‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ scheme launched: From key features to funds allocations, know details

In order to boost the rural infrastructure, enhance the quality of life in Rural Odisha, and foster economic growth for the holistic development of the State, the Odisha government on Thursday launched a transformative umbrella Scheme called 'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha'.

The scheme aims to bridge the critical gaps leading to accelerated and inclusive growth in rural Odisha by taking up various sustainable developmental projects. This will substantially lead to the development of varied forms of infrastructure and will act as a gateway to fulfill the objectives of Bikashita Odisha.

Objective of the Scheme:

'Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha' highlights the significance of rural areas in Odisha's economic, social and cultural growth. It recognizes that villages are the backbone of Odisha's economy, with a majority of the population engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Development of Rural Connectivity is critical for the economic development and social integration of a State.

Therefore, the provision of road connectivity to unconnected villages/ habitations to bridge the connectivity gap and development of both inter and intra-village roads will be of prime importance under this Scheme. The Scheme also envisages taking up need-based community projects to create durable assets for the community.

Key Features:

1. Construction of roads, bridges, culverts, etc. in rural Odisha (both inter and intra-village roads) shall be taken up under the Scheme. Unconnected villages/habitations in PVTGs, Naxal-dominated, remote hilly areas shall be connected through intra and inter-village roads.

2. The road infrastructure in rural areas which requires improvement shall be included in the project list basing on factors like population density, economic activity and geographical challenges.

3. Construction of road up to formation level (wherever required) can be taken up in convergence with MGNREGS subject to availability of suitable soil within head lead.

4. The road projects such as black top road, cement concrete road and paver block roads shall be taken up.

5.  The habitations and villages situated within the reserve forest/forest area having road formation will be improved up to metalling standard.

6. Funds to be utilized for road projects shall not exceed Thirty-Five percentage (35%) of total allotted funds.

7. Based on the requirements, standalone cross drainage works with necessary approach road will also be taken up.

8. The funds will be allocated in such a manner that the road will be completed in all respects within the allotment.

9. A comprehensive technical guideline will be issued to define the specifications and quality standards for the roads/bridges/culverts to be constructed.

10. Construction of civic assets and amenities in villages.

11. Construction of civic assets like kalyan mandap, community center, bathing ghat, changing room near ponds/river banks, market sheds, construction of drains etc. will be taken up wherever required.

12. Construction of Bhoga Mandap, Bhagabata Tungi, Cultural Centres etc. will be taken up to provide basic amenities and services for devotees/ pilgrims in the place of worship of all religions. Toilets and water supply facilities near such projects may be developed out of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) wherever required.

13. Construction and rejuvenation of community pond and water harvesting structure will be taken up.

14. Improvement of infrastructure for education.

15. Construction of additional classrooms, modernization and expansion works of the existing infrastructure.

16. Construction of reading rooms (with cubicles, each cubicle having a small table and chair), with electricity and internet facility and also washroom provision should be taken up in Block Headquarters and other thickly inhabited area. These reading rooms should remain open from 9 am to 9 pm. Students of schools and colleges and pass out students preparing for job examinations should be allowed to read in these reading rooms on payment of nominal charges.

17. Development/Construction of sports infrastructure i.e. small outdoor playful and enjoyable physical activity facilities such as Long Jump & High Jump Pit, Rope Climbing, Horizontal Bar for Monkey-Hanging and such low-cost innovative facilities shall be developed.

18. Improvement of need based micro tourism spots can also be taken up under this Scheme.

19. Maximum upto 5% of the total sanctioned amount can be utilized for new innovative projects for community use.

20. Projects of similar nature taken up by PR & DW Department and other Departments can be dovetailed/converged under the Scheme.

21. Projects with estimates less than Rupees 3 Lakh shall not be taken up.

22. Projects taken up under erstwhile Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha (AONO) can be completed under the new scheme provided minimum 20% (Twenty Percentage) expenditure has been incurred.

Financial Allocation:

1. Funds will be allocated strategically, for priority projects and with provisions for underdeveloped and marginalized areas to ensure equitable development.
2. Funds will be allocated to Zilla Parishads and subsequently Zilla Parishad will allocate the funds to Blocks/ GPs on the basis of the population of the Block and GP respectively.
3. Forty Percent (40%) of the allocation shall be earmarked for ITDA Blocks.
4. It should be ensured that, the projects taken up shall be completed in allI respect within the allotment. 

Source of Funds:

1. The expenditure under this State specific Scheme will be met out of State budget.
2. PR & DW Department will make necessary budget provision under this Scheme.

Selection of Projects:

1. A participatory process, starting from Gram Sabhas, will ensure that projects address real community needs.
2. The need based Five Year Perspective Plan shall be prepared through Gram Sabha and shall be recommended to the Block by the Gram Panchayat.
3. Based on the Five Year Perspective Plan, the Annual Action Plan for each financial year shall be prepared by Block.
4. The project list will be scrutinised by Technical Committee at Block level basing on feasibility, admissibility and financial limit.
5. The Panchayat Samiti shall recommend the scrutinized project list to the District Collector for approval. 

Approving Authority:

1. The Five Year Perspective plan, the Annual Action Plan and the list of projects submitted by Panchayat Samiti will be approved by the Collector of the concerned District.
2. Administrative approval and technical sanction shall be accorded as per Panchayat Samiti Accounting Procedure Rules, 2002 and subsequent amendment made therein from time to time.

Sanction and Release of Funds:

1. Funds will be released from PR & DW Department to the PL Accounts of the CDO-cum-E0, Zilla Parishad out of which, the CDO-cum-EO, Zilla Parishad shall draw the funds in Grants-in-Aid bill.
2. Expenditure towards IEC and programme management activities like convening meetings, Social Audit, Inspection of site, Photograph of projects in different stages, IEC campaigns, data entry, mobility support, MIS, development of web portal, establishment of PMU, procurement of Computer, Printer with scanner and Photo Copiers etc. shall be met out of IEC budget head of Department following due financial procedure.
3. Government shall have the power to relax the financial allocation in exceptional cases.

Execution of Projects: Selection of Executing Agency:

1. The Panchayat Samiti shall execute the work as per Panchayat Samiti Accounting Procedure Rules, 2002 and subsequent amendment made therein from time to time.
2. The Collectors will select appropriate agencies for execution of the projects. After completion of the projects, the Collectors shall ensure proper maintenance of the assets.
3. No pro-rata charges are applicable in case of Departmental execution of work.
4. Provision of OPWD Code shall be followed for execution of Projects.
5. For technical assistance, design and specifications of projects undertaken, the guideline of the concerned Departments will be followed.

Monitoring and Supervision:

1. Measures for regular monitoring and supervision to ensure proper implementation of the Scheme shall be taken at the State and District levels.
2. The Collector of the District shall be in overall charge of supervision and monitoring of the progress of work in the District.
3. The CDO-cum-EO, Zilla Parishad shall render requisite support and assistance in review and monitoring.
4. Regular review shall be taken by the Collector on utilization of funds and progress of work.
5. Social Audit shall be conducted for proper monitoring and supervision of each project.

Accountability:
The durable assets which are created under this Scheme are primarily community based projects. Hence, the community must actively monitor the quality of work and take responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of these assets.

Utilisation of Fund:
The CDO-cum-E0, Zilla Parishad shall submit UC to the Government in PR & DW Department in every quarter duly countersigned by the Collector and furnish monthly MIS report about progress of each work.

 Transparency:
1. A web based MIS and mobile app shall be developed for real-time monitoring of the projects.
2. In order to maintain transparency in execution of projects, different stages of project construction i.e., Before start, Ongoing and Completion, shall be geotagged through mobile app and will be uploaded in the web portal to be developed.
3. The Government in Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department shall have the authority to issue any clarification needed and also to modify/ change the guideline as and when required. The Guideline will come into force with immediate effect.