Bhubaneswar, 01 May (H.S.): On Friday, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced a series of significant development initiatives in Odisha. These initiatives focus on rural roads, housing, irrigation, employment, drinking water, women's empowerment, and farmer welfare.
The launch of Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana took place at Barijhola in Rayagada district, where Chouhan was joined by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. During the event, Chouhan presented the official approval letter for PMGSY-IV to the Chief Minister, inaugurated multiple projects, and laid the foundation stones for others. Additionally, financial assistance was distributed to beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan praised Odisha, especially Rayagada, for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and hardworking people. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister Majhi, the “double-engine government” is working with full commitment toward holistic development.
Highlighting the importance of connectivity, the Union Minister said roads are not merely a means of transportation but lifelines for education, healthcare, employment, and overall progress. Under PMGSY-IV (Phase I), Odisha has been sanctioned 827 new roads covering 1,701.84 km at a cost of ₹1,698.04 crore. Additional funds have also been allocated to complete previously sanctioned but unfinished projects, ensuring that remote regions are not left behind.
Focusing on housing and livelihoods, Chouhan stated that no poor family in Odisha will be left without a pucca house. He announced ₹630.61 crore for completing pending houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin. On the occasion of Labour Day, he also released ₹868.71 crore as the first installment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for the financial year 2026–27.
The Union Minister emphasized empowering women, farmers, and youth, highlighting initiatives such as the “Lakhpati Didi” campaign, self-help groups, rural livelihoods, and self-employment training. He also stressed the adoption of scientific farming, integrated agriculture, and allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries, goat farming, beekeeping, and agro-forestry to enhance income. He noted that improved seeds, seed villages, storage capacity, and infrastructure development through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund would play a vital role in boosting farmers’ earnings.
Welcoming the Union Minister, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the extensive package reflects the Centre’s strong commitment and special support to Odisha. He recalled that the PMGSY was envisioned by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is now being effectively advanced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Describing PMGSY-IV as a transformative initiative, Majhi said it will connect remote, hilly, and previously unserved areas, bringing them into the mainstream of development. He reiterated that the state government is working in mission mode toward building a “Prosperous and Developed Odisha” by strengthening roads, bridges, drinking water, electricity, rural infrastructure, farmer income, women empowerment, and youth employment.
During the event, beneficiaries were felicitated and provided assistance by the dignitaries. The programme was also addressed by State Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik. Several public representatives, officials, and a large number of local residents, including women, were present.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
