By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, March 5, 2016 : Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik on Saturday paid tribute to his father and late legendary leader Biju Patnaik on his birth centenary, describing him as a great institution and symbol of progress.

“Biju Babu is an idea in continuity — an idea of realising the dream in progress and prosperity, an idea of Odia self-esteem, selfless service and empowerment. He is an idea that every Odia wants to follow,” he said, addressing a large gathering here.

Even though Biju Babu figured among the top leaders of the country, he stood with the poor people and successfully carried out development at the village level, he added.

The birth centenary of the legendary leader would be celebrated year long nationally and internationally, he said announcing a slew of sops on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Divas, observed on Biju’s birthday.

Patnaik announced the panchayats in the State will get Rs 16,000 crore as per the recommendations of the Finance Commission. Each panchayat will get Rs 20-30 lakh for development work every year. By 2019-20, they will get Rs 55-75 lakh each, the chief minister added.

At the state-level celebrations here, the chief minister also inaugurated 100 cyclone shelters and 100 drinking water projects by pressing a remote. He also dedicated 100 concrete paddy yards to the people of the State.

Patnaik announced a merger of District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA) with Zilla Parishads.

Addressing the gathering, Patnaik said, “The State government has decided to merge the DRDA with the Zill Parishad as the Centre has stopped providing funds to DRDA. The state will allocate money from its own funds to continue development work.”

He also distributed record of rights or patta to landless people under the Basundhara scheme.

Besides, the State government hiked the allowances of panchayat representatives by 25 percent.

Earlier on Saturday, the chief minister inaugurated a sand sculpture created by renowned sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik on the occasion of Biju Patnaik birth centenary at new domestic terminal.

Besides, a 18-feet statue of Biju Patnaik was unveiled at the city airport. A mini marathon was organised in city on Saturday morning.

Biju Patnaik was born on March 5, 1916, and died on April 17, 1997. He was chief minister of Odisha for two terms.