Bhubaneswar, Feb 13 (PTI) Amidst regular allegation of negligence by the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the first time today thanked a union minister for his support to establishment of hostels for scheduled caste boys and girls in the state. "I thank you for your intervention in the scheme of maintenance and management of SC girls and boys hostels under the centrally sponsored scheme-Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana - and under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan," Patnaik wrote to Mukul Wasnik, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment. Patnaik's letter to Wasnik was significant in the backdrop of the ruling BJD's constant allegation against the Centre for "neglecting" the state's interests. The ruling party has also launched a systemic campaign against the Congress during the ongoing panchayat elections accusing it of neglecting the state and its interests. "One toilet for every 10 students along with dining and kitchen rooms, overhead water tanks and ground water recharge pits have been provided in the hostels," the chief minister mentioned in the letter. Highlighting state government's efforts to run those hostels smoothly, Patnaik said collectors have been asked to ensure the visit of medical officers/ para medical staff to hostel in order to avoid incidents of health hazards, adulteration of food, snakebites and malaria. Seeking continuous support in strengthening the infrastructure for education of SC boys and girls, Patnaik suggested Wasnik to release one-time grant towards essential furniture and kitchen equipments.
