Bhubaneswar: As Odisha joined the nation in celebrating the 80th Independence Day on Saturday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi asserted that the government is taking concrete steps to ensure prosperity in the state by 2036.
Addressing the people after hoisting the National Flag at Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister highlighted India’s glorious freedom struggle, the monumental strides made under proactive national leadership, and the state government’s targeted roadmap for a “Viksit Odisha.”
Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters, Majhi paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Veer Surendra Sai, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, and legendary tribal leaders of the Paika Rebellion like Buxi Jagabandhu and Jayee Rajguru.
Odisha’s rich legacy of resistance, from the Paika Bidroha of 1817 to various tribal uprisings, formed an integral backbone of India’s freedom movement, he said.
Highlighting major success in strengthening internal security, the Chief Minister said the coordinated efforts of the central and state leadership have successfully brought an end to Left-Wing Extremism in Odisha, paving the way for accelerated infrastructure and development in previously affected districts.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to quality education, Majhi said the government has made education entirely free from KG to PG across all state-run schools, colleges, and universities. Additionally, free textbooks will now be extended to students of Classes 9 and 10 alongside midday meal provisions.
Hailing the role of farmers and Narisakti – women, the Chief Minister reiterated continuous support through initiatives like PM-Kisan, CM-Kisan, the Subhadra scheme, and Lakhpati Didi programs, ensuring financial independence and social security for millions.
Noting that Odisha has attracted Rs 21 lakh crore in investment proposals over the past two years, the Chief Minister said project worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore have already been inaugurated or grounded. This industrial surge is generating employment and driving a wave of reverse migration back to the state.
Majhi said the state is currently allocating 6.5% of its GSDP—the highest proportionately in the country—toward infrastructure. Key projects include the BKPPER economic zone, the Puri International Airport, and three major expressways (Namo Express Way and Atal Express Way) involving an investment of Rs 31,000 crore.
In a major relief for job aspirants, the Chief Minister announced that the upper age limit for government employment has been increased from 32 to 42 years, and the cap of six attempts for the Odisha Civil Services examination has been removed.
The Chief Minister urged the citizens of Odisha to unite with a renewed sense of Odia Asmita (Odia identity) and pride. He declared that the upcoming decade belongs to Odisha, setting clear milestones: “Samrudha Odisha” by 2036 and contributing significantly to a “Vikasit Bharat” by 2047.
