In a major push toward inclusive rural development and grassroots governance, the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department of Odisha today reviewed statewide preparations for the upcoming Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
Chaired virtually from Kuchinda, Sambalpur, by the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water, Rabi Narayan Naik, the high-level review meeting laid down a firm directive for field officials: “No eligible beneficiary should be left behind.”
The comprehensive meeting focused on inter-departmental convergence, block-level coordination, and widespread public participation for three major upcoming programs: Seva Setu, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ mega plantation drive, and Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
Bridging Welfare Gaps via Seva Setu
A cornerstone of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is the Seva Setu initiative, aimed at connecting rural citizens directly with welfare programs run by both the State and Central governments.
Minister Naik instructed field officials to immediately map out block-wise program calendars and compile a robust beneficiary data bank. Special camps will be organized to streamline on-the-spot identification, verification, and enrollment of eligible individuals who have previously fallen through the administrative cracks.
Green Governance: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’
The department also evaluated grassroots preparedness for the massive tree plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. Officials were directed to ensure seamless logistics, including the timely supply of saplings at the Gram Panchayat level. Emphasizing sustainability, the Minister urged local authorities to transform the drive into a community-led movement with active involvement from villagers and local bodies.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 & Clean Water Push
Preparations were finalized for Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, scheduled to run from September 17 to October 2. The fortnight-long campaign will focus on intensive cleanliness drives in public spaces across rural Odisha, powered by Gram Panchayats and community organizations.
Highlighting the state’s focus on essential infrastructure, officials confirmed that 25 drinking water projects will be inaugurated across various districts during the campaign period.
Grassroots Synergy
Chief Development Officers (CDOs) and Block Development Officers (BDOs) from districts across the state attended the virtual conference. Representatives from Sambalpur and Malkangiri shared ground-level insights, highlighting localized strategies for logistical readiness and public engagement.
Senior officials present at the departmental headquarters in Bhubaneswar included Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish S.N., Director of Special Projects Sidharth Shankar Swain, and Director of Drinking Water Dr. Vineet Bharadwaj.
Field functionaries have been tasked with launching immediate awareness campaigns across all blocks and Gram Panchayats to ensure maximum public turnout when the drives commence.
