Bhubaneswar: Odisha worked “as if there is no tomorrow”, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Saturday while rolling out a string of welfare schemes for women, farmers, students and vulnerable groups, as he showcased his administration’s push to transform the state as a fast-emerging growth hub under the “double-engine” governance.
Majhi Hails Golden Chapter in Odisha’s History
Speaking at an event marking the second anniversary of his government, and attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district, Majhi described the occasion as a “golden chapter” in Odisha’s history. He hailed Murmu’s journey from a tribal village to the Rashtrapati Bhavan as an inspiration, while crediting Modi for driving both national and state-level transformation.
Key Welfare Initiatives Unveiled
Highlighting key initiatives, Majhi listed programmes such as Subhadra Yojana, Krushak Samrudhi Yojana and expansion of Ayushman Bharat, alongside the recent decision to make education free from KG to PG — a move he said was a first in the country. These schemes aim to benefit women, farmers, and students across the state.
Infrastructure and Investment Boost
Underscoring the benefits of a ‘double-engine’ government and Centre’s backing, the CM pointed to investments in railways (Rs 90,000 crore), roads (Rs 40,000 crore), ports and shipbuilding clusters (Rs 50,000 crore combined), besides a Rs 80,000 crore petrochemical project in Paradip. He also cited a Rs 5,000 crore Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip economic corridor as evidence of accelerated infrastructure push. Majhi said projects worth around Rs 50,000 crore launched at the event further highlight the impact of coordinated governance.
Industrial Growth and Job Creation
Pitching Odisha’s industrial rise, Majhi said 152 projects worth Rs 3.11 lakh crore had been grounded or inaugurated in two years, creating about 2.5 lakh jobs, while over 44,000 government jobs were also provided. Industries are coming up in 29 of 30 districts, he said, calling it an “inclusive industrialisation” drive.
Reversing Migration and National Leadership
Expressing confidence of reversing migration, Majhi said Odisha would soon attract workers from other states. Linking state growth to national leadership, he praised Modi’s 12-year tenure, remarking, “There is a little bit of Modi in everyone’s life.” He added, “Your trust, love and cooperation are our greatest assets,” referring to PM Modi’s visits to Odisha, eighth in two years since the BJP formed the government.
