Separate Padampur district by 2023, says Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Padampur sub-division of Bargarh in Odisha will be declared as a separate district by 2023, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while addressing a public meeting in support of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate Barsha Singh Bariha ahead of the December 5 by-election.

“Your dream for a separate Padampur district would be fulfilled in 2023,” said Patnaik amid thunderous applause and loud cheers from the public.

The residents of Padampur have been seeking a separate district for them since last many years. An action committee for separate Padampur district had earlier met the Chief Minister to put forth their demand.

The Chief Minister had reportedly assured the panel that Padampur would be carved out as a separate district during the next reorganization of districts in Odisha.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister targeted the Centre for delay in the settlement of insurance claims of Padampur farmers for their crop loss in the 2021 kharif season.

“The Centre has launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to provide insurance coverage to crop loss. But, the state government is paying 50 per cent of the insurance premium for the farmers of Odisha. The insurance claims of Padampur farmers were held up for 18 months without any valid reason. The Centre was forced clear the insurance money only when the farmers of Padampur obstructed the BJP nominee to file nomination for the December 5 bypoll. Despite this, many farmers of the constituency are yet to get their insurance money,” claimed the Chief Minister.

Patnaik criticized the Centre for its failure to provide proper MSP to the farmers. “The BJP leaders had promised to double the MSP in 2014. But, they are yet to fulfill their promise. The Centre has been neglecting the farmers of Odisha since last many years,” he alleged.

The Chief Minister further claimed that the BJD under his leadership will continue its fight to give justice to Odia people. “The BJD will continue its fight from the Palli (village) to Parliament to secure the interests of Odisha people,” he said.