Odisha Assembly Session begins with Opposition Walkout

Bhubaneswar, Feb 6 (IANS) The budget session of the Odisha assembly began Friday with the opposition Congress and BJP staging a walk out.

As soon as Governor S.C. Jamir began his address highlighting the achievements of the Odisha government, leader of opposition Narasingha Mishra began a parallel speech stating the Congress's objections to the list of government achievements. Later, Congress and BJP members staged a walkout amid the governor's address.

In his address, Jamir said the state has made appreciable progress in achieving economic growth and poverty alleviation.

"Despite the adverse impact of global economic slowdown, Odisha has been able to register a reasonably high average annual growth rate of 6.84 percent during the first two years of 12th plan as against national average of 4.7 percent during the same period," said the governor.

He said the per capita income in Odisha at 2004-05 prices has increased from Rs.14,862 in 1999-2000 to Rs.25,415 in 2012-13 and Odisha is the only state in the country where there is highest reduction in poverty levels of 24.6 percent between 2004-05 to 2011-12.

Underlining the importance of proper management of the forthcoming Nabakalebara festival of Lord Jagannath, Jamir said arrangements for drinking water, sanitation, uninterrupted power supply and better passenger amenities will be made to ensure a unique experience to the people.

He said the menace of left wing extremism has come down substantially in the state even though it continues to be a big challenge for the government.

In order to augment the strength of security personnel, he said the government is taking steps for improvements in the Special Operation Group and the Special Intelligence Wing and also doubling the strength of the District Volunteer Force.

He added that the government has taken a number of initiatives to improve the living conditions of people.