‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ Scheme Running ‘Ram Bharose’, Says Panchayati Raj Minister

Bhubaneswar: Disbursement of funds under ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme of the previous BJD government will be probed, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik said on Wednesday.

Each Panchayat was allocated Rs 50 lakh under the scheme.

“Utilisation of Rs 50 lakh fund allocated to each panchayat under Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha will be probed. Third Floor was monitoring the scheme while it was being executed by block and DRDA. Work orders were being issued in the name of JE. There is no data on projects allocated under the scheme, progress and completion of the same. It was running on ‘Ram Bharose’ with no accountability. So, who will be held accountable is a matter of investigation. The irregularities will be probed,” Naik told reporters.

‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme for augmentation of rural infrastructure in the state was launched on October 10, 2023, with a budget provision of Rs 3,397 crore. Over 90,723 projects were to be implemented in 6,794 panchayats with a focus on development of villages as well as promotion, preservation and protection of Jagannath culture under the scheme. Each village was to get Rs 10 lakh and panchayats Rs 50 lakh each for overall development, including digital infrastructure.