Bhubaneswar, Nov. 9: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today formally launched the Gopabandhu Gramin Yojana in Khurda district, reports our correspondent.

The scheme, named after social activist Gopabandhu Das, would be implemented in 11 districts for a period of five years with an estimated cost of Rs 600 crore.

Development of basic infrastructure, including road connectivity, drinking water and power, would be taken up in the 11 districts that have not been covered under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.

Launching the scheme, the chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to rural development .