Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has not only failed in ensuring effective development of the State but has also failed in providing security to women and empowering them.
“The Odisha Government has conceded in the State Assembly that 60 per cent of women are suffering from anaemia in the State. From this, the development aspect of women can be known,” Irani said at a Press meet after attending a BJP State executive meeting.
She added that Odisha stands number one in the stunting (low physical and mental development proportionate to age) index among the States in the country.
Stating that people are dying without getting treatment in the State every day, she said it is disappointing that the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is not implemented in the State. “Naveenbabu didn’t implement this programme knowingly as he didn’t accept it as a welfare programme and rather took it as a scheme that would cause of loss of votes for his party,” she said.
Regarding reopening of the Odisha Textile Mill (OTM) at Choudwar, Irani said, “The State Government doesn’t want to re-operate it. If the Government wants to reopen it, the Centre will certainly provide required support,” she said.
She too slammed the State Government for not taking any step to reduce prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 2.50 while the BJP-ruled States have done so.
Among others, BJP State general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra and spokesperson Golak Mohapatra were present.