Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched his government’s most ambitious ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ programme to augment various developmental projects in villages.

The programme was inaugurated through videoconferencing from Bhubaneswar for Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts in the first phase.

Total Rs 3,397 crore will be spent for the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ programme across the State. As many as 6,794 panchayats will be involved and 90,723 projects will be implemented. Each village will get Rs 50 lakh.

In this programme, Jagannath culture in each village will be imparted and digital infrastructure will be developed. This will be the basic foundation for building an aspirational Odisha. ‘New Odisha’ will spread its wings to touch the broad spectrum of modern technology from a strong cultural base.

The CM said, “Odisha is a land of Lord Jagannath. The Jagannath culture spreads the message of love, peace, harmony, equality and service in the world. Irrespective of caste, religion and community, it has made everyone its own. Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha programme will preserve Jagannath culture in every village. Every place of worship will be developed. Heritage sites will be preserved.”

He said development of digital infrastructure in villages is one of the objectives of this scheme. The villages would have internet connection, science park, skill development centre, works hub and banking facilities. The primary schools will also be involved in this programme.

Under the programme, the government has sanctioned Rs 148.50 crore for 3,568 projects of 297 GPs of six constituencies of Keonjhar district and Rs 109 crore for 3,337 projects of 218 GPs of five constituencies of Bhadrak district.

Public representatives of the constituencies like MLAs, Zilla Parishad Chairpersons and Members and Sarpanches participated in the virtual discussion.