Chairman 5T and Nabin Odisha Sh Kartik Pandian visits Ganjam District.

Attends the public grievance meetings in Bellagunta, Dharakote, Kukudahandi and Patrapur
Reviewed the progress of Pipalapanka Dam Project in Sorada Block, Janivilly Barrage Project in Dharakote Block, Cheligada Irrigation Project in Digapahandi Block at a total cost of Rs. 1300 Crs.

Informed that social security pensions has been increased by Rs. 500 for all categories.

Pensions under Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana, Bunakar Sahayata Yojana and Karigara Sahayata Yojana has been increased from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 2000.

Financial Assistance under MAMATA Yojana for women has been increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000.

He also informed that the Nua O Scholarships for current academic year will be deposited in the bank accounts of the eligible students from February 26th onwards.- Since the visit of Sh Kartik Pandian in August last year to Ganjam, based on petitions and feedback, Rs 1213 Crores worth projects have been taken up in the district.

Bhubaneswar, 22 February 2024As per direction of Chief Minister Sh Naveen Patnaik, Chairman 5T and Nabin Odisha Sh Kartik Pandian visited Ganjam District, today.He reviewed the progress of *Pipalapanka Dam Project in Sorada Block, Janivilly Barrage Project in Dharakote Block and Cheligada Irrigation Project in Digapahandi Block* at a total cost of *Rs. 1300 Crs.* and would provide irrigation to a *total ayacut area of 1,84,000 Acres.*

Shri Kartik Pandian participated in *public grievance meetings* at Bellaguntha, Dharakote, Kukudakhandi and Patrapur.

He informed about the major decisions taken by Hon’ble Chief Minister like increase in social security pensions across all categories by Rs. 500 each that would benefit around 58 Lakhs beneficiaries.

Shri Kartik Pandian also told that pensions under *Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana and Mukhyamantri Bunakar o Karigara Sahayata Yojana* has also been increased from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 2,000 by Hon’ble Chief Minister.

He also informed that financial assistance under *MAMATA Yojana* has been increased from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000. This will further benefit women and infants towards improved nutrition and better health outcomes.

For the benefit of under graduate and post graduate students studying in State universities, Govt and non-govt. aided colleges including Sanskrit Colleges and unaided colleges under Higer Education dept, he informed the *novel initiative* of Hon’ble Chief Minister in providing *Nua-O Scholarships* under which Male students will get Rs 9,000, while the Female Students will get Rs 10,000 per annum; The students belonging to eligible SC/ST and Nirman Shramik Families will get Rs 10,000 ( Male) and Rs 11,000 (Female) per annum. The scholarships for the current academic year will be deposited in the bank accounts of the eligible students from Feb 26th onwards.

Shri Pandian also informed about the new scheme *SWAYAM i.e. Swatantra Yuva Udyami* launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister to boost self-employment and entrepreneurship among the youth in the age group of 18-35 years.

He informed about the rolling out of bus service under *LaCCMI Scheme* in every Gram Panchayat of Ganjam district in which the bus fare for female passengers and students will be Rs 5/- only.

Sh Pandian during his interaction with the public at received the grievances on various issues and assured them an early resolution. He was welcomed by local people and leaders in large numbers throughout his tour today.