Bhubaneswar: Seeking to translate its poll promise into action, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government announced a slew of measures to revive ‘Odia Asmita’ in the state budget for 2024-25.
Presenting his government’s maiden budget, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who holds the Finance portfolio, announced an outlay of Rs 200 crore for creation of a corpus fund for revival of Odia Asmita and promotion.
Affirming the government’s resolve to promote art, literature, culture and heritage of Odisha, the Chief Minister said concrete steps will be taken in this regard.
Describing Lord Jagannath as the main identity of Odisha, Majhi said major allocations have been proposed for the promotion of Shree Jagannath Culture and Odia Asmita. Allocation has been made for the creation of a corpus of Rs 500 crore for Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
Similarly, Mukhya Mantri Kalakara Sahayata Yojana has been proposed with an outlay of Rs 72 crore, while Rs 15 crore is proposed for the conservation and protection of monuments in the state, he said. Financial assistance will be provided for training in Odissi music and dance.
As per the decision taken by the state Cabinet earlier this month, Odia Asmita Bhawan, palm leaf manuscript museum, Odia Translation Akademi, development of Paika Rebellion Memorial, e-library and Odia chair at national and international universities will be set up.
Steps Proposed To Be Taken:
