Latest news with #Parida
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt reviews preparations for Puri Rath Yatra
1 2 Bhubaneswar: A high-level ministerial committee, led by deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, conducted a comprehensive review of preparations for the June 27 Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday, emphasizing the need to complete all preparatory work within the designated timeline. "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure this year's Rath Yatra is conducted smoothly and safely. Our focus is on providing a seamless experience for lakhs of devotees," Parida said. The committee, comprising law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, health minister Mukesh Mahaling, housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, held detailed discussions with officials from various departments and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. Key focus areas included deity rituals, pahandi arrangements, security, sanitation and VIP accommodation. The ministers highlighted the need to preserve the sanctity of tradition while ensuring public safety. During an inspection of the Puri district headquarters hospital, the committee addressed health concerns in view of recent diarrhoea cases. "Multiple medical teams will be deployed across the city, and additional beds have been arranged to handle any emergencies," said a health official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The govt has extended invitations to distinguished guests for the June 27 celebration. "We are honoured to invite the President, Prime Minister, Union ministers and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states to participate in this grand celebration," Parida said. Parida also shared details of the multi-layered security plan, including crowd control, traffic regulation, and the setting up of an integrated command and control centre. Transport minister Jena said, "Special arrangements have been made for parking and transportation. We are coordinating with railways to operate additional trains during the festival period." Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit Puri on June 22 for a final review of the festival arrangements.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Odisha govt plans skill-based training for victims of gender violence: Parida
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha govt is planning to provide skill-based training to victims of gender violence, particularly those residing in Sakhi-one stop centres, to facilitate their reintegration into society, deputy chief minister Pravati Parida said. Parida was addressing a state-level workshop on gender-based violence and trauma-informed care of survivors at the State Women's and Children's Institution auditorium in Bhubaneswar on Monday. The event, attended by key govt officials, experts and stakeholders, underscored the state's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against violence towards women. "Our primary goal is to empower victims through skill development, helping them regain confidence and lead independent lives," Parida said, urging law enforcement agencies to handle cases of gender-based violence with heightened sensitivity, ensuring that victims receive the support and justice they deserve. Women and child development secretary and chairperson of the State Commission for Women, Shubha Sharma, emphasised the need for inter-departmental coordination to effectively prevent gender-based violence. "This workshop aimed to go beyond empathy, focusing on understanding the victims' perspectives and creating a safe environment for them," she said. Inspector general of police (women's and child crime branch) Saini S expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence against women by family members, calling for a societal shift in attitudes towards women. The workshop also featured insights from Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India representative and country director for Bhutan, who commended the efforts of the Odisha govt in promoting women's empowerment. She stressed the importance of collective responsibility in eliminating gender-based violence. Social worker Sunitha Krishnan, founder of Prajwala Social Institution in Hyderabad, delivered a keynote address, providing valuable information and engaging in detailed discussions with participants.
New Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Internet ban in Bhadrak after man hurt in communal clash succumbs
BHADRAK : Internet services were suspended for 24 hours in parts of Bhadrak district from 6 am on Thursday as a precautionary measure following the death of a man who had suffered injuries in a communal clash in Tihidi block on May 30. The internet shutdown was enforced in Bhadrak town, Dhamnagar and Tihidi blocks. The 46-year-old man, Santosh Parida of Kasati village under Tihidi block, succumbed to injuries on Wednesday after battling for life at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for around two weeks. He had sustained serious head injuries during a clash with suspected cattle smugglers on May 30. Police sources said protesting illegal cattle trafficking in the area, Parida and a few local youths confronted the smugglers which led to the violent altercation. Bhadrak SP Manoj Rout said 12 persons, including the alleged mastermind of the group, have been arrested in connection with the incident. The internet suspension is intended to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain peace, he said. At least 27 platoons of police force have been deployed in sensitive locations in the district to prevent any untoward situation and maintain law and order. Local leaders along with the district administration are also facilitating inter-community dialogue to restore normalcy. The administration has urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and refrain from sharing unverified information on social media. On the day, members of Bhadrak Gau Rakshya Samiti and other Hindu organisations took out a procession carrying Parida's body in the district. Police remained on high alert throughout and ensured that the procession passed off peacefully. Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced `10 lakh compensation for Parida's kin and a job for one of his family member. 'We stand with the bereaved family and are taking all necessary steps to ensure that peace prevails,' the CM said in a statement.
The Print
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Clash in Odisha: Internet suspension in Bhadrak extended till 6 pm on Friday after man's death
The district collector said the situation was 'well under control and there is no untoward incident so far'. The internet services will remain suspended in Bhadrak, Tihidi and Dhamnagar blocks, and areas under the Bhadrak Municipality and the Dhamnagar Notified Area Council (NAC) till 6 pm, district magistrate-cum-collector Dilip Routrai told PTI. Bhubaneswar/Bhadrak, Jun 13 (PTI) The Odisha government extended the suspension of internet services in parts of the Bhadrak district by 12 more hours till 6 pm on Friday, a restriction imposed since June 12 following the death of a man during a clash over cattle smuggling. 'We are on alert and keeping a close watch on the situation,' he said. The administration suspended the internet services in the five localities in order to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain peace, said Eastern Range Director General of Police Satyajit Nayak. The suspension of internet services was enforced after the death of Santosh Parida (45) of Kasati village under the Tihidi police station limits during a clash over cattle smuggling. Parida was critically injured in the clash on May 30 and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He succumbed to injuries on Wednesday. The DIG said that altogether 12 people, including the prime accused in the Parida's death, have been arrested, and urged the citizens to maintain peace and not to believe in social media posts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed the officials to ensure that all the accused persons were arrested. He had announced a compensation package for the next of kin of the family of the deceased. The compensation package includes Rs 10 lakh in cash, a job for one of his family members and financial cover for his children's studies. PTI CORR AAM AAM BDC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Death trap disguised as safety gear: Close to 70% of helmets sold in capital are fake
Across the capital, it's a familiar sight: helmets, many times non-certified ones, hanging from the handlebars, stuffed into storage compartments or balanced on heads with unfastened straps. It's only when riders spot a uniform in the distance that the helmets are pulled out. But this could be too late and too loose. Between Jan and April, as many as 1,89,015 challans were issued and 62,863 notices were issued for violations caught by cameras. Fatal accidents in Delhi involving two-wheelers surged from 441 in 2020 to 611 in 2024. These issues, once seen as minor infractions, were brought to the forefront at the National Summit on Road Safety, in collaboration with TRAX and CRRI, supported by helmet company Steelbird, on Thursday. At the event, two helmets — one BIS-certified, manufactured by a private company, and another a counterfeit headwear — were subjected to a series of impact, durability, and retention tests by a reputed private manufacturer. The result was telling. The certified helmet retained its shape and withstood all pressure tests. The fake one crumpled almost immediately, and its protective core shattered. The takeaway couldn't be clearer: a fake helmet is a death trap disguised as safety gear. Experts at the summit were unanimous: helmets save lives but only when they're authentic and worn correctly. So why is the problem so persistent? Prof Manoranjan Parida, director, CSIR-CRRI, speculating why people don't wear a helmet or wear the wrong types, said, "Over 70% of helmets sold in the city are fake. Enforcement must be strict, not just for riders but for sellers and manufacturers too. You can even find fake helmets being sold right outside CRRI." Parida also pointed to a deeper cultural issue. "There's still a lack of awareness, especially among the youth," he said. "Mainstream films and advertisements often glamorise unsafe riding. That needs to change. Just like we now add warnings to smoking ads, we must push for responsible portrayal of road safety too." Rajiv Kapur, managing director, Steelbird Hi-Tech, didn't mince words. "Delhi-NCR is flooded with fake helmets. Some of these are even sold by licensed outlets. They are cheap and manufactured with zero regard for safety standards. Making a good helmet isn't easy — it involves engineering, materials, testing. This sale of fake helmets must be stopped." Echoing the call for action, Mitra Sen Verma, director, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), urged citizens to take part in the solution. "If you spot a fake helmet, report it. We act on every complaint we receive," she assured. Meanwhile, Amit Bharadwaj of NITI Aayog urged a broader view of road safety data. "Back in 2010, India had just around 17,000km of national highways. Today, that's gone up to over 1.4 lakh km, with 50 lakh km of rural roads. The number of vehicles, especially two-wheelers, has similarly surged," said Bharadwaj. "So while absolute fatality numbers may seem high, they should be seen in proportion to the rapid expansion in road length and vehicle population." Design innovations or tech use can also play a role in mitigating the situation, said Bharadwaj. "Most two-wheelers don't have space to store helmets, which discourages regular use. Built-in storage can be part of the solution. But this isn't a one-department job. Engineering, manufacturing, education, enforcement all need to align. A whole-of-govt approach is necessary," he said. But Maharaj Singh, consultant, Union road transport and highways ministry, pointed out that the problem still circled back to one necessity: enforcement. "As long as fake helmets are being sold on footpaths without consequence, this crisis will continue. We must stop it at the source," he emphasised. There were also calls for innovation. Dr Mohammed Asheel, a WHO officer dealing with injury and rehabilitation, suggested linking helmets to the vehicle's start mechanism using Internet of Things. "We need to shift mindsets. Helmet use cannot be negotiable. If technology can enforce it, we should use it." Affordability, too, found a place in the discussion. Ideas like reducing GST on helmets, bringing them under the purview of corporate social responsibility or distributing them for free in vulnerable communities were floated as practical, immediate interventions.
