In its first presentation to the Centre, Odisha’s first BJP government has requested for more central allocation to further accelerate infrastructure development. Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singhdeo on Saturday made this request while attending the pre-budget consultation meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take suggestions of the finance ministers of all states and union territories in New Delhi. Though Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi holds Finance portfolio, Singhdeo attended the meeting. He was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Finance Vishal Dev.
Odisha submitted a written memorandum containing some issues concerning the state in general and some issues specific to the economy and finances of Odisha which could be addressed through appropriate measures in the union budget for the current financial year. A few important issues were flagged by the deputy chief minister, including the support of the Union government for the creation of an enabling environment to attract international investors and semiconductor industries to Odisha, the promotion of the state as an investment hub, and the expansion of the Paradip port to propel the growth of Odisha.
He demanded that higher allocation under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment (SACI), 2024-25 be made to speed up infrastructure development. Singhdeo requested for advance indication of the state-wise annual allocation under CSS schemes at the time of the budget formulation which would enable the states to prepare their budgets on a realistic basis and ensure timely and effective utilization of funds.
While Odisha has one AIIMS in capital city of Bhubaneswar which was the first after Delhi AIIMS and set up during Atal Bihari Vajpayee regime, Singhdeo demanded a second AIIMS in western Odisha’s main city, Sambalpur. He also demanded expeditious completion of the National Highways, specifically the Coastal Highway and Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR) around Bhubaneswar.
Singhdeo requested Centre to partially support its Subhadra scheme—a part of BJP’s manifesto in the last election—in which each woman is to get Rs 50,000 in voucher form to buy her needs. He said this is meant for promoting women welfare through entrepreneurship, ease of living and dignity.
The deputy CM further requested the Union finance minister to sanction funds for the construction of at least 5 lakh houses for rural and urban areas in Odisha under PMAY. He also sought the Centre’s support for new city development and rapid urbanization in Odisha. He also sought the Centre’s help to address issues related to power sector through the inclusion of Odisha DISCOMs under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme(RDSS), financial support for the adoption of new technologies such as green hydrogen and central funding of Green Energy Corridor projects in Odisha.
According to state government sources, the Union finance minister assured to look into the demands raised and suggestions given.
In the meantime, the state government has decided to bring a vote on account in the assembly in July for 2024-25, according to Singhdeo. He said after the central budget, the state will prepare its full budget keeping in consideration its needs.
