BHUBANESWAR: The state cabinet headed by chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday approved a new scheme, Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha (our Odisha new Odisha), whose primary objective is to boost rural infrastructure, especially digital connectivity, and promote the Jagannath culture across the state. The government will spend about Rs 4,000 crore under the scheme from the state budget this financial year.
"Odisha has always been rooted in its culture, tradition and history. Odisha’s Jagannath culture is famous worldwide. In a historic move to preserve our Jagannath culture, protect our local places of worship, and sites of historical significance, provide amenities to our pilgrims and visitors, every gram panchayat can take up works up to Rs 10 lakh under the scheme," Naveen said. .
The chief minister said every panchayat has places of local importance, historical significance and rooted in spirituality. He said it is imperative to preserve the culture for future generations.
"Together with strengthening our roots, new Odisha will also firm up her wings to scale the horizon. Our villages need internet connectivity, playgrounds and science parks for the youth. They need training facilities, work hubs and skill centres for rural entrepreneurs, especially women," Naveen said.
Cabinet minister Pratap Keshari Deb said the state government modified the guidelines of a previous initiative, Ama Gaon Ama Bikash (our village our development), and gave it a new dimension in the form of Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha under the panchayati raj and drinking water department.
"The scheme is aimed at providing the missing links to the existing small and essential projects and development of infrastructure in rural areas. It will also lay stress on empowerment of women, youth and bridge the critical gap in primary education, digital and sports facilities. Additional facilities will be created for Mission Shakti groups at gram panchayat level under the scheme," Deb said.
The initiative envisages smooth and hassle-free access to banking facilities in rural areas, improvement of digital access in terms of mobile connectivity, optical fibre connectivity, WiFi and internet connectivity.
"The government will spend Rs 4,000 crore this financial year on the project. It will cover all gram panchayats in each block with entitlement of Rs 50 lakh. The projects under the scheme will be recommended by local people, community organizations, public representatives and other stakeholders," Deb said.
