Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken a major step toward integrating the youth of remote and Maoist-affected regions into the mainstream while fostering sporting talent among them.
Under the “GRAMODAYA” campaign, initiated following the Chief Minister’s call, the Department of Sports and Youth Services will provide sports equipment to 485 Maoist-affected villages across 10 districts.
The Sports Department has sanctioned a total of ₹2,42,50,000 (2 Crore 42 Lakh 50 Thousand) for this scheme. Each identified village will receive a sports kit worth ₹50,000. The youth from the following districts will benefit from this initiative: Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada
The standard sports kit provided to each village will include essential equipment for: Outdoor Games: Cricket, Football, Volleyball, and Badminton. Indoor Games: Chess and Carrom.
A unique feature of this program is that the responsibility for purchasing the sports equipment will be given to local youth clubs. In villages where no such clubs exist, the District Sports Officer will facilitate the formation of new clubs to help connect the local youth with the social mainstream.
“GRAMODAYA” is more than just a distribution program; it is a message of peace, progress, and social harmony in Maoist-affected regions. The core objective of the Odisha government is to bring hidden talent from remote areas to the limelight through sports, while promoting a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.