Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday that an Ambedkar Bhavan will be constructed at Kharavel Nagar in the state capital to honour the legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar.
Speaking at the state-level celebration of Babasaheb’s 135th birth anniversary, Majhi informed that the General Administration Department has been directed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Ambedkar Bhavan.
The Odisha CM described Ambedkar as an ideology that continues to guide the nation towards equality and justice.
“Ambedkar is not just a name, it is a thought process that shows the path to equality,” the Chief Minister said at the function held at Jayadev Bhavan.
He added that building a society based on equality and justice is the greatest tribute to Baba Saheb Ambedkar, and emphasised that development of Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes remains a top priority for the state government.
Focus on Empowerment and Welfare
Majhi highlighted the state government’s efforts since assuming office nearly two years ago, noting that most Central schemes are being effectively implemented to safeguard the rights of Dalits and the oppressed. He said the government has allocated more than Rs 6,649 crore for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the 2026-27 budget, and special attention is also being given to the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Majhi described the introduction of new reservation provisions in engineering and medical education as a historic step, stating that talent is not confined to any caste or religion; everyone can excel when given equal opportunities.
Majhi said food security is the foundation of social justice, noting that lakhs of people are benefiting from the ‘Mukhya Mantri Annapurna’ scheme.
Praise for PM Modi’s Initiatives
The chief minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for restoring Dr Ambedkar’s honour and legacy. He recalled that Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1990 with support from the BJP.
Awards and Dignitaries
Majhi felicitated winning students from various state-level competitions organised by the Information and Public Relations Department.
Prominent attendees included Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Niali MLA Chhabi Mallick, noted educationist and litterateur Prof. Purnachandra Mallick, and Additional Chief Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department Hemant Sharma.
