Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the state government will waive the ground rent for all Durga Puja pandals across Odisha. The decision is aimed at encouraging puja committees, pandal members, and devotees, easing the financial burden on those organizing the celebrations. The Chief Minister took to social media to extend his…
Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has unveiled a special motorcycle patrolling team, named ‘Shakti Bahini’, aimed at enhancing the safety of women and children during the Dussehra festival in Odisha’s capital. The initiative was inaugurated by Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh, with Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pinak Mishra and other senior officials present at…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has officially announced the extension of its free rice distribution scheme until December 2028. This decision aligns with the Union Cabinet’s recent approval to continue supplying free fortified rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) from July 2024 to December 2028. Food Suppliers Minister Krushna Chandra Patra expressed…
Baripada: The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has reopened to the public after being closed for four months during the rainy season. The reserve, one of India’s largest and most biodiverse national parks, is now welcoming wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore its rich ecosystem. Similipal is home to a diverse array…
Cuttack: As Durga Puja approaches, the unique and intricate “Chandi Medhas” of Cuttack’s famed filigree tradition are once again in the spotlight. To celebrate and share the rich heritage of these stunning silver backdrops, members of Cuttack Heritage Walks (CHW) organized a special heritage walk today, drawing a large crowd of enthusiasts eager to learn…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday approved a 4% increase in dearness allowance (DA) for employees of State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), raising it from 46% to 50%, effective from January 1, 2024. The hike applies to employees drawing pay under the Revised Scale of Pay, 2017. The Public Enterprises Department issued an Office Memorandum…
Bhubaneswar: In a bid to reduce man-animal conflicts, the Odisha Forest Department has unveiled a comprehensive blueprint to relocate 756 villages located in the state’s protected forest areas. The affected villagers will be moved to other regions with financial assistance under the state government’s resettlement scheme. The plan, while aimed at improving wildlife conservation and…
Bhubaneswar: Minister of State for Food Supply and Camp Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra, convened a crucial meeting today with representatives of petrol, diesel, and LPG distributors, along with state organizations, to address key issues in the sector and safeguard consumer interests. The meeting, held at the Odisha State Food Supply Corporation office in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar,…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken a significant step to enhance the development of its Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme by nominating senior IAS officers as Secretaries in Charge for 16 identified districts. This initiative aims to review and accelerate progress in these districts, as outlined in a notification issued by the Planning & Convergence…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to unveil a unique melanistic (black) tiger safari in Baripada, located in the Mayurbhanj district, with preparations for the project already in full swing. The safari will showcase the state’s rare and elusive melanistic tigers, marking a significant step in wildlife conservation and tourism. Susanta Nanda, the Principal Chief Conservator of…
