Bhubaneswar, Jan 26: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid out an ambitious development blueprint for the state, aiming for inclusive growth, strong governance, and extensive industrialisation, during his address at the Republic Day celebrations at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Majhi highlighted the importance of the Constitution, stressing its guarantee of equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of caste, religion, colour, or gender, and emphasized the vital role of fundamental duties in fostering an ideal democratic society.
Reflecting on Odisha’s journey of rapid development over the past 19 months, the Chief Minister expressed his confidence in the state's trajectory, aiming for Odisha to be among the top five states in India by 2036, marking its 100th year of formation. He called for a collective effort from every citizen, region, and district to ensure that this vision of a "Prosperous Odisha" becomes a reality.
The Chief Minister also focused on the state’s commitment to embracing technological advancements and innovation. He noted that Odisha’s development model prioritises the welfare of farmers, youth, women, and the poor, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Majhi reiterated Odisha’s focus on providing quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure to ensure that no one is left behind in the development process.
In his address, Majhi highlighted the major strides the state has made in various welfare initiatives. He announced that primary and higher education would undergo a complete transformation, with new model schools like the one being built at Banpur offering world-class infrastructure and skilled teachers. Underlining the state’s commitment to quality learning, Majhi revealed that Odisha is one of the few states investing over 14 per cent of its total budget in education.
On the healthcare front, Majhi mentioned the success of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, benefiting around 3.5 crore people in the state. Additionally, Ayushman Vayo Vandana for senior citizens has been launched to support elderly citizens.
Women’s empowerment was a key focus of the Chief Minister’s speech. He proudly announced that more than one crore women have benefited from the Subhadra scheme in just eight months, with nearly 30 per cent of the state budget (Rs 89,862 crore) earmarked for women-centric programmes. He also emphasized Odisha’s leadership in the Lakhpati Didi initiative, treating women’s empowerment as a commitment, not just a slogan. Majhi reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women, citing a significant increase in conviction rates, from 6.9 per cent in 2023 to 41 per cent in the first half of 2025, and crossing 62 per cent by June.
Majhi acknowledged the contribution of farmers, calling them “annadatas,” and announced that the government is procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal for both kharif and rabi seasons. Through various schemes, the annual income of farming families has increased by at least Rs 61,000. The state is also focusing on crop diversification, fisheries, animal husbandry, and allied activities to further boost farmers' incomes.
On infrastructure and governance reforms, the Chief Minister introduced the Odisha State Road Policy 2025 and a new AI Policy, aimed at ensuring transparent and efficient administration. He announced that 300 industrial projects worth Rs 7.7 lakh crore have been approved in the last 19 months, with 85 projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore already inaugurated or in progress, creating approximately 1.65 lakh jobs. Majhi assured that industrialisation efforts would extend to every district, contributing to the state’s overall growth.
Majhi also emphasised efforts to reduce regional disparities through dedicated development councils for western, southern, and northern Odisha. He announced plans to open sub-registrar offices in most tehsils and focus on tribal development to improve access to essential services.
In terms of governance, the Chief Minister highlighted that over 400 government services are now available online, and grievance redressal has been strengthened with direct public hearings. He introduced a new initiative, where Mondays will be dedicated solely to grievance hearings at all levels.
Reaffirming his commitment to combating corruption, Majhi vowed that no corrupt officials would be spared, regardless of their political affiliation. He proudly stated that Odisha’s vigilance machinery has become one of the strongest in the country.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister highlighted the coming years as "years of opportunity" for the youth of Odisha, with both government and private sectors set to create large-scale employment opportunities across the state.
