Argus News - Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches ₹204 Cr Projects in Angul’s Athmallik

Angul, Mar 31: On the eve of Utkal Divas (April 1), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple projects worth over ₹204.32 crore in Athmallik, aimed at holistic regional development.

Union Minister Pradhan highlighted that Odisha, formed on April 1, 1936 as India’s first state on linguistic basis, will celebrate its centenary in 2036. “The dream of a “Viksit Bharat” and “Viksit Odisha” will be realized only when Odia children receive quality education and healthcare,” emphasized the Union Education Minister.

Development Initiatives

The Union Minister announced housing initiatives under the double-engine government, targeting hundreds of new pucca houses for poor and middle-class families. District authorities have been directed to prepare a modern housing project. He also stressed strengthening social security schemes and expanding beneficiary coverage to achieve the goal of Antyodaya scheme.

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Athmallik, being an agrarian region producing peanuts, pulses, vegetables, and fruits like mango, jackfruit, litchi, and lemon, will benefit from new commercial infrastructure to ensure fair market access. Directions were given to district administration to create a business framework for agricultural produce.

The Union government has sanctioned significant grants for Satkosia Tiger Reserve development. A crucial meeting will be held in April with district officials and local residents to address grievances and accelerate development.

Plans include setting up a Kendriya Vidyalaya and initiatives to preserve local art and culture. Under the Subhadra scheme, women will be empowered to become self-reliant, with markets created for their products.

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Scale of Projects

In total, 91 projects were launched: foundation stones for 62 projects worth ₹183.85 crore and inauguration of 29 completed projects worth ₹20.47 crore. These span public works, rural development, panchayati raj, drinking water, and health sectors, promising to strengthen infrastructure and improve livelihoods.

During his visit, Dharmendra Pradhan also offered prayers at Shree Raghunath Temple in Athmallik and Shree Ram Temple in Aida/Olath.