We continued schemes despite Central aid cut: Naveen
Rayagada/Gajapati: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today attacked the Centre over its ‘no assistance’ for Odisha’s much-hyped schemes like Aahar and Re 1 rice to poor beneficiaries.
“Centre denied to provide funds for Aahar Yojana, launched by Odisha government, and Re 1 rice scheme. But the State government continued the schemes from its expenses,” said Patnaik during election campaign rallies held at Gunupur in Rayagada district and Gajapati’s Mohana today.
The Centre denied to help 30 lakh poor beneficiaries to avail them Re 1 rice, he said asking the gathering “Are you happy with Re 1 rice? This is your money. Is it justified to ignore people’s basic requirements?”
Countering to BJP’s attack on non implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme in Odisha, he clarified that State’s own healthcare scheme is much better than Centrally sponsored health scheme.
“Only Rs 5 lakh is provided under Ayushman Bharat for women’s health, whereas we are giving Rs 7 lakh under State’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana,” Patnaik said at election rally in Gunupur.
He also targeted the Centre over its negligence towards Odisha in releasing funds for drinking water and irrigation projects.
“While Centre is giving Rs 1,000 crore for drinking water, But the State has spent Rs 12,000 crore in the project. Similarly, the State has spent Rs 20,000 crore for irrigation, but Centre is giving only Rs 250 crore,” the BJD chief said.
He pointed out Centre’s insensitive attitude towards Odisha during Cyclonic storm Titli.
“Centre was inconsiderate towards plight of Odisha people when the State was devastated by the Nature’s fury Titli as it provided financial assistance first to Andhra Pradesh ignoring Odisha,” Patnaik said.
He further said that 4.5 crore Odisha people his family.
“I will continue serving you till my last breathe,” he added.
Worth mentioning, Patnaik has been rigorously campaigning for the party candidates both Lok Sabha and Assembly for the upcoming general elections.
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