Chatrapur: In a landmark step that would bring transformation in the lives of over thousands of people in Ganjam district, as many as 38 forest and unsurveyed villages have been recognized as ‘revenue’ villages in the district.
Ganjam district has set a good example in the country in bringing these unsurveyed villages under the scope of survey and giving them revenue status.
The move will benefit to more than 6,000 people living in these forest villages. They will now lead a new life with recognition of their villages as revenue village under the Forest Right Act and get the essential government welfare schemes and programmes.
The recognized 38 villages include five villages of Kodala tahasil, seven villages in Dharakote tahasil, 13 villages each in Polasara and Surada tahasils. The villages have been accorded the revenue status after the approval from Board of Revenue, Odisha.
The recognition came following the sustained efforts by Ganjam Collector, forest officials and other related department officials.
The villagers can now get land ownership rights, caste-income-housing certificate. It will be possible to open government offices in these villages. Previously, they were deprived of basic facilities.