Sahajog Initiative
The Odisha government has launched Sahajog, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing access to government welfare schemes for the urban poor. Officially inaugurated on May 1, 2025, it seeks to bridge the gap between urban poverty and available state assistance. The programme is designed to ensure last-mile delivery of services to eligible beneficiaries in urban communities.
Objectives of Sahajog
Sahajog aims to identify and connect eligible urban poor families with various welfare schemes. It focuses on increasing awareness and facilitating the delivery of essential services directly to the beneficiaries. The initiative is a response to the pressing needs of economically weaker sections in urban areas.
Implementation Strategy
The programme will operate in a campaign mode from May 1 to June 20, 2025. It will cover 44 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across eight districts, benefiting approximately 15 lakh residents. The districts selected include Khurda, Cuttack, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak.
Welfare Schemes Included
Sahajog will facilitate access to 14 key welfare schemes. These include the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), ration cards under the National Food Security Act, pipe water supply, Ayushman Cards, and the Subhadra Yojana. The initiative is structured to provide comprehensive support to the urban poor.
Community Engagement
Community volunteers and frontline workers will play important role in the execution of Sahajog. They will receive performance-based incentives to encourage active participation. This grassroots involvement is essential for reaching the most vulnerable populations effectively.
Coordination Mechanisms
Interdepartmental committees will be established at both the State and district levels to ensure smooth coordination. District Collectors will chair these committees to oversee the implementation process. This structured approach aims to streamline operations and enhance service delivery.
Future Expansion Plans
After the initial phase, Sahajog is expected to expand to cover all ULBs across Odisha. The initiative will evolve based on feedback and outcomes from the first phase, ensuring continuous improvement in service delivery to urban poor communities.
Alignment with Broader Goals
Sahajog is positioned within the broader context of Odisha’s developmental goals, aligning with the Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat missions. The government aims to accelerate inclusive growth and social welfare across urban sectors through this initiative.
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