Hit bribe-seekers with shoes: Odisha Minister SN Patro

Bhubaneswar: After facing criticism for his remarks on cyclone Titli deaths, Food and Consumer Welfare Minister Surya Narayan Patro today asked people to slap government officials and other middlemen with shoes for seeking bribes.

Patro gave such comments while extending government assistance to the Cyclone Titli and flood-hit people in Aska of Ganjam district today.

“If any government officials or middlemen ask for money to facilitate release of government assistance and relief, hit them with shoes,” Patro said.

Patro further asserted that as per government decision the monetary assistance announced under the relief package will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of affected-people.

However, people can seek assistance and report panchayat level officers and even district collectors whenever they face any problems, the minister added.