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Bhubaneswar: The BJD Parliamentary party today decided to press for the special category state status for Odisha during the upcoming winter session of Parliament which is scheduled to start from December 11.
During the monsoon session, the party will raise nine different issues including rights of farmers. Besides, it will table the proposal of 33 per cent reservations for women in Parliament and state Assemblies.
These decisions were taken at the parliamentary party meeting held under the chairmanship of its president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Nivas today.
Elaborating on the decisions taken at the meeting, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb informed that total nine issues will be raised during the winter session of the Parliament.
Apart from the special status demand for Odisha, the BJD parliamentarians will raise 33% reservation for women in Assemblies and Lok Sabha, delay in sanction of central assistance for losses caused by Titli, tardy progress of railway projects, river water dispute, reduction in Centre's contribution towards post-Matric scholarship for SC students and demand for first freedom struggle status to the 'Paika Bidroha' and reduction of the GST on kendu leaf, Deb added.
"The Special Category State status demand is a long standing one. But the Centre has been saying that the SCS status cannot be accorded to Odisha on the pretext of rules. Why can't the rule be changed? We will talk to leaders of other States as well who are making similar demands," said Pratap Deb, BJD spokesperson.
During the winter session of Parliament, Congress will raise issues which are in the interest of people. The party will definitely lend its support if issues of farmer suicide, distress sale and special category state status demand for the State are raised,” said Ranjib Biswal, Congress MP.
In his reaction, Union Minister, Jual Oram said, "The ruling party MPs met ahead of the Parliament session and have said they will raise eight or nine issues. The concerned union ministers would give appropriate reply to the issues which will be raised by the Odisha MPs."
Earlier, CM Naveen had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate the move to ensure one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. In a letter, CM Naveen had assured full support from the Odisha government for providing women their rightful place in the decision-making process.
