Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today welcomed Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's budget proposal to increase the MSP to 1.5 times on the cost of crop production and the intent of the Centre.
"It has been our constant demand to increase the MSP to 1.5 times of the cost of production of crops. I am happy that it looks like our demand has been accepted," Patnaik said.
The cost of production must take into account the actual cost incurred by farmers on a realistic basis. "I welcome the intent of the central government. At the same time, I am keenly waiting to see the modalities of the calculation," he said.
The chief minister expressed happiness over the proposed National Health Protection Scheme to cover 10 crore poor families.
"It would have been better that instead of a target of 10 crore, universal coverage extending to all eligible poor families was incorporated. If such a step is taken, the state government will fully support it," Patnaik, who is also the BJD chief, said.
The chief minister expressed disappointment over lack of allotment of funds for the backward KBK region in the state and other tribals areas. "In fact, the allocation for SCs, STs and other vulnerable sections and social sector is grosssly inadequate."
He also expressed concern over the low level of allocation for MGNREGA, midday meal scheme, National Health Mission and PMGSY. "I am surprised by the reduction in allocation under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while we have a commitment towards housing for all."
Patnaik claimed that there is inadequate emphasis on providing drinking water and marginal increase in allocation for irrigation is a serious concern.
Referring to the Railway Budget, Patnaik said Odisha contributes majorly to the earnings of the Indian Railways and it is natural expectation that it should get its due share. "We hope that out just demands like daily Rajdhani Express service via Sambalpur, train to Allahabad from Bolangir and a new daily express train to Mumbai in the name of Paika leader Baxi Jagabandhu are met immediately," Patnaik said.
Noting that the total outlay for Odisha in 2018-19 for Railways is not yet known as against the state's demand of Rs 6,500 crrore, he said "We hope this year the allotment is made as per our demand."
He said it was worrying that this year too the actual expenditure by Railways is Odisha remained low and is expected to be below 60 per cent of the budget outlay for the entire year, which is similar to the trends in the recent past.
Patnaik said announcements have been made on re-development of 600 railway stations. "Two years ago, the announcement was made for 400 stations. Nothing has happened in this sector, specifically for Odisha in which 12 stations had been chosen by Railways.
"My government has offered to make a world class and brand new railway station at Bhubaneswar, fully funded by the state and on state government land. Yet Railways have not even come forward to sign the MoU," he said adding that he was hopeful that more stations in Odisha would be included and work on them were started this year.
The chief minister said that even before the Budget, the Railways had announced a new coach manufacturing factory in Marathwada area of Maharastra. "But, it is disappoinging to note that the wagon manufacturing factory at Sitapalli in Ganjam distrct, where the state govenrment has given 100 acres and the sanction given in 2011-12, has been pushed into the cold storage stating non-requirement of wagons."
"We had requested to convert the wagon manufacturing factory to a coach manufacturing factory, but our legitimate demand has been ignored," the chief minister said.
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