**Bhubaneswar: ** After the farmer issue stalled the Odisha Assembly for over a week, Kalahandi starvation death on Monday crippled normal proceedings of the House for which Speaker had to adjourn it from 11.55 am to 12.55 pm as main opposition Congress demanded a ruling on it from Speaker Niranjan Pujari.
During the Zero Hour, Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra demanded for the Speaker’s ruling on the sensational issue of Kalahandi starvation death.
Mishra also raised the land grabbing issue of Puri Swargadwar.
Besides, the Mahanadi issue also cropped up as the Centre on September 3, 2016 has nodded for construction of a barrage by Chhattisgarh. He, therefore, demanded that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should take all the parties in the State into confidence and take stock of the situation.
Talking to media later, the Leader of Opposition said, “As per the reports published in media, starvation deaths have taken place in Junagarh area of Kalahandi district. While one family member has died due to starvation, two more are battling for the same reason. If it is true, it is definitely a matter of grave concern. The concerned district authorities, starting from the grassroots level to the top, are well aware. As per the directive of the Supreme Court, the concerned State’s Chief Secretary and the District Collector are to be held responsible in case of any starvation death. Hence, I’ve demanded in the House and urged the Speaker to direct the Revenue Minister to keep his statement on it.”
BJD spokesperson and Junagarh MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra in his reactions said, “The Leader of Opposition has brought the matter in the floor of the House simply going by the media reports. He has not cross- checked the truth behind it. It’s unfortunate. The family has two physically disabled sons who have two mothers. One mother is already dead. The alive mother is entitled to pension. We had started process to provide allowance to the two disabled sons. Last month, they were taken by vehicle to the hospital for test. On the 25th of this month (March), they have already been issued medical certificates. They will also be provided with ration cards and pension very soon.”
When the House reassembled at 12.55 pm soon after the adjournment, Congress Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati drew the attention of the Speaker on his earlier adjournment motion moved over Jeypore Seba Paper Milll which has been lying shut down. He complained that the State Government has no interest in re-running it.
Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra placed his answer on the adjournment motion and the debate continued till lunch break.
Later, Congress Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati on his adjournment motion briefed media, “Due to the closure of the Seba Paper Mill, the only one in Koraput district, the employees including the daily wagers have been deprived of their salary and remuneration for the last 8 months. Now the State Government has decided that on April 7 a meeting will be held to decide on the matter. Myself, Industries Minister and Industries Secretary will hold meeting. The eucalyptus and bamboo farmers, labourers, transporters and all involved in the mill are a worried lot. Cutting across party lines we all demanded the government to re-run the paper mill at least within the next three months.”
In the late afternoon hours, two expenditure bills of Rs 4123,02,49,000 for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Rs 1037,16,88,000 for Co-operation Department were passed.
In the Question Hour from 10.30-11.30 am, discussions were made on Finance, Revenue, Disaster Management, Water Resources, Health and Family Welfare, Works, General Administration, Public Enterprises and Home.