Khurda: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’ scheme at a programme in Khurda on Wednesday. Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ravi Narayan Nayak, local MLA Prashant Jagdev, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and District Collector Chanchal Rana were present at the event.
The Odisha government issued guidelines for the implementation of ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ scheme aiming to boost the rural economy through the development of infrastructure. The scheme aims at bridging the critical gaps leading to accelerated and inclusive growth of rural Odisha by taking up various sustainable developmental projects. This will substantially lead to development of varied forms of infrastructure and will act as a gateway to fulfill the objectives of Bikashita Odisha.
These guidelines have been sent to the District Collectors and BDOs and each village has been asked to prepare and submit a five-year plan list according to its preference by February 15. The government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore in the Budget for ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ in 2024-25. This money will be allocated to the panchayats as per the new guidelines. Backward and tribal areas will be given top priority in this scheme.
For this, 40 per cent of the total funds or Rs 400 crore will be spent only in the blocks under ITDA or Integrated Tribal Development Agency. Out of the total 314 blocks in the state, 121 blocks come under ITDA. The government will give more importance to the development of these areas.
A fund of Rs 600 crore will be allocated to the remaining 193 blocks. Money will be given to build good roads in every village.
Under this scheme, reading rooms will be arranged in every block where book lovers will get Internet facility. Children preparing for competitive exams can sit here and study comfortably by paying a small fee. Similarly, money will be available for the construction of Kalyan Mandap, Community Center, and Changing Rooms on the banks of ponds and rivers, and market sheds in the Panchayat.
