February 20th 2025.
In a recent statement, Suresh Pujari, the state Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, indirectly referred to VK Pandian, a close associate of former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Pujari expressed his concern regarding the announcement of 52 new cyclone shelters by the '5T' without adequate funds for their construction.
Pandian, who was the secretary of the '5T' during the previous BJD government, has been questioned by senior BJD legislator Pratap Keshari Deb about the delay in the progress of these shelters. Deb pointed out that although the responsibility for the construction was given to the Works and Rural Development Department, no work has started even after the tender was issued.
In response to Deb's query, Pujari clarified that the decision to construct 52 new cyclone shelters was not taken by the Revenue Department, but by the '5T'. He further explained that whenever the '5T' made an announcement, it was done on the spot without any proper paperwork. This was also the case with the cyclone shelters, as they were announced to be funded by the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Pujari disclosed that although the Rural Development Department quickly prepared the necessary estimates and invited tenders, they were unable to issue the work order due to insufficient funds in the CMRF. He revealed that at that time, the '5T' held a significant amount of power, which led to the immediate preparation and announcement of projects without considering the availability of funds.
The minister also informed the Assembly that currently, there is only about Rs 70 crore in the CMRF, which is primarily allocated for the treatment of underprivileged individuals and conducting last rites under the Harischandra Sahayata Yojana. However, in light of the situation, the new BJP government has decided to construct a total of 500 cyclone shelters, including the 52 previously announced by the BJD government. The state has also requested funds from the 16th Finance Commission to support this project.
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