Krushna Chandra Patra Archives - Odisha Connect

Odisha Government Holds High-Level Meeting to Ensure Smooth Fuel Supply Across State

OdishaConnect — Sun, 17 May 2026 12:40:36 +0000

The Odisha government has stressed the need to maintain uninterrupted supply of petrol and diesel across the state and ensure that fuel remains easily available to the public.

A high-level meeting with representatives of major oil companies was held at the State Secretariat under the chairmanship of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on May 15, 2026.

Government Focuses on Stable Fuel Supply Chain

During the meeting, the minister advised oil companies to keep the fuel supply chain stable and prioritise public interest amid recent concerns over fuel availability in some areas.

Officials informed that petrol and diesel are currently available in sufficient quantities across Odisha and supply to all petrol pumps remains normal.

The government also urged citizens not to panic or purchase fuel beyond their actual requirements, as there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the state.

Oil Companies Assure Adequate Fuel Availability

Representatives of oil companies assured the government that fuel stocks remain adequate and the supply network is functioning smoothly.

They acknowledged reports of temporary shortages at a few petrol pumps and promised to take immediate steps to resolve such issues quickly.

The companies appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying, which could create unnecessary pressure on the fuel distribution system.

Senior Oil Company Officials Attend Meeting

The meeting was attended by senior officials from major oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation State Head Kamal Seal, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited representative Ashish Pandey, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited representative Deepak Agrawal along with departmental officials.

The Odisha government reiterated that maintaining a smooth and uninterrupted fuel supply remains a top priority for the administration.

The post Odisha Government Holds High-Level Meeting to Ensure Smooth Fuel Supply Across State appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Odisha Seeks Central Support to Strengthen Science and Technology Ecosystem

OdishaConnect — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:16:52 +0000

In a significant push to enhance Odisha’s scientific infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, State Minister for Science & Technology Sri Krushna Chandra Patra met Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi. The high-level meeting focused on aligning Odisha’s regional scientific priorities with the Centre’s national missions to accelerate technological growth in the state.

Proposal for World-Class Science City in Bhubaneswar

During the meeting, Sri Patra sought central assistance for the establishment of a world-class Science City in Bhubaneswar. The Odisha government has already identified 100 acres of land on the outskirts of the capital for the ambitious project.

The proposed Science City is envisioned as an interactive knowledge hub featuring modern exhibits and immersive learning spaces aimed at inspiring students and young innovators.

Space Innovation Hub to Boost Startups

Both ministers also discussed the creation of a dedicated Space Innovation Hub in Odisha to promote research and support emerging startups in the space-tech sector.

The initiative aims to leverage the technical expertise of the Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC) along with established research institutions such as VSSUT, Burla. The goal is to position Odisha as a leading player in satellite data applications and space technology entrepreneurship.

Bio e-Cells Under National Bio-E3 Policy

Aligning with the Centre’s Bio-E3 Policy, the ministers deliberated on setting up Bio e-Cells in Odisha. These specialized cells will focus on high-performance biomanufacturing, promotion of eco-friendly technologies, and enabling research institutions to translate laboratory innovations into commercially viable biotech products.

Centre Assures Full Support

Expressing gratitude, Sri Patra thanked Dr. Jitendra Singh for his continued mentorship and technical cooperation. He emphasized that strong coordination between the State and Centre would play a crucial role in transforming Odisha into a leading scientific and industrial hub.

Dr. Singh praised the Odisha government’s proactive approach and assured full central support. He highlighted that the state’s scientific progress aligns with the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to providing necessary technical expertise and financial assistance for the proposed projects.

The post Odisha Seeks Central Support to Strengthen Science and Technology Ecosystem appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Odisha’s e-KYC Clampdown Crushes Fake Cards

OdishaConnect — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:25:05 +0000

Widespread Discrepancies Uncovered in State Ration Cards

Odisha’s ongoing e-KYC verification drive for ration cards, extended until 31 December, has revealed significant irregularities in the public distribution system. A total of 683,995 deceased individuals were identified in the ration card database, prompting concerns about fraudulent entries and misuse.

As a result of rigorous verification, 33,128 ineligible ration cards were cancelled, affecting 120,199 family members. Among the districts, Khordha recorded the highest number of fake cards at 4,747, followed by Cuttack (2,905) and Sundargarh (2,357), according to Supply Minister Krushna Chandra Patra in a written response to the Odisha Assembly.

New Applications and Eligibility Verification

Since June 2024, Odisha has received 1,533,153 applications for new ration cards. Of these, 323,145 applications, covering 639,827 family members, were verified as eligible and included in the Food Security Scheme.

Meanwhile, 737,530 applications were rejected under the Odisha State Food Security Targeted Public Distribution System Rules, 2020, for failing to meet eligibility criteria. An additional 472,478 applications remain under scrutiny at block and municipal levels.

Ensuring Transparency and Streamlining Distribution

The e-KYC initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to streamlining the public distribution system and ensuring that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. The detection of fraudulent ration cards highlights systemic loopholes and has prompted calls for stricter oversight.

Authorities are now racing to complete field verification checks before the 31 December deadline to curb further misuse. Minister Patra’s revelations have sparked debates on governance and transparency, with citizens urging swift action to safeguard Odisha’s food security framework.

The post Odisha’s e-KYC Clampdown Crushes Fake Cards appeared first on Odisha Connect.