Bhubaneswar, Dec 26: The Odisha government has decided to introduce a mandatory three-year defect liability period (DLP) for all projects costing more than ₹10 lakh under the Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha scheme, official sources said.
The DLP will come into effect from the date of completion of a project. Earlier, there was no such provision, which, sources said, often led to compromises in the quality of works executed under the scheme.
Emphasising that quality will not be compromised, the government is also considering provisions for penal action and recovery of funds from contractors in cases of substandard work. A formal notification in this regard is expected to be issued shortly.
In addition, the state government has formulated a new framework to strengthen community participation and enhance transparency in the selection and execution of projects under the scheme, which aims to accelerate inclusive rural development.
The revised framework is also expected to address issues related to delays in project approval and completion.
The new process adopts a more participatory and bottom-up approach to improve accountability in implementation. Under the revised guidelines, need-based project proposals will be invited from members of panchayati raj institutions, elected representatives including MPs and MLAs, and civil society members.
Notices inviting proposals will be displayed at collectorate, zilla parishad, block and gram panchayat offices, as well as on district web portals.
The Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha scheme has replaced the previous BJD government’s Ama Odisha, Naveen Odisha programme. A budgetary provision of ₹2,000 crore has been made for the scheme in the 2025–26 financial year.
