Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched various projects worth Rs 2200 crore in Balasore district on Wednesday and inaugurated the Smriti Pith of Manmath Das and Manoj Das at Shankhari in the district.
Paying tributes to both Manmath Das and Manoj Das on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the duo has made the entire country proud with their talent and wisdom and their contribution in the field of history and literature has made them immortal. The Chief Minister thanked the families of Manmath Das and Manoj Das for their full cooperation in establishing this memorial.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the ‘Lav’ scheme for tribals of Nilgiris giving them community forest rights over minor forest produce. Along with this, land rights certificates were also issued to the slum dwellers of the Remuna Notified Area Council under the JAGA Mission.
He said that based on the proposals made by the people of Balasore during the visit of the 5T Chairman VK Pandian to the district, he has launched various projects worth Rs 22 billion in the district today. On this occasion, he also launched the city bus service for Balasore city.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is always working for the rights and welfare of the common people. Biju Health Welfare Yojana, Lakshmi Bus scheme, interest-free loans for women farmers and youths have been made part of the development of people from all walks of life. He said that the Nua-O programme started for the students has created great enthusiasm and self-confidence in the children. The Chief Minister said, “We will build a new Odisha with everyone’s cooperation.”
5T and Naveen Odisha Chairman VK Pandian coordinated the programme.
Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Minister Ashwini Kumar Patra attended the programme and said that today is a historic day for the people of Balasore. The commitment of the state government to preserve the memory of the two sons of this soil has encouraged the people of Balasore today. The materials used by these two great persons have been collected from Bhubaneswar and Pondicherry. They will be an inspiration for many literary researchers in the days to come.
District Council President Narayan Pradhan delivered the welcome address at the programme. MLAs Kumar Das and Anant Das said that the people of Balasore are very happy about the efforts of the Chief Minister in honouring these two accomplished sons of Odisha and the Chief Minister has taken the responsibility of developing Balasore district and turning it into a developing district.
Ranjita Das, a family member of Manmath Das and Manoj Das, said, “We are grateful to the Chief Minister for this initiative to preserve the memory of these two worthy sons of Balasore. The state government has invested Rs 16 crore in their memorials. She said that she is very thankful to the Chief Minister and the 5T Chairman.
Balasore District Collector presented the vote of thanks in the programme.
