New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, June 23: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal in New Delhi on Monday, requesting the relase of 2024–25 Fifteenth Finance Commission (FFC) grants for the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Deogarh Municipality.

During the meeting, Pradhan highlighted the omission of these Odisha-based urban local bodies (ULBs) from the fundamental and tied grants under the FFC for the current fiscal year. He emphasized the economic, educational, industrial, and cultural significance of both regions and urged immediate intervention to secure critical funding.

Pradhan stated that without the FFC’s support, essential infrastructure and civic development in Sambalpur and Deogarh—including roads, drainage, sanitation, and waste management—faced severe constraints. The grants, he argued, would also bolster urban beautification, street lighting, and public health services.

To ensure timely support, Pradhan requested personal intervention from Minister Manohar Lal to facilitate the allocation within the stipulated time frame of FY 2024–25.

Further discussions also covered affordable housing access, ease of credit to street vendors under PM SVANidhi, promotion of e-buses, and improved urban waste management systems. Following the meeting, Pradhan thanked the Housing and Urban Affairs Minister for his assurance on taking necessary action.

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