Bhubaneswar: The NITI Ayog chief executive officer (CEO), Amitabh Kant, has praised the Odisha government for its progressive attitude towards development.
Stating that Odisha is a developing state, the NITI Ayog chief said that the state and the Ayog should work together for the further developments.
Amitabh along with top offices of the Centre and state discussed with the collectors of the 10 backward districts of the state through video conference.
The state chief secretary, AP Padhi, urged the NITI Ayog CEO to allow the state to modify the various Centrally Sponsored Schemes according to the need of the state. The state requested for flexibility in the Central-government’s flagship programmes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana suiting the state requirements.
Padhi pointed out the urgent need for creation of banking facilities, establishment of digital connectivity, credit flow to agriculture and MSME sector from commercial banks, establishment of railway connectivity, timely flow of ST and SC scholarships.
In reply, the Ayog chief said, “State has given very practical, positive and pertinent suggestions. NITI Ayog will take up the issues with respective Ministries and find out appropriate solutions”.
