image credits: x.com/@KVSinghDeo1
On June 12, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the state-wide ‘Vikas Vahan Yatra’ to mark the first anniversary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha. This initiative aims to bring the government’s welfare schemes and achievements directly to the people, particularly in rural and remote areas. Flagged off at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, the Vikas Vahans—specially designed campaign vehicles—are set to cover all 314 blocks, 115 urban local bodies (ULBs), and five municipal corporations across the state.
What Is the Vikas Vahan Yatra in Odisha?
The Vikas Vahan Yatra is a 10-day public outreach program, from June 12 to June 21, 2025, designed to inform citizens about the Odisha government’s welfare schemes and developmental achievements. Organized by the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, the campaign involves branded vans traveling to all 6,794 Gram Panchayat headquarters, urban local bodies, and municipal corporations across Odisha’s 314 blocks. According to Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between the government and citizens by sharing success stories of schemes like Subhadra Yojana, Vikashit Gaon Vikashit Odisha, and Antodaya Gruha Yojana. By reaching even the most remote areas, the Vikas Vahans ensure that eligible citizens are aware of and can access these benefits.
Why Did CM Majhi Launch Vikas Vahans?
Marking the completion of one year in office, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized that the launch of the Vikas Vahan Yatra shows the government’s dedication to fulfilling its election promises as outlined in the Sankalp Patra (election manifesto). The campaign serves multiple purposes: it showcases the government’s achievements, raises awareness about welfare programs, and collects feedback from beneficiaries to improve service delivery. By deploying these vehicles, the government aims to ensure that even those in unreached areas are informed about schemes designed to improve their lives, such as agricultural subsidies, women’s empowerment programs, and educational reforms.
What Are the Key Achievements of the Mohan Majhi Government?
Agricultural and Farmer Welfare Reforms
One of the standout achievements of the Majhi government is its focus on agriculture, a critical sector for Odisha’s economy. The government allocated a record Rs 37,800 crore under the Samruddha Krushi Yojana, the largest agriculture budget in the state’s history. This investment has directly benefited lakhs of farmers by increasing annual farm household income by Rs 30,000. Schemes like CM-KISAN, formerly KALIA, provide financial support to farmers.
Women’s Empowerment Through Subhadra Yojana
The Subhadra Yojana, a flagship scheme, has empowered over one crore women by providing Rs 50,000 over five years to eligible beneficiaries. The 2025-26 budget allocated Rs 10,145 crore for this initiative, with additional components like Subhadra Plus and Kishori Subhadra to enhance women’s safety and economic opportunities. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted how the scheme supports women’s financial independence.
Educational Reforms and Infrastructure Development
Education has been a major focus for the Majhi government. Initiatives like Godabarisha Mishra Adarsh Vidyalaya and Sishu Vatika aim to improve primary education and early childhood learning. The government has implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) and plans to develop model schools to make government institutions competitive with private ones. Additionally, on August 31, 2024, Majhi inaugurated 481 development projects worth Rs 1,151 crore across Odisha’s 30 districts, emphasizing infrastructure and public welfare.
How Will Vikas Vahans Benefit Odisha’s People?
The Vikas Vahan Yatra is designed to make government schemes accessible to every citizen, particularly those in rural and tribal areas. By traveling to every Gram Panchayat and urban local body, the vans will share information about key programs like Ayushman Bharat Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, tribal and SC welfare schemes, and skill development initiatives for youth.
How Does Vikas Mela Complement the Vikas Vahan Initiative?
Alongside the Vikas Vahan Yatra, CM Majhi inaugurated the Vikas Mela 2025 at IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, running until June 18. This week-long event features over 175 stalls, with 75 showcasing welfare schemes and 40 managed by Subhadra Shakti women’s groups, highlighting Odia cuisine. The Mela provides an interactive platform for citizens to learn about government initiatives through displays on handlooms, handicrafts, and local products.
