Odisha CM demands Rs 3,500 cr Special Assistance to Centre

New Delhi, Aug 4: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik called on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday and discussed various issues including financial assistance for the backward districts in the state. During the meeting, the Chief Minister demanded Rs 3500 crore special assistance for Odisha under various provision made for special dispensation through NITI Aayog. He also demanded for restoration of schemes including Backward Region Grant Fund for the backward regions of the state.

Responding to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Finance Minister said that the central government is actively considering giving special assistance for Koraput-Balangir-Kalahandi (KBK) districts of Odisha. Odisha faces a net additional liability of Rs 2,149 crore in 2015-16 due to reduction of central assistance and grants. He also demanded to increase the financial allocation under Pradhan Matri Gram Sadak Yojna to Rs 1,800 crore from existing Rs 912 crore for the state to improve rural connectivity.