By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, December 3, 2017: The Centre has short-listed eight backward districts of Odisha under New India Mission 2022, a flagship programme of prime minister Narendra Modi aimed at developing the most backward areas of the State.

The districts are Bolangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Gajapati and Dhenkanal
Special central officers at the level of additional joint secretaries have been appointed as ‘Prabhari Officers’ on behalf of Centre to co-ordinate the efforts of Centre and States for the scheme.

The officers would inspect the welfare activities to be undertaken by Government of India. The Centre has chalked out action plan for social and economic development apart from providing basic amenities to people in these districts.

All the welfare programmes under the scheme will be implemented through the Collectors of the respective districts, which would be closely supervised by the Odisha cadre officials who are currently on deputation.

Collectors have also been asked to prepare District Action Plan spelling out the blue print for achieving the target. Various activities would be undertaken in the field of health, education and infrastructure development.

Initially, 115 districts of the country have been identified, according to union minister of tribal affairs, Jual Oram.