Finance
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’ plan during a ceremony in Khurda. Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ravi Narayan Nayak, local MLA Prashant Jagdev, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, and District Collector Chanchal Rana attended the occasion.
The Odisha government has issued guidelines for the implementation of the ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ initiative, which aims to strengthen the rural economy by developing infrastructure. The initiative intends to bridge significant gaps in rural Odisha, resulting in rapid and inclusive growth, by implementing a variety of sustainable development projects. This would significantly contribute to the development of many types of infrastructure and serve as a gateway to achieving the objectives of Bikashita Odisha.
These guidelines have been forwarded to District Collectors and BDOs, and each village has been requested to create and submit a five-year plan list based on its preferences by February 15. The government has set aside Rs 1,000 crore in the Budget for ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ in 2024-25. This money will be distributed to the panchayats in accordance with the new norms. Backward and tribal areas will receive high consideration under this strategy.
For this, 40% of the total funds, or Rs 400 crore, will be invested only in ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency) blocks. ITDA covers 121 of the state’s 314 blocks. The government will prioritize the development of these places.
The remaining 193 blocks would receive Rs 600 crore. Money will be provided to develop good roads in each village.
Under this proposal, reading rooms will be set up in each block, providing Internet access to book lovers. Children preparing for competitive examinations can sit here and study comfortably for a little cost. Similarly, funds will be available for the development of Kalyan Mandap and Community Center, and Changing Rooms on the banks of ponds and rivers, and market sheds in the Panchayat.
