Future of Odisha's KALIA Scheme Under Discussion

Odisha's Deputy CM, KV Singh Deo, announced on Wednesday that high-level discussions are underway regarding the continuation of the KALIA scheme, initially launched by the previous BJD government in 2019. The scheme has provided financial aid to over 45.67 lakh small and marginal farmers and 19.12 lakh landless agricultural households.

The future of Odisha's state-run financial assistance scheme for farmers, known as KALIA, is under scrutiny, according to Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo. Announcing the discussions, Singh Deo reignited speculations about the programme initiated by the previous BJD government.

Addressing the assembly, BJD MLA Gautam Buddha Das questioned whether the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme would continue. Responding, Singh Deo, who oversees the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, said the scheme, launched in 2019, is currently under high-level review.

Deputy CM Singh Deo noted that over 45.67 lakh small and marginal farmers, along with 19.12 lakh landless agricultural households, have benefited from the scheme. Additionally, he mentioned the latest PM-KISAN disbursement to 29.73 lakh farmers on June 18. Under KALIA, the state provides Rs 4,000 annually in two instalments, while the PM-KISAN scheme from the Centre offers Rs 6,000 yearly in three instalments.