Bhubaneswar, Jan 13: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today launched 71 development projects worth more than ₹1,900 crore in Keonjhar district, marking a major boost to the region’s infrastructure and socio-economic growth.
Addressing a public gathering at the Dharanidhar University ground in Keonjhar, the Chief Minister said, “This is the right time for Keonjhar’s development.”
Out of the total projects, foundation stones were laid for 35 projects with an investment of ₹1,708 crore, while 36 projects worth around ₹194 crore were formally inaugurated. These projects span key sectors such as education, health, irrigation, roads, tourism, urban infrastructure, and skill development.
The projects include construction and upgradation of schools, hostels, primary health centres, anganwadi buildings, libraries, career counselling centres, roads, parking zones, irrigation facilities, pond renovation works, and tourism infrastructure. These initiatives aim to directly improve the quality of life of people across the district.
As announced earlier, the foundation stone for a Regional Plant Resource Centre was laid with an investment of ₹50 crore. Additionally, 147 model anganwadi centres will be established at a cost of ₹38.22 crore. Block-level stadiums will be set up in six blocks with an investment of ₹101 crore to promote sports and youth development.
In the education sector, 104 projects related to ACRs, ICT labs, and boundary walls were inaugurated with an investment of ₹21.50 crore. A Nicholson Forest Training School was established in Champua at a cost of ₹14 crore, while a DMF Mining Shakti Skill Training Centre, worth ₹9.60 crore, was inaugurated to provide skill training to local youth in mining-affected areas.
The Chief Minister remarked that since the foundation stone was laid for the Maa Tarini development project, Keonjhar’s progress has gained unprecedented speed.
“Keonjhar is not just a district; it is a land rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, and hardworking people. From minerals and forests to agriculture and human resources, Keonjhar has continuously strengthened Odisha’s economy,” he said.
He further stated that Keonjhar will emerge as a major steel and industrial hub in the coming years. Most major roads in the district will be expanded to six lanes, and a ring road will be constructed in Barbil.
He expressed confidence that within the next three to four years, Keonjhar would be counted among the best districts in the state.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to reducing regional imbalance, Majhi said that balanced development across all regions of Odisha is a top priority.
He recalled raising his voice against regional disparity since 2000 and emphasized that, soon after assuming office, the government formed a task force for the North Odisha and South Odisha Development Councils. Once the reports are implemented, these councils will become fully functional and play a crucial role in inclusive development.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released a coffee table book titled “Birds of Keonjhar” and distributed financial assistance cheques to women beneficiaries from various Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
