A State-level workshop was organised by the Nabard here on Thursday to sensitise the implementing departments of the State Government about various aspects on loan under its RIDF scheme.
Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan and Finance Principal Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey. Senior officials from various departments other dignitaries participated.
Stating that the State’s development depends on development in agriculture sector, where 75 per cent people are engaged, the Minister said rural infrastructure investments help to raise the socio-economic status of the rural people.
He said Odisha has emerged No 1 in the country in execution of RIDF loans and praised the Nabard for its continued support the State.
Pandey said the RIDF is the cheapest fund for the State Government and any amount of assistance is welcome. He said effective project preparation, grounding and monitoring would bring in fruits of development to the rural people. He highlighted the importance of long-Term Irrigation Fund (lTIF) and the Nabard Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA) in the state.
Nabard, Odisha Regional Office CGM Dr KC Panigrahi delivered the keynote address. He elaborated the 36 eligible activities of RIDF. Stating that Odisha is No 1 State in India for loans sanctioned under the RIDF, Panigrahi said the State should maintain the position. He thanked all the implementing departments for their support for execution of the RIDF projects in the State.