Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated and laid foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth Rs 280 crore in Deogarh district, reaffirming the government’s commitment to regional development.
At a ceremony held at Bada Bagicha under the chairmanship of District Collector Kabindra Kumar Sahoo, the Minister digitally inaugurated 63 projects from 15 departments and laid foundation stones for 61 projects from 10 departments. The total investment amounts to Rs 278.49 crore. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik and Deogarh MLA Romancha Ranjan Biswal joined the event.
Pradhan said the projects will strengthen Deogarh’s social and economic foundation and improve living standards for nearly one lakh families. He emphasised focus on agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and forest produce utilisation, along with irrigation, education, and healthcare as top priorities.
Highlighting the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Pradhan called it a historic step toward women’s empowerment, ensuring increased representation in Parliament and state assemblies. He criticised opposition parties for resisting seat expansion for women, saying such attitudes hinder progress.
Minister Nayak discussed ongoing welfare schemes and said public consultation drives development. MLA Biswal urged attention to tourism, agro‑based industries, and infrastructure, including a flyover or alternative route from Nirbeni Sahi to the new Collector’s office.
During the event, beneficiaries received financial assistance under various schemes, including marriage aid, education support, and social security grants totalling over Rs 37 lakh.
