- Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announces 16 new NACs and upgrades 7 NACs to municipalities under Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana.
- Focus on improving urban infrastructure with pothole-free roads, covered drains, and digital citizen-centric programs by April 2026.
- Integration of affordable housing schemes like PMAY with urban development for better citizen welfare.
Odisha’s urban landscape is about to change a lot with the Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently announced the creation of 16 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) and the upgrade of seven NACs to municipalities. This step aims to strengthen urban local bodies (ULBs) and improve civic facilities, infrastructure, and services for citizens across the state.
Growth of Urban Local Bodies under Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana
On August 31, which is Local Self Government Day, CM Majhi announced the formation of seven new municipalities and 16 NACs in Odisha. This expansion comes after the earlier announcement of 21 new NACs, with 12 already notified. With these additions, the total number of NACs in Odisha has gone up to 83, while the number of municipal bodies will rise to 54, making the total ULBs 143.
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The seven NACs upgraded to municipalities are Karanjia, Boudh, Bhanjanagar, Aska, Chhatrapur, Kabisuryanagar, and Polasara. This upgrade shows the state’s dedication to improving urban governance and infrastructure.
Effect on Urban Development and Infrastructure
These changes under Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana are meant to greatly improve urban infrastructure and services for citizens. CM Majhi stressed the need to keep roads free of potholes and cover all open drains and manholes by April 2026 to keep urban areas clean and safe.
The process of upgrading NACs to municipalities requires meeting certain criteria related to population, revenue, and infrastructure development. This change allows for better governance and access to more resources for urban growth.
Main Steps for Urban Improvement
Under the scheme, several steps focus on raising urban living standards. These include making sure all municipal roads are pothole-free, covering open drains to avoid health risks, and starting digital citizen-focused programs like ‘Sahajog’ to make it easier to access government welfare schemes.
Role of Local Authorities and Citizen Involvement
Local authorities are responsible for carefully maintaining civic facilities and infrastructure. CM Majhi asked ULBs to submit self-certifications confirming pothole-free roads and encouraged citizens to take an active part in governance, which can reduce the need for political involvement in small issues.
Affordable Housing and Welfare Program Integration
Combining affordable housing schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) with urban development is a key focus. Recently, 310 houses were given to beneficiaries under PMAY, showing the government’s commitment to providing good housing along with urban infrastructure improvements.
These wide-ranging efforts under Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana aim to build prosperous, well-managed urban areas in Odisha by 2036, reflecting the state’s vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.