President Murmu inaugurates, lays foundation stones for development projects in Rairangpur, Odisha

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a series of major developmental projects in Rairangpur, Odisha, aimed at strengthening education, healthcare, infrastructure and cultural facilities in the region.

The President inaugurated the Information Technology Campus of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University and laid the foundation stones for several key projects, including an AYUSH Hospital-cum-Ayurvedic College, an Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology campus, an Archery Centre, city beautification and drainage upgradation works, an auditorium and cultural centre, a girls’ hostel and a de-addiction centre.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said the Government of India’s Purvodaya vision places special emphasis on the development of Odisha, with Mayurbhanj district emerging as a major beneficiary. She expressed confidence that the newly launched and proposed projects would accelerate regional development and create fresh employment opportunities for local youth.

Highlighting the Centre’s focus on tribal welfare, the President said the government is making sustained efforts to improve the economic and social conditions of tribal communities. She cited initiatives such as the provision of Minimum Support Price for over 90 minor forest produce items under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, microcredit support to tribal self-help groups, and low-interest loans for Scheduled Tribe women under the Tribal Women Empowerment Scheme as examples of this commitment.

President Murmu also underlined the government’s efforts to improve health, education and connectivity in tribal areas. She referred to the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri-JANMAN Yojana for the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), electrification of tribal-dominated regions, and the expansion of 4G internet connectivity in remote areas.

Stressing that the upliftment of the poorest sections of society is intrinsically linked to the development of tribal communities, the President urged people to actively avail themselves of government welfare schemes and spread awareness about them. She said inclusive local development would contribute to the progress of the state and, in turn, the nation, adding that the goal of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 can only be achieved through collective efforts of both the government and citizens.