Odisha Cabinet Clears ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’ to Preserve Legacy of Eminent Sons

The state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Wednesday, approved the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana, a comprehensive initiative aimed at honouring the contributions of Odisha’s distinguished freedom fighters, poets, litterateurs, educationists, social reformers and other iconic personalities.

According to an official release, the scheme is designed to move beyond symbolic recognition by creating enduring heritage spaces that inspire future generations and strengthen cultural awareness. By conserving both tangible heritage sites and intangible values, the initiative seeks to promote community participation in heritage conservation while also generating local economic opportunities through tourism and allied activities.

“With the objective of preserving tangible and intangible heritage, promoting community-based cultural conservation and creating localised heritage assets, it is proposed to implement the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’ in the state as a structured, budget-supported intervention,” the release stated.

Under the scheme, the birthplaces or residential homes of eminent personalities will be developed into heritage museums. Supporting infrastructure such as interpretation centres, libraries, conference halls, open-air theatres, children’s parks and other public amenities will be created. Statues and memorials will be erected to commemorate their legacies, while dedicated outlets for local cuisine, handicrafts and handloom products will be set up to support livelihoods. The plan also includes seminars, cultural programmes, discussions and interactive sessions focusing on the lives and ideas of these eminent figures.

The integrated approach aims to preserve heritage, foster cultural consciousness and catalyse sustainable local development. In the first phase, 25 eminent sons of Odisha have been identified for development under the scheme. Financial assistance of up to Rs 15 crore per birthplace will be provided based on actual requirements for development and preservation, with the total estimated expenditure for Phase I pegged at Rs 345 crore.

Based on the outcomes and experience of the initial phase, the government may include locations associated with other eminent personalities in subsequent phases and allocate funds accordingly.

The initiative is expected to enhance Odisha’s standing as a cultural tourism hub, building on its rich legacy of visionary leaders, while reinforcing the state government’s commitment to preserving Odia values and promoting sustainable development rooted in history.