Bhubaneswar, Mar 20: In a significant move to promote overall development in Maoist-affected regions of Odisha, the state government introduced the "Gramodaya" initiative in October 2024. This innovative step aims to ensure the effective implementation of various government schemes and programs in these areas. On Thursday, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of the program, emphasizing how the schemes are being successfully implemented in the impacted regions.
The review meeting, held at the State Secretariat in the Conference Hall, was chaired by the Chief Secretary. During the session, various departmental officials provided updates on the progress of the schemes, ensuring they meet their objectives in a systematic and targeted manner. The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure that all schemes and programs are carried out effectively to meet 100% of the intended targets through a saturation mode of implementation, focusing on reaching the community and beneficiaries.
This initiative, part of the "Gramodaya" program, aims to ensure that welfare schemes and essential services reach the targeted population in a transparent and accountable manner. The objective is to build mutual trust between the government, administration, and the local population by ensuring full participation in development programs.
As part of this initiative, 10 Maoist-affected districts in the state, including Bargarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malakangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada, and others, have been identified for focused attention. The government has earmarked 192 Gram Panchayats across 39 blocks in these districts, benefiting 57,296 families. These families have been identified based on their socio-economic background, and specific development programs will be tailored to their needs.
To ensure the effective execution of the Gramodaya initiative, the state has formed a comprehensive management structure. A State-level Steering Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, oversees the implementation. District-level officials, including the District Collector and Block-level officials, are responsible for ensuring that development activities progress as planned. Additionally, committees at the Gram Panchayat level will monitor and review the implementation of these schemes.
To make the implementation successful, various departments have already conducted baseline surveys to assess the current situation and identify the exact needs of the affected areas. With the clear goal of achieving 100% targets in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare, the initiative promises to bring substantial improvements in the quality of life for the people in these regions.
