Usha Padhee Champions Local Empowerment in Jagatsinghpur

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Principal Secretary Usha Padhee engages with Jagatsinghpur’s weavers and dairy farmers, reviewing development projects to empower local communities.

On July 30, 2025, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department and Commerce and Transport Department, Government of Odisha, began a two-day visit to Jagatsinghpur district to assess development initiatives and connect with local communities. Her visit, aimed at strengthening grassroots economies, focused on empowering weavers and dairy farmers, as announced by the Jagatsinghpur district administration via a post on X. Padhee’s hands-on approach underscores Odisha’s commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods through targeted interventions.

On the first day, Padhee visited Bayan Gram in Raghunathpur block, a hub for traditional weaving, where she met with artisans to discuss challenges like market access and raw material costs. She reviewed state schemes, including the Odisha Handloom Promotion Policy, which provides looms and training to enhance productivity, as noted by Pragativadi. Interacting with weavers, Padhee emphasized skill upgradation and market linkage programs, stating, “Empowering our artisans ensures economic resilience and preserves Odisha’s rich heritage,” according to a district official’s statement. Her visit highlighted the government’s push to integrate weavers into e-commerce platforms, boosting their income.

Padhee then toured Amrita Dairy Farm, a cooperative in Raghunathpur, engaging with farmers enrolled in the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, a state scheme offering subsidies for dairy expansion. She inspected facilities and discussed improving milk production and supply chains, critical for rural prosperity. The Odisha Milk Marketing Federation (OMFED) reported a 15% rise in dairy output in Jagatsinghpur due to such initiatives. Padhee assured farmers of continued support, including veterinary services and fodder subsidies, to strengthen the sector, as per Ommcomnews.com.

Her visit aligns with Odisha’s broader vision of Viksit Odisha 2036, emphasizing sustainable development and community-driven growth. Padhee’s interactions, praised by local leaders, reflect a proactive stance on addressing rural challenges. The Jagatsinghpur Collector’s Office confirmed that her recommendations will guide future projects, ensuring tangible benefits for weavers and farmers. This visit reinforces the state’s resolve to uplift marginalized communities through practical, results-oriented policies.