‘Mo Odisha Nabin Odisha’ conundrum for BJD amid lack of consensus on project shortlisting

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led Odisha government seems to be facing a tough time in shortlisting projects under the newly launched ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' scheme.

Under the scheme, every Panchayat is set to receive Rs 50 lakh from the government for developmental works, which includes Rs 10 lakh earmarked for the development of temples and the promotion of Jagannath culture.

As per reports, while the Sarpanch and Samiti Members in some panchayats have already submitted their project proposals with their respective BDOs, the MLAs, and their representatives have reportedly submitted a different set of proposals creating a competition among the elected representatives.

In the Baincha Panchayat under Balasore Sadar block, a project proposal has already been submitted by the Sarpanch in the presence of Samiti members, while the representative of the MLA submitted another list of proposals putting the MLA in an awkward situation.

“We do not know, who’s project proposal will be accepted, the Sarpanch’s or the MLA’s. That is why we took opinions from the people of the Panchayat and shortlisted some proposals,” said Baincha Sarpanch, Rabinarayan Pradhan.

Block BJD president, Basanta Panda responded by saying, “There are no such guidelines empowering Sarpanch to provide the list of projects. This is a public scheme. So the projects will be shortlisted by the people. The project belongs to the government, so the MLA will supervise it.”

As elected representatives and their agents in several panchayats get divided over the allocation of funds under the scheme, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not waste any time in targeting the Odisha government over the issue.

“BJD is trying to create dispute between villages by this scheme and trying to influence rural voters too. Being an MLA, nobody has asked me about the scheme neither has sought my opinion to shortlist projects,” said BJP MLA, Nauri Naik.

However, the BJD refuted the allegations. Speaking to reporters, BJD MLA Satyanarayan Pradhan said, “There are no disputes in shortlisting of projects. The scheme is going on smoothly in agreement with all the stakeholders.”