Odisha Unveils Mega Irrigation & Recruitment Push at Nijukti Mela-2025

Bhubaneswar: At the 13th Nijukti Mela-2025 held at Krishi Shiksha Sadan, OUAT, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlined a renewed vision for a service-oriented government workforce and a stronger agricultural future for Odisha. Addressing hundreds of newly appointed engineers, he said that public service must be carried out with honesty, responsibility, and a commitment to improving people’s lives.

591 New Engineers Join Odisha’s Workforce

A total of 591 Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) from three engineering departments received their appointment letters during the ceremony. Congratulating them, the Chief Minister reminded the recruits that they are joining at a time when the state is undertaking some of its largest infrastructure and irrigation expansions in recent years.

Majhi highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen administrative capacity. He stated that 37,916 posts have already been filled in the last 18 months, and the target of 1.5 lakh total recruitments in five years is well on track. He also confirmed that 30,000 additional vacancies will be filled within the next six months, ensuring faster implementation of development projects.

Historic Investments to Boost Irrigation Capacity

The event also witnessed a major announcement for farmers across Odisha, as the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for irrigation projects worth several thousand crores. These initiatives are expected to significantly expand irrigation coverage and enhance agricultural productivity.

A key highlight was the launch of the Mukhyamantri Adibandha Tiyari Yojana (MATY), a transformative scheme sanctioned with ₹2,738 crore. Under MATY, the state will construct 3,000 new check dams and rejuvenate 2,000 existing ones, together providing irrigation to 48,000 hectares of farmland. Majhi described the scheme as a crucial step toward ensuring water security for farming communities.

Projects Announced Across the State

The Chief Minister detailed the wide geographic spread of the new and upcoming irrigation works, which include:

• 101 check dams in 22 districts, benefiting 2,416 hectares

• 201 check dams in 15 districts, benefiting 5,342 hectares

• Two major lift irrigation projects in Mayurbhanj and Gajapati, covering 4,000 hectares

• An underground irrigation system for 10,000 hectares in Balasore

• A new small irrigation project in Angul district

• Six large-scale irrigation projects in Sambalpur, valued at ₹355 crore

• 28,302 irrigation projects in 20 districts, worth ₹1,515 crore

Majhi emphasised that these initiatives will bring lasting benefits to thousands of farmers who depend on reliable irrigation for their livelihoods.