W Odisha to get 2k kalyan mandaps & meeting halls

Sambalpur: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday launched the Mukhyamantri Sabhagruha programme in western Odisha under which 2,000 kalyan mandaps and meeting halls will be constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore. Launching the programme through video conferencing, Naveen said with its implementation, the cultural and social life of the people of western Odisha will become more active. Besides, the chief minister also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several projects worth Rs 33.58 crore, which included a bridge in Balangir district, a town hall in Titlagarh and an auditorium in Deogarh College. Naveen said his government was giving special attention to the development of western Odisha. Funds for the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) have been doubled and programmes under WODC have also been increased, he added. Patnaik said he has advised the WODC to take up development projects in consultation with the elected representatives.Patnaik said that the role of western Odisha is vital in the development of the state. He spoke said western Odisha has succeeded in creating a special identity in every field of development.WODC chairman and CEO Asit Tripathy and Ajit Mishra respectively were also present, along with water resources minister Tukuni Sahu in Titlagarh, minister for handlooms, textiles and handicrafts Rita Sahu in Bargarh and planning and coordination minister Rajendra Dholakia in Deogarh.