Odisha govt forms inter-ministerial panel to address farmers' issues

The Odisha government on Monday formed an inter-ministerial committee to resolve the issues raised by the agitating farmers in the ongoing protest in the state.

A large number of farmers from across the state under the banner of Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) marched to Bhubaneswar to stage a demonstration demanding "Price, Prestige, and Pension".

The three-member committee, headed by Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera, will prepare terms of reference to discuss the demands of the agitating farmers.

"Odisha Government is committed to the cause of the farmers' welfare, our government has consistently been proactive for the cause and welfare of the farmers and development of agriculture in the state," the Finance Minister said.

"We urge the farmers to come forward for the discussion with the government, we are ready to discuss the issues of farmers" Behera added.

Meanwhile, farmers advancing towards the state capital on NH 16 from Cuttack and other sides of the city were stopped and Section 144 was also imposed to stall the protest on Monday.