Finance
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the establishment of a sugar mill and a textile park in Balangir as part of the state-level observance of National Panchayati Raj Day. He spoke at the occasion about the changing role of Panchayati Raj institutions, highlighting that their responsibilities have grown beyond plan implementation to include social, economic, and infrastructure development at the grassroots level.
Addressing the audience, Chief Minister Majhi stressed that Panchayati Raj entities have gone beyond simply administering projects. They are presently at the forefront of social, economic, and basic infrastructural development, as well as human welfare and environmental management.
Majhi noted that National Panchayati Raj Day is more than just a meeting or gathering; it is a day dedicated to reawakening the basic force of rural self-government and grassroots democracy.
He went on to say that three decades after the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, the Panchayati Raj system is currently in a critical and important phase. He highlighted that only active engagement and inventive thinking will make this system more dynamic and effective. He further stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong and visionary leadership, the state government is fully dedicated to achieving the aim of creating a Developed India (Viksit Bharat).
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that his government prioritizes the protection of water, land, and forests in rural areas, as well as education, healthcare, job creation, and women’s empowerment. On this occasion, Chief Minister Majhi launched development projects of Rs 580 crore for Balangir district. This includes the inauguration of 268 projects valued at Rs 329 crore and the laying of foundation stones for 36 projects worth Rs 252 crore. Among these was the foundation stone for a new Nursing College at Bhima Bhoi Medical College.
Majhi motivated Panchayat representatives by sharing his personal experiences and insights gained during his stint as Sarpanch. He remarked that it is now time for Panchayat delegates to work tirelessly for the overall development of the poor, women, young, and farmers. The Chief Minister congratulated districts, blocks, and Gram Panchayats for their outstanding performance in implementing MGNREGS and rural housing initiatives.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, the government’s primary goal for developing Odisha is to create strong and dynamic villages. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions in order to attain this goal.
Rabi Narayan Naik, Minister of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, cited rural empowerment and people-centric government as the key pillars of Developed Odisha. He stated that the state budget for 2026-27 includes Rs 44,309 crore for rural development, demonstrating the government’s strong commitment to the overall improvement of rural Odisha.
Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, stated that under the ‘Double Engine Government’ led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the state, the advantages of the Panchayati Raj system are now available to every household. He further stated that the government is giving all necessary services to rural residents through the Panchayati Raj Department.
The occasion was attended by Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag, Titlagarh MLA Nabin Kumar Jain, Balangir Zilla Parishad Chairperson Debaki Sahu, and other dignitaries. Several ministers and MLAs from several districts attended the program online. Girish SN, Panchayati Raj Commissioner-cum-Secretary, welcomed everyone, and Gaurav Shivaji Isalwar, Balangir District Collector, gave the vote of thanks.
