Keonjhar is rich in natural resources but there is no proper use of the resources. Mining lobby is standing on the way of setting up of big steel plants in Keonjhar district, said BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra, while participating as a guest in a meeting having theme, "The necessity of Steel plant in Keonjhar district,"organised by the District Journalists Association here.
He further told that there is lack of consensus between ruling party and opposition parties for the development of Odisha which is also a factor in the failure of coming up a steel plant to Keonjhar. He urged the journalists association and bar association to come forward to steer the movement of establishing mega steel plants in the country.
Pointing out the murder of former Health Minister Naba Das in broad day light in the presence of police force, Mohapatra stated that the law and order situation in Odisha had nosedived. He also admitted that there is a decline in value in every sphere of society starting from politics to journalism.
Similarly, Sri Ram Das, senior scribe and columnist, said that the main cause of decline in the democratic value of media has started after liberalisation and entry of corporate lobby in media.
Among others who spoke on occassion included scribe Ipsita Kumar Pratihari, local MLA Mohan Majhi, Chairman ,Keonjhar Municipality Niku Sahu and president Nagarik Manch Himanshu Kuanr.