Baripada: The 12-hour Mayurbhanj bandh called by the BJP evoked partial response, though normal life was affected as party activists blocked roads and picketed government offices Tuesday.
The saffron party called the bandh to protest the alleged apathy of the state government towards the health and education sectors in the district.
Braving drizzle, BJP activists blocked NH-18 and NH-49 at different places. Vehicles remained off the road; shops and commercial establishments downed the shutters; educational institutes, banks and post offices were closed during the bandh for several hours.
The state government offices and courts were paralysed as BJP activists picketed the Collectorate in the district headquarters town of Baripada.
Scores of vehicles were stranded on the two National Highways. Vehicular movement was normal after 2pm.
BJP’s district unit president Krushnachandra Mohapatra led picketing at Baripada. Party activists pointed out that the state government has recently announced to set up OPSC coaching centres in seven universities, but the North Odisha University in Baripada has been deprived of this facility. Tribal students who want to pursue higher studies will be deprived of coaching centres, the BJP leaders said.
Mohapatra alleged that healthcare in the district has been in shambles due to huge vacancies in hospitals. While the district has 403 sanctioned posts for doctors, 220 posts have been vacant, he pointed out.
However, the ruling BJD claimed that the bandh was not successful. BJD’s district unit executive president Debashish said by 2 pm vehicular movement was normal. He countered the BJP’s allegation about running OPSC coaching centres in only seven universities, except North Odisha University.
He said the higher education department has decided to open an employment consultancy centre at the North Odisha University and Rs 12.5 laksh was sanctioned for this purpose in the first phase.
It will be inaugurated January 4, 2019 and already 116 students have enrolled themselves, Mohanty said.
PNN