News from Gajapati,ORISSA

Paralakhemundi(4.05.2007):

The Maharajas Boys High School of Paralakhemundi synonymous with the terminology MRBH amongst its old and new students celebrated its 150 years in a simple function organized at the School premises . The school which was first started in the years 1857 at the initiative of the Maharaja Goura Chandra Gajapati was later on developed and expanded by the Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati . History says that the school was first functioning out of a building where the present majestic SKCG College of Paralakhemundi stands , and was then shifted to its present position on the top of the Palace Street and is now named as the High School Square . The District Collector D V Swamy who was the Chief Guest of the occasion expressed his happiness and gratefulness for getting a chance to be part of the celebration of this institution which can be termed as a monument in itself . He was also extremely pleased to learn that a number of luminaries in different fields had passed out from this institution which was considered as one of the best education centers of Orissa . The Headmaster of the school Ramchandra Nayak during his speech read out the achievements of the school and also regretted that a large number of teachers vacancy was creating hurdles in rendering efficient teaching to the students . The members of the dais also pointed out that the Clock located on the top of the school which has been defunct for the last twenty years was yet to be repaired despite the promise given by the CM Naveen Patnaik when he was a guest here five years back .

The first Zilla Parishad meeting of Gajapati with the newly elected ZP members was arranged today at the DRDA Conference Hall of Paralakhemundi . The ZP Chairman Y Ram Chandra Rao presided over the meeting along with the Collector D V Swamy , the PD DRDA Prakash Ch Das , the Ramagiri MLA Bharat Paik , the Paralakhemundi MLA Trinath Sahu and the Vice Chairman Binoy Kumari Lima . There was a lot of enthusiasm amongst the newly elected members who were present throughout the marathon meeting that started at 11am and went until 8 pm in the night with a brief lunch . As most of the ZP members had been elected as first timers , many were not aware of the technicalities relating to their role and powers , and therefore most of the questions were subdued and cautioned . "This is my first meeting as a ZP member and I am trying to understand my role properly and I am confident of putting forward the grievances of my people in the right manner , and any officer who tries to sabotage development schemes will be put on the mat" said Ch Shimadri the only BJD member in the 16 member ZP house . All the senior officers of the district were also present and alos present for the meeting were the Block Chiarman who had been invited as special invitees to the meeting .The major discussion that took place related to Minor Irrigation , agriculture , Rural Development and Health . Most of the members expressed their displeasure at the way the health system was in the district and unless the same was corrected there will be a measure hue and cry in the next meeting warned the members .