Bhubaneswar: Naveen welcomes MSP hike, resents ‘low level’ allocation in MGNREGA

By Tapan Kumar Swain

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 2: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday welcomed the “intent” of the Union finance minister Arun Jaitely for announcing increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of agriculture produces by 1.5 times.

He, however, observed that the cost of production must take into account the actual cost of production.

“I welcome the intent of Central Government. At the same time, I am keenly waiting to see the modalities of calculation,” the CM said.

The CM also expressed his happiness over the announcement of National Health Protection Scheme to cover 10 crore families.

“It would have been better if instead of target 10 crore families, universal coverage extending to all eligible poor families was incorporated. If such a step is taken, Odisha government will fully support,” said Mr Patnaik.

Reacting to the railway budget allocation, the Chief Minister said the government hopes that this year allotment is made as per the demand.

“Total outlay for Odisha for 2018-19 for Railway is not known yet as against our demand of Rs 6500 crore. We hope this year the allotment is made as per our demand,” he added.

“We hope that our just demands like daily Rajdhani service via Sambalpur; train to Allahabad from Bolangir and a new daily express train to Mumbai in the name of Paika leader Baxi Jagabandhu are announced immediately,” he said.

As the Union Budget announced plans for re-development of 600 railway stations, Patnaik said two years ago the announcement was for 400 railway stations.

Nothing has happened in this sector, specifically for Odisha, in which 12 railway stations had been chosen, he said.