Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to rename the Government Medical College and Hospital at Phulbani in Kandhamal district after Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati in recognition of his contribution to the welfare of the tribal community.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the decision on Monday, saying the move was aimed at preserving the memory of the spiritual leader and acknowledging his service and sacrifice for the people of Kandhamal.
The Chief Minister also approved ₹13 crore from the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance (CMSA) fund for the development of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati’s ashram, ashram school and girls’ ashram at Jalespata. He said the financial assistance would be utilised to preserve the heritage of the ashram and strengthen educational and residential infrastructure for students.
As part of the package, ₹5 crore has been earmarked for the construction of a 300-seat girls’ hostel. Another ₹3 crore has been allocated for the conservation and development of the Swamiji’s heritage site.
The state government has also sanctioned ₹60 lakh for a mega river lift project to ensure a reliable water supply to the Jalespata Ashram, Ashram School and the girls’ hostel.
In addition, funds have been approved for the construction of toilets, expansion of the girls’ hostel, boundary walls, classrooms, renovation of existing hostel buildings and other related infrastructure works.
The state government said the initiatives are intended to preserve the legacy of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati while improving educational and residential facilities at the Jalespata campus.
