The State Government is reportedly going to decide to merge its farmer beneficiary scheme KALIA with the Centre’s PM-KISAN scheme. Ruling BJD MLA Prashant Muduli’s statement that if the two schemes are merged, farmers of the State would be benefitted more has fuelled the speculations in this regard.
Speaking to reporters, Muduli said there is nothing illogical if the KALIA and PM-KISAN schemes are merged.
“After the implementation of KALIA, PM-KISAN has been implemented. There is nothing wrong if the two schemes are combined. Better transparency in the selection of beneficiaries can be ensured and more farmers will get benefits,” said Muduli.
But slamming the State Government, BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra said the BJD is only hoodwinking people in the name of the KALIA scheme.
“During election time, the State Government launched the KALIA scheme to get votes. It was understood that the scheme won’t work. The State Government has no money. To disburse first instalments, the Government utilised the Contingency Fund. The plan to merge KALIA with the Central scheme was known much before,” Mohapatra said.