Odisha CM distributes land rights to landless slum dwellers

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday distributed land rights to landless slum dwellers in Puri as part of the "Jaga Mission" which seeks to empower 18 lakh people in urban areas of the state.

The chief minister distributed land 'pattas' to slum dwellers at a special programme held in the pilgrim town of Puri.

"The Mission is aimed at bringing smiles on the faces of poor people," said Patnaik.

Describing the programme as a unique move in the country, Patnaik said land patta had been provided to 6,500 families residing in 22 slum clusters of Puri.

Two lakh families living in 2,000 slums spread across urban areas of the state would be provided with land rights under the "Jaga Mission," he said.

Odisha government targets to provide land rights to around 18 lakh urban slum dwellers residing in Municipal Corporation and Notified Area Council (NAC) areas in the state as part of the "Jaga Mission", said an official.

"Only landless people will be provided with land pattas in urban areas," said state's Urban Development Minister Niranjan Pujari.

Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries will also get facilities including housing under AWAAS, pipe water supply, smart LED lights and toilets. The state government has allocated Rs 100 crore for the programme during 2018-19, sources said.

Earlier, the chief minister's visit to Puri was opposed by BJP activists who staged a protest holding black flags. The demonstrators tried to take out a rally from VIP Road to Stadium Chhak but they were stopped by police.

Opposition BJP hit out at the state government accusing it of having "failed" to record of rights to the permanent residents of Puri.

BJP leader Golak Mohapatra alleged that the government was giving misleading information about the programme. While the number of beneficiaries was earlier put at 10 lakh in August and September, it has now suddenly been increased to 18 lakh, he claimed.