Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards accelerating development in mining-affected regions, the Planning & Convergence Department of the Government of Odisha on Wednesday organised a State-level Consultation Workshop on the CM-SAMPADA initiative in Bhubaneswar.
CM-SAMPADA, a flagship initiative of the Department, aims to ensure focused and accelerated development of mining-affected communities through the optimal utilisation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds. The programme prioritises saturation of key interventions in health, nutrition, education, and essential infrastructure across mining-affected districts.
The workshop was convened under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg in the presence of Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh. Representatives from 12 line departments and Collectors from 11 DMF districts participated in the deliberations. The consultation served as a structured platform to discuss proposed interventions and chart a roadmap for operationalising the initiative effectively.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Anu Garg reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to placing mining-affected regions at the centre of Odisha’s development agenda. She emphasised that the success of CM-SAMPADA would depend on strong collaboration between mining districts and line departments, working towards a shared vision of prosperity, wellness, and equity.
Highlighting equity as a core priority, she called for accelerated development in mining-affected villages to bridge existing socio-economic gaps and ensure inclusive growth. She also stressed the need for accountable and results-oriented implementation mechanisms.
Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh described mining as the backbone of Odisha’s economy and underscored the State’s responsibility towards communities impacted by mining activities. He emphasised sustainability through skilling and entrepreneurship, noting that DMF resources must translate into lasting improvements in quality of life.
During the workshop, districts and departments engaged in substantive discussions on formulating a clear and time-bound pathway for saturating government benefits in mining-affected villages. The focus remained on aligning DMF resources to ensure comprehensive coverage of priority entitlements and essential services at the grassroots level.
Participants also deliberated on the feasibility and potential impact of proposed interventions, taking into account district-specific contexts, challenges, and unique mining-related conditions.
The insights and recommendations emerging from the consultation will be used to refine the CM-SAMPADA framework, strengthen district-department coordination, and adopt an outcome-oriented approach aimed at advancing the State’s vision of Viksit Odisha.
