Water, Dignity, Democracy

Odisha is rewriting the rules of rural transformation — combining clean drinking water, robust panchayats, and women-led governance to power inclusive, sustainable development

- ANUSHKA MOHAPATRA

In just one year since taking office, the Majhi government has radically recalibrated Odisha's approach to rural development. At the heart of this transformation is a dual commitment: empower panchayats as engines of grassroots democracy and ensure equitable access to drinking water, especially in tribal and hard-to-reach areas. Together, these priorities are not just policy promises — they are changing lives.

Bikashita Odisha Blueprint

The flagship Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha campaign is spearheading the rural development agenda. With ₹1,000 crore allocated in 2024-25 and ₹2,000 crore earmarked for 2025-26, the scheme focuses on bridging infrastructure gaps, especially through road connectivity and piped water systems. Importantly, up to 35 per cent of the funds are being channelled specifically into rural road projects to ensure last-mile service delivery.

Tapping Every Household

In an ambitious push, Odisha aims to provide 100 per cent Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) across all villages by December 2026. More than 3 lakh FHTCs have already been commissioned, with an implementation model that puts people at the centre. Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) ensure community involvement in water quality checks, upkeep of infrastructure, and grievance redressal.

Special attention is being paid to tribal regions and drought-prone belts. Notably, 3,107 single-village and solar-powered piped water schemes have already been completed — game-changing infrastructure in terrains where traditional power lines falter.

Mega Projects, Micro Impact