: Taking a dig at the Naveen Patnaik Government for asking Central public sector units to contribute to its Rs. 5-per-meal scheme, the BJP on Sunday said that the ruling party was misusing corporate social responsibility funds.
Central PSUs like Mahanadi Coalfields Limited and Steel Authority of India Limited backed out of Aahar scheme proposed by the BJD Government to provide meals to the urban poor at Rs 5 per meal.
“CSR funds are not meant for charity. The fund is spent on the basis of a well laid-out guideline. It is used for sustainable development and creation of assets. Asking Central PSUs to fund the Aahar scheme highlights the ulterior motive of the Naveen Patnaik Government,” Bijoy Mohapatra, senior BJP leader, said addressing a press conference here on Sunday.
“The BJP is not opposed to providing food to the urban poor at a cheaper price. If the Naveen Patnaik Government is so committed to the cause, it could have made provisions in the budget,” Mr. Mohapatra said.
He said SAIL was paying Rs. 8 crore for the Mid Day Meal scheme, which is participated by both the State and Centre.
“The CSR fund should be spent on long-term development projects. Although it is not confirmed, SAIL is contemplating to pitch in Rs. 200 crore for setting up of a medical college at Rourkela,” BJP leader said.
Mr. Mohapatra said at present, Rs. 800 crore from CSR funds was utilised for construction of toilets in schools under Swachh Bharat Mission programme.
“The Naveen Patnaik Government cannot meet its election expenditure from CSR funds, which are meant for a larger cause. It is laughable that State Government resorts to its habitual blame game by holding the Narendra Modi Government responsible for Central PSU backing out of Aahar scheme,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, the BJP announced its support to State-wide demonstration called by Odisha Power Consumers’ Federation in protest of the power tariff hike decision on Tuesday.
It is laughable the Odisha Government holds the Modi Government responsible for Central PSU backing out of Aahar scheme
Bijoy Mohapatra
Senior BJP leader
