Bhubaneswar: The Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly commenced on Thursday with the address of Governor Hari Bah Kambhampati, who outlined the key priorities of the government.
Beginning his address to the House with ‘Jai Jagannath’, the Governor said that the state government’s focus is on tackling poverty, addressing unemployment, farmers’ support and empowering women.
Highlighting the success of the ambitious Subhadra Yojana, the Governor said that the scheme has reached over one crore women in the state.
Affirming the state’s dedication to the agriculture sector, he described how the government has increased the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy by Rs 800 to Rs 3,100 per quintal.
This apart, the state government is committed to rejuvenating and promoting the Odia identity in a big way, he he said.
Noting that the state government is working in tune with the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, he said the state is moving forward with plans and programmes to achieve ‘Viksit Odisha’ by 2036 in line with the Viksit Bharat envisioned by PM Modi.
The implementation of the New Education Policy aims to firmly position Odisha in India’s development landscape by 2047, the Governor said, adding that the state successfully hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, receiving over 300,000 suggestions for Vision 2036.
Under the Kamadhenu Scheme, the agricultural sector is seeing investments that benefit approximately 46 lakh women and children with nutritional aid. The state has committed to creating 1.5 lakh government jobs over five years, with an initial 65,000 jobs in the next two. The weaving sector is also expected to generate 50,000 employment opportunities within the next two years.
During the recent Utkarsh Odisha Conclave, MoUs were signed, amounting to Rs 12.89 lakh crore. Local athletes continue to shine, and the state supports various housing initiatives, such as the PM Awas Yojana.
Odisha promises regular tap water by 2026, with plans for continuous potable water supply in 115 urban regions and reliable electricity. Transportation goals are reinforced by expanding comprehensive rail connectivity across districts.
The Governor said that the state aims to ensure 24-hour piped water supply across 115 cities by 2026, alongside similar electricity coverage. Plans for rail connectivity to every district illustrate a comprehensive development vision for Odisha, he said.
