Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg, on Thursday, conducted a detailed review of the ‘Gramodaya’ initiative, an innovative program launched by the state government in October 2024 to bring holistic development to Maoist-affected regions.
Chairing a state-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to implement various government schemes and programs in saturation mode. The aim is to ensure 100% coverage of basic amenities and the achievement of all set targets for the benefit of people in these areas.
The ‘Gramodaya’ program focuses on 10 Maoist-affected districts — Bargarh, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada. It covers 39 blocks, 192 Gram Panchayats, and 484 villages, with 57,296 families identified for priority interventions.
Multi-tier monitoring committees have been constituted at the state level under the Chief Secretary, district level under Collectors, block level under BDOs, and Gram Panchayat level to ensure effective implementation and monitoring. A baseline survey has been carried out by officials from 20 departments to identify gaps and work towards 100% target achievement across sectors.
The Chief Secretary instructed officials to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive ration cards and avail benefits under various schemes. Steps are being taken to open fair price shops as per requirement and geographical feasibility. Homeless individuals are being identified for land allotment under the Basundhara scheme.
Health services in the affected areas were reviewed, while the Higher Education Department is organising pre-training programs for youth to join the Agniveer, paramilitary, and police services. Scholarships are being provided to students from economically weaker sections. Priority is being given to constructing Anganwadi centres in the remaining villages, along with ensuring drinking water, electricity, toilets, kitchens, LPG connections, and other facilities in all centres.
In 244 villages without banking facilities, priority is being accorded to setting up mini banks, micro ATMs, and banking services. All eligible women are being linked to self-help groups for livelihood and employment opportunities. Mobile towers are being installed on priority in villages without network coverage.
Block-level stadiums are being constructed in all 39 blocks, along with the provision of sports equipment. Transport services to the block headquarters have been strengthened. Notably, women-operated bus services have reached 75% in Nabarangpur and 65% in Malkangiri districts. Bus stands are being developed under the Atal Bus Stand scheme.
Irrigation potential is being enhanced through deep borewells and community irrigation projects. Skill development training — both short-term and long-term — is being provided to youth for better employment opportunities. Construction workers are being registered and extended benefits under various schemes.
The Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department is focusing on community centres, piped water supply, all-weather roads, rural housing, and improvement of playgrounds.
Emphasising the need for grassroots-level implementation, the Chief Secretary called for complete inter-departmental coordination and directed that progress under the ‘Gramodaya’ initiative be reviewed every month to achieve all targets.
