Page 57 - Odisha

Odisha receives 145 investment proposals worth Rs 7.26 trn so far

The Odisha government on Thursday said it has so far received 145 investment proposals worth over Rs 7.26 lakh crore in the current edition of the business summit. The Naveen Patnaik government signed 21 MoUs with various companies on the second day of the 'Make In Odisha' Conclave 2022. The JSW Group alone committed an investment of Rs 1 lakh core in the state, an official said. Odisha industries secretary Hemant Sharma stated that the investment intents worth Rs 7,26,128.45 crore, if grounded, would create employment opportunities for over 3.20 lakh people. The third edition of the business summit was attended by representatives of different corporate houses such as LN Mittal, Anil Agarwal, Sajjan Jindal, TV Narendran, Naveen Jindal, Karan Adani, Praveer Sinha and delegates from 11 countries. During the day, the state government unveiled 'Renewable Energy Policy 2022' in the programme. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have already assured the investors of all supports for setting

Tata Steel will continue to invest in Odisha, says CEO T V Narendran

Tata Steel which has make investments of over Rs 75,000 crore in Odisha will continue to invest in the state which has 25 per cent of India's total steel making capacity, its MD & CEO T V Narendran said. Narendran made the remarks at the 'Make in Odisha Conclave 2022' in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. "The Tata group of companies, and more specifically Tata Steel, has invested over Rs 75,000 crore in Odisha in the last five years. We will continue to invest to support the growth in Odisha," the official said. Over the last few years in Odisha, Tata Steel has not just built its plant in Kalinganagar, but has also acquired several assets which include Neelachal Ispat plant, he said. According to Narendran, Tata Steel is the largest steel manufacturer in Odisha producing about 9 million tonnes of steel annually. "We plan to double this over the next few years as we expand in all our locations in Odisha. Odisha accounts for 1/4th of the steel capacity in the country today," he said. Steel

SJVN, Grid Corporation of Odisha to form JV for hydro, solar projects

State-run SJVN Ltd on Thursday said its arm SJVN Green Energy and Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) will form a joint venture to develop a 1,000 MW hydro electric project and 2,000 MW solar project entailing an investment of Rs 20,000 crore. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Bhubaneswar for developing hydro and solar projects by incorporating a joint venture company, SJVN said in a statement. "This MOU will pave a way for formation of Joint Venture between SGEL and GRIDCO for generating green power, new direct & indirect employment opportunities, boost to local businesses, carbon emission reduction, sustainable and overall development of the state. This will also enhance green generation capacity and will help in meeting the Renewable Purchase Obligation target of Odisha," SJVN Chairman & Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma said. The development of 1000 MW Hydro Electric Project and 2000 MW Solar Power Project will attract an investment of Rs ...

Essar Group plans $4.9 billion petrochemical complex in Odisha

India's Essar Group plans to set up a 400 billion rupee ($4.92 billion) petrochemical complex in the eastern state of Odisha in a tie-up with a global player, it said in a statement on Thursday

Odisha destined to emerge trn-dollar economy: CM Patnaik woos investors

Claiming that Odisha is destined to become a trillion-dollar economy in the near future, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday assured business leaders of all support in launching their projects in the state. Patnaik said this while addressing the plenary session of the third edition of the Make In Odisha' conclave, the state's business summit, attended by Arcelor Mittal Executive Chairman L N Mittal, Chairman of Vedanta Resources Anil Agarwal, JSW chief Sajjan Jindal, JSPL Chairman Naveen Jindal, Adani Group's Karan Goutam Adani and others. Odisha is destined to become a trillion-dollar economy in near future. We will emerge as the gateway to East and South East Asia. I invite you to come and invest in a New Odisha, the chief minister said. Patnaik assured the corporate honchos that the state government will run the extra mile to make the investors comfortable in Odisha. We will walk along your side and make sure your dreams as an entrepreneur are realised, he said. Patnaik

IT raid, GST crackdown in poll-bound Padampur, traders call 12-hr bandh

Poll-bound Padampur in Odisha saw back-to-back raids by the Income Tax and GST departments on Monday just a week ahead of the December 5 assembly by-election. The IT department raided the Padampur rown residences of three businessmen known to be close to the ruling BJD, while the GST department of the state government cracked down on on BJP-supported traders. A 12-hour bandh has been called on Tuesday by the local traders against the GST crackdown on traders at Padampur, Paikmal and Jharabandha towns. One of those whose premises was raided by the GST department is Sunil Agarwal, the president of Padampur town unit of BJP. The bandh will be held by the local traders from 6 am to 6 pm, Padampur Banika Sangha president Pratap Mishra said. All shops and business establishments will be closed during the duration of the bandh. Government and private offices, schools and educational are, however, exempted from the purview of the bandh, he said. The IT raids were conducted in the houses

Primary school teachers hold protest in Odisha over various demands

Thousands of primary school teachers on Sunday staged a demonstration here seeking fulfilment of several demands, including complete abolition of contractual appointments. Traffic came to a halt at the thoroughfares in Bhubaneswar on Sunday as the agitating teachers from across the state staged demonstrations at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg here to press for the demands. The protesters, besides urging the state government to scrap contractual appointments, sought annual increments during the first six years of employment for those who have already been hired under contract, before their regularisation. They also sought salary on par with the central government-appointed teachers. Some of them alleged that they are being paid less than high school teachers, despite having similar qualifications. A delegation of the agitating teachers, after around four hours of the demonstration, held a meeting with education department officials at the state secretariat, a source there said. The ...

Union ministers, BJD, Cong leaders lock horns in bypoll-bound Odisha seat

As the battle intensifies for the December 5 bypoll to Padampur, three major political parties of Odisha -- the ruling BJD, the BJP and the Congress -- go all out to woo the people of the assembly constituency, with their top leaders hitting the campaign trail. Two union ministers -- Narendra Singh Tomar and Ashwini Vaishnaw hit out at the BJD government on Sunday over farmers' issues and other development work, as they stepped up campaign for BJP candidate Pradip Purohit, the party's Odisha unit Krushak Morcha chief. Similarly, at least 10 ministers and nearly three dozen MLAs of the BJD descended on the battleground to canvass for nominee Barsha Singh Bariha. Odisha Congress chief Sarat Pattnayak and leaders Jaydev Jena and Niranjan Patnaik were seen electioneering for party candidate Satya Bhusan Sahu in the segment. Addressing two election meetings, jointly with railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in the bypoll-bound Odisha seat, where farmers form a sizeable chunk of the ...

Odisha govt disburses Rs 43 crore to poor dependent on Kendu leaves

The Odisha government on Sunday disbursed assistance to the tune of Rs 43 crore to kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal employees. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday wrote to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging the Centre to withdraw 18 per cent GST on kendu leaf trade as it is linked to the livelihood of poor people. The money was given out at a function as part of the state government's special package for the poor people engaged in kendu leaf trade. As a part of the package, Rs 1,000 was given to each kendu leaf plucker, and Rs 1,500 to each seasonal staff and binders in the first phase as an interim measure, an official statement said. Kendu leaf is used to wrap bidis, and is one of the significant forest produce on which about 8 lakh people have a right for their livelihood. Though the people of 12 districts got the assistance, those belonging to Baragarh will get it after the Model Code of Conduct imposed for the December 5 bypoll to Padampur assemb

Railways plan to launch Jagannath Express during next Rath Jatra: Vaishnaw

Indian Railways is planning to launch Jagannath Express', on the lines of the Ramayana Express, during the Rath Jatra festival in Puri next year, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday. Semi high-speed Vande Bharat Express trains will also be launched in Odisha soon, he said on the sideline of a programme. The proposed Jagannath Express will be introduced during the Rath Jatra festival in Puri to showcase Odisha's rich culture, art, tradition and cousin, he said. It will be the second theme-based tourist circuit Bharat Gaurav' train after Ramayan Express. The seaside town of Puri is famous for the 12th-century temple of Lord Jagannath. The minister said that Odisha will soon get to see Vande Bharat Express. By the month of January or February next year, the country will be manufacturing around four trains a month, he said adding: We are examining the electrification and other essential parts for running the Vande Bharat train in the state. Claiming that railway ...

Naveen Patnaik urges Sitharaman to withdraw 18% GST on Kendu leaf

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday urged the Centre to withdraw GST being imposed on kendu leaf trade in the interest of livelihoods of about eight lakh poor people. Patnaik dashed a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, barely three days after announcing a special package for the welfare of kendu leaf pluckers. "Imposition of GST (18%) on kendu leaves is adversely affecting the trade. As a result, it affects the livelihoods of Kendu leaf pluckers, binders, and seasonal workers and the implementation of social security and welfare schemes for them," Patnaik said in the letter. The CM said kendu leaf, a minor forest produce (MFP), is the financial backbone of about eight lakh leaf pluckers, binders, and seasonal workers of Odisha and they mostly belong to the tribal community and poorest of the poor of the society. He said tribals collect the leaves as part of their right defined under the Scheduled Tribals and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognit

Patnaik announces Rs 146 cr winter aid for needy as Odisha shivers in cold

With the Met department forecasting a further dip in mercury in Odisha over the next few days, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced winter assistance of Rs 146 crore for the needy. As many as 48 lakh beneficiaries of the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and National Pension System will get Rs 300 each to buy blankets, a release issued by the chief minister's office said, adding the amount will be credited by December 1. While reviewing the cold conditions in the state during a meeting with top officials on Friday evening, Patnaik asked officials to ensure the safety of the poor, especially the elderly, during the winter session. He said that as per available data, the conditions in the tribal-dominated Kandhamal and Koraput districts were severe. Patnaik advised the Panchayati Raj and Urban Development departments, and district collectors and civic authorities to take immediate action to ensure that no one remained unattended or in a helpless condition during the chilly nights. So far

Odisha fast emerging as a technology resource hub of India: CM Patnaik

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said the state is now "fast emerging as a technology resource hub" of the country and creating jobs for youths. During the inauguration of Happiest Minds IT development centre here, he stated that the new facility will further strengthen the state's position in the sector. Patnaik claimed that the state has been taking giant strides in the IT sector in recent years and the growth momentum is "accelerating". "Odisha is now fast emerging as a technology resource hub of India and creating jobs for youths," he said. The centre at Fortune Towers here will accommodate more than 1,000 people and the company is looking to expand its capacity to serve global clients abroad. Highlighting the IT friendly ecosystem available in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik said most of the companies in the sector have set foot in the state capital. The enabling environment, facilitation service and huge talent pool available here have turned Odisha into a coveted ...

Odisha Assembly's winter session to be held sans Covid-19 curbs: Speaker

The upcoming winter session of Odisha Assembly will be held without Covid-19 restrictions, Assembly Speaker B.K. Arukha said on Monday

Start-up Odisha growth fund gets Rs 1,000 cr commitment, disbursal in 5 yrs

Flags off Hall of Fame 2.0 with TiE Bhubaneswar

Odisha withdraws all Covid restrictions over substantial decline in cases

With a significant reduction in cases, the Odisha government on Saturday announced the withdrawal of all COVID-19 restrictions, including mandatory wearing of masks in public places and prohibition on large gatherings, officials said. The Health and Family Welfare Department issued a notification to this effect. "In view of the substantial decline of COVID-19 cases in the state over the past several months, the government after careful consideration is pleased to repeal 'The Odisha COVID-19 Regulations, 2020' as amended from time to time; with immediate effect," it said. However, the government advised people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour voluntarily, as and when needed. A total of 13,36,382 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020, and 9,204 people have died due to it, while 53 others succumbed to comorbidities, a health official said. As many as 13,27,039 people have recovered from the disease so far, he said.

Odisha cabinet gives nod to port development, child welfare policies

The Odisha Cabinet Friday approved two major policies related to port development and children's welfare besides 15 other proposals. The decisions included approval of Prarambh', the Odisha State policy for Children aimed at furthering children's right to survival, protection, good health, and proper education among other things for their holistic development, chief secretary SC Mohapatra said in a video message after the meeting. The Cabinet also gave its nod to the Odisha State Port Policy -2022 envisaging holistic development of the maritime eco-system in the state, promotion of private sector development in the maritime sector, and creation of employment opportunities for youths. The state currently has 14 notified non-major ports, of which the ports at Dhamra and Gopalpur are already functioning, while the ports at Astaranga and Subarnarekha Mouth (Kirtania) are at present under construction. The new policy aims to aid and promote the development of ports and port-related ...

Odisha: Pradhan writes to Tomar, seeks probe into farmers' insurance scheme

Claiming that irregularities have been committed in paying insurance sum to farmers in Odisha under a central scheme, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan sought a probe into the alleged malpractices. Pradhan, who held a meeting with farmers during his recent visit to Bargarh district, urged Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to institute an investigation into the "scam" pulled off in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and review the sum paid by the insurance company enlisted by the state government under the central scheme. "Keeping in mind the severity of this scam and the urgent need to provide justice to the aggrieved farmers, I take this opportunity to request you to probe this matter at your personal level and order a proper investigation towards the functioning of PMFBY and alleged malpractices by the officials of government of Odisha during CCEs (crop cutting experiment)," he wrote in a letter to ...

NABARD sanctions Rs 220 cr to Odisha govt for flood protection projects

NABARD has sanctioned the fund for construction of 57 flood protection projects and one bridge at a rural area

Odisha economic offence wing cracks multi-state economic crime network

The economic offence wing (EOW) of Odisha Police claimed to have cracked a multi-state cyber/economic network allegedly involved in cheating people. The network was operating from Rajasthan, EOW DIG JN Pankaj said on Tuesday. The DIG said that two persons identified as Mahmud Khan and Munfed Khan have been arrested with help of the police of the desert state. They were brought to Odisha on five-days remand after being produced before ACJM, Ramgarh, Alwar, Rajasthan. The group, as revealed so far, has opened nearly 2,000 mule accounts in different parts of the country mainly in Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar and Assam, Pankaj said. EOW also arrested one local accused identified as Anil Khiller from Baisinga area in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district who used to supply the SIM to the scamsters in Rajasthan. He has procured and sent at least 1,200 SIM cards to these scamsters, the EOW official said. Earlier, the EOW had registered a case on the allegation of opening mule accounts with Indian