Arun Kumar Sahoo is presently Odisha’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Panchayati Raj and law. He had opened his innings to the State Assembly from the Nayagarh constituency in 2004-2009 and was subsequently reelected from the same constituency in the 2009 and 2014 elections. Dr Sahoo was initiated into public life after achieving sanguine successes as a student leader from his salad days both in his college and university. Prior to the present position, he was also Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Energy and Information and Public Relations. An excellent organiser at the grassroots level, his adroitness for challenging political situations is amazing. Widely perceived as a Machiavellian politician, he steals the wind out of the sails of his opponents hitting the bull’s eye consequently turning the tide in his favour or his party BJD’s favour, leaving his adversaries high and dry. A workaholic by temperament, he often resorts to whirlwind tours of the State, especially his constituency, with a mission mode of serving the people. In an interview to The Pioneer, Sahoo spoke to Sugyan Choudhury from his Assembly chamber.
What are the facilities and programmes undertaken at the panchayat level for the benefit of the poor peopleIJ
The State Government for the benefit of the poor people at the panchayat level undertakes the following programmes and schemes:
i. Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). The objective of the IAY is to provide dwelling units to members of SC/ST/freed bonded labourers and non-SC/ST rural poor coming under BPl. The nomenclature of the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) has been changed to Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). Now, the unit cost has been enhanced to Rs1,30,000 per unit in 18 IAP districts and Rs1,20,000 per unit in non-IAP districts. The State Government bears 40 per cent of the unit cost.
ii. Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana (BPGY): The State Government is committed to convert all the Kutcha houses to Pucca houses by the year 2019. The entire fund is provided by the State Government. The main objective of the scheme is to provide Pucca houses to the eligible rural households living in Kutcha houses. Now, the unit cost has been enhanced to Rs1,30,000 per unit in 18 IAP districts and Rs1,20,000 per unit in Non-IAP districts.
iii. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): The basic objective of this scheme is to enhance livelihood security of the rural poor by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. This work guarantee can also serve other objectives like generating productive assets, protecting the environment, empowering rural women, reducing rural-urban migration and fostering social equity.
iv. Odisha livelihoods Mission (OlM): The National Rural livelihood Mission (NRlM) was launched in the State on April 18, 2011. It is a restructured scheme of the Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY). This scheme is implemented in a mission mode having focus to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the rural poor households and nurture till they come out of poverty and lead a quality life.
v. DDU-GKY (erstwhile Aajeevika Skills): The Deen Dayal Upadhaya Grameen Kousalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is an important component of the National Skill Development Policy and an integral part of the Rural livelihood Missions. Aajeevika Skills has been implemented since 2012-13 which was further renamed as DDU-GKY from February 2015. The scheme aims to address this national imperative and create sustainable impact on rural poverty by skilling rural youths (15 to 35 years) who are poor and lining them with regular wage employment.
vi. Gopabandhu Gramin Yojana: This is a 100% State-sponsored scheme. The principal objective of the GGY is to provide additional development assistance to bridge critical gaps in infrastructure in rural areas by complementing and supplementing existing resources with special focus on Bijli, Sadak and Pani (electrification, roads and irrigation and water supply) in every village on a needbased manner.
vii. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): The scheme focuses basically on development of infrastructure of PRIs and capacity building of elected members of three-tier PRIs.
viii. Central Finance Commission Award (2015-16 to 2019-20): The grant provided is intended to improve the status of basic civic services including water supply, sanitation, sewerage and solid waste management, storm water drainage, maintenance of community assets, maintenance of roads, footpaths and street lighting and burial and cremation grounds, etc.
ix. State Finance Commission (SFC) Award (2015-16 to 2019-20): The 4th State Finance Commission has made recommendations for devolution of funds to the PRIs for the period from 2015-16 to 2019-20 for utilisation at their levels on a priority basis considering the local needs to provide basic service delivery to the citizens with approval of the panchayat at an appropriate level. The total number of gram panchayats in Odisha is 6812.
Do you believe that the benefits accruing out of the programmes reach the people avoiding the middlemen and officialsIJ
The programmes undertaken by the Government are implemented by the officers working in the field, who act as facilitators helping the targeted people get the benefits of the schemes of the Government.
It is often alleged that the SHGs have turned into BSGs (Business Sahayak Gosthis). What is your response to thisIJ
The development of the Self-Help Group concept has been a harbinger of prosperity for the masses living in rural areas. It has helped the Women Self-Help Groups achieve economic prosperity and independence. It has enhanced their day-to-day livelihood, thus bringing a sense of self-confidence among them.
Do you believe that the programmes undertaken by your Government are delivering results as per Gandhiji’s prescriptionsIJ
Gandhiji always espoused the cause for the poor and downtrodden; and for this, he wanted devolution of power and strengthening the Panchayati Raj system in the country. Our Government under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister has given focus to the development of rural areas, for which budget provision is one of the highest in the State. Women empowerment has resulted in 50% reservation of seats, thus giving an opportunity for women to be a part of the decision making process.
It is observed that the number of judges in the Orissa High Court is too less to tackle with the increasing number of cases. How are you going to overcome this syndromeIJ
The paucity of judges is an all-India phenomenon. The procedure for appointment of judges is done as per a procedure which has been a subject of debate and discussion.