Bhubaneswar/Sambalpur, Feb 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is scheduled to attend various programmes in Sambalpur, Tuesday.

According to his itinerary, he is scheduled to visit a tourist destination – Bhima Mandali in Nakatideula block. Later, the Union Education Minister will attend an important meeting with Sambalpur district administration in Redhakhol.

Pradhan is also scheduled to attend an event where weavers will be provided handloom equipment and lighting units under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), a Central Government scheme, at Padiabahal.

Day 2 of Pradhan’s Odisha visit at a glance

In a major announcement, the Union Education Minister said that the Central Govt has planned to set up a Waste Treatment Plant in Sambalpur. He said that the decision has been taken to make Sambalpur a clean district. The project will cost approximately Rs 50 crore.

Attending an event of Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC), Pradhan also launched a cleanliness drive – ‘Jana Bhagidari Dwara Swachhata’ (Cleanliness Through Public Participation). In addition, he also flagged off the SMC’s ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ vehicles after participating in the cleanliness drive sweeping roads and picking garbage. He urged the people of Sambalpur to come forward and help making the ‘Our Sambalpur, Swachh Sambalpur’ slogan a success.

He also attended the 13th All India Sambalpur Cup Football Tournament at the Veer Surendra Sai Stadium.

Later in the day, the Union Education Minister launched the "Mission Vatsalya Yojana" for orphans and poor children at Sambalpur and distributed aid money. Pradhan distributed monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 to 266 students under the scheme and advised authorities to take care of orphans.

Pradhan also inaugurated a computer lab at the Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Siddheswar Berna. He said that the computer lab will connect students with digital technology and keep them updated with news. The lab has been installed at Rs 15 lakh provided by the State Bank of India under its Cooperate Social Responsibility programme.

Odisha Visit, Day 1: At A Glance

Union Minister Pradhan had visited various temples Sunday in Angul and Dhenkanal and offered prayers. The Union Education Minister also visited the Sri Sri Durga Madhab Temple and Shanishwar Temple at the Talamula in the Baanarpal area and sought blessings.

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