National

Odisha Urges Centre to Cover 100% of Disaster Response Costs

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2025

On Thursday, the Odisha government reiterated its request for the Centre to cover 100% of the funding for the annual corpus of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). This demand comes in light of the state’s continuous challenges with natural disasters and the associated financial needs for post-disaster rebuilding and reconstruction efforts.Chief Minister Mohan Majhi engaged in a detailed discussion with Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, along with other members, outlining the state’s comprehensive fiscal strategy, which includes the critical SDRF matter.

“Currently, the state contributes 25% toward the SDRF, while the Central Government covers the remaining 75%. We are requesting that the Central Government should assume full responsibility for this funding. Additionally, we hope the Commission will consider granting specific funds for health, water supply and sanitation, as well as old age security,” stated CM Majhi.

Furthermore, CM Majhi requested Rs 12,59,148 crore from the 16th Finance Commission for the five-year period spanning 2026-2031 to support Odisha’s vision for a ‘Samruddha (developed) Odisha’ by 2036. He detailed the financial requests across various categories: Rs 9,88,422 crore to address the Pre-Devolution Revenue Deficit, Rs 1,10,434 crore for State Specific Needs, Rs 1,00,036 crore designated as Grants to Local Bodies, Rs 31,004 crore for Disaster Response, and Rs 29,252 crore for Disaster Mitigation.

“We had a constructive dialogue with the Commission on several aspects concerning the state. Our proposals reflect the developmental requirements, fiscal capacity, and anticipated fiscal transfer systems needed for Odisha. We remain hopeful that the Commission will favorably consider our submissions in their upcoming report covering the 2026-2031 period. A comprehensive memorandum outlining all our requirements has also been submitted to the Commission,” added CM Majhi.

He also noted that the states currently receive 41% of the divisible pool, and Odisha has requested an increase to 50%. In addition, the state’s share of the Gross Tax Income of the Government of India is determined by a specific formula, currently placing Odisha’s share at 4.528%. The Chief Minister has advocated for this to be raised to 4.964%.

The 16th Finance Commission is expected to allocate combined grants for rural and urban local bodies at 2% of the projected gross revenue receipts of the Union for the 2026-31 period, which would increase the grants available to local bodies in Odisha, according to the CM.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, State Finance Secretary Sashwat Mishra, and other state officials.

Related Topics:Chief Minister government Odisha

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National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

2 weeks ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.