Continued Development Under 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' Programme

Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik affirmed that developmental projects under the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ programme will proceed. An outlay of Rs 3,457 crore has been allocated, with 30-40% of works completed. Some projects face land acquisition issues, and 80% of funds have been allocated to DRDAs.

Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik reassured the Assembly on Tuesday that developmental projects under the 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' (AONO) programme, initiated by the previous BJD government, will continue to be executed as planned.

Naik revealed that Rs 3,457 crore has been allocated for the AONO programme, of which 30 to 40 per cent of the works have already been completed, while several other projects are currently underway. Some projects are encountering issues related to land acquisition and required clearances. He indicated that the status of some projects has yet to be reported by concerned panchayats and blocks.

The minister disclosed that 80 per cent of the total AONO fund has been directed toward district rural development agencies (DRDAs). Nevertheless, an allocation was also made for cultural activities such as Jagannath Rath Yatra, which might result in fund constraints for some panchayats. However, Naik assured that all project-executing agencies that have completed their work will receive their due payments.

(With inputs from agencies.)