Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the state-level Independence Day celebrations at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion, Majhi paid tributes to Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, Nabakrushna Choudhury, Gopabandhu Choudhury, Shaheed Laxman Nayak, Veer Surendra Sai, Shaheed Madho Singh, Chakra Bisoi, Rendo Majhi, Maa Ramadevi, Maa Malati Choudhury, Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, Biju Patnaik, and Maa Parbati Giri for their immense sacrifices.
He also spoke about the Paika Rebellion in Odisha. “The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 is regarded as India’s first war of independence. However, nearly 40 years earlier, in 1817, the Paika Rebellion began in Odisha, marking a milestone in India’s freedom struggle. On this occasion, I offer my respects and tributes to the great patriots and brave warriors like Baxi Jagabandhu and Jayi Rajguru. I also pay my tributes to the brave soldiers of our defence forces and security personnel who sacrificed their lives for the peace and security of the nation.”
He announced a Police Memorial to honour personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
The CM further said that August 15 is not merely a symbolic celebration of the freedom struggle. “It reminds us of the hard-earned independence and urges us to remain vigilant every moment to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation.”
He also highlighted his government’s achievements and shared a development roadmap for Odisha, emphasising improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, alongside welfare initiatives for senior citizens.
“Under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister, plans have been prepared for four key sections of society: women, farmers, the poor, and the youth. To implement these, the government has prioritised four main areas: Livelihood, Infrastructure, Social Development and Empowerment and Odia Identity,” he said.
He also urged citizens to support “Vocal for Local” and wear handloom clothing at least once a week.
The CM also announced plans to make Odisha a pharma hub and a major centre for semiconductor manufacturing, creating over 3.5 lakh jobs. He also promised 85,000 government job recruitments in two years, exceeding the initial 65,000 target.
He added that his government is committed to upgrading Jagannath Dham into a world-class religious and cultural destination and making Puri a metropolitan corporation.
Highlights Of CM’s Speech
Agniveer Training Scheme
Majhi said that 28,392 posts have been filled since the BJP government came to power in the state. “Additionally, the recruitment process for 34,500 posts is underway through various commissions. Furthermore, approval will soon be granted to fill 22,896 vacant posts. We aimed to fill 65,000 government posts in two years, but within this period, at least 85,000 posts will be filled. Our government is moving forward at a rapid pace, not just achieving but surpassing targets in the employment sector.”
He informed about the state’s decision to implement the Agniveer Training Scheme to ensure participation of more youth in the recruitment scheme to serve in the Armed Forces.
Pharma Conclave Next
The CM also spoke about the Union Cabinet’s nod for establishment of a semiconductor industry in Odisha. “This will usher in a revolution in the electronics and IT sectors in the state. Similarly, the pharma sector has been neglected, but the government is planning a Pharma Conclave, which will encourage leading national and international pharma companies to set up facilities in Odisha. In the coming years, Odisha will become a pharma hub, creating over 2.5 lakh jobs in this sector alone.”
Women safety & countering organised crime
The CM stressed his government’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards any crime against women. “No matter how influential or powerful, those who perpetrate violence against women will be behind bars. The police department has been given full authority to take necessary action. The law and order situation in the state is largely under control, but there is a need to make it more effective and robust. One major reason for the rise in crime is the drug trade. Therefore, I have directed that drug prevention efforts in Odisha be intensified, and drug mafias be completely suppressed. From villages to the capital, goondaism will be dealt with firmly. The process of identifying criminals is underway, and the strictest possible punishment will be imposed as per the law. If necessary, the government will not hesitate to enact special laws against organised crime. Extortion, forceful collections, or hafta will be deemed completely illegal and treated as organised crime, with necessary action taken.”
“All educational institutions, especially colleges and universities, will be declared “safe zones,” with a complete ban on alcohol and drug consumption on campuses. Anti-social activities by non-students will be fully suppressed. To provide a safe environment for female students, the “Shaktishree” programme is being implemented. Instructions have been issued to establish mechanisms for swift grievance redressal in all higher education institutions.”
Odia Identity
The CM said that his government is committed to upgrading Jagannath Dham into a world-class religious and cultural destination and making Puri a metropolitan corporation. “A decision has been made to designate Puri as a metropolitan corporation, and work has begun to establish a world-class Shri Jagannath Museum, library, research centre, interpretation centre, and aquarium. Additionally, the use of the Odia language has been made mandatory in official work. Odisha’s great personalities and luminaries are the soul of Odia identity. Their birthplaces and villages remain neglected even today. To address this, the Mahapurush Adarsh Gram Yojana has been formulated to develop the entire gram panchayats of these great personalities as model villages, serving as the highest tribute to them.”
Odisha’s Decade
He said the next decade belongs to Odisha. “By 2036, when we celebrate the centenary of Odisha’s formation as a separate state, Odisha will be a prosperous state and among the top five states in the country. By 2036, the state’s economy will reach $50,000 crore, and by 2047, it will become a $1.5 lakh crore economy. This is certainly achievable because the government has the will, vision, resources, and the cooperation of the people. Building a prosperous Odisha is a collective and inclusive journey for all Odias. With 2036 in mind, we have prepared 36 special programmes for various sectors—“36 for 36.”
Berhampur Medical College To Be Upgraded To AIIMS Plus
He spoke about integrating Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana with other schemes. “Additionally, all senior citizens above 70 years have been included in the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Over 82% of Odisha’s population is covered under these schemes, the highest percentage in the country. So far, 4 lakh beneficiaries have received treatment worth approximately Rs. 936 crore under these schemes. The infrastructure of various hospitals in the state is being upgraded with modern medical facilities. While Odisha currently has 12 government medical colleges, new ones will be established in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur. Efforts are underway to make Odisha’s healthcare system world-class by ensuring a robust health infrastructure and people’s health rights. As part of this, a proposal is in place to upgrade Berhampur Medical College to an AIIMS Plus, which will be implemented soon. For the three largest medical colleges and hospitals in the state, the government is arranging affordable accommodation for relatives accompanying patients, with approximately 2,250 beds being provided.”
Addition 5kg Rice For 11 Dists For 3 Months
He spoke about Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, PM-Janman, and the Chief Minister’s Tribal Livelihood Mission for the holistic development of tribal communities. “For the welfare of the poor, the Prime Minister is providing free rice under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, benefiting over 3.27 crore people in Odisha. Considering the needs of backward regions, our government has decided to take this scheme further by providing additional rice. Accordingly, around 27 lakh beneficiary families in eight KBK districts, along with Boudh, Gajapati, and Kandhamal—11 districts in total—will receive an additional 5 kg of rice per month for three months free of cost. This will involve distributing 41,082 metric tons of additional rice, with the state government bearing approximately Rs 180 crore from its own funds.”
Raid Infra Development
The CM said Odisha’s infrastructure development is progressing at double speed. “Due to the double-engine government, railway and highway construction in Odisha is progressing rapidly. The state government aims to build 75,000 km of high-quality roads in the next five years. Similarly, airport infrastructure is being upgraded, with new destinations added for domestic and international flights. Efforts are ongoing to develop port infrastructure, with plans to build four new ports at Inchudi, Bahuda, Subarnarekha, and Astaranga, in addition to the three major ports in the state.”
To ensure rapid development, the government has decided to establish 21 new Notified Area Councils, he added.
Quality Education
Majhi said that the government initiated the establishment of Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools in every panchayat for quality education. Additionally, programs like the New National Education Policy, PM-USHA, PM-Shri, Nipun Odisha, Shaheed Madho Singh Allowance Scheme, and mid-day meals up to Class X will further strengthen the education system. For socially and educationally backward students, the government has reserved 11.25% seats in higher education.To nurture the talent of the youth, students pursuing graduation will be encouraged to undertake internships as per the New National Education Policy.”
Women Empowerment
He also spoke about steps taken for empowering women in the state. “For us, women’s empowerment is not just a slogan or a vote-bank tactic. Fulfilling our promises, our government has included over one crore women in the “Subhadra Yojana” since coming to power. Recently, they received the third installment of Rs. 15,000, and it is heartening that millions of mothers are investing this amount in small enterprises to support their families. Additionally, Odisha has created 17 lakh “Lakhpati Didis,” setting a new national record, making our mothers self-reliant and empowered. In the current budget, Rs. 89,861 crore has been specifically allocated for women, reflecting the government’s commitment to their welfare.”
Industrial Development
Majhi urged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of different schemes rolled out by the government and become self-reliant. “Since our government came to power, we have brought radical changes to the industrial policy. Now, every district in the state will witness industrialisation. The Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 has created a new history in the field of capital investment. With investment proposals worth 17 lakh crore rupees and 13 lakh job opportunities, this event has broken all previous records. Our government is not about mere publicity or hosting events for the camera. The proof lies in the fact that, in the last 6-7 months, over 60 industries have been established in Odisha, with investments exceeding 1.8 lakh crore rupees, ensuring over 1 lakh jobs,” he noted.
The CM further mentioned about his government’s commitment to the welfare of weavers. “Recently, the Odisha Textile Conclave was organised, resulting in investment proposals worth 7,800 crore rupees and over 53,000 job opportunities. Odisha’s handloom is our pride and identity. Efforts have begun to develop handloom garments as an attractive brand both nationally and internationally. On this occasion, I request everyone to wear handloom clothing at least one day a week.”