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-c
lass 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.
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Paradip-Puri urban corridor to benefit
Later speaking to the media in Sonepur on the occasion of Magh Purnima, CM Majhi emphasised the ‘Yuvashakti’ Budget’s clear implementation focus over ambiguity. He highlighted the special attention given to skill development for young people, aiming to equip them with world-class competencies to boost self-confidence and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
The Chief Minister praised the Narendra Modi government’s record of introducing 350 structural reforms during its tenure, a rare achievement in independent India’s economic history, which has accelerated the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. He noted the substantial allocation of Rs 12.2 lakh crore for capital expenditure (capex) with focus on infrastructure, manufacturing, tax simplification and long-term growth
Majhi further highlighted the creation of city economic regions (CERs) aimed at accelerating growth in Tier II and Tier III cities and select temple towns. This is expected to benefit the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Paradip-Puri urban corridor through improved infrastructure, services, and investment linkages.
He mentioned the targeted support for high-value crops like coconut, cashew, and sandalwood in coastal states including Odisha, including Coconut Promotion Scheme “to further enhance competitiveness in coconut production and enhance productivity through various interventions, including replacing old and non-productive trees with new saplings/plants/varieties in major coconut growing states.”
The Chief Minister also spoke on broader allocations in the budget, such as increased funding for agriculture enhancement (Rs 11,200 crore), Jal Jeevan Mission (rs 67,670 crore), Samagra Shiksha (Rs 42,100 crore), and key central schemes like PM-KISAN (Rs 63,500 crore) and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (Rs 2,27,429 crore).
He expressed confidence that the provisions in the Union Budget will significantly contribute to building a prosperous Odisha within a developed India.