Jena seeks urgent reforms for Odisha's marginalised communities

Former union minister and Congress leader Srikant Jena has requested the SC-ST Parliamentary Committee chairman Faggan Singh Kulaste to intervene and ensure that Odisha implements welfare initiatives for SC/ST communities in the state.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHUBANESWAR, 31 AUGUST:

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced major urban development measures at the State-Level Self-Government Day celebrations and the creation of 16 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) and 7 new municipalities across Odisha, expanding the reach of urban governance and basic amenities. With this, the state will have a total of 28 new NACs and 7 municipalities, including those notified earlier.

The CM also launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving urban infrastructure, transport, and civic services. Key announcements included Pothole-free urban Odisha by April 2026. He directed the urban development department to ensure that all roads and open drains in urban areas are repaired or covered by the deadline.

The seven new municipalities are Karanjia in Mayurbhanj district, Boudh in Boudh district, Bhanjanagar, Askha, Chhatrapur, Kabisuryanagar and Polsara municipalities in Ganjam district.

He said the 'Sahajog' scheme will now be extended to all urban areas to ensure last-mile delivery of government schemes, with Tata Steel Foundation as partner. A toll-free helpline 'Sahar Saathi' (1929) was launched for complaint registration, along with Common User Group (CUG) numbers for municipal staff.

The Chief Minister also presided over the rollout of the National Common Mobility Card under the "One Nation One Card" initiative, along with a WhatsApp ticketing system for 'Ama Bus' passengers. Women passengers will get a 15% discount, and others 10%.

To mark the occasion, Chief Minister Majhi announced several infrastructure projects worth ₹157 crore. These included the inauguration of 43 multipurpose centres, a Material Recovery Facility, a Plasma Pyrolysis Unit, and foundation laying for six cowsheds.

With regards to housing, he said 394 houses have been allotted in Bhubaneswar to beneficiaries from economically weaker sections under various schemes.