Jharsuguda: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida distributed land titles to 120 landless families under the Vasundhara Yojana in a programme held in Jharsuguda district on Sunday.
The initiative is part of a larger effort to provide land ownership to underprivileged families residing in mining-affected areas of the district. According to district officials, 804 landless families from Jharsuguda and Lakhanpur Tehsils have been identified as beneficiaries under the scheme, with today’s distribution marking the first phase.
The event witnessed the presence of several senior officials and dignitaries, including Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, District Collector Aboli Sunil Narvane, Deputy District Collector Sabyasachi Panda, and Additional District Collector Kishore Chandra Swain.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Parida lauded the efforts of the local administration in identifying and prioritizing beneficiaries. “This is a significant step towards securing the future of landless families in Jharsuguda and Lakhanpur. The Vasundhara Yojana aims to empower the marginalized by granting them the dignity of land ownership,” she said.
The beneficiaries primarily belong to mining belts in Jharsuguda and Lakhanpur Tehsils, regions often impacted by displacement and lack of access to land. The Vasundhara Yojana aims to address these challenges by providing a permanent solution through land allotment.
District Collector Narvane assured the remaining beneficiaries that land titles would be distributed by the end of December. “We are committed to completing the process within the stipulated timeframe to ensure all eligible families receive their rightful ownership,” she stated.
The Vasundhara Yojana reflects Odisha’s commitment to inclusive development, especially in regions affected by industrial and mining activities. The programme is expected to provide a stable foundation for hundreds of families, enabling them to build a better future.
This initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to address issues of displacement, housing insecurity, and socio-economic disparity in Odisha.