Naveen hails, opposition flays Odisha budget

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday described the annual budget presented for 2015-16 as progressive and pro-people while the opposition Congress and BJP said the budget deflects from development agenda.

"The budget presented today (Monday) is progressive, inclusive and pro-people. Significant focus has been given for empowerment of vulnerable sections of our society, agriculture, irrigation and infrastructure development," said Patnaik about the Rs.84,487.77 crore budget presented by Finance Minister Pradip Kumar Amat.

He said special emphasis has been given to the education sector in the form of model schools in every block and interest subvention on education loans.

"Substantial allocation is also made for free distribution of medicine and five new medical colleges which have a huge impact on health care for the people of Odisha. Odisha's own housing scheme Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana has also been given adequate importance," said the chief minister.

Leader of Opposition in assembly Narasingh Mishra, of the Congress, said the budget has no provision for the development of poor districts in the state. "The government is trying to hoodwink the people through the budget, which has no provision for poor people," he alleged.

Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party leader Basant Panda said the budget will have no impact at grassroots as the government has failed to fulfill the promises given to the people.