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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Majhi launches ‘zero accident day' to enhance road safety
1 2 Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards enhancing road safety, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched the 'Zero Accident Day' initiative. He also launched multiple road safety programmes and infrastructure developments worth around Rs 575.77 crore. Speaking at the event held at Lok Seva Bhavan here, Majhi emphasised that road accidents affect not just individuals but the entire economy. "About 75% of accident-related deaths in India are due to speeding," he stated, urging citizens to strictly adhere to road safety rules. "Accidents impact not just families or states, but the entire economy. It is not just an individual loss, but a collective one. Therefore, I urge everyone to strictly follow all road-related rules from the time you leave home until you return, ensuring a safe journey," he said. The event marked the inauguration of 11 automated driving testing systems (ADTS) across various districts, implemented at a cost of Rs 24 crore. The CM also launched the second phase of the Disha (Driving Electronic Enforcement to Save Human Lives) project, worth Rs 215 crore, which will cover 485 km of national and state highways. In a major boost to public transportation, 15 super premium buses, christened 'Shri Jagannath Express', were introduced at a cost of Rs 27.3 crore. These buses will connect various cities including Puri, Ayodhya, Tirupati, and Hyderabad. The state's first automated vehicle testing centre was unveiled in Cuttack, with plans to establish 20 more centres at an allocated budget of Rs 211 crore. The govt also inaugurated the Atal Bus Stand in three locations — Basudevpur, Dhamra and Basta. Commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena highlighted the govt's commitment to safe transport. "When we discuss Odisha's development, safe and robust transport is crucial," he said. The event saw participation from 'Zero Accident Day' brand ambassadors, including Digapahandi MLA Siddhanta Mahapatra and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik, who shared messages on road safety awareness. Five individuals — Abinash Panigrahi, Bishwaranjan Padhi, Panchanan Das, Srinivas Behera and Savita Rani Parida — were honoured for their efforts in transporting accident victims to hospitals. A CMO statement said the 'Zero Accident Day' initiative, developed in collaboration with IIT-Madras, will continue until June 28.
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Key stakeholders meet to discuss development of Odia film industry
Bhubaneswar: Prominent figures from Odisha film fraternity on Monday held a threadbare discussion on various issues concerning the Odia film industry and its promotion. A meeting of various key stakeholders was held held at the conference hall of Sanskruti Bhavan under the aegis of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture department here to discuss a comprehensive development of Odia films and film fraternity. The meeting aimed to address various aspects such as expanding the reach and promotion of Odia cinema, instituting regular State Film Awards and supporting stakeholders in the film ecosystem. Renowned Odia film actor and Digapahandi MLA, Sidhant Mohapatra, presided over the meeting attended by producers, directors, actors, actresses, writers and musicians. The stakeholders shared their valuable suggestions on the growth and betterment of Odia cinema. 'Key discussions included ensuring the annual conferment of Odisha State Film Awards in a timely manner, selection of jury members and chairpersons, preferably involving individuals associated with the art and film, especially youth. Proposals were also made to increase the cash prize amounts, expand the existing 33 award categories and develop a dedicated website featuring comprehensive information about nominated and award-winning films and artistes,' noted the official statement. It further said discussions were also held on formulating a new film policy, providing government subsidy for film production, strengthening and streamlining the function of Odisha Film Development Corporation Limited and upgrading Kalinga Studio infrastructure. Suggestions were made to improve the foundational infrastructure for film production in the State, increase the number of cinema halls, make cinema ticket prices more affordable for the audience, establish a dedicated film archive and make a separate platform in order to promote OTT and digital content. Participants also proposed government support for producing films rooted in authentic Odia stories and empowering individuals involved in the film fraternity. The meeting concluded with a consensus on taking strategic steps to promote the Odia film sector for both cultural enrichment and public entertainment.
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Odia film fraternity seeks new film policy for development of Ollywood
BHUBANESWAR: Members of the Odia film industry have called for formulation of a new film policy, expanding the scope of Odisha State Film Awards and promotion of Odia content on OTT platforms. At a meeting on comprehensive development of the Odia film industry, organised by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture department on Monday, members of the industry said there is an urgent need for formulation of a new film policy which would provide a robust framework for the sustainable growth of the industry, addressing challenges such as funding, distribution, and market access. Digapahandi MLA and actor Sidhant Mohapatra, who presided over the meeting, suggested that the government should extend financial incentives to support filmmakers including subsidy for film-making, particularly to those producing content rooted in Odisha's culture. They sought special provisions to promote Odia content on OTT platforms and other digital streaming mediums. The Odisha State Film Policy was announced by the Industries department in 2019 and was valid till March 2022. However, none in the industry could benefit from the policy because of multiple reasons including the Covid-19 pandemic and lack of implementation of various initiatives under it, among others. The industry stakeholders demanded strengthening of the Odisha Film Development Corporation Limited (OFDC) and expanding its role in facilitating production and promotion. They also sought to expedite modernisation of the iconic Kalinga Studio, which is being implemented by IDCO from 2022. It was to be ready by 2023.
