Bhubaneswar: The newly formed BJP Government has decided to rename the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ (AONO) programme launched by the previous BJD government for the development of panchayats.
The BJP Government has planned to rename the AONO programme as ‘Bikashit Gaon Bikashit Odisha’ (developed village developed Odisha). This was informed by Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik here today.
The previous BJD government had modified the earlier ‘Ama Gaon Ama Bikash’ by giving it a new dimension in the form of ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’. The scheme was launched in all 30 districts last year in the state to augment rural infrastructure preserving the rich cultural heritage.
Speaking to media persons here, the Minister said, “We are preparing the guidelines for ‘Bikashit Gaon Bikashit Odisha’ for comprehensive development of the villages including ponds, sports, cultural heritages, etc with the active participation of the local people.”
The Gram Sabha or Palli Sabha will take the decision for the development of the panchayats and villages, he said. The villages will be developed as per proposals received from the people living in rural areas, the Minister said.
The previous BJD government has given collector power to the Sarpanches during Covid-19 pandemic. However, later, the power was withdrawn and officers were enjoying the power, he said.
Due to the attitude of the former BJD government, the elected panchayat representatives had staged protests in Bhubaneswar, he added.
Now, the BJP government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will empower the elected representatives at villages, Shri Naik assured.