Bhubaneswar: Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 78 development projects worth around Rs 375 crore in Kuchinda, Bamra, and Jamankira areas of Odisha.
While addressing a gathering, Pradhan said these projects aim to strengthen connectivity in the Kuchinda sub-division and boost the rural economy while improving civic infrastructure. New sanitation vehicles have also been introduced to enhance cleanliness in Bamra town.
The minister said that the government is working with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which reflects the ideals of B. R. Ambedkar. In a series of posts on X, he said improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in tribal-dominated areas like Kuchinda remains a top priority.
He added that the government is working to provide piped drinking water to every household and expand irrigation through the Parbati Giri Irrigation Project. He said efforts are also underway to revive ‘Lanka farming’ in Kuchinda on a commercial scale to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods through collective initiatives.
Highlighting the role of women in development, the minister said that the empowerment of women is essential for building a developed Odisha and India. He said provisions have been made under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to strengthen women’s participation.
He stated that the Act provides for 33% reservation for women in the Legislative Assembly and Parliament, enabling them to take part in key decision-making processes of governance and administration.
Officials said the projects will support economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life in the region.
