Bhubaneswar: The Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly started on Friday with the address of Governor Ganeshi Lal.
The Governor hailed people from various walks of life for their contribution during the COVID pandemic. “From ASHA, Anganwadi workers, to health professionals, teachers, students, farmers, entrepreneurs, the real strength of Odisha people was on full display during the pandemic,” he said.
He further said: “I would like to reiterate in unequivocal terms that my government is firmly committed to developing all regions of the state and empowering all sections of the people and is all set to move into a transparent, technology-driven, transformed new Odisha.”
“Good healthcare facility for all is important for us as we believe healthy Odisha makes happy Odisha”
He said that Odisha had turned into a power surplus state due to various steps taken by the state government.
“My government is committed to providing rail connectivity to all 30 districts of Odisha. Extensive steps have been taken in the direction of developing road and transportation infrastructure across the state,” he added.
The Governor also mourned the demise of former CM Hemananda Biswal, ex-Speaker of State Assembly Kishor Mohanty and CDS Bipin Rawat in his address.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was also seen in the House after almost one year. With exception to Governor’s address during the Budget Session in February 2021, he had been attending the session in virtual mode since the COVID pandemic began in March 2020.
Prior to that, he also presided over a meeting of the ruling BJD legislators party on the Assembly premises and advised the treasury bench members on how to face the challenges of the Opposition. “The government is prepared to debate on any issue raised by the opposition members. The party will also raise issues like central negligence towards Odisha and price rise of essential items and fuel,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister BK Arukha to PTI.
Notably, the CM was criticised for not physically attending his office and the state legislature despite touring different districts in recent months to launch the state-sponsored Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) smart health cards ahead of the three-tier panchayat elections. In December, the ruling dispensation drew flak when Naveen inaugurated a state-run restaurant here while the Winter Session of Assembly was on but did not show up in the House.
This Budget Session is being conducted for five hours a day in two phases – 10.30 am to 1.30 pm and again from 4 pm to 6 pm – while adhering to all COVID-19 protocols.
The proceeding of the House, however, is likely to be adjourned later as a mark of respect to former chief minister Hemananda Biswal and ex-Speaker Kishore Mohanty, who passed away recently.
Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari will present vote-on-account for the 2022-23 fiscal in the House on March 30 and table the Appropriation Bill the following day. The full budget could not be presented this time due to the panchayat and urban polls in the state.
The sensational abduction and murder of lensman Manas Ranjan Swain is likely to dominate the six-day Budget Session. The Opposition BJP and Congress are set to raise the issue of the alleged involvement of some BJD ministers in the case.
Violence during the panchayat polls and the incident involving Chilika MLA Prashant Jagadev could also create a storm in the House.
