Why Odisha govt’s new rural development scheme has triggered a controversy

The newly launched initiative builds on the ‘Ama Gaon, Ama Bikash’ (our village, our development) scheme, which turned out to be a game changer for Naveen Patnaik’s BJD in 2019. Launched after the BJD suffered a setback in the 2017 panchayat polls and the BJP increased its tally, the scheme helped the party win a fifth consecutive term in the subsequent Assembly elections.

Under the Ama Gaon, Ama Bikash initiative, Patnaik directly interacted with people in panchayats through videoconferencing and sanctioned projects as per their need.

Under the new scheme too, the BJD government has allocated funds for various projects based on suggestions by people from rural areas — who comprise 80% of the state’s population — through video conferencing.

On Tuesday, Patnaik sanctioned Rs 148 crore for 297 panchayats in Keonjhar district and Rs 109 crore for 218 panchayats in Bhadrak district.

Move to address anti-incumbency

The party believes Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha will replicate the success of the earlier scheme and help beat anti-incumbency. Every village is expected to get at least one project, up to Rs 10 lakh per project.

These projects range from strengthening internet connectivity, developing playgrounds and science parks, training facilities, work hubs and skill centres for rural entrepreneurs, projects to bridge the gap in education infrastructure, providing banking facilities, and digital infrastructure at the village level.

Controversy over the scheme

The Opposition BJP has questioned use of the ‘conch’ symbol in government advertisements for the Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme, as conch is the electoral symbol of ruling BJD. The saffron party has also questioned the timing of the scheme, coming months before the 2024 polls.

Senior BJP MLA Mohan Majhi said the use of the conch symbol in government ads shows the BJD fears defeat in the upcoming polls and is trying to “manipulate public opinion”. He said the BJP would challenge the use of the symbol in court.

The BJP MLA also accused the government of not following proper guidelines while implementing the scheme.

Earlier, the Orissa High Court had issued a notice to the Odisha government in response to a petition challenging the implementation process of the Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme.