Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Tuesday attended the district-level Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana (MKBY) programme at the Shankarpur Sports Complex in Keonjhar, where she blessed 38 newlywed couples.
The event was organised by the Department of Women and Child Development.
Several Dignitaries Attend the Programme
The programme witnessed the presence of several public representatives and senior officials including:
- Ananta Nayak
- Fakir Mohan Naik
- Keonjhar Collector Vishal Singh
- DFO Dhanaraj HD
- Additional District Magistrates Mandardhar Mahalik and Dr Priyanka Marandi
The Deputy Chief Minister interacted with the newly married couples and extended her blessings for their future.
Review Meeting on Development Projects
During her visit to Keonjhar, Pravati Parida also chaired a high-level review meeting at the Darbar Hall of the Collectorate to assess the progress of ongoing developmental projects and welfare programmes in the district.
The meeting was attended by MP Ananta Nayak, MLA Dr Fakir Mohan Naik, and senior administrative officials.
Focus on Anganwadi Infrastructure and Child Welfare
The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the condition of Anganwadi centres across the district, focusing on:
- Construction of dedicated Anganwadi buildings
- Drinking water facilities
- Electricity connections
- Toilet infrastructure
She also reviewed the implementation of child nutrition programmes and the distribution system operating through Face Recognition Technology.
Review of Subhadra Yojana and Women Welfare Schemes
Special emphasis was given to the implementation of the Subhadra Yojana and field-level verification of applications under the scheme.
Discussions were also held regarding several women and child welfare initiatives including:
- Mission Shakti
- Samarthya
- Shakti Sadan
- Palana Crèche services
The Deputy CM also stressed the importance of awareness campaigns aimed at making Keonjhar district free from child marriage.
Emphasis on Proper Use of DMF Funds
Pravati Parida directed officials to ensure effective utilisation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for women and child development activities.
She also highlighted the need for rehabilitation and educational support for children living in child care institutions.
Tourism Infrastructure Reviewed
The Deputy Chief Minister further assessed the progress of development and beautification works at major tourist destinations in Keonjhar district, including:
- Maa Tarini Temple
- Sanaghagara
- Badaghagara
- Khandadhar Waterfall
She reviewed facilities such as parking, pathways, toilets, and overall visitor amenities at these tourist spots.
Officials Directed to Ensure Timely Completion of Projects
At the end of the review meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure timely completion of all developmental projects and maintain regular monitoring for effective delivery of services to beneficiaries across the district.