.........BHUBANESWAR: CHIEF Minister Naveen Patnaik today expressed displeasure over the delay in implementation of Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana (BGJY) in different districts of the State.


Reviewing the implementation of the scheme through video conferencing with the district collectors, the Chief Minister said though a target was fixed to complete all the projects taken up under the BGJY in 2007-08 and 2008-09 by May 31 this year, it was found that none of these has been finished as yet in any district.

Similarly, work under the scheme to be taken up for 2009-10 has been started in Balasore, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Puri, Kendrapara, Mayurbhanj and Nuapada districts only.

Naveen directed officials at the district level to give priority to the implementation of BGJY in the interest of the poor and the farmers. Naveen asked the district collectors to start the Biju Saharanchal Bidyutkaran Yojana (BSBY) in towns as early as possible.

According to a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, Secretary in the Energy Department has been asked to review the progress of BGJY and BSBY on a weekly basis and keep him informed. Balasore district has topped in providing electricity to BPL families under the scheme.

Naveen asked the district collectors to take steps to expedite electrification of BPL households and lift irrigation points. Minister of State for Energy Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Aditya Prasad Padhi, Secretary in the Energy Department Pradip Jena and senior officials of the department were present.