Odisha CM inaugurates Laxmi Yojana today from Malkangiri

Odisha CM inaugurates Laxmi Yojana today from Malkangiri

With the aim of secure transportation for people dwelling in remote areas of Bonda Ghati in Malkangiri, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Laxmi Yojana from Malkangiri today. Out of the 36 buses that will run in Malkangiri, 7 are air conditioned, while 19 are not.

The Chitrakonda MLA Purna Chandra Baka addressed a large gathering at the inauguration saying that today is a historic day for the people of Malkangiri. The State Commerce and Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu said that due to Laxmi Yojana people from Panchayat regions will be able to reach respective blocks, and people from different blocks will be able to reach district capitals. She said that this will empower women, youth, farmers and students.

The CM laid the foundation stone for 18 development projects amounting to INR 192.98 crores along with another INR 601.22 crores for 96 development projects, all for Malkangiri region on the occasion. CM Naveen Patnaik in his speech stated that Malkangiri has been the launch pad for many of his government’s schemes such as the one-rupee per kg rice scheme for the poor, the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana and now the Laxmi Yojana.

The CM said that he came to know about the problems of Malkangiri after CMO’s visit to the district, which eventually led to the Laxmi Yojana. “This Yojana will strengthen our economy. It will bring prosperity to the villages. As per the Yojana more than 1000 buses will run in the state, out of which from today 36 buses are running in Malkangiri. This will connect 111 Panchayats of Malkangiri.”, said Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

After giving his speech Odisha CM inspected one of the buses and enjoyed a ride in it. Afterwards the Laxmi Yojana would reach Gajapati district, where 36 buses are set to roll. Following Gajapati, Koraput would get 43 Laxmi Buses, Nabarangpur 40 buses, Rayagada 19 buses and Kandhamal 32 buses. Later on, this Yojana would be implemented throughout Odisha, focusing on the needs of the rural population.

In the first 3 years, INR 3,178 crores would be spent for Laxmi Yojana by the state government for running more than 1000 buses. This will continue for 10 years, and subject to a two years’ extension on good performance.