“Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha”: CM Majhi Champions Rural Development on National Panchayati Raj Divas

Puri: As Odisha observed National Panchayati Raj Divas, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to rural transformation, declaring that “without rural development, the progress of Odisha and India is impossible.” The statement came during a grand state-level celebration in Puri on Thursday, where the Chief Minister highlighted the pivotal role of village governance and infrastructure in shaping a developed state and nation.

The event commenced on a solemn note, with Majhi paying tribute to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, underscoring the need for national unity and resilience.

Majhi invoked the historic 73rd Constitutional Amendment of April 24, 1993, which empowered local self-governments through the Panchayati Raj system. He emphasized the day’s significance in celebrating public participation in governance, with a special focus on Gram Panchayat Development Plans that aim to foster inclusive and community-driven development.

“Odisha stands as a model of grassroots empowerment,” he said, noting that 83% of Odisha’s population lives in villages, aligning with India’s rural majority of 69%. He proudly highlighted that 50% of panchayat seats in Odisha are reserved for women, empowering lakhs of women to take charge of development at the village level.

Recalling his own journey from a 1997 panchayat representative, Majhi reflected on how grassroots leaders have a deep understanding of community needs and aspirations.

Majhi pointed to the government’s focused efforts to revive gram sabhas and palli sabhas, institutions that had long been dormant. These platforms now enable villagers to directly participate in planning and decision-making.

Under the vision of “Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha” (Developed Villages, Developed Odisha), the state is prioritizing essential infrastructure. The Chief Minister assured that by 2026, every village in Odisha will have access to clean drinking water.

The event saw the announcement of massive rural development initiatives:

• ₹7,550 crore investment under the Antyodaya Housing Scheme to build 5 lakh homes for poor families over three years.
• Construction of 23 lakh homes already completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with 4 lakh more in progress.
• A milestone achievement of 17 lakh “Lakhpati Didis”, making Odisha the top state in women-led income generation.

Major Announcements and Digital Initiatives

The Chief Minister unveiled several schemes and digital tools:

• Ration cards for 6 lakh beneficiaries.
• Launch of e-Panchayat Sabha and PPMS portals to enhance digital governance.
• ₹32 crore incentive distributed to 613 high-performing gram panchayats.
• Disbursement of ₹200 crore to 2 lakh Subhadra Yojana beneficiaries.
• Foundation laid for 314 block-level stadiums under a ₹4,124 crore sports infrastructure mission.
• Release of a Subhadra Yojana coffee table book and television campaign to raise awareness.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced that 3 lakh rural households will be included in the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Yojana by 2026-27, furthering the state’s green energy goals.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for rural India, highlighting the Subhadra Yojana as a gamechanger for women’s economic empowerment.

Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik called for collective efforts to strengthen village institutions and enhance rural vibrancy.