Bhubaneswar: As the BJP-led government in Odisha, headed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, completes its first year in office, the state government is preparing for a significant public outreach campaign to commemorate the occasion. Titled the Bikaas Baahan Yatra, this 10-day programme will run from June 12 to June 21 across the state, aiming to showcase the government’s achievements while ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach eligible yet excluded beneficiaries.
Unlike a conventional celebration of governance milestones, the campaign not only highlights accomplishments but also addresses the last-mile gaps in welfare delivery. The Yatra will cover all 6,794 Gram Panchayat headquarters and all urban local bodies across 314 blocks in the state. Each block will be equipped with specially designed vehicles featuring LED panels, sound systems, and digital displays to disseminate information about state and central schemes, along with guidance on how citizens can access these benefits.
The outreach effort will be led by the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, designated as the nodal agency. It will coordinate with all other relevant departments to ensure the smooth execution of this large-scale initiative.
Objectives of the Bikaas Baahan Yatra
According to official sources, the primary objective of the Yatra is to reach out to eligible citizens who have yet to benefit from various welfare schemes, both from the state and central governments. The initiative also aims to raise awareness about flagship programmes and gather feedback by engaging directly with the beneficiaries.
Government representatives will interact with citizens, listen to their experiences, and collect insights that can inform future policy decisions. This engagement is expected to strengthen trust between the government and the people, leading to improved service delivery.
Services to be Provided During the Yatra
A wide range of services and benefits will be available during the campaign, with dedicated facilities set up by various departments at each location to assist citizens in accessing welfare schemes. Through this extensive outreach drive, the government aims to achieve saturation coverage under 37 key schemes across multiple departments. The campaign focuses on delivering essential services, enabling access to entitlements, and raising awareness across critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, livelihood, social security, and infrastructure.
Under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, beneficiaries will receive work orders and assistance under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, along with information on PMAY(G) and PM-JANMAN housing designs. Job cards will be distributed under MGNREGA, and initiatives will be undertaken to promote awareness about sanitation and land development for FRA beneficiaries.
The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department will issue ration cards and provide benefits under the Ujjwala scheme. The Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department will facilitate the distribution of Soil Health Cards and ensure saturation under the CM-Kisan and PM-Kisan schemes.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department will oversee the distribution of land to those without it and provide essential certificates, including residence, legal heir, income, solvency, and caste certificates. The Health and Family Welfare Department will cover beneficiaries under the PM-Vaya Vandana Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), as well as conduct screenings for TB, anaemia, sickle cell disease, and other non-communicable diseases. The DAMAN programme will distribute medicated mosquito nets, while health coverage will be provided under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
In the education sector, financially disadvantaged students can apply for scholarships through the Higher Education Department. The ST & SC Development Department will issue FRA pattas, support eligible students under scholarship schemes, and implement the Madhav Singh Hata Kharcha Yojana.
The Women & Child Development Department will focus on the Subhadra Yojana, Mamata Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi initiatives. Mission Shakti will promote the inclusion of women in Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs). The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department will distribute aids and implants, enrol eligible individuals for old age, widow, and disability pensions, and issue disability cards.
The Forest and Environment Department will implement schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Kendu Leaf Tolali Kalyan Yojana and Ama Jungle Yojana. The Skill Development & Technical Education Department will target eligible youth for training and employment opportunities.
The Finance Department will facilitate the opening of Jan Dhan accounts, while the Electronics & IT Department will ensure the issuance of Aadhaar cards. The Handloom, Textile & Handicraft Department will provide coverage under the Weaver Pension Scheme and offer support through POHI—Looms & Accessories.
Additionally, the Labour & ESI Department will issue labour cards and include workers under the Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana. The MSME Department will implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana to support traditional artisans. The Cooperation Department will ensure the issuance of Kissan Credit Cards to eligible farmers. Finally, the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department will extend benefits under the Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana to artists in need.
Focus on Public Participation and Local Engagement
To maximise community participation, the state government has initiated an invitation process for existing and potential beneficiaries to attend upcoming events. The Vikas Baahan Yatra will commence simultaneously from all district headquarters on June 12 at 7:30 AM and will progress to various blocks with the active involvement of local MPs, MLAs, district collectors, and administrative officials.
The government has emphasised that this campaign is not merely about showcasing achievements but represents a proactive step towards inclusive governance. By connecting directly with citizens in every corner of the state, the Majhi-led government aims to strengthen its grassroots presence and fulfil its promises of development and welfare for all.
This initiative is viewed as a crucial step in reaffirming the BJP government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” particularly in a state where governance gaps have historically posed challenges to the implementation of schemes in remote areas.
The Vikas Baahan Yatra is expected to serve both as a celebration of governance and a pragmatic tool for deeper democratic engagement.
