Keonjhar: After the popularity of the KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced the commencement of 'KALIA Chhatra Bruti', a scheme which will provide scholarships to the children of KALIA beneficiaries for higher education.

An announcement in this regard was made by Patnaik at a farmers’ congregation at Pandapada in Keonjhar district.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said, "I want your (farmers) children to prosper and excel in future, for which I have started the 'KALIA Chhatra Bruti' programme."

Under the scheme, the State Government will bear the educational expenses of the children of farmers (KALIA beneficiaries) who are pursuing professional courses in Government Colleges as per merit basis, official sources said.

On the occasion, Patnaik also inaugurated 17 welfare projects worth Rs 66 crore and laid foundation for 47 projects worth Rs 2,100 crore. He has also approved drinking water projects worth Rs 1,050 crore to supply safe drinking water in the district.