Party Name : Indian National Congress
Constituency : Kalahandi
State : Odisha
Member Experience : Elected to Loksabha 3 time
Last Loksabha Attended : 15
Father's Name : Shri Dibakar Das
Mother's Name : Late Smt. Bilasha Das
Date of birth : 26 Nov 1958
Profession : Social Worker Advocate, Journalist
Positions held :
1985-1989 Member, Orissa Legislative AssemblyMember, Committee on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Orissa Legislative Assembly1989 Elected to 9th Lok Sabha1989-1990 Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Steel1990 Deputy Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs1990-1991 Union Minister of State, Railways1996 Re-elected to 11th Lok Sabha (2nd term)1996-1998 Member, Standing Committee on Mines2009 Re-elected to 15th Lok Sabha (3rd term)1 May 2009 Member, Committee on Finance31 Aug. 2009 Member, Committee on EstimatesMember, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Environment and ForestMember, Central Employment Guarantee Council9 Jun. 2013 Member, House Committee
More Information :
Literary, Artistic & Scientific Accomplishments
Wrote articles on poverty, hunger, economic disparity and land reforms published in leading newspapers at National and State level in Hindi, English and Oriya. Wrote "let us talk politics" in Congress Sandesh; several mimeographed articles, and booklets on the ecosystem, mining and displacement of tribals in Kalahandi
Social And Cultural Activities
As Chairman, Green Kalahandi, engaged in promoting tribals rights and lifestyles, ecosystems and livelihoods; as patron of several development organizations and community based organizations, promoting empowerment of the disadvantaged, gender equity and social development; also promoting of Oriya culture mainly folk dance, and local customs that build social capital; as chairman of All India Chhatra Sangharsh Vahini, has been crusading for the social and democratic rights of students
Special Interests
Minute study of rural India with special emphasis on Kalahandi; building contacts and partnership with all those engaged in grassroots field activities like environmental issues
Favourite Pastime and Recreation
Singing patriotic songs, listening to classical music, staying and socializing with villagers, reading/watching episodes of Bhagvat Gita and spending time with friends
Sports and Clubs
Badminton, swimming, long walks, cycling, encouraging sports amongst the students and youths, providing help and guidance to youth clubs
Countries Visited
Widelly travelled
Other Information
President, Bennett and Coleman Employee Association, 1989-90; led a 4000 km. padyatra and cycle yatras to awaken the masses throughout the states of Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh on issues concerning the youth, farmers, tribals, unemployment, social unrest, environment and wasteland management; leading role played in the successful distribution of land to landless in Bodh Gaya; highlighted the facts related to the 1985 famine at Kalahandi in the Assembly; ensured national and international attention on the issue and fought for the alleviation of the situation; also engaged in preserving the life and culture of the Dongaria tribe of the Niyamgiri hills (Kalahandi) which is on the verge of extinction; engaged in promoting environmental and livelihood security of the people theatened by displacement.
