The State Assembly was adjourned soon after it met on the second day of its Monsoon Session on Friday till 3 pm due to ruckus as ruling BJD members demanded an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy to Rs 2,930 as per the resolution passed in the House during its last session.
"We demand that the Union Government increase paddy MSP soon,” shouted BJD MlAs as soon as the House met at 10.30 am.
Though Speaker Pradeep Kumar Amat repeatedly requested the agitating members to take their respective seats, yet they continued shouting slogans against the Union Government.
Unable to run the House, Amat adjourned the sitting at 10.32 am till 3 pm.
later, BJD MlAs went to the Governor’s House and submitted a memorandum, addressed to President Ram Nath Kovind, to Governor Dr SC Jamir demanding increase in paddy MSP and protection of Mahanadi water in favour of Odisha and accordance of Special Category State Status to it.
“Odisha’s economy and social fabric is closely related to agriculture. Paddy is cultivated over an area of nearly 40 lakh hectares annually. Paddy MSP set by the Union Government is not enough to pay for farmers’ spending and hard work. Hence, the MSP should be increased to Rs 2,930 per quintal of paddy,” urged the memorandum.
Similarly, it mentioned that 65 per cent people of Odisha living in 16 districts depend on Mahanadi water for their life, living and livelihoods. However, the Chhattisgarh Government has disrupted water flow by constructing several projects in upstream Mahanadi. Despite the State Government’s repeated request, the Union Government has not intervened to ensure stoppage of construction of ongoing dams and barrages.
“Our stand on Mahanadi has recently been vindicated by the NGT and the Kolkata High Court. As we have a just and proper point of view on the Mahanadi Issue, we will continue to rise out voice till our just demands are fulfilled,” the memorandum mentioned.
Regarding the demand for Special Category Status, the MlAs mentioned that it is a longstanding demand reiterated several times since 1979 and unanimous resolutions have been adopted in the State Assembly.
Though Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote several letters to the Prime Minster and the Finance Minister, the demand is yet to be fulfilled, they said.