Bhubaneswar, Jan 11: The ruling BJD in Odisha has decided to launch agitation to press for fulfilling the State’s demand for Special Category State status.
The party has termed the decision of the Centre not to accord the status as “grossly unfortunate.”
Notably, the NITI Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya that there is no justification for special category state status to Odisha in the present scenario.
“We have been demanding SCS status to Odisha since a long time and would stick to our demand till it is fulfilled,” Party spokesman Pratap Jena said on Sunday.
“As Odisha is a tribal dominated state and fulfils all criteria as per the provisions, it thoroughly deserves special category status,” the BJD spokesperson added.
However, BJP State president KV Singhdeo supporting the Centre’s move, said as per the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission, the Centre has allocated 10 per cent more financial assistance to the states.
“On the basis of the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission, Odisha is now eligible for 42 percent of the Central assistance. Besides, as per the recommendation of the Commission, each state will formulate its own programmes as per its needs while the Centre would provide a lump sum amount for these programmes,” he said.
