CEO Blocking KALIA Money: BJD

Bhubaneswar: The BJD on Monday alleged that the disbursement of money to small and marginal farmers under the KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme of the Odisha government is blocked by the order of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

Briefing the media here, BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said the CEO, Surendra Kumar, is not allowing the disbursement of the KALIA money under the pretext of the enforcement of the model code of conduct.

“Much before the announcement of the election schedule, the Odisha government had taken the financial and administrative approval of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and prepared a detailed list of eligible beneficiaries for transfer of money to their bank account. However, the decision of the CEO not to allow the disbursal of money to the beneficiaries is utterly surprising and unfortunate. It seems that the CEO has taken the decision as per the directive of the BJP,” he pointed out.

Commenting on Patra’s statement, BJP leader Pratap Sarangi said since the BJD is aware that its days are numbered, it is desperately trying for an escape route by targeting the CEO.