New Delhi: The newly elected BJP Government today demanded the Central Government to set up an AIIMS in Sambalpur to cater the need of Western Odisha people.
This demand was raised by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo at the Pre-Budget Consultation meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Niramal Sitharaman to take suggestions of Finance Ministers of all States and Union Territories for the ensuing Union Budget, 2024-25.
Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Odisha accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister to the meeting.
A Memorandum containing various issues concerning the States in general and some issues specific to the economy and finances of Odisha which could be addressed through appropriate measures in the Union Budget, 2024-25 was submitted to Union Finance Minister.
However, few of important issues were flagged by Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha. The demands include establishment of a Second AIIMS at Sambalpur. At present, one AIIMS is functional at Bhubaneswar.
The Deputy CM sought support of the Union Government for creation of an enabling environment to attract international investors, semiconductor industries to Odisha, promotion of Odisha as an investment hub, expansion of Paradip port to propel growth in Odisha.
He also urged the Union Finance Minister to provide higher allocation under Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI), 2024-25 to further accelerate infrastructure development.
The Centre was further requested to give advance indication of the State-wise annual allocation under CSS schemes at the time of budget formulation which would enable the States to prepare their Budgets on a realistic basis and ensure timely and effective utilization of funds.
Shri Singh Deo approached the Centre for expeditious completion of National Highways, specifically the Coastal Highway and Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR) projects, in Odisha. The State sought partial support from the Centre for implementation of Subhadra Scheme for promoting women welfare through entrepreneurship, ease of living, and dignity for them.
Sanction of fund for construction of at least 5 lakh houses for rural and urban areas in Odisha under PMAY, the deputy CM told the Union FM.
He also sought support of the Central Government for new city development and rapid urbanization in Odisha and addressing power sector issues through inclusion of Odisha DISCOMs under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), financial support for adoption of new technologies such as green hydrogen, and central funding for Green Energy Corridor projects in Odisha.
Union Finance Minster has assured to look into the demands raised and suggestions given, officials said.