In separate tragic incidents, two job aspirants lost their lives while participating in a physical test conducted by the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC).
The incidents were reported from Sundargarh and Keonjhar districts.
The deceased, identified as Byomakesh Nayak from Keonjhar and Prabin Kumar Panda from Rourkela in Sundargarh, were taking part in the recruitment process for Forest Guards, Foresters, and Livestock Inspectors.
Prabin Kumar Panda collapsed during a 25 km run from Bhabanipur to Baragada and was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
Expressing his grief over the tragic incidents, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 4 lakh for each family of the deceased. The funds will be disbursed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The state government has assured a thorough investigation into the incidents and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants in such recruitment processes.