Home Dept Orders Adequate Security At Govt Offices In View Of Odisha Bandh

Bhubaneswar: With the six-hour Odisha Bandh call given by Left parties over fuel price hike to be observed tomorrow, the Home Department has directed collectors to ensure maintenance of law and order.

In a letter to collectors, Special Secretary (Home) Santosh Bala has stated that all preventive measures must be taken to maintain law and order and maintenance of essential services.

The government has asked the authorities concerned to ensure adequate security arrangements at Lok Seva Bhawan and Kharavel Bhawan in view of the bandh.

The employees working in the above offices as well as Rajiv Bhawan and Head of Department have been advised to reach office by 9.30 am to facilitate smooth entry of staff. Entry of visitors to Government offices will also be restricted and only those with prior appointment will be allowed.

“During the 6-hour state-wide bandh, it is apprehended that business establishments, markets, Central and State Government offices, courts, petrol pumps, banks and financial institutions might be closed. Vehicular as well as railway traffic is likely to get affected tomorrow from 6 am to 12 noon,” the letter stated.

Meanwhile, Odisha Congress has announced its support to the bandh. Odisha PCC president Niranjan Patnaik said the party will support the bandh called by the Left parties over astronomical hike in prices of fuel and other essential commodities.