Sugar Mill, Textile Park Announced for Balangir as Odisha Marks Panchayati Raj Day

Bhubaneswar: Major rural development initiatives, including a proposed sugar mill and a textile park in Balangir, were announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the state-level celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day on Friday.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister underlined the expanding role of Panchayati Raj institutions, noting that they are no longer limited to implementing schemes but are actively shaping social, economic, and infrastructure development at the grassroots. He described the day as an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of local self-governance and people-led democracy.

Reflecting on the journey since the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, Majhi said the Panchayati Raj system is entering a decisive phase where innovation and public participation will determine its effectiveness. He reiterated the state’s alignment with the vision of a developed India under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

Highlighting development in Balangir, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹580 crore. This includes 268 completed projects valued at ₹329 crore and 36 new projects worth ₹252 crore, among them a Nursing College at Bhima Bhoi Medical College.

He also emphasised that the government is focusing on key areas such as conservation of water, land, and forests, along with strengthening education, healthcare, employment generation, and women’s empowerment in rural regions. Drawing from his experience as a former Sarpanch, Majhi called upon Panchayat representatives to work with renewed commitment towards inclusive development.

On the occasion, districts, blocks, and Gram Panchayats were felicitated for their performance in implementing schemes like MGNREGS and rural housing programmes.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo stressed the importance of empowering villages to achieve a developed Odisha, while Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik highlighted the government’s focus on people-centric rural governance.