CM Majhi announces creation of 16 more NACs, upgrades seven ULBs to municipalities
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced formation of seven new municipalities and 16 notified area council (NACs) in the state.
He also launched a slew of urban development programmes and citizen-centric digital initiatives under Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana to mark the Local Self Government Day, which is observed on August 31 every year.
The new urban local bodies (ULBs) follow up Majhi’s recent announcement of creating 21 new NACs of which, 12 have already been notified. With the creation of 16 more, the total number of NACs in the state has increased to 83.
Odisha presently has six municipal corporations after the recent upgradation of Puri municipality to a corporation. With addition of seven municipalities, the total number of municipal bodies in the state will go up to 54, taking the total ULBs to 143.
Seven NACs which will be upgraded to municipalities are Karanjia, Boudh, Bhanjanagar, Aska, Chhatrapur, Kabisuryanagar and Polasara.
Addressing the state-level function here, Majhi also directed the authorities of all ULBs to ensure adequate civic infrastructure and amenities for the citizens. He laid specific focus on making towns and cities pothole-free and covering all open drains and manholes by April 2026. “We have envisioned a prosperous Odisha by 2036. The urban areas of the state are a reflection of development. If the roads and streets in these areas are not kept clean, tidy and pothole-free, our goal cannot be achieved,” Majhi said.
In a strict instruction to Housing and Urban Development department to ensure that all municipal roads in the state are pothole-free by April next year, the chief minister said there should be no complaints about them during the public grievance hearing. He directed the ULB authorities to submit self-certification announcing that all roads in their jurisdiction are pothole-free.
“If local authorities fulfil their responsibilities diligently, there will be no need for the citizens to approach the MLAs, MPs and ministers for intervention on small issues,” he said.
The chief minister also announced the expansion of ‘Sahajog’, an innovative programme designed to enable the urban citizens to access benefits of various welfare schemes of the government. With the support of Tata Steel Foundation, Sahajog was launched in 44 municipalities.
Majhi also distributed 310 houses under affordable housing scheme and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to the beneficiaries and launched various other urban development and infrastructure projects across the state.