Bargarh MP Seeks Special Development Package for Padampur Sub-Division

Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit urged the Centre to approve a special development package for Padampur sub-division to address recurring drought, inadequate irrigation and drinking water, declining groundwater and limited livelihood opportunities. He submitted the request to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday, 11 August 2026, during a visit to New Delhi. Purohit sought in‑principle approval and a suitable allocation in the forthcoming Union Budget or via a supplementary demand for grants. He also asked the Odisha government, through the Bargarh district administration, to prepare a detailed project report with sector‑wise proposals and financial estimates.

What does the proposed development package cover?

Purohit said the proposed package could cover irrigation, drinking water, watershed development, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, rural connectivity, agro-processing, MSMEs, skill development, healthcare, education, digital infrastructure and climate‑resilient agriculture. He likened the request to the existing KBK special development programme, seeking a similar focused central allocation. The MP emphasized that the package should be designed to improve both farm and non‑farm sectors in the six blocks of Paikmal, Padampur, Jharabandh, Sohela, Bijepur and Gaisilet. He urged the Centre to accord in‑principle approval and provide funds in the upcoming Union Budget or via a supplementary demand for grants.

What specific challenges does Padampur face?

He highlighted that Padampur suffers from recurring drought, inadequate irrigation and drinking water facilities, and declining groundwater levels. The MP noted that the agriculture‑dependent economy faces crop failures, indebtedness and seasonal migration of labour. Industrial development remains minimal because agro‑processing industries, MSME clusters and food‑processing units are largely absent. Pointing to the sub‑division’s location along the Chhattisgarh border, Purohit called for focused central investment in infrastructure and connectivity.

What happens next after the MP’s request?

Purohit hoped the dedicated package would address Padampur’s long‑standing developmental deficits while boosting irrigation, agricultural productivity, employment and industrial growth. He said it would help reduce regional disparities and align with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. To move forward, he sought authorisation for the Odisha government, through the Bargarh district administration, to prepare and submit a detailed project report with sector‑wise proposals and financial estimates. The MP urged the Finance Minister to consider the request for inclusion in the forthcoming Union Budget or a supplementary grant.

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