Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made a significant visit to Nuapada district today, inaugurating and announcing a slew of development projects worth over Rs 1,101 crore, aimed at boosting infrastructure, irrigation, and urban amenities in the region.
The visit underscores the state government’s commitment to equitable growth across Odisha, with a special focus on underserved western districts.During a public address, the Chief Minister emphasised his open-door policy for Nuapada residents, stating, “My doors are always open for the people of Nuapada. They can meet me anytime, and any issues brought to my attention will be addressed with utmost priority.” He highlighted the emotional bond he shares with the district, promising that this connection will only strengthen in the coming days.
Key highlights from the event include the inauguration of 109 completed projects costing Rs 64.02 crore, the foundation stone laying for 39 projects worth Rs 159.76 crore, and announcements for additional development initiatives valued at Rs 75.37 crore. A major thrust was on irrigation, with Rs 802.09 crore allocated for various water projects to ensure farmers’ lands are adequately irrigated. “Whether far or near, big or small, we are dedicated to the development of every corner of the state,” Majhi said, crediting the ‘double engine’ government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for accelerating progress.
In a boost to urban governance, Khariar Road was upgraded from a Notified Area Council (NAC) to a Municipality. Additionally, Komna block was granted NAC status, and Sinapali Gram Panchayat was merged with Godal Gram Panchayat to form the new Sinapali NAC. These moves are expected to enhance local administration and civic services.
The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of sub-registration offices in all 317 tehsils across Odisha. Currently, 210 tehsils have such offices, with the remaining 107 to be set up soon. In the first phase, seven new offices were opened today: three in Nuapada (Sinapali, Komna, and Boden) and four in Malkangiri (Mathili, Kalimela, Khairput, and Kudumuluguma). This initiative aims to make land registration more accessible, reducing the need for long travels.
This marks Majhi’s third visit to Nuapada since assuming office. In April, he attended the Maraguda festival and launched projects worth Rs 320 crore, also paying tribute to late MLA Rajendra Dholakia. Including today’s announcements, the total value of projects initiated for Nuapada stands at Rs 1,420 crore.
On economic fronts, Majhi praised the reduction of GST on kendu leaves from 18% to 5%, a change he personally advocated for at the GST Council meeting. This is expected to benefit lakhs of kendu leaf pluckers across the state and country. He also announced increases in scholarships: pre-matric scholarships raised from Rs 10,500 to Rs 16,000; Anwesha scheme from Rs 11,000 to Rs 17,000; and post-matric scholarships from Rs 11,000 to Rs 16,000 for boys and Rs 17,000 for girls.
Addressing regional disparities, the Chief Minister noted that the Western Odisha Development Council has been strengthened with more funding, while separate development councils for northern and southern Odisha are in the works. Industrial growth is being promoted district-wise to ensure balanced progress.
Nuapada’s achievements under various schemes were lauded, including benefiting 1.55 lakh women under the Subhadra Yojana, providing homes to 2,548 families under Antyodaya Griha Yojana, and leading the state in MGNREGA employment with over 60,000 daily workers. The district has been declared single-use plastic-free and is running the ‘Jhie Pain Gachh Tie’ program to plant trees for newborn girls, honoring their families.
Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling called the government “people-centric,” vowing to take Nuapada to new heights. School Education Minister Nityananda Gond highlighted the upgrade of 10 high schools to higher secondary level and the Godabarish Mishra Primary School scheme to bridge urban-rural education gaps. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik praised the district’s plastic-free status and efforts to boost employment in KBK regions.
The event was attended by Kalahandi MP Malavika Devi, Rajya Sabha MP Sujit Kumar, Nuapada Collector Madhusudan Das, and Khariar Road NAC Chairman Dr. Sonia Jain, among others.
This visit reflects the BJP-led government’s focus on rapid, inclusive development, with Odisha receiving Rs 30,000 crore from the Centre for railway projects since the new administration took charge, including two benefiting Nuapada.
