The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to involve local public representatives (Sarpanches) in the decision-making process for new projects under a scheme aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure development.
The ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme was introduced by the state government in July 2023. However, the team responsible for finalizing projects under this scheme does not currently include local Sarpanches.
Several petitions were filed in the high court in October last year, requesting the inclusion of local Sarpanches in the project decision-making process.
A single bench of Justice B P Routray has directed the state government to consult with local public representatives before selecting any project under the developmental scheme.
Petitioners, including Prajit Kumar Bhoj and others, argued before the court that the state government’s decision to rely solely on government officials for shortlisting and finalizing projects for the scheme was flawed. They emphasized that involving Sarpanches in the scheme would contribute to empowering villages.
“The Sarpanches play a crucial role in any development project in villages, and their involvement should not be overlooked,” argued the petitioner’s counsel.
