Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi Applauds Union Budget 2026-27 as Growth-Oriented and Youth-Centric
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday hailed the Union Budget 2026-27 as a growth-oriented and youth-centric financial plan, emphasizing that it includes several initiatives poised to directly benefit Odisha and accelerate its development trajectory. In his reaction to the Budget, Majhi stated that the Centre's strategic focus on infrastructure, critical minerals, tourism, and employment would significantly strengthen Odisha's economy while ensuring inclusive growth for all sections of society.
Empowering Youth and Boosting Infrastructure
Majhi described the Budget as one that empowers the youth by prioritizing skill development across various sectors. This approach, he noted, will enable young Indians to compete effectively on a global scale and contribute meaningfully to nation-building efforts. The CM welcomed the substantial allocation of Rs 12.2 lakh crore for public capital expenditure in 2026-27, calling it a strong push for infrastructure-led growth that will have far-reaching positive impacts.
Odisha-Specific Initiatives and Economic Benefits
Expressing gratitude to the Centre, Majhi highlighted several Odisha-specific initiatives announced in the Budget:
- A dedicated rare earth corridor aimed at mining, processing, research, and capacity building in critical minerals, which is expected to reduce import dependence and support high-tech industries.
- The operationalisation of National Waterway-5 in the first phase of 20 new waterways, linking mineral-rich Talcher and Angul with Paradip and Dhamra ports. This move is anticipated to ease logistics and lower transport costs significantly.
- A proposed eastern coastal development push, development of tourism destinations in Purvodaya states, and 'turtle trails' near key nesting sites to promote eco-tourism.
Other key takeaways for Odisha include an enhanced focus on city economic regions, higher rural employment under the revamped Vikasit Bharat-Rozgar Guarantee and Aajeevika (Gramin) scheme, and support for high-value coastal agriculture such as coconut, cashew, and sandalwood.
State Government's Alignment with Budget Vision
Speaking to mediapersons in Sonepur, CM Majhi affirmed that the state government would align its industrial strategy with the Budget's vision. This includes a special emphasis on setting up textile units in cotton-growing districts like Balangir, Kalahandi, and Subarnapur, and promoting district-specific industries based on local potential. State BJP president Manmohan Samal also praised the budget and its allocation for Odisha, reinforcing the positive reception from the ruling party.
Opposition Criticism and Disappointment
In stark contrast, former CM and leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed strong disappointment with the Budget, alleging that it had failed to offer any meaningful benefits to Odisha. Patnaik criticized the Centre for largely ignoring the state and its people despite high expectations from the 'double-engine' government.
Naveen stated that the people of Odisha had hoped the Budget would provide fresh growth momentum through major investments in infrastructure, job creation, and enhanced allocations. "Instead, Odisha has received very little," he said, adding that the overall thrust appeared skewed towards exploiting the state's natural resources without adequate returns for its people.
Specific Concerns Raised by Opposition
While welcoming the proposal to establish a rare earth corridor, Naveen flagged concerns over repeated announcements on national waterways to link mineral-rich areas with ports, calling it a decade-old proposal with little progress on the ground. He also criticized the exclusion of Odisha from the proposed seven high-speed rail corridors, labeling it a major setback for the state's connectivity and development.
Furthermore, Naveen pointed out the omission of Odisha from the Buddhist circuit development scheme, despite the state being home to important Buddhist heritage sites, including the 'Diamond Triangle'. "As the Budget stands, Odisha is being tapped for its resources but ignored when it comes to people-centric allocations," he asserted, urging the state BJP government to take responsibility and ensure Odisha receives its rightful dues from the Centre.
The divergent views highlight the political divide over the Budget's impact on Odisha, with the ruling party celebrating its potential benefits and the opposition decrying perceived neglect.
