Koraput: With a proposal for a medical college, a slew of development projects, major industrial investments and strong support for women’s self-help groups (SHGs), Rayagada district is set for a major transformation, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Monday while inaugurating the Subhadra Shakti Mela-2026 in Rayagada.“The state government is considering the establishment of a medical college in Rayagada to strengthen healthcare facilities in the region,” the chief minister said while addressing a gathering.
Also, Majhi announced that indoor stadiums will soon be taken up in all blocks of the district, along with focused efforts to improve education, healthcare and transport infrastructure.On the occasion, the chief minister launched 109 development projects worth over Rs 600 crore for Rayagada district. It included 22 projects valued at Rs 238 crore and the laying of foundation stones for 87 projects worth more than Rs 366 crore. The projects cover sectors such as roads, bridges, healthcare, schools and women’s empowerment. He also laid the foundation stone for development and beautification of Maa Majhighariani Temple at an estimated cost of Rs 37 crore.Highlighting women’s empowerment, Majhi said Rayagada has emerged as a model district with over 1.52 lakh women being members of 12,783 SHGs.“To strengthen their livelihoods, the government has provided a revolving fund of Rs 14 crore to 9,335 SHGs, Rs 53.14 crore as community investment fund to 164 GPLFs and loans of Rs 37.55 crore to 4,195 SHGs. In 2025–26 alone, around Rs 200 crore in loans were extended to SHGs in the district,” the chief minister said.Turning to industrial growth, the chief minister said Rayagada, rich in mineral resources and backed by strong rail connectivity, is fast emerging as a modern industrial hub. Existing units such as Utkal Alumina, Aditya Alumina, IMFA and JK Paper Mills have strengthened the district’s economy.“Hindalco will expand with an investment of Rs 15,000 crore, while new projects like the Vedanta Alumina Refinery (Rs 25,000 crore) and Utkal Alumina International (Rs 7,653 crore) are in the pipeline,” the chief minister said.“These industries will create massive employment opportunities. We have directed that 80% of jobs in these industries must go to local youth,” he added, further saying that true prosperity comes only when local people benefit directly from development.Majhi also noted that the Union Budget 2026–27 has a strong focus on women and children, with Rs 5 lakh crore earmarked for them, and announced the setting up of self-help entrepreneurial marts to further boost grassroots women-led enterprises.Describing Rayagada as a centre of rich tribal culture and heritage, the chief minister said the state government has allocated Rs 68,881 crore in the current budget for the welfare of tribal communities, covering education, health, livelihoods and forest rights.
