Upgradation of MKCG Medical College demanded

South Odisha Students’ Association (SOSA) has demanded up-gradation of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in the city to AIIMS-like institution under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Members of SOSA have written to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik requesting him to initiate measures for the purpose. It may be noted that MKCG Medical College and Hospital that was established in 1962 would celebrate its golden jubilee on December 1. It happens to be the only medical college and referral hospital in south Odisha. But at present lack of infrastructure in this institution was compelling patients to reach out private medical institutions outside the State, SOSA activists alleged.

Several times in the past the Medical Council of India has pointed out shortage of staff, lack of modern equipment and infrastructure in MKCG Medical College and Hospital. But till now nothing much had happened regarding the suggestions of the MCI part from promises. SOSA demanded the State government initiate measures so that the medical college could be transformed into a centre of excellence for medical education providing quality medical care to the people of underdeveloped southern parts of Odisha. According to president of SOSA R.P. Tripathy, the MKCG Medical College and Hospital could be upgraded to an AIIMS-like institution. Source: The Hindu

Link:  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/upgradation-of-mkcg-medical-college-demanded/article4145498.ece

Ball set rolling for city bus services in Berhampur

The state government has decided to soon introduce city bus services connecting Berhampur to its adjoining towns like Chhatrapur and Gopalpur. The decision is based on a survey by a Mumbai-based consultant on bus services in the biggest town in southern Odisha. The final project report will be submitted to the state government before tender is issued, which will invite private companies to work through public private partnership. The government is likely to provide the buses while the chosen private company will be responsible for services management. Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) will act as a nodal agency. "The government is likely to provide the required buses as no transport operator was coming forward to provide buses when the BDA floated the tender earlier," said BDA chairman Kailash Rana.

At a high-level meeting, held recently in Bhubaneswar, the consultant recommended introduction of at least 25 buses in the first phase in Berhampur, Gopalpur and Chhatrapur. "The district administration will extend all support to BDA in this," district collector Krishan Kumar said. "We have already discussed the matter with the government and talks are in advanced stage," said Purna Chandra Pathy, vice-chairman, BDA. On project cost, he said it was not finalized. Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Notified Area Councils of Gopalpur and Chhatrapur will be other stakeholders in the project. "We have been asked to identify the bus stops within the town. We will soon do that," said BMC commissioner A K Mohanty.

The Berhampur civic body had introduced town bus services in the 1990s. But the services were withdrawn after the municipality incurred heavy losses. Now, there is no government transport service linking Chhatrapur, the district headquarters town, and Gopalpur, a tourist spot, with Berhampur and people have to depend on trekkers and matadors. With rise in population and tourist visits, authorities feel the services will be feasible this time. Source: Times of India

Odisha Chief Minister reiterates his demand for new airports in the State at Gopalpur, Jeypore and Jharsuguda

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik raised the issue of development of new airports in the State at Gopalpur, Jharsuguda and Jeypore during his meeting with the Union Civil Aviation Secretary K N Srivastava on Wednesday. Srivastava during his meeting with the Chief Minister informed about the impending up-gradation of the Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar to international standard. rivastava said the work for new terminal of the airport will be completed by December second week. The new terminal will become operational by January, 2013, he said. Srivastava said the proposal to accord international status to Biju Patnaik Airport here will be brought before the Union Cabinet in April next year after completion of all necessary work.

Naveen, who had met Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh in New Delhi in September, had raised the issue of infrastructure inadequacy in the aviation sector for air connectivity within the State. Singh had suggested during discussions that Odisha should explore the possibility of developing Jharsuguda airport in public private partnership (PPP) mode. On development of airports at Gopalpur and Jeypore, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is expected to take up feasibility studies.

‘Parab a platform to propagate Koraput tribal culture, art’

The three-day State level tribal cultural festival Parab-2012, which had kicked off on Friday, concluded on Sunday (November 18) after a glittering display of a host of cultural events.

 Attending as chief guest on the valedictory function, Tribal Development Minister of Maharashtra Rajendra Gavit said that Koraput is famous for its tribal culture in the nation and Parab has been the platform to preserve the district’s art and culture for the last sixteen years.

Gavit also opined that all the States should observe such a festival to preserve their culture. The Minister also informed that his State will organize such a Lok Mahotsav in coming days.

While District Collector Sachin Jadhav presided over the function, others who attended as guests include Koraput MP Jayaram Pangi, School and Mass Education Department Secretary Usha Padhee, Unicef Odisha chief U Me Bae, Nalco Damonjodi ED BN Mohanty, HAL ED Anirudh Kumar, Odisha Tour Operator chief Benjamin Simon and Sub Collector Rasmita Panda.

Minister Gavit was felicitated with Parab Memory Trophy by the District Council of Culture. Parab competition winners in various events were also awarded on the occasion. In college level Parab celebration, Laxmipur College got the first prize, Aeronautics College, Sunabeda got second, while Semiliguda College got the third prize.

In cultural competition, first prize was won by the Pottangi block, second was jointly presented to Nandapur and Koraput NAC, while the third prize was won by the Kundra block. In sports competition, Jeypore Municipality, Koraput NAC and Kotpad NAC stood first, second and third respectively.

All India Radio, Jeypore was felicitated for transmission of tribal art and culture. Later, a series of cultural events was performed including Odissi by Sujata Mohapatra and Group, Bhubaneswar, special dances by the Prince Dance group, Berhampur and Sidhi Dhammal of Gujrat, Durua dance by a group from Boipariguda, besides tribal folk dances by troupes from across the district. Source: The Pioneer