Nabarangpur, Feb 13: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Shree Jagannath Darshan’ scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at enabling senior citizens from economically weaker sections to undertake a dignified pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The scheme, unveiled during a special programme in Nabarangpur on Friday, was simultaneously inaugurated in Bhadrak, Baripada, Sambalpur, and Berhampur. Around 500 devotees from five districts, accompanied by escort officers, began their journey to Puri under the scheme’s provisions. Beneficiaries will receive free travel in AC buses, accommodation at Brundabati Nivas, and Mahaprasad — the sacred offering of Lord Jagannath.

According to the state government, 5,000 beneficiaries will be covered this year, with plans to extend the scheme to over one lakh citizens in the next four years. Eligible participants include senior citizens aged 60-75 and widows up to 75 years of age.

Also read: Odisha to Build Robot Army with ₹300 Crore IG Drones Project

Speaking at the launch, CM Majhi emphasized that every Odia should have the opportunity to seek Lord Jagannath’s blessings at least once in their lifetime. “The day every poor person has darshan of Lord Jagannath without obstacles, and tears of spiritual joy roll down their eyes, that day my tenure as Chief Minister will be truly meaningful,” he said.

On the same occasion, the Odisha Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the long-awaited government medical college in Nabarangpur. To be established at Patalguda over 50 acres, the institution will house 100 MBBS seats and a 420-bed hospital. The Chief Minister noted that the facility will bring modern healthcare closer to residents, eliminating the need to travel outside the district for advanced treatment.

CM Majhi highlighted that within 20 months of his government taking office, three new medical colleges have already become operational in Jajpur, Kandhamal, and Talcher, with four more promised. The process for colleges in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak has also begun.

Additionally, CM Majhi launched 177 developmental projects worth over ₹446 crore in Nabarangpur. These include 112 completed projects worth ₹68 crore and foundation laying for 65 new projects worth ₹378 crore, spanning education, healthcare, infrastructure, hostels, forest protection, and anganwadi centres.