Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched the government's most ambitious 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' programme to augment various developmental projects in villages.

The programme was inaugurated through a video conferencing programme from Bhubaneswar for Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts in the first phase.

Total Rs 3397 Crore will be spent for the 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' programme across the state. As many as 6794 panchayats of the state will be involved and 90,723 projects will be implemented across the state. Each village will get Rs 50 lakh under the programme.

In this program, Jagannath culture in each village will be improved and digital infrastructure will be developed. This will be the basic foundation for building an aspirational Odisha. New Odisha will spread its wings to touch the broad spectrum of modern technology from a strong cultural base.

Speaking on the occasion, CM said, "Odisha is a land of Lord Jagannath. The Jagannath culture spreads the message of love, peace, harmony, equality, and service in the world. Irrespective of caste, religion, and community, it has made everyone its own. Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha programme will preserve Jagannath culture in every village. Every place of worship will be developed. Heritage sites will be preserved."

He said that the preservation and protection of these cultural and heritage sites is essential for our future generations.

The CM said that the development of digital infrastructure in villages is one of the objectives of this scheme. The villages will have internet connection, science park, skill development centre, works hub and banking facilities. The primary schools of the village will also be involved in this programme. It will bring immense opportunities to our youth, women, farmers and students and will further enhance the identity of Odisha as a modern, strong, progressive and culturally aware state. In this new Odisha, our foundation will be strong, and wings will be strong, and the aspirational Odisha vision will be realized.

He wished everyone's cooperation in the successful implementation of Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha programme.

For today's programme, a huge crowd gathered in 6 constituencies of Keonjhar and 5 constituencies of Bhadrak district. Under the Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha programme, the state government has sanctioned Rs 148.50 Crore for 3568 projects of 297 gram panchayats of 6 constituencies of Keonjhar district, while Rs 109 crore for 3337 projects of 218 gram panchayats of 5 constituencies of Bhadrak district.

5T Secretary V.K. Pandian coordinated the event. The various public representatives of the constituencies of each district such as MLAs, Zilla Parishad chairpersons, members and local sarpanches participated in the virtual discussion and praised the Chief Minister for the launch of the programme for development in the villages.

Participating in the discussion, 5T Secretary said that the Chief Minister is always quick to solve the problems of the local area. He has given strict orders to work for the development of every village in Odisha. After his visit, Pandian informed about the projects that the Chief Minister has sanctioned for various regions. The Chief Minister has sanctioned funds for Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha program considering the proposed projects and needs of the people. He advised everyone to finish it cleanly and on time.