Rayagada CDO Akshay Khemundu wins hearts of Dongria Kondhs by surprise visit
By Chandrabhanu Singh
Rayagada, Aug 30: Rayagada Zilla Parishad’s Chief Development Officer (CDO), Akshay Kumar Khemundu, made a surprise visit to remote Dongria Kondh villages under Munikhola Gram Panchayat of Muniguda block on Friday, despite it being a government holiday.
Khemundu first reached the Munikhola Panchayat Office, where he held discussions with the Sarpanch, PEO, GRS, masons, and other field staff. Together, they prepared a plan to ensure that all houses under the PM Awas Yojana are completed by September 30.
He then visited Badadenguni, Sanadenguni, and Sakata villages along with block officials. Due to heavy rain and poor road conditions, he travelled part of the way by motorcycle and then on foot. During the visit, he checked the progress of various government schemes and spoke directly with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) families to see if welfare benefits were reaching them.
The CDO expressed concern over delays in PMAY house construction due to lack of road connectivity and directed officials to provide all possible support to complete them on time. He also stressed promoting goat rearing, piggery, and poultry farming under MGNREGS to help PVTG households become self-reliant.
Khemundu reviewed basic facilities like electricity and drinking water and found them satisfactory. Later, he chaired a review meeting at the Muniguda block office to assess development works in detail.
His unexpected field visit created alertness among officials and joy among villagers, who welcomed the chance to share their concerns directly with the CDO.
Despite continuous drizzle and muddy paths, the young officer’s ground-level inspection earned wide appreciation. Locals said such proactive efforts could help achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s vision of “Viksit Gaon – Viksit Odisha” (Developed Villages – Developed Odisha).
Khemundu’s initiative is now being seen as a model for district administrators across Odisha.
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Photograph: Rayagada CDO Akshay Khemundu (riding pillion in the first motorcycle) on his way to Dongaria Kondh villages on Wednesday.
