In the Odisha Assembly on Friday, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj strongly criticised the former BJD government for what he called “pouring money like water” on the Nua O programme. The scheme, designed to engage youth in cultural and sports activities, involved an expenditure of ₹261 crore, raising questions about fiscal prudence.
Breakdown of Expenditure
While replying to queries in the House, Suraj presented a detailed account of the spending under Nua O:
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₹14 crore spent on T-shirt distribution
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₹92 crore allocated for sports and cultural events
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₹70 crore for district-level festivals
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₹56 crore for sports competitions
The minister highlighted that these allocations collectively amounted to ₹261.63 crore, sparking fresh debate about Odisha’s financial priorities.
Debate Over Value of the Programme
The Nua O initiative was launched during the BJD’s tenure with the stated goal of promoting creativity and physical fitness among Odisha’s youth. However, critics argue that the programme emphasised showmanship over substance, and failed to create long-term value.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Minister Suraj assured the Assembly that if credible complaints of financial irregularities surface, the government will conduct a full investigation.
“We will investigate any case of wrongdoing without delay, if and when such allegations occur,” he said.
This statement suggests the possibility of an audit into the scheme’s implementation.
Political Reactions Intensify
The revelations have fuelled a sharp political confrontation. Opposition leaders defend the programme as a genuine effort to empower young talent, while the ruling side labels it as wasteful expenditure.
With Odisha still grappling with post-pandemic challenges and urgent infrastructure needs, the debate over Nua O underscores the tension between youth welfare and budgetary discipline.