On the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai, a momentous agrarian festival celebrated predominantly in western Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state’s farming community by disbursing a substantial sum of Rs 900 crore through an income assistance scheme.
In a display of remarkable leadership, Chief Minister Patnaik orchestrated the direct transfer of Rs 2,000 each to the bank accounts of 43.88 lakh small and marginal farmers, in addition to aiding 68,750 landless farmers across Odisha under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme for the Rabi crop. The KALIA scheme, a visionary initiative launched by the state government in 2018, ensures that farmers receive financial support totaling Rs 4,000, disbursed in two equal installments. Notably, this far-sighted scheme has disbursed an impressive cumulative sum of Rs 12,500 crore to farmers, transforming their lives and livelihoods.
Nuakhai, a festival often referred to as the celebration of Mother Earth, serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions made by Odisha’s dedicated farming community. Chief Minister Patnaik, in his address, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the farmers and acknowledged them as a source of immense pride for the state.
One of the most commendable outcomes of the KALIA assistance scheme is its profound impact in relieving farmers from the shackles of debt, a longstanding issue that has plagued the agricultural landscape. The financial support provided through this visionary initiative empowers farmers to invest in crucial agricultural essentials such as seeds and fertilizers, eliminating their dependence on external financial sources. Furthermore, the KALIA scheme extends its benevolent reach to the children of farmers through KALIA scholarships, offering them a pathway to aspire to careers in fields such as medicine and engineering.
With utmost sincerity, Chief Minister Patnaik conveyed his heartfelt wishes for the continued prosperity and well-being of Odisha’s resilient farmers, underscoring their unassailable dignity and indomitable spirit in contributing to the state’s agricultural success story.
While the KALIA scheme has undeniably ushered in a transformative era for Odisha’s farming community, it is not immune to scrutiny and debate. The opposition BJP, for instance, raised valid concerns about the scheme’s coverage. It pointed out that the current number of beneficiaries, 44.56 lakh farmers, falls short of Chief Minister Patnaik’s initial commitment in 2018, which promised assistance to all 75 lakh farmers. Senior BJP leader Pradeep Purohit sought clarity on the status of the remaining 31 lakh farmers, sparking a necessary dialogue on the scheme’s reach.
In this moment of celebration and reflection, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emerges as a beacon of hope and progress, championing the cause of Odisha’s farmers and reaffirming his unwavering dedication to their welfare.
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