Odisha Reviews ‘Gramodaya’ Push for Development in Maoist-Affected Regions

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to accelerate development in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg chairing a high-level review of the ‘Gramodaya’ initiative at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday.

Launched in October 2024, the Gramodaya programme aims to ensure holistic development and strengthen trust between the administration and local communities. The initiative covers 484 villages across 192 gram panchayats in 39 blocks of 10 districts, including Bargarh, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Rayagada. A total of 57,296 families have been identified as priority beneficiaries.

Reviewing the progress, the Chief Secretary directed departments to ensure 100 per cent coverage of eligible beneficiaries based on baseline surveys conducted by multiple departments. She emphasised immediate steps such as issuing ration cards, setting up affordable food centres, and providing land to the homeless under the Vasundhara Yojana.

Garg also stressed the need to strengthen basic infrastructure, including construction of fully equipped Anganwadi centres with drinking water, electricity, sanitation facilities, kitchens, and LPG connections.

The review outlined several priority interventions, including scholarships for economically weaker students, improved healthcare services, and pre-recruitment training for youth in police, paramilitary and fire services. The initiative also focuses on women’s empowerment through self-help groups, expansion of mobile connectivity, and ensuring banking access in 244 unbanked villages through mini banks and micro-ATMs.

Officials further assessed progress in key sectors such as rural housing, piped water supply, road connectivity, irrigation projects, skill development programmes, and construction of community infrastructure and playgrounds. Increased public transport usage, especially among women in districts like Nabarangpur and Malkangiri, was also highlighted.

To ensure effective implementation, multi-level monitoring committees have been set up at the state, district, block, and panchayat levels. The Chief Secretary called for regular monthly reviews and greater inter-departmental coordination to achieve grassroots targets.