Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: Odisha's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled a slew of projects totaling Rs 2200 crore in Balasore district, marking a significant development initiative on Wednesday. Among the highlights was the inauguration of the Smriti Pith dedicated to the revered figures Manmath Das and Manoj Das at Shankhari in the district.
In his tribute to the legacies of Manmath Das and Manoj Das, the Chief Minister lauded their invaluable contributions to literature and history, bringing pride not just to the region but to the entire nation. He expressed gratitude to the families of the esteemed individuals for their wholehearted support in establishing this memorial.
Additionally, the Chief Minister launched the 'Labha' scheme aimed at granting community forest rights over minor forest produce to the tribal communities of Nilgiris. Moreover, as part of the JAGA Mission, land rights certificates were distributed to the slum dwellers of the Remuna Notified Area Council.
Highlighting the government's commitment to grassroots development, the Chief Minister emphasized various initiatives like the Biju Health Welfare Yojana, Lakshmi Bus scheme, and interest-free loans for women farmers and youths. He underscored the transformative impact of programs like Nua-O on students, fostering enthusiasm and self-assurance among them, while affirming the collective effort towards building a progressive Odisha.
The projects unveiled stemmed from proposals gathered during the visit of 5T Chairman VK Pandian to Balasore district, further illustrating the government's responsiveness to local needs. Additionally, the introduction of a city bus service for Balasore city was announced, aiming to enhance local connectivity.
The program saw coordination by 5T Chairman VK Pandian, emphasizing efficient governance and implementation strategies. Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Minister Ashwini Kumar Patra hailed the occasion as historic for Balasore, commending the government's commitment to preserving the legacies of the region's luminaries.