Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida conducted a comprehensive review of welfare schemes and developmental projects during her visit to Ganjam district on Wednesday.
The review meeting was held at the Rusikulya Conference Hall and covered key departments, including Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti, and Tourism.
Focus on Women and Child Empowerment
Emphasising inclusive development, Parida stated that the progress of society depends on the empowerment of women and girls. She highlighted that initiatives such as SAMPURNA Mission and Nirbhaya Kadhi would provide a distinct identity to Ganjam district.
The Deputy Chief Minister also directed officials to fill all vacant positions in Anganwadi centres by July-end. She stressed the importance of ensuring basic infrastructure, including:
- Dedicated buildings
- Electricity connections
- Functional toilets
For centres lacking electricity, she suggested utilising the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Drive to Eliminate Malnutrition
Parida reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eliminating malnutrition in the district. She reviewed key schemes such as:
- Subhadra Yojana
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- Poshan Yojana
- Nirbhaya Kadhi
She emphasised coordinated efforts to improve nutrition outcomes among children and women.
Boost to Tourism Infrastructure
The Deputy Chief Minister announced plans to strengthen tourism circuits, including:
- Jagannath Circuit
- Beach Circuit
- Shakti Circuit
These initiatives aim to enhance tourism potential and generate local employment opportunities.
During the meeting, Anita Subhadarsani urged the government to accelerate development projects in her constituency and sought tourist destination status for Panchalingeshwar Peetha.
Meanwhile, Krishna Chandra Nayak requested restoration measures for Tampara Lake to improve ecological and tourism value.
Pilgrimage Scheme and Community Participation
Officials reported that under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana:
- 775 beneficiaries visited Ayodhya and Varanasi in Phase 1
- Another 775 visited Ujjain and Omkareshwar in Phase 2
Parida also interacted with women from self-help groups, including Subhadra Shakti and Lakhpati Didi members. She encouraged participants by recognising their achievements and sharing their success stories.
Launch of Sampurna Shri Mission
On the occasion, Parida launched the logo and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Sampurna Shri Mission. The programme included a performance of the campaign song ‘Nirbhaya Kadhi’ by local girls, promoting awareness against child marriage and supporting girls’ empowerment.
Presentations on Ganjam Samarpan, Brahmapuri Pata, and Pata Frame initiatives were also showcased during the session.
The visit reflects Odisha government’s focus on inclusive growth, with special emphasis on women empowerment, child welfare, and sustainable tourism. The initiatives discussed are expected to strengthen grassroots development and improve quality of life across Ganjam district.
