Nabarangpur, 22nd July 2025:Due to weaknesses in the implementation of the MGNREGA scheme, nearly 35,000 people from Nabarangpur district migrate each year as seasonal (Dadan) laborers. Calling this a matter of great shame, Panchayati Raj Minister Ravi Naik, during his two-day district tour, made a strong statement while laying the foundation stone of a local Kalyan Mandap .
He said, “The fact that 35,000 people migrate every year for labor work is disgraceful. We are now taking a pledge to transform Nabarangpur into a Dadan-free district in the coming days. With collective effort, the district will reach new heights of development.”
Speaking at a development-oriented foundation-laying ceremony organized by the district administration, Minister Naik emphasized that concrete measures are needed to stop migration. He urged officials to identify the reasons behind migration, prepare a list of Dadan workers, and submit it to the district administration. Efforts should be made to create employment opportunities in the villages so that locals can be engaged there itself. He added that this challenge requires not just government intervention but also community participation.
On this occasion, foundation stones were laid for 251 projects worth ₹158.60 crore in various departments across the district. Major projects included:
A drinking water project under the Jal Jeevika Mission worth Rs 18.28 crore,
12 projects under the Rural Development Department worth Rs 62.64 crore,
50 Panchayat-level Mahasangha buildings under the Mission Shakti Department worth Rs 15 crore,
109 Anganwadi centers worth Rs 13.8 crore,
62 additional classroom buildings worth Rs 11.63 crore,
3 rural roads worth Rs 16.07 crore,
And 5 bridges worth Rs 21.27 crore.
In addition to the foundation laying, government benefits under various schemes were distributed to eligible beneficiaries.
Distinguished guests at the event included:
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond
Nabarangpur MLA Gaurishankar Majhi
Jharigaon MLA
Nabarangpur Municipality Chairperson Kunu Nayak
District Collector Dr. Shubankar Mahapatra
CDO Biranchi Narayan Darwan,
along with officials from various departments and hundreds of beneficiaries and locals who attended the event.