Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved a proposal for construction of 150 multipurpose cultural-cum-community centres for the people of minority communities in Odisha.

Patnaik said the initiative will help preserve the culture and heritage of minority communities of the state.

The state government has sanctioned Rs 45 crore for construction of such centres in 22 districts. The funds will be utlilised for construction of community centres for Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Sikh people in these districts.

The initiative aims at creating space for the people of the minority communities to undertake various community based activities, said an official.