Balasore: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday visited Balasore and launched 191 developmental projects worth Rs 1806 crore.
Shri Patnaik inaugurated projects worth Rs 374 crore and laid foundation stone for projects worth Rs 1431 crore. Besides, he inaugurated a Railway over Bridge at Somnathpur in Balasore.
During his visit to the coastal district, the Chief Minister also distributed Rs 220 crore assistance to 60,000 women of 5600 women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and appealed to them to become entrepreneurs.
Stressing on one panchayat one product, he said if one Panchayat produces one special product then it will help to create a market for the product and create a special identity for the panchayat.
“My government is committed to uplifting the weaker sections in general and poor women in particular,” he said. The Chief Minister hoped that the women will create a new history in the industrial development of the State.
Patnaik said Rs 50,000 crore interest free loan would be provided to the women SHG members in next five years.
Balasore is leading in education, literature, industry, agriculture and infrastructure development, he added.
Meanwhile, police detained several BJP leaders, including Balasore Town President Umakanta Mohapatra, as a preventive measure keeping law and order issues in mind before Shri Patnaik’s arrival in the town, officials said. They were later released after CM’s departure.