Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’ scheme at Jankia in Khordha district, asserting that it will bridge the development gap between cities and villages while ensuring equality in basic infrastructure across the state.
The initiative aims to transform Odisha’s 60,000 villages into ‘engines of growth’ through planned infrastructure development.
“This scheme is dedicated to eliminating the disparity between urban and rural development. By investing in infrastructure, we will empower our villages, making them self-sufficient and integral to Odisha’s progress,” said the Chief Minister.
Under the scheme, the state government will invest ₹1,000 crore annually, amounting to ₹5,000 crore over five years (2024-29). If required, the scheme will be extended beyond its initial timeframe.
The plan includes the construction of village roads, community assets, places of worship, sports infrastructure, and small tourism projects. Special emphasis has been placed on internal village roads, inter-village connectivity, asphalt and cement concrete roads, bridges, and culverts, including road development in forested areas.
Apart from roads, the scheme will also facilitate the construction of welfare centers, bathing ghats, market sheds, Bhog Mandaps, Bhagabata Tungis, and cultural centers to preserve Odisha’s traditions. Educational infrastructure will also be expanded, with additional classrooms and upgrades to existing school facilities.
The government has ensured transparency in the implementation of the scheme. District Collectors will oversee project execution, assisted by Chief Development Officers, while social audits will be conducted to ensure accountability.
The scheme also prioritizes tribal development, with 40% of funds earmarked for Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) blocks. Funds will be allocated through the Zilla Parishads and Panchayats, based on population. The minimum project cost is set at ₹3 lakh, ensuring quality infrastructure in even the smallest villages.
“Our government has no shortage of funds, and no project will be ignored due to financial constraints,” CM Majhi emphasized.
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Transformational Development Model”, which prioritizes speed, efficiency, and inclusive growth, for inspiring the initiative.
He highlighted how schemes like toilet construction, LPG connections, drinking water supply, and infrastructure expansion have transformed the country.
“Odisha will benefit from the ‘Amritdhara’ of transformative change brought by PM Modi through the double-engine government. ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’ reflects his mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’,” CM Majhi said.
Minister for Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water, and Rural Development Rabi Narayan Naik hailed the scheme as a game-changer for rural Odisha, emphasizing its role in economic, social, and cultural development. MLAs Prashant Kumar Jagdeb (Khordha), Babu Singh (Bhubaneswar Ekamra), and Zilla Parishad Chairperson Rupashree Rani Guman Singh echoed similar sentiments, calling the initiative a historic step towards improving rural living standards.
Panchayat representatives, MLAs, and MPs from all districts participated in the launch event via video conferencing.
