Odisha Government Urges Central Support for AIIMS in Sambalpur

The newly elected BJP Government in New Delhi has requested the Central Government to establish an AIIMS in Sambalpur to serve the needs of Western Odisha. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo raised this demand during a Pre-Budget Consultation meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, where Finance Ministers from all States and Union Territories were present to provide suggestions for the Union Budget 2024-25.Accompanied by Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department of Odisha, Singh Deo submitted a Memorandum outlining various state issues and specific economic and financial concerns of Odisha. Key demands included the establishment of a second AIIMS in Sambalpur, complementing the existing AIIMS in Bhubaneswar.Other significant requests from Singh Deo included support for attracting international investors and semiconductor industries to Odisha, promoting the state as an investment hub, and expanding Paradip port to boost growth. He also called for higher allocations under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI) 2024-25 to enhance infrastructure development.The Deputy CM emphasized the need for advance indications of State-wise annual allocations under CSS schemes during budget formulation to enable realistic state budgeting and effective fund utilization. He also urged the Central Government for the swift completion of National Highways, particularly the Coastal Highway and Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR) projects in Odisha.Singh Deo requested partial support for the Subhadra Scheme, which aims to promote women’s welfare through entrepreneurship and improve their quality of life. Additionally, he sought funds for the construction of at least 5 lakh houses in rural and urban areas under PMAY, new city development, rapid urbanization, and addressing power sector issues through the inclusion of Odisha DISCOMs under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). He also requested financial support for adopting new technologies like green hydrogen and central funding for Green Energy Corridor projects.Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured that the demands and suggestions would be considered, officials said.