A new government, a new beginning
The formation of the Mohan Government marked the beginning of a new political chapter in Odisha. After nearly two-and-a-half decades of uninterrupted rule by the previous government, voters chose change and handed over the reins of power to a new leadership. Yet, questions lingered. Could a first-time Chief Minister from a humble tribal background, supported by a cabinet filled with many new faces, deliver on the high expectations of the people?
The answer, according to the government, began emerging from the very first day. Soon after taking oath, the newly formed cabinet moved directly to Lok Seva Bhawan, signalling that governance would take precedence over celebration. Before accepting bouquets and congratulations, the government set out to implement key promises made to the people.
The reopening of all four gates of the Shree Jagannath Temple, the announcement of a corpus fund for the shrine, the enhancement of paddy procurement price to ₹3,100 per quintal and the launch of the flagship Subhadra Yojana for women became some of the earliest decisions of the new administration. These moves reflected the government's intent to blend cultural identity, welfare and development into its governance model.
Bringing government closer to the people
One of the defining features of the Mohan Government has been its emphasis on accessibility. The administration has sought to remove barriers between citizens and the corridors of power. From farmers and labourers to students and women, people from across the state have increasingly approached the Chief Minister directly with their grievances and demands.
The government claims that prompt redressal of public issues and direct engagement with citizens have strengthened trust between the administration and the people. Supporters describe Mohan Majhi as a "people's Chief Minister" who has made governance more approachable and responsive.
Women at the centre of change
Women empowerment has emerged as one of the government's biggest priorities. Through the Subhadra Yojana, more than one crore women have received direct financial assistance aimed at enhancing economic independence and household security.
The initiative has already witnessed the distribution of four instalments, with over ₹20,600 crore transferred to beneficiaries. Alongside this, Odisha has become one of the leading states in creating Lakhpati Didis, with more than 23 lakh women reportedly achieving annual incomes exceeding ₹1 lakh through self-help group activities and entrepreneurship.
Interest subsidies for self-help groups and large-scale procurement opportunities provided by government departments have further strengthened the financial ecosystem for women-led enterprises.
Investment drives Odisha's growth story
Industrial development has become another key pillar of the government's agenda. Rather than limiting investment promotion to announcements, the Chief Minister personally travelled across India and abroad to engage with investors and industry leaders.
The results, according to official figures, have been significant. Hundreds of industrial proposals have received approval, attracting investments worth several lakh crore rupees and creating lakhs of potential employment opportunities. From manufacturing and metal industries to information technology and emerging sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence, Odisha is positioning itself as a preferred investment destination.
The successful organisation of investment roadshows and the Make in Odisha Conclave has further strengthened the state's industrial ambitions.
Jobs and opportunities for the youth
Employment generation remains one of the most closely watched indicators of any government's performance. Over the last two years, the Mohan Government has undertaken large-scale recruitment drives across departments while also focusing on job creation through industrial expansion.
More than 44,000 government jobs have reportedly been filled within 22 months, while thousands more opportunities have emerged in the private sector. The decision to raise the upper age limit for government jobs to 42 years has been welcomed by job aspirants.
With continued industrialisation and expansion of the IT sector, the government believes that Odisha's youth will gain access to greater employment opportunities in the coming years.
Expanding social justice through education
The government's decision to increase reservation in professional education has been described as a landmark reform. Beginning from the 2026-27 academic session, reservation for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes has been expanded across professional courses, including engineering and medical education.
For the first time, SEBC students will receive reservation benefits in professional education. Similar reservation provisions have already been extended to higher education courses, opening new avenues of opportunity for historically disadvantaged communities.
Healthcare without financial burden
The implementation of Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana has significantly expanded healthcare coverage in Odisha. Millions of families are now eligible for cashless treatment at thousands of hospitals across the country.
The introduction of the Vaya Vandana scheme has also brought healthcare support to senior citizens above the age of 70. Simultaneously, the government has focused on strengthening healthcare infrastructure through recruitment of doctors and paramedics, expansion of medical education and the establishment of new healthcare facilities.
With plans for new medical colleges and nursing institutions, Odisha is seeking to build a stronger healthcare network that reaches both urban and rural populations.
Infrastructure on the fast track
The advantage of a double-engine government has been most visible in infrastructure development. Long-pending projects have received momentum, including the Coastal Highway Project and the proposed Capital Region Ring Road.
The Coastal Highway is expected to transform connectivity along Odisha's coastline, while the Ring Road project promises to improve transportation around the state's urban centres. National Highway expansion projects, improved logistics infrastructure and enhanced connectivity are expected to support both economic growth and regional development.
The road ahead
As the Mohan Government completes two years in office, it is presenting a narrative centred on delivery, development and direct governance. From welfare programmes and industrial investments to healthcare expansion and infrastructure growth, the administration believes it has laid the foundation for a new Odisha.
Whether measured through investments, employment, social welfare or public outreach, the government's second anniversary has become an occasion to showcase what it describes as a transition from promises made to promises fulfilled.
