Odisha Govt Extends KALIA Net to 75 Lakh Families

Bhubaneswar: Acting on its pre-poll promise, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led Odisha Government today announced inclusion of an additional 33 lakh farmer families as beneficiaries under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme. The decision was taken at the first meeting of the new Cabinet today that was chaired by CM Naveen Patnaik.

With this, the target of KALIA beneficiaries has been increased to 75 lakh farmer families. A total of 42 lakh farming families are currently enrolled under the scheme.

"As per our commitment to farmers, today in our first Cabinet meeting, the target of KALIA beneficiaries has been increased to 75 lakh farm families. Fund release starts with immediate effect (May 29, 2019) and about 25 lakh additional families will be assisted in a week's time," said the CM.

CM Naveen also approved Rs 1,000 crore worth of government business to Women Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) through Mission Shakti.

As many as 40 different types of activities such as paddy procurement, uniforms for school children, hospital diet, mosquito nets and mid-day meals will be part of this in the first phase, said Naveen.

"With these two resolutions the promise I had made about KALIA and Mission Shakti to be implemented on the day we assume office, is honoured," he added.