Prime Minister Narendra Modi May Visit Rourkela On Nov 15, Says Odisha Minister

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Odisha on November 15 to inaugurate the yearlong ‘Janjati Gaurav Diwas’ in Rourkela to commemorate legendary tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik informed on Saturday.

It is part of the programme, marking the 150th birth anniversary of the tribal hero. “The year-long programme will be launched on November 15 and special gram sabhas and training camps will be organised in tribal-dominated villages across India,” he told reporters.

Naik, however, clarified that they are yet to get a confirmation from the PMO office in this regard.

He further said that Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996, will also be implemented in the state. Arrangements are being made to organise a total of 7667 gram sabhas at 2408 panchayats spread over 234 blocks in 27 districts of the state to spread awareness about it, he said, adding that the legislation will be tabled in the winter session of the Assembly.

The meetings will be presided over by the sarpanchs and coordinated by PEO.

It was earlier reported that Modi may launch Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha scheme of the Odisha government at an event in Sundargarh district on November 19, as part of celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of tribal hero. The scheme will offer an annual scholarship amounting to Rs 5,000 to around 200,000 to 250,000 tribal students annually.