Odisha presses for special status again

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has reiterated its demand for grant of special category state (SCS) status to Odisha in its memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Tuesday. It was submitted by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.Besides, the State Government also raised the demand for imposition of Mineral Rent Resource Tax (MRRT) on mine owners with the Prime Minister.The Planning and Coordination Department has prepared the memorandum justifying Odisha’s claim of a special category state status.The State Government has been demanding the status since 1979. Besides, the State’s demand of special grant for KBK region, ignored by the Centre, found place in the memorandum.