ONI Bureau: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched series of Government initiatives on Thursday.
The CM announced special package for the districts that have been adversely affected due to the drought – Bargarh, Balangir, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Sambalpur and Sudargarh.
As per the announcement, agriculture input subsidy will be provided to the small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of 33% and above.
The farmers will get drought assistance package of Rs 6,800 per hectare of land in rainfed/non-irrigated areas, Rs 13,500/- per hectare of land in areas under assured irrigation, and Rs18,000/- per hectare for all types of perennial crops.
Reportedly, over 3.15 lakh hectares in 70 blocks of 15 districts have been affected by drought in Odisha.
As per report, tuition fees and examination fees in Government and aided schools and colleges in drought affected areas shall be waived.
The Chief Minister also distributed land ‘pattas’ (records) to slum dwellers of eight districts under the “Jaga Mission” at Talabania Indoor Stadium complex in Puri yesterday.
Under the Jaga Mission, the land rights with pipe water supply, smart LED lights and toilets will be provided to around 18 lakh urban slum dwellers residing in 2,000 Municipal Corporation and Notified Area Council (NAC) areas across the state.
A pilgrimage train with senior citizens was also flagged off from Titlagarh in Bolangir district yesterday.
This train will carry around 1000 pilgrims from 4 districts – Bargarh, Bolangir, Sundergarh and Subarnapur to Rishikesh and Haridwar, reportedly.