Odisha Govt Allocates Rs 225.53 Cr for Final Phase of MUKTA Scheme in 36 ULBs

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved Rs 225.53 crore for the third and final phase of its flagship scheme, MUKTA, for the financial year 2023-24. This funding will benefit 36 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) located in 10 districts, namely Dhenkanal, Angul, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Balangir, Subarnapur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Deogarh.

The Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, approved these funds to support the execution of projects in the aforementioned ULBs under the MUKTA scheme. Officials have ensured that these projects are demand-driven, technically feasible, and environmentally sustainable. They have been developed through a participatory process involving local citizens and key stakeholders.

The approved projects, which will be implemented by Mission Shakti Groups, include various initiatives such as climate-resilient work, creation of civic amenities, development of open spaces and water bodies, construction of multi-purpose community centres, wall painting, city beautification, and other labour-oriented activities.

The MUKTA scheme, known as Mukhya Mantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan, was launched by the Chief Minister on April 18, 2020, with the primary objective of generating immediate employment opportunities for the urban poor, informal workers, and migrant labourers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This community-driven scheme specifically involves community-based organizations (CBOs) such as women self-help groups (SHGs) and slum dwellers associations (SDAs) in its implementation process.

Overall, the Chief Minister has sanctioned a total of Rs. 833.21 crores in three phases, covering all 115 ULBs across 30 districts in Odisha, as part of the MUKTA scheme.