CM Patnaik Launches ‘Ama Odisha Naveen Odisha Scheme’; Opposition Slams BJD Govt – News18

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched the first phase of his government’s ambitious programme  ‘Ama Odisha Naveen Odisha’ with the aim of strengthening the administrative infrastructure and building a strong Odisha.

The programme, which will focus on every panchayat and every village in the state, was launched via virtual mode in Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts today.

An amount of Rs 3,397 crore will be spent for the ‘Ama Odisha Naveen Odisha’ programme across the state. It will cover 6,794 panchayats and as many as 90,723 projects will be implemented under the programme across the state. As per the programme, each village will get Rs 10 lakh.

The programme will also implement the Jagannath culture and develop digital infrastructure in each village. Creating the basic foundation for building an ambitious Odisha the state is expected to spread its wings and build ‘Ama Odisha Naveen Odisha’ in order to tap into the broad spectrum of modern technology from the state’s strong cultural base.

“Odisha is the land of Jagannath. Love, peace, harmony, equality and service are the messages of Jagannath culture. Irrespective of caste, religion, and community, Odisha has made everyone its own. The ‘Ama Odisha Naveen Odisha’ programme will preserve the Jagannath culture in every village. Every place of worship will be developed and heritage sites will be preserved,” CM Patnaik said. He further said that the preservation and protection of these cultural and heritage sites are essential for future generations.

An amount of Rs 148.5 crore has been sanctioned by the government under the programme for 3,568 projects in the 297-gram panchayats of the six constituencies of Keonjhar. Additionally, Rs 109 crore has been sanctioned for 3,337 projects in 218 gram panchayats in the five assembly constituencies of Bhadrak district.

Several opposition leaders from BJP and Congress have targeted the ruling party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the scheme.

Leader of Opposition Jay Narayan Mishra criticized the scheme saying that the state government is campaigning with people’s money to advertise their symbol. He has also warned to take up the matter with law enforcement agencies.

Mishra also said, “There are lots of corruption like PMAY, Student Scholarship in Odisha. Using Party symbol in the scheme is illegal..”

The Congress party also targeted the Naveen Patnaik-led government. Congress leader Sudarshan Das said, “BJD has used the party symbol in the adertisement of Ama Odisha, Naveen Odisha scheme. It is an anti-constitutional scheme and we had prayed to the court on this scheme. He further added, “We appeal to not use party symbol to implement the scheme.”

Responding to the allegations against the BJD, Food & Supply Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said, “Conch is a sacred symbol. If it is illegal. If BJP is raising the issue, then how is ‘Janaushadhi’ being named with BJP?”