Nabarangpur: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday launched Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana and laid the foundation stone for a new government medical college and hospital in Nabarangpur.
During his visit to Nabarangpur, the Chief Minister flagged off vehicles under Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana, an initiative aimed at providing free access to the 12th century shrine in Puri for senior citizens and widows. This scheme is set to enhance the spiritual and cultural well-being of vulnerable communities while promoting inclusive development across Odisha.
Majhi, who laid the foundation stone for Nabarangpur Medical College and Hospital, said it will revolutionise healthcare services in the region and provide an opportunity for talented students to study medicine.
The new institution will come up on 50.54 acres of land at Padalguda and will admit 100 MBBS students annually. A 420-bed hospital will also be constructed to support the college.
Majhi said the medical college fulfils a promise he made last year during the Nabarangpur Lok Mahotsav to provide better healthcare facilities to the district.
The Chief Minister further inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 446.26 crore across various departments.
“In addition, the various developmental projects inaugurated and laid today will help change the economic picture of the district. Our government is giving equal importance to the development of every district of Odisha by eliminating regional disparities. We are moving forward with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas to build a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and strengthen Odisha’s role in the Prime Minister’s vision of developed India,” the CM said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring balanced growth across all districts, he said the focus is on both economic progress and cultural preservation.
Under the Jagannath Darshan Yojana, senior citizens aged 60 to 75 and widows up to 75 years who belong to economically weaker sections will receive free travel to Puri, where they will have the opportunity to visit the Jagannath Temple. The scheme will also provide free Mahaprasad, along with transportation, accommodation, and food expenses, all covered by the state government.
The first phase of the initiative will benefit more than 500 devotees from various districts, ensuring that marginalized sections of society can experience spiritual fulfillment while reinforcing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister described these efforts as an important chapter in the state’s journey toward balanced and inclusive growth.
