Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to ensure comprehensive development in Maoist-affected areas under its “Gramodaya” initiative, launched in October 2024.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Thursday reviewed the implementation of the programme at a state-level meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan. She directed all departments to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach 100% of eligible beneficiaries in saturation mode.
Senior officials and secretaries of various departments attended the meeting and presented updates on progress made in the identified regions, according to a government release.
The Gramodaya initiative aims to deliver welfare schemes and basic services at both community and household levels, with a focus on building trust between the administration and people through targeted development.
The programme covers 57,296 families across 484 villages in 192 gram panchayats of 39 blocks spread over 10 Maoist-affected districts. These districts include Bargarh, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada.
To monitor implementation, committees have been formed at state, district, block, and gram panchayat levels. A baseline survey conducted by 20 departments is guiding efforts to achieve full coverage across sectors.
The chief secretary directed departments to ensure the issuance of ration cards to all eligible beneficiaries. Steps are also being taken to open fair price shops based on local needs and to provide land to homeless families under the Basundhara scheme.
The meeting reviewed healthcare services in the affected areas. The Higher Education Department is arranging pre-recruitment training for youth aspiring to join Agniveer, paramilitary, and police services.
Authorities are prioritising the construction of anganwadi centres in uncovered villages and ensuring basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity, toilets, kitchens and cooking gas. Departments have also initiated measures to provide scholarships to students from economically weaker sections.
Banking access is being expanded in 244 villages through mini banks and micro ATMs. Efforts are underway to include all eligible women in self-help groups and to install mobile towers in areas lacking network connectivity.
The Sports and Youth Services Department has extended financial support for the construction of stadiums at all 39 block headquarters and for providing sports equipment.
Transport connectivity has improved in these regions. In Nabarangpur, 75% of women are availing bus services, while the figure stands at 65% in Malkangiri. Bus stands are being developed under the Atal Bus Stand Scheme to strengthen infrastructure.
Steps are also being taken to enhance irrigation capacity through deep borewells and group irrigation projects.
