NewzVille Desk
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, unveiled and announced a series of transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening rural connectivity, housing, irrigation, livelihoods, drinking water facilities, women empowerment and farmers’ prosperity across the state. During the programme, the Union Minister formally handed over the approval letter for PMGSY-IV to the Chief Minister on the dais. Several development projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid, while assistance and benefits were distributed to beneficiaries under various schemes.
Addressing the people, Chouhan lauded Odisha, especially Rayagada for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and hardworking people. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the double-engine government is working with full commitment for the holistic development of Odisha.
CM Majhi in his speech said the scale of development initiatives announced for Odisha reflects the Central Government’s special commitment and affection towards the state. He recalled that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was envisioned by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan are now carrying forward that vision by transforming the rural landscape of India.
Describing PMGSY-IV as a transformative initiative, the Chief Minister said the scheme would play a crucial role in connecting difficult, hilly, remote and previously unconnected habitations across Odisha. Shri Majhi stated that the Odisha Government is working in mission mode with the resolve of ‘Samruddha Odisha, Viksit Odisha’, focusing on roads, bridges, drinking water, electricity, rural infrastructure, enhancement of farmers’ income, women empowerment and youth employment.
He added that infrastructure projects being undertaken in districts including Rayagada would bring transformative changes to rural life across the state.
The Union Minister stated that he had not come empty-handed, but had brought concrete development initiatives that would directly benefit villages, the poor, farmers, labourers, women and youth across the state. Emphasising the importance of rural connectivity, he said roads are not merely means of transportation, but lifelines for employment, education, healthcare and overall socio-economic progress.
The Ministry of Rural Development under the initiative, 8 hundred 27 road projects covering a total length of nearly 1 thousand 7 hundred 1 kilometres will be taken forward at a cost of over 1 thousand 6 hundred 98 crore rupees. It also said, the initiative will pave the way for 8 hundred 98 habitations to receive all-weather road connectivity for the first time, strengthening access to schools, hospitals, markets, and other essential services, while also accelerating socio-economic development.
Odisha has already recorded notable progress under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Under various components of PMGSY, a total of 17 thousand 9 hundred 63 roads covering 74 thousand 7 hundred 25 kilometres and 7 hundred 7 bridges have so far been sanctioned in the state. Meanwhile, 17 thousand 7 hundred 60 roads spanning 71 thousand 742 kilometres and 658 bridges have already been completed.
The initiative has been linked to the vision of a Viksit Bharat through improved connectivity, faster economic activity, and the empowerment of remote habitations.
