Bill Gates reviews development activities in Bhubaneswar slum, to attend several programmes

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates on Wednesday reviewed many programmes undertaken in the capital city in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Gates, who arrived in the Odisha capital on Tuesday night, is scheduled to attend several programmes today, including one with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence for farmers.

As per reports, Gates reviewed various programmes undertaken at Maa Mangla slum in the capital city. Gates, his team of officials and some State government officials discussed with the slum dwellers for more than half an hour. 

Gates also had a special discussion about the transformational activities undertaken by the government in the slum with some women in the area after visiting few houses.

Apart from meeting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Niwas, Gates will attend other programmes related to the ‘Jaga Mission’ (scheme for development of slums), the ‘Mukta’ scheme (localised employment opportunities for the urban poor) and ‘Mission Shakti’. He is also scheduled to visit the agricultural review centre at Krushi Bhawan.

Since 2021, the Odisha government’s Department of Agriculture & Farmer Empowerment and the Fisheries and Animal Resource Department have collaborated with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for innovation in data-driven decision-making.

“Gates observed the land rights given to the slum dwellers and toilets and drinking water facilities from tap provided at every household. He also interacted with the women on how the community, 'Mission Shakti’ group and Self Help Groups (SHG) have participated in the transformation programmes. He was very pleased to get the feedback from the women,” said Development Commissioner of Odisha Anu Garg.