Odisha's financial share raised: Sitharaman

Says the state is all set to get Rs 1.12 lakh crore extra as its share has been raised up to 42%

Refuting allegations about Odisha being neglected by Centre, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said the state is all set to get Rs 1.12 lakh crore extra as its share has been raised up to 42 per cent.

"Allocations are made on the basis of recommendation of the Finance Commission. As Odisha's share is enhanced from 38 per cent to 42 per cent, it is set to get Rs 1,12,677 crore in next five years," the Union commerce and industry minister told reporters here.

The minister refuted ruling BJD's charge about the Centre's neglect towards Odisha.

This year alone, Odisha has got Rs 8,231 crore, she informed, adding, the Finance Commission gave its recommendations after consulting all state governments.

Therefore, none can claim that the state was not consulted, the senior BJP leader said.

In fact, the Finance Commission rationalised allocation for different schemes while making its recommendations, Sitharaman asserted.

On the Rs 52,000 crore Posco steel plant, the Union minister sought to blame the Odisha government for the uncertainty over the country's biggest FDI project.

It is the state government, and not the Centre, which has to decide about the fate of the plant, Sitharaman said.

Stating that Odisha would be the biggest beneficiary of e-auction of minerals, including coal, the Union minister said the state is set to receive around Rs 2 lakh crore.

She said the state got the highest ever allocation of Rs 2,514 crore in rail budget.

Similarly, Rs 50 crore has been provided by the Centre for 'Nabakalebar' festival of Lord Sri Jagannath, she said.

On BJD's contention that Odisha was left out in the industrial corridor mooted by the Centre, Sitharaman said Odisha cannot be ignored as the Kolkata-Vizag corridor would certainly touch the state.

Stating that the government's focus was on reviving industries and manufacturing sector, she said Odisha can never be left out as about 40 per cent of its GSDP is contributed by the industrial sector. Reiterating that the Centre accords due importance to the state, the Union minister said proposals to set up Indian Institute of Management, IISER and a super speciality hospital in Rourkela only negated the allegation.