Modi should try to solve pressing issues concerning Odisha: Jairam Ramesh
The Hindu Bureau
With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) establishing its first independent government in Odisha on Wednesday, veteran Congress leader Jairam Ramesh urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address pressing issues concerning the State.
“As PM Modi is attending the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister of Odisha, he must answer as to why his government had steadily reduced Odisha’s Central funding in recent years,” Mr. Ramesh said in a message on X.
Steady decrease
The Congress leader said that as per Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) reports, Central transfers as a percentage of revenue receipts had been consistently decreasing from 57% in 2017-18 to 38% in 202122.
“The Sitalapalli rail wagon factory has been in cold storage ever since it was sanctioned by the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government in 2013. The previous government undertook zero work on this project, and then finally dropped it in 2018. The project is yet to take off,” Mr. Ramesh said.
He also drew attention to two other projects, the Gopalpur-Rayagada railway line and the RairakholGopalpur railway line, saying the future of these projects was uncertain.
Un lled vacancies
Mr. Ramesh alleged that three railway ocials were held responsible for the horrific train accident that claimed 293 lives and left 1,000 injured in Balasore, but those who helmed the Railway Ministry were absolved of their role.
“The Railway Ministry itself admitted that there were 2.74 lakh vacancies, including 1.7 lakh vacancies in the safety category. This has not changed despite a track record of accidents,” he said.
The senior Congress leader drew attention to neglect towards the Amarda airstrip of Second World War vintage.