Bhubaneswar, May 26 (BNP): Minister Rabi Narayan Naik on Tuesday launched two major rural development initiatives — the Model Village Mission and Mahapurusha Adarsha Grama Yojana (MAGY) — aimed at accelerating inclusive growth and transforming villages across Odisha under the vision of ‘Vikshit Odisha 2036’.
The schemes were formally launched through video conferencing with all districts by the Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister, marking a major push towards strengthening rural infrastructure, basic services and self-sustaining village ecosystems.
The Model Village Mission has been designed to provide urban-level amenities in villages while promoting self-reliant and self-governing rural communities. Under the first phase, headquarters villages of all 6,733 gram panchayats in Odisha are proposed to be covered by 2029.
To identify infrastructural and service gaps, the government has initiated a baseline survey across villages. A comprehensive survey format prepared in consultation with multiple stakeholder departments, including health, education, women and child welfare, fisheries, energy and drinking water, was unveiled during the launch.
The Minister stressed the importance of coordinated and time-bound execution of the programme and urged district administrations to ensure effective implementation. To oversee progress, the state government has formed a State-Level Task Force headed by Girish S.N., while district-level task forces under collectors will supervise local implementation.
Alongside, the Minister launched the Mahapurusha Adarsha Grama Yojana (MAGY), a flagship initiative intended to drive holistic development in the native gram panchayats of eminent personalities who have made outstanding contributions to Odisha’s social, literary, political and cultural history.
Scheduled to be implemented from 2026–27 to 2028–29, the scheme is expected to cover nearly 100 to 150 gram panchayats across the state. In its first phase, 15 gram panchayats linked to 16 eminent personalities across 12 districts will be included.
The MAGY programme will prioritise infrastructure development such as roads, piped drinking water, healthcare facilities, anganwadi centres, playgrounds, solar energy systems, digital connectivity, memorial parks and restoration of ancestral houses. Skill development, livelihood generation, digital literacy and social security will also be key focus areas.
According to the Minister, the twin initiatives are expected to preserve Odisha’s rich legacy while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development in rural areas, paving the way for a stronger and more empowered village economy.
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