AP Bureau.

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Bhubaneswar: The Central Govt has extended financial package of around Rs 140 crore to Odisha, in view of the upcoming Nabakalebar festival, Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/c) Petroleum & Natural Gas said on Saturday here.

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This includes financial outlay earmarked for Nabakalebar celebrations, revival of Raghurajpur Crafts Village, upgradation of tourist facilities at Konark being carried out under the aegis of National Cultural Fund (NCF) and Indian Oil Foundation (IOF) and light and sound shows proposed at Konark, Puri, Dhauligiri and Khandagiri. Pradhan  Pradhan during his review highlighted the necessity of timely submission of UCs for enabling the central govt to release funds to the state govt.

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Among other things, the Minister has stressed on the necessity of developing cruise tourism in the state, for which the Shipping and Tourism Ministry will be major stakeholders. He hoped to impart skills in handicrafts, stone/wood carvings and temple procedures that can be done through the established University of Culture & Sanskrit University. Such innovative approaches will help the state in creating substantial employment opportunities for the youths.

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Pradhan also supported the demand for creating better air connectivity in the state. Such airports can also be developed through partnership with the PSUs operating in the state. Such PSU centric augmentation of facilities in the aviation sector will facilitate both industry as well as tourism.

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He also expressed displeasure on the working of ASI during his 2-day visit to the State. The work of ASI need to be fine tuned and the state government should also undertake a review of extant procurement practices for ensuring smooth implementation of the projects.

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“The state govt will continue the spirit of partnership and the central govt will extend all possible help in creating an environment of development in the tourism sector,” Pradhan said.