Opposition flays Odisha govt over poor implementation of Fire Service Act

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Oct 23:

Days after Odisha Fire Services DG Binoy Behera cited his helplessness to take action against fire service regulation violators under Fire Service Act 1993, Opposition Congress and BJP today pulled up the State Government over its failure to frame certain rules in order to implement the Act successfully.

“The father of the sitting Chief Minister got that bill (Fire Service Act) passed in the Assembly back in 1993. His son, in power since past 16 years, has not been able to implement it successfully. Who should we hold responsible for that? The way things stand now, the government departments can’t wash their hands off,” said senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra pointing to the recent Sum hospital fire incident that have killed 26 so far.

“The Fire Services DG has expressed his inability to take any action (against violators of fire service regulation). He has given up because of gross incompetence on parts of the government. I wonder how this government manages to rule. The Home Department and the Chief Minister are the real culprits,” said former PCC President Niranjan Patnaik.

Biju Janata Dal, on the other hand, tried to put the blame back on the opposition.

“The rule first came in 1993. It is 2016. If there are still gaps to fill, someone or other must have made lapses. Necessary changes and additions could have been made between 1995 and 2000,” said BJD Spokesperson Pratap Deb pointing to Congress rule in the state during the said period.

He, however, was quick to confess that necessary steps could have been taken between 2000 and 2016 as well. Further, he assured that the government will take corrective measures to make necessary changes to the Act.