THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

SAMBALPUR, APRIL 14, 2026

Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 78 development projects worth ₹375 crore across Kuchinda, Bamra, and Jamankira, marking a major boost to infrastructure and public services in western Odisha.

The large-scale initiative coincided with the auspicious occasion of Maha Vishuba Sankranti (Odia New Year) and the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar, adding cultural and national significance to the event.

Out of the total projects, Pradhan inaugurated 39 projects worth ₹108 crore and laid the foundation for another 39 projects valued at ₹267 crore. A key highlight was the ground-breaking ceremony for a 100-bed sub-divisional hospital in Kuchinda, to be built at a cost of ₹53 crore, which will include a dedicated trauma care centre to enhance emergency medical services in the region.

In addition, two multipurpose welfare halls built at a cost of ₹5.14 crore were inaugurated, while the foundation stone was laid for a new block office building estimated at ₹6 crore.

Addressing the gathering, Pradhan emphasized that the projects are designed to strengthen critical sectors such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and connectivity, thereby improving the quality of life for local residents. He also flagged off new sanitation vehicles in Bamra to boost urban cleanliness and highlighted the promotion of chilli cultivation as a means to enhance farmers’ income.

Reiterating the Centre and State’s commitment to holistic development under the “double engine” model, Pradhan stressed that sustained investments in infrastructure and social sectors would empower citizens and accelerate regional growth. He also underscored the importance of women’s empowerment, citing initiatives such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and the Lakhpati Didi scheme, which aim to provide financial independence to women.

During his visit, the Union Minister paid floral tributes to B. R. Ambedkar, offered prayers at local temples, and interacted with farmers, commending their contribution to the rural economy.

Pradhan expressed confidence that the newly launched projects would strengthen grassroots infrastructure, improve public service delivery, and contribute significantly towards realizing the vision of a developed Odisha and a self-reliant India.