Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday hailed the Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as a “forward-looking and inclusive” financial blueprint that promises broad-based benefits across sectors.
In a post on X, Majhi described the budget as one that opens up fresh opportunities for the youth, provides enhanced security for farmers, offers incentives for entrepreneurs, delivers relief to the middle class, and recognises the contributions of workers. “It aims to accelerate innovation, manufacturing, and employment while strengthening agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, tourism, culture, and knowledge traditions, thereby realising the mantra of ‘Development with Heritage’,” he noted.
The Chief Minister highlighted several announcements particularly relevant to Odisha. He welcomed the establishment of Rare Earth Corridor, which will promote mineral processing, research, and high-technology manufacturing in mineral-rich states, including Odisha. This initiative builds on efforts to reduce import dependencies for critical minerals and strengthen domestic supply chains for strategic sectors.
Majhi also spotlighted operationalisation of National Waterway-5 (NW-5), which will link mineral-rich regions such as Talcher and Angul, along with industrial hubs like Kalinganagar, to major ports including Paradip and Dhamra. This proposal is expected to enable cost-effective, environmentally sustainable transport of goods while incorporating skill development centres along the waterway to train and employ local youth.
“The operationalisation of National Waterway-5 (NW-5) will connect mineral-rich and industrial regions to ports, ensuring cost-effective and environmentally sustainable transport, while skill development centres along the waterway will equip local youth with training and employment opportunities,” he said.
On the tourism front, the CM praised the budget’s push for conservation-based eco-tourism. “Conservation-based tourism initiatives such as ‘Turtle Trails’ and mountain trails in the Eastern Ghats will protect biodiversity, empower local communities, and position Odisha as a world-class destination for nature and adventure tourism,” he remarked.
Majhi further commended the budget’s support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and indigenous production. These measures, including dedicated funds and liquidity support for MSMEs, are viewed as reinforcing the foundations of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
He added that budget paves the way for India’s present and future growth with overall thrust on social justice, inclusive development, and good governance.
