Dharmendra Pradhan Highlights Welfare Push in Bargarh, Calls It a Priority for Double-Engine Govt

By A Staff Reporter

Bargarh, Odisha — Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to uplifting the people of western Odisha during the ‘Garib Kalyan Vikas Samabesh’ event held in Bargarh, a key hub of the state’s agricultural economy.

Addressing a large gathering, Pradhan said, “The double-engine government is committed to Bargarh — a major centre of the agricultural economy in Odisha — and to explore how we can help Bargarh, its farmers, backward classes, and underprivileged sections reach new heights of success.”

The event, aimed at highlighting the welfare measures and development-oriented initiatives of the central and state governments, saw discussions around a series of flagship schemes. These included enhanced rice procurement, support under the Subhadra Scheme for women, promotion of Lakhpati Didis (women-led self-help groups), and for the first time in the state, reservation for backward classes — all of which, Pradhan said, are designed to empower the most vulnerable.

“Today, a historic program was organised for the welfare of the poor,” he noted, adding that the enthusiastic public response reflects growing trust in the double-engine model of governance — a reference to BJP-led governments at both the Centre and in various states.