Phulbani (Kandhamal): In a move to honour the legacy of revered Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and his contributions to tribal welfare in Kandhamal, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has decided to rename the Government Medical College and Hospital in Phulbani after the spiritual leader.

Announcing the decision, the Chief Minister said the step aims to preserve the memory and ideals of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, who dedicated his life to the upliftment of tribal communities in the region.

In addition, the state government has sanctioned ₹13 crore from the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance (CMSA) fund for the development of the Swami’s ashram at Jalespata, along with its associated institutions, including the ashram school and girls’ hostel.

Out of the total allocation, ₹5 crore will be spent on constructing a 300-seat girls’ hostel to improve residential facilities for students. Another ₹3 crore has been earmarked for the preservation and development of the saint’s heritage site.

To address water supply needs, a mega river lift project worth ₹60 lakh will be implemented to provide water to the ashram, school, and hostel premises.

The remaining funds will be utilised for infrastructure development, including construction of toilets, additional hostel buildings, boundary walls, classrooms, and renovation of existing hostel facilities.

The Chief Minister emphasised these initiatives are aimed at safeguarding the historical and cultural significance of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s ashram while also improving educational infrastructure in the tribal-dominated district.