Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 109 development projects valued at over Rs 600 crore during Subhadra Shakti Mela in Odisha’s Rayagada district.
According to the CMO office, a total of 22 projects worth Rs 238 crore were inaugurated and foundations laid for 87 projects exceeding Rsb 366 crore, across key sectors such as roads, bridges, healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment infrastructure.
The CM also laid the foundation stone laid for improvement and beautification of the Maa Majhighariani Temple at an estimated cost of Rs 37 crore, aimed at enhancing the spiritual and tourist significance of this revered site.
Addressing a large gathering of women participants, the Chief Minister hailed Rayagada district as a shining example of women’s empowerment across the state. “It has emerged as a model for women’
s empowerment through the active involvement of over 12,783 SHGs, uniting more than 1.52 lakh women. These groups are shaping brighter futures for themselves and opening new doors of opportunity in areas once marked by limited prospects,” he said.
In a significant boost to women’s self-help ecosystem in Rayagada, Majhi announced substantial financial support, including Rs 14 crore revolving fund for 9,335 SHGs, Rs 53.14 crore Community Investment Fund (CIF) to 164 Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs) and Rs 37.55 crore in loans to 4,195 SHGs to advance their livelihood activities.
The CM further revealed that loans worth nearly Rs 200 crore have been provided to 4,217 SHGs in the district during the 2025-26 financial year. He assured that industrial growth in Rayagada would prioritise local youth. “With abundant minerals, water resources, human capital, and industrial infrastructure already in place, local youth must benefit first from employment opportunities generated by upcoming industrial establishments. 80 per cent of jobs in these projects would be reserved for them,” he said, pointing to major upcoming investments, including Hindalco’s expansion with Rs 15,000 crore, Vedanta Alumina Refinery with Rs 25,000 crore and Utkal Alumina International with Rs 7,653 crore.