Baripada: Prime Minister Modi on Saturday asserted that the double-engine government of BJP is accelerating Odisha’s development journey and transforming the lives of ordinary citizens through welfare schemes, investments, industrial growth, and employment opportunities.
Speaking at a mega event held at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district to mark the completion of two years of BJP government in the state, the Prime highlighted the Centre’s efforts to promote and preserve the Santhali language and culture, including the presentation of the Constitution of India in Santhali.
The programme was also graced by President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Hari babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and a host of other dignitaries.
In a major announcement, Prime Minister Modi stated that Pahadpur village will be developed as a Solar Village, ensuring solar power generation in every household. Drawing a parallel with Odisha’s iconic Sun Temple at Konark, he expressed confidence that would emerge as a model solar-powered village for the nation.
Highlighting the achievements of the Odisha government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Prime Minister noted that the state is witnessing rapid progress across sectors.
He reiterated the Central government’s vision of “Development of Eastern India for the Development of India” and emphasised that the “Purvodaya” policy is unlocking the immense potential of eastern states. “Centre and State governments are working together to fully harness these strengths through record investments in railway infrastructure, highways, economic corridors, ports, energy, semiconductors, green energy, and modern industries”, said Modi.
“Transformative projects worth approximately Rs 47,000 crore would significantly improve connectivity, public services, economic opportunities, and quality of life for the people of Odisha. Odisha is emerging as a gateway to growth and prosperity in eastern India and will play a pivotal role in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation,” PM Modi added.
Prime Minister further emphasized that the Government is transforming Odisha’s abundant resources into opportunities for growth and prosperity. He highlighted initiatives such as Utkarsh Odisha, aimed at attracting large-scale investments and fostering industrial development across the state.
“Under the initiative, Odisha has already received investment proposals worth nearly Rs 20 lakh crore, while several mega projects exceeding Rs 3.5 lakh crore are currently under implementation. Sustained efforts are being made to create an industry-friendly environment by focusing on the state’s holistic development”, Modi noted.
The Prime Minister informed that more than Rs 6,000 crore is being invested in the power sector, while urban development is being accel
erated through the Samruddha City Scheme. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would deliver significant results in the years ahead.
Highlighting the strength of the double-engine government, Prime Minister Modi said that governance is being taken directly to the people, ensuring that citizens do not have to run from office to office for solutions to their problems. As a result, the aspirations of youth, women, farmers, and ordinary citizens are increasingly being fulfilled.
Modi highlighted several key welfare initiatives of the Odisha Government, including paddy procurement at Rs 3,100 per quintal for farmers, financial assistance to over one crore women under the Subhadra Yojana, implementation of Ayushman Bharat to expand healthcare access, support for tribal students through the Madho Singh Haat Kharcha Yojana, and the reopening of all four gates of the Shri Jagannath Temple in line with devotees’ sentiments. He also commended the recent cleanliness campaign conducted across the region, describing the initiative of “Welcoming through Cleanliness” as highly praiseworthy.
Speaking about tribal welfare, the Prime Minister recalled his long association with tribal regions and acknowledged President Droupadi Murmu’s years of service among tribal communities. “Tribal areas had historically remained deprived of basic services and infrastructure, making tribal development a top priority for his government. The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, under which departments related to health, education, roads, and housing are working in coordination to improve living conditions in tribal villages”, Modi said.
The Prime Minister further stated that the PM JANMAN Mission emerged from discussions held with President Murmu and is specifically designed for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), ensuring that government services reach even the most marginalized tribal communities directly at their doorsteps.
Underscoring the importance of education and employment opportunities for tribal youth, he said that nearly 500 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have already been established across the country, while approximately 750 schools have been sanctioned. More than 1.5 crore tribal students have received scholarships worth hundreds of crores at pre-matric and post-matric levels.
Modi also announced that approval has been granted for the establishment of an additional Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mayurbhanj district.
On healthcare challenges faced by tribal communities, he referred to diseases such as Sickle Cell Anaemia, posing major concerns in remote regions. The government has launched a nationwide campaign against the disease, distributed more than four crore health cards, and provided Ayushman Cards to millions of tribal beneficiaries to ensure access to free treatment, he said.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister referred to two important milestones: the 100th anniversary of Odisha’s formation in 2036 and the 100th anniversary of India’s Independence in 2047. “Odisha’s aspirations and India’s aspirations are aligned, emphasizing that a stronger Odisha would contribute directly to a stronger India”, he stated.
Modi also reminded that International Day of Yoga would be observed on June 21, describing Odisha as a land deeply connected with knowledge and yoga traditions.
He appealed to people across India and around the world to participate in Yoga Day in large numbers and embrace yoga as a way of life.