Bhubaneswar, Feb 5: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has launched the much-awaited transformational scheme – ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ (BGBO) – at a special event in Jankia, Khordha.

CM Majhi, in a post on ‘X’, shared his excitement over the launch of the scheme, “I am happy to launch the 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' scheme at Jankia in Khordha district,” wrote the Chief Minister. “The scheme will lead to holistic development of rural Odisha and will help in bridging the gap of various services and facilities available in villages and cities,” he added.

“The country cannot progress without developing the villages. And, under the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the infrastructure in rural areas has been strengthened in the country.

“Be it ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ or LPG connection under ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’, pucca roads or clean drinking water - many such public welfare schemes are being implemented in the country. This has given a new impetus to the development of rural areas,” wrote CM Majhi.

What is ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ Scheme?

The scheme is aimed to bring developments in villages, which will ultimately account for the state's development. According to the guidelines, a certain amount of money will be disbursed to each gram panchayat for developmental works.

The highest priority will be given to backward and tribal areas under the programme. Forty per cent of the amount, which accounts for Rs 400 crore, will be spent in 121 blocks tagged under the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). The rest of Rs 600 crore will be disbursed to 193 blocks.

Various developmental projects will be undertaken in the panchayats. Projects will be approved by Gram Sabhas (Village Committees), according to the guidelines.

What CM Majhi said during the event?

“This scheme has been launched to develop every village. The ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ scheme will bridge the gap between various services and facilities available in villages and cities,” stated CM Majhi.

“All decisions will be taken in that meeting. The scheme will run from 2024-25 to 2028-29. An amount of Rs 1 crore has been earmarked annually for this. An outlay of Rs.5 crore has been proposed for 5 years. If necessary, more will be added,” he explained.

“Roads, bridges, Kalyan Mandaps as well as market sheds will be built. The money will be used to meet the daily needs of villages. The focus will also be on the developments of sports infrastructure and rural tourism. Each development project will start with a minimum of Rs 3 lakh,” he added further.

“During the previous government, thousands of projects were left incomplete under ‘Ama Odisha Nua Odisha’ scheme. Therefore, the projects, in which 20 per cent of the work has been done, will also be completed under the ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ scheme,” asserted the Chief Minister.

CM Majhi also appealed to the people's representatives of all the panchayats to plan and work diligently to help the ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ scheme succeed.

CM’s belief in equal footing

In a down-to-earth moment, CM Majhi was seen changing his chair, exhibiting his belief in equal footing. The incident unfolded when he asked to change his chair similar to those of other guests.

Attending the event of the launch of ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ scheme at Jankia, the Chief Minister chose simplicity over comfort.

A comfortable chair was set up for the Odisha CM on the stage, while normal chairs were lined up side-by-side for other dignitaries, including ministers and MLAs. However, CM Majhi asked the organisers to replace his comfortable chair with a normal one.

This move certainly grabbed the attention of the public, who witnessed one of his down-to-earth moments.

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