BJP Government Renames Biju Patnaik Sports Award to Odisha Rajya Krida Samman

The BJP government in Odisha has renamed the Biju Patnaik Sports Award to 'Odisha Rajya Krida Samman'. The award will honor sports excellence in eight categories with cash prizes. Eligibility includes being a resident of Odisha and having no criminal record. The BJD has objected to the change.

The newly elected BJP government in Odisha has renamed the Biju Patnaik Sports Award to 'Odisha Rajya Krida Samman'.

On Friday, the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department issued new guidelines for the 'Rajya Krida Samman,' which will be awarded annually in eight categories. The cash rewards remain the same.

The new guidelines specify that the lifetime achievement award for promoting sports will include a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh. Rs 2 lakh will be awarded for outstanding performance in sports, and Rs 1 lakh for excellence in coaching.

A Rs 1 lakh cash prize will also be awarded in the following categories: best contribution to sports promotion, excellence in sports journalism, para-sports person of the year, upcoming athlete of the year (junior category), and sports technical official/support staff of the year.

Award recipients must reside in Odisha and be free of any criminal convictions. Awards can be given posthumously to the next of kin and will only be conferred once per lifetime per category.

A five-member scrutiny committee, led by the sports director or the seniormost department officer, will be constituted by the Sports and Youth Services Department secretary. Awards will be presented annually on National Sports Day (August 29).

Additionally, the BJP government plans to rename several schemes originally introduced by the previous BJD administration. This includes the LAaccMI rural bus service, Mo Bus city service, and Aahaar meal scheme.

The BJD has objected to these changes, arguing that they will negatively impact the people of Odisha. BJD MLA Arun Sahoo emphasized Biju Patnaik's legacy and significance, questioning the government's motives. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Dillip Mallick stated that the decision was thoroughly examined and acknowledged the contributions of many legendary leaders and sports personalities in the state.