Odisha Reviews Welfare Schemes with Union Social Justice Ministry

Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg met with Union Social Justice Secretary Sudhansh Pant on August 21, 2026. They met to review how welfare schemes are doing. The talk focused on social inclusion, education, and income support for poor families.

Main points from the review:

• Under Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, 1,519 out of 2,033 chosen villages across 30 districts are now model villages.
• During 2025-26, the state gave post-matric scholarships to 2,38,109 SC students and pre-matric support to nearly one lakh students.
• PM Yashasvi scheme helped 4,71,572 students from backward classes with scholarships.
• Work to stop drug abuse continues through Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, and 41 rehab centers are running now.
• Odisha State Transgender Welfare Board gave out 3,159 identity cards and provided money help to 58 self-help groups.

Goals for the future

Officials also talked about long-term goals for Viksit Odisha 2036 and 2047. They plan to improve support for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.