Odisha not utilising Central funds: Union Minister

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Friday lashed out at the Odisha government alleging that it has been incompetent in utilising the funds sanctioned by his ministry.

Addressing a presser in New Delhi, the Union Minister said Odisha gets around Rs 400-Rs 600 crore from Tribal Affairs Ministry every year but only manages to spend around Rs 200-Rs 250 crore.

Oram said his ministry regularly writes to the state government expressing its concerns over the slow pace of utilisation of Central funds but no step has been taken so far in this regard.

There is no paucity of funds for the welfare of Tribals in Odisha. Besides, taking into account all-round development of the Tribal pockets, the Centre has allocated Rs 6,000 crore in the Budget 2018, said Oram.

Moreover, Oram also reportedly said none of the 8 sanctioned Eklavya Schools in Odisha in last 3 yrs have become functional.

In reply to Oram, ruling-BJD MP Tathagata Satpathy tweeted " But why segregate Adivasis children? Claim CBSE but why not integrate early & offer inclusive education? Seems like a conscious effort to keep them backward so that their land (with rich minerals) & jungles can be taken by corporates."