Bhubaneswar: The state government is mulling to introduce nine key bills including two focusing on land rights and dwelling rights to urban poor in slum areas in the monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly beginning Thursday.
The two legislations are: Orissa Land Rights to Slum Dwellers Bill, 2017 and Orissa Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2017. The two bills are important as they are aimed at providing land and dwelling rights to lakhs of people residing under NACs, municipalities and municipal corporation areas. The bills will be brought to replace the ordinances in vogue for this purpose after the cabinet had approved the proposal.
Stormy session ahead
While Congress is planning to highlight failure of BJD government and the Centre, BJP has decided to nail the ruling dispensation over mining scam, dubious poll funding, delay in restoration work in flood affected areas and inadequate water supply and irrigation facility for drought-hit parts of the state. To counter the opposition, the ruling BJD has decided to highlight Central apathy and Mahanadi water dispute among other issues.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said the party would highlight how both the governments have failed to fulfill their promises they had made prior to elections. Centre’s promise to deposit Rs 15 lakh in each bank account in six months, purchase of paddy from farmers at 1.5 times more than expenses borne per quintal have gone in vain, while farmers issue, unemployment, crumbling education system and other issues have remained major concern, he said. BJP state president Basant Panda said discrepancies in serving notices to mining lease holders, irregularities in BJD poll funding are among the key issues which will be raised during the session.
“The government will take up all important works and constructive discussions that the opposition would raise for debate,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Three-tier security
Bhubaneswar: Ahead of monsoon session of Assembly beginning Thursday the Commissionerate of Police has tightened security in and around the Legislative Assembly. Police commissioner YB Khurania, who reviewed the arrangements, said adequate police deployment has been made. He said a three-tier security system is in place on the Assembly precincts. Twenty-five platoons of police will be deployed for this purpose. CCTVs are also in place, while Quick Action Team will be deployed for the session, he said. Besides, prohibitory orders (under section 144) have been imposed in certain areas and required traffic arrangements have been made for the session.
Sudarsan Maharana, OP