On the allocation for the development of the railways in

Odisha, Patnaik said the state government had demanded Rs 5,870 crore for various railway infrastructure projects. Odisha, Patnaik said the state government had demanded Rs 5,870 crore for

various railway infrastructure projects. "We understand that funds to the tune of Rs 5,102 crore have been provided in the budget, which is a meagre increase of 9 per cent over last

year's allocation. "But, what is of real concern is that budgetary allocation for the railways is not being fully spent. In 2016-17, only 39 per cent of the allocation was spent

till December 2016. I hope that this trend will change. In fact, we provide 50 per cent funding and land for free in many of our crucial railway projects," he added. Noting that Odisha

made a major contribution to the Railways' earnings, Patnaik said it was therefore, reasonable to expect a major share in terms of projects, new trains, re-modelling of stations and

rail-based industries. On behalf of the people of Odisha, Patnaik said he welcomed the Centre's decision to commemorate the bi-centenary of the 'Paika Bidroha' led by Buxi

Jagabandhu. "I would also complement the Union Finance Minister for the nationwide implementation of the maternity benefit scheme which is a replica of our own Mamta scheme. It is

indicative of the success of the state's model scheme which has been adopted at the national level," he said. Assuring the Centre that Odisha will be fully supportive of every

initiative taken to bring transparency in public life, Patnaik said "a small beginning" was indicated in bringing more transparency in political funding. "We welcome this. I

hope this will be taken forward and comprehensive reforms will be brought in after due deliberation in this regard," he added. (This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial

team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)