The Nabard organised a State-level workshop here on Friday to sensitise different implementing departments of the State Government about various aspects of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) loan.
Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera inaugurated the workshop. Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey and senior officials of various departments participated in the workshop.
Development of agriculture, on which more than 75 per cent of the people of the State depend, is directly depended upon rural infrastructure. The rural infrastructure investments help to raise socioeconomic status of the rural people and loans under the RIDF contribute a lot in this regard, said the Minister.
Mentioning that Odisha is No.1 in the country in terms of RIDF loans, he said Odisha has excelled in project implementation with the Nabard’s support.
Drawing a comparison between Odisha and other States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab, he said the growth of agriculture in Odisha is more consistent and it would be better in time to come. He urged upon the implementing departments and the Nabard to work in close coordination.
Pandey said due to the RIDF and effective project appraisal by the Nabard the execution of projects has become better.
Nabard Regional Office CGM Dr KC Panigrahi delivered the keynote address. He elaborated the 36 eligible activities of RIDF and highlighted the achievement of the last few years in the State.
He told the participants that the Nabard has set a target to sanction around Rs2,500 crore to Odisha towards rural infrastructure development during 2018-19.
Panigrahi urged upon the State to maintain the No.1 status vis-à-vis loans under the RIDF in coming years. He thanked all departments for extending cooperation in execution of RIDF projects in the State.