Nabarangpur, Feb 13: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Jagannath Darshan Yojana today in Nabarangpur district, a pioneering initiative aimed at providing free access to the Jagannath Temple in Puri for senior citizens and widows. This scheme is set to enhance the spiritual and cultural well-being of vulnerable communities while promoting inclusive development across Odisha.

The Chief Minister, during his visit, also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several key welfare projects aimed at regional development. In a post on social media, Majhi reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring balanced growth across all districts, with a focus on both economic progress and cultural preservation.

Under the Jagannath Darshan Yojana, senior citizens aged 60 to 75 and widows up to 75 years who belong to economically weaker sections will receive free travel to Puri, where they will have the opportunity to visit the Jagannath Temple. The scheme will also provide free Mahaprasad, along with transportation, accommodation, and food expenses, all covered by the state government.

The first phase of the initiative will benefit more than 500 devotees from various districts, ensuring that marginalized sections of society can experience spiritual fulfillment while reinforcing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister’s visit to Nabarangpur also marked the inauguration of several new development projects designed to uplift the region and ensure equitable progress across Odisha. Majhi described these efforts as an important chapter in the state's journey toward balanced and inclusive growth.

The launch of the Jagannath Darshan Yojana has garnered widespread praise from citizens, many of whom see it as both a spiritual blessing and a significant social welfare milestone. The initiative is expected to not only provide spiritual solace to the marginalized but also strengthen the state's cultural identity.