Naveen Patnaik to visit UK from May 22

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is all set to embark upon a nine day visit of United Kingdom starting from May 22, his first ever foreign trip since he took over the reins of the state in 2000.

Sources say, to strengthen partnership between Odisha and Department for International Development (DFID) that supports the state in various sectors, including health, education, public sector enterprises and other allied activities, Patnaik has decided to go to Britain.

The Chief Minister’s delegation will comprise of his principal secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, principal secretary, School and Mass Education Rajesh Verma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary for Women and Child Development Arti Ahuja and personal secretary V Karthikeyan Pandian.

Similarly, minister of Textile and Handloom and Science and Technology Usha Devi, Information technology and fisheries minister Ramesh Chnadra Majhi and Special secretary- Pancahyati Raj, Usha Padhi are also likely to join the Patnaik’s caravan.

Patnaik’s visit to UK will focus on discussions on issues related to reduction of poverty and malnutrition.

Besides holding discussion with DFID, the chief minister will open the first ever exhibition on Odisha Handloom in London as handloom and handicraft products of the state have always attracted people in the UK and other European countries.