Finance
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched nine projects in western Odisha via video conferencing and laid the groundwork for nine more.
While Rs 14.69 crore was invested in the nine projects that were launched, the cost of the nine projects for which the foundation was laid is Rs 33.68 crore. The projects will cost a total of Rs 48.37 crores.
Schools, kalyan mandaps, sports complexes, and a millet processing project in Komna are among the projects that have been launched.
Similarly, projects for which the groundwork has been laid include eco-tourism, infrastructure, eco-parks, stadiums, handicraft malls, and so on.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Patnaik stated that the state government has prioritized development in western Odisha in order to eliminate regional disparities. He stated that the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) has completed approximately 40,000 projects since 2000.
The Chief Minister stated that the WODC’s annual grant was increased from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore last year, which has created an opportunity to take on more projects.
“We are giving special emphasis on agriculture, irrigation and industry along with infrastructure for the development of western Odisha. Along with this, special plans are being implemented for the development of tourism and handicrafts. Similarly, tourist destinations like Harishankar, Nrusinghanath and Maa Samlei temple are being developed,” he said.
Patnaik stated that the work on the western Odisha Corridor of the Biju Expressway will be completed soon, which will stimulate the economic process in the state.
He also stated that a Special Initiative package for the industry will be announced at the upcoming Make-in-Odisha Conclave.
The Chief Minister asked for everyone’s help in moving western Odisha’s development forward.
The Chief Minister unveiled a special logo and WODC project monitoring dashboard on this occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Planning and Convergence Minister Rajendra Dholkia praised the Chief Minister’s vision and efforts for the development of western Odisha, emphasizing the Chief Minister’s efforts to make Odisha a prominent state in the country through various development programs.
Among those present were Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, Development Commissioner P K Jena, and Secretary to the Chief Minister (5T) VK Pandian.
In his introductory remarks, WODC Chairman Asit Tripathi stated that the Chief Minister has always emphasized the development of western Odisha and has advised the Council accordingly.
Projects are being developed in accordance with the Baseline Economic Data of each district in western Odisha, as well as the availability of basic facilities in various regions. He stated that WODC offices have been established in all districts of western Odisha.
Ajit Mishra, CEO of WODC, proposed the vote of thanks. This program featured members of the State Cabinet, MPs, and MLAs from western Odisha.
Source:OCM
