ADDRESS

OF

SHRI RAMESHWAR THAKUR

GOVERNER OF ORISSA

TO THE

ORISSA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FEBRUARY 03, 2006

Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members, 

                     It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you to the 7th Session of the 13th Orissa Legislative Assembly.  Through you, I convey my greetings and best wishes to the people of the State.

 

                     2.  The House has already expressed its deep condolence on the sad demise of K. R. Narayanan, Ex-President of India, Prasanna Kumar Das, Ex-Speaker, Harihar Bahinipati, Ex-Deputy Speaker, Birendra Kumar Sahu, Mayadhar Sethy, Mandangi Kamaya, Biswanath Mallick, Mochiram Tiria, Baishnab Charan Mallick, Gokulananda Praharaj, Biraja Prasad Ray, former members of the House. I would request you to join me in  paying homage  to  Md. Muzafer Hussain Khan, Ex-Minister, and Prasanna Kumar Paul, Dharanidhar Pradhan and  Jogendra Naik, Ex-members of the House who are no more with us.  The House conveys our heart-felt condolence to the bereaved families and will always remember their selfless service.

                     It is also in the fitness of things that we remember the supreme sacrifice made by the brave JAWANS OF THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES, particularly those belonging to our State namely, Tapas Kumar Mallick, Suryamani Behera, Laxmidhar Routray, Pradeep Kumar Mishra, Sanjib Kumar Sahoo.  We salute them for their exemplary and selfless service for the security of our nation.

                     My Government is concerned about the recent unfortunate happenings at Kalinga Nagar arising out of land acquisition which resulted in the death of 12 tribals and a policeman. In order to resolve the situation amicably and draw out a long-term Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy of tribals and other land issues, my Government has constituted a Group of Ministers to have a thorough look into the existing policy and make suggestions for a comprehensive policy after broad-based consultations.

                     3. My Government has taken a number of steps to correct the structural imbalances in the State Finances  after signing MoU with Department of Expenditure, Government of India.  State’s own tax to GSDP ratio has increased from 4.4% in 1999-2000 to 6.4% in 2003-04 and  7.2% in 2004-05. The Revenue Deficit has also been reduced from about Rs.2574 crore in 1999-2000 to Rs.1420 crore in 2003-04 and Rs.522 crore in 2004-05. This represents reduction of Revenue Deficit as a percentage of GSDP from 6.7% to 2.6% and 0.91%. The Fiscal Deficit has been reduced from Rs. 3836 crore (9.7%) in 1999-2000 to Rs.2469 crore (4.6%) in 2003-04 and Rs.1365 crore (2.37%) in 2004-05. We have been able to bring down the fiscal deficit to less than 3% of GSDP as envisaged in Medium Term  Fiscal Plan. The Debt stock which was 341% of total revenue in 2001-02 has been reduced to 335% in 2003-04 and 288% in 2004-05. Similarly, the limited success we have achieved in arresting the deteriorating fiscal situation needs no room for complacency. Orissa still continues to have the highest Debt-GSDP ratio of about 62% as on 31.03.2003 and 59% as on 31.03.2005 against the all states’ average of 34% as on 31.03.2003 and the sustainable level of 28% recommended by the 12th Finance Commission.  Similarly, our State had the highest ratio of Interest Payment to Revenue Receipt at about 35% in 2002-03 and 28% in 2004-05 against the all States’ average of 24% in 2002-03 and recommended level of 15%. Pension expenditure in case of Orissa is also quite high. In case of Orissa, pension expenditure as percentage of GSDP was 2.21% in 2002-03 compared to all State’s average of 1.5% as worked out by the 12th Finance Commission. In case of Orissa, Salary expenditure as percentage of revenue expenditure net of interest payment and pension was about 65% against all States’ average of 37% in 2002-03. The 12th Finance Commission has recommended that the total salary bill of the State Government relative to revenue expenditure net of interest payment and pension should not exceed 35%. I want to stress that what is critical is sustainability of fiscal correction. Fiscal Correction must aim at enhancing growth and investment. We must realise that only by correcting the macro imbalance can the State release additional resource for development. Enactment of Orissa Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2005 is one step in this direction. What is crucial and important is the need for a consensus among all sections, to carry forward fiscal correction with a view to accelerating the pace of development.

 

                     4. Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-07) for Orissa had an overall outlay of Rs.19,000 crore. Because of resource constraints, allocation of Rs.7,764.50 crore could be made during the first three years. Against this, expenditure of Rs.7,649.74 crore has been made which is 98.52 % of the outlay. For the year 2005-06 an outlay of Rs.3,000 crore was approved by the Planning Commission. The Annual Plan 2006-07 has been fixed at Rs.3,500 crore which is 16.6% more  than that of 2005-06.

                     My Government has constituted the Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) covering 10 districts, namely, Baragarh, Bolangir, Boudh, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Sundergarh and Athamallik Sub-Division of Angul in order to mitigate the regional imbalance and to accelerate the pace of development in these districts. My Government is providing Rs.50 crore every year to the Western Orissa Development Council.

                     NABARD sanctions loans for construction of various infrastructure projects under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). The RIDF  is being implemented under different tranche. My Government has proposed to take up 590 projects incurring an expenditure amounting to Rs.1,561 crore for the current tranche i.e. RIDF-XI. Besides, NABARD has sanctioned projects worth Rs.317 crore under Biju Krushak Vikas Yojana.

                    A Revised Long Term Action Plan (RLTAP) for the KBK Districts prepared in consultation with the Government of India is under implementation with the core objectives of drought proofing, development saturation, poverty alleviation and improved quality of life of the people. During 2005-06, the Planning Commission, Government of India, approved Annual Action Plan with Rs.250 crore as Special Central Assistance (SCA) for implementation of programme contents of RLTAP. For the year 2006-07, SCA of the order of Rs.275 crore has been projected for implementation of RLTAP in KBK Districts. This year, there would be a separate district window in this Plan which would allow much more devolution of powers to the districts in the field of planning, implementation and monitoring. My Government has so far received SCA of Rs.67.50 crore under Backward Districts Initiatives (BDI) of Rastriya Sam Vikas Yojana (RSVY). Special Central Assistance (SCA) of Rs.60 crore has been released to these five districts for implementation of approved Integrated District Perspective Plans. Rs.22.50 crore and Rs.15 crore has been released in favour of Ganjam and Mayurbhanj Districts respectively. Rs.22.50 crore ( at the rate of  Rs.7.50 crore each) has been released in favour of Gajapati, Keonjhar and Sundargarh Districts. In Ganjam District 74 road projects, 55 irrigation projects, 64 building projects, 28 fishery projects and 65 water supply projects have been completed by 30.9.05. In Mayurbhanj District, 46 water supply and sanitation projects, 2 sericulture programmes, 92 DW / WHS projects, 2 road projects, 100 bore wells and 1 eco-tourism project have been completed. In Gajapati, Keonjhar and Sundargarh  Districts, different projects are under progress. It has been decided to formulate a separate Tribal Sub-Plan for Scheduled Tribes and a Special Component Plan for Scheduled Castes from the year 2006-07 which would have outlays at least proportionate to or more than the ratio of the population of these two categories to the total population.

                     My Government is constantly monitoring the progress under MPLAD and MLALAD funds. An outlay of Rs.350 crore  has been made by my Government for implementation of seven on-going Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) and 11 Pipeline Projects in the Annual Plan for 2005-06 in several sectors including Health, Revenue, Welfare of ST & SC, Works, Rural Development, Housing & Urban and Water Resources. My Government anticipates to mobilize resources of the order of Rs.836.45 crore during the year 2006-07 for implementation of six on-going and sixteen Pipeline Projects.

                     My Government has accorded very high priority on generation of self-employment through various Self-Employment Programmes. The target for the Annual Plan period, 2005-06 is to generate self-employment and associated wage employment opportunities for 3.81 lakh persons. The achievement under various self-employment programmes made so far during the current year is 1.06 lakh (up to October, 2005). Keeping in view the growing unemployment problem, my Government has formulated a State Employment Policy and also constituted the State Employment Mission under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister during the current financial year.

 

                        5. Our State’s economy is primarily agricultural and over 70% of the households are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Reduction in Poverty and improving the economic conditions of our people therefore depends crucially on a quantum increase in the incomes of agricultural households.   My Government accords the highest priority to developing the agriculture sector. All our efforts will therefore be made for facilitating development of our agriculture and achieving significant increases in agricultural production and productivity. The need for a paradigm shift from traditional agriculture to commercial cultivation of cash crops, particularly horticulture, is now well recognized.  Our extension efforts in this regard will be redoubled and strategic  interventions geared  to  achieving such  a  shift.  There is need for up-gradation of crop production technologies adopted by our farmers and adoption of integrated nutrient management and pest management practices.  Extension work will be stepped up and Farmers’ Training Programme, Farmers’ Field Schools and Demonstration will be conducted under the Work Plan for Macro-Management of Agriculture, ISOPOM, ICDP(Cotton) and other programmes for bringing the advanced crop production technologies and packages of practices to the door-step for the farmers. There is tremendous scope for diversification to horticultural crops due to our suitable agro-climatic conditions. On-going programmes for horticulture development are being implemented through newly launched National Horticulture Mission (NHM) during 2005-06 and the Revised Long-term Action Plan (RLTAP) for KBK during 2005-06. 12.5 lakh grafts of mango, guava, litchi, sapota, kagji lime, orange, pineapple and other fruits, ten lakh grafts of cashew and 2.5 lakh vegetable minikits have been supplied to the farmers for taking up fruits and vegetable crops in their fields. 300 quintals of quality onion seeds has also been distributed to cover 7500 acres under onion crop. Besides procurement of 30 lakh suckers of banana from farmers field is in progress. There is programme to construct 8000 small onion storage structure during 2005-06.  Plans have been drawn up for stepping up supplies of quality planting material of mango, orange, litchi and other fruit trees and banana suckers and tissue culture for propagating substantially. For encouraging floriculture in the State and educating farmers in the production technologies of different commercial flowers, 2625 demonstrations as on December, 2005 on rose, gladioli and marigold were held this year under newly launched National Horticulture Mission.  This will be stepped up substantially and over 60,000 demonstrations will be held next year.  It is also planned to supply over 168 lakh saplings of Marigold, Rose, Gladioli etc. along with about 2500 quintals of bulbs for Tuberose for meeting the farmers need for quality planting material. My Government has taken up a programme for assisting farmers to create captive irrigation potential in their fields through installation of Shallow and Medium Tube Wells and Bore Wells by availing Loan from NABARD. Over 38,000 wells were installed by December, 2005 and about 12000 wells have been planned for 2006-07.  Besides, a programme has been launched in 2005-06 to help farmers to dig up irrigation ponds within their holdings for better rainwater management in which about 2842 nos. such irrigation ponds have been completed.  Farm mechanisation has become popular in the State.  Subsidy is being provided on tractors, power-tillers and other farm equipment as well as setting up Agro Services Centres for private entrepreneurs for custom leasing of farm equipments to the local farmers.  During 2005-06, so far 1150 power-tillers, 550 tractors and 113 reapers have been provided. Development of the micro- watershed in drought prone areas of the State for drought-proofing and improving the moisture regime has been accorded high priority.   2413 micro- watersheds with a total treatable area of about 13 lakh hectares are being developed currently under various schemes such as Drought Prone Area Programme, Integrated Watershed Development Programme, National Watershed Development Project in Rainfed Areas, River Valley Project, Revised Long Term Action Plan for KBK and the DFID assisted Western Orissa Rural Livelihoods Programme. There is a programme to treat 1.5 lakh hectares during 2006-07 under all the above schemes with active involvement of the beneficiary agricultural families. To ensure minimum support price to farmers for their surplus paddy,  Government has decided to procure 20 lakh MTs of rice during the current Kharif Marketing Season 2005-06.  Out of this, paddy equivalent to at least 5 lakh MTs of rice shall be procured by the State Agencies namely Orissa State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd., Primary Agriculture Co-operative Societies (PACs), MARKFED and NAFED under decentralized procurement scheme and paddy for the balance rice will be procured by the millers under levy route.  In addition to above Food Corporation of India has been requested to procure paddy equivalent to 2 Lakh MTs of rice.

 

                     6. It has been the consistent endeavour of my Government to increase the irrigation potential of the State by way of completing ongoing Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects and taking up new projects. Six Irrigation projects were identified for completion during 2005-06 with targeted irrigation potential of 12685 hectares against which 4 projects have already been completed and balance 2 projects will be completed by end of the irrigation year.  Similarly three irrigation projects are identified for completion with a target to create an additional  irrigation  potential of 18215  hectares  during  2006-07.  During 2005-06, it has been targeted to create additional irrigation potential of 10589 hectares under Minor Irrigation sector, out of which 2665  hectares are to be in TSP area.  For 2006-07, it has been targeted to create irrigation potential of 12050 hectares, out of which 6800 hectares are to be in TSP area.  During 2005-06 Orissa Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC) has taken up works for execution of 500 new Lift Irrigation Points (LIPs) under Biju Krushak Vikash Yojana (BKVY) in both KBK & non-KBK districts with target to create an additional irrigation potential of 10,000 hectares.  During 2006-07 it is proposed to set up 1000 new LIPs to create an additional irrigation potential of 20,000 hectares.  By January, 2006, 13397 Pani Panchayats have been formed in the State covering an area of 10.40 lakh hectares.  Out of the above 11,583 Pani Panchayats have taken over operation and maintenance of Canal system covering an area of 7.81 lakh hectares. Many projects in the areas of flood control and anti-sea erosion programme, drainage improvement works, ground water quality monitoring and roof-top rain harvesting structures have been taken up.

                     My Government is preparing an Irrigation Master Plan so as to bring minimum 35% of the cultivable area in each block under irrigation within a time frame of 5 years.  Further a Master Plan is also being prepared to connect habitations having population of 1000 and above in non-tribal areas and 500 and above in tribal areas with all-weather roads.  The funds for all these will be dovetailed with the existing ongoing schemes and the balance requirement will be provided from the State’s own resources.

 

                     7. My Government seeks to promote Animal Husbandry, Poultry & Pisciculture in the State by adopting new scientific technology.  Following the objectives set out in “State Agriculture Policy”, greater emphasis has been laid to increase production of milk, fish and meat. The total milk production per day in the State is about 36 lakh litres, which is up by 3 lakh litres as compared to last year’s production. To promote dairy farming and increase milk production, all 30 districts of the State have been covered by OMFED. OMFED has substantially increased its daily procurement to 2.70 lakh litres. “Women Dairy Projects” have been taken up in 17 districts through OMFED under STEP programme for women.  In the State, about 2 lakh farmers have been engaged in milk production through cooperatives.  837 “Women Dairy Cooperative Societies” comprising 60,287 women have been organized in the State and 2,604 Cooperative Societies have been formed in the State.  Under RLTAP, Rs.350 lakh have been released in the current year for milk production and allied activities in the KBK districts.  My Government hopes to achieve milk procurement of 3.50 lakh litre per day by OMFED and to create self employment for 10,000 rural farmers during the year 2006-07. My Government has taken steps to help raise poultry and egg production to increase income of the farmers and enhance nutritional status of people. The Government is keen to strengthen livestock disease control mechanism.  Our State has achieved great success in various schemes designed to step up fish production in Inland, Brackish Water and Marine Sector.  Government have approved the “State Reservoir Fishery Policy” for Scientific Pisciculture in Reservoirs and have decided that G.P. Tanks shall be settled with Self-Help groups on long-term basis for taking up Semi-Intensive Pisciculture. Fish production (Inland & Marine) was 3.07 lakh MT in 2003-04,  which  has  increased to 3.15 lakh MT during 2004-05. During 2005-06, 13 Reservoirs having water-spread area of 5709 hectares have been taken up for pisciculture development in KBK districts under Revised Long Term Action Plan (RLTAP).  During 2005-06, 101 reservoirs have been taken under pisciculture through Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Self Help Groups.

 

                     8. My Government is concerned about the non-completion of the elections to remaining co-operative societies at different levels which are overdue. Efforts will be made to complete the same by July 2, 2006. My Government has implemented short-term Co-operative Credit Structure in the State with a view to double the agricultural credit in 3 years with 2003-2004 as base year. The crop loan investment in the State has registered an impressive growth of 29% during 2004-05 and 34% in Kharif 2004-05.  About 24.25 lakh Kisan Credit Card (KCCs) have been issued to farmers out of which 2.23 lakh KCCs have been issued during 2005-2006 till 31.12.2005. KCC holders who repay their loans regularly for two consecutive years are being issued  Kalinga  Kissan  Gold  Cards (KKGC).   Upto  December 2005 about 1.27 lakh KKGCs have been issued out of which 0.32 lakh cards have been issued during 2005-2006 upto 31.12.2005. Kalinga Kissan Silver Cards(KKSC) are issued to KCC holders who have made timely repayment of their loans for at least one year.   So far 1.21 lakh KKCs have been issued till December 2005.  During 2005-06, by the end of December 2005, a total amount of Rs.15.04 crore has been disbursed towards indemnity of crop loss to farmers under crop insurance scheme.  During the year 2005-06, Government have fixed a target for procurement of 1,50,000 M.T. of paddy through the network of the Co-operatives in the State, out of which 1,00,000 M.T. of paddy will be procured through Primary Agricultural Co-operative Society (P.A.C.S.) and 50,000 M.T. of paddy through the State Co-operative Marketing Federation (MARKFED).

 

                     9. As forests play a major role in providing livelihood support to forest fringe dwellers, including those belonging to very vulnerable sections of the society, my Government has been focusing on programmes both for providing livelihood support as well as increasing forest wealth of the State, and for promotion of environmental awareness among the people. There are 9,549 Van Samrakshyan Samiti (VSS) involved in joint forest management for forest protection, conservation and development of over 8,431 sq km of degraded forests. The Protected Area Network of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks covers 6,611 sq km of land area and 20 km wide marine habitat of 1,408 sq km marine area in Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. During 2005-06, the afforestation programme has been implemented in the State under different State Plan, Central Plan and Centrally Sponsored Plan schemes over a total area of 19,090 hectares. State Medicinal Plants Board is promoting medicinal plant cultivation. So far financial support has been provided for medicinal and herbal plantation in 1000 acres of private land.  Additionally, 3200 hectares of compensatory afforestation has been taken up against forest diversion projects. The Kendu Leaf trade generates employment of above 150 lakh mandays every year. 9 lakh pluckers have been benefited  from Kendu Leaf collection during the season. My Government  during current year with revised Sale Policy has brought improvement in trade of Kendu Leaf.  Bamboo working, a potential employment generation activity in forests, has commenced in current season timely in all districts having bamboo forests.  Through its activities, the Forest Department has been able to generate more than 55 lakh mandays. The Chilka Development   Authority   has  been  undertaking  activities and   programmes  of strategic partnership with stakeholders  for its  outstanding work on eco-restoration of Chilka lagoon.  My Government will continue to keep a strict vigil on air and water pollution.  Ban on use of polythene of less than 20 microns has been  imposed. Three Appellate  Authorities  under  Water  Act,  Air Act and Bio-medical Rules to hear appeals preferred against orders passed by the Pollution Control Board have been constituted and have started functioning.

 

                     10. My Government has taken necessary steps to implement Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyuti Karan Yojana (RGGVY) launched by the Government of India to provide access to electricity to all rural households during next five years.  The Scheme envisages 90% grant and 10% loan.  My Government has signed an agreement on 5th October, 2005 with REC Ltd., the CPSUs like POWERGRID, NTPC & NHPC and the State Power Utilities (CESCO, NESCO, WESCO & SOUTHCO) for implementation of RGGVY in the State. Under Minimum Need Programme (MNP), 4696 villages, hamlets and dalit bastis were programmed to be electrified. Out of this, electrification of 2965 villages and hamlets have been completed by December 2005. GRIDCO has become surplus in power, after meeting the power requirement of the State.  During current year by December, 2005. it has sold  surplus power to the tune of Rs.420 crore to Power Trading Corporation and National Vidyut Vyapar Nigam.   Orissa Power Generation Corporation with two Thermal Units at Ib Valley is operating at a high degree of efficiency.  During current year, it has achieved Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 85%.  It has also paid an interim dividend of Rs.31.25 crore to the State Government during the current year.   7  projects with estimated cost of Rs.592 crore have been approved by Govt. of India for implementation of Accelerated Power Development & Reform Programme (APDRP) scheme in the State.  Out of the above estimated cost, 50% would be available from Govt. of India in equal proportion, in shape of loan and grant.  Other 50% of the project cost would be arranged by the implementing agencies either from their own resources or availing loan from any financial institution, as counterpart funding by November 2005. Most of Rs.74 crore assistance received from the Government of India has been utilised under APDRP.

 

                     11. Steel and aluminium makers of national and international repute have shown keen interest in establishing plants in the State. My Government has already signed 43 Memoranda of Understanding for setting up steel plants with   an  investment  of  about Rs. 1,37,000  crore  for  production  of  about  58 million tonnes of steel per annum. For the first time in the history of Orissa, a reputed and well established foreign company, M/s POSCO India Project (P) Ltd. which is one of the largest producers of steel in the world, have signed an MoU for setting up a mega  steel  plant having a capacity of 12 million tonnes per annum with an investment of about US$ 12 billion. Out of 43 MoUs signed, 19 companies have signed MoUs in the current financial year with an investment of about Rs. 96,000 crore to produce about 35 million tonnes of steel per annum. An Agreement has also been signed with the reputed Aditya Birla Group for setting up an Alumina refinery of 1 million tonne per annum along with smelter.  For the year 2005-06, the Orissa Mining Corporation has set for itself a production target of 51.20 lakh tonnes for various minerals. This represents a 33% increase in production over the previous year. The iron ore production is  slated to  touch   a  peak of 43 lakh tonnes in the financial year 2005-06 which represents a more than 40% increase as compared to the iron ore production of 2004-05.

               My Government has undertaken investigations for assessment of heavy minerals in beach sand along the Puri coast, exploration for gemstone in Bolangir and Bargarh districts, exploration for bauxite in Koraput & Kandhamal districts, investigation for tungsten, investigation for graphite in Angul & Dhenkanal districts, development of natural resources in Keonjhar district and has conducted mineral potential survey in Jharsuguda district.  Effective steps are being taken for enforcement of the Orissa Mineral Act 1989 to curb illegal mining activities and trading of ores and minerals and to prevent leakage of revenue.

                     12. My Government is committed to create an industry-enabling and investor-friendly climate in the State with a view to accelerating industrial development, employment opportunities and economic growth. Keeping the above objectives in view, my Government has introduced a single window clearance mechanism by enacting Orissa Industries (Facilitation) Act, 2004 ensuring clearance of investment proposals in a time-bound manner and rationalization of inspections. The mechanism has already been operationalised at the State level.

                     Orissa has emerged as favourite destination for the national as well as trans-national investors, particularly in the mineral sector.  Since 2003-2004, 46 numbers of companies have already signed MoUs, out of which 43 are in the Steel sector with a total capacity of 58.14 MTPA and investment of about Rs.137156 crore and two companies are in the Aluminium sector with an investment of more than Rs.25000 crore. Indian Oil Corporation is also setting up a Refinery and Petrochemical complex of 12 MTPA capacity at Paradeep with an investment of about Rs.25000 crore. Out of the 43 steel companies who have signed MoU, 14 companies with an investment of about Rs.10750 crore have already commenced partial commercial production as of December, 2005. These companies have created direct employment opportunities for about 10000 persons. The construction work of another 22 companies is going on as per programme and they are likely to commence commercial production during 2006. The employment position in these Industries is being monitored. My Government is committed to improve the skill level of existing manpower through skill development training in collaboration with existing industries in the State in order to ensure assured supply of qualified and competent personnel required by the industries. My Government is also committed to promote the ancillary and downstream industries in the State particularly for the Steel, Aluminium and Refinery Projects. To ensure the improvement of quality of technical education, BPUT has signed an MoU with IIT, Kharagpur to obtain assistance for facility development and strengthening post-graduate and research programmes in various Engineering and allied disciplines. In order to support the massive investments, it is necessary to improve infrastructure facilities. A policy is being formulated by my Government for expediting infrastructure development to attract private sector investment. Government of India is also being requested to support infrastructure  development for proposed investments in Orissa.

                      My Government is making efforts for the revival and promotion of SSI, Medium Scale Industries, Handicrafts and Cottage Industries. Cluster development strategy has been adopted for different handicraft clusters. Considering the huge employment potential in the rural sector of the State, emphasis is also placed on development of khadi and village industries.

                     My Government is committed to ensure sustainable livelihood to the highly skilled weavers and sericulture farmers of Orissa.  We are committed to take the products of Orissa Handlooms to rest of the country and the world by standardizing production, achieving product diversification and strengthening the production base by technological interventions at the weavers’ end.  Marketing will be   strengthened  by participation   in international  events and  introduction of  e-commerce.   During 2005-06 (upto December, 2005), 1,15,216 persons have received sustainable employment in the Handloom and  Sericulture Sector. This number  will increase to 1,51,750 in 2006-07. The main objective of the Sector will be to bring greater areas under sericulture farming, generate more employment in sericulture activities and strengthen the viable Weavers’ Cooperatives by actively following up on their financial conditions in 2006-07.

 

 

          13. My Government has made significant strides in the field of Information Technology. After signing of MoUs,  TCS and WIPRO have already acquired land in Infocity, Bhubaneswar. TCS has also finalized its campus development plan for Bhubaneswar and shall be starting work during this calendar year. Hexaware Technologies has already applied for land in Infocity and MindTree Consulting is also in the process of applying for land. All these companies shall directly employ about 5000 Software Professionals in the State within the first two years of their operation i.e. by 2007-08 besides creating substantial employment indirectly. These professionals shall also contribute significantly to the growth of local economy. My Government has also taken special efforts for bringing in a completely transparent and efficient system of tendering and procurement. e-Procurement system is accordingly being taken up for implementation jointly by Govt. of Orissa, National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad and National Informatics Centre (NIC). The Government of Orissa has also got the approval from Department of Information Technology, Govt. of India for setting up a State Wide Area Network (SWAN) which would connect the State Headquarters with all District Headquarters, Sub-division Headquarters, Block Headquarters and Tehsil Headquarters with a 2 mbps dedicated line.  SWAN is a core e-Governance infrastructure  which will facilitate my Government in door step delivery of various citizen centric services. The roadmap for e-Governance for Orissa is likely to be completed by the end of this financial year. The Oriya language pack under the programme “Technology Development for Indian Languages” (TDIL) is also nearing completion and is likely to be released on the Utkal Divas this year.  This would enable  Oriya Language computing and would therefore open new doors of opportunity for the entire populace of  Orissa. Project e-Sishu which aims at creating a database of the 3 pillars of education namely children, teachers and schools has been taken up by OPEPA and is jointly being executed by OCAC and OPEPA. This would help in achieving our goal of universalisation of  primary education and ensuring that no child in Orissa is left out of school.

 

                     14. My Government lays a great emphasis on promotion of Science and Technology in emerging areas. Gramsat Pilot Project is being implemented in the State to provide satellite communication in remote areas. Under this project direct reception sets in the State capital, all District Headquarters, all Block Headquarters and 1179 Grampanchayat Headquarters in KBK Districts have been installed.  Edusat programme launched in the State on 01.10.2005 has been operationalised in four Schools in Koraput District.  Bio-technology is a frontier area of technology with immense benefits to society in diverse areas.  Considering the diversified resources of the State, this cutting edge technology has a potential to make a significant contribution to the economy of the State. An Investors Meet on Biotechnology was organized on 4th July 2005 at Bhubaneswar to attract the potential Biotechnology Entrepreneurs to set up Biotechnology Investment in the State.  My Government is taking steps to set up Bio-IT Park at Bhubaneswar.  Biotechnology Policy is going to be finalised shortly for growth  of  Biotechnology   sector in the  State.  My  Government is creating    awareness   among    the   common   people    about   renewable   non-conventional resources of energy and their application in daily life. 6474 remote un-electrified census villages have been identified in the state based on the survey conducted by the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources. It is proposed to cover electrification of 1000 remote village during 2006-07.  The 13th National Children’s Science Congress was organised at Bubaneswar from 27th to 31st December 2005 by the Science & Technology Department in association with the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India to inculcate scientific temper among children. This conference was inaugurated by His Excellency, The  President of India.   About 2000 children from different parts of the country participated in the Conference. To facilitate fundamental research in mathematics as well as nurturing of talent in mathematics in the State my Government has taken steps to establish an Institute of Mathematics as a Centre of excellence at Bhubaneswar .

 

                     15. My Government has pursued the policy of selective privatisation and disinvestment of loss-making public and co-operative enterprises operating in ‘non-core’ sector. The primary objective of Government’s privatisation policy is to revive potentially viable loss-making enterprises.  As a part of this strategic policy choice, the State Government has consciously opted for a model of privatisation to secure the interest of the workers and to create opportunities for further job creation by catalysing the dynamism of the private enterprises.  The State Government has also identified a set of ‘Core’ enterprises which will continue to operate in the domain of the public sector. Efforts will be made by my Government to provide these enterprises optimum managerial autonomy so that they can run on sound commercial principles.  My Government shall endeavour to institute a system of good corporate governance practices in these core enterprises so as to enhance transparency and accountability in their operations and stimulate their performance. In accordance with the above strategic policy choice, my Government has taken up a comprehensive Public Enterprises Reform Programme with a human face with the primary objectives of enhancing efficiency in resource allocation, reducing fiscal burden entailed by the loss-making enterprises and to protect the interest of the workers.  A grant of 30 million pounds has been committed by the DFID of the UK Government to assist the State Government in carrying out this comprehensive Public Enterprises Reform Programme. My Government is extending financial assistance to the Public Sector Undertakings to implement their Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS)/Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS). During the year 2005-06, an amount of Rs.21.79 crore has been disbursed so far to 6323 (fresh 525 + arrear salary 5798) number of employees of State PSUs under Voluntary Retirement Scheme / Voluntary Separation Scheme.

 

                     16. My Government believes that rural connectivity is a key component of rural development, which contributes significantly to increase in agricultural income and productive employment opportunity. Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana(PMGSY), 4067.15 km of all-weather roads have been constructed to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations.  It has been targeted to construct another 1189 km of all-weather roads by March 2006.  With NABARD assistance, 151 bridges and 368 km roads have been completed.  Construction of another 75 bridges and 687 km roads has been taken up. Out of this 31 bridges and 168 km  roads are targeted to be completed this year.  It is proposed to complete 25 bridges and 390 km roads during 2006-07.  During the year 2005-06, 4 bridges have been completed under RLTAP for KBK districts and construction of 4 more bridges is likely to be completed by March’ 2006.

                     My Government attaches very high priority to augment availability of safe drinking water in rural areas. In the last 5 years, 63011 tube wells and 2640 sanitary wells have been installed in rural Orissa, and a safe source of drinking water provided in 17600 Not  Covered (New and slipped) and 4598 Partially Covered habitations and also 13624 rural schools.  Besides, 626 piped- water supply projects have been commissioned to address quality and quantity problem in water supply. During 2005-06 (upto December), 8382 hand pump tube wells along with 223 sanitary wells have been installed and 112 piped-water supply projects completed and provision of safe drinking water has been made in 4241 NC as well as 1418 PC habitations and 2522 rural schools.  Under the participatory and community led Swajaldhara, 288 drinking water supply projects have been completed. Rural Water Supply programme for 2006-07 will continue to focus on providing a safe source of drinking water in remaining NC / PC habitations and rural schools and addressing water quality problem in the affected habitations. In order to improve sanitation coverage in the State, Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) is being carried out in all the 30 districts with a total project cost of about Rs. 440 crore. The programme aims at creating an enabling environment to promote use of toilet facility by all rural Households,  School students & Anganwadi children. 8.22 lakh individual household latrines (IHLs), 7994 school toilets and 296 anganwadi toilets have been installed under this programme.

 

                      17.  My Government is committed to improve physical connectivity in the State by construction, improvement, repair & maintenance of roads and bridges of State Highways, National Highways and Major District Roads(MDR). During 2005-06, my Government has completed 8 bridges and 221 Km. of roads utilising Rs.8716 lakh (by December 2005) under different schemes such as NABARD assisted, RIDF, Central Road Fund (CRF), RLTAP for KBK region and State Plan. For providing quality road infrastructure to places of tourist importance and cultural heritage and to attract the tourists from all over the country and outside my Government has taken several steps for improvement and strengthening of road connectivity by utilising one-time Additional Central Assistance made available by the Planning Commission, Government of India. All 7 road projects with   length  of 133 Km.  have been improved during the year  2004-05 out of the ACA allotted in the year 2003-04.  Further, Government of India has sanctioned Rs.43.5 Crore during 2004-05 and Rs.17 crore for 2005-06 to take up 6 road projects and 2 industrial road projects with a total length of 100 Km. My Government has taken up 5 road projects namely Bisoi -Tiringi – Tata road, Jaypur-Koraput – Malkanagiri – Mottu road and Nayagarh – Khandapara road, Circular Road of Angul Town  and Nayagarh – Odagaon – Lahukhal Road with estimated cost of Rs.21.73 crore with the help of funds released by the Government of India. With a view to provide quality road for the upcoming industries in the State, my Government is improving Naranpur – Pandapara – Harichandanpur – Brahmanipal – Duburi road under Economic Importance Scheme with an estimated cost of Rs.210 crore in 3 years commencing from 2005-06 with the help of the Planning Commission and the Government of India. It has been decided to improve the Cuttack – Paradeep Road with concrete pavement at an estimated cost of Rs.132 crore.  The Paradeep Port Trust, OMC and Indian Oil Corporation have been requested to provide funds for the same.  To improve road infrastructure in the State Capital, road from Air Port to Damana Chhak has been taken up and a sub-way connecting the Market Building with Unit-1 Market has been completed and opened to public this year.  Under Orissa State Road Project, 7 road projects covering 825 Kms with an estimated cost of Rs.1200 crore will be taken up under World Bank assistance.  My Government has proposed to the Government of India for Mottu – Malkangiri – Jashipur – Rairangpur Road (Part of Vijayawada – Ranchi) as a National Highway.   This road cutting through the National Highway-43, measuring a length of 1215 Km. runs from Mottu in Malkangiri district and serves as a lifeline of economic activities for the tribal population.  This proposal is under consideration of the Government of India.   My Government has planned to complete 22 bridges and improve 475 Kms. of PWD roads under various schemes with an outlay of Rs.233 crore during 2006-07.

 

                      18. My Government has decided to develop Gopalpur Port as an all-weather port through a private developer. Selection of Private Developer by RITES is under progress and shall be finalized shortly.  To establish a big port of international standard at Dhamara, L&T and TISCO have jointly taken up the work and will commence construction shortly.  For the development of inland water transport in Orissa, various activities have been taken up from the funds sanctioned under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme. My Government is in constant touch with the Government of India to expand railway network and run new trains considering the rapid industrialization and better amenities in the State. Electrification of the railway routes from Kharagpur to Vizagpatanam has been completed and commissioned from December, 2005. The Railways have introduced 3 new trains, namely, Sampark-Kranti Express bi-weekly between Bhubaneswar and New Delhi, new DMU Passenger Train between Berhampur to Cuttack – Jajpur - Keonjhar Road and a Passenger Train from Cuttack to Paradip during 2005-06. Two new trains are sanctioned during the year i.e. Rupsa - Bangiriposi D.M.U. (after conversion) and Bhubaneswar- Sambalpur Express. Frequency of some important long distance Express Trains have been extended. My Government is committed to provide an efficient and transparent administration in the transport sector. Ten RTO offices and seven check-gates along with the State Transport Authority have been computerized. Smart Card based Driving Licences and Registration Certificates will be issued in all the RTO offices very soon. O.S.R.T.C. continues to consolidate its financial and operating situation through various measures.

 

                     19. My Government accords high priority for development and promotion of tourism in the State for economic growth and employment.  Media Management Agency and Event Managers have been identified to take up publicity and examine tourism events professionally.  A new logo for Orissa has also been adopted to reposition and rebrand Orissa as a vibrant tourist destination. The Orissa Tourism Website has been refurnished. Strategic tourism projects such as Peace Park at Dhauli under Destination Development, Infrastructure Development in the Budhist Circuit comprising Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri and Langudi under Travel Circuit Scheme and Endogenous Tourism Development at Pipili under Rural Development Scheme have been taken up. A special tourism area is being developed between Puri & Chilika through IDCO for development of up-market tourism. Government of India have already sanctioned 4 projects – Sakhigopal, Gopalpur and Taptapani under Destination Tourism and Bhubaneswar-Dhauli-Puri-Konark are also underway on the same lines as that of Ekamra Haat of Bhubaneswar. Proposals for development of eco-tourism at Chilika and Bhitarakanika and Rural Tourism at Balakati, Nuapatna, Mahendragiri, Manikapatna, Hirapur, Sadeibarini, Khiching, Barpali & Padmanabhapur & Deomali - Jaipur - Upperkolab - Gupteswar - Koraput - Nandapur-Subei & Chandipur – Talsari – Udayapur – Chandaneswar – Remuna - Panchalingeswar-Nilagiri under Circuit Tourism have already been submitted to the Government of India for consideration. For promotion and marketing the tourism fairs and festivals are being supported on regular basis. This year’s highlights include the Shree Kshetra Utsav at Puri, Ekamra Utsav at Bhubaneswar, Konark Festival at Konark, etc. which showcased tourism and cultural potentialities of Orissa. Orissa Tourism also participated in Travel Trade Shows like Buddhist Festival at Bangkok, Leisure Moscow at Moscow, WTM at London, PATA Convention at Kuala Lumpur, IATO  at Kochi, TTF   at Kolkata, Road Show at Raipur, etc. for promoting Orissa as a Tourist Destination in the National and International market. Guide Training Programme continues to be organized. Private Sector participation in augmenting tourism infrastructure is being encouraged under which 373 guides have already been trained. As a part of this policy, MOUs have been signed between Orissa Tourism and M/s Roots Corporation Ltd., Mumbai and also with Laxmi Franklin Group for establishment of hotels in the State. The Indi One hotel of the Roots Corporation at Bhubaneswar is nearing completion. Orissa is poised to become one of the leading states of the country in the  tourism sector.

 

                     20. My Government aims at preserving, protecting and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the State and devoting itself for promotion of Art and Culture of different regions of the State. Schemes implemented by my Government includes pension to Indigent Artists, financial assistance to distressed artists from Artist Welfare Fund, preservation and protection of Ancient Monuments, imparting training in the field of Art and Crafts, Songs and Music, Dance and Drama, etc.  My Government attaches much focus to popularizing and strengthening the Folk Dance culture of the State.  Special attention is also given by the State Government to organize an International Odissi Dance Festival. Kalamandal, a multi-purpose Cultural Complex, is under construction at Bhubaneswar with financial assistance of the Central and the State Government.  Under the Raja Ram Mohan Ray Library Foundation Scheme, book assistance, storage, etc. are provided to the Rural Libraries and Gandhi Pathagar for giving reading facilities to the students, research scholars and public.  Shri Jagannathyan is a novel venture undertaken by the State of Orissa for the propagation and popularization of the consciousness of Sri Jagannath in contemporary perception of Culture.  The Programme envisages to focus on Jagannath consciousness through intellectual and spiritual interpretations in right perceptives as well as the artistic expression that connect tradition with modernity.  Further, by the efforts of my Government the 12th Finance Commission have been pleased to provide Rs.50 crore for Heritage Conservation in the State within a period of four years beginning from 2006-07.

 

                     21. My Government continues to give  priority to universalization of elementary education. 70.18 lakh of children have been enrolled in the schools at elementary level. For better planning & development  of education & health of children, Orissa Child Census, 2005 has been taken up this year from October, 2005.  The State has shown impressive performance at national level for utilization of funds under ‘Sarba Sikshya Abhiyan’. During 2005-06 my Government has supplied 3.17 crore text books on time to 60,93,000  elementary students in Government Schools, Aided Schools & EGS Centres free of cost through ‘Pustak Mela’. This year, my Government has also supplied uniform to about 24.84 lakh girl students in Govt. elementary schools free of cost through Village Education Committees in the ‘Uniform Distribution Mela’ in respective schools. Oriya Bhasa Pratisthan has been established for development and safeguarding of Oriya language & culture in the State. For strengthening of teacher’s training, 7 Govt. ST Schools have been upgraded to the status of DIETs and 6 ST Schools to the status of District Resource Centre. 3 Teachers Training Colleges in tribal areas of Bhawanipatna, Baripada & Rourkela have been upgraded to the College of Teachers Education in the pattern of Govt. of India.  To supplement and complement elementary & secondary education a new programme named Education Satellite (EDUSAT) has been launched in the State from October, 2005 to meet growing educational needs of the students & teachers.

 

                     22. My Government continues to improve facilities for higher education and sports. The academic environment of the educational institutions remained peaceful during the session.  In spite of resource constraints, my Government continues its financial support through grant-in-aid to the aided non-Government Colleges. As a measure  to improve the quality of education, my Government has fixed an annual calendar at +2 level for admission, election, examination, declaration of results, vacation, etc. Similar calendar will be adopted for Degree Colleges.  My Government has taken effective steps to prevent  private  tuition by  the college  teachers  in  both Government and  non-Government aided colleges. Promotion of Junior Lecturers of Government Colleges is being taken up.  To assess the quality of the colleges more and more colleges are being put under assessment of the National Association and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Five Non-Government Aided Colleges have been declared as autonomous College.  Ravenshaw College will be upgraded to the status of Ravenshaw University. New Vocational trades and Self-financing courses have been opened in Higher Secondary Vocational Schools and general Colleges. Uniform dress code has been adopted in general and Degree Colleges and well adopted by the students which has drawn attention at the National level. The N.C.C Cadets of Orissa have shown excellent performance at National Level.  The Youth Red Cross has done commendable job relating to creating awareness about HIV / AIDS, holding First-Aid Centres and blood donation camp. Infrastructure in different universities has been strengthened. My Government is giving full encouragement to promote various Sports and Youth activities in the State.

 

                     23. My Government is committed to provide quality  healthcare to the people of the State through Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine. Besides, some National Programmes on Major diseases like Leprosy, T.B., Aids, Malaria, Fileria, Blindness and Polio are also implemented   along with various family welfare programmes. The National Rural Health Mission(NRHM) has been launched in the State on 17th June, 2005 to provide effective healthcare to the entire rural population in the State.  The State has decided to reach out to the village panchayats with the innovative scheme of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist), who will be the first point of health contact in the village (Population of 1000 people).  The key components under NRHM are provision of health activist in each village, a village health plan prepared through a local team headed by a Panchayat Representative, implementation of Janani Surakhya Yojana (JSY), strengthening of rural hospital for effective curative care and integration of health concerns with determinants of health like sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and safe drinking water.  So far 6861 nos. of ASHA have already been selected in 30 districts in the state against target of 12730 nos.  It is hoped that all the 12730 nos. of ASHA will be in position soon.  Under “NRHM” 2 CHCs of each district will be upgraded as per Indian Public Health Standards.  To implement the Programme at the grassroots level, an untied fund of Rs.10,000/- will be allotted to each Health Sub-Centre of the State and Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRI) will be actively involved in the process of implementation.  With an objective to meet the shortage of doctors and rendering health services to the people, Govt. has issued NOC in favour of 17 organizations for establishment of Medical and Dental Colleges in the private sector.  To promote the Medical Colleges in Western Orissa by private entrepreneurs, Govt. has decided in principle to provide 25 acres of land free of premium and Rs.10 crore in 3 years on reimbursement  basis towards creation of infrastructure.  One Medical College with 100 seats and one Dental College with 60-intake capacity have become functional during the academic year 2005-06 in private sector.  Efforts are being made for increasing MBBS seats  of  S.C.B. Medical College,  Cuttack from   107  to  150 during the year 2006-2007.

 

                     24. Urban Population in the State has witnessed a growth of about 30% in the last decade. The increasing demand for better civic amenities and infrastructural facilities in the urban areas has posed a challenge for the Government. My Government is committed to meet this challenge and provide better services to the people. About 660 million litres of drinking water is supplied per day in 103 Urban Local Bodies benefiting urban population of nearly 4.5 million. Besides this, 16907 hand pumps have been provided in the urban areas to cater to the needs of the weaker sections of society. Three major water supply projects at Rourkela, Angul and Talcher are nearing completion. Water supply project at Titilagarh has also been commissioned. It is targeted to complete and commission four projects under RLTAP, namely augmentation of water supply to Bolangir, Khariar Road, Nawarangpur and Jeypore towns. Under Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme, (AUWSP) nine schemes have been commissioned, seven schemes have been partially commissioned, three schemes have been completed and fifteen schemes are under progress in different ULBs of the State. The living condition of Urban Slum Dwellers is being improved under National Slum Development Programme (NSDP) in the State. Under Swarna Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY), the urban poor particularly women, SCs and STs and Physically Handicapped persons are getting opportunities for self-employment. The Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana (VAMBAY) is being implemented in ULBs of the State for providing dwelling units to the poor slum dwellers. My Government has taken steps for preparation of Perspective Plan for Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Urban Complex with the help of I.I.T., Kharagpur. This would promote balanced and planned growth of the twin cities and the hinterland. Bhubaneswar and Puri have been selected under the recently launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). This would enable these ULBs to take up various projects in the next seven years. The newly launched Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Town (UIDSSMT) and Integrated Housing & Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) are also going to be implemented in the State. My Government is also committed to undertake various Urban Sector Reforms for better resource mobilization, capacity building and to streamline the accounting system in Urban Local Bodies. My Government has also initiated action for construction of Housing and Commercial Complexes with Public-Private Partnership. The Urban Local Bodies are going to take up scientific management of solid waste with the help of the funds available under the 12th Finance Commission Award. An Integrated Sewerage Management Project is going to be taken up for Bhubaneswar City. Orissa State Housing Board would take up various Social Housing Projects to meet the increasing demand for Urban Housing in various parts of the State.

 

                    25. My Government  is keen to devolve powers  and responsibilities upon Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) so as to enable them to function as Institutions of Self-Governance as per the mandate of 73rd amendment of the Constitution.  All the 314 blocks and 30 DRDAs have been provided with V-Sat connectivity. New software tools-PRIA-SOFT and RURALSOFT have been developed for accounts and scheme monitoring. My Government is taking steps to computerize 2742 Gram Panchayats having population of more than 5000 in the 1st phase under the 12th Finance Commission Award fund.  My Government has taken up massive housing programme for the rural poor affected by the Super Cyclone of 1999 followed by high floods in subsequent years.  My Government has received funds of Rs.115 crore to construct 73815 Indira Awas Yojana(IAY) houses during 2005-06.  30501 such houses have been completed by December, 2005.  Employment of 374 lakh mandays have been generated under “Sampurna Grameen Rozgar Yojana” during 2005-06 utilizing about 2 lakh metric tonnes (M.T) of foodgrain and cash of Rs.218 crore.  Special component of SGRY is being implemented in natural calamity affected areas to provide additional wage employment to the rural people to ensure food security.  107 lakh mandays have been generated under the scheme by utilizing about 60,000 M.T. of rice. Under Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) 33655 swarozgaries have been benefited during 2005-06 (upto December, 2005).  To create additional wage employment in rural areas, National Food for Work Programme (NFFWP) has been launched in 199 Blocks in 18 most backward Districts in the State. Under this programme during 2005-06 (upto December, 2005) about 333 lakh additional mandays were generated utilizing around Rs.201 crore cash and 1.5 lakh   M.T. of foodgrains. For providing employment guarantee in the rural areas National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme ( NREGS ) is being launched in 19 districts coming 205 blocks and 3672 GPs.  This will provide 100 days of guaranteed unskilled employment to every household in 33527 villages and is likely to cover 4078982 rural household.

 

                     26. The Public Distribution System is functioning effectively through a wide network in the State to provide foodgrains at subsidized price to below poverty line families.  Under Antyodaya Anna Yojana, 35 Kg. rice per family per month is being provided to about 10 lakh poorest of the poor families at highly subsidized price of Rs.3 per Kg.  An additional 2.63 lakh families are going to be covered   in the State under  the  scheme  shortly.  Under Annapurna   Scheme 10 Kg. of rice per beneficiary per month is being supplied free of cost to 64,800 senior citizens, who although eligible, have not been covered either under the National Old Age Pension scheme or the State Old Age Pension Scheme. One State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission at Cuttack and 31 District Consumer Redressal Fora  are functioning in the State for protecting the rights of consumers. A State Consumer Welfare Fund with a corpus of rupees one crore has been created with contribution of the Central Government and the State Government for taking up consumer awareness programme under the provisions of the Orissa Consumer Welfare Fund Rules, 2005.  Steps have also been taken for construction of buildings for District Consumer Redressal Fora  and for setting up Consumer Clubs in schools.

   

                     27. Economic development and social empowerment of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes have been priority concerns of my Government.  To bring about all-round development of the STs and the SCs, my Government continues to give thrust on education.  The 2001 census figures show a marked  improvement in literacy, particularly female literacy in the predominantly tribal districts like Nowarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati and Kandhamal which had very low percentage of literacy in the past. 218 High Schools including 55 for Girls, 149 Ashram Schools including 37 Kanyashrams, 143 Residential Sevashrams, 919 Sevashrams, 1548 Primary School Hostels and 10 Model Tribal Schools for tribal children are functioning in the State to provide educational opportunities to ST and SC children.  Besides, 400 ST Girls Hostel in KBK areas under RLTAP have been made fully functional.  Free distribution of nationalized text books, reading and writing materials, garments and free coaching to the SC and  ST students are being ensured.  Scholarships have been awarded to 472572 ST and 447024 SC students during the year 2005-06.  Nine Bonda children passed Class-X examinations in 2005 due to special coaching efforts.  708 ST/SC youth have been trained in vocational trades through I.T.I.s / Polytechnics in 2004-05 and efforts are being made to gainfully employ them in self-employment ventures or as successful wage earners.  Another 1200 ST youth are undergoing training during 2005-06.  40 SC/ST youth are undergoing training for their engagement as insurance agents. During 2005-06, my Government has planned to renovate 471 educational buildings, 149 bridges and CD works, 124 drinking water supply projects, 35 minor irrigation projects, 21 hamlets for electrification and establishment of three Workshop-cum-Training Institutions.   During 2005-06 assistance has been provided to 26730 ST families under different income generating schemes through Integrated Tribal Development Agencies.  Similarly, assistance has been provided to 4158 SC families, 643 ST families and 26 liberated Safai Karmacharies through OSFDC. Besides 6 Safai Karmacharies and 113 minorities’ families have been assisted under High Cost Schemes by way of soft loans by OSFDC.  Assistance has been provided towards payment of monetary relief to 180 SC and 97 ST victims of atrocities under the SCs and the STs (PoA) Act, 1989.   Besides Legal Aid to the STs and the SCs has also been provided whenever required. My Government continues its efforts to improve the living condition of members of the Primitive Tribal Groups which include awareness generation programmes, incentive schemes for improving school  enrolment, electrification and construction of pucca fire-proof houses in the micro-project areas.  With a view to improve the income of the tribal households and the productivity of their land to provide them a better life, my Government has launched a programme named “Orissa Tribal Empowerment and Livelihood Programme (OTELP) ” with effect from 2nd October, 2004, with a proposed outlay of Rs.430.73 crore in 30 tribal blocks of seven southern districts with external assistance. My Government will ensure implementation of prevention of atrocities on the SCs and the STs and implementation of Orissa Reservation of Vacancies Act. Transfer of tribal land in scheduled areas to non-tribals has been prohibited. 

 

                     28. My Government aims at the holistic development of the children, pregnant women, lactating mothers and adolescent girls through the Integrated Child Development Services Programme(ICDS). The scheme covers about 31 lakh persons including children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.  Concerted efforts for reduction of malnutrition among children in the State have been taken up.  To improve the nutritional status of malnourished children a programme called “Aame Bhi Paribu” is under implementation in all the districts of the State.  All 326 ICDS Projects of the State have been covered under the Kishori Shakti Yojana which aims at the holistic development of the adolescent girls in the age group of 11 to 18 years.   Special interventions like reduction of malnutrition and child mortality and construction of Anganwadi Centers in KBK districts have been taken up under RLTAP.  All undernourished adolescent girls and pregnant and nourishing women of BPL category in Koraput and Kalahandi districts are provided free rice @ 6 Kg per month under National Nutritional Mission. About 51 lakh school children in 69,700 schools are being provided cooked meals under Mid-Day Meal Programme everyday including an egg once in a week. My Government continues to provide cooked food to the old, infirm, indigent and destitute persons under the Emergency Feeding Programme. My Government is providing pension to the old and destitute persons, leprosy  patients having deformity and destitute women @ Rs.100/- per month under the State Old Age Pension (SOAP) Scheme covering about 6,75,000 persons.  4,93,400 and 1,25,000 beneficiaries are assisted under the National Old Age Pension (NOAP) Scheme and Orissa Disability Pension Scheme respectively. All beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension Schemes have been provided with photo identity cards and  pension is distributed on a fixed day termed as ‘Jana Seva Divas’,  i.e. the 15th of every month at the Gram Panchayat Headquarters.  Other schemes such as the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and the Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY) continue to provide help to the target groups. Under “Mission Shakti,  1,76,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed in all districts of the State who have taken up different economic activities like kerosene dealership, labour intensive works, pisciculture, poultry farming, etc. 1.6 lakh groups have been advanced credit to the tune of Rs.370 crore. My Government is taking care of about 5,600 orphan children through 85 orphanages.  

 

                     29. My Government  is committed to welfare of the working class. Full medical care has been extended to the industrial labourers and their family members through a network of E.S.I. hospitals and dispensaries. Employment and Social Security Legislation is given priority. Child labourers employed in hazardous jobs have been released and admitted under the National Child Labour Project Scheme for being imparted formal education and vocational training. My Government encourages youth of the State for their recruitment in defence and para-military services. Students’ Information Bureaus and Model Career Corners in schools and colleges have been set up. 22 Model Career Corners and 12 Students’ Information Bureaus in Women Colleges and Girls’ High Schools in tribal dominated and backward districts of the State have been opened for utilization by girls students.                  

 

                     30. My Government has been making efforts to provide a responsive and people oriented administration and has made arrangements to hear and dispose of public grievances and pension cases expeditiously.  During the year 9589 grievance petitions have been received and processed for redressal. 26338 persons have been benefited through 21 “Jana Sampark Sibirs” organised in different districts during the year.  546 pension grievances have been processed.  During the year, one Pension Adalat (118th) has been conducted in which 288 cases have been disposed of.  The institution of Lokpal is functioning effectively.

                                                                                                                                    Financial Assistance from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) is being provided to indigent applicants for their treatment for major ailments. During 2005-06 (upto December, 2005), assistance of about Rs. 1.48 crore has  been  provided  to  1576 applicants.  Besides,  ex-gratia  assistance  of  Rs. 22.60 lakh has been provided to the next of kins of 226 heat wave victims. Assistance of Rs. 1 crore was provided from the CMRF for relief and restoration measures in the wake of devastation brought about by the massive earthquake in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

                       My Government is committed to curbing corruption at all levels of administration. During the calendar year 2005, 291 vigilance cases were registered out of which 236 vigilance cases were disposed. Of these 236 cases, charge-sheets have been placed in 182 cases. Departmental action has also been taken by various departments in many cases.

                     My Government has also initiated a new programme called Orissa Modernizing Government Initiative (OMGI) to take up administrative reforms in different Departments of the Government and district administration.

 

                      31. In order to promote transparency and accountability in the system of governance, my Government is sincerely implementing the Right to Information Act, 2005 in the State from 12, October, 2005.  For proactive disclosure as required under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005 the Government departments are making information available through Government website. Orissa Information Commission has been constituted and has started functioning.

 

                     32. My Government has launched a new Land Pass Book Programme for each land-holding family in the State with effect from 26th January, 2006. The Land Pass Book will serve the purpose of a certificate in respect of caste, income, legal heir, residence and identity, etc.  For the sake of better land management  my   Government has distributed land to 14,588 homesteadless families in the State out of which 7827 families belong to Scheduled Tribes and 3234 families to Scheduled Castes under “Basundhara” Scheme during the current year by the end of October, 2005. The scheme aims at providing land to 2,49,334 such families within three years, i.e., 2005-06 to 2007-08.  For strengthening of Revenue Administration, my Government has taken up a comprehensive scheme of Rs.515 crore with external assistance to be effective from    2006-2007.  Out of 171 Tehsils in the State, 157 Tehsils have been fully computerised. With a view to improving the economy of the weaker sections of the society and to boost agricultural production,  Government land up to one standard acre is being allotted free of salami to landless persons. During the year 2004-05 Government land to the extent of Ac. 5033 has been distributed among 6,075 landless families which included 1053 S.C. and 2954 S.T. landless families. During the year 2005-06 by October, 2005 Government land to the extent of Ac. 1553 has been distributed among 1592 landless families including 700 S.T. and 246 S.C. landless families. My Government intends to invigorate the process of distribution of remaining Bhoodan lands in the coming year.

                     Presently my Government has a Rehabilitation and Re-Settlement Policy which envisages employment to one member from each displaced family either in industry or its ancillary units.  Members of displaced families if not provided with job will be assisted in self-employment through allotment of shops, service premises or other activities in the Company’s township or otherwise.  Roads, community centers, school buildings, water supply facilities, electricity facilities, dispensary, etc. will be provided in the Re-Settlement and Rehabilitation Colony.  Those displaced families who opt to make their own rehabilitation elsewhere than the Re-Settlement and Rehabilitation Colony will be given cash grant of Rs.50,000/- towards self-rehabilitation. Further appropriate training facilities to the nominated persons of the displaced families are being provided to acquire skill for employment.  As already mentioned at the outset,  my Government has constituted a Group of Ministers to have a thorough look into the existing policy and make suggestions for a comprehensive policy after broad-based consultations.

 

                     33. The avowed policy of my Government is to dissuade people from drinking. Considering the general grievances of eminent individuals, NGOs and groups, Govt. has put a ban on opening of any new liquor shops in the State.  The excise enforcement measures have been strengthened.  During the first six months of the current year, 15,376 cases have been detected and 7,767 persons were arrested.  The District Administrations have been asked to keep close watch on the suspected illicit distillation centers and curb spurious liquor.  In order to make the Excise Law more stringent for the offenders, a new Orissa Excise Bill, 2005 has been placed before the Orissa Legislative Assembly.

 

                     34. As a measure to provide “Justice to all” my Government  has decided to open 8 nos. of Special Judge(Vigilance) Courts in phases in the State.  Two such Courts at Balasore and Cuttack will be opened soon.   446 nos. of Lok Adalats have been organised in the State for promoting speedy justice for disposing of about 91 thousand cases.   Legal Aid is being provided to SCs, STs, Women, Children, persons in custody and people from weaker sections of the society.  Legal Awareness Camps have been organised to create legal  awareness among the people of rural and tribal areas.  The all-round Development of Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri is being given priority by my Government. Shri Jagannath Temple Act has been amended to strengthen the administration. Senior Officials like Chief Administrator in the rank of Commissioner has been given the charge of Temple Administration.  Support to other religious institutions including ‘Wakf’ institutions is being provided.

                       35. The law  and   order situation of the State during the period 2005-06 was by and large peaceful except a few incidents of left-wing extremism in parts of Southern, Western and Northern Orissa. The unfortunate incident in  Kalinga Nagar has engaged the attention of the State Government and all efforts are being made to restore normalcy to the area. A judicial probe has been ordered by a sitting Judge of the Orissa High Court in order to enquire into the incident. The leaders of different parties, youth organizations, students’ organizations, labour unions, etc. have resorted to agitational approach by staging ‘Dharana’, ‘Railroko’, ‘Road blockade’, etc., but no major incident has been reported. Communal harmony prevailed during the period. Traditional festivals were also observed with gaiety. There has been a marked decline in the reported cases of murder and dowry related cases. The Orissa Police is modernizing fast with the construction of large number of residential and non-residential buildings and acquisition of modern equipments. An allocation of Rupees 235.62 crore during the period 2000-2005 has been spent.   The State Forensic Science Laboratories are also being equipped with the modern and latest equipments. During the year 2005, the buildings for 9 Out Posts, 9 Police Stations, 4 State Police Academy Offices, 2  Reserve Offices,  Special   Intelligence   Wing,  (First Floor & Second Floor),  1 Traffic Tower, 2 S.F.S.L. and Canine Breeding Center and 286 residential quarters have been constructed. Keeping in view the objective of better dispensation of justice, the State Government, during the year 2005, has constructed 17 Fast Track Court buildings.   The Government is, thus, committed to make justice accessible to grassroots level. Orissa Fire Service is a public utility service and is rendering valuable services by protecting the lives and properties of public from fire hazards as well as natural calamities. During this year, 14 Fire Station buildings and 11 residential quarters for Fire Service personnel have been constructed.  My Government has made good progress in modernizing prison infrastructure and providing better healthcare and education to the inmates.  The  Rajya  Sainik  Board continues   to  promote welfare and  resettlement of   ex-servicemen, war widows, disabled ex-servicemen and families of deceased personnel belonging to the State.

 

            36. I have taken this opportunity of only touching upon the policies and programmes and certain important thrust and priority areas of my Government based on the common programme, without intending to discuss the programmes of each department in detail. However, I would like to stress that each and every activity of my Government is important and should, therefore,   be   treated   as  such. My Government is striving hard to implement all the programmes and promises it has made for the welfare of the people of the State. These policies are dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the Scheduled Tribes, the Scheduled Castes, the Minorities, the Backward Classes, farmers, women, unemployed youth and students. My Government will pursue these policies relentlessly for a better life for the weaker sections of the society.  I hope that the Hon’ble Members of this August House will extend their full cooperation and support to the progressive and forward-looking policies and  programmes of my Government. I wish all success in your deliberations.


JAI  HIND

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