Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday said the erstwhile Naxal-affected districts of Odisha are witnessing rapid development under ‘Gramodaya Plus’ scheme, months after the state achieved Naxal-free status on March 31.Speaking after flagging off a special train from Bhubaneswar carrying 1,000 residents from 19 Naxal-free districts to Gujarat for the Rashtriya Ekta Divas celebrations on Oct 31, Majhi credited the achievement to coordinated efforts by the Centre and the state govt. DGP (in-charge) Vinaytosh Mishra and DG (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda were present during the flag-off ceremony.“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leadership of Union home minister Amit Shah and the dedicated efforts of security forces, Odisha has emerged free from Maoist influence. Our focus is now on ensuring that former Naxal-affected regions benefit fully from the state’s growth story through improved infrastructure and welfare delivery,” said Majhi.He said the govt is prioritising infrastructure creation, social welfare and economic development in these regions. “Through Gramodaya Plus, welfare schemes are being delivered in an integrated manner to genuine beneficiaries in 10 districts, enabling communities that were once on the margins to become active participants in the development process,” he said.Launched in Oct 2024, the scheme covers 485 villages in Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Rayagada districts, with a focus on improving access to basic amenities and govt services.Officials said the initiative is strengthening road connectivity, healthcare facilities, drinking water supply, solar lighting, education, telecommunications, banking services and agricultural support, helping transform the socio-economic landscape of areas once gripped by Left-wing extremism.