Odisha CM Launches ‘Akanksha Haat’ to Boost Local Products from Aspirational Regions

Bhubaneswar: To promote grassroots entrepreneurship, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched the week-long ‘Akanksha Haat’ initiative to showcase and market locally produced goods from the state’s aspirational districts and blocks. The launch took place during the ‘Sampurnata Abhiyan Samman Samaroha’, organised by the Planning and Convergence Department at the State Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme had emerged as a catalyst for inclusive development by improving key indicators in health, education, agriculture, water resources, skill building, and financial inclusion. He noted that the programme has transitioned from focusing on districts to now reaching the block level, thereby extending the benefits to even more remote communities.

Majhi outlined the programme’s success formula, based on Convergence of welfare schemes, Collaboration among stakeholders, and Competition through performance metrics. He stressed that this approach had triggered healthy rivalry among districts and blocks, leading to more effective governance.

In line with the national ‘Vocal for Local’ movement, Majhi said Odisha launched the ‘Akanksha’ brand in 2024 to support rural producers. The new Akanksha Haat is an extension of that mission, offering a platform to women self-help groups (SHGs), farmers, artisans, and weavers to sell their products directly to wider markets. The products will also be made available through digital marketplaces, ensuring better outreach, competitive pricing, and improved quality standards.

The Chief Minister also congratulated high-performing districts and blocks that were recognised under the Central Government’s incentive programme. Malkangiri and Nabarangpur bagged gold medals, Kandhamal and Koraput secured silver, while Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Kalahandi, and Nuapada were awarded bronze. Among blocks, Khairput, Mathili, Chitrakonda, and Dabugaon received gold, with several others earning silver, bronze, and copper honours.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to balanced regional development, Majhi encouraged lagging districts to strengthen their performance and join the league of achievers.

Senior state officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and Special Secretary T. Aao, also addressed the gathering. Ahuja praised the collective efforts of state and district-level officials, while Garg highlighted how the programme had helped deliver government schemes to even the most inaccessible regions. She said the initiative would play a vital role in realising the vision of a Prosperous Odisha by 2036.