Aspirations of People Reflected in Budget: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Terming the Odisha budget 2019-20 pro-farmer, pro-women, pro-poor and growth oriented, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the aspirations of people of Odisha have been reflected in the budget.

In his remarks on budget presented by Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari in the Assembly today, Naveen said that two of the major manifesto promises have been fulfilled in the budget.

The promises were to expand KALIA and include all eligible farmers, landless labourers and share croppers and to provide health cover to women up to Rupees Ten lakh, the Chief Minister said.

He further said that the KALIA scheme continues with its scope enlarged to cover 75 lakh farmers.

Under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana women will get annual medical assistance up to Rs 10 lakh, highest in the country, he said.

The Chief Minister said, “I am happy to note that funds have been allocated for Odia University as well as restoration works for Fani”.

Rupees hundred crore has been allotted for ‘JAGA Mission’ to empower slum dwellers and Rupees hundred thirty core for Mission Shakti Ghar at Gram Panchayat level, the CM added.

Overall, it is a pro-farmer, pro-women, pro-poor and growth oriented budget, Naveen emphasized.

Odisha’s economy has grown faster than the national average over last six years, he added.

He also congratulated the Finance Minister for presenting a progressive budget with strong focus on development to accelerate inclusive growth.