Thu May 01 15:00:09 UTC 2025: ## Odisha Launches SAHAJOG: Welfare Scheme for Urban Poor
**Bhubaneswar, May 1, 2025** – The Odisha government launched SAHAJOG, a comprehensive initiative aimed at delivering government welfare schemes to the urban poor. The program, inaugurated by State Minister for Housing and Urban Development Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, builds on a successful pilot program involving 5,000 households across six urban local bodies (ULBs).
SAHAJOG employs a multi-pronged approach, including awareness campaigns and doorstep service delivery, to ensure accessibility. Initially focusing on 14 key schemes, including housing assistance (PMAY-Urban), food security, and healthcare access (Ayushman Bharat), the program will initially benefit an estimated 1.5 million residents in 44 ULBs across eight districts with high urban poverty rates. These districts are Khordha, Cuttack, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak. The government plans to expand SAHAJOG statewide eventually.
A fast-track implementation is planned for the first two months, incentivizing community volunteers and frontline workers. Interdepartmental committees at the state and district levels will ensure coordination. The Odisha government frames SAHAJOG as a key component of its “Viksit Odisha” and “Viksit Bharat” missions, aiming for inclusive growth and social welfare.
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