Naveen Patnaik, chief minister, Odisha, has allocated Rs 183.81 crore for the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan (MUKTA) scheme in 42 urban local bodies (ULBs) across 10 districts of the Southern Revenue Division. The funds, approved for the financial year 2023-24, will be used to boost job opportunities and reduce the unemployment rate in the state.
The districts set to benefit from this initiative include Ganjam, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kandhamal and Boudh. The MUKTA scheme, launched by Patnaik in 2020, specifically targets the urban poor and migrant labourers, ensuring means of livelihood for them.
Under the scheme, all 42 ULBs have come up with practical plans of action in consultation with the local population and all those who would be affected by the scheme. The programmes that have been mooted are demand based and take into consideration practicality and environment sustainability. The programmes will be executed by Mission Shakti groups that are already working in Odisha for the betterment of the differently-abled, as well as the socially and economically marginalised and vulnerable groups in the state.
Amongst the initiatives being overseen by MUKTA are the development of outdoor gyms, playgrounds for children, walking tracks, toilets, small parks and other public facilities.
The MUKTA scheme will also help develop open spaces and water bodies in addition to establishing community centres and beautifying the city. These projects will involve labour and will generate jobs.
The scheme, which is being implemented phase by phase, has already benefitted 50 ULBs across the state, including the districts of Cuttack, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Puri in the Central Revenue Division.
The remaining districts will be covered in the third phase and benefit 36 more ULBs under the Northern Revenue Division.
