'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' Scheme Launched: Key Features, Fund Allocation, and Complete Details

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched a transformative scheme called 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha', aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure and improving living standards. The scheme focuses on sustainable development projects, road connectivity, and community assets to boost economic growth. 

Objective of the Scheme 

The 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' scheme aims to bridge critical gaps in the overall development of rural Odisha. It focuses on enhancing road connectivity, implementing essential community projects, and developing sustainable rural infrastructure. The goal is to enhance the economic, social, and cultural significance of rural areas in the state's development. 

Key Features 

• Construction of roads, bridges, and culverts in rural Odisha. 
• Improving connectivity for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Naxal-affected areas, and remote hilly regions. 
• Integration of road construction with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), provided the necessary soil is available. 
• Development of blacktop roads, cement concrete roads, and paver block roads. 
• Upgrading roads in forested settlements to metaling standards. 
• Up to 35% of the total allocated funds will be used for road projects. 
• Construction of independent drainage crossings where required. 
• Allocation of funds to ensure full completion of all road projects. 
• Technical guidelines will be issued for all construction projects. 

Development of Community Facilities 

• Establishment of civic amenities such as welfare halls, community centers, bathing ghats, changing rooms, market sheds, and drainage systems in rural areas. 
• Construction of Bhog Mandaps, Bhagwat Tungis, and cultural centers near religious sites, providing essential facilities for devotees of all faiths. 
• Development of community ponds and water harvesting structures for water conservation. 

Enhancement of Educational and Sports Infrastructure 

• Construction of additional classrooms and modernization of existing school buildings. 
• Development of dedicated study cubicles with electricity, internet, and toilet facilities. 
• Study rooms will remain open from 9 AM to 9 PM with a nominal usage fee. 
• Construction of small playgrounds and sports facilities, including long jump, high jump, rope climbing, horizontal bars, etc. 
• Development of micro-tourism spots. 

Financial Allocation 

1. Funds will be strategically allocated to priority areas and underdeveloped regions. 
2. Zilla Parishads will receive funds, which will be distributed to blocks and gram panchayats based on population. 
3. 40% of the total budget will be reserved for ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency) blocks. 
4. Projects will be completed within the sanctioned budget. 

Source of Funds 

1. All expenses under this scheme will be covered by the state government's budget. 
2. The Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department (PR & DW Department) will ensure necessary budget provisions. 

Selection of Projects 

1. Projects will be selected through Gram Sabha to meet actual local needs. 
2. Gram Panchayats will prepare a five-year development plan and submit it to the block level. 
3. A technical committee at the block level will review the projects and forward the list to the Panchayat Samiti. 
4. Final approval will be granted by the District Collector. 

Approval and Fund Disbursement 

1. The District Collector will approve the annual action plan submitted by the Panchayat Samiti. 
2. Administrative and technical approval will be granted per the Panchayati Samiti Accounting Procedure Rules, 2002. 
3. Funds will be allocated by the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department through the Zilla Parishad. 

Project Implementation and Agency Selection 

1. Projects will be executed by the Panchayat Samiti. 
2. The District Collector will select suitable agencies and monitor the work. 
3. Execution will follow the Odisha Public Works Department (OPWD) code. 
4. Technical assistance and guidelines from relevant departments will be followed. 

Monitoring and Inspection 

1. Strict measures will be taken to monitor projects at both state and district levels. 
2. The District Collector will oversee monitoring and review all projects. 
3. Social audits will be conducted to ensure project quality. 

Transparency and Accountability 

1. A web-based Management Information System (MIS) and mobile app will be developed to enable real-time monitoring of all projects. 
2. Projects will be geo-tagged at different stages (initiation, progress, and completion) and uploaded on a web portal. 
3. The government will issue necessary amendments and guidance periodically. 

Community Participation and Responsibility 

1. All permanent assets built under this scheme will be for community use. 
2. Communities will be encouraged to monitor construction quality and take responsibility for asset maintenance. 
3. The Zilla Parishad will submit a quarterly Utilization Certificate (UC) and provide a Monthly Progress Report (MIS) to the government. 

With the 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha, the Odisha government has taken a significant step towards inclusive and sustainable rural development, prioritizing the upliftment of villages across the state.