Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched the week-long ‘Akanksha Haat Abhiyan’ to promote locally made products from the state’s most underdeveloped regions.
The campaign was launched during the ‘Sampurnata Abhiyan Samman Samaroha’ organised by the Planning and Convergence Department at the State Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted the success of the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, hailing it a model for grassroots development. The programme has made significant strides in improving socio-economic indicators such as health, education, agriculture, water resources, skill development, and financial inclusion, he said.
The initiative is guided by three core principles — Convergence (aligning central and state schemes), Collaboration (ensuring cooperation among stakeholders), and Competition (fostering healthy rivalry based on performance indicators), Majhi said, adding that the programme, initially implemented in districts, has now been successfully extended to blocks.
Regarding the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM said Odisha launched the ‘Akanksha’ brand in 2024 to support local producers. The newly launched Akanksha Haat aims to give rural entrepreneurs, including women’s self-help groups (SHGs), farmers, artisans, and weavers, access to wider markets. Products showcased during the campaign will also be made available on digital e-marketplaces, thus expanding their reach and improving quality, pricing, and availability based on market demand.
The Chief Minister also lauded the performance of Odisha’s aspirational districts and blocks, which have collectively won awards worth Rs 165 crore under the central government’s recognition scheme. Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts received gold medals, Kandhamal and Koraput bagged silver, while Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Kalahandi, and Nuapada secured bronze. In the Aspirational Blocks category, Khairput, Mathili, Chitrakonda, and Dabugaon won gold, while several others received silver, bronze, and copper medals.
Congratulating the awardees, Majhi encouraged underperforming regions to strive harder, reaffirming the state’s commitment to inclusive development.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja praised the teamwork and growth mindset driving these achievements, while Development Commissioner Anu Garg highlighted the programme’s role in reaching remote areas, aligning with the vision of a prosperous Odisha by 2036. The event, attended by District Collectors and Block Development Officers, underscored Odisha’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
The Aakanksha Haat Abhiyan is set to enhance the visibility of local products, ensuring economic empowerment and sustainable growth for Aspirational Districts and Blocks.