CM launches rural welfare scheme in 3 more dists

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday launched a flagship scheme of the State government in three more districts, where rural development projects worth Rs 215 crore would be taken up.

Naveen virtually launched ‘Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ (Our Odisha, New Odisha) scheme in Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Malkangiri. He said besides development of villages and panchayats, the programme aims at promotion, preservation and protection of the culture and tradition of the state.

Stating that development of digital infrastructure is one of the objectives of the scheme, Naveen said the villagers will also get internet connectivity, skill development centres, works hubs and banking facilities under the initiative. Chairman of ‘Nabin Odisha’ and 5T (technology-led transformative initiatives) V K Pandian said the scheme was launched on October 10 with a budget provision of Rs 3,397 crore. A total of 90,723 projects will be implemented in 6,794 panchayats across the State, and an amount of Rs 10 lakh will be allocated for every village, as part of the programme, officials said.