PHULBANI : The State Government will set up a modern old age home at Sartaguda on the outskirts of Phulbani town for destitute and elderly persons soon. Inaugurating a de-addiction counselling camp here on Friday, Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Women and Child Development Prafulla Samal said the Government has estimated a budget of `100 crore for construction of the old age home and welfare of destitute and elderly people of Kandhamal and nearby districts. He urged the local youths to refrain from the consumption of drugs and alcohol and called upon them to participate in the development process of the State.
On the occasion, social activists Ucchaba Jena and in-charge of Phulbani District Rehabilitation Centre Akshya Kumar Panda were felicitated for their contribution towards welfare of persons with disabilities (PwDs). The Minister also distributed different equipment and aids to PwDs jointly organised by Prajapita Brahmakumari Iswariya Viswavidyalaya and SSEPD department.
Among others, Phulbani MLA Duguni Kanhor, Principal Secretary of SSEPD Nitin Chandra, Director Manasi Nimbal, Project Director of DRDA Sarat Chandra Panda, chief administrator of Prajapita Brahmakumaris Iswariya Viswavidlaya Dr Janaki Dadi from Mount Abu, Rajasthan, diabetic specialist Dr Srimanta Kumar of Global Hospital and working secretary of medical wing of Mount Abu Dr Banarasi Lal Bhaiji were present.