Special Visit / Cuttack, Ganjam Gear up for President Murmu’s Odisha Visit

Bhubaneswar, Aug 1:  Preparations are in full swing in Odisha as President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit Cuttack and Ganjam districts in the coming days.

On August 3, the President will inaugurate the Jagadguru Kripalu University at Banki in Cuttack. In view of her visit, the district administration has imposed strict restrictions on heavy vehicle movement along the Baranga-Banki route.

District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, in coordination with the Regional Transport Authority, announced that trucks, tippers, tractors, and vehicles carrying construction materials such as sand and chips will be prohibited from plying between Baranga Office Chhak, Trishulia, Godisahi, Bharat Masala Chhak, CISF Mundali, Ramchandi (Banki), and the university road.

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The restrictions will be in force from midnight of August 2 until midnight of August 3. Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring smooth traffic management, public convenience, and the President’s security.

Following her Cuttack programme, President Murmu will visit Ganjam district on August 4. She is scheduled to offer prayers at the revered Maa Kandhuni Devi shrine at Tapthapani in T Gobindapur Panchayat under Sanakhemundi block.

The President will also have lunch at the Pantha Nivas after the temple visit before returning to Berhampur.

The district administration has already begun preparations, including temple cleaning, road repairs, and enhanced security arrangements. Senior officials, including the District Collector and SP, have reviewed the situation, while police remain vigilant to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, President Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which introduces stricter penalties for examination-related malpractices such as paper leaks.

The law ministry issued a Gazette notification on Friday confirming the assent, days after both Houses of Parliament passed the legislation.

The Rajya Sabha cleared the Bill through a voice vote amid a walkout by INDIA bloc parties, while the Lok Sabha had passed it earlier. The Centre said the amendments reinforce its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public examinations and protecting students’ interests.