Naveen, Dharmendra discuss employment generation in Odisha

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday discussed ways to work together for economic progress and employment generation in the state.

"I had a cordial meeting with Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum and Steel on how we can give further employment and development of mutual welfare programmes of the Centre and the state for the benefit of the people of Odisha," said the Chief Minister. 

Patnaik is on a week-long official visit to the national capital.

Pradhan said they discussed ways to work together to usher in economic and industrial development and generate employment opportunities to bring all round prosperity for the people of Odisha.

"We also discussed enhancing Odisha's footprints further in the steel sector. Steel will have a large influence in rejuvenating the economy in Odisha. The centre is committed to develop Odisha as a global hub of ancillary industry in the steel sector," he added.

The Minister said Patnaik has assured all cooperation in this regard.

"I am sure the state government will support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives and work in collaboration for the holistic development of Odisha," he said.

Pradhan, who belongs to Odisha, said there was no political discussion during the meeting with the Chief Minister.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Patnaik secured a massive victory in the recently concluded Assembly polls while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came second.

The Union minister also presented a cheque of Rs 3 crore from the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the ongoing restoration work in the aftermath of the severe cyclonic storm Fani. IANS