The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi):The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), currently governing, has renewed its criticism of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday, citing his alleged shortcomings as the Union Education Minister.
At a press briefing, BJD MP and national spokesperson Sasmit Patra escalated the party’s accusations against Pradhan, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Patra’s comments were a rebuttal to Pradhan’s earlier allegations that the BJD state government had misused the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds—intended for improving education, communication, and health in tribal areas.
Highlighting specific grievances, Patra stated, “As Union Education Minister, he (Pradhan) has not established a single Kendriya Vidyalaya in the districts of Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Angul, and Deogarh. He hasn’t been able to build a single smart classroom in his own village. That’s why the BJP lost in the panchayat elections in his own village.”
Patra contrasted these unmet expectations with the achievements of the BJD government, which he said has significantly upgraded high school education through initiatives like smart classrooms, digital libraries, and advanced infrastructure as part of the 5T (transformation) initiative.
Additionally, Patra highlighted that despite Pradhan’s criticisms, Odisha received the ‘Award of Excellence’ for its ‘Drink from Tap Mission’, a part of the 5T initiative. According to Patra, Pradhan has also failed to establish any central skill development centers in the mentioned districts, nor has he addressed the critical safety issues of NH-55, a major concern for the local populace.