Besides relief work, Orissa govt will also pursue corruption cases

Addressing his first press conference as Chief Minister, Patnaik said, "I am aware of these scams and if required, the CBI would be entrusted with the investigation." Past corruption cases would be obviously looked into within the parameters of the law, he said.

The Chief Minister said his government had virtually inherited a bankrupt exchequer from the Congress regime with the debt burden soaring to over Rs 16,000 crore. The exchequer is empty and the Centre has to come to the aid of the state in a big way, he said.

Replying to a question as to whether his government would approach the central government for additional assistance to tide over the crisis, Patnaik said, while seeking maximum central help we would have to mobilise state resources on the long run.

Patnaik also accused the previous Congress government of handling the relief and rehabilitation measures in the aftermath of the supercyclone in a "corrupt and inefficient" manner, although the Centre had provided substantial assistance.

The Chief Minister said the previous government had already submitted a memorandum seeking central assistance for cyclone reconstruction work and, if necessary, a fresh proposal would be sent. The state government had already sought a moratorium on debt repayment and the new regime would pursue the matter, he said.

While stressing the need for maintaining austerity in government expenditure, he said his administration would do whatever was possible in this regard. Asked about down-sizing of the government and ban on recruitment of retired officials, Patnaik said the government would do whatever was practical and human.

Patnaik said the task force constituted by the Vajpayee government under the chairmanship of the Defence Minister to oversee the cyclone relief measures would meet at Delhi soon. Other central ministers connected with relief and rehabilitation work in Orissa and he himself would also be present during the discussions.

The Chief Minister said despite the resource constraints, his government would concentrate on expanding irrigation facilities, development of agriculture and improvement in health and education measures with emphasis on basic requirements.

Replying to a question, Patnaik who has faced much criticism for his inability to converse in Oriya, said that Oriya would continue to be the official language of the state. His government would also take steps for ushering in a Renaissance in the field of art and culture.