In a significant step towards inclusive and climate-resilient development of southern Odisha, the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Government of Odisha, and SELCO Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding here on Monday.
The agreement was inked in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish S.N. and SELCO Foundation’s Chief Finance Officer V.K. Jobi.
The five-year collaboration will initially cover six districts — Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri. It focuses on sustainable livelihoods and local economic development, health and nutrition, clean energy, climate-resilient development, tribal knowledge and innovation, skill development and entrepreneurship.
Chief Secretary Garg described the pact as an important step towards prosperity, health and equality. “Our three pillars for Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047 are Samriddhi (prosperity), Susthata (health) and Samanata (equality),” she said. “Healthy human resources and equal opportunities for every section of society are indispensable for prosperity. Health and equality are the two inseparable foundations of prosperity.”
The partnership will work in close coordination with the Panchayati Raj, Health and other departments as well as district administrations. It aims to strengthen existing government schemes by bringing in technology, technical knowledge, innovation and capacity building. Special emphasis will be placed on farmers, women, self-help groups, farmer producer organisations, youth, artisans, tribal communities, persons with disabilities and rural micro-entrepreneurs through market linkages, technology and skill development.
A key feature of the collaboration is the planned establishment of SEVA HUBs — Centres for Expertise and Enablers for Rural Transformation. These hubs will identify local needs, improve coordination among departments and partners, build capacities, connect communities with technology and finance, and help scale successful initiatives.
The MoU will remain in force for five years, with specific projects implemented through separate plans and arrangements. Community participation, technology, innovation and technical knowledge will be integrated to create new development opportunities in the region.
Former NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam and SELCO Foundation’s Harish Hande, the Ramon Magsaysay Award-winning social entrepreneur, joined the meeting virtually.
The Chief Secretary directed the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department to review progress every month and said review meetings at her level would be held twice a year.
The partnership builds on SELCO Foundation’s existing work in Odisha, particularly in decentralised renewable energy solutions for livelihoods and health in aspirational and tribal districts.
By combining government schemes with last-mile energy innovations and ecosystem support, the initiative seeks to turn southern Odisha’s rich traditional knowledge and human potential into lasting, inclusive growth.
