The new Council of Ministers of Odisha headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday approved in principle the poll manifesto of the ruling Biju Janata Dal as priority of the State government.
Addressing the meeting hours after the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Patnaik said that 365 days from today on May 29, 2020, his government will present before the people the government’s achievements vis-à-vis promises.
Urging the Council of Ministers to put in their best efforts in this regard, he asked the Ministers to focus on transformation towards “a new Odisha – an empowered Odisha – where poverty will be a thing of the past”.
“An empowered Odisha where women are equal partners in growth and development, an empowered Odisha which is inclusive of all vulnerable sections in its landscape of development, an empowered Odisha where the dreams of our youth come true. The world should know that Odisha’s time has come. And our time starts now,” Mr. Patnaik added.
Stating that the people of the State had once again blessed them to serve them, Mr. Patnaik emphasised on the Ts of governance – Teamwork, Transparency and Technology leading to Transformation.
Fifth dimension
Adding a fifth dimension to this – Time — Mr. Patnaik said that time is of critical essence. He said that the State government got international recognition during Cyclone Fani because of timely evacuation.
The State Cabinet approved enhancement of the number of beneficiaries under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentationscheme to 75 lakh families.
“This is 33 lakh more than the existing 42 lakh families. Fund release through direct benefit transfer starts from today with immediate effect and about 25 lakh additional families will be assisted in a week’s time,” Mr. Patnaik said after the meeting. As promised by Mr. Patnaik before the elections, the Cabinet also approved ₹1,000 crore worth of government business to be done by women self-help groups through the Mission Shakti programme.
