Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday granted Rs 336.50 crore for different welfare and development projects under “Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha” scheme for Balasore and Balangir districts.
Eight Assembly constituencies of Balasore district – Remuna, Bhograi, Jaleswar, Balasore, Simulia, Basta, Sora and Nilagiri – have been granted Rs 178 crore under the scheme. As many as 4,465 projects in 356 panchayats under 12 blocks of the district will be executed with the fund.
Similarly, Rs 158.50 crore has been sanctioned for five Assembly constituencies of Balangir district. The constituencies are Balangir, Titlagarh, Patnagarh, Kantabanji and Loisingha. Altogether 3911 projects will be implemented in 316 panchayats under 14 blocks of the district. As per the provision, each panchayat will get Rs.50 lakh for implementation of various projects, official sources said.
Launching the scheme through video-conference from Bhubaneswar, the chief minister said besides development of villages and panchayats, the scheme aims at promotion, preservation and protection of the Jagannath culture and tradition of the state.
Noting that Odisha has always been rooted in its tradition, culture and history, he said Odisha is the land that gave Jagannath culture to the world. It propagates universal love, service and equality. It is based on inclusiveness and embraces everyone irrespective of caste and community.
“Development of digital infrastructure is one of the objectives of the scheme. Internet connectivity, skill development centre, works hub and banking facilities are its other features. It will also open up vast opportunities for youths, women and farmers in rural areas,” Naveen said.
The scheme was launched with a budget provision of Rs 3397 crore. Total 90,723 projects will be implemented in 6794 panchayats across the state and an amount of Rs 10 lakh will be allocated for every village as part of the scheme.