Bhubaneswar/Rayagada: Bringing a fresh wave of rural development initiatives to Odisha, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday jointly launched the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) in Rayagada, along with multiple schemes aimed at improving connectivity, housing and livelihoods.
At a public meeting in Barijhola, Chouhan announced that 827 road projects spanning 1,701.84 km have been approved for Odisha under the first phase of PMGSY-IV, with a total investment of ₹1,698.04 crore. He handed over the official approval letter to the Chief Minister, marking the formal rollout of the programme in the state.
Highlighting the importance of rural roads, the Union Minister said improved connectivity plays a critical role in enhancing access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities, particularly in remote areas.
In addition to road infrastructure, the Centre approved ₹630.61 crore to complete pending houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana, reaffirming its commitment to housing for all. Marking International Workers Day, Chouhan also announced the release of ₹868.71 crore as the first instalment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for the 2026–27 financial year.
Further strengthening rural infrastructure, projects worth ₹30.07 crore were cleared under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, aimed at improving irrigation and water conservation.
The Union Minister also highlighted initiatives focused on rural livelihoods and women empowerment, including the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, along with promotion of self-help groups and allied sectors such as animal husbandry, fisheries and beekeeping.
Chief Minister Majhi said the approvals reflect the Centre’s continued support for Odisha’s development priorities. He noted that the rural roads programme, first conceptualised under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and expanded under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to transform rural connectivity across the country.
Calling PMGSY-IV a transformative initiative, Majhi said it will significantly improve access in remote and hilly regions of Odisha, while contributing to the state’s broader vision of “Samruddha Odisha, Viksit Odisha.”
Odisha Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik also addressed the gathering. The event included inauguration and foundation laying of multiple projects, along with distribution of benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
