Bhubaneswar 22 Jan.2019: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday said that there is no harm in using State Disaster and Contingency Fund (SDCF) for the newly-launched Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) Scheme.

Terming the allegations of the oppositions as baseless, BJD spokesperson Amar Patnaik said, “The state government launched KALIA scheme for the all-round development of those farmers who are suffering from drought, debt burden and other difficulties. It will play a key role in the welfare of farmers.”

“In order to implement the scheme, the state government withdrew Rs 734.66 crore from Contingency Fund. The state government took the step as it was highly essential to eradicate the problems of the farmers,” the spokesperson said.

“The allegations of opposition that the state government is misusing the funds are baseless. The fund is meant to be used during emergency and the state government did the same. It was done as per law,” he added.

The oppositions are targeting the state government with vested interest, he maintained.

The BJD spokesperson further stated that the scheme will strengthen the grip of the farmers and encourage them to take up agriculture as their livelihood.

“The popularity of KALIA scheme is not only confined to the state. Taking cue from Odisha, The Union Government is now contemplating to launch a scheme alike the KALIA scheme nationwide,” he added.