Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday inaugurated a Haj House here and expressed good wishes for the Haj pilgrims from the State.
This year, a total of 653 Muslims, including 386 male and 267 female, from the State are making the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca.
The CM said a number of welfare activities have been undertaken for the minority communities in the State, including hostels in urban areas and scholarships for students.
Notably, 40 hostels are under construction for the minority community students and steps are underway to construct basic infrastructure like library, class room, laboratory in their educational institutions.
The Government has also approved 100 multipurpose community centers for their socio-cultural development.
Among others, SC, ST and Minority Development Minister Jagannath Saraka was present.