CHALTE CHALTE... NEVER SAY A GOOD BYE...

CUO: Guests and Faculty Members

(Photo - Team Pointblank)

CUO, Koraput: “Chalte... chalte... mere ye geet yaad rakhna... kabhi alvida naa kehna...”, the song brought the Farewell function for the 2nd year J&MC students to an end. The 3 hours function swapped the two years innumerable memories of those students at a glance. Their happy days at the university, sorrows of failure and big fights with friends that once had been their present became past teachings for their future life.

 The function started with the lighting of the lamp by Mr.Sudhakar Pattnaik, the Officer-in-charge of CUO, Koraput accompanied by the faculty members of J&MC department. The presence of Mr. Nilambar Rath, one of the senior journalist of Nakashtra News channel and his inspiring speech uplifted the enthusiasm of the students.  The first year students with their efforts and creativity tried to make the function successful. Seniors with a heavy heart shared their experiences and memorable moments with the gathering and gave the message of working hard for success to the juniors. All the smiling faces busy in licking their finger tips indicated the taste and deliciousness of the lunch arranged for the students, faculty members as well as staff.

CUO: Second Year Students experiencing Farewell

(Photo - Team Pointblank)

To break the monotony the real entertainment started after the lunch, where there were many song and dance performances by the students. It made the function livelier and filled it with an aroma of pleasure and cheerfulness. The song "Papa kehte hai..." dedicated to the seniors by Mikhael gave the function zeal to never ending moments. "He faguna tume, galaa pare pare..."one thought provoking serious parting song of Odia Legend, the evergreen, Akshya Mohanty by Sudarsan forced the gathering to feel the essence of emotional involvement and the unbreakable attachment between hearts. Tanuja’s rocking dance performance made the seniors to forget their grief and dance with her.

The performance of all the juniors on a medley of songs brought a smile on the faces of the gathering and indicated the end of the function. The function was wrapped up with the mass dance by all students and faculty with smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes. As always said never say good bye, for what is present will surely become past and will treasure one’s memories with smiles and tears.

(Team Pointblank)

THE RICHEST GAME AND THE POOREST REGION

Koraput: A grand feast with all those non-veg and veg items was going on in the market place of Dumuriput square. One could imagine that someone might have got a new job or it is the birth anniversary of someone’s children, but the truth is that the local youths were celebrating the cricket World Cup victory of Indian Cricket Team. Dumuriput is not a place in the suburban metros, but a place in one of the most underdeveloped region of India i.e. Koraput district of Orissa.

Nandapur : Rural People of Village Khilua, Nandapur Block

 are enjoying the final match of Cricket World Cup (Ind vs SL)

(Photo - Pradipta Mishra)

Big screens were coming up in all the urban areas of Koraput district. Even a Cinema Hall at the district headquarter was screening the semi-final and final match of the cricket World Cup with much enthusiasm from the local youth. The price per ticket was Rs. 50 /-. Many youths and cricket fans were found with the official jersey of Indian Cricket Team. Children had their faces and hands painted with the colours of Indian Flag. The urge of seeing the final match live on Big Screens was so high that some youths had crossed the water body of the Kolab Dam with boat to reach Sunabeda town. Most of them are illiterate and from the marginalised villages situated in between the Kolab Dam. These villages have no electricity connections. Majority of shops in the urban areas were closed during the semi-final and final matches and streets had a deserted look.

When Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the skipper of Indian Cricket Team, hit six to give India the Cricket World Cup after a 28 years long gap, there was the big celebration. Youths and Cricket lovers rushed in to the street holding the Indian flag. Some housewives and college-going girls were also participated in the celebration.

All these love for cricket and World Cup victory celebration were found in the relatively developed parts of the district. But no one could know how the poor tribal people of the remote part of the district were behaving with the richest game of India.

(Priyaranjan Swain is studying Journalism & Mass Communication at the Central University of Orissa, Koraput. Already armed with a Master’s in Applied Economics he aspires to work for a leading newspaper after the completion of his course. Interest in socio-economic issues and day to day political affairs help him understand the complexities of our ever evolving society. He can be reached at priyaranjanswain35@gmail.com.)

MEGA HEALTH CAMP IN KORAPUT : REACHING THE UNREACHED





Koraput : A Banner in Mega Swathya Mela campus
(For more photos just click on the following link)
Mega Health Camp 2011

 KORAPUT: Nagendra Padal, a destitute man from Podagada, 22 km away from Koraput, holding the hands of his 11 years old son whose health is severely deteriorated, set out of his village to meet the specialists in the Mega Health Camp after he is informed by the Anganawadi Didi to take the advantage.   He was very much satisfied being counselled by the doctors and getting the free medicines. Like him, exactly 9,577 numbers of patients have taken the advantage of the Mega Health Camp at Koraput Stadium, where more than 60 specialists and asst. surgeons from different hospitals of state and outside of state were engaged with more than 200 student volunteers and medical officials of Lepra Society, Koraput, ANM training center, Koraput and Pharmacy College, Jeypore for three days from 17 March to 19 March. The Mega Health Camp had been inaugurated by Mr. Jayram Pangi, honourable MP, Koraput, who told that except arrangements made for the patients to reach from different parts of the district, the referred cases for better treatment would be taken care of through different welfare schemes, Chief Minister Relief fund and Prime Minister Relief fund. Other dignitaries of inauguration ceremony were Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, district collector, Rabi narayan Das, CDMO and  Ashok Kumar Pangi, president, Koraput Zilla Parishad.

The Mega Health Camp had been organized by National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and Zilla Swasthya Seva Samiti (ZSSS). The whole expenditure for the event had been sufficed from MPLAD fund (8 Lakh), Rogi Kalyan Samiti (2 Lakh) and some local donations. At the Information Center of the Mega Event Mr Narayana Das, DIS, DAPCU informed, “12 registration counter, 30 OPD outdoors like Medicines, Cardiology, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, Cancer Detection, Dental, ENT, Leprosy, AYUSH (homeopathy and Ayurveda), HIV Counselling etc, 4 pathology stalls, 6 exhibition stalls, one information center and one emergency treatment stall are present at the Camp Site. Free medicine distribution is being supervised by the CDMO. Documentation of the whole event has been done by student volunteers of Journalism and Mass Communication Department of Central University. District Bureaucrats Association and District Non-Gazetted Employees Association have arranged the fooding facilities for all. Three ambulances, some college buses and some Nalco buses are engaged to bring patients from remote areas.”

Dr. Biswa Ranjan Routray, a specialist from Acharya Harihar Research Center for Cancer (AHRCC), Cuttack told that their motto was the detection of cancer patients in this poverty stricken tribal area, for some more days can be added to their life by medical supplements and 14 cancer patients were detected by his team. In Malaria Lab stall Vector Control Research Centre, Koraput was simultaneously checking blood and creating awareness against Malaria exhibiting live mosquitoes to the common people. 136 HIV test had been done by HIV test center and one positive case was found. Rupadhar Korami, a native to Ambagaon, Koraput said, “I am suffering from Asthma, but I feel relaxed after consulting the doctor as I was unable to access any medical facility in my village.” SOVA cultural group had performed nine short dramas during the three day long camp on RTE, child and mother care, HIV awareness etc. “Radio ‘Dhemsa’, the community radio of SOVA, a Non-Govt. Organisation had recorded the interactions with both doctors and patients which will create interest among its audience to attend the camp”, said Mr. Udaynath Hantal, a field reporter of Dhemsa.

The Closing Ceremony was again chaired by Mr. Jayram Pangi, the honourable MP, Koraput, who was very much satisfied with the successive attempt of the Mega Health Camp. He responded positively to the request of the Collector to arrange the camp every year and declared an aid of 10 lakh. He also informed that an ambulance will be always available on NH 43 within Koraput and Jeypore which is very ill-famous as an accident prone area and in sub-divisional level a Deadbody Carrier Van will be provided. Other guests were Jhina Hikaka, MLA, Laxmipur, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, District Collector , Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar, District Sub-Collector,Rabi Narayan Das , CDMO. At last all the specialists and medical officials were presented beautiful gifts made of bamboo by the district administration.

(Sudarsan Sahoo is an enthusiastic and dynamic observer of various aspects of life, who has an indomitable desire of surfing through different kinds of articles and sites in internet and has developed an interest towards New Media. Sometimes a poet, a painter and a singer, he, who has a Masters Degree in English from Utkal University, Orissa, exudes a literary bent of mind to hover over articles, books and reviews on Art and Literature. At present he is pursuing his Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from Central University of Orissa. He can be reached at s.sudarsansahoo@gmail.com)

NGO-UNIVERSITY INTERFACE

The Centre for Sociological Studies, Central University of Orissa (Koraput) is conducting a one day workshop on NGO-University interface. Leading scholars and eminent practioners working on NGOs would be participating and deliberating during this one day workshop slated to be held on 30th April, 2011. Papers are welcome. For more details please follow the following link NGO-University Interface

THE PLIGHT OF POWER CUT

 Power Cut ; Battering the heart of local people

Semiliguda, KORAPUT : His bangles have few buyers now…he draws lesser profits and takes home even lesser. He is 
P. Nilachal Patra*, in his early 30’s staying at Semiliguda, Koraput with his family of 7 (an old mother, a financially dependent brother and his family and two toddlers). He owns a cosmetics store. Years back when he set-up his cosmetics store, there were fewer people in the same trade and most believed that it was very enterprising of him to venture into this business especially at a time when very few women in this underdeveloped region were beauty conscious. ‘Aren’t we paying taxes,’ he says with a shiver in his voice on being questioned about frequent power cuts, well he does pay his taxes and he pays them on time, he claims. With similar instances, all over this Telugu dominance business region there are others who face the cold blues here. Meet Das Babu, a fifty years old working at a tailoring shop. He manages to finish most of his sewing before thirty minutes past seven, after which he can’t see the needle of his machine and all automatic tailoring machines comes to a halt due to power cut.

Shopping hours for the people in this small location is usually during day-time. Six pm to eight pm has been the prime time for decades over now. But to the dismay of shop owners and petty businessmen, everyone here fails to understand how ‘six to eight’ remains the most desirable time for Southco authorities to do with the frequent power cuts. And under such circumstances, buyers avoid to venture out in the dark. This does not end here, with NH-43 running through the busy and only marketing hub of the town while trucks, dumpers and other heavy vehicles following each other’s trail on the NH, residents fear for their life. This accident prone highway fails to draw attention on its favor and largely meets its end at the pity of the government. Many advocate that this sequential cut is due to the power thefts practiced by many affluent as well as petty businessmen, so it might be stated reasonable enough for the moonlit streets. Though power cut can never be cited for an excuse to curb power thefts there should be proper counter measures to avoid further malfeasance. Reasons like bangles are varied in their sizes but a sufferer’s hues remains constant, for the former may vary all the time but the later only changes its diameter. And diameters bigger or smaller they are circles, ironically ‘zero in’ just a look alike of the traditional bangles…only measuring the circle like a blot on development.

*P. Nilachal Patra is pseudonym of the 32years old subject.




(Shreesthi S. Mishra is  presently pursuing P.G. at Central University on journalism. She is an hons. graduate in Commerce from  R.D. Women s college Bhubaneswar and a confirmed leo. She loves  Rock music,prawns and good books.Impromptu writing on any subject is her forte .Pink Floyd, Philosophy and Business writing attract her.In summary, a personality  who is exploring about her true self ,not caring whether it is puritan or cocktails. She can be reached at shreesthi@hotmail.com/shreesthi@gmail.com)

CMS FILM CLUB SCREENS 'WELL DONE ABBA'

CUO, KORAPUT : The CMS Film Club at the Central University of Orissa screened Shyam Benegal’s award film Well Done Abba on 18^th March, 2011. Packed house during the screening was a proof that when it comes to Shyaam Benegal’s film, no one wants to miss it.

CMS Classroom packed for Well Done Abba 

(Photo - Saurabha Kumar Turuk)

The CMS Film Club (Centre for Media Studies Film Club) had its humble origin on 6^th August, 2010 in the presence of Mr. Sudhakar Patnaik, Officer in Charge of CUO (K) and all the other faculty members from the Centre for Media Studies. An initiative by the first batch of students from the Centre for Media Studies, the film club’s motto is to showcase world cinema to the bright young minds of this University.

Till date movies based on national integration and having some sort of social relevance have been given preference. Films like A Wednesday and Rang De Basanti have already been screened followed by a thorough discussion on the aesthetic aspects of cinema and the contemporary debates attached to that film.

Friday’s screening evoked mixed responses from the audience. Jagannath Patro, a second semester student from the Anthropology department said, “no doubt the content of the movie was good, but the organizers should have taken steps to ensure that certain unfavorable scenes in the film should have been edited”. Talking about the technicalities of the film, Shreesthi S. Mishra, a second semester student from the Journalism & Mass Communication department said, “It was good that there were no unnecessary songs in the film which would have deviated from the main theme of the film. Though the commercial quotient of the movie was a bit sleepy, Boman Iraani’s comic timing overshadowed all other loopholes in that film. There were some good performances by other supporting actors but none was at par with the former’s deliverance”.

Students enjoying Well Done Abba
(Photo - Saurabha Kumar Turuk)

The organizers were quite happy at the end of this screening. Telaram Meher, a second year student in the Journalism and Mass Communication department and one of the founding members of the club said that their motto has always been to screen good and worthy cinemas.  He also supplemented that a movie cannot be screened by editing some portions as those scenes were important for the movie.

The film club is being run under the guidance of Sujit Kumar Mohanty, faculty in the Centre for Journalism and Mass Communication.

(Team Pointblank) 

A HOME FOR TRIBALS

Duruguda, KORAPUT: Koraput is well known as a land of different tribes and natural beauty. Many private and public organizations step out for the development of such a district. Youth is regarded as the mirror of the society and is one of the key elements for the development of any society. Every individual requires some or the other platform for ones’ development process, especially youth. In such a case, the tribal youth want a push for their development, a support system to provide a platform for developing their skills and talent. One such support system or institution is ELIM (Education and Leadership Inspiring Mission), a hostel for college going tribal students of the district.

With the help of some leaders of Adivasi Christya Samaj two social workers from Germany, Micha and Judith  made the training and care institution, ELIM. It accommodates fifty girls and fifty boys in total from the undivided Koraput district nurtured by four educated Adivasi mentors. Here the students get training for overall improvement in socialising behaviour and for a bright future. It builds a process to preserve, develop and sustain the tribal language, culture and values. It also prepares and provides required additional inputs over and above the prescribed syllabus, based on the future needs of the students and the society.

The ELIM institution at Duruguda receives funds from Germany through its Jeypore branch. All in all this institution makes their students independent and supports them to a level where they can lead their life.

( Tanuja Mohanty, an Economics graduate from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack. She has a flair of  cooking, dancing, reading short stories, listening  music and acting. She has inclination towards social services, teaching and surfing different sites. She is a girl of the moment and  possesses the qualities of  developing friendship, helping distressed with her cheerful talk and active nature. She can be reached at tanujamohanty12@gmail.com).

APARAJITA SARANGI VISITS KORAPUT

Jeypore, Koraput: “Koraput is a developed district in the field of education and it can be a model for others” says Ms Aparajita Sarangi,the Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary of education department of Orissa at a press conference held at Koraput during her 2 days visit to the district with her 14 members squad from 8^th-11^th February, 2011.

Ms Aparajita Sarangi
during her visit to Koraput (photo- Mikhael Takri)

After visiting 102 schools of Koraput she said that as far as the access of development in the education is concerned, Koraput is the best district among the 6 districts they had visited so far. She also praised the district administration for their good contribution in the implementation of different educational policies. She confirmed that programmers by UNICEF like child reporter and Mena munch will be implied in all the schools of the district. She was quiet concerned about the number of drop out students and assured that they will try to reduce the number to ‘zero’. Most importantly she made an announcement that teachers will get the letters of Appreciation from the education department for their brilliant work which is first time in the history of education.

She was accompanied by Mr. Daniel McLaughlin, Deputy Re-presenter and Urimala Sarkar, Chief-of-Education, UNICEF INDIA along with Shairose Mawji, the state representative of UNICEF. The team visit ended with many appreciations and appraisals but the question which arises in the mind of everyone is that the picture of education in Koraput which the authorities praised and appreciated is a real one or just like any other reality shows been shown on the television show.

(Mikhael Takri is from Koraput, graduate in commerce  with accounting honors. He has interest  in developmental reporting and crime reporting. He is passionate about music and watching cricket. He can be reached at jmcmikhaeltakri@gmail.com).

NH-43 IN A MISERABLE STATE

  

Jeypore : A construction site on Jeypore-Koraput Ghat Road

(Photo - Sourabha Kumar Turuk)

KORAPUT: Jeypore over the years has developed as a hub for trade and commerce in Koraput District, but the only stretch of road connecting Jeypore and Koraput is in a sorry state. More than 5 lakh vehicles on an average ply through this stretch every month and the number keeps increasing. What is worrisome though is the apathetic attitude of the government and district administration regarding its upkeep and maintenance. Jeypore Ghat is only 22kms in length and is a part of NH – 43 which connects Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh with Raipur in Chattisgarh.

Civil society group in Koraput have been demanding that the road be renovated immediately so as to reduce the number of road accidents in this killer stretch, but to no avail. Very recently temporary repair works were carried out, but the first downpour of rain washed away everything showing the shoddy state of affairs. The road is full of potholes which is a big inconvenience to the commuters. 

Not just the stretch between Koraput and Jeypore, the NH connecting Koraput with Sunabeda and Semiliguda is also in a dilapidated condition. Temporary repair works are carried on a regular basis but it’s just an eyewash.

Jeypore : A turning point on Jeypore-Koraput Ghati Road

(Photo - Sourabha Kumar Turuk)

The latest information from the National Highways Department of Sunabeda-1 reveals that the state government has received funds to the tune of Rs 7 crore for the maintenance and upkeep of this stretch of road. Four official agreements have also been made for this purpose out of which three agreements have already been completed and the last one was started on 7^th July, 2010. Their target was to complete the project within one year. But till date, no improvement seems to have been made.

The Andhra Pradesh stretch of NH-43 is well maintained, then why is the stretch in Orissa in this plight? Can the state government be blamed for its lackadaisical attitude?

(Mandakini Maharana is a graduate in Arts, has passed out from IGNOU, Political Science as major. She has cleared basics in computer and typing with good communication skills in Oriya, Hindi and English. She loves watching movies of  diffrent genres and listening to music is her favourite past time).

ORISSA IS THE RICHEST STATE IN INDIA: BABA RAMDEV

KORAPUT: “Orissa is the richest state in India due to its mineral resources. If these mineral resources are properly utilised, Orissa will be as developed a nation as USA”, said Baba Ramdev, while addressing a public meeting at the police ground here in Koraput on Wednesday.

 



Koraput : Baba Ramdev addressing the public during his

 Bharat Swabhiman Yatra (Photo - Saurabha Kumar Turuk)

Baba Ramdev not only greeted a strong gathering of 5000 disciples in Odia, but also opined that there is much similarity between Sanskrit and Odia language. He also paid glowing tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Orissa. He insisted upon creating awareness among the people of India to form an ideal India in which there will be an ideal administration. He advised the public to choose an honest person as their leader who will make India a second heaven. According to him a major portion of our National Income is in the form of black-money stashed in Swiss Bank. If that money is brought back to India, no one will remain unemployed and poor. Many socio-economic infrastructures can be built up with that money.

Describing the large scale transfer of our precious national income by the multinational companies, Baba Ramdev advised the masses to use indigenous product in our day-to-day lives. Giving stress upon the large scale use of Yoga and Ayurveda, he wished a healthier and intelligent India. During his speech he requested several times to give up wine and other harmful drugs for the betterment of our society. He expressed his confidence that honesty and non-violence will make India a true Ramarajya.  During his one hour long address, Baba Ramdev conspicuously did not utter a single word on the problem of Naxalism, as Koraput district of Orissa is one of the hotbeds of Naxal Movement.

Though the meeting was organised by the district level Patanjali Yoga Samiti, activities of Sangha Parivar and Gayatri Parivar were noticeable throughout the whole proceedings of the meeting. The district administration tried their best to facilitate the event in a disciplined manner.

(Priyaranjan Swain is studying Journalism & Mass Communication at the Central University of Orissa, Koraput. Already armed with a Master’s in Applied Economics he aspires to work for a leading newspaper after the completion of his course. Interest in socio-economic issues and day to day political affairs help him understand the complexities of our ever evolving society. He can be reached at priyaranjanswain35@gmail.com)

WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION AT CUO



CUO : 100th International Women's Day Celebration
 (Photo - Saurabha Kumar Turuk)



Koraput: The Central University of Orissa in the presence of Sujata Mishra, Tahasildar, Koraput and Sailabala Prusty, District Information Officer celebrated 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day at it’s Landiguda campus on Tuesday. Students and faculty from all departments were present during the celebrations.





Emphasizing on the need for greater awareness among men, Sujata Mishra stressed that women are not an object to be veneered; rather they are the ones who should be really worshiped. She also said that “the tribal women in Koraput are more empowered than their coastal counterparts. It is a myth that economic prosperity of a region can reduce the hardships which women face on a daily basis”. 



Dr. Rudrani Mohanty, Ms Talat Jahan Begum, Dr. Debendra Biswal and Dr. Aditya K. Mishra, all faculties at the University spoke at length about the importance of celebrating this day. Sudhakar Patnaik, Officer in Charge at the University gave vote of thanks and brought the event to a close.

Festive atmosphere prevailed in the University campus all though the day. A small cultural programme was also organized in the evening at the ladies hostel in Semiliguda which was presided over by the hostel superintendent Ms Talat Jahan Begum. Few boarders from the boys' hostel at Dumuriput also participated in the cultural evening.

(Team Pointblank)

BRICK KILN : A PROFITABLE RURAL LIVELIHOOD

Padmapur : Workers busy in brick making with helpers

 (Photo - Sudarsan Sahoo)

Padmapur, KORAPUT: Today’s world is stepping into a world of fast growing concrete jungle. Construction works are mushrooming in every corner of the world whether it is metro like New York or one of the remotest place like Koraput district of Orissa. Bricks, especially clay bricks are one of the basic construction materials. When one moves on the NH-43 from Koraput towards Sunabeda, one will find a number of round shaped cute tomb-like structures oozing out white smokes at both the sides of road, as if it is preaching the religion of beauty for the nature’s rich Koraput. And the workers working there, on and around the tomb like structures are like the angels of the nature.

The tombs like structures are the brick kilns and the angels are the daily labourers, working hard to lead a life of hand-to-mouth. A brick-kiln industry, a seasonal business, naturally runs under the supervision of the owner who may undertake a piece of land on lease from others or may use his own land. The piece of land must be near to the water sources like ponds, reservoirs, natural streams etc. to satisfy the water necessity of raw clays. The workers dig the soil and pour water to prepare the raw clay which will be put into a box like structure made out of wood to take its shape of brick. The raw brick is exposed to sunrays until it dries up. The dry bricks are set in a round–shaped tomb-like structure and set into fire where the waste products of paddy are used as the fuel. Most of the daily-labourers working at brick kiln belong to families below poverty line. The labourers making raw bricks to get Rs.400 per 1000 number of bricks and work in groups of two (one male and one female – most of the time they are husband and wife). In an average they make 800 to 1200 pieces of bricks in a day depending upon their individual skills. When asked to Mr Sadan Kirsani (name changed ) of Gopalput, who is working in the brick kiln near Padmapur village of Padmapur Panchayat  that how is he able to manage his household, he answered that for him working in the brick kiln is a source for employment as his agricultural lands got drowned in the standing water of Kolab project. Sometimes he borrows money in advance from the owner at festive seasons for the fulfilment of his household expenditures and that will be adjusted in the next working season.

During summer season the natural streams dries up causing the premature close of the brick kilns. No doubt, it is a profitable business for the owner as well as for the worker, but continuing it on summers is not possible. The industries of brick kiln in Koraput district have helped a lot to the local daily labourers to get a handsome wage but as it is a seasonal business, life becomes difficult for them afterwards. From the case study of Sadan Kirsani, it’s apprehended that he might be a victim of exploitation by his owner. However the clay brick kiln industries have given a scope of seasonal livelihood for the country people.

 (Sudarsan Sahoo is an enthusiastic and dynamic observer of various aspects of life, who has an indomitable desire of surfing through different kinds of articles and sites in internet and has developed an interest towards New Media. Sometimes a poet, a painter and a singer, he, who has a Masters Degree in English from Utkal University, Orissa, exudes a literary bent of mind to hover over articles, books and reviews on Art and Literature. At present he is pursuing his Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from Central University of Orissa.)

SOFT LOANS FOR EUCALYPTUS PLANTATION

Dumuriput : A nice view of make-shift arrangement

for vigilance (Photo - Debabrata Gartia)

Padmapur, Koraput: Koraput is famous all over Orissa for its beautiful landscape and bountiful natural resources. Also known as the heaven of Orissa, Koraput continues to be considered as one of the most backward districts in the state. Being a tribal populated, tribals engage themselves in many jobs, such as farming, cultivation, pottery, making handicrafts among a host of many other activities. But one interesting scheme which has been implemented by the government for uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the people living below poverty line is the grant of farm loans for eucalyptus cultivation.

The scheme might be a lengthy process but undoubtedly one good source for a steady income. Banks like State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of India (BOI) are providing the agricultural loan with 5% interest. A single person can get up to Rs. 45,000, and Rs. 15,000 each for their three acres land, by submitting their original land related documents. Banks provide loans in three phases. In each phase, money is given for various activities such as purchasing plants, insecticides, mending boundaries and in some cases the sapling is also provided. Loans are also provided in case of damages as well.



In an acre one thousand plants can be planted and a single plant’s cost is Rs. 1.50. So in three acre of land Rs. 4500 comes as its plant cost by sapling 3000 Eucalyptus plants. For the eucalyptus to grow in a healthy environment a distance of 4 feet must be maintained between each plant at the time of sapling the plants. After three years of sapling plants, trees become suitable to cut. Around 35 tones come as a result after cutting the trees, means 12 tones each in acre.  And the cost of a single ton of logs is Rs. 1600 approximately. So a single person gets the profit of around Rs. 30,000 and a maximum 20 to 25 thousand rupees is invested.



Dumuriput : Eucalyputus plantation in one of the hillsides

(Photo - Debabrata Gartia) 



And after the first phase of cutting trees another 3 years is needed to be grown up from the trunk. At that time medicines are not required to grown up the trees. Trees become well shaped at the time of second and third time cuttings. A person can cut the trees thrice, having 3 years of interval. In second and third time the timbers’ weight can reach up to 50 to 60 tons and that total money coming from selling the timber is of that person, who has the authority upon that Eucalyptus plantation.

It has become an important source of income for the people who really need financial.



(Debabrata Gartia is studying Journalism and Mass Communication at the Central University of Orissa. He already has completed a Master’s programme in English literature. Cricket is his passion and he would like to take an exclusive interview of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar upon the completion of his Journalism course. He can be reached at pinkurhtdm@gmail.com)

A VILLAGE FAMOUS FOR POTTERY

KORAPUT: “This is the only source of our living”, says Padlam Kumbhar (45), a resident of Limca village. The village Limca is only 12 kms from away from Koraput district headquarter and is only 2kms away from the NH 43 which connects Raipur and Visakhapatnam. The village is well connected with an all-weather road. The village is famous for its pottery work in the whole district of Koraput.

Most of the villagers of this village collect their livelihood by doing pottery work. They are very artistic and skilled in their work. The villagers are doing this pottery work hereditarily. They are not only giving some artistic touch to the pottery works but also are doing certain terracotta works.

Limka : Potters busy (Photo - Debabrata)

Now pottery has become a cottage industry in the village. The entire Kumbhar community of that village are engaged in the pottery work. They are also engaging all their family members in that work. They are not very much interested to send their children to school. Rather they are encouraging their children to help them in the pottery work. When asked about his educational qualification, a young man aged about 25 engaged in the pottery work says that he has no formal educational qualification and he has never attended any school.

The villagers are mainly depending upon the local market for the selling of their finished products. Sometimes they are also sending their products to the pre-determined dealers from whom they would have got contract. Though hereditarily the potter families are doing the pottery work out of their own resources, now banks are interested in providing loans to them. This year Koraput Panchabati Gramya Bank has provided Rs 3 lakh of loan to a group of potters comprising 30 households. A skill development programme on terracotta making and painting on the finished products was organised by the government officials. The villagers claim that they can earn nearly 4-5 thousand rupees per month to sustain their family. Besides this they also cultivate paddy during the rainy season to augment their family income. The standard of living of the potter families is comparatively good, as some of them use mobile phones with multimedia features and direct to home facilities.

Although the public authority has done something to sustain the endangered craft of pottery, much more work needs to be done in this direction. The government has to introduce terracotta training and also formal education to this community. The most important help to the potter community the government can provide is the market facility. The private sector must be encouraged to come forward to take initiative in this direction, so that the pottery work can be sustained in this plastic age. Public sector banks should come forward to provide adequate finances to this pottery work, for the achievement of poverty alleviation and employment generation.

(Ashutosh Samal is studying Journalism & Mass Communication at the Central University of Orissa, Koraput. With a post-graduate degree in political science he believes that political news reporting and crime reporting are an interesting beat where he would like to excel. He can be reached at ashutosh.cuo@gmail.com) 

WATER SCARCITY AT MANPADA

Manpada, KORAPUT: Six decades have already passed since independence. Still a spring, only a nature made spring to quench the thirst of … people of Manpada village. If water is the synonym of life, what name shall we give to their living? This is the naked truth of the village.



Manapada: Villagers carrying water

(Photo: Sujata Kumari Jena)



Manpada is a small village of Padmapur panchayat in Koraput district. There are four streets in the village. Most of the residents of this village are illiterate. Their main occupation is agriculture. The villagers depend upon only one source of water for their daily needs and cultivation. There is no proper water supply in the village. They use nearby spring water which is not conducive for their drinking and cooking. The people are deprived of pipe water system. Despite frequent complains, the district administration and local leaders are very apathetic to their demands. They are leading just a better life than the stone-age people in the 21^st century. Being illiterate, they are unable to communicate their grievances to the administration. On the other hand, neither the district administration nor the local leader feels it necessary to provide them their basic needs. Only an eyewitness can believe that the village has no tube-well, though above one thousand people are living in it. Forget about education and health, the people are unable to get a glass of pure drinking water. Women and little girl children travel 2 kms every day to fetch a bucket of clean drinking water. During summers the situation even becomes more critical.



Manapada: Natural Stream - drinking water body for villagers

(Photo - Sujata Kumari Jena)



They are leading in an unhygienic condition. They are forced to use dirty and polluted water during rainy season for domestic purposes. Naturally they are suffering from several water borne diseases. So the administration should come forward to save thousands of lives. 

(Sujata Kumari Jena is studying Journalism & Mass Communication at the Central University of Orissa, Koraput. Before doing her journalism and mass communication, she did graduation in Political Science honours. Her interest areas are women empowerment, political story and crime story. After completing her PG she desires to work in print or television and prepare for NET exam. She can be reached at sujata.jena27@gmail.com)

COMPLEXITIES MAR MGNREGA IN PADMAPUR

Padmapur, KORAPUT: Delay in postal payment and getting of labour identity number pose a serious threat in the effective functioning of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) in Padmapur panchayat of Koraput district. Lack of awareness among the illiterate residents also aggravates the problem.

According to the Panchayat sources, MGNREGA was implemented in the year 2006 and since then it has been continuing. Annually Rs. 60 lakh comes for this purpose. Till date 1500 job cards have been issued to the people. The manual works undertaken in this act are agricultural land development, digging up farm ponds, construction of village roads, facilitation of irrigation facilities, tree plantation and other infrastructural development projects in rural areas. The panchayat officials also claim that they are able to provide 100 days of work per year at wage rate of Rs. 90 per day to each of the job card holder, as stipulated in the act.

At the same time, officials also complain against the delay in postal payment system where each of the beneficiaries has to open a passbook through which daily wages would be paid. Thus, the poor labourers who depend on daily wages for sustenance of their family are not willing to work under the scheme. Further aggravating the problem is the long process of issuing a new job card where panchayats have to send the name of the person to DRDA (District Rural Development Agency) for getting labour identity number. As most of the residents of this panchayat are illiterate, they are not able to get their job cards or open a passbook on their own. Thus, the onus lies solely on with the panchayat officials.

If the higher authority facilitates speedy disbursal of postal payment and issue labour identity number promptly, efficiency would be achieved in the implementation of this scheme. The full effectiveness of the scheme would only be achieved when poor and illiterate people of the panchayat are made fully aware about the nitty-gritties of the act. 

(Priyaranjan Swain is studying Journalism & Mass Communication at the Central University of Orissa, Koraput. Already armed with a Master’s in Applied Economics he aspires to work for a leading newspaper after the completion of his course. Interest in socio-economic issues and day to day political affairs help him understand the complexities of our ever evolving society. He can be reached at priyaranjanswain35@gmail.com.)

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