Bhubaneswar, Feb. 21: The budget session of the Odisha Assembly began today with the customary address of governor M.C. Bhandare who highlighted various achievements of the government during the financial year.
However, the Opposition boycotted Bhandare’s speech and accused the government of using money power during the panchayat polls. Minutes before Bhandare started reading out his speech, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh was seen standing on his seat and making a speech.
Singh was heard drawing the attention of Bhandare to the alleged use of money and official machinery by the BJD in the recently concluded panchayat polls.
“You are the constitutional head of the state. However, the democratic system is under threat,” said Singh. He also claimed that there was flow of money and liquor during the rural polls.“Even the Opposition legislators were attacked by the ruling party supporters while police were silent spectators ” he said. However, Bhandare continued his speech despite the interruption.
At one point, Bhandare got irritated when he was interrupted while paying homage to former members of the House and martyrs. “You should have some decency. You can speak after paying homage to great souls.”
However, Singh was still making parallel speech. After a few minutes, he announced that the Opposition was boycotting Bhandare’s speech. He then led the Congress members out of the House.
Highlighting the achievements of the government, Bhandare said the government had been continuously striving to achieve a sustainable and inclusive higher economic growth, accelerated overall development, reduction of regional, social and gender disparities and a faster rate of poverty reduction.
Annual plan allocations had substantially increased from Rs 5,520 crore in 2007-08 to Rs 15,200 crore in 2011-12. The level of capital investment increased from Rs 1038.06 crore in 2005-06 to Rs 4,285.10 crore in 2010-11, he said. With the improvement in overall finances, the government were now implementing several welfare schemes such as Rs 2 a kg rice scheme, Biju KBK Yojana, Biju Gram Jyoiti Yojana, Biju Saharanchal Vidyutikarn Yojana, Biju Setu Yojana and Mamata out of its own resources, said Bhandare.
“On the strength of good governance and industry-friendly atmosphere, Odisha is well on its way to becoming the premier manufacturing hub for companies,” said. He said 93 reputed companies had signed MoUs with the state government to establish industries with an investment of Rs 4.62 lakh crore.
Out of the 50 steel companies, 30 companies have commenced partial production. Besides, one aluminium industry, two power industries, one auto ancillary industry and one cement industry have also started partial commercial production.
A region for petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals investment with an investment of Rs 2.77 lakh crore is going to be established in Paradip, for which the central government has given its approval.
An MoU has already been signed between the Centre and the state government, while a special purpose vehicle is being formed for implementing the project, the governor said.
