CM launches schemes for Kandhamal tribal people

Two schemes for the welfare and development of tribals in Kandhamal and another adjoin district in Orissa was launched by the Chief Minister of the State Naveen Patnaik.

The schemes Biju Kandhamal and Biju Gajapati Yojanas is funded by the state and aims to provide the basic necessities of the people in the two tribal districts.

In Kandhamal and Gajapati district, every blocks will be given Rs 1.5 crore each by the government. "Under the new schemes, the state government will provide Rs 1.5 crore to each block in the two districts. The money will be utilised for supplying electricity and drinking water as well as constructing roads," Patnaik said at Phulbani.

Additionally, the chief minister launched the school health programme at the tribal girls high school in Dutipada under Khajuripada block.

Under the programme, a student from Class I to X of all government and aided schools will be given health card and their health check-up will be done once in six months. The students will also get support cost of Rs 50 a day for indoor treatment and free medicine, according to Express News.

Kandhamal is one of the most backward districts in the state of Orissa where illiteracy and poverty is still at large. The district attracted attention due to the anti-Christian violence sparked by the murder of a Hindu priest last year.