean and safe drinking water. This article explores the situation from a humanistic perspective, emphasizing the impact on individuals and the need for a holistic approach to address the issue.

Key Points:

1. Basic Human Right: The court rightly emphasizes the fundamental right to clean water, recognizing its vital role in health and well-being.
2. Health Risks: Polluted water poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
3. Responsibility of Authorities: The court underscores the responsibility of authorities to ensure a consistent supply of safe drinking water for all citizens.
4. Limited Coverage: The current water treatment plant infrastructure only reaches 70% of Cuttack, leaving a significant portion of the population without reliable access to clean water.
5. Impact on Daily Life: The lack of water disrupts daily routines, impacting hygiene, sanitation, and overall quality of life.
6. Need for Comprehensive Solutions: Addressing the water crisis requires a multi-pronged approach, including infrastructure development, water conservation measures, and community engagement.

Humanistic Approach:

The court’s concern goes beyond legal technicalities; it reflects a deep understanding of the human cost of inadequate water supply. The focus on the health and well-being of citizens underscores the need for a solution that prioritizes human needs and dignity. This approach calls for collaborative efforts between authorities, communities, and NGOs to ensure that everyone in Cuttack has access to clean and safe drinking water.

This year’s Bali Yatra in Cuttack promises a unique experience for visitors, celebrating the rich history and evolution of Odia cinema. Here’s a glimpse into the captivating journey awaiting you:

1. A Tribute to Ollywood:

The festival will feature a dedicated pavilion showcasing the journey of Ollywood, the Odia film industry, which has been a vibrant part of Indian cinema for over six decades.

2. From Humble Beginnings to Modern Glory:

Interactive displays will take visitors on a captivating journey through time, tracing the evolution of Odia cinema from its humble beginnings in Cuttack to its present-day prominence.

3. Honoring the Legends:

The pavilion will pay tribute to legendary directors and actors who have shaped the industry’s growth, showcasing their contributions and impact on Odia cinema.

4. A Glimpse into the Past:

Replicas of old theatres will transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into the early days of Odia cinema and its unique cultural significance.

5. Celebrating Milestones:

The exhibition will highlight milestone films, showcasing award-winning movies and their impact on the cultural landscape of Odisha.

6. An Immersive Experience:

More than 40 artisans are working to create an immersive experience for visitors, bringing the history of Odia cinema to life through interactive displays and captivating storytelling.

7. A Celebration of Odia Culture:

The exhibition at Bali Yatra serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, highlighting the significant role of Odia cinema in shaping the state’s identity and artistic expression.

Giving a big push to the Mission Shakti movement for womens Empowerment in the state, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced that (SHGs) will get interest free loans of Rs 50,000 crore during the next five years.

Mission Shakti has made a provision to provide interest subvention benefits of Rs 1,200 crore on the loans. He disbursed interest subvention benefits of Rs 125 crore for the first two quarters of 2022-23 to more than 2.5 lakh SHGs. This was done through technology platform directly to the SHG accounts.

The State Government has taken a step ahead by deciding to transform SHGs into small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In order to nurture Entrepreneurship among Women, during the Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2022, the chief minister had announced a revolving fund of Rs 1 crore for all district level federations, revolving fund of Rs 50 lakh for block level federations, office building with market complex for all gram panchayat level federations and establishment of micro and mini industrial parks in all 30 districts of the state.

Sunil Kumar Bansal, a 1987 batch Ips officer, on Friday took over as the new director general of Police, replacing Abhay, and highlighted that Corruption-free and people-friendly policing will be his focus areas in 2022.
Bansal, who returned toOdishaafter nearly 27 years on central deputation, said he will work hard to uphold the dignity ofOdisha Policeand its moto, we serve and protect.

Bansal said he would ensure proper implementation of the governments Mo Sarkar and 5T initiatives.

As per provision of the policy, the offers purchase incentive of around 15% on different categories of EVs which will be up to Rs 5,000 for two wheelers, Rs 12,000 for three wheelers and up to Rs 1lakhfor four wheelers.

The state government would also provide 100% interest-free loan to the state government employees for purchase of EVs. Similarly, government departments, offices, Public Sector Undertakings will now give preference to hire and purchase EVs for official use.

The policy said that the state government will provide appropriate incentives and other support to ensure that pure electric buses constitute at least 50% of all new stage carriages procured for the city buses in the next five years.

As availability of charging Infrastructure is key for adoption of EVs, the state government assures to provide Environment to enable for establishment of private as well as public charging infrastructure.

Bhubaneswar has become the first Indian city to accomplish 100% COVID-19 vaccination. The Bhubaneswar (BMC) had dispatched a gigantic vaccination drive against Covid-19.

Highlights:

This achievement is credited to the BMC running 55 focuses consistently for immunizations. BMC has a record of around nine lakh individuals who are over 18 years old in the city. Which incorporates around 31 thousand medical care labourers, 33 thousand cutting edge labourers. 5 lakh 17 thousand individuals are in the age gathering of 18 to 44 years. Three lakh 25 thousand individuals are over 45 years old.

The State Cabinet has approved tenders for execution of eight rural drinking water supply projects worth Rs 2,312.11 crore in Ganjam, Balangir and Gajapati districts.

On the occasion of completion of the fourth year of the fifth term of his Government, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik chaired a State Cabinet meeting, in which 18 important proposals including the tenders for the drinking water supply projects were approved.

Accordingly, the State Cabinet has approved the lowest tender amounting to Rs 1,509.91 crore for execution of a mega piped water supply project to provide Safe drinking water in Ganjam district out of JJM (Jal Jeevan Mission) funding. By execution of the project, around 9,92,368 people of 770 villages under 228 GPs of 12 blocks of the district would be benefited, he said.

Similarly, the Cabinet also approved a tender worth Rs 379.17 crore for execution of two rural drinking water supply projects in Gajapati district to benefit more than 1.31 lakh residents of 346 villages.
The Government also cleared two tenders of Rs 423. crore for execution of five drinking water projects in Balangir district. All the drinking water projects would be completed in two years, Jena said.

The Cabinet also decided to spend Rs 364.40 crore in three years (2022-23 to 2024-25) for implementation of the State Plan scheme Sustainable Harnessing of Ground Water in Water Deficit Areas.
The Cabinet also approved allocation of Rs 330.17 crore for establishment of an Odisha University of Health Sciences.

It approved a tender worth Rs 209.73 crore for Konark Temple Complex. Konark Heritage Area Development Plan (KHADP) under Integrated Development of Heritage & Monuments and Tourist Destination scheme will transform the physical in and around the temple complex and upgrade the visitors experience, he said.