BMC to Launch Ward-Level Survey Under ‘Sahajog’ to Identify Urban Poor

Bhubaneswar:The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch a comprehensive ward-level survey aimed at identifying the urban poor and connecting them with various social welfare schemes of the Odisha government. The initiative is part of the state’s ongoing ‘Sahajog’ programme, which focuses on inclusive development and ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is left behind.

The survey will be conducted across all 67 wards in the capital city. It will focus on identifying individuals and families who qualify for government welfare schemes but have not yet enrolled or availed the benefits. This initiative aims to strengthen last-mile delivery of public services, enhance implementation efficiency at the level of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and raise awareness among economically vulnerable urban populations.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, BMC corporators will work alongside field-level staff and community workers. Together, they will conduct door-to-door visits in various urban areas, including slums, to collect socio-economic data. They will also assist residents with on-the-spot enrolment into key schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), piped water supply, Ayushman Bharat Health Card, Subhadra Yojana, Labour Card and e-Shram Card, Madhubabu Pension Yojana, and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

The Odisha government launched the ‘Sahajog’ initiative in March this year. Initially, it is being implemented across 44 ULBs in eight districts. The programme is supported by the Sahajog mobile application, which enables real-time tracking of beneficiaries and efficient monitoring of scheme implementation.

Senior BMC officials have emphasized that this mission is not only about welfare delivery but also about building trust and direct engagement with the community. The administration aims to make the urban governance system more transparent, responsive, and people-centric through such proactive outreach programmes.