Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan 21: The Bonda couple, Dhabalu Sisa and his wife Samari, who would fly to New Delhi to attend the Republic Day function as special guests of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Secretariat Thursday.
The couple from Bandiguda village under Mudulipada gram panchayat in Malkangiri district went to the Secretariat with their daughter Malati studying Plus-II in Bhubaneswar.
During their meet, the Chief Minister wished Sisa couple a memorable trip to Delhi to attend the Republic Day function. Patnaik wished best wishes to Malati and presented her a laptop.
The Chief Minister also announced launching of a solar energy project at Mudulipada panchayat to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the locality. Besides, the road from Khairaput to Mudulipada would also be developed, he added. Patnaik directed the officials to ensure inclusion of eligible members from the tribal community in government’s pension, pucca houses and insurance schemes.
Finance minister Pradip Amat and SC/ST development minister Lal Bihari Himirika were also present at the meeting. The couple will leave for New Delhi in a special plane. They will be hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and given royal treatment.
The state government will bear expenses of their travel and staying at Delhi. The couple, who has never gone outside their district, seemed overwhelmed for the opportunity to visit the national capital.
Dhabalu had earlier stated that he would apprise the PM about the problems- road connectivity, drinking water and healthcare facilities- the community has been facing in the area. He would request Modi to construct a bridge on the nullah near the
village.
