‘SC/ST quota in med, technical edu to go up; OBCs to benefit as well'
Very good. The govt fulfilled 18 of 21 major promises made in the election manifesto within the first year. Key accomplishments include increasing paddy procurement price and implementing the Subhadra Yojana.
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The govt developed 4,600 km of roads with 100% budget utilisation and is planning 6,600 km of expressways and state highways through the new State Highway Authority. It established 67 new courts with plans for courts in all blocks.
Expectations were high as you dislodged a govt of 24 years...
When we came to power, there was apprehension since most of us were first-timers. But in this one year, from the chief minister to every minister, everyone is performing well.
We've achieved our commitment of a corruption-free govt. We've provided 40,266 govt jobs out of 85,000 vacant posts and are working towards our five-year target of 1.5 lakh jobs. We implemented backward class reservation in education at 11.25%, which wasn't done in 24 years by the previous govt.
We're developing skill training, implementing NEP and running various welfare schemes smoothly.
Why not 27%, which is what the Centre has done, and why not in medical education?
The Supreme Court verdict clearly states reservation cannot exceed 50%.
Tamil Nadu's 69% reservation was implemented before this judgment. For SC/ST communities, the current reservation is 38.75%, leaving only 11.25% remaining. Regarding the opposition's concerns, we will soon include (reservation) in technical and medical education. During their 24-year governance, they didn't see that 12% ST and 8% SC populations weren't getting proper reservation in medical education.
We're now restructuring the entire reservation system for SC/ST and SEBC in technical and medical education.
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Quota for STs and SCs will increase in medical and technical education, and it will be introduced for the backward class.
How does the govt plan to address the Jagannath Dham row with Bengal?
No temple except the one in Puri can be officially called 'Jagannath Dham'. While West Bengal has built a temple in Digha, it cannot claim the Jagannath nomenclature. To resolve this, we are awaiting a response from West Bengal to our chief minister's letter.
The govt is exploring legal options. We are discussing the issue with the learned advocate general and we will also come out with whatever steps that can be taken.
Steps will be taken to protect Jagannath culture and Odisha's interests in this matter.
What is the status on removing obsolete laws, as promised in the manifesto?
We have appointed the Law Commission to lead this initiative. The commission is currently identifying obsolete laws in a bid to remove them.
It is reviewing existing legislation for potential amendments and recommending changes to rules of business and various acts. The govt will take appropriate action based on the commission's recommendations.
Why is there a delay in implementing the new excise policy, which generally comes at the beginning of the financial year?
The delay is due to several major changes being implemented. There will be an enhanced focus on prosecution and enforcement, with better safeguards for licence holders.
The new policy will last for three years and not one year. There will be new initiatives such as an anti-addiction campaign reaching the village level. There will be organised enforcement activities with STF and the narcotics bureau, focusing on tackling illicit distilleries and the illegal liquor trade.
Are you reconsidering reopening dance bars?
Absolutely not. We are very rigid on this because it is against the culture of Odisha.
That is why when I took over the charge of the excise department, we immediately instructed the department to put an end to dance bars. They also went to court. The judgment came in our favour. There is no possibility of any dance bar reopening.
What are the key infrastructure projects being prioritised by the works department under you?
We are implementing several major infrastructure projects, including the Bhubaneswar City Decongestion Plan by 2027.
It includes three ring roads — internal, inner and outer — besides the Central Ring Road by NHAI. The busy Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan section will be traffic signal-free. Two parallel roads to Jaydev Vihar-Nandankan will be completed soon. A four-lane road along Daya west canal connecting Barang to Jatani will be made.
There will be similar decongestion projects planned for Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Bhawanipatna and Balasore.
In the election manifesto, BJP had promised to investigate alleged misuse of emergency and contingency funds by the previous govt. What is its status?
In our first year, our primary focus has been on development, and this will continue into the next year as well. We are working to restore the natural development trajectory that was previously hindered. We are gradually addressing other commitments, including investigations into past irregularities.
For instance, we have already directed the crime branch to further investigate the Naba Das murder case. Similarly, investigations into the emergency and contingency fund misuse will also be taken up.
BJP manifesto had promised an Act for the safety of doctors and advocates?
It was in response to frequent incidents of violence against these professionals. We are currently working on comprehensive legislation that will protect not only doctors and advocates, but also journalists, as these professionals are particularly vulnerable to public anger and attacks due to the nature of their work.
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