Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha Member Sasmit Patra today raised several issues concerning Odisha’s development and demands including the inclusion of Sambalpuri/Kosali and Ho languages in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in the upper house of the Parliament today.
Patra also raised the demand for the establishment of AIIMS Hospital in Sundargarh district, Odisha Vidhan Parishad and Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri.
The BJD MP reiterated the demand seeking Special Category Status for Odisha in view of the State facing natural calamities.
Pointing out that 2235 villages in Odisha didn’t have telecommunication coverage and 70 percent of gram panchayats lacked banking coverage, Patra demanded increasing banking coverage.
“Issues of Coal Royalty, Clean Energy Cess, and Coastal Highway are pending as well. Hope the Centre would take due action to expedite these pending issues.
