Odisha finally decides to be part of PMKSN scheme of central govt

Odisha government Thursday said it will be part of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and extend all support for its implementation in the state. The announcement was made by Chief Secretary A P Padhi after reviewing the state's Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme, also meant for providing financial assistance to the farmers.

Padhi said the central scheme will be launched in the state on February 24 along with the other states. PM-Kisan, announced by the central govenrment in the interim budget this year, has provision of providing Rs 6,000 per annum to small and marginal farmers across the country having cultivable land up to two hectares.

Earlier, after receiving a formal communication from the Centre about the mega farmers welfare scheme, the Odisha government had not shown any interest and dubbed it inferior to its own KALIA scheme. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking enhancement of cash incentive to Rs 10,000 under the scheme. He had also demanded inclusion of landless farmers, share croppers and farmers in distress under the programme.