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By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, March 20, 2018: Odisha Governor S.C. Jamir on Tuesday said the state was on the path of equitable and inclusive growth amid walkout by the opposition Congress staged a walkout from the assembly protesting over farmers’ issues.

Addressing the budget session of the state assembly, the Governor said anti-poverty programmes, pro-tribal and pro-women programmes and spirit of fighting against corruption have resulted in setting national benchmarks in several sectors.

Delivered the Governor’s customary address to the Budget session of the assembly on his last day in office on Tuesday, Jamir claimed that agricultural production and farmers’ incomes have doubled and more than eight million people have been brought above the poverty line.

The food grains production was estimated to reach 107 lakh tonnes during 2017-18 and it was expected to be about 122 lakh tonnes during 2018-19, he added.

“We are firmly on the path of stability and good governance with our pro-poor approach. The present Odisha is working hard and is striving for excellence to make the Odisha of tomorrow more bright,” said Jamir.

He said food security coverage was being provided to 86.53 lakh families comprising 323.91 lakh individuals under priority household and Antyodaya Anna Yojana categories.

The Governor said more than 15.50 lakh pucca houses have been constructed for the rural poor while the state government is working on mission mode to ensure pucca houses to all poor rural households by 2019.

The Governor said the overall law and order situation in the state during 2017 remained peaceful, and free from any communal violence.

The Congress members walked out of the House protesting over farmers’ issues.

Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra alleged that the state government, through the Governor’s speech, had shown a rosy picture of the state and ignored the plight of the farmers.