Date : 16th April 2010
A two-member German delegation that visited Kandhamal last week has expressed concern over the plight of victims two years after violence hit the district.
The delegation from the Human Rights Committee of the Federal Parliament visited Kandhamal from April 9 to 13, and said they were shocked at the widespread violence that rendered thousands homeless.
Kandhamal district was the epicenter for riots from August to October 2008 following the murder of a Hindu leader. Maoist militants claimed responsibility but extremist Hindus blamed Christians for the murder.
After their visit, the delegation consisting of Mr Ute Granold and Mr Pascal Kober, told reporters that the condition of people living in Kandhamal is still unacceptable and more must be done for the improvement of their lives.
They also said that many were yet to be compensated for their loss, and despite many complaints, only a few have been convicted.
The delegation will submit its report to the German parliamentary committee on human rights situation in both Orissa and Gujarat.
The delegation had visited Gujarat to study the status of minorities and reportedly justified the European Union's earlier decision of not granting visa to Modi, for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.
On Gujarat, the visiting Parliamentarians commented that ‘alienation’ of minorities in the state could cost dear as their country wanted to have good relations with India but not at the cost of human rights.
Rs 18 cr to be spent annually for dev projects in Kandhamal
Date 31st March 2010
Phulbani (Orissa): Government has earmarked Rs 18 crore to be spent annually to carry out special developmental works in Kandhamal district and urged the youth to help maintain peace in the region, that witnessed communal riots for about 9 months in 2008.
"Youths should fight divisive forces and remain vigilant to maintain peace and to foil any attempt to divide the society," Patnaik said inaugurating 'Antarang' - an initiative aimed at long term peace and harmony among all communities.
During his visit to the Maoist-affected and communally sensitive Kandhamal amidst tight security, the chief minister granted Rs five Lakh to each of the 12 blocks in the district to strengthen the programme.
Patnaik, who also inaugurated the Command Area Development (CAD) Programme of Pilla Salki Medium Irrigation Project at Gudari near here, said his government was committed to all round development of Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Castes and other backward people of Orissa.
All out efforts are on to bring these communities to the mainstream, particularly in Kandhmal. The CAD Project, taken up at a cost of Rs six crore, will irrigate a cultivable area of more than 2,000 hectares, he said.
Patnaik said Rs 18 crore would be spent in 12 blocks of Kandhamal every year for undertaking various developmental and welfare programmes under Biju Kandhmal Yojana and to facilitate education of ST and SC, he said.
Patnaik said the state government had decided to set up 5,000 hostels within five years to accommodate five Lakh ST, SC women in the state.
The government had also been sympathetic to the forest dwellers and was taking steps to settle their forest land disputes, he said.
The Chief Minister distributed 'pattas (land deeds), pensions, prizes and citations to the beneficiaries of 'Madhubabu Pension Yojana', 'Mo Kudia Yojana' and NREGS.
He also inaugurated a district level development exhibition at Gudari village and laid foundation of a 100-seat ST women Hostel at local ITI premises on the outskirt of the town.
Phulbani (Orissa): Government has earmarked Rs 18 crore to be spent annually to carry out special developmental works in Kandhamal district and urged the youth to help maintain peace in the region, that witnessed communal riots for about 9 months in 2008.
"Youths should fight divisive forces and remain vigilant to maintain peace and to foil any attempt to divide the society," Patnaik said inaugurating 'Antarang' - an initiative aimed at long term peace and harmony among all communities.
During his visit to the Maoist-affected and communally sensitive Kandhamal amidst tight security, the chief minister granted Rs five Lakh to each of the 12 blocks in the district to strengthen the programme.
Patnaik, who also inaugurated the Command Area Development (CAD) Programme of Pilla Salki Medium Irrigation Project at Gudari near here, said his government was committed to all round development of Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Castes and other backward people of Orissa.
All out efforts are on to bring these communities to the mainstream, particularly in Kandhmal. The CAD Project, taken up at a cost of Rs six crore, will irrigate a cultivable area of more than 2,000 hectares, he said.
Patnaik said Rs 18 crore would be spent in 12 blocks of Kandhamal every year for undertaking various developmental and welfare programmes under Biju Kandhmal Yojana and to facilitate education of ST and SC, he said.
Patnaik said the state government had decided to set up 5,000 hostels within five years to accommodate five Lakh ST, SC women in the state.
The government had also been sympathetic to the forest dwellers and was taking steps to settle their forest land disputes, he said.
The Chief Minister distributed 'pattas (land deeds), pensions, prizes and citations to the beneficiaries of 'Madhubabu Pension Yojana', 'Mo Kudia Yojana' and NREGS.
He also inaugurated a district level development exhibition at Gudari village and laid foundation of a 100-seat ST women Hostel at local ITI premises on the outskirt of the town.
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