Bhubaneswar, Apr 6: Senior BJP leader and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan greeted party leaders and workers on the occasion of the party's foundation day on Ram Navami today.

Addressing a gathering at the party office, Pradhan urged party leaders and activists to remain truthful to the people and prioritize serving the State.

On the occasion, Pradhan appreciated the State government for implementing various welfare schemes for the people of Odisha.

"It has been 10 months since the BJP government was formed in Odisha. The government has started working for the welfare of farmers, youth, and women," said Pradhan.

He hailed the present BJP government for providing midday meals to students up to Class X, while the earlier government used to distribute MDM to schoolchildren till Class VIII. Pradhan said that the BJP government has kept its promise by providing Rs 10,000 each to 1 crore women per annum under the Subhadra scheme.

"The double-engine government also implemented its promise by procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal. Thousands of crores of rupees were credited to farmers' accounts," he said.

On the occasion, he advised the leaders and workers to keep working in the interest of the people and the State.

"It is not appreciated to have the intention to earn money. We have to serve people like Hanuman. We need to go to the people and serve them," Pradhan advised.

Stating that the previous government used to keep women in its fold through the Mission Shakti, he boasted saying that one crore women are now getting Rs 10,000 per annum.

Pradhan blamed the previous government for failing to supply drinking water to the people. "Now, our government has shouldered responsibility to regularise supply of water to the people accross the State," contended Pradhan.