(a) whether the Government has any proposal to declare Orissa as a Special Category State; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government this regard?
(a) whether the Government has any proposal to declare Orissa as a Special Category State; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL:
(a) & (b): Special Category Status has been accorded to some States on the basis of a set of
criteria which includes - strategic location on the border with neighbouring countries, hilly
terrain, inadequate economic and social infrastructure, predominantly large tribal population
and limited & weak revenue base compared to the development needs. According Special Category
Status to a State requires the approval of the National Development Council. No proposal is
under the consideration of the Government at present to declare Orissa as a Special Category
State.