Rayagada: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday launched development projects worth nearly ₹600 crore in Rayagada district and announced that 80 per cent of jobs in industries coming up in the area would be reserved for local youth.
The Chief Minister unveiled the projects while attending the Subhadra Shakti Mela at Rayagada town. He inaugurated 22 projects with an investment of ₹238 crore and laid foundation stones for 87 additional projects valued at over ₹366 crore.
The projects span key sectors such as road and bridge infrastructure, healthcare facilities, school development and women empowerment initiatives, aimed at accelerating inclusive growth in the district.
Majhi also laid the foundation stone for the improvement and beautification of the Maa Majighariani Temple, with an allocation of ₹37 crore. Responding to demands from local MLAs and public representatives, he announced that indoor stadiums would be constructed in all blocks of the district in the coming days.
Stressing the government’s focus on social infrastructure, the Chief Minister said education, health and transportation systems in Rayagada would be further strengthened, adding that the proposal to set up a medical college in the district is under active consideration.
Highlighting Rayagada’s progress in women empowerment, Majhi said the district has emerged as a model with 1.52 lakh women organised under 12,783 self-help groups (SHGs), enabling them to secure sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.
Addressing a gathering largely comprising women, the Chief Minister said that during the 2025–26 financial year, loans amounting to around ₹200 crore had been disbursed to 4,217 SHGs in the district. He added that revolving funds worth ₹14 crore had been provided to 9,335 SHGs, while ₹53.14 crore had been released as Community Investment Fund (CIF) to 164 Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs). Additionally, livelihood loans of ₹37.55 crore had been extended to 4,195 SHGs.
Referring to budgetary support for women and children, Majhi said the Union Budget 2026–27 has earmarked ₹5 lakh crore for their welfare. He also announced plans to establish self-help entrepreneurial marts to enhance women’s economic participation at the grassroots level.
Emphasising the state’s commitment to tribal development, the Chief Minister noted that since tribals constitute nearly one-fourth of Odisha’s population, a provision of ₹68,881 crore has been made in the current state budget for their education, health, livelihood, security and forest rights.
Majhi further said Rayagada is set to witness major industrial expansion, with Hindalco planning to invest ₹15,000 crore to expand its existing plant. He added that the Vedanta Alumina Refinery project worth ₹25,000 crore and the Utkal Alumina International project valued at ₹7,653 crore are also proposed in the district.
Directing officials to ensure local employment, the Chief Minister instructed that 80 per cent of jobs in these upcoming and expanding industries be reserved for local youths.
