The prolonged neglect to Balangir as well as to the local MLA, bureaucratic apathy and tardy development activities have fuelled strong resentments among people across the district; and if the trend continues, the demand for a separate State would be more vociferous in coming days, observed senior Congress leader and Balangir MLA Narasingha Mishra here on Tuesday.
Mishra said the local MLA is supposed to be invited to all Government programmes and updated about the implementation of various schemes and projects in the district, but unfortunately, this is not done.
“A deliberate attempt is being made to ignore me as MLA of Balangir. Without informing me, foundation stones of a truck terminal and Fasad-Phatabahal PWD road were laid,” said Mishra.
Taking a swipe at the State Government, Mishra said the lower Suktel irrigation project is not going to be completed even by 2025 as announced by the Government. “The administration is using police to displace people. It is going to create hurdles. Moreover, the RPDAC meeting has not been held for a long time,” Mishra fumed.
Shortage of doctors at Bhimabhoi Medical College and Hospital is cause of concern, he told. The 650-bed MCH is scheduled to be ready by June 2023. The way the work is progressing, it is clear that the project will not be completed in the scheduled time. Moreover, cracks have developed in the medical college walls, building and water is also leaking, Mishra said, pointing out the substandard nature of the construction works.
Besides, the MLA targeted the Government over the agriculture issues. He said farmers of Balangir are yet to get their crop insurance compensation under the PMFBY. He also said that the people of the district are deprived of benefits
under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for last two years.
Even though funds have been sanctioned for Maharani Sagar work, the work has not started. Work in Laxmi Jore development is yet to taken up. So also the work on Mini Secretariat of Balangir where all major Government office would be located is yet to take off, Mishra said.