Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi underscored the critical role of rural development in achieving state and national progress during the National Panchayati Raj Divas celebrations in Puri on Thursday.
Noting that 83 percent of Odisha’s population and 69 percent of India’s population reside in villages, he stated, “Without rural development, the progress of Odisha and India is impossible.”
The event began with the Chief Minister paying tributes to the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Highlighting the significance of the Panchayati Raj system, Majhi recalled the 73rd Constitutional Amendment of April 24, 1993, which revolutionized local governance. He emphasized that the day is celebrated to honor public participation in governance, with the central government prioritizing Gram Panchayat Development Plans to boost community involvement.
In Odisha, the Panchayati Raj system is addressing fundamental issues, with several gram panchayats earning national recognition over the past three years. Majhi noted that 50 percent of panchayat seats are reserved for women, positioning Odisha as a model for women’s empowerment. He praised women representatives for driving local development and cited his own journey as a 1997 panchayat representative, underscoring how grassroots leaders understand community challenges.
Majhi highlighted the government’s efforts to revive gram sabhas and palli sabhas, which had been neglected for decades, empowering villagers to make decisions for their development. The state is prioritizing rural infrastructure—electricity, roads, and water—under the vision of “Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha” (Developed Villages, Developed Odisha). By 2026, every village will have access to drinking water, he affirmed.
Under the Antyodaya Housing Scheme, ₹7,550 crore will be invested over three years to provide homes to 5 lakh poor families. Additionally, over 23 lakh houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with 4 lakh more under construction. As many as17 lakh women have become “Lakhpati Didis,” placing Odisha first in India.
The Chief Minister launched several initiatives, including ration cards for 6 lakh beneficiaries, the e-Panchayat Sabha and PPMS portals, a ₹32 crore incentive for 613 gram panchayats, and ₹200 crore for over 2 lakh Subhadra beneficiaries. He also laid the foundation for 314 block-level stadiums with a ₹4,124 crore investment and unveiled a Subhadra coffee table book and TV advertisements.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced plans to include 3 lakh households in the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Yojana by 2026-27. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rural progress and the Subhadra Yojana for transforming women’s lives. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik urged collective action to enhance rural vibrancy.
The event featured Prime Minister Modi’s address from Madhubani, Bihar, and was attended by ministers, MPs, MLAs, and officials, with virtual participation from across Odisha.
