The new Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik resolved to approve the Biju Janata Dal poll manifesto and implement the promises in a phased manner.
In their first meeting held hours after the swearing-in ceremony, the new Council of Ministers also thanked the people of Odisha and expressed their gratitude to them for once again reposing their trust in them to serve them for the next five years.
In its manifesto for the recently held elections, the BJD had promised to fulfil primary infrastructure needs in areas like road communication, drinking water, electrification, irrigation, agriculture and education in a time-bound manner so that these benefits get to the people on time.
The party had also said that it would provide shelter security for all. “Every household should have a pucca house. In a phased manner all kuchcha houses will be provided assistance for conversion to pucca houses,” the party said in its manifesto.
Among other things, the BJD had also promised health security for all, food security for all, quality education for all, youth empowerment, women empowerment, empowerment of scheduled castes and tribes, minority welfare, protection of slum dwellers, industrial growth, development of western Odisha and KBK region, and among other things fight for special category status for Odisha and Odia Swabhiman (pride).
Meanwhile, Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi congratulated Mr. Patnaik after the latter took oath of office and secrecy as Chief Minister for the fourth consecutive term.
Talking to Mr. Patnaik over phone, Mr. Modi congratulated the Chief Minister and expressed hope that Odisha will achieve all-round development under his leadership.
There was jubilation among the government employees at the State Secretariat here when Mr. Patnaik came to his office after he was sworn-in as Chief Minister at the Raj Bhavan for a record fourth term.
