Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards enhancing rural development and local governance, the Odisha government has announced its decision to rename the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme to ‘Bikashita Gaan, Bikashita Odisha.’ The new name, which translates to ‘Developed Villages, Developed Odisha,’ symbolizes a broader shift in the scheme's focus, empowering local bodies to play a more pivotal role in shaping the developmental landscape of the state.
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The announcement was made on Saturday by Rabi Narayan Naik, the Minister for Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water. Addressing the media in Bhubaneswar, the minister stated,
“The government will soon release new guidelines within two days to facilitate the renaming and restructuring of the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme, which was originally launched under the leadership of the previous BJD-led government.”
A Renewed Approach to Rural Development
The revamped ‘Bikashita Gaan, Bikashita Odisha’ initiative is set to bring significant changes in the way rural development projects are conceived and executed. Central to this transformation is the enhanced role of 'gram sabhas' (village councils) in identifying local priorities and development projects. This will foster a bottom-up approach, ensuring that local communities have a stronger voice in decision-making.
“Under the new framework, panchayat members will gain more control over the selection and execution of development projects, ensuring that local needs are prioritized,” said Minister Naik.
This shift is seen as an effort to address the gaps in the previous scheme, which was criticized for limiting the role of local representatives and centralizing control in the hands of officials.
Background of the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ Scheme
The ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme was introduced during the tenure of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with the vision of bolstering rural infrastructure and preserving the cultural heritage associated with Lord Jagannath. The scheme aimed to undertake a massive 90,723 development projects across 6,794 panchayats, with each panchayat receiving a financial allotment of Rs 50 lakh.
While the scheme had noble intentions, its implementation was marred by alleged inefficiencies and irregularities. Local representatives, particularly those at the panchayat level, voiced concerns that their suggestions were frequently sidelined, undermining the spirit of local governance. Complaints also surfaced regarding the issuing of work orders and the preparation of project lists, with critics arguing that Junior Engineers (JEs) and Block Development Officers (BDOs) held disproportionate control, often bypassing elected officials.
Addressing Past Criticisms with a Transparent Framework
The decision to rename the scheme and introduce new guidelines is widely seen as a response to the criticisms that plagued the earlier iteration. The revised guidelines are expected to emphasize greater transparency and decentralization, allowing panchayat members and gram sabhas to take the lead in identifying development needs.
According to Naik, the state is committed to addressing the concerns of local representatives by restoring their authority in rural governance.
"The updated scheme will enhance the authority of local bodies, providing them with more autonomy and responsibility, which are key to the success of grassroots development initiatives." He stated.
A Shift Towards Local Empowerment
The renaming of the scheme reflects more than just a cosmetic change—it signifies a strategic shift in the government's approach to rural development. The emphasis on local decision-making is expected to not only improve the quality of projects undertaken but also foster a sense of ownership among local communities.
BJP spokesperson Biranchi Narayan Tripathy welcomed the move but did not hold back in criticizing the previous government.
“The previous administration for turning elected representatives into mere figureheads by limiting their participation in vital decision-making processes. Power remained with officials, while local representatives were left powerless,” Tripathy stated.
He further emphasized that the new scheme must ensure that local bodies are truly empowered, not just in name but in practice.
"The success of this initiative hinges on the government's ability to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the project execution process." he added.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Odisha’s Rural Development
As the Odisha government prepares to roll out the new guidelines for the ‘Bikashita Gaan, Bikashita Odisha’ scheme, there is renewed hope that rural development will finally align with local aspirations. By granting village councils more control over project selection and implementation, the state aims to create a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable framework for development.
The coming weeks will reveal the specifics of the new guidelines and how they address the longstanding concerns regarding centralized decision-making and transparency in fund allocation. However, one thing is clear—the state is making a conscious effort to strengthen local governance and ensure that the development needs of Odisha’s villages are met with the active participation of the people who know them best.