Naveen To Give Farmers KALIA Money Hours After He Is Sworn In

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will disburse the first financial instalment under Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme to around 25 lakh state farmers just hours after he is sworn in for the fifth consecutive term on Wednesday.

The amount will be disbursed at a special programme at the state secretariat after the swearing-in at the Idco Exhibition Ground.

While 6-7 lakh farmers will get the assistance that very day through Direct Benefit Transfer, the rest will get the same within the next two days.

During election campaign, Naveen had promised to provide financial assistance to eligible farmers on the day the BJD forms its government in the state.

Around 42 lakh farmers had received the first instalment of financial assistance under this scheme. The amount could not be given to the remaining beneficiaries as the Model Code of Conduct came into force in the state.

The Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Cooperation departments have initiated necessary preparations for transfer of the amount to bank accounts of the remaining farmers. The preparations were reviewed at a state secretariat meeting chaired by the chief secretary.

The date for disbursement of the second installment of financial assistance under KALIA is yet to be declared.