Naveen meets Modi, seeks Rs 5,000 cr for FANI restoration in Odisha

New Delhi: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter’s official residence here and sought Central assistance for restoration work in the aftermath of cyclone FANI in the state.

“I met the Prime Minister and asked for Rs 5,000 crore assistance for cyclone FANI and 5 lakh pucca houses for the affected people,” Patnaik said to mediapersons after the meeting, which lasted for 20 minutes.

The CM reiterated the demand of granting Special Category State status to Odisha and requested the PM for revision of coal royalty.

“I also asked for the revision of coal royalty which hasn’t been done for a number of years… that will give us a lot of revenue,” he said.

On being asked by reporters whether he had discussion over the implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme in Odisha or Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker post, the CM answered in negative.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan had recently urged Patnaik to implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in Odisha.

Speculations are also rife over BJD MP from Cuttack, Bhartruhari Mahtab becoming the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.