The Hindu : Other States / Orissa News : Committed to all-round development: Naveen

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Thursday, Dec 27, 2007
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Committed to all-round development: Naveen

Special Correspondent

Lays emphasis on development of agriculture and industry at party’s foundation day celebrations

Photo: Ashoke Chakrabarty

A milestone: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on his way to lighting the lamp at the inauguration of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Biju Janata Dal in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. —

BHUBANESWAR: Even as fresh communal violence was reported from Kandhamal district for the third day on Wednesday, the ruling Biju Janata Dal organised a massive rally in Bhubaneswar to mark its 10th foundation day with great enthusiasm.

Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik addressed the ‘Mahasamavesh’ and reiterated his party’s commitment to work for the all-round development of the State by laying emphasis on agriculture and industry.

Mr. Patnaik spoke at length about the various measures his government had initiated to increase the irrigation cover and repair the canal systems for the benefit of farmers.

Reservoir water

In a clear attempt to counter criticism against his government’s decision to allow various mineral-based industries to take water from Hirakud reservoir and other barrages, Mr. Patnaik emphasised that not a single drop of water meant for agriculture would be diverted from Hirakud or any other reservoir.

He also referred to the Rs. 2,000-crore package for development of irrigation that had been announced a few days ago. Speaking in support of the ongoing industrialisation process, Mr. Patnaik said the government would take necessary steps to allot mines to the companies that were setting up industries in the State. Stating that more than Rs. 4 lakh crores was to be invested in establishment of steel plants, aluminium refineries and power plants in the State, Mr. Patnaik said these industries would create employment opportunities in the State.

He, however, did not speak about the agitations that were going on against various industrial projects, including that of the steel plant projects of POSCO-India and Tata Steel.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the growth in the self- help group movement under the Mission Shakti programme working for women’s empowerment.

Mr. Patnaik further said that his government was also pursuing before the Centre the State’s demand for establishment of higher educational institutions.

He said that he was also taking up the demand for special category State status for Orissa at various forums. The Mahasamavesh, however, attracted criticism from the opposition parties. Leader of Opposition J.B. Patnaik blamed the Chief Minister for keeping himself busy in his party show while Kandhamal district was burning. He criticised the government for making “false” promises for the development of agriculture when farmers in distress were committing suicide in the State.

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