Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced that poverty rate in the State will be reduced to below ten per cent in next five years.
“The poverty in Odisha has been reduced from 63% to 29% and 80 lakhs people have crossed the poverty line in the last 21 years. Odisha is at the forefront of poverty reduction across the country and it will make history by reducing poverty to below 10% in five years. Our government will take whatever steps are necessary for this,” the Chief Minister said while addressing BJD leaders and workers at the party’s 25th Foundation Day.
The BJD which was launched 25 years ago on the ideology of Biju Babu has been converted to a social movement in the State now, he said, adding, “It has become a symbol of the hope and aspirations of 4.5 crore people of the state and marching ahead day by day with the blessings of the people of the State.”
Mr.Patnaik said Odisha has got international recognition in disaster management and received appreciation from everyone from the UNO to Niti Aayog.
“There was a day when we depend upon other States for food. But, now the situation has changed and Odisha today became the third largest food supplying State in the entire country,” he pointed out.
Giving the credit to the farmers for the achievement, Mr.Patnaik said, ‘’ it also reflects our commitment to expand irrigation facilities in the State.”
Odisha, he said, is also ahead of other States in women empowerment and figured at the top in providing 50 per cent reservation to women in Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
The BJD would continue its fight till the demand for reservation of 33 percent of seats in parliament is fulfilled, he further said.
Speaking about the Mission Shakti programme, the CM said it has empowered women in every family leading to a movement of 70 lakh women and creating a new era in the development sector.
Stating that the development of the ST/SC and OBC is the priority of his Government, Naveen said many programmes are launched for improvement in their livelihood.
He further said, during Covid pandemic, the State has attracted investment to the tune of Rs 4 lakh crore, which is highest in the country. It has brought new employment opportunities for the youths.
The Government has also provided free treatment to people and supplied oxygen to 17 states during Covid-19 pandemic. The Biju Swasthya Kalyan smart health card has brought a revolution in the health care sector in the State, he further said.
The Chief Minister said BJD is the only party in the country whose popularity has been rising year after year and thanked lakhs of party workers for their sacrifice, hard work and sincerity for the success of the party.
Mr.Patnaik said with the cooperation of the people BJD will serve the State for hundreds of years.
Hitting out Opposition BJP and Congress, he said, “We do not have any boss in Delhi. The people of Odisha are the boss of the BJD and we are only accountable to the people of the State.”
BJD Organisational Secretary Pranab Prakash Das highlighted how the Chief Minister has been committed to ensuring that Odia people lead a dignified life and Odisha’s rich culture and heritage prospers and is popularized across the globe.
BJD General Secretary (headquarters) Sanjay Dasburma said that the party has also focused on Late Biju Babu’s dream for a distinct identity to Odisha and Odias and financial independence for the people of the State.
Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said, “The party’s focus has been developed with priority areas being education, health, and infrastructure on which our Chief Minister has always laid stress.”
