Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday directed early office reporting for its employees in Bhubaneswar in view of the 12-hour statewide bandh on Thursday over the death of a student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College after a self-immolation bid on campus in Balasore.
Officials and employees in Bhubaneswar have been asked to reach their offices before 9.30 am as a precautionary measure in anticipation of possible road blockades, closures, and law and order issues. “The front gates of Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 9.30 am on July 17 and all the passage will be regulated through the rear gate. The connecting gate between the Red Building and Main Lok Seva Bhawan building will remain open,” the official notification from the Home Department said.
It also detailed stringent security measures for Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan and Heads of Department Building, stressing on regulated gate access and intensified ID checks. “Travelling in a vehicle having a car pass will not be permitted without valid authority for entry. Entry of visitors will be restricted on that day. Persons having prior appointment, whose business is pressing and immediate will be given entry passes on the recommendations of the department concerned by Special Secretary, Home Department. The visitors may kindly be informed to leave immediately after the meeting,” it said.
The notification also urged staff to minimise movement within offices.
The government has directed collectors and SPs to take preventive and precautionary measures to maintain law and order. They have also been asked to remain alert against any untoward incident during the 12-hour bandh. “The protesters are likely to close down schools, colleges, universities, educational institutions, business establishments, market complexes, central and state government offices and plying of vehicles/ railways. They may resort to road blockade at important Chhaks and city areas by burning tyres,” the Home Department said in another notification.
“Requisite arrangements may also be made to ensure smooth functioning of central and state government offices and other establishments in the state. The situation may be kept under close watch to ensure maintenance of essential services,” it added.
The Congress has called the statewide bandh to protest against the death of a 20-year-old student after a self-immolation bid, allegedly due to sexual harassment and institutional neglect. It is being supported by seven other parties, including CPI (M), Samajwadi Party, and the NCP, who have called for “justice and accountability” and a judicial probe into the incident. Schools, colleges, shops, markets, and transport services will remain closed between 6 am and 6 pm.
Approximately 3,000 filling stations, along with three depots, will also remain shut for 10 hours, till 4 pm.
However, healthcare services will be exempted from the Bandh, ensuring that medical facilities, pharmacies, and ambulance services function as usual.