09.09.91
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(vi) Need to declare Bhubaneswar Orissa as B-2 grade city
[English]
SHRI SIVAJI PATNAIK (Bhubaneswar): As per the Census Report of 1991, the present population of Bhubaneswara City, the capital of Orissa is 4,11,542. This has now fulfilled the criteria for consideration as a B-2 city as per the recommendation of the Fourth Central Pay Commission.
Earlier also, as per the Third Central pay Commission's Report, it was eligible for declaration as a B-2 city, but the Government did not act at that time and the Central Government employees stationed at Bhubaneswar were deprived of adequate benefit in the shape of house rent and city allowances, etc. The city is costly and apart from its population of 4,11,542, it has a large floating population due to pilgrims and tourists as also due to its administrative importance.
The rate of house rent is very high which is beyond the reach of common people and salaried employees. This has caused the growth of slums in and around the city throwing more people to live in these slums.
In view of all these facts, the upgradation of the city is urgently needed. More construction of central pool quarters, enhanced house rent allowance of Central Government employees and more central assistance for housing and other developments of the city is called for.
09.09.91