Bhubaneswar, Feb 5 (FN Bureau) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday launched the Developed Village, Developed Odisha scheme to bridge the development gap between cities and villages and ensure equality in basic infrastructure. Launching the scheme at Jankia in the Khurda district near Bhubaneswar, Majhi described it as a prime example of the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” He stated that Rs.5,000 crore would be invested over five years(Rs.1000 every year) to develop infrastructure in villages, positioning them as the growth engines of Odisha’s development. If necessary, the scheme will be further expanded, he added. The Chief Minister emphasized that Odisha’s development is impossible without the progress of its villages. He stated that the Developed Village, Developed Odisha program is entirely dedicated to village development and will be implemented through an annual plan in a structured manner.
Under this scheme, education, community assets, places of worship, sports infrastructure, and small tourism projects will be developed alongside village roads. The plan prioritizes building essential infrastructure, with special emphasis on constructing roads within villages and connecting them to neighboring villages. Additionally, common-use facilities such as welfare centers, community centers, market sheds, and designated areas for changing clothes and washing animals will be constructed. The scheme also includes provisions for improving places of worship, developing basic facilities for pilgrims, and constructing Bhog Mandaps, Bhagwat Tungis, and cultural centers. To enhance educational infrastructure, additional classrooms will be built, and existing facilities will be improved and expanded, Majhi said.
Furthermore, the scheme includes plans to develop sports infrastructure and small-scale tourism facilities. “We are committed to fulfilling the promises made to the people and meeting their hopes and aspirations,” the Chief Minister affirmed. He urged officials to ensure that government schemes reach the people effectively. The Chief Minister highlighted that public participation is a top priority in the Developed Village, Developed Odisha initiative. Villagers themselves will be involved in designing and implementing development projects. Under the scheme, project funds will be allocated to the District Council, which will distribute them to blocks and gram panchayats based on population. Majhi further stated that the scheme places a strong focus on tribal development, with 40 percent of the sanctioned funds earmarked for Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) blocks. The Chief Minister added that District Collectors will oversee project implementation at the district level, conducting regular reviews. The Chief Development Officer of the District Council will assist in monitoring and supervision.