Dikhyaa Mohanty The Action Plan for each ward under the Mukhyamantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan (MUKTA) for the FY2023–24 has just been approved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, advancing the state’s aim of building inclusive cities and improving the liveability of all sections across urban Odisha. Following the 5T concept, 115 ULBs in the state are expected to undertake a total of 10,945 projects this fiscal year at a cost of Rs 833.21 Cr. The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has already sent sanction orders to the ULBs in this regard, detailing the number of projects particular to each ULB as well as the allowed budget. Through community partnerships, these initiatives will be carried out under the direction of the Mission Shakti SHGs (MSGs) and Slum Dwellers Associations (SDAs).
“Now, the time has come to gear up for successful implementation of all the approved projects by December 2023”, said Sarada Prasad Panda, Director, State Urban Development Agency (SUDA)-cum-State Nodal Officer for MUKTA.
Building the knowledge, abilities, and capacities of the MSGs that are collaborating for the implementation of MUKTA, in Panda’s opinion, is crucial for the successful execution of the projects that have been approved. Building the capacity of community partners will not only improve their project management abilities but will also reduce the community’s reliance on outside specialists for information and resources to address challenges in the community and will equip them with the skills necessary to take the initiative and come up with solutions on their own.
The Department has made extensive preparations to launch a significant state-wide capacity building training (CBT) program, which will also capacitate the implementing municipal officers and professionals involved with the execution of MUKTA, with the goal of empowering the community partners. This effort is being led by Principal Secretary G Mathi Vathanan.
“A meticulously planned CBT encompassing training of MSG/SDA leaders and the officials is being rolled out from 22nd June onwards with the technical support from Urban Management Centre (UMC). Professionals of UMC and the professionals of SUDA will jointly impart the training and closely handhold and mentor the MSGs for effective implementation of the MUKTA projects on the ground.” informed Panda.
