Basta MLA Subashini Jena Gains Attention in Assembly for Raising Key Regional Issues
Baleswar, Dec 11 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): During the winter session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Basta MLA Subashini Jena remained in focus for consistently raising critical regional issues. Her participation was noted as proactive and impactful.
The session, which began on November 27, concluded after only 11 working days instead of the scheduled 18. In this short period, MLA Jena submitted 85 questions in the House. These included issues such as the construction of the bridge over the Subarnarekha River at Jamakunda under Baliapal block, strengthening weak river embankments in several panchayats, and inquiries on government initiatives to reduce expenditure and improve efficiency in flagship programmes. One of her key questions that drew wider attention was the rising dropout rate in primary schools, prompting follow-up questions from other members.
On November 17, she raised concern during Zero Hour over the death of a 10-month-old infant from Bishnupur panchayat of Baliapal block, who reportedly died due to lack of oxygen while being taken to FM Medical College and Hospital in a 108 ambulance.
She also highlighted the demands of primary school teachers, including recognition of Adarsha School teachers as government teachers. Participating in a debate on atrocities against women during a motion moved by the BJD, she raised the case of abuse involving the daughter of a SHG member in Aranji village of Bhadrak, calling for stronger safety measures.
Her speech during the discussion on the expenditure demands of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department in the 2025-26 supplementary budget became a topic of state-wide interest. She warned the House about the looming water crisis in the coming years. Even in this state-level discussion, she brought forward a local concern: the non-functional mega drinking water project for Baliyapal block. The project, launched in 2021 to cover 144 villages across 21 panchayats, was scheduled to be operational by December 8, 2023, but remains incomplete. She expressed strong dissatisfaction over the delay.
Jena remarked that the curtailed 11-day session left her unable to raise many significant issues. She added that 144 additional region-specific questions related to Basta and Baliapal were listed by the Assembly Secretariat but could not be taken up due to lack of time.
