National
Union Budget receives mixed reaction from Odisha CM
Bhubaneswar, Feb 1 (IANS) The Union Budget for 2018-19, presented in Parliament on Thursday, received a mixed reaction from the Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who welcomed the decision to increase Minimum Support Price for crops and the National Health Protection Scheme, but expressed disappointment over some issues.
“It has been our constant demand to increase the Minimum Support Price to 1.5 times of the cost of production of crops. I am happy that it looks like our demand has been accepted,” said Patnaik.
He, however, said the cost of production must take into account the actual cost incurred by farmers on a realistic basis.
“I welcome the intent of the Central Government. At the same time, I am keenly waiting to see the modalities of calculation,” he added.
The Chief Minister also expressed his happiness for introduction of a National Health Protection Scheme to cover 10 crore poor.
“It would have been better that instead of a target of 10 crores, universal coverage extending to all eligible poor families was incorporated. If such a step is taken, State Government will fully support it,” said Patnaik.
He said that he is disappointed that again the Central Government has missed out the focus for KBK (Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi districts) and other tribal areas.
“In fact, the allocation for SCs, STs and other vulnerable sections and social sectors is grossly inadequate,” he noted.
The Chief Minister also expressed his concern over the low level of allocations for MGNREGA, the midday meal scheme, the National Health Mission and PMGSY.
“I am surprised by the reduction in allocation under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while we have a commitment towards Housing for All,” said Patnaik.
Maintaining that irrigation will play a major role in doubling farmers’ income, he said marginal increase in allocation for irrigation is a serious concern.
Reacting to the railway budget allocation, the Chief Minister said the government hopes that this year allotment is made as per the demand.
“Total outlay for Odisha for 2018-19 for Railway is not known yet as against our demand of Rs 6500 crore. We hope this year the allotment is made as per our demand,” he added.
“We hope that our just demands like daily Rajdhani service via Sambalpur; train to Allahabad from Bolangir and a new daily express train to Mumbai in the name of Paika leader Baxi Jagabandhu are announced immediately,” he said.
As the Union Budget announced plans for re-development of 600 railway stations, Patnaik said two years ago the announcement was for 400 railway stations.
Nothing has happened in this sector, specifically for Odisha, in which 12 railway stations had been chosen, he said.
–IANS
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National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.