By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 25, 2019: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday rolled out the transfer of funds to beneficiaries under KALIA scheme, hoping to be a game changer for the party seeking fourth consecutive term in the state in the upcoming general election.

“KALIA scheme will prove to be a milestone in Odisha’s economy. The scheme will help farmers improve their agricultural activities as well as their livelihood. No one can stop the Kalia Jatra in Odisha. The scheme will show a new path to the entire nation,” Chief Minister and the BJD president, Naveen Patnaik said while addressing a gathering of around two lakh farmers at Malatipatapur on the outskirts of Puri.

“The paddy and vegetables produced by you are used in the Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath. That’s the reason why I chose to name the scheme as KALIA,” he added.

Official sources said, about 65 lakh farmers, including landless and small and marginal farmers, had applied through the green form to avail the benefits of the scheme. The second draft beneficiary list will be released at all Panchayat offices from Friday till December 3. The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to each beneficiary in five phases.

Earlier in the day, Naveen visited Jagannath Temple at Puro and offered prayer to the presiding deities before attending the farmers’ convention.