One for the girl child

To check discrimination against girls, the government plans to launch Biju Kanya Ratna scheme. It will be launched on a pilot basis in three districts. The government has allocated Rs 2 crore for the scheme.

Nothing special for Biju

The state government had criticised the Centre for non-allocation of money to observe the birth centenary of Biju Patnaik, but the Pradeep Amat has done the same. Replying to a query, the finance minister said: “All departments can independently allocate money to observe his birth centenary. The I&PR department has allocated Rs 70 crore to oganise various function in Biju’s birth centenary year.”

In Lord’s name

Under the Jagannath Enclave scheme, the state government will identify a patch of land in Puri and develop basic infrastructure. It will allocate plots to various state governments for the construction of their state bhawans. A budgetary allocation of Rs 5 crore has been made to this effect.

Women in mind

During the holy month of Kratik, a large number of women devotees come and stay for about a month in Puri to observe traditional rituals. The state government has allocated Rs 1 crore to build temporary shelters for them during the month.

Smart city

The state budget has allocated Rs 333.33 crore for Bhubaneswar’s Smart City Mission. MLAs welcomed the finance minister's announcement with the thumping of desks.

On the way

State government plans to provide uniform wayside amenities along important roads in the state. A budgetary allocation of Rs 15 crore has been made for the purpose.

Odia chairs

To promote research in Odia language and literature, the government will establish a chair in the name of Adi Kabi Sarala Das at Centre of Indian Languages, JNU.  Odia chairs will also be set up at Banaras Hindu University and Delhi University. The government plans to have similar chairs at Samablpur, Berhampur and  Fakir Mohan Universities.

For art’s sake

The Kalamandal project will showcase Odisha’s rich performing art tradition. The project will come up on six acres of land at Gadakana in Bhubaneswar for Rs 45.37 crore.

Bhagabat Tungi

Atibadi Jagannath Das’s Srimad Bhagabat is read daily in almost every household in Odisha. Odia Bhagabat Ghara/ Tungi bears ample testimony to this fact. The government has set aside Rs 3 for revivals of  1200 Tungis.