For the first time in Odisha’s administrative history, the new Government led by Naveen Patnaik on the first day itself made BJD’s election manifesto an official document.
After the Government formation following the completion of the customary swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers under the chairmanship of Patnaik met at the State Secretariat in the evening.
As per the promises made during the release of the BJD poll manifesto-2014, the Council of Ministers approved of the manifesto formally and assured to implement the promises in letter and spirit in a phased manner.
“In the first Council of Ministers’ meeting, it was resolved to approve the BJD manifesto in principle and make an all-out effort to implement the promises in a phased manner following due processes of the Government,” said Patnaik at a three-minute Press conference.
Patnaik also said the new Council of Ministers in the meeting thanked the people of the State and expressed their gratitude to them for once again reposing their trust on them to run the administration for the next five years.
Notably, On March 29 last while releasing the BJD election manifesto-2014, Patnaik had promised pucca houses for all, agriculture loans at the rate of 1 per cent interest in one year time, besides a separate Food security Act for the State. Besides, the party had given a guarantee to fulfil primary infrastructure needs in areas of roads, drinking water, electrification, irrigation, agriculture and education both in the rural and urban areas.
The party had also promised to provide medicines through Odisha Medical Corporation and make health insurance universal apart from creating an additional irrigation potential of more than 10 lakh hectares in next five years.
Other pledges include continuing the fight for special category State status, inclusion of Koshali and Sambalpuri languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, covering all unmarried and destitute women above 30 years of age under a pension scheme ,launching of a new scheme - Biju Bal Bikash Yojana for rehabilitation of all orphan and destitute children ,a new health insurance scheme “Niramaya” for autistic children and assistance to senior citizens of all religions to go on pilgrimage.
Earlier, after taking oath of office at the Raj Bhavan, Patnaik drove to the Secretariat to attend to his work where various employees’ associations of the Secretariat received him amid rousing welcome with slogans. Prior to attending the swearing- in ceremony, Patnaik had gone to Puri to perform a puja, seeking the blessings of the Trinity as well.