Bhubaneswar, May 13:BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra held a meeting with Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the developmental needs of Odisha’s Gajapati district, which is the state’s only officially recognized Minority Concentration District.

During the meeting, Dr. Patra formally requested the establishment of a Medical College in Gajapati and sought enhanced support under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). He also urged the central government to strengthen initiatives in minority education, skill development, residential facilities for girls, and community infrastructure across the district.

Highlighting the district’s unique demographic profile and its significant tribal and minority population, Dr. Patra pointed out that Gajapati continues to face longstanding challenges in healthcare, education, and overall socio-economic development. He emphasized that setting up a Medical College would greatly improve healthcare access for residents in the remote and underserved regions of southern Odisha.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reportedly received the proposals with keen interest and assured that the concerns raised by Dr. Patra would be given careful consideration. Following the discussions, the BJD MP expressed optimism about the central government’s willingness to support the inclusive and holistic development of Gajapati district.