Latest news with #LokSevaBhawan
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Raise voice against sexual harassment: Pravati
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday urged working women to fearlessly raise their voice against sexual harassment at workplaces and fight for their rights. Speaking at an orientation programme on POSH Act (2013) at the State secretariat, Lok Seva Bhawan, Parida said, 'Sexual harassment is not a stigma or taboo. If we remain silent, we empower the harasser. Saying 'no' is your right—use it. The government stands firmly with victims.' Parida, the only woman minister in the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government, also heads the Women and Child Development department. She addressed over 600 government employees, both men and women, at the session designed to raise awareness on Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act. Emphasising institutional accountability, she said, 'Strict directives have been issued to set up Internal Committees in all institutions and colleges to ensure proper implementation of the Act. Action will be taken against both offenders and those making false accusations.' Parida has been the target of the Opposition BJD and Congress over a brutal attack on a 15-year-old girl in Balanga, under her Nimapara constituency, who was set ablaze by unidentified assailants. Taking aim at the previous BJD regime, Parida said the POSH Act had been neglected since its introduction in 2013. The orientation programme was attended by renowned lawyer Manasi Padhi, who delivered a detailed presentation on the POSH Act during two dedicated sessions. She explained the provisions, rights, responsibilities and redressal mechanisms under the Act in depth. Opposition BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty, however, in an X post said, 'The Deputy Chief Minister must ensure that when a victim speaks, it is not met with institutional silence from the government or her party. Justice should not end with video messages, it must be delivered in action.' He cited the case of a student from FM College, Balasore, who reportedly faced harassment but failed to get justice due to delays and inaction by the college ICC, police and political leaders. 'The common people, along with Opposition parties, are now fighting for justice for our sister. Meanwhile, a minor girl from the area represented by Madam Pravati Parida, was set ablaze and is now fighting for her life,' Mohanty said in the social media post, adding that across Odisha, incidents of sexual harassment are being reported almost daily due to the breakdown of law and order under the BJP government. Meanwhile, in a post on X, Parida, who flew to Delhi after addressing the programme, said: 'I met the victim from Balanga, who is undergoing treatment at Delhi AIIMS. She hails from my constituency. I spoke to her family and relatives. During this visit, I discussed her health condition and treatment with the medical team and specialists providing her care. I pray to the Almighty that she recovers quickly.'
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Elaborate security arrangements in place for bandh today
Bhubaneswar: Police have made elaborate security arrangements across the state, especially in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, in view of the 12-hour Odisha bandh called by Congress and seven other organisations on Thursday, seeking a fair probe into the self-immolation of a 20-year-old student in Balasore. Speaking to media persons, police commissioner S Dev Dutta Singh said, "We will not allow any kind of violence or untoward incident during the bandh. Political parties have the liberty to protest in a democracy, but our top priority remain the safety of the public." Commissionerate police plans to deploy AI-based surveillance drone cameras to monitor the movement of the protesters. Additional arrangements are also being made to guard key govt installations such as Lok Seva Bhawan, AG office, and offices and residences of key ministers and officials. Looking at the growing tensions and the protest by BJD on Wednesday in Bhubaneswar which turned violent, police are taking extra caution, sources said. The home department has issued an advisory for govt employees to reach their offices before 9:30am positively. On the day, visitors will not be allowed at Lok Seva Bhawan while checks of ID cards of the employees will be intensified, the advisory added. All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba said it would be a peaceful protest, and the primary agenda is to "wake up a sleepy govt". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible Program BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo "We seek justice for the girl and demand safety and security for the girls and women of the state. There is a need to instil fear in the minds of criminals who are responsible for such atrocities on women," Lamba said. Criticising the state govt, Lamba said the girl who bravely confronted her tormentors should be saluted. "She knocked on all possible doors for justice. If she received support on time, such a valuable life wouldn't have been lost. The brave girl was asked to compromise, but she didn't bow her head down and continued the fight," she said. Earlier, state Congress president Bhakta Charan Das said that as part of the bandh, all schools, colleges, universities and vehicular movements would be stopped. He said they had urged the transport unions, employees' federations, traders' unions, and people to cooperate in the protest for safeguarding democracy and ensuring women's safety.
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Odisha's first government chauffeur Sandhya drives a big change
BHUBANESWAR: In the corridors of Lok Seva Bhawan where policies are shaped and futures envisioned, a change is taking shape not in a boardroom, but behind the wheels. Mayurbhanj's Sandhya Rani Majhi has become the first woman driver to be appointed as an official government chauffeur in the state recently. Her inclusion into the male-dominated profession at the age of 44 has become a symbol of inclusion and proof that when women, especially those in traditionally invisible roles, are given opportunity and respect, they rise with resilience and pride. Majhi always wanted to take up a career in defence or navy. But after some failed attempts, she decided to pursue her passion for driving and make a career in it. However, in the absence of any scope, she started doing other parttime jobs. 'I got married in 2005. My husband Ram Ray Majhi, who is also a driver, always stood behind me as a pillar of support. He even bought a second-hand Nano car to help me learn driving,' she said. After working as a rental driver for over a decade, Majhi joined the HMV training centre at Chhatia in Jajpur in 2023 and even got an opportunity to join as a driver in Japan. But family obligations forced her to stay back. 'This was when I got an opportunity from H&UD and Transport secretary Usha Padhee to opt for the profession, and joined without giving a second thought. However, I wasn't aware that doing so, I would become the first official chauffeur in a government vehicle. It makes me happy. The job has not only helped me follow my passion but has also made me financially independent,' she said.
New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
‘e-Registration' mobile app launched by CM Majhi
BHUBANESWAR: In a move to streamline registration process of landed property online and in a transparent manner, the state government on Wednesday launched the 'e-Registration' application which offers a wide range of services from anywhere without having to visit the sub-registrar's office. Launching the Android-based mobile application developed by the Revenue and Disaster Management department at Lok Seva Bhawan here, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said this is a significant milestone in the state government's digital service delivery. 'Through this mobile application, users can book slots for registration deeds, apply for certified copies, encumbrance certificates, check benchmark land values and a range of other services from the comfort of their homes. The app also provides complete information about the nearest sub-registrar office, details of the property including land description, area, valuation and ownership status of a particular property,' he added. He further said the application will provide all information about applicable stamp duty and registration fees based on the property details. The user can make online payments without visiting the sub-registrar office or taking assistance of any revenue officials or middlemen, he added. With the app making the system paperless and cashless, the CM said people will no longer have to queue up or make multiple visits to the sub-registrar's office. 'The e-Registration app is now available in the Google play store for download and efforts are on to make the app available for iPhone users soon,' Majhi added. Releasing a booklet highlighting the achievements of the Revenue department in the first year, the chief minister said land pattas have been provided to 16,727 homeless individuals through Basundhara scheme and permanent record of rights (RoRs) issued to 20,385 government schools and colleges.
Hans India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Security reviewed for PM's visit on June 20
Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's one-day visit to Bhubaneswar on June 20, two high-level meetings were held here on Tuesday to review preparedness for the event. Security officials held a meeting at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar, while Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja took stock of the preparedness at the State secretariat Lok Seva Bhawan. Senior ministers Suresh Pujari and Bibhuti Bhusan Jena inspected the Janata Maidan, the venue where Modi is scheduled to address a public meeting. 'We are prepared to welcome the Prime Minister. Apart from holding a roadshow and participate in a Triranga Yatra, the Prime Minister will also launch projects worth Rs 17,000 crore for Odisha,' Pujari told reporters. All arrangements were made for the attendance of over a lakh people at the gathering. Pujari said various cultural troupes will perform on the roadside between the airport and Janata Maidan. As per the schedule discussed in the meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, the Prime Minister will depart from Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh at 2.05 pm on June 20 and reach Bhubaneswar Airport at 3.40 pm. The Prime Minister will then join a roadshow and reach the venue at 4.15 pm. He will return to Biju Patnaik International Airport at 5.50 pm. Thereafter, he will attend a mega public event at Janata Maidan. During the event, Modi will also unveil Odisha's 'Vision Document' and also launch several development and welfare schemes of the State government, an official said. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena told reporters that the meeting regarding security arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit was held in the presence of the SPG.
