NEW DELHI: Members of SP, RJD and JD(U) disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings for the third day on Wednesday over the Women’s Reservation Bill and the forcible eviction of their colleagues in the Rajya Sabha.

Virtually no business could be transacted due to pandemonium in the House, which had to be adjourned twice till 1400 hours and finally for the day when it reassembled. Only one question could be taken up.

As soon as the House met for the day, members belonging to SP, RJD and JD(U) led by Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad and Sharad Yadav rushed to the well and disrupted proceedings.

They shouted ‘marshal bulao’ (call the marshals) to protest the eviction of their party colleagues in the Rajya Sabha, forcing Speaker Meira Kumar to adjourn the House first during Question Hour and later at noon.

The Speaker could not even order the laying of papers due to the vociferous protests. Noticing the aggressive mood, Kumar adjourned the House almost immediately after she came in.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee and Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj were present.

When the House was not in session, Yadav and Prasad were seen urging Swaraj to take up the issue of using marshals to remove the seven suspended members from Rajya Sabha yesterday and BJP member Yashwant Sinha was heard asking them to go the President and withdraw their support to the UPA.

By Bhabani Mohanty and Sandip Mishra

“Parents”, Maa and Baba are two precious little words in any child’s life. By carrying the baby for nine months in womb, mother becomes complete. With utterance of papa; father becomes a mature human being. Parents live their childhood through their kid’s crying, smiling and crawling.

Young parents are now in a cognitive dissonance state; on one side their soaring career ambition and other side the temptation of leaving a legacy through their look alike. Choice is not easy and decision is not smooth. Somehow with the confidence of managing both; they resort to third part help; crèche, maid, in laws, parents etc

Child imitates and learns from the behaviour and activities of parents. Parents are the first teacher for any kid and sow the seeds of family values. Young parents cultivate a logical and rationale thought that, their money would buy all the happiness for their kid. Hence they can buy anything their kid touches; can employ maids at any cost; can engage teacher to teach nursery rhymes. In short, from changing the nappy to teaching rhymes; everything is outsourced.

Question to all the young parent is; are you only  biological parents? Does your kid speak your language? Does your kid emotionally attached to you? Probably; questions are straight on the face.
If all the readers who have heard the song “Main kabhi batalata nahin, par andhere se darta hoon main …maa”, would be able to empathize with the feeling of kid. Kid can not express his/her feelings; can not show how much he/she loves you; can not share how much he/she cares for you. Are we deaf, dumb and blind? Don’t you feel happy; when your kid hold on to you while walking? Don’t you feel excited; when he/she speaks the first word? Don’t you feel energetic; when after a long day; your kid smiles at you?

Money is important. All of us would like to give a great future to our kids. Only focusing at future; are we trying to kill the present. Probably one income is enough for the need of the family then why to travel in the path of greed.

All of us have the ambition to become CEOs and build an organization; having fat salary, sea facing bunglow and kuber ka khajana. Now let me throw you a challenge. Leave alone building an organization, can you develop your kid to become a worthy citizen of this country. Let me reiterate again; it’s not that easy.

I would like to end this article with a scary thought. Without parents guidance and support; would you want your kid to be a head strong, irritated human being with no attachment to family value. Remember; in the long run he/she may not recognize you. You are only a money making machine for him/her.

Future generation is asking us some difficult question. Are we ready to answer these questions. I understand the dilemma of my readers and do hope this article will provide some food for thought.

[Both the writers are Human Resources specialist currently based in Hyderabad working as OD and HR Leader in Pharma MNC, user can reached to him at bhabanimohanty@gmail.com]

Sangita Das & Mihir Das

Cuttack (Orissa): The eminent singer, film artist Sangita Das expired on Saturday in heart attack. At about 10am Saturday She was admitted in the SCB Medical College hospital. But she expired in the hospital. A pall of gloom hung over the CDA locality where she stayed as well wishers, neighbours and Ollywood artistes showed up to express condolences to the bereaved family.  She was the wife of Film artist Mihir Das. Her cremation held in Satichaura.

Bhubaneswar (Odisha):  The state government has given a go-ahead signal for setting up of a 100 per cent subsidiary of the state-run Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) for development of coal blocks. The idea is to undertake development of world-class coal mining projects in the state, parallel to the coal projects of the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).

The OMC authorities pointed out that by 2015-16 the requirement of coal in the State would touch 140 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). With the state government signing MoUs for steel, power, alumina and other mega industries, the coal requirement would increase. Even if the MCL increases its production, it can cater about 40 MTPA to the State’s industries, leaving a shortage of around 100 MTPA. In order to meet the critical power requirement of the industries, this gap in the coal availability has to be bridged, the OMC authorities felt.

The OMC undertook a detailed study on the status of allocation of coal blocks and the requirement of coal for the state in future. It engaged PWC, Hyderabad, which identified a number of suitable coal blocks for allotment in favour of the state. Accordingly, chief minister Naveen Patnaik has drawn the attention of the prime minister to the need for allocation of coal blocks with a reserve of 5,000 MT, preferably in contiguous locations in MCL’s favour.

The Centre has been allotting coal blocks to the state government and private companies with a view to bridging the gap between demand and supply in the country. Odisha being the second largest coal-bearing state, it should have been given a substantial share in allocation of coal reserves, Patnaik said in his letter to the prime minister.

In contrast, the State Government companies have been allotted only 14.75 per cent of the total allotted coal reserve in the State, whereas other State Government companies have been allowed to exploit 47.09 per cent of their coal reserve. The OMC and the Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) have been allotted 500 MT of coal reserve, while applications submitted seek 5,000 MT. All other major coal-bearing States like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal have been allotted reserves for commercial use to an extent of 19 per cent of the total allotted quantity for commercial use in the country, whereas Odisha has been allotted only 7.58 per cent. Keeping this in view, the chief minister has demanded a major share in coal reserve and, accordingly, groundwork has been done by the OMC.

So, the OMC has proposed that the new coal blocks identified for allotment be developed by an OMC Coal Limited.  The OMC has a kitty of Rs 3,000 crore and can afford to incorporate a 100 per cent subsidiary, said its proposal. Taking this into account, the chief minister has cleared the proposal of creation of a separate subsidiary of the OMC for development and commercial exploitation of coal, said an official.

Cuttack: The Odisha Cricket Association on Tuesday said that the preparations for two IPL matches to be held at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, are complete.
The two matches would be held on March 19 and 21.

Briefing newsmen here, OCA honourary secretary Ashirwad Behera said that this is a matter of pride for any state cricket association to conduct such high profile matches for the first time.

We have not left any stone unturned to make the Deccan Charger matches with Kings XI of Punjab and Delhi Dare Devils match on March 19 and 21, respectively, he added.

Though IPL tickets are available in internet but as per the request of the Association the Deccan Chargers has been decided to sell the 20,000 wickets for the public on March 13 at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack and Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Referring to the capacity of the Barabati Stadium and ticket distribution arrangement,
Behera said that due to the construction work the seat capacity has reduced by 3,000 and the capacity has gone down to 36,000.

Of the total capacity, 20,000 would be available for public.

The denomination of tickets would vary from Rs 600 (Gallery) to Rs 10,000 (Corporate Box).

Tickets for the public will be sold at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack and Kalinga Stadium here from March 13 at the rate of two tickets per person of each match till the end of the tickets.

Affiliated State Association and BCCI, IPL franchise will get 8,000 tickets each.

Any individual or groups interested in purchasing tickets for new pavilion, special enclosure, Club House and corporate box in advance.

Cheer girls are an integral part of the IPL matches.

While the Seva Sena activist of Maharashtra are agreed with BCCI.

The state local parties are trying to make issue out of the situation.

We are having all respect for their views but the cheer girls will be in the matches, said Behera.

Spectators are requested to come without any water pouches, liquor, cigarettes and bottles to the stadium.

Each individual has to cross many security points before entering the main gate, said
Association president Ranjib Biswal.

Other than the match sponsors company loge and the posters are allowed in the stadium.

Anybody carrying or wearing the competitors brand will not be allowed inside the stadium, he added.

Biswal also requested the peace loving spectators of the state not to use any racial statement during the tournament.

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission has asked the Railway Board to pay a compensation of Rs five lakh to a minor who was permanently maimed after a ticket examiner allegedly pushed him out of a running train near Rourkela about one and a half years ago.

The rights body has also asked the Board to provide artificial limbs to the victim at its expense.

As the child is minor, the amount for monetary relief shall be deposited in his name in a fixed deposit account in a nationalized bank with a facility to withdraw the interest accrued thereon every month, the Commission directed.

It asked the Railway Board Secretary to submit a compliance report along with the proof of payment within six weeks from the date of receipt of its directive.

Twelve-year-old Master Samar Singh was serving voluntarily as a sweeper on the Geetanjali Express on July 2, 2008 when ticket examiner Navneet Mishra pushed him out of the running train as the boy allegedly refused to give him a currency of Rs 50 he had found in the train.

The minor lost his right hand and leg in the incident.

The callous, insensible and heartless act of TTE Navneet Mishra has made Master Samar Singh disabled for life, the rights body observed.

The Commission took cognizance of the case and initiated proceedings after a complaint was filed by a man named Ramesh Kumar Mandal.

It issued a notice to the Board but its representatives never turned up to respond despite several reminders.

The Commission finally presumed that the Board had nothing to say against the notice and asked it to pay monetary relief to the victim.

Bhubaneswar: The Centre on Monday said that the Maoists were disillusioned and disenchanted with their own cadres after three of them including a women Naxalite surrendering before the Odisha police recently.

Three Maoist cadres including a woman Kamala Mandal, along with Bishnu Parida and Binayak Parida surrendered before the Kandhamal Police on February 28.

While Mandal had joined the Vansadhara Division of CPI (Maoist) in 2003 (in its earlier avatar of CPML-People’s War), the other two had joined the organization in 2007.

Both the male cadres were involved in the attack on the Karada Forest Range in Kandhamal district on February 18 last year.

They said that though they had joined the organization ostensibly on account of the pro-poor image of the Maoists, they soon got disillusioned after witnessing a marked departure from the ideology exhibited by the cadres, who openly indulge in extortion and harassment of people, the home ministry said in a statement.

This first ever surrender in Kandhamal district shows the level of disenchantment with the Maoists being felt by its own cadres, the statement said.

The statement added: the citizens of the country will support the government to put an end to Naxal activities and condemn the unlawful activities of Maoists.

It is hoped that the overwhelming majority in this country will condemn the mindless unlawful activities, violence unleashed by the CPI (Maoist) and will support the careful, controlled and calibrated efforts being made by the Central and state governments to put an end to Naxal violence, it said.

Bhubaneswar: Opposition Congress and BJP on Tuesday demanded a CBI probe into the multi-crore mining scam, saying the agency should expose alleged link between railway officials and mine mafia.

The state government, however, rejected the opposition demand stating that Vigilance wing was competent to probe the scam.

The demand was made in the State Assembly during a debate on an adjournment motion on mining scam.

Railway officials are hand-in-glove with mines mafia who looted valuable minerals, Congress chief whip Prasad Harichandan alleged.

He pointed out how the State Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) during a field visit to Bansapani railway siding on January 22 found 15,000 MT of manganese stored illegally.

He wondered what action was taken against the railway officials who transported smuggled minerals and how the Vigilance Department could not detect it.

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday again rejected the demand f the Opposition for a CBI inquiry into the mining scam.

Rejecting the demand in the State Assembly, steel and mines minister Raghunath Mohanty said that the State Vigilance that has already started an impartial probe into the mining scam, would go ahead with the inquiry and everyone should provide the support.

Replying to an adjournment motion on the mining scam, the minister said that both the people and state government have faith in the functioning of the State Vigilance.

The Opposition should keep faith in the investigation process of Vigilance. Whoever is involved in the mining scam would be brought to the book, he said, adding that after investigations have started nine cases have been registered.

He also said that prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed near the railway sidings to curb illegal lifting of ores.

Earlier raising the issue, BJP Legislature Party leader KV Singhdeo said that though the scam was exposed a year ago, the state government has so far registered only seven cases.

No action has yet been taken against the Director of the Ram Bahadur Thakur Limited (RBTL) and Arjun Lodha Company, Singhdeo said, adding that the Union mines minister had already admitted that there was massive looting in the mining sector.

The people would not excuse the state government for hiding the mining scam, he said, adding that rampant illegal mining was still going on.

Terming the mining scam as the scam of the century, Opposition chief whip Prasad Harichandan said that the state government has no motive to check the mining scam.
Justifying his contention, he said that in an average, 5,000 trucks are still carrying the illegal minerals every day.

Besides, minerals are still being transported through Banspani railway and Juruli railway stations, he added.

The state government is trying to hoodwink the people and the state by arresting a few people involved in the mining business while the fact remains that the real culprits are still roaming freely, Harichandan said.

Supporting his party colleague, Congress member Santosh Singh Saluja alleged that rampant corruption was going on in the mineral rich belt.

Companies having no industries have got the mining lease, Saluja said, adding that only the CBI inquiry would expose the entire scam.

However, Treasury Bench members including Kalpataru Das maintained that the CBI does not have the necessary infrastructure to probe into the mining scam.

Kendrapada: An estimated 1.8 lakh female Olive Ridley turtles have so far arrived en-masse to lay eggs, a unique natural phenomenon, at Gahiramatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapada district, forest officials said.

Since February 24 night the tranquil beaches on south eastern part of Nasi-2 island, close to Defence Research Development Organization’s installation at the Wheeler’s Island, are teeming with turtles, Prasanna Kumar Behera, Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) forest division, said.

The Olive Ridleys are literally invading the beach and are digging 2-3 feet deep pits to lay eggs. They covered the pits with sand after laying the eggs and loitered in the area for an hour or two before disappearing into the waves, he said.

With thousands of the turtles digging the pits at the same time, it created a soothing cacophony, a forest official present at the site, said.

About 50 forest personnel have been deployed on the beach to keep a strict vigil on the mass nesting and to keep away predators like jackal, wild boars, dogs and birds.

The forest officials have also collected about 300 laid eggs from the sandy nests and have brought it to the artificial hatcheries set up at six places inside the sanctuary including Barunei, Pentha, Babubali and Agarnasi.

The hatchlings will be later released to the sea.

The forest officials are also taking utmost care during the hatchings as the eggs hatched in low temperature mostly yield males.

The mortality rate of sea turtles is so high that one egg out of every 1,000 eggs laid ultimately hatches and the hatchling survives to become an adult Olive Ridley.

Mass nesting of these turtle species at Gahiramatha is an annual phenomenon known as ‘arribada’ in Spanish.

Gahiramatha is said to be the world’s biggest nesting ground for these turtles.