Archive for August, 2013
Koshal state: Sambalpur intellectuals divided on the issue
Following is a report from the Statesman:
Even as several outfits have launched a full-fledged campaign seeking separate Koshal state following the Telangana development, the intellectuals and academics of Sambalpur remain divided on the touchy issue.
A seminar organised by Press Club of Sambalpur witnessed divergent views with some speakers favouring formation of smaller states, while many others opposing the idea. The seminar was titled ~ Small State and Path of Development.
Well-known economist Prof Dr Dillip Kumar Panda, who was formerly with Gangadhar Meher College, argued that there is no relationship between the size of a state and good governance.
“If it can provide good governance, a bigger state can fulfil the expectations of the people. On the other hand, several smaller states have miserably failed to deliver. The states of the north-eastern region and also those which were carved about a decade ago bear testimony to it,” he said.
“Small size of the state cannot guarantee solution to all problems,” he added.
Dr Panda said that corruption and casteism remain the prime hindrances on the path of development of a state.
“A drastic reform in governance mechanism and change in the mind-set of those at the helm of affairs is the need of the hour as it can bring development to all,” he said.
He pointed out that the primary duty of the government is to maintain law and order, and then to concentrate on development and nation building.
“In a democratic nation, the government needs to be more sensitive towards the problems of its citizens. When it fails to do so, the very purposes gets defeated irrespective of the size of the state,” he noted. Dr Panda maintained that it is not always prudent to blame the government for every ill plaguing the people.
Another speaker Mr Bhagabata Prasad Nanda, however, sought to differ from the views expressed by Dr Panda, while pointing out that smaller states are rather better means for development of the people.
A staunch supporter of the separate statehood movement, Mr Nanda pointed out that several regions continue to languish in negligence and only formation of smaller states can ensure their development. “Have not many localities developed after the bigger districts were divided and smaller districts were formed? The same logic is applied to the case of states,” he said.
Leaders of different political parties including the Congress, BJP and CPI
put forth their views on the matter.
The president of the Press Club, Mr Prafulla Kumar Dash, chaired the occasion. It was attended by the club secretary Mr Rajaram Padhee and former president of Sambalpur bar association, Dr Pramod Rath and others.
MCI okays 100 seats for Sardar Rajas Medical College, Kalahandi
Following is a report from http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/MCI-okays-100-seats-for-Kalahandi-medical/2013/07/13/article1681447.ece
n a major boost to medical education in the State, the MCI has accorded permission to Sardar Rajas Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre (SRMCHRC) at Jirang in Kalahandi district to commence its MBBS programme from the ensuing academic session 2013-14. The SRMCHRC, established by the Tamil Nadu-based Selvam Educational and Charitable Trust, has been permitted to admit 100 students into the college. With the addition, the medical seats in the State has gone up to 850. The college would be included in the JEE counselling for admissions into medical State quota seats that would get underway after July 21.
Protests demanding a separate Koshal state in Odisha
Following is a report by PTI/Outlook:
Demanding a separate Koshal state comprising western Odisha districts, activists under the banner of Koshal Kranti Dal (KKD) today staged a rail roko agitation here.
As a result, express, passenger and goods trains remained stranded at various railway stations, official sources said.
“We have already requested the state and Union government to take immediate steps for formation of Koshal state,” KKD president Upendra Mohapatra said.
Bhubaneswar-Bolangir Intercity Express and a goods train were detained at Sambalpur Road station for some time by activists along with students here.
Howrah-Jagadalpur Express was stranded for some time at Bargarh as slogan shouting agitationists squatted on the railway tracks.
Similar demonstrations were staged at Bolangir and Jharsuguda railway station affecting the traffic.
“The rail roko agitation was successful and people from all walks of life spontaneously participated in it,” said KKD president.
Earlier on Saturday, rasta roko agitation was held in 10 districts on national highways and state highways linking Western Odisha, said Mohapatra.
Following is a report from the Sambad (BBSR EDITION):
Kosal Discussion and Development Forum 