Odisha Assembly / What Was Madhuri Dixit's Fee for Promoting Odisha Handloom? Govt Reveals
·7 months ago·2 min read
Key Points
- Madhuri Dixit Nene received Rs 1.60 crore plus travel and hospitality expenses as Odisha Handloom Brand Ambassador.
- Odisha reported 4,609 hectares of forest land damaged by fires between July 2024 and November 2025.
- Legal Metrology Directorate conducted over 3.12 lakh inspections in two years, collecting Rs 3.11 crore in fines.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: The Odisha Government informed the Assembly on Wednesday that Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit Nene has received Rs 1.60 crore from the state exchequer for her role as the Brand Ambassador of Odisha Handloom. In addition to the remuneration, the state government has also borne the cost of her flights, accommodation and hospitality.
Replying on behalf of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department in the Assembly, the Minister of State Pradeep Bal Samanta said Madhuri Dixit’s international appeal is expected to boost the visibility of Odisha’s handloom products in global markets and enhance livelihood opportunities for weavers. The government hopes the association will help the state’s intricate weaving traditions reach “corners of the world.”
Forest Fires
An alarming picture of forest fire destruction emerged in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday, with the Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informing that 4,609 hectares of forest land have been damaged by fires between July 2024 and December 2, 2025.
In a written reply, the Minister said repeated fire incidents across multiple forest divisions have caused extensive ecological loss. The government has intensified monitoring and fire-prevention measures, he added.
The Minister also highlighted plantation efforts, stating that Rs 4 crore has been spent in the last two years to undertake plantation activities over 56,880 hectares of forest land.
Govt Collects 3.11 Crore Fine from 'Weight' Violators
In a separate written reply, the government reported significant action taken against malpractice in weight and measurement across the state. The Directorate of Legal Metrology conducted 3,12,326 inspections over the past two years, registering 10,756 cases. Among these, 153 cases involved direct cheating in weight and measurement, while 10,603 cases were for other violations. The government has collected Rs 3.11 crore in fines, including Rs 23.51 lakh specifically for cheating related to measurement and weighing.
Also Read: Odisha CHSE Plus II Exam Dates Announced, Read In Details
The government said regular enforcement drives will continue to ensure consumer protection and fair trade practices.
Replying on behalf of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department in the Assembly, the Minister of State Pradeep Bal Samanta said Madhuri Dixit’s international appeal is expected to boost the visibility of Odisha’s handloom products in global markets and enhance livelihood opportunities for weavers. The government hopes the association will help the state’s intricate weaving traditions reach “corners of the world.”
Forest Fires
An alarming picture of forest fire destruction emerged in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday, with the Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informing that 4,609 hectares of forest land have been damaged by fires between July 2024 and December 2, 2025.
In a written reply, the Minister said repeated fire incidents across multiple forest divisions have caused extensive ecological loss. The government has intensified monitoring and fire-prevention measures, he added.
The Minister also highlighted plantation efforts, stating that Rs 4 crore has been spent in the last two years to undertake plantation activities over 56,880 hectares of forest land.
Govt Collects 3.11 Crore Fine from 'Weight' Violators
In a separate written reply, the government reported significant action taken against malpractice in weight and measurement across the state. The Directorate of Legal Metrology conducted 3,12,326 inspections over the past two years, registering 10,756 cases. Among these, 153 cases involved direct cheating in weight and measurement, while 10,603 cases were for other violations. The government has collected Rs 3.11 crore in fines, including Rs 23.51 lakh specifically for cheating related to measurement and weighing.
Also Read: Odisha CHSE Plus II Exam Dates Announced, Read In Details
The government said regular enforcement drives will continue to ensure consumer protection and fair trade practices.
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