IIT shift: Ruling combine takes a dig at Centre

IIT shift: Ruling combine takes a dig at Centre
The New Indian Express, Friday March 30 2007 11:35 IST

BHUBANESWAR: BJD and BJP members on Thursday came down heavily on the Centre for ignoring the State’s demands in the education sector.

Criticising the Centre for shifting the proposed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to the neighbouring state, they said political parties should start economic blockade to press for Orissa’s demands.

They also demanded that a House Committee, headed by Speaker Maheswar Mohanty, should visit New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and demand establishment of an IIT in the State.

The issue cropped up during discussion on a Calling Attention notice. Replying to the discussion, Industries Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan also criticised the Centre’s attitude.

Stating that the issue has been taken up with the Centre several times, Harichandan maintained that the State Government will continue to put pressure on the Centre for establishment of an IIT in Orissa.

The Government had also informed the Centre about availability of land for establishment of an extension counter of IIT, Kharagpur near Bhubaneswar, he said.

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Industry Minister says state will demand for an IIT to the Center: The Samaja

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Tathya.in: IIT issue rocks Orissa assembly

Bhubaneswar:30/March/2007
Letter writing obsession of Naveen Patnaik received a jolt from his BJP partner in Orissa Legislative Assembly on March 29.

The concept of sending missives to Centre on burning issues and wait for the wind fall gain did not cut ice with BJP legislator Mahesh Sahu.

On the other hand Mahesh echoed the Biju Patnaik agenda of “Economic Blockade” to bring home the point.

He said central leadership is highly insensitive and thick skinned over the ever daunting problems of Orissa.

They see everything on political lines, he alleged.

They will not respond to our needs, unless we adopt the Biju Agenda of economic barriers to put forth our demand, he added.

Mahesh was participating in a debate on a calling attention notice over Centre’s neglect on setting up IIT in Orissa.

He said with massive industrialization in offing the requirement of engineers of IIT background will be high.

Keeping this in view we must force the Centre for an IIT by adopting Economic Blockade.

BJP member Aswini Kumar Patra those days are gone when Oriyas are used to go as “Kuli and Mulia”, now we have to put forth our demand in a forceful manner not meek and mildly to get the point.

Patra suggested a House Committee be formed under the chairmanship of the speaker and a delegation may visit New Delhi to press the IIT issue.

Industries minister B B Harichandan replying the debate said that the state government has once again brought to the notice of the Centre on setting up of a IIT for which a land of 300 acre has been identified which will be provided free of cost.

He said since 2003 the government is in constant touch with the Centre through letters and recently Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written letter to Prime Minister Dr.Man Moahn Singh objecting the decision of the Centre to shift the proposed IIT of Orissa to Andhra Pradesh.

Minister informed the House that the state government was sure of the IIT project as minister of state (MOS) of HRD M A Fatmi has assured through an announcement but it came as a shock when media highlighted about the shifting of the institution to the other state.

BJD-BJP plan to take up IIT issue in the Orissa assembly

BJD-BJP set to take on Opp in House

Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, March 20: The ruling BJD-BJP combine decided to adopt an aggressive anti-Centre posture during the budget session of the Assembly beginning tomorrow. Issues relating to shifting of the proposed IIT, miserly allocations for rural electrification, restoration of flood damage and the price rise will be taken up in the House.

The combine, which met here this evening to discuss the strategies of taking on the Opposition, will fully back Speaker Mr Maheswar Mohanty in the event of any no-trust motion being tabled by the Opposition.
“We will face it,” said chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik when asked about the move of the Opposition to impeach Mr Mohanty. He, however, hoped that the Opposition would play a constructive role and debate on issues.
Apparently, the combine has sensed that the Opposition’s attack should be countered by slamming the UPA government’s alleged neglect towards state. Though issues of Central neglect and price rise had been raised and discussed in the last session, an encore is likely.
The Congress legislature party meeting was on till late evening. Reliable sources said that besides the Maheswar Mohanty matter, other aspects that will be brought up are the alleged misuse of official machinery during panchayat elections and law-and-order failure.

Making their intentions clear, the Opposition had called on Governor Rameshwar Thakur yesterday and requested him not to share the podium with Mr Mohanty while delivering his customary address to the House tomorrow.

Interestingly, neither side had budgetary allocations or economic issues on top of their agenda today despite the fact that it is to be a session where the finance minister is to place a vote on account for four months.