Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a series of major development initiatives, including a sugar mill and textile park in Balangir, while attending the state-level celebrations of National Panchayati Raj Diwas.
Addressing the programme, the chief minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to grassroots empowerment and inclusive rural development, stressing that the progress of villages remains central to the state’s growth strategy.
As part of the announcements, development projects worth Rs 580 crore were launched and inaugurated in Balangir district. In a major push for rural housing, the government also distributed work orders to over 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, with a first instalment of Rs 200 crore released.
Highlighting the role of technology in governance, Majhi launched the e-Panchayat Sabha (District Council) Portal to enhance transparency in district council meetings. Additionally, the Panchayati Raj Survey Portal was made operational to streamline internal audit processes in the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, the CM said in a post on X.
Emphasising participatory governance, he called for greater involvement of citizens and innovation to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions. The government’s focus areas include water resources, livelihood generation, women’s empowerment, housing, and rural infrastructure.
Recalling his experience as a former sarpanch, the Chief Minister noted that panchayats are the backbone of real development, underlining that empowering villages is key to building a stronger state.
He urged people to work collectively as “Team Odisha” to achieve the vision of a developed India and a prosperous Odisha, adding that every panchayat should emerge as a model of growth, transparency, and self-reliance.
