Odisha failed to utilise DMF for welfare of tribals: PM Modi

Balangir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Odisha’s Balangir district today, criticised the State Government for not being able to spend the District Mineral Fund (DMF) for the welfare of tribals.

In his speech at a public meeting at the Patharachepa Ground here, which commenced with ‘Jai Jagannath’ and concluded with ‘Bande Utkala Janani’, the PM said, “Odisha has got more than Rs 4,000 crore due to our (BJP-led Central Government) decision to create District Mineral Fund. It will help in the development of the tribal areas where mining is carried out. Unfortunately, the state government hasn’t been able to spend that money for the welfare of the tribals.”

Modi also highlighted about the development projects launched by him in Odisha during his recent visits to the state.

“In a month, more than Rs 20,000 crore of development projects have been either inaugurated or initiated in Odisha. Projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore in sectors like education, connectivity, culture and tourism, that have been launched today, will not only spur the growth of Odisha but also of eastern India,” he said.

Coming down heavily on the Opposition parties, the PM said, “Some parties were against organizing International Yoga Day. They raised questions on erecting the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. They were also against changing the names of islands in Andaman and Nicobar islands.”

“My pro-poor decisions have enraged people who used to loot public money. They have now been deprived of the opportunities to plunder public money,” he added.

Mentioning about the achievements of the BJP Government, he said, “In the last 4 years, we have cancelled around 6 crore fake ration cards, gas connections, scholarships. We plugged this leakage, saving crores of money. All ration cards have been digitised and around 80% of ration cards have been linked with Aadhaar.”