Synopsis
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' scheme aimed at transforming rural economies. This initiative seeks to bridge service gaps between urban and rural areas, with significant financial allocations planned for infrastructure and community development.Key Takeaways
- 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' scheme launched in Odisha.
- Focus on developing all 53,845 revenue villages.
- Improvement of rural living standards is a priority.
- Investment of Rs 5,000 crore planned over five years.
- Infrastructure projects will include roads, bridges, and community facilities.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated the significant 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' (BGBO) scheme on Wednesday during a ceremony held at Jankia in the Khordha district.
During his speech, CM Majhi emphasized the government's dedication to enhancing every village across Odisha.
“It brings me joy to announce the launch of the 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' initiative. This program aims to reduce disparities in services and facilities between rural and urban regions,” expressed CM Majhi.
He highlighted that approximately 65 percent of India's population resides in rural areas, with Odisha's rural demographic being about 81 percent.
Majhi asserted that a state's progress is unattainable without the advancement of its villages.
“The current administration is committed to developing all 53,845 revenue villages in Odisha. We are undertaking all necessary measures to enhance the villages and significantly improve the living conditions of the rural populace in Odisha. The Bikasit Gaon and Bikasit Odisha scheme is a crucial component of this plan,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Majhi pointed out that this flagship scheme is set to create a transformative impact on the lives of the 81 percent of the state's inhabitants residing in rural regions.
The scheme's implementation will improve the 'ease of living' for the rural community within the state. He also noted that various development initiatives initiated by previous administrations from 1947 to 2014 had not succeeded in elevating living standards in rural areas or bridging the development gap between rural and urban locales.
Majhi affirmed that the nation has witnessed substantial progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past decade. Moreover, the Odisha government has recently released guidelines for the execution of the 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' (BGBO) scheme, which aims to significantly enhance the rural economy through infrastructure development.
According to the guidelines, various projects such as road construction, bridges, and culverts (including both inter and intra-village roads) can be undertaken under this scheme.
The allocated funds will also facilitate connectivity in previously unlinked villages, particularly in PVTGs, Maoist-affected, and remote hilly regions through intra and inter-village roads.
The scheme also requires the establishment of civic facilities and amenities, including Kalyan Mandaps, community centers, bathing ghats, changing rooms near water bodies, market sheds, drainage systems, Bhagabat Tungi, and bhoga mandaps in villages throughout the state.
Funds from the scheme may also be directed towards the enhancement and development of educational and sports infrastructure in rural sectors. Local authorities are encouraged to utilize these funds for the development of need-based micro-tourism attractions in villages.
The state government has earmarked a budget of Rs 5,000 crore, with an annual allocation of Rs 1,000 crore over the next five years spanning financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29 under the BGBO scheme.
