The State Government would make budgetary allocations for District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) without depending on Central funding, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday. He said merger of DRDAs with Zilla Parishads would be done soon for better management and monitoring of rural development programmes.
“Panchyats would get Rs 16 crore as per the recommendation of State Government and the Central Finance Commission making an Rs 20-30 lakh allocation for each panchyat. The panchayat should be a development model instead of a centre of politics,” said Patnaik.
Patnaik was addressing the State-level Panchayati Raj Divas which was celebrated in a grand way marking the beginning of the birth centenary of former Chief Minister late Biju Patnaik. He called upon the PRI members to compete with each other for development.
He also announced a 25-per cent hike in the honorariums of PRI members.
Earlier in the day, at a State-level celebration of Biju centenary organsied by the ruling BJD at the Baramunda ground, Patnaik said Bijubabu had immense faith in the youth.
“Bijubabu’s biggest asset was the youth force as he knew it very well that it can bring in a sea change in the socioeconomic development of the State. He was truly a protagonist of the Odia race and culture,” said Patnaik.
“Bijubabu had always fought for more powers to panchayats. He had championed the cause of women and created opportunities to utilise their capacity and talent for development of the country,” Patnaik said. “He was not a person but an institution,” stated Patnaik. Announcing that the birth centenary of Biju Patnaik would be celebrated in all cities, towns and villages across the State for a year from this day, Patnaik said people from all walks of life would be involved in the celebrations.
Patnaik also announced formation of a socio-cultural front in the BJD.
“The front will fight against superstition and work for spreading social values like voluntary blood donation, service to the sick and elderly persons in every village, panchayat, ward and town. It will also create awareness on women education and child rights and dedicate itself to promotion of local art and culture. It will help people during natural calamities,” said Patnaik.
Several senior leaders of the BJD spoke about the contributions, courage and the dreams of Biju Patnaik.
The Chief Minister felicitated several distinguished personalities on the occasion.