Bargarh: Amid State-wide ‘bandh’ call given by the Nabanirman Krushak Sanghathan (NKS), Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday graced the ‘Chasi Mahasamavesh’ (mega convention of farmers) here in Bargarh and distributed assistance worth Rs 700crore to more than 14 lakh KALIA beneficiary farmers.
Addressing the gathering, he said that no one can check or block the progress of this scheme. “Some people have given bandh call, but no one can ‘bandh’ (check or block) KALIA,” he said in his speech.
“More than 14 lakh farmers got Rs 700 crore assistance under KALIA, which has been launched for the farmers’ fraternity. It is a historic step taken for the development of farmers. Our KALIA Yojana has shown path to the entire country. Small farmers, sharecroppers, landless farmers and even farm labourers are being benefitted,” the CM said in his address.
“Not a single eligible farmer will be deprived of KALIA Yojana benefits. Our KALIA Scholarship Yojana is for the benefits of the children of the farmers. So, properly educate your children. Make them doctors, engineers and scientists. The State Government will bear the whole expenses,” he further stated.
Speaking about Centre’s PM-KISAN Yojana, the CM said, “I have demanded the Prime Minister to include small, landless farmers and sharecroppers in the PM-KISAN Yojana. Instead of Rs 6,000, I have demanded for Rs 10,000.”
He explained, “Odisha Government is lending loan to the farmers at zero interest. Also the brigades of Mission Shakti women are entitled to interest-free loan. All of you should tap the opportunity. Our motto is the empowerment of farmers, women and the youth mass. Their empowerment is the identity of Odisha.”
PNN