A multi-prong approach has been adopted by Baleswar MP RK Jena to bring change in certain core areas in his constituency which included Badasahi of Mayurbhanj district. In the initial phase the focus was laid on rural health service, economic improvement of farmers and skill development for youths.
Jena convened a meeting which was participated by the CDMO, Baleswar, heads of NABARD, Horticulture Department and leading banks, besides a Delhi-based organization, which would make field survey, prepare feasibility report and project cost.
Jena emphasised on plying of a well-equipped mobile health unit with allopathic doctors and other staff to provide treatment and carry out minor surgeries in the rural and inaccessible pockets of his constituency. He sought to know from the CDMO whether doctor and staff could be spared for the unit. He was ready to bear the capital investment out of his MPlAD fund.
The expert team was asked to make a study as to where the van would be operating. He stated that there is an urgent need to enhance the economic standard of the farmers and asked the Horticulture Department to encourage the farmers towards sustainable horticulture and floriculture.
The Horticulture Department said it could be pursued only in 16 per cent high ground of the total cultivable land. Jena stressed on cashew nut production and potato cultivation in north Baleswar and vegetable in Remuna. He also emphasized on setting up of a cold storage and food processing plant.
Remuna, Jaleswar and Baliapal have been shortlisted in the meeting as the venue of setting up a cold storage and food processing unit.
In the skill development front, Jena said there is a plan to train at least 5,000 youths for self-employment till 2019. He said the centre would be funding around `2.8 crore in the current fiscal year.