Bhubaneswar, February 13: The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated the ‘Shri Jagannath Darshan’ scheme on Friday. This initiative aims to provide free travel, accommodation, and other facilities for senior citizens to visit the 12th-century Jagannath Temple and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
The launch took place during a special event in the Nabarangpur district. The scheme was simultaneously introduced in Bhadrak, Baripada, Sambalpur, and Berhampur, with nearly 500 devotees departing for Puri, accompanied by escort officials.
According to a government statement, the state government aims to facilitate visits for 5,000 beneficiaries to witness the holy trinity this year. Over the next four years, more than 100,000 eligible individuals will have the opportunity to visit the Jagannath Temple.
The scheme targets economically disadvantaged senior citizens aged 60 to 75, as well as widows up to 75 years old. Beneficiaries will travel in air-conditioned buses, stay at the Brundabati Niwas in Puri, and receive Mahaprasad (sacred offerings to Lord Jagannath).
During the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that there should be no barriers to witnessing Lord Jagannath. He stated, “With the belief that every Odia should receive the Lord’s blessings at least once in their lifetime, our government has launched the ‘Shri Jagannath Darshan’ scheme.”
He further remarked that the day every impoverished individual can visit Lord Jagannath without hindrance and shed tears of spiritual joy will mark a meaningful tenure for him as Chief Minister.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a long-awaited medical college in Nabarangpur district. This medical college and hospital, to be built on over 50 acres, will feature 100 MBBS seats and 420 beds. The Chief Minister assured that once operational, residents would no longer need to travel outside the district for advanced medical care, as modern health facilities will be available locally.
He noted that within just 20 months of taking office, three new medical colleges have been established in Jajpur, Kandhamal, and Talcher, with a promise of four more to come. The process for setting up a medical college in Nabarangpur has already begun, and additional colleges will soon be established in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak districts.
During the event, the Chief Minister also initiated 177 development projects worth over ₹446 crores for Nabarangpur district. This includes the inauguration of 112 projects worth ₹68 crores and the foundation laying of 65 projects worth ₹378 crores. These initiatives will enhance the district’s development in education, health, roads, bridges, hostels, forest protection committees, and anganwadi centers.
–
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment