Congress observes “Black Day” in Odisha

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday observed “Black Day” across Odisha to protest the ruling Biju Janata Dal’s 21st foundation day celebration in the state.nnThe Congress accused the ruling party of intruding the rights of panchayat samitis through schemes like ‘PEETHA’ and ‘Ama Gaon Ama Bikas’.nnThe Peoples Empowerment – Enabling Transparency and Accountability of Odisha Initiatives (PEETHA) – programme was launched on December 4 to create awareness about various state government schemes and improving transparency in distribution of individual and social benefits.nnThe ‘Ama Gaon Ama Bikas’ scheme is to take up construction of new projects which will contribute to the overall development of community and well-being of the general public.nn”Naveen Babu is boasting the state’s development. But 85 lakh youths are unemployed, debt burden has increased from Rs 18,000 crore during 2000 to Rs 93,000 crore currently, farmer suicides are increasing, 65 per cent of population are still BPL, there are no full-fledged irrigation projects,” OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik told reporters.nnThe Congress leader said states which were “identified as poorer than Odisha about 15 years ago are now ahead of our State which is very unfortunate.”nnThe OPCC president also criticised BJPs ‘Jabab Maguichi Odisha (Odisha seeks clarification) programme.nn”People will instead ask the BJP as to what have they done for Odisha in the last four and a half years. Poeple want answers on GST, petrol prices, Ujjwala scheme, among others,” he said.nnSource: Press Trust of India