New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Saturday put forth a list of demands, pertaining to development of Odisha, while asserting that ‘Viksit Odisha’ will be a key contributor to the ambitious goal of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
“With our geographical location resource base and demographic composition, we envisage Odisha’s consistent growth at a rate of 8-10% annually, moving from a middle-ranking state to being one of the first bogies in the train of India’s development,” Majhi said at the 9th Meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog in Delhi.
This was in tune with the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the meeting: “Viksit Bharat at 2047 is the ambition of every Indian, states can play active role to achieve this aim.”
KEY DEMANDS OF ODISHA
>> Support for establishment of large-scale port-based industrial zones in areas surrounding the existing ports of Dhamra and Gopalpur. Early transfer of salt pan land of around 4300 acre owned by the central government in Ganjam district to the state government, which wants to leverage Odisha’s long coastline of 480 km by adopting the model of port-led development, positioning it as the gateway to the Eastern and South Eastern Asia and a port of call for neighbouring landlocked states.
>> 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.
>> Financial support for creating disaster resilient infrastructure in power, telecom sectors and coastal saline embankments to minimise the adverse impacts of cyclones and floods.
>> Support for Pumped Hydro Storage Plants (PSPs) projects, Floating Solar Projects and intrastate green energy transmission corridor projects as a potential green economy.
>> Expeditious opening of more numbers of brick & mortar bank branches and ATMs in unbanked/ under-banked gram panchayats to ensure financial inclusion.
>> Support to move up the value chain and produce special metals and alloys for aerospace and defence.
>> Increase in density of railway in Odisha.
>> Incentivising Odisha, which has over over 33% forest cover, for reducing its carbon footprint and rendering ecological services since it limits the state’s ability to utilise land for development projects, affecting its economic growth.
>> Support for attracting foreign direct investment and state-of-the-art technology for design and manufacturing semiconductors to Odisha, which has a growing pool of talented tech professionals, a thriving startup ecosystem and an ambitious Semiconductor Policy.
The CM also mentioned about ‘Vikshit Odisha’ roadmap envisioned by his government.
>> Odisha has a young workforce. Large number of skilled Odia youth have found employment outside the state and abroad. The brand ‘Skilled in Odisha’ is now well recognised. So, we will further improve our skilling and educational ecosystem.
>> Odisha has about 40 % SC &ST population. No meaningful development is possible without including them. In this regard, Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and PM Janjati Unnat Gram Abhiyan are welcome steps towards inclusive development. The state will not only implement these schemes in right earnest, but also special efforts will be made to improve the infrastructure in the backward areas and to improve various development indices in livelihood, education and health sectors.
>> Odisha has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar energy and hydro power. We will harness this potential optimally.
>> Odisha’s 480 km long coastline and water resources can pave the way towards a Blue Economy by exploring marine aquaculture, island tourism, beach tourism, water sports and other niche areas like seaweed cultivation.
>> Odisha has a rich cultural heritage and a unique identity that can be leveraged as a ‘Soft Power’ to promote its interests globally through art, architecture, handloom, handicrafts and dance forms.
Majhi further stated that 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. He said that the first budget, which he presented on July 25, clearly outlines his government’s strategy for taking Odisha to newer heights and to meet the rising aspirations of its people.
Stating that his government has completed 45 days in office, the CM spoke about smooth conduct of the nine-day long world-famous Rath Yatra at Puri and opening of all four gates (Dwaras) of Shree Jagannath Temple for devotees and Bhitara (inner chamber) Ratna Bhandar of the temple after a gap of 46 years.
He mentioned about his government’s decision to launch Subhadra Yojana for empowerment and financial inclusion of women in the state. He added that 800 schools will be developed under PM SHRI in alignment with National to strengthen the education system in the state.
“The year 2036 marks the completion of 100 years of the Statehood of Odisha. Hence, the next decade is 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.
Majhi also expressed his gratitude to the PM for assured support for harnessing Odisha’s tourism potential in Union Budget.
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