Governor reveals mega plan to restructure cyclone-hit Orissa

Rajendran said the state government has sought further assistance from the Centre to meet the essential needs for rehabilitation in the affected areas. The Centre has so far released Rs 800 crore from the National Fund for Calamity Relief (NFCR) to deal with the situation.

Stating that the government will try to promote an investor-friendly industrial climate in the State, the Governor announced that a plan of action will be drawn up for fully exploiting the tourism potential of Orissa. He said the problem of unemployment will be addressed through promoting avenues of self-employment in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, cottage industries and handicrafts.

The government has plans to review the minimum wages and extend the district primary education programme to all districts in the course of the next five years as part of the efforts to optimise the reach of primary education. Gram Panchayats which will achieve 100 per cent literacy will be rewarded, he added.

The Governor said illegal transfer of tribal land will be prohibited and enforcement will be made effective. Besides, the minor forest produce policy will be formulated to protect the legitimate interests of the tribal gatherers, he added.

The state government will move the Centre to provide adequate support for implementation of special project for KBK districts. A special project will also be implemented to enhance access to Oriya language, literature and culture in the Oriya speaking outlying tracts. The Governor announced that a handicrafts and culture museum will be established for preservation, dissemination and propagation of Orissa’s rich heritage.

Referring to the grim financial condition of the state, the Governor maintained that the present situation is the outcome of imprudent financial management during the last five years. He said that control of expenditure and exploration of various avenues of resource mobilisation despite the hardship it will cause have become imperative.

Stating that the year ending deficit is estimated at about Rs 1400 crore, the Governor said it will affect even priority sectors like externally aided projects, rural infrastructure development fund projects and basic minimum services.

Earlier, the Governor inspected a guard of honour in the Assembly premises before inaugurating the 12th session.