Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and strengthening grassroots participation in rural development, the Odisha government has issued an amendment to the existing guidelines under the ‘Vikshit Gaon Vikshit Odisha’ scheme.
Emphasising a bottom-up approach to planning, the revised framework introduces a new, participatory mechanism for the selection and approval of developmental projects. Under the amended guidelines, need-based project proposals will be invited from PRI members, elected representatives, and civil society members.
To ensure wider public awareness and inclusivity, notifications seeking project proposals will be displayed on the information boards of District Collectorates, District Councils, Block offices, and Gram Panchayat offices, and will also be published on the respective district web portals.
All proposals received will be examined by a district-level committee chaired by the District Collector, who will also accord final approval to the selected projects. The revised process is expected to make project selection more transparent and responsive to local needs.
To further strengthen accountability and ensure quality execution, the government has introduced a mandatory three-year Defect Liability Period (DLP) for all projects with a cost exceeding ₹10 lakh, calculated from the date of project completion.
The amended guidelines will come into effect from the financial year 2025–26, and are expected to reinforce community ownership, improve project quality, and enhance the overall impact of the Vikshit Gaon Vikshit Odisha programme.
