Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi returned to Bhubaneswar on Monday night after his four-day visit to New Delhi, and asserted that Odisha is set to witness a big change in next five years with its own efforts and Centre’s cooperation.
The Chief Minister, who was received by a host of Ministers and senior leaders at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), briefed reporters on the demands presented by him at the governing council meeting of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi on July 27.
The CM said he has given several proposals for the development of the state. The list of demands included special measures to make the state an industry hub along with substantial growth of the IT sector as ‘Viksit Odisha’ will be a key contributor to the ambitious goal of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has special focus on Odisha, he said the state has sought support for establishment of large-scale port-based industrial zones in areas surrounding the existing ports of Dhamra and Gopalpur.
Dedicated budget allocations and quick clearances from the Union government for various infrastructure projects – Industrial Parks and Corridors, Electricity Grids, Railway Infrastructure and enhanced air connectivity.
The CM said he also mentioned about ‘Vikshit Odisha’ roadmap envisioned by his government.
Majhi said the people of Odisha have given a clear mandate to his government to collaborate with the Union Government and accelerate the pace of development of the state.
“The year 2036 marks the completion of 100 years of the Statehood of Odisha. Hence, the next 12 years are crucial for us. We have started working on a strategy to stimulate high growth to realise the dream of Viksit Odisha by 2036, leading eventually to Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
On soaring potato price, Majhi said he has held discussion with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the issue and sought steps to ensure normal supply of the tuber to Odisha.
Stating that the West Bengal CM’s response was positive and supply of potato from her state is gradually stabilising, he said potato price is expected to come down soon.
“I don’t believe in writing letters. Therefore, I met Mamata Banerjee and held discussion with her directly,” the CM said.
Majhi further said that he held a discussion with his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N. Chandrababu Naidu about the controversial Polavaram project. A Chief Ministerial-level meeting will be held soon to find solution about the issue, he said, adding that a proposal in this regard was given during the NITI Aayog meeting and Andhra Pradesh CM has agreed for the same.
