Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched 105 development projects valued at over Rs 18,600 crores, unveiled the “Odisha Vision Document” and flagged off new trains during his visit to the state.
While gracing a grand event held at Bhubaneswar marking the completion of one year of BJP government in Odisha, Modi also launched ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana,’ an initiative for transforming birthplaces of the state’s notable figures into cultural hubs with museums, interpretation centres, statues, libraries, and public spaces to preserve heritage and boost tourism.
In a landmark move to transform grassroots education in Odisha, the ambitious Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya scheme of the state government was launched at the mega event held at Janata Maidan in the state capital.
The initiative aims to establish one model primary school in each of the state’s 6,794 Gram Panchayats, redefining access to quality education in rural areas.
The schools, named after legendary Odia educationist and nationalist Pandit Godabarish Mishra, are envisioned as inclusive, tech-enabled institutions designed in line with the principles of the Right to Education Act (2009) and the National Education Policy (NEP-2020).
The Prime Minister also unveiled Odisha’s Vision Document, focusing on 2036, marking Odisha’s centenary as India’s first linguistic state, and 2047, India’s independence centenary, at a state-level event, celebrating one year of the first BJP government in the state, at Janata Maidan here. The vision aims to transform Odisha into a Dollar 500 billion economy by 2036 and a Dollar 1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
The projects launched by the Prime Minister included drinking water and irrigation, health infrastructure, rural roads and bridges, national highways and railway infrastructure.
Modi flagged off the first passenger train to Boudh district after inaugurating the Sonepur-Purunakatak railway line. Railway projects such as the third and fourth rail lines between Sarla-Sason and the fourth rail line between Jharsuguda-Jamga were also launched.
Additionally, PM Modi flagged off 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system, promoting eco-friendly urban mobility.
Modi also felicitated some women achievers from across the state, who included some “Lakhpati Didis”.
‘Lakhpati Didi’ is an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development focused on empowering women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The goal is to help them achieve an annual household income exceeding Rs one lakh by adopting sustainable livelihood practices.
The state tops the list of creating 16.60 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in the country.
