Pradeep Kumar Subudhi
Bhubaneswar, May, 15: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) manifesto, which outlines a comprehensive development plan across various sectors, has garnered both optimism and some skepticism from the people of Odisha. One of the standout promises in the manifesto is the provision of free electricity.
The BJD has assured voters that households using up to 100 units of electricity will receive zero bills. Additionally, those consuming 100 to 150 units will receive a 50 percent subsidy on their electricity bills.
This move is expected to benefit nearly 90 percent of the total population in the state, including both rural and urban areas.
Citizens have lauded this promise as a vital step toward uplifting farmers and alleviating financial burdens for many households.
The manifesto places significant emphasis on youth empowerment. Under a youth budget of Rs 1 lakh crore, the BJD plans to create schemes based on suggestions from the state’s youth.
These initiatives will focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, education, and employment. The Nabin Odisha Youth budget aims to make a positive impact on the youth of Odisha.
The manifesto also highlights the importance of Odia culture, language, and heritage. It includes provisions such as Rs 1,000-crore heritage development fund to preserve culturally significant places, promotion of Odia as a classical language with a dedicated fund and centre of excellence at Sambalpur University for research on Western Odisha languages.
The promise of free electricity and the focus on youth empowerment and cultural preservation could indeed be game-changers for the BJD in the upcoming elections. However, as with any manifesto, its impact will ultimately depend on effective implementation and delivery of these promises.
