Chief Minister Majhi Unveils ₹1,101 Crore Development Package for Nuapada
Focus on regional balance, irrigation, education, and welfare as government pledges inclusive growth for western Odisha
Bhubaneswar : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a massive development package worth ₹1,101 crore for Nuapada district, reaffirming his government’s focus on equitable regional growth and inclusive governance. The announcement came during his visit to the district, where he addressed a large public gathering and inaugurated multiple infrastructure and welfare projects.
Majhi said the initiative reflects the government’s “people-first” approach, ensuring that both urban and remote regions receive equal attention in Odisha’s development journey. “The doors of the Chief Minister’s Office are always open for the people of Nuapada. You can meet me anytime, and your concerns will be addressed on priority,” he said, receiving thunderous applause from the crowd.
Major Projects Announced
During the visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated 109 completed projects worth ₹64.02 crore and laid the foundation stones for 39 new projects totaling ₹159.76 crore. Additionally, new projects worth ₹75.37 crore were announced, while irrigation initiatives amounting to ₹802.09 crore were sanctioned to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure water security in the drought-prone district.
Majhi said the irrigation projects would transform Nuapada’s agricultural landscape by ensuring round-the-year water availability. “Our aim is to make farmers self-reliant through sustainable irrigation and better access to resources,” he added.
This marks Majhi’s third visit to Nuapada since assuming office. Including earlier visits, he has so far unveiled projects worth ₹1,420 crore for the district — one of the largest allocations made by the state government for western Odisha.
Administrative and Civic Upgrades
Responding to long-pending local demands, the Chief Minister announced that Khariar Road will be upgraded from a Notified Area Council (NAC) to a Municipality. Similarly, Komna has been granted NAC status, while Sinapali and Godal gram panchayats have been merged to form the new Sinapali NAC.
To strengthen local administration, Majhi also announced that sub-registration offices will be established in all 317 tehsils of Odisha. Currently, 210 tehsils have such offices, and 107 more will soon be covered. In the first phase, sub-registration offices were opened in Sinapali, Komna, and Boden tehsils of Nuapada, and in Mathili, Kalimela, Khairput, and Kudumuluguma tehsils of Malkangiri.
Boost for Education and Scholarships
Emphasizing education as a cornerstone of development, Majhi announced substantial hikes in scholarships for students. Pre-matric scholarships have been increased from ₹10,500 to ₹16,000, while post-matric scholarships now stand at ₹16,000 for boys and ₹17,000 for girls. Under the Anwesha scheme, scholarships have been raised from ₹11,000 to ₹17,000.
Education and ST-SC Development Minister Nityananda Gond added that 10 high schools in Nuapada have been upgraded to higher secondary level to improve access to quality education in the district.
Farmers and Kendu Leaf Workers Benefit
Majhi reiterated his government’s commitment to farmers and kendu leaf pluckers, announcing that GST on kendu leaves had been reduced from 18% to 5% following his intervention at the GST Council. The move, he said, would directly benefit thousands of kendu leaf workers across Odisha, providing them with higher earnings and market stability.
He also informed that since the formation of the new “double-engine government,” the Centre has sanctioned railway projects worth ₹30,000 crore for Odisha, including two major projects for Nuapada district.
Welfare and Regional Development
Highlighting Nuapada’s achievements, the Chief Minister noted that 1.55 lakh women have benefited from the Subhadra Yojana, 2,548 families have received homes under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, and the district has been declared free of single-use plastics. Nuapada also leads the state in MGNREGA implementation, generating employment for over 60,000 workers daily.
Majhi said the Western Odisha Development Council has been strengthened with enhanced funding, and the state plans to establish separate development councils for northern and southern Odisha to bridge regional disparities.
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling described Majhi’s administration as a “government of the people and for the people,” while Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik commended Nuapada’s clean environment and growing employment potential.
The event was attended by Kalahandi MP Malvika Devi, Rajya Sabha MP Sujit Kumar, and local representatives. District Collector Madhusudan Dash delivered the welcome address, while Khariar Road NAC Chairperson Sonia Jain proposed the vote of thanks.
With this comprehensive package, the Majhi government aims to accelerate Nuapada’s transformation into a model district for balanced growth, blending infrastructure expansion with social welfare and grassroots empowerment.
