Rayagada District Poised for Comprehensive Development Push
Rayagada district in Odisha is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiling a comprehensive development blueprint during the inauguration of the Subhadra Shakti Mela-2026. The announcement encompasses healthcare infrastructure, industrial expansion, women's empowerment initiatives, and substantial public investments aimed at holistic regional growth.
Healthcare and Infrastructure Development Initiatives
The state government is actively considering the establishment of a medical college in Rayagada to substantially strengthen healthcare facilities across the region. This proposed institution represents a major step toward improving medical accessibility and quality for local communities.
Simultaneously, the chief minister announced plans to construct indoor stadiums in all blocks of the district, alongside focused efforts to enhance educational infrastructure, healthcare services, and transportation networks. These initiatives aim to create robust public amenities that support both health and recreational needs.
Substantial Development Projects Launched
During the event, Chief Minister Majhi officially launched 109 development projects with a combined value exceeding Rs 600 crore for Rayagada district. This impressive portfolio includes:
- 22 projects valued at Rs 238 crore
- Foundation stones laid for 87 projects worth more than Rs 366 crore
The projects span multiple critical sectors including road construction, bridge development, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and women's empowerment programs. Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for the development and beautification of Maa Majhighariani Temple at an estimated cost of Rs 37 crore, preserving cultural heritage alongside modern development.
Women's Empowerment and SHG Success Story
Highlighting Rayagada's remarkable progress in women's empowerment, Chief Minister Majhi revealed that the district has emerged as a model with over 1.52 lakh women participating in 12,783 Self-Help Groups. To strengthen their economic livelihoods, the government has provided substantial financial support:
- Rs 14 crore revolving fund to 9,335 SHGs
- Rs 53.14 crore community investment fund to 164 GPLFs
- Rs 37.55 crore in loans to 4,195 SHGs
Remarkably, during the 2025–26 period alone, approximately Rs 200 crore in loans were extended to SHGs across the district, demonstrating the government's commitment to fostering women-led entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Industrial Expansion and Employment Generation
Turning attention to industrial growth, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized Rayagada's emergence as a modern industrial hub, leveraging its rich mineral resources and strong rail connectivity. Existing industrial units including Utkal Alumina, Aditya Alumina, IMFA, and JK Paper Mills have already significantly strengthened the district's economic foundation.
The industrial landscape is set for further expansion with major upcoming investments:
- Hindalco expansion with Rs 15,000 crore investment
- Vedanta Alumina Refinery project worth Rs 25,000 crore
- Utkal Alumina International project valued at Rs 7,653 crore
These industrial ventures are expected to generate massive employment opportunities, with the government directing that 80% of jobs in these industries must be allocated to local youth. This policy ensures that true prosperity reaches community members directly, aligning industrial growth with local benefit.
Budgetary Support and Cultural Recognition
Chief Minister Majhi also noted the Union Budget 2026–27's strong focus on women and children, with Rs 5 lakh crore specifically earmarked for their welfare. To further boost grassroots women-led enterprises, the government announced the establishment of self-help entrepreneurial marts.
Acknowledging Rayagada's significance as a center of rich tribal culture and heritage, the chief minister highlighted the state government's allocation of Rs 68,881 crore in the current budget for tribal community welfare. This substantial funding covers comprehensive support across education, healthcare, livelihood generation, and forest rights protection.
The comprehensive development plan for Rayagada district represents a multi-faceted approach to regional transformation, combining infrastructure development, industrial expansion, women's empowerment, and cultural preservation into a cohesive growth strategy.
