Bhubaneswar: The BJP government in Odisha today urged the Centre to establish the second AIIMS at Sambalpur.

Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo raised the issue at a pre-Budget consultation meeting convened by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at New Delhi today. Notably, the central government has set up the first AIIMS in Odisha at the capital city of Bhubaneswar.

Singh Deo, on behalf of the Odisha government, has also urged the Centre for expeditious completion of highway projects, specifically the Coastal Highway and Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR), in the state.

Besides, the BJP government in Odisha sought central assistance for implementation of the Subhadra scheme in the state. Under the scheme, the state government will provide a cash voucher of Rs 50,000 to eligible women beneficiaries.

Similarly, the state government urged the Centre to sanction funds for construction of at least 5 lakh houses in the state under the PMAY scheme.

In the meeting, the Odisha government sought support from the Centre for attracting international investors to the state and developing Paradeep port.

Besides, the Odisha government also sought support from the Centre for new city development and rapid urbanization in the state.

Moreover, the BJP government in Odisha urged the Centre to provide financial assistance for adoption of new technologies like green hydrogen and setting up of Green Energy Corridor projects in the state.