TNI Bureau: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Shree Jagannath Darshan’ scheme at Nabarangpur and laid the foundation stone for a new Government Medical College in the district.
The Darshan scheme was simultaneously launched from Nabarangpur, Bhadrak, Baripada, Sambalpur and Brahmapur. Around 500 pilgrims from five districts began their journey to Puri under the scheme with escort officers.
The Chief Minister said the scheme has been launched to ensure that every Odia gets an opportunity to have darshan of Lord Jagannath at least once in their lifetime with dignity. Under the scheme, 5,000 beneficiaries will be covered in the current year, while more than one lakh eligible beneficiaries will be facilitated over the next four years.
The scheme is meant for economically weaker senior citizens aged between 60 and 75 years and widows up to 75 years of age. Beneficiaries will travel by AC buses and will be provided accommodation at Brundabati Nivas in Puri along with Mahaprasad.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new Government Medical College and Hospital at Patalguda in Nabarangpur. The institution will be built over more than 50 acres of land and will have 100 MBBS seats and 420 beds. He said the medical college will ensure advanced healthcare facilities within the district, reducing the need for patients to travel outside.
Majhi stated that within 20 months of his government, new medical colleges have become functional in Jajpur, Kandhamal and Talcher. He added that after Nabarangpur, new medical colleges will soon be established in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur and Bhadrak. He said the government is committed to improving healthcare services and addressing the shortage of doctors in the state.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 177 development projects worth over Rs 446 crore in Nabarangpur district. This includes inauguration of 112 projects worth Rs 68 crore and foundation laying of 65 projects worth Rs 378 crore. The projects cover sectors such as education, healthcare, roads, bridges, hostels, forest protection committees and Anganwadi centres.
Majhi said that although Nabarangpur is far from the state capital, development will never remain distant for the district. He emphasized that the state government is taking committed steps to ensure overall development in education, health, agriculture, transport, women empowerment and self-reliance.
Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism as well as Women and Child Development Minister Pravati Parida said the scheme fulfills the long-cherished wish of common people to visit the Shree Jagannath Temple. Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the state had only three government medical colleges three decades ago, and the government is now working to expand medical education across districts, with nine new government medical colleges planned for 2024-25.
ST & SC Development and School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond thanked the Chief Minister for fulfilling the long-standing demand for a medical college in Nabarangpur within a short time.
Several public representatives and officials attended the programme physically and virtually.
The Chief Minister said the initiatives reflect the commitment of the Odisha government, working in coordination with the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to ensure inclusive development and better services for the people of the state.
