Phanindra Pradhan
Bhawanipatna, June 27: Minister of State for Home, Industries, MSME & Energy, Government of Odisha, Capt Dibya Shankar Mishra said Kalahandi is on the right path of development.
Speaking during a webinar on ‘Chala Dekhma Amar Kalahandi’ (Let’s see our Kalahandi) on Sunday, he said nature has not been disturbed during the process of development in the district. Laying thrust on the protection of the environment, he said the natural environment of Kalahandi has been protected and various developmental works have been undertaken in the district without affecting the natural environment.
He also said Kalahandi is marching ahead in all spheres and it is not a backward district. Apart from strengthening of road connectivity and electrification, special thrust has been given for better irrigation facility and establishment of MSME in the district, he said
Mishra said individual social responsibility can bring changes in the society and one should help the needy people.
Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Dr Pawan Agrawal said 80 per cent people of the district depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
He said diversification of crops is the need of the hour and farmers can increase their income through crop diversification.
He informed that Kalahandi is famous for cultivation of paddy, maize, cotton, mango and banana and there is scope for development of agriculture in the district. The district has the potential to become a centre of excellence in the field of agriculture in the country, he added.
Former Director, Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), New Delhi, Dr Manoj Panda laid thrust on establishment of agro-based industries and MSME for development of the people and the district as well. He said people of the district are getting the benefit of the Indravati Irrigation Project. Apart from irrigation, the road connectivity has been substantially improved in the district, he said.
Retired bureaucrat, Dr Jayadev Sarangi said communication is the key for development. However, people of the district are debarred from getting better medical services due to lack of emergency evacuation facility. Connectivity to major cities of the state having better medical facilities including the state capital should be improved, he said.
Shedding light on the plight of migrant workers, he said steps should be taken for the welfare of the migrant workers.
Regional Manager & Head, NRDC-IPFC & WIPO-TICS, Innovation Valley, Government of India, Bijay Kumar Sahu said technology and innovation are the key for development in the present era. Innovation and technology should reach the common people for their development, he said.
Apart from innovation and technology, special emphasis should be given to capacity building of the people through new skills and home-grown ideas, he said.
Secretary, Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy, Bhubaneswar, Prabodh Ratha said a training camp will be organised for the Ghumura artists of the district. They will facilitate national platforms for young folk artists, he said.
Chief Curator, Odisha Cricket Association, Pankaj Pattnaik said there is no dearth of sports talents in the district. However, there is a lack of requisite infrastructure for development of sports in the district, he said.
The role of moderator of the webinar was performed by journalist , Debendra Bisi.
