Bhubaneswar: The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department of the Odisha government has released guidelines for the “Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha” scheme, a transformative initiative aimed at accelerating rural development across the state.
The scheme focuses on bridging critical infrastructure gaps to ensure holistic and inclusive growth in rural Odisha. With a strong emphasis on road connectivity, civic amenities, education, tourism, and sports infrastructure, the initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in villages while fostering economic growth.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Rural Connectivity & Infrastructure Development
- Construction and improvement of inter and intra-village roads, bridges, and culverts, particularly in remote and tribal-dominated areas.
- Upgrading roads within reserve forest areas and improving rural roads based on population density, economic activity, and geographical challenges.
- A cap of 35% of total funds has been set for road projects.
- Civic Amenities & Community Projects
- Development of community centers, market sheds, bathing ghats, and drainage systems.
- Establishment of Bhoga Mandaps, Bhagabata Tungis, and cultural centers at religious sites, with water and sanitation facilities under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
- Restoration and construction of community ponds and water harvesting structures.
- Education & Skill Development
- Expansion of school infrastructure, including additional classrooms.
- Creation of reading rooms with internet access and study cubicles, open from 9 AM to 9 PM, for students preparing for competitive exams.
- Sports & Tourism Development
- Construction of low-cost sports infrastructure such as long jump and high jump pits, rope climbing, and monkey-hanging bars.
- Improvement of micro-tourism spots to promote local attractions.
- Project Selection & Execution
- Projects will be identified through a participatory planning process, starting from Gram Sabhas.
- Zilla Parishads will oversee fund allocation, with 40% earmarked for ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency) Blocks.
- The District Collector will approve project lists, ensuring timely completion.
- Monitoring & Transparency
- A web-based MIS and mobile app will be developed for real-time tracking.
- Projects will be geo-tagged at different stages of implementation.
- Regular social audits and inspections will be conducted to maintain accountability.
The scheme will be funded entirely by the State Budget, with provisions for flexibility in financial allocations under special circumstances.
“Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha” is set to transform rural landscapes by addressing long-standing developmental gaps and enhancing the socio-economic fabric of Odisha’s villages.
