By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The 5T-Nabin Odisha Chairman VK Pandian on Thursday visited Ganjam as per direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and reviewed the progress of the Pipalapanka Dam Project in Sorada Block, Janivilly Barrage Project in Dharakote Block and Cheligada Irrigation Project in Digapahandi Block at a total cost of Rs. 1300 Crores.
These projects would provide irrigation to a total ayacut area of 1,84,000 Acres. He also participated in public grievance meetings at Bellaguntha, Dharakote, Kukudakhandi and Patrapur.
The 5T Chairman informed about the major decisions taken by the Chief Minister like an increase in social security pensions across all categories by Rs. 500 each that would benefit around 58 Lakhs beneficiaries.
Pandian said that pensions under Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana and Mukhyamantri Bunakar o Karigara Sahayata Yojana have also been increased from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 2,000 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister.
He also informed that financial assistance under MAMATA Yojana has been increased from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000. This will further benefit women and infants towards improved nutrition and better health outcomes.
For the benefit of undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in State universities, Govt and non-govt. aided colleges including Sanskrit Colleges and unaided colleges under the Higher Education dept, he informed the novel initiative of the Hon’ble Chief Minister in providing Nua-O Scholarships under which Male students will get Rs 9,000, while Female Students will get Rs 10,000 per annum; The students belonging to eligible SC/ST and Nirman Shramik Families will get Rs 10,000 ( Male) and Rs 11,000 (Female) per annum. The scholarships for the current academic year will be deposited in the bank accounts of the eligible students from Feb 26th onwards.
Pandian also informed about the new scheme SWAYAM i.e. Swatantra Yuva Udyami launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister to boost self-employment and entrepreneurship among the youth in the age group of 18-35 years.
He informed that the rolling out of bus service under the LAccMI Scheme in every Gram Panchayat of Ganjam district in which the bus fare for female passengers and students will be Rs 5/- only.
