Bargarh, June 28: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone of 16 developmental projects worth over Rs 22 crore in Odisha’s Bargarh district on Saturday, while attending the “Garib Kalyan O Bikash Sammavesh” organized in the agrarian district.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan expressed joy at participating in the event and highlighted the double engine government's commitment to transforming the lives of Odisha’s poorest communities.

At the event, several successful beneficiaries were honoured, including progressive farmers, "Lakhpati Didis" (self-reliant rural women entrepreneurs), and achievers under the Subhadra scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Pradhan emphasized that these 16 projects will play a pivotal role in propelling Bargarh into a leading development hub.

The Union Minister further underlined the double-engine government’s commitment—at both state and central levels—towards inclusive growth in Odisha. Over the past year, numerous welfare schemes such as paddy procurement, Ayushman Bharat, Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, Subhadra Scheme, and Shaheed Madho Singh free handout initiative have positively impacted the region.

Pradhan reiterated the government's aim to bring lasting changes in the lives of those at the lowest rung of society. Plans are in place to strengthen the local rice market and accelerate agriculture-based industries through two bio-ethanol plants under the Purvodaya vision.

The Minister also called for collective responsibility in promoting cottage industries and tourism-based economic growth in the district.

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