Jharsuguda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday slammed Naveen Patnaik government saying “PC” (percentage commission) culture and delay in taking decisions have become identity of the state government resulting in its “tardy” development.
Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating an airport here named after freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai, the Prime Minister said under the BJD government, without paying bribe the beneficiaries are denied fruits of Central welfare programmes – be it construction of toilets or irrigation projects.
The Prime Minister said corruption and delay in taking decisions are becoming synonymous with Odisha government functioning.
“There is tardy development in Odisha due to ‘PC’ culture and delay in taking decisions,” the PM said.
Stepping up his criticism of the BJD government ahead of assembly polls and parliamentary elections next year, Modi alleged a “PC” culture and delaying decisions have become the identity of the Odisha government resulting in the state’s tardy development.
At another public meeting here, Modi claimed that people were denied benefits of the Centre’s welfare programmes – construction of toilets and in irrigation sector – if they don’t pay bribe under the BJD rule in the state.
Targeting the Congress party, Modi referred to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s famous remark that only 15 paisa out of a rupee sanctioned by the Centre for welfare of people reaches the beneficiaries. “They knew about the ‘bimari’ but had no vision to solve it,” he said.
“If our government releases Re 1, entire 100 paise reaches the poor,” he said.
Modi targeted the Opposition also for stalling the Triple Talaq Bill in Rajya Sabha. He said justice will be done to Muslim mothers and sisters. Stating that three days ago the Centre took a decision that was required for decades, he said the ordinance on triple talaq has made it illegal.
Accusing the previous UPA government of being responsible for closure of several industrial units, Modi said the BJP-led NDA government is taking concrete steps to revive closed plants. He claimed that the UPA government lacked a clear vision and a clean intention and said all attempts by them to revive closed industries were limited to papers, files and public announcements.
Earlier, addressing a public meeting in Talcher Modi said Odisha lagged on Swachh Bharat campaign parameters and Chief Minister Patnaik should improve the level of cleanliness in the coastal state.
“Everyone is aware of the importance of Ayushman Bharat scheme, but Naveen Babu does not understand. Odisha government should come forward and join the programme,” Modi said.
The Odisha government has not joined the Central scheme, saying it has introduced a better programme, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, in the state.
Modi said because of the state government’s decision, a large number of poor people in Odisha would be deprived of the benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme, which, he added, aims to create a healthy, capable and content new India.
“Once again, I publicly urge Naveen Babu to link people of the state with Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme which seeks to cover 10 crore poor families and effectively 50 crore people in the country,” he said.
“I had told Naveen ji about the importance of Swachhata and I once again request him to give cleanliness due importance,” Modi said, adding, cleanliness is essential for good health.
PTI