Ten Odisha collectors discuss problems with Niti Aayog members

The collectors of Odisha's ten aspirational districts have apprised the Niti Aayog of the problems faced by them while implementing the welfare schemes for the poor people in the state, officials said.

The Niti Ayog and all state governments have identified some backward and tribal dominated districts across the country as 'spirational districts' for their development.

The collectors discussed the challenges with the NITI Aayog members, including its CEO Amitabh Kant and central 'Pravari' officers, in a video conference yesterday.

The collectors apprised them of the strength, potential, present status and challenges of their respective districts which were taken note by NITI Aayog CEO Kant, the officials said.

The collectors pointed out the challenges like lack of banking facility, upgradation of medical facilities, starting of health and wellness centres, data connectivity and extremist effected districts, they said.

The collectors of the districts of Koraput, Gajapati, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Dhenkanal, Nabrangpur, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Malkangiri and Rayagada participated in the meeting.

Kant in his response said "the state has given very practical, positive and pertinent suggestions. NITI Ayog will take up the issues with respective ministries and find out appropriate solutions.

The transformation of the 'Aspirational District Programmes' focused on five thematic areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial Inclusion and skill development and basic infrastructure.

The meeting was presided over by Odisha Chief Secretary A P Padhi.

Padhi said there was urgent need for creation of banking facilities, establishment of data and digital connectivity, credit flow to agriculture and MS&ME sector from commercial banks, establishment of railway connectivity, timely flow of ST and SC scholarships, flexibility in the flagship programmes like Pradhan Mantri Matrubandana Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.