Bhubaneswar, Oct 22 (KNN) Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday laid the foundation stones for 9 more projects worth Rs 33.68 crores in Western Odisha.

He also launched nine projects worth Rs 14.69 crore through video conferencing. A total of Rs 48.37 crores is being invested in the projects.

The Projects launched include the development of schools, kalian mandaps, sports complexes and a millet processing project at Komana. The chief Minister also launched infrastructure projects, eco-parks, stadiums, handicraft malls etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Patnaik said that the state government is working on the development of Western Odisha with the aim of eliminating regional differences.

About 40,000 projects have been completed through the Western Odisha Development Council since 2000.

Stating that the WODC's annual grant has been increased from 100 crores to 2000 crores last year, the Chief Minister said that this has created an opportunity to take up more projects.

"We are giving special emphasis on agriculture, irrigation and industry along with infrastructure for the development of Western Odisha," he said.

Stating that the work of the Western Odisha Corridor of Biju Expressway is going to be completed soon, Naveen said that this will boost the economic process here" A Special Initiative package for the industry will be announced at the upcoming Make-in-Odisha Conclave," he added.

Planning and Coordination Minister Rajendra Dholakia praised the vision and efforts of the Chief Minister for the development of Western Odisha and explained the efforts of the Chief Minister to make Odisha a major state of the country through various development programs.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of Western Odisha Development Council Asit Kumar Tripathy said that the Chief Minister has always given importance to the development of Western Odisha and advised the council accordingly.

Tripathy said that the council has kept the Baseline Economic Data of each district of Western Odisha and projects are being built keeping in view the availability of basic facilities in various regions. He said that development council offices have been opened in every district of Western Odisha.

Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, Development Commissioner P.K. Jena and Secretary to Chief Minister (5T) VK Pandian were also present at the event.  (KNN Bureau)