Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sanctioned Rs 10 crore for development of Ol Chiki script inventor Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu memorial.

The Chief Minister approved the plan given by the district administration for the development of Pandit Raghunath Murmu memorial following 5T Secretary VK Pandian's recent visit to Mayurbhanj district. Accordingly, Rs 75 lakh will be spent for the development of Pandit Raghunath Murmu's Samadhi Peeth located at Dandbose - Kapi-Buru in Mayurbhanj district. Similarly, a meditation centre will also be set up there at a cost of Rs 75 lakh, a press release from Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated today.

Besides, there is a plan to spend Rs 3 crore for the development of boundary wall and connecting roads at Kapi-Buru, while Rs 2 crore will be spent for an auditorium and research centre. The district administration will spend Rs 1 crore on dormitory and other facilities for the convenience of tourists coming from there. Rs 70 lakh will be spent for the beautification and reception of Kapi-Buru. Rs 1 crore will be spent on development of Dandbose, Bidu Chandan outdoor area and Marang-Ahara pond. Apart from this, it has been decided that Rs 80 lakh will be spent for drinking water and electrification.

All the work will be completed by the Public Works Department under 5T programme. The Chief Minister has directed the administration to complete the work as soon as possible.

On the instructions of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, 5T Secretary VK Pandian had recently visited Mayurbhanj district for two days on March 2. During his two-day programme, he had visited Pandit Raghunath Murmu memorial at Dandbose and also made his visit to the litterateur's residence in Baripada. During the meeting with people belonging to Santali community, he had promised that the State Government will take steps for development of memorial of Pandit Raghunath Murmu. He advised the district administration to prepare a comprehensive plan accordingly.

The contribution of Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu to Santali society, its language and literature is well known. He had strengthened the cultural identity of Santali community by inventing Ol Chiki script. The Santali script is also recognized as a scientific literature. Pandit Murmu has created many timeless literature in Santali language using Ol Chiki script. He is remembered not only in Santali community but in Indian literature for his timeless literary works. His great contribution to Santali society has always made him revered. In memory of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, Odisha Government has named Baripada Medical College after him. In honor of Pandit Murmu's contribution to the Santali community, the state government has also declared Budhha Purnima, his birth anniversary, as a public holiday.