Centre to issue coins on Biju Babu

BHUBANESWAR: In order to celebrate the birth centenary of the legendary leader, the union government will issue commemorative coins with former chief minister Biju Patnaik’s image on March 5.

The coins of Rs 5 and Rs 100 denominations will be unveiled by chief minister Naveen Patnaik at a special function on March 5, the birth centenary of Biju Patnaik.

Culture secretary Manoranjan Pannigrahi said they had sent the design of the coin to the Union finance ministry following the approval of the chief minister.

He said the coins will have the image of Biju Patnaik, his name and 1916-1997 – his year of birth and death.

While the Rs 100 denomination is meant for showcasing, the Rs 5 coin will be for general circulation.

The state government constituted a committee that included artist Tarakanta Parida, artist and historian Dinanath Pathy and sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik.