Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s rural development push gathered momentum on Friday as the rollout of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY) in Rayagada highlighted a broader effort to connect infrastructure with livelihoods and social welfare.
At the centre of the programme, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan underlined that rural roads are not just physical assets but “lifelines” that open access to employment, education, and healthcare.
Addressing the gathering at Rayagada, the minister said he had “not come empty-handed” and was bringing concrete initiatives aimed at directly benefiting villages, farmers, labourers, women, and youth.
Sharing the stage with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chouhan also praised Odisha’s cultural richness and the hardworking nature of its people, while stressing that coordinated efforts under the current leadership are focused on holistic development.
The programme marked the formal rollout of PMGSY-IV in the state, with approval granted for 827 roads covering 1,701.84 km at a cost of Rs 1,698.04 crore. Additional support has also been committed to complete previously sanctioned but unfinished road projects, ensuring last-mile connectivity, according to an official statement.
Beyond roads, the minister highlighted housing as a priority, stating that no poor family should remain in a kutcha house. He announced Rs 630.61 crore for completing pending houses under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin.
On the occasion of Labour Day, he further announced the release of Rs 868.71 crore as the first instalment under MGNREGA for 2026–27, along with Rs 30.07 crore approved under WDC-PMKSY 2.0.
Reinforcing the government’s focus, Chouhan said women, farmers and youth remain central to the development agenda. He pointed to initiatives aimed at strengthening self-help groups, promoting self-employment, and boosting farm incomes through scientific agriculture, allied activities, and improved infrastructure.
