Deogarh: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 124 development projects worth around ₹280 crore in Deogarh, marking a major push to the district’s infrastructure and welfare landscape.
Of the total, 63 projects worth ₹130.79 crore were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for 61 projects valued at ₹147.70 crore. The initiatives span key sectors such as education, irrigation, rural infrastructure, and social welfare.
Among the prominent projects, the permanent campus of Kendriya Vidyalaya Deogarh—constructed at a cost of ₹31.40 crore—was dedicated to the public. Built over 9.22 acres, the facility includes 45 rooms, 24 smart classrooms, three science laboratories, and two computer labs, and is expected to benefit over 1,000 students. Plans are in place to expand the school up to Class XII.
An Integrated Urban Hostel at Deogarh College was also inaugurated, aimed at supporting students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan said the projects would significantly strengthen the district’s social and economic infrastructure and improve the quality of life for residents. He highlighted the Centre’s focus on transforming Deogarh through the “Sahakar se Samriddhi” initiative, with emphasis on agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and sustainable use of forest resources, alongside improvements in irrigation, education, and healthcare.
Pradhan also touched upon the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, describing it as a transformative step under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance women’s representation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He alleged that opposition leaders, including Naveen Patnaik, are not supportive of increasing women’s seats.
He reiterated that the “double-engine” government is committed to accelerating development by incorporating public feedback and ensuring faster resolution of local issues.
Odisha Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik and Deogarh MLA Romancha Ranjan Biswal were among those present.
