Bhubaneswar, 15 August (H.S.) Marking the 79th Independence Day at PMG Square, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday paid homage to freedom fighters, condemned terrorism, and outlined his government’s development roadmap with a focus on women, farmers, the poor, and youth.

The CM lauded the Union government and the armed forces for their role in Operation Sindoor, which he said eliminated nine terrorist hideouts and 11 Pakistani military posts. He urged citizens to strengthen Vocal for Local and Make in India initiatives, while stressing the importance of national security.

Reviewing his government’s 14 months in office, Majhi described it as the start of a “new journey of development,” listing achievements in employment, industry, education, healthcare, and welfare schemes. He reported that 28,392 government posts had been filled, recruitment was underway for 34,500 more, and approvals for 22,896 vacancies were imminent. The state aims to surpass its two-year target of 65,000 jobs, potentially reaching 85,000.

In the private sector, Majhi welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of a semiconductor project in Odisha, predicting a boost to the electronics and IT ecosystem. He also announced a pharma conclave to attract domestic and global investors, aiming to make Odisha a pharmaceutical hub generating an estimated 2.5 lakh jobs.

Women’s empowerment featured prominently in his address, with over 1 crore women enrolled under the Subhadra Yojana, each receiving Rs 15,000 in the third tranche of assistance. The current budget allocates Rs 89,861 crore for women-focused programmes. Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy on crimes against women, Majhi announced intensified crackdowns on narcotics and organised crime. All college and university campuses will be declared “safe zones” with bans on alcohol and drugs, supported by the Shaktishri campus safety programme and fast-track grievance mechanisms.

In education, the CM announced the establishment of Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools in every panchayat, implementation of NEP, PM-USHA, PM-SHRI, and NIPUN Odisha, as well as stipends under the Shaheed Madho Singh scheme. Mid-day meals will now be extended to Class 10. He also declared an 11.25% reservation in higher education for socially and educationally backward communities and plans to institutionalise undergraduate internships under NEP.

In healthcare, Majhi said Odisha has integrated Ayushman Bharat with Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bayo Bandana for citizens aged 70+, achieving 82% coverage. Around 4 lakh beneficiaries have received treatment worth Rs 936 crore. The state now has 12 government medical colleges, with new institutions coming up in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur. Plans to upgrade Berhampur Medical College to “AIIMS+” status are in motion, alongside the creation of 2,250 budget beds for patient attendants.

Closing his address, the CM appealed to citizens to safeguard unity, honour soldiers’ sacrifices, and support Indian manufacturing, concluding with “Jai Jagannath.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda