leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Narasingha Mishra on Thursday lashed out at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his Government over the jaundice outbreak in Balangir district and Patnaik’s “mysterious” silence despite the NDA Government delinked or closed many Centrally-sponsored schemes.
Mishra alleged that as the people of Balangir town elected him, a Congress man, as their representative to the Assembly, the Chief Minister does nothing to check the spread of jaundice in Balangir.
“Despite appeals to the Chief Minister and concerned Minister even on the floor of the House, no visible steps were taken to check jaundice in Balangir district. Out of the total of around one lakh population, nearly 40 per cent of them are deprived of pure drinking water now in Balangir,” Mishra told mediapersons here.
Maintaining that jaundice has already taken an alarming proportion in the district, Mishra said, “The Government appears to be taking the matter casually. The Chief Minister and the departmental Minister should own the responsibility.”
He demanded that either the Chief Minister or the concerned Minister beg apology to Balangir denizens or step down from their positions for not handling the issue. He also demanded criminal cases against the concerned officials.
With regard to delinking of Centrally-sponsored schemes, Mishra hit out at the Chief Minister and questioned his silence.
“Due to delinking of Central assistance in respect of eight schemes, the socioeconomic sectors of the State will be seriously affected.”
In case of 33 Centrally-sponsored schemes, the sharing pattern has been changed and the State Government has to bear excess financial burden than before. Due to the reduction in Central assistance in respect of the 33 schemes, the State Government will incur a loss of Rs 8,037.26 crore per annum,” said he.
He also rubbished the claim of more fund to Odisha as per the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission.
He added that the 14th Finance Commission has recommended an additional amount of Rs 5,883.43 crore at the rate of 10 per cent more devolution of funds to the State. The liability of State will be about Rs 8,037.26 crore towards loss of Central assistance. Therefore, the gain due to the increase in 14th Finance Commission grant will be less to the yearly liabilities of the State Government.
“The State Government always blamed the UPA Government for neglecting the State. Now when eight vital schemes are delinked from Central assistance and Central funding is squeezed badly in 33 schemes, the BJD and its Government are maintaining a mysterious silence,” alleged Mishra.
He maintained that a secret deal has been struck between Naveen Patnaik and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save the BJD leaders from the serious consequences of various scams like chit fund, coal and mining.