VIGILANCE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN OF ECoR BEGINS WITH ART, PAINTING AND SKIT COMPETITIONS.

Bhubaneswar, 30.10.2011

As a part of the Vigilance Awareness week celebrations in East Coast Railway, several competitions took place in which students from different schools were participated. 

On the spot Art & painting competition was held at Communty Hall, Rail Vihar on the topic “Honesty and Integrity for National Progress, Corruption, Poor and Corruption, Elite and Corruption”.

Similarly, skit Competition on “fight against corruption” was also held at EcoR Sadan.  Large number of students from various schools had participated in both the competitions. 

Both the functions were co-ordinated by Shri Subrat Tripathy, Chief Vigilance Officer and SDGM of ECoR.

Speech of Hon’ble Chief Minister on the occasion of Orissa Disaster Preparedness Day at Jayadev Bhawan on 29.10.11

       

          Today we have gathered here to observe the Orissa Disaster Preparedness Day and the National Day for Disaster Reduction.

          Disaster causes widespread human, material or environmental losses.   The Super Cyclone that ravaged the coastal Orissa on October 29, 1999 is a grim reminder of the destructive implications of a very severe disaster. We have assembled here to reassess our preparedness and resolve to face disasters of similar magnitude.

          Recognizing the  geographical position of Orissa, my Government has been actively pursuing a proactive, and technology driven disaster management strategy through a culture of prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response to protect lives, livelihoods and assets.  Orissa has made long strides in several areas towards strengthening the institutional mechanism, response capacities and financial arrangements for different activities relating to disaster management.  

With every passing disaster, we have pushed changes in the strategy to bring improvement in the quality of management. Since the creation of Orissa State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), we have focused  on   structural and non-structural interventions for higher level of preparedness and response. We have constructed disaster related infrastructure like multi-purpose cyclone shelters, flood shelters at remote areas, District Emergency Operation Centres, all weather road connectivity to villages and also communication channels.

We have constructed more than 200 multipurpose cyclone shelters and 50 flood shelters. To further supplement our efforts for creation of disaster resilient infrastructure, 150 Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters under National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) and 14 Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters under Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project are being constructed. I have instructed OSDMA to construct a few more flood shelters at strategic locations.

In our effort to strengthen the participatory model of ownership and management, we have handed over the cyclone and flood shelters to the Community based Shelter Management and Maintenance Committees.  

          Continuous updating of the capacities of the community and other stakeholders has been our priority throughout.  The community members have been trained on use of search and rescue equipment, techniques and first aid too.  Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Programme under UNDP assistance is being implemented in Ganjam, Kendrapara and Bolangir Districts and in three urban areas -  Bhubaneswar, Angul and Talcher.

Ten units of Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), trained in search and rescue techniques and equipped with modern machinery, set up at Cuttack, Balasore, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Bhubaneswar, Paradeep, Baripada, Rourkela and Bolangir are ready to respond to disasters. Similarly, we have strengthened 100 Fire Stations to act as a multi-hazard response force at the grassroots level.   ODRAF and fire service units along with NDRF teams have performed very effectively during the recent floods.  

We have  emphasized on an inclusive approach and have taken due care to strengthen every member of the community to face the disasters. We have made separate provisions for women, especially pregnant women, children and persons with disabilities.  To ensure total accessibility for Persons with Disabilities, OSDMA in collaboration with Handicap International has taken up structural modifications in 28 existing multipurpose cyclone shelters with provisions of ramps and other specially designed facilities for them.   Aids and appliances have been distributed to the Persons with Disabilities in shelter villages with support from Handicap International. At least one person with disability has been nominated as a member of the cyclone shelter management and maintenance committee of each cyclone shelter. This year’s theme for observance of this day is “Mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities in Disaster Risk Reduction Practices.” We have set up an objective for ourselves to implement the accessibility features in all proposed cyclone and flood shelters.

During September last there were severe flood situations in the major river systems of the State and the events took place in quick succession. We have handled the same with determination.   Instructions have been made for prompt distribution of house building assistance, sand cast subsidy and ex-gratia for loss of life. Orders have been given to complete distribution of agriculture input subsidy by the 15^th of November, 2011.    

I thank the volunteers, PRI members, Self Help Groups, ODRAF, NDRF and officials including the Armed Forces engaged in relief and rescue operations, who have done a commendable job. Many civil society organizations, NGOs and Indian Red Cross Society (Orissa State Branch) have significantly assisted in our effort to manage disasters in the State. I thank all these organizations for their cooperation and support in managing disasters in Orissa.

 I once again appeal to all stakeholders, NGOs, UN Agencies, officials and my fellow citizens to come forward and join hands to reaffirm our resolve to create a disaster resilient State.

N.B. -  As many as 30 persons and organizations were felicitated by the Chief Minister for their outstanding works during the recent floods.   A two minutes silence was observed for the deceased of the 1999 super cyclone.  Revenue Minister, Shri S.N. Patra administered an oath to the officials to work sincerely and selflessly during any natural calamity.  Chief Minister signed on a signature campaign board for awareness on disaster reduction.  An exhibition was also organized on the issue of disaster management.

Among others, Minister for Revenue & Disaster Management, Shri Surya Narayan Patra,  Chief Secretary, Shri  Bijay Kumar Patnaik,  Revenue Secretary, Shri R.K. Sharma, SRC Shri P.K. Mohapatra,  OSDMA M.D., Shri Bichitrananda Das and others spoke on the occasion.

ECoR TO ORGANISE VIGILANCE AWARENESS WEEK FROM 31ST OCTOBER.

Bhubaneswar, 28th October’2011:Vigilance Awareness Week 2011 is going to be organized under the auspices of East Coast Railway from 31st October to 4th November 2011. During this period, the Vigilance Department will conduct a massive campaign over it’s jurisdiction to educate common people in general & Rail Users in particular about the need of transparency in public life.  Hon’ble Shri Justice V.Gopala Gowda, Chief Justice, Orissa High Court will address the officers and staffs on 31^st October.

With the above aims & objectives, East Coast Railway Vigilance Department has decided to organize Essay, Debate, Art & Painting, Cartoon and Skit competitions on the topics relating to Vigilance and corruption. A debate competition on topic “Can corruption be fought by enactment of laws alone” will be conducted on 1st November 2011 at 16.30 hrs at 1st Floor of ECoR Sadan, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar. Students of class 9 to 12 of different schools & colleges have been invited to participate in the competitions through their respective schools/colleges.

Similarly, Essay competition on “Has liberalization unleashed forces of growth & corruption together” and Cartoon competition on (a). Honesty, Integrity & Society, (b) Corruption-Humor & (c). Nation & Corruption are to be submitted in A4 size papers in original with proper countersigned from the respective schools & collages and to be submitted before 31st October 2011 at Vigilance Office.

The on the spot Art/Painting competition to be held at the Community Hall at Rail Vihar, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar and Skit competition to be held at ECoR Sadan, East Coast Railway Headquarters, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar at 10.30hrs on 30th October 2011.

The best three of each category will be given attractive prizes and citations. All suitable Arts, Paintings, Cartoons and Slogans will be displayed in the exhibition to be held on 4th November 2011 at East Coast Railway headquarters, ECoR Sadan, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar.  Stakeholders meet will also be held at Mancheswar Workshop on 5^th November.

Sand sculpture of Lord Ganasha

International Sand artist Ranjan Kumar Ganguly from Puri Odisha create
a sand sculpture of Lord Ganasha and Prime minister of New Zealand
John Key visited to see the sand sculpture of Sri Ganguly and given
thanks and best wishesin the celebration of Diwali Function organized

by Asia New Zealand Organization in Newzealand. Not only that Ranjan
Ganguly also visited Tokyo (Japan)to exhibit his sand sculpture
Recently this year ambassador of india in japan and secy visited and
given thanks to Ranjan .

99th Indian Science Congress : Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh Launches National-level Essay & Quiz Competitions at KIIT

Bhubaneswar: Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences during his visit to KIIT on 19th October 2011 heaped a shower of praise on KIIT and its Founder, Dr. A. Samanta for the meticulous planning to hold the 99th Indian Science Congress in KIIT from 3-7 January 2012. Expressing his happiness, the Hon’ble Minister said that there could not be a better place than KIIT University to hold the 99th Indian Science Congress just a year before of its Centenary celebration.

The Hon’ble Minister came to KIIT to set the ball rolling for all competitions, in a programme which has been aptly named as ‘Igniting Sciential Atmosphere Before the 99th Indian Science Congress’. He had all the praise for the efforts of KIIT and said if the aim of science is to serve the society, then what better example is there than KISS which takes care 15,000 poorest of the poor tribal children. The Hon’ble Minister addressed the students of KIIT & KISS and expressed his happiness over the preparedness of KIIT to hold the 99th Indian Science Congress to be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Indian Science Congress established in 1914 with the objective of promoting and popularizing science has not achieved the desired object in full, despite a century old legacy. Though there have been several sessions in different parts of the country, yet it has not been able to bring every Indian child to be involved in the study of science.

Indian Science Congress has been organizing various competitions among the young scientists besides holding Children Science Congress as a component of it. Despite all the efforts, there is no mechanism till date to involve everyone in the country, and in the process, creating interest in the study of science particularly among the youth. With this background, KIIT’s initiative to involve every school and every college in the 99th Indian Science Congress is definitely praiseworthy.

KIIT has planned to organize an essay and quiz competition on subject related to science and society. The competition is planned to be held in two categories. Children from Class-8 to Class-12 will be placed in the junior category, whereas students from Class 12th to postgraduate level (M.A., M.Sc. etc.) have been placed in senior category. Each and every school, college and university has been informed and the final competition on the basis of the result of State-level competition will be held in KIIT

Prize money of Rs. 5 lakh, Rs. 4 lakh and Rs. 3 lakh has been fixed for the senior and Rs. 4 lakh, Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh for junior category. Apart from the prize money, the best three winners in each category would be provided higher education in any branch of study in KIIT absolutely free. Even the state toppers will be awarded cash prizes and each finalist will get merit certificates. The total amount of the prize money and the expenditure of the studies is more than Rs. 1.5 crore. Incidentally, it is the biggest expenditure for popularizing science by any institute.

Though for a self financing Institute without getting any support or grant from any quarter organizing such an event and spending so much of money can never be an easy task. It may create some financial hardship for KIIT, but for the prestige of the state and to achieve the mission to popularize science, KIIT would never compromise and would try to do everything possible said Dr. A. Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS.

Mamata Scheme launched in Odisha

          Odisha Chief Minsister, Shri Naveen Patnaik today launched the ambitious Mamata Scheme, a conditional electronic cash transfer programme for the benefit of the pregnant women of the state.  Under the scheme, pregnant women registered with Anganwadi centres will receive Rs.5000  in four instalments. While the scheme aims at reducing the IMR &  MMR in a big way, it will also help in improvement in the nutrition status of pregnant women and new born babies. More than 50 thousand pregnant women today received their first instalment today.

Launching the programme, Chief Minister shri Patnaik said , “I am delighted to launch Mamata today. As you all know, this scheme was announced some time ago and registration of pregnant women started on 5^th September. It is heartening to note that within a span of one month nearly two lakh pregnant women have registered under this scheme. And today around Fifty thousand women across the State will be getting their first instalment of Rupees one thousand five hundred through electronic transfer of funds.

The State Government has always given top priority to the empowerment of all vulnerable sections of our population especially women and children. A number of schemes and initiatives have been launched by the Government according top priority to the social sector.

We started Mission Shakti in 2001 and it has gradually resulted in a silent revolution at the grassroots with nearly 50 lakh women SHG members. Mission Shakti has had a major role to play in the social and economic empowerment of women in Orissa. From managing MDM in schools to procuring paddy, running PDS shops and managing ambulances- the SHGs are also effectively functioning as an arm of government in providing essential services to the people.

We are one of the first states in the country to have reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. In order to increase the participation of women in decision making, we have now accorded 50% reservation to women in Panchayati Raj institutions. It is my belief that this will result in the emergence of strong and effective women leaders at the grassroots.

To increase female literacy and reduce the drop out rate among girls especially in the interior tribal pockets of the State, we launched an ambitious programme of hostels for tribal girl students. Today, more than one lakh tribal girls pursue their education residing in   the hostels across the State.

Mobility is empowerment. The school bicycle programme aims to enable tenth standard girl students to have better access education facilities.   

All these initiatives of the State Government have been aimed at improving the lives of women in Orissa. A key area of concern has been the health and nutrition needs of women and children. The latest SRS data shows that Infant Mortality Rate in Orissa has reduced to 65 from 98   in the last 10 years and Maternal Mortality Rate has reduced to 258 from 358 a decade ago. The National Family Health Survey 3 data shows that Orissa has had a decline of 10 points in child undernutrition- probably the biggest drop in the country. A lot still needs to be done.

With the aim of improving maternal and child health care practices, the State Government decided to launch MAMATA- a conditional cash transfer to pregnant women. This scheme aims to cover all pregnant women above 19 years in all the rural projects of our state. An assistance of Rs. 5000 will be given in instalments to every eligible pregnant woman.  The instalments have been designed to ensure that a pregnant woman gets cash assistance every 3 months after her second trimester. The last instalment would be given on completion of measles immunisation. This, I hope would greatly improve the total immunisation coverage of all our children.

As you know, Mamata will be the largest State scheme after the Rs. 2/kg rice scheme. Nearly 6 lakh pregnant women will be covered every year under Mamata resulting in an annual disbursement of Rupees 350 crores. A unique feature of this scheme, is that fund transfer to beneficiaries will only be done through electronic means directly to their accounts. This is the first time that direct electronic transfer of funds to beneficiary accounts through online banking has been attempted on such a large scale in the country in any social sector programme.  With this we set a benchmark for transparency and effective delivery of public services.  We know that this is a challenging task. Out intentions are clear and I hope with all your support and cooperation we will be able to meet the challenge.

The opening of individual bank accounts in the name of women on such a large scale has never before been attempted. Through this scheme nearly six lakh accounts will be opened every year.  I call upon all the bankers of the State to come forward and partner Government in this revolution. This is true financial inclusion and a definite step towards financial empowerment of rural women.

 This scheme has been initiated to have an impact on IMR and MMR and improve health seeking behaviour among women.  It aims to provide pregnant women with wage loss compensation so as to enable them to get adequate rest and nutrition critical to their health. I hope this will have a positive impact on the health of the children and women of Orissa. 

The Health and Family Welfare Department and the Women and Child Development Department must work in convergence to ensure the success of this scheme.  I appeal to the all our frontline workers, Anganwadi Workers, Asha Workers, ANMs etc.  to take this up as a mission and ensure that every eligible pregnant woman even in the most interior pockets gets the benefits of this scheme”.

During the function, the Chief Minister interacted with the beneficiaries of different places like Ganjam, Koraput, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj & Jajpur  through video conferencing.  The women expressed their happiness with this innovative scheme that will make up for their loss of wages during the pregnancy and post-delivery period.

          Among others, Women & Child Development Minister Smt Anjali Behera,  Chief Secretary Shri Bijay Kumar Patnaik, Commissioner-cum-Secrtary, W & CD Smt. Arati Ahuja and  Director, Social Welfare, Smt. Sujata Kartikayan spoke on the occasion.

Tata Steel’s initiatives strengthen chrome valley periphery

Bhubaneswar, October 18, 2011– At Tata Steel, where the primary purpose of business is to improve the quality of life of people, all community-centric initiatives are focused on empowering stakeholders at the grassroots level and ensuring for them a better tomorrow.

In Sukinda, where the steel major has presence, Tata Steel along with Tata Steel Rural Development Society (TSRDS) has taken up various developmental interventions to improve the socio-economic status of the people living in the periphery villages.

More than 7000 people inhabiting 25 villages surrounding Sukinda Chromite Mine (SCM) have benefited from the initiatives taken by Tata Steel in sectors like education, health, livelihoods,and infrastructure among others.

The Company has taken up works like providing the irrigation facility, development of link roads, construction of double storied rest sheds, construction of water distribution system in villages, construction of passenger rest shelter, repair and renovation of educational institutions, rural electrification, installation of tube wells and bore wells, construction of bio-gas plants, construction of low cost toilets and digging of ponds etc.

Construction of concrete roads like Tomka-Mangalpur, water treatment project in Bhimtangar and the electrification of Ashok Jhar (a famous tourist spot in Jajpur district) only prove the legacy of CSR of Tata Steel.

To accelerate the pace of development in this area, sensitive villages were identified and consequent interventions were made by Tata Steel. Activities like promotion of agriculture extension programme, vocational training to unemployed youths and promotion of income generating activities through individual enterprise and women SHGs were taken up for sustainable livelihoods. Apart from strengthening rural infrastructure, it has provided assistance to more than 75 educational institutions in Jajpur district during the last decade.

Extending better healthcare facilities to the people living in rural and inaccessible areas, Tata Steel hosted Lifeline Express, world’s first hospital on-wheels for the second time in Jajpur. Besides, Sukinda Chromite Mine (SCM) hospital is catering to the health services requirement of all the nearby villagers.

Launched in 1986, Tata 407 celebrates its silver jubilee year galloping at 7 out of every 10 vehicles in LCV category

Mumbai, October 18, 2011: Tata Motors today celebrated the silver jubilee of its market-leading light commercial vehicle, the Tata 407. Launched in 1986, the Tata 407 family clocks 7 out of every 10 vehicles sold in the category with a close to 75% market share. About 55% of its owners are first-time users, indicating the self-employment it generates, a goal pursued by the Tata Group and Tata Motors.

Recollecting the introduction and progress of the Tata 407, Mr. P.M. Telang, Tata Motors’ Managing Director – India Operations, said, “The Tata 407 was among the first, cutting across industries, to have demonstrated the supremacy of indigenously developed products in the face of international competition. We are grateful to our customers who have acknowledged our understanding of their needs and our engineering capabilities. We will continue to add new features to the range matching customer requirements.”

Mr. Ravi Pisharody, President – Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, said, “The Tata 407 is exemplary in how a platform can be deployed to meet diverse needs. It today addresses a wide range of goods transportation and people movement solutions, industrial and defence applications in India and about 15 other countries in South Asia and Africa.”

Available both in diesel and CNG options and tonnage ranging from 2.2 to 4.2 tonnes payload, the Tata 407 goods transportation portfolio has been expanded to comprise trucks, tippers, pick-ups and vehicles for agri/food products, construction, light mining and a whole host of services. The portfolio has been regularly upgraded, based on the company’s own R&D and customer feedback on operating economy, cabin convenience and safety.

The Tata 407 also spawned the company’s Cityride fully built buses in 12-to-24 seat variants, popular in applications for school, staff transportation and feeder bus service. Following the company’s joint venture with Marcopolo of Brazil in 2006, the platform was included in the Starbus range as a 24-seat variant and 12-to-18 seat luxury variants. The buses too are available in both diesel and CNG options.

Among the major variants in goods transportation is the SFC 407EX TURBO. The vehicle offers a host of applications for industrial use, agricultural produce, dairy products, courier and parcel services, with high fuel efficiency and commensurate payload capacity.

The tipper variants include the LPK 407 for applications in construction and light mining industries and the SK 407 for sand movement, quarry application, laterite-stone transportation and construction material freight.

Honorary Doctorate for KIIT & KISS Founder

In recognition to Founder of KIIT & KISS, Dr. A. Samanta's contribution in the fields of education and social service, Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati, a centre of excellence for Traditional Sastras, conferred Degree of Doctorate (Honoris Causa) on him at its 14^th Annual Convocation Ceremony held on 18^th October 2011. 


The citation recognized Dr. Samanta as an able administrator, a dedicated social activist and a multifarious personality. Receiving his fifth Honorary Doctorate from the Chancellor, Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Dr. J. B. Patnaik, His Excellency the Governor of Assam, Dr. Samanta thanked the University for bestowing the honour on him.     
 

It is to be mentioned here that while on all previous occasions, Dr. Samanta was conferred the Doctorate Degree by the reputed foreign Universities, this one is from a reputed and traditional Indian University directly under the administrative control of the Govt. of India. Earlier this month, he had received the prestigious Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award (For Social Bravery) for valuable contribution in the field of tribal empowerment through KISS. 

Prof. Harekrishna Satapathy,Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit  Vidyapeetha and Prof. A. Gurumurthi, Registrar also graced the convocation ceremony.

World Sight Day Celebrated at KISS

Bhubaneswar : World Sight Day-2011 was celebrated at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in association with Departments of Community Medicine and Ophthalmology of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). As most eye problems occur due to negligence, they can be avoided with awareness, experts opined. Proper care of eyes at preliminary stage can help avoid eye disease, said Prof. R. N. Rout, Professor, S.P.M., KIMS. Diseases like cataract, and other eye problems which lead to blindness, can be treated with early detection. Signs and symptoms of eye disease begin to appear during the age group 10-15, said Dr. R. N. Samanta, CEO, KIMS, advising that everyone should undergo eye test during this time. Prof. A. K. Giri of KIMS informed about Vision-2020 of the UN. As a part of the World Sight Day celebration, total 700 students of KISS will undergo eye test at an eye screening camp at KISS from 13-14 October 2011. Dr. A. Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS thanked KIMS for the initiative. Mr. P. Parida of KIMS, Dr. Jyotin Das, Mr. R. N. Dash, Advisor, KIIT & KISS and Dr. P. K. Rautaray, CEO, KISS were present on the occasion.

Tata Steel gears up for growing wind turbine jacket demand

Tata Steel is investing £2 million in its Hartlepool tube works and has forged a supply deal with German steel tube producer Eisenbau Krämer (EBK) to increase its product and service offering to the offshore renewable energy sector.

Growing activity in the renewables sector will require large volumes of jacket fabrications for wind tower structures.  The Hartlepool development will establish a central supply base for steel tubular sections to be used in the fabrication of wind turbine steel foundation structures, known as jacket foundations.  Work on the site is scheduled to begin in October and to be complete by Spring next year.

Components will be manufactured from tubulars at the new facility and prepared for welding into the finished structures, shortening throughput times and improving cost efficiency for customers, who will be able to source all steel components from a single supplier.  Preparation work will include cutting-to-length, welding, shot-blasting, coating and end-profiling.  Materials will then be stored for shipment in kit form to fabricators in the UK and mainland Europe using local deepwater ports and the UK rail network.

Ramsay Ross, a Director for tubes at Tata Steel, said: “This investment reinforces Tata Steel’s commitment to establishing a significant presence as a supplier to the renewables sector as the drive to transform the energy supply scene in the EU gathers pace.

“The wind tower hub in Scunthorpe, which was launched last year to process and distribute steel plate for fabricators, was a key step in this strategy.  This separate development, in which we will be modifying buildings and investing in new assets at Hartlepool, is the next stage.”

International Conference on Digital Library at KIIT

A three-day International Conference on Digital Library and Electronic Information Management and Control (ICDLEMIMC) was organized by KIIT University from 8th to 10th October 2011. The conference brought together library and IT professionals for the management and control of electronic information with regard to digital library.  

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chief Guest of the conference, Dr. Jagdish Arora, Director, INFLIBNET, Ahmadabad focused on the revolutions in the society which have affected language, writing, briefing and digital media. Mr. D. Jatwani, Conference Director, IIT Bombay discussed the digital library and its importance in the present digital age. Prof. S. Parthasarathy, President of the conference raised the question of existence of the digital library in the age of rapid development of internet. He appealed the audience to emphasize on the human aspect of digital library.

Welcoming the delegates from India and overseas, Dr. A. Samanta, Founder KIIT & KISS said, the library and library related matters have assumed added importance in the present times. Realizing this importance, the Govt. of India has developed the infrastructures for the betterment of various types of libraries. Prof. A. S. Kolaskar, VC, KIIT pointed out the changes taking place in library and information science and the contribution of the National Knowledge Commission to expand the network of information services through the country.

The conference was attended by more than 100 participants from India, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

During the three-day conference, technical sessions discussed on the themes based on 40 papers like planning, development and management of digital libraries, new technologies and adaptability, web design and interfaces. On the valedictory session, Prof. K. C. Sahoo presented a report of the conference, while Dr Satyendra Patniak, Rector, KIIT, Dr. Ranjit Das from IIT Bombay and Ms. Rasmita Mohanty, Organizing Secretary also spoke.

Handicap International Distributed Relief for 758 Affected Families in 7 villages of Kendrapara and Puri

 

Bhubaneswar : Handicap International, an international humanitarian organization engaged in disability inclusive disaster risk management program in Orissa since 2008 has distributed Non Food Items Family Emergency Kit for 758 flood affected families in 7 villages of Kendrapara and Puri districts from 2^nd to 4^th October. The distribution camps covered all families of the villages including persons with disabilities and having hygiene components in the kit. These villages are the serve and main villages under two multipurpose cyclone shelters – Subala and Khursiapat under Mahakalpada block of Kendrapara and one School-cum-Flood Shelter in Haraspada under Kanas block of Puri district. These villages were severely affected in the recent flood situation in Mahanadi River System starting from 11^th September.

Looking at the recent flood situation in Orissa, Handicap International in close coordination with Inter Agency Group (IAG) Odisha, OSDMA and IRCS-OSB decided to support all affected families in three cyclone/ flood shelter areas with its serve villages and accordingly Non Food Items Family Emergency Kits were developed. This Kit includes 16 types of items – one tarpaulin (18’ x 12’), one rope (20 mtr.), one plastic bucket with lid, one mosquito net (6’ x 6’), bathing and washing soaps four each, two soap cases, two saree, two dhoti, two gamuchha, two bed sheet, two dish with cover, two serving spoon, two steel glass, one fry pan and one harricane.

In Subala 189 families received the Kit on 2^nd October with support from Shelter Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) where as 349 families in Khursiapat (Khursiapat, Deikoni and Bandhakuda) on 3^rd October with support from Cyclone Shelter Management & Maintenance Committee (CSMMC) and in 220 families in Haraspada (Harasapada, Malihasai and Nuapokhori Sahi) have received the Emergency Family Kit on 4^th October with support from local partner NGO SOLAR. Concerned Shelter Committees and Task Force members facilitated the distribution process. Along with the distribution camps, Health & Hygiene Awareness Camps also organized in the shelters to sensitize villagers on safe hand washing techniques.

Handicap International has further planned to organize special Awareness Camps for 180 community volunteers on health and hygiene issues and on inclusion & accessibility of persons with disabilities for 150 community volunteers along with specific referral services for 200 persons with disabilities from 6 multipurpose cyclone shelter areas of Subala and Khursiapat of Mahakalpada in Kendrapara, Haraspada of Kanas and Ketakipatana of Satyabadi in Puri and Routpada & Walipur of Gania in Nayagarh in coming months.

KIIT Boys Win East Zone Inter University Tennis Championship

Bhubaneswar: KIIT University won East Zone Inter University Tennis Championship (Men) held in KIIT premises from 4^th to 6^th October 2011. Calcutta University finished runner up, while B.H.U., Varanasi and Manipur University annexed 3^rd and 4^th positions respectively. Total nine teams participated.

The top four teams have qualified for All India Inter University Tennis Championship (Men) to be held at Manipal University in December. Teams from other three zones would also play in this championship.

In Women’s section, Calcutta University won top honours, while KIIT finished runner up. Pandit Ravi Shankar University and GGD University bagged 3^rd and 4^th positions respectively. Total seven teams participated. Like in Men’s section, the top four teams would play in All India Inter University Tennis Championship (Women) to be held at KIIT in November.