Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has unveiled five significant commitments in the BJD platform that will assist empower the middle class, according to senior BJD politician and 5T chairman Karthik Pandian on Wednesday. At a news conference, Pandian stated that these benefits, which the middle class will receive, are not accessible anywhere else in the nation.
“The middle-class people have a significant role in building New Odisha. CM Naveen Patnaik has made five major announcement in the poll manifesto which will empower middle-class people,” he said.
According to the statement, the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana will provide health security for all. The BSKY Nabin card is set to be introduced for middle-class households throughout all urban areas.
“Usually people have a desire to buy a house in urban areas. Our CM Naveen Patnaik have lessened the interest rates on housing loans up to Rs 20 lakh. This feature is not found in any other state,” Pandian added.
For the education of middle-class students, interest rates on study loans will also be less. Similarly, middle class people will get concessional rates in public transport like LaCCMI bus, Mo Bus and in metro which will be launched in future.
Scholarships of Rs 12,000 for boys and Rs 14,000 for girls will be provided in the state. Almost all the students except some very rich class students are availing the benefit, Pandian pointed out.
“Our chief minister has taken these steps to reduce the burden on the middle class and lower their expenses. These steps will bring smiles on your faces. If the urban areas develop through middle-class people, the service sector would grow leading to more employment generation,” the BJD leader asserted.
