Welfare Scheme Management and Cultural Tourism in Orissa (A Study on Ganjam)

The book is the first of its kind to present an accurate picture of the Welfare Schemes introduced by the Central and State Government of Odisha and their implementation, management alongwith the development of Cultural Tourism in the district of Ganjam. For the socio-economic upliftment of the rural poor, the Government has implemented many welfare schemes like Indira Awas, Marnata, Annapurna, Mission Shakti, Jalanidhi, Swatcha Bharat. Ujjala, old age pension, etc.

Both pros and cons of these schemes have been studied in this book very impartially and critically. The beneficiaries were interviewed to ascertain to what extent they have been exploited by the middle man and the govt. officials. To sum up the balance sheet of Welfare Scheme Management and Cultural Tourism in Orissa, it may appear appropriate to say that as in many other parts in India so too in Ganjam certain welfare schemes were quite helpful for the socio and economic upliftment of the rural poor even though the exploitations of the middle man and officials was conspicuous.

This book will be appreciated by the teachers, researchers, tourists, policy makers and the general readers who are interested to know the different aspects of the Welfare Scheme Management and Cultural Tourism in Orissa.

Siba Prasanna Pathy: Hailing from Hinjilicut in the district Ganjam of Odisha, Dr. Siba Prasanna Pathy (born in 1980) obtained his M.A. degree in History in 2003, P.G. Diploma in Tourism and Indian Monuments in 2008 and Ph.D. degree in 2017 from Berhampur University.

He has published a number of research papers in the different peer reviewed National and International Journals and Edited Volumes. He was serving as a Guest Lecturer in Retail Management in Community College, Khallikote Cluster University, Berhampur, Ganjam (Odisha). At present he is serving as a Guest Lecturer, P.G. Dept. of History, Khallikote Cluster University, Berhampur, Ganjam (Odisha).

The main concern of this work is to present an accurate picture of the Welfare Schemes introduced and their Management alongwith the development of Cultural Tourism in the district of Ganjam. This topic has been chosen because no work has so far been done on this neglected field of study from historical point of view. The development of a district is mainly depended on the development of the rural poor. For the socio and economic upliftment of the rural poor the Govt. has implemented many welfare schemes like Indira Awas, Mamata, Annapurna, Mission Shakti, Jalanidhi, old age pension, etc. Through some cultural performances like Bagha Nacha, Ghuduki Nacha, Ranapa Nacha, Bharata Leela, Dasakathia, Sakhi Nacha, etc. the artists also improved their economic conditions.

Both pros and cons of these schemes have been studied in this book very impartial and critically the beneficiaries were interviewed to ascertain to what extent they have been exploited by the middle man and the govt. officials. To sum up the balance sheet of Welfare Scheme Management and Cultural Tourism in Orissa, it may appear appropriate to say that as in many other parts in India so too in Ganjam certain welfare schemes were quite helpful for the socio and economic upliftment of the rural poor even though the exploitations of the middle man and officials was conspicuous.

For the preparation of this dissertation, I have received help from many corners, without which the task would have become impossible. I have consulted the records, reports, returns, studies, data/figures available with concerned agencies and departments of the State Government, DRDA office, BDO offices and further we have interviewed the beneficiaries, local leaders, Panchayat officials, NGOs etc. I sincerely offer my gratitude to all of them. My special thanks are due to the beneficiaries under various schemes of the government for their support and cooperation during my visit in connection with my field work.

Ganjam district is situated in the coastal region of Odisha state surrounded by Puri and Khurda districts in the east: Gajapati and Phulbani (Kandhamal) districts in the west, Nayagarh in the north and the Bay of Bengal in the south east and Andhra Pradesh in the south Ganjam district is located between 19°00' and 2017 of the Northern Latitude and 84 9' to 85°11' of Eastern Longitude.

The district of Ganjam came into existence with effect from 1" April 1936 after it got separated from Madras Presidency and became a part of Odisha province constituted from that date. However mention of Ganjam district is found in pre-independence census but the present district of Ganjam was formed in 1992.

The name 'Ganjam' means 'Granery of the World'. The literal meaning of Ganjam is the source of foodgrain and as this district is famous for food grain production and trade, it is named as Ganjam. The inhabitants of this district are hardworking and painstaiking. This district has contributed a lot to the making of Odisha state and its progress. It has played a great role in the politics of Odisha as four Chief Ministers of Odisha belong to this district. The Rishikulya and Badanadi river passes through Ganjam district and there exists a 3.824 feet high mountain, named Barama. There are many important places like Jaugada, Potagada, Tara Tarini, Gopalpur-on-sea, Narayani, Kalijai in Chilika, Nirmalajhar, Panchama, Siddha Vairabi, Buddhakhol, Byghra Devi, Biranchi Narayan, Singhasini, Budhithakurani of Berhampur etc. in this district. Ganjam is also accepted for its medical college, horn works, salt factory, silver works, applique works and spinning mills.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages