Bhubaneswar, 20 June (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday reaffirmed his government's commitment to transforming the state through good governance, industrial development, social justice and inclusive welfare initiatives. Addressing a state-level function marking the completion of two years of the Odisha government, the Chief Minister described the occasion as a historic and proud moment for the state, particularly as it coincided with the birthday of President Droupadi Murmu and was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Extending his heartfelt greetings to President Droupadi Murmu on her 68th birthday, Majhi said her life symbolizes dedication, service and perseverance. He noted that her journey from a modest tribal village in Mayurbhanj district to the highest constitutional office in the country serves as an inspiration for women and citizens across India.

“The rise of President Murmu from a humble tribal background to the office of the President of India is a testament to her hard work, commitment to public service and unwavering faith in democratic values,” the Chief Minister said while wishing her a long, healthy and fulfilling life.

Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Majhi expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s continued support and affection for Odisha. He pointed out that since the formation of the state government, Modi has visited Odisha eight times, including during the swearing-in ceremony, the first anniversary celebrations and the current second-anniversary event.

“Every visit of the Prime Minister has brought new opportunities and developmental initiatives for Odisha. His trust, support and vision have become a major strength for the state's growth,” Majhi said.

Highlighting the achievements of the Narendra Modi-led Union Government over the last 12 years, the Chief Minister said several landmark welfare schemes launched since 2014 have positively impacted people across all sections of society. He credited the Prime Minister’s leadership for bringing governance closer to citizens and accelerating India's development trajectory.

Majhi also outlined the major welfare initiatives implemented by the Odisha government during its first two years in office. These include the Subhadra Yojana for women, Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, Krushak Samruddhi Yojana for farmers, Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School Scheme, Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana for senior citizens and the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance programme in the state.

In a significant policy announcement, the Chief Minister highlighted the government's decision to provide free education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level. He said Odisha is emerging as one of the pioneering states in the country to adopt such an expansive educational support framework.

He further stated that long-pending reservations for socially and educationally backward communities have been implemented and extended across general, technical and medical education institutions, ensuring greater access to educational opportunities.

On the industrial front, Majhi said Odisha has become one of the most attractive investment destinations in the country. He noted that the “Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha” initiative has triggered a new wave of industrialisation that will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047.

According to the Chief Minister, the state has so far inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 152 industrial projects involving investments worth ₹3.11 lakh crore. These projects are expected to generate approximately 2.5 lakh employment opportunities. In addition, more than 44,000 government jobs have been provided during the period.

Majhi said industrial projects are now being established in 29 of Odisha’s 30 districts, ensuring balanced regional development and expanding economic opportunities across the state. He expressed confidence that Odisha would soon witness “reverse migration,” with people from other states coming to Odisha in search of employment opportunities.

Emphasising the benefits of the “double-engine government” at the Centre and in the state, the Chief Minister said Odisha has received unprecedented infrastructure support, including railway projects worth ₹90,000 crore, road projects worth ₹40,000 crore, port development projects worth ₹25,000 crore and shipbuilding and ship-repair cluster projects valued at another ₹25,000 crore.

He also highlighted the ₹80,000-crore petrochemical project being developed at Paradip and the proposed Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Corridor, which is expected to attract investments of around ₹5,000 crore.

“The launch and foundation laying of projects worth nearly ₹50,000 crore during the Prime Minister’s visit reflects the confidence of the Centre in Odisha’s future and the state’s growing role in India’s development story,” Majhi said.

Reiterating his government's commitment to inclusive development, the Chief Minister said significant progress has been made in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, livelihood generation and industrial growth over the past two years. He asserted that the government remains dedicated to improving the lives of women, farmers, youth, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward communities and economically weaker sections.

Majhi concluded by expressing confidence that under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance and with the support of the people, Odisha would emerge as one of India’s leading states and play a vital role in the nation’s journey towards becoming a developed country.

The event was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with several ministers, Members of Parliament and other public representatives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda