Odisha CM Launches Rs 5,000 Cr Rural Infrastructure Development Scheme for 60,000 Villages
Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched an ambitious Rs 5,000 crore rural development programme aimed at transforming around 60,000 villages across the state. The scheme, titled ‘Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha’ (Developed Villages, Developed Odisha), was unveiled in Jankia, Khurda district on Friday, with a commitment to investing Rs 1,000 crore annually from 2024 to 2029. This significant initiative will focus on improving rural infrastructure, with the vision of bringing balanced growth to both urban and rural regions in Odisha.
Majhi’s vision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’, underscoring the government’s focus on inclusive development. At the launch event, Majhi stressed that without the development of rural areas, Odisha’s progress would be incomplete. The scheme aims to address various aspects of rural life, including road infrastructure, education, sports facilities, and community assets, all with an emphasis on quality and public participation. “We cannot imagine the state’s progress without the upliftment of rural areas. Our government has always believed in the power of public participation, ensuring that villagers are involved in decision-making and the implementation of these projects,” Majhi remarked, highlighting the central role of the people in shaping their villages’ futures.
A notable feature of the ‘Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha’ programme is its emphasis on tribal welfare. About 40% of the total funds are allocated to tribal-dominated blocks, with an integrated tribal development agency overseeing projects in these areas. This allocation ensures that the programme addresses the unique challenges faced by tribal communities and works towards improving their infrastructure and access to basic amenities. The initiative also marks a significant shift from the earlier ‘Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ programme, with the new scheme incorporating a more targeted approach towards rural and tribal development. Ongoing projects under the old programme will continue under the new framework, ensuring continuity and progress in rural infrastructure development. The programme will prioritise the development of road infrastructure, aiming to build paved, cement concrete, and paver block roads, as well as bridges and culverts to connect remote villages. This focus on road connectivity is crucial, as it will improve access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, and stimulate local economies.
Further, the development of community spaces such as markets, community centres, and bathing ghats is also included in the scheme, ensuring that the physical infrastructure of villages supports daily life. Educational facilities and places of worship will also be improved, with the aim of making these communities more self-sufficient and better connected to the rest of the state. Public utility services, including cultural centres and facilities for pilgrims, will also see significant upgrades, contributing to the social and cultural development of rural areas. To ensure the success of the scheme, the Odisha government has put mechanisms in place for transparency. District collectors will oversee the implementation of projects, while social audits will be conducted to assess the progress and maintain public trust. This model ensures accountability and that funds are used effectively for the betterment of rural communities.
The programme is grounded in the principles of inclusive and community-driven development. The involvement of villagers in conceptualising and executing the projects will ensure that the developments meet the specific needs of each community, allowing for a more tailored approach to rural development. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, who was present at the launch, emphasised that the scheme would accelerate rural infrastructure development and, by extension, contribute to the state’s overall growth. Majhi also echoed Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, quoting, “India’s soul resides in its villages”. With 81% of Odisha’s population residing in rural areas, the chief minister’s vision reflects the state’s commitment to Gandhian principles by ensuring that the benefits of development are extended to the heart of the state—its villages. The ‘Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha’ programme represents a bold step in addressing the rural infrastructure gaps in the state and providing a holistic model for sustainable rural development. By focusing on roads, education, healthcare, and tribal welfare, this scheme promises to transform the lives of millions of people in Odisha’s rural areas. As Majhi rightly pointed out, “Without rural development, Odisha’s progress is impossible,” and this new initiative paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
