Naveen Patnaik writes PM Modi, reiterates special tag demand for Odisha

  • | Friday | 18th January, 2019

On BJD’s 21st foundation day, Naveen said Odisha does not require special category status, central grants or aid if fiscal autonomy is given.“Unique geo-climatic conditions of Odisha make it vulnerable to multiple and recurring natural disasters. Odisha plays a major role in energy security of the country through its coal deposits. During the period from 1900 to 2018, the state has experienced one or the other disasters like flood, cyclone, tornado or drought every year. The iron ore deposits and other minerals have contributed significantly to nation building throughout the years. In some years, we have faced multiple disasters in a single year,” Naveen noted.As the state has faced very severe cyclones like Phalin, HudHud and Titli since 2013, the chief minister said cyclones and floods are the most frequent and devastating among natural disasters.

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday reiterated his demand for special category status to Odisha before Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting issues of central neglect and state’s vulnerability to natural calamities In a letter to the Prime Minister, Naveen justified his demand saying more than 80 per cent of the geographical area and nearly 90 per cent of population of the state are vulnerable to one or more disasters.Highlighting state’s growth under his leadership, Naveen said special status to the state will further accelerate industrial development and in turn more jobs for youths.Naveen’s demand came despite the Centre has clarified that there was no such provision following implementation of 14th finance commission recommendations Though special tag for the state remains one of the long-standing demand of Odisha, Naveen recently also raised the issue of ‘financial autonomy’ for the state. On BJD’s 21st foundation day, Naveen said Odisha does not require special category status, central grants or aid if fiscal autonomy is given.“Unique geo-climatic conditions of Odisha make it vulnerable to multiple and recurring natural disasters. During the period from 1900 to 2018, the state has experienced one or the other disasters like flood, cyclone, tornado or drought every year. In some years, we have faced multiple disasters in a single year,” Naveen noted.As the state has faced very severe cyclones like Phalin, HudHud and Titli since 2013, the chief minister said cyclones and floods are the most frequent and devastating among natural disasters. Naveen also said that the coastal areas of Odisha are likely to be more vulnerable to extreme climatic events and severe cyclonic disturbances going by the current trend of climatic change.Despite challenges, Naveen said Odisha has made steady progress on socio-economic development front in terms of increase in gross state domestic product by 50 per cent in last six years, poverty reduction by 24.61 per cent during 2004-05 to 2011-12, launching state’s own food security and health security schemes, jump in institutional delivery, immunization coverage and reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates.The chief minister also highlighted his government’s successes like malaria eradication initiative in inaccessible areas, economic empowerment of women through self-help groups, skill development, rural housing and irrigation potential.“The nation benefits immensely from the natural resources of Odisha. The iron ore deposits and other minerals have contributed significantly to nation building throughout the years. Odisha plays a major role in energy security of the country through its coal deposits. Railways get among their highest profits from Odisha,” Naveen highlighted.He said Odisha remains at the bottom in the country in most central subjects like tele density, railway network, banking network and coverage, national highways and air connectivity because of central neglect.During visit of the 15th Finance Commission to Odisha, the state government urged it to recommend the funding pattern of 90:10 in centrally sponsored schemes for Odisha at par with North Eastern and Himalayan states.

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