Pre-Budget consultation meeting: Second AIIMS, Paradip Port expansion among Odisha's demands

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Saturday attended the pre-budget consultation meeting chaired by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi. 

The meeting was conducted to take suggestions from the Finance Ministers of the states and union territories ahead of the ensuing Union Budget 2024-25. 

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In the meeting, the Deputy CM put forth several demands of the State.

The key demands are:

-Establishment of second AIIMS at Sambalpur 

-Central assistance for expansion of Paradip port

-Expeditious completion of Coastal Highway and Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR) projects

-Higher allocation to the state under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI) 

-Support from the Centre for implementation of the Subhadra Scheme

-Sanction of funds for construction of 5 lakh houses under PMAY

-Inclusion of Odisha DISCOMs under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to address power sector issues 

According to sources, the Union Finance Minister has assured help after considering the demands and suggestions.