Bhubaneswar, February 22: As per direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Chairman 5T and Nabin Odisha Kartik Pandian visited Ganjam District on Thursday.
Pandian reviewed the progress of Pipalapanka Dam Project in Sorada Block, Janivilly Barrage Project in Dharakote Block and Cheligada Irrigation Project in Digapahandi Block at a total cost of Rs. 1300 Crs. and would provide irrigation to a total ayacut area of 1,84,000 Acres.
Pandian participated in public grievance meetings at Bellaguntha, Dharakote, Kukudakhandi and Patrapur.
He informed about the major decisions taken by the Chief Minister like increase in social security pensions across all categories by Rs. 500 each that would benefit around 58 Lakhs beneficiaries.
Kartik Pandian also told that pensions under Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana and Mukhyamantri Bunakar o Karigara Sahayata Yojana has also been increased from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 2,000 by the Chief Minister.
He also informed that financial assistance under MAMATA Yojana was increased from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000. This will further benefit women and infants towards improved nutrition and better health outcomes.
For the benefit of under graduate and post graduate students studying in State universities, Govt and non-govt. aided colleges including Sanskrit Colleges and unaided colleges under Higher Education dept, he informed the novel initiative of Chief Minister in providing Nua-O Scholarships under which Male students will get Rs 9,000, while the Female Students will get Rs 10,000 per annum; The students belonging to eligible SC/ST and Nirman Shramik Families will get Rs 10,000 ( Male) and Rs 11,000 (Female) per annum. The scholarships for the current academic year will be deposited in the bank accounts of the eligible students from Feb 26th onwards.
Pandian also informed about the new scheme SWAYAM i.e. Swatantra Yuva Udyami launched by the Chief Minister to boost self-employment and entrepreneurship among the youth in the age group of 18-35 years.
He informed about the rolling out of bus service under LaCCMI Scheme in every Gram Panchayat of Ganjam district in which the bus fare for female passengers and students will be Rs 5 only.
Pandian during his interaction with the public and received the grievances on various issues and assured them an early resolution. He was welcomed by local people and leaders in large numbers throughout his tour today.
