The first year of Mohan Majhi’s government in Odisha, which began on June 12, 2024, has been marked by significant strides in fulfilling electoral promises and reforming governance
OdishaPlus Bureau
The inaugural year of Mohan Charan Majhi’s administration in Odisha commenced on June 12, 2024, following the Bharatiya Janata Party winning 78 seats in the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly. This period has been characterized by significant accomplishments, challenges, and persistent public expectations. As the first BJP Chief Minister of Odisha, Majhi, who is a four-time MLA from Keonjhar and belongs to the Santal tribal community, has concentrated on delivering on electoral commitments and reinstating democratic processes, although there are still considerable unresolved issues.
The Majhi administration has received recognition for empowering its council of ministers, thereby diminishing the bureaucratic dominance that was prevalent during the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government. This transformation has led to a more equitable governance framework, with a reduction in controversies related to bureaucratic overreach.
Shortly after assuming office, the government declared the reopening of all four gates of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, thereby fulfilling a significant campaign promise.
The Subhadra Yojana initiative, designed to empower women, was introduced to offer financial support and has been recognized as a crucial advancement towards gender-inclusive development. Through the Samrudh Krushak Yojana,the government raised the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy to Rs 3,100 per quintal, thereby aiding farmers and addressing agricultural issues.
Improvements to pension schemes have enhanced social security for senior citizens. Enhanced Service Delivery: Various departments, including those focused on industries, agriculture, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe development, women and child development, health and family welfare, school and mass education, and food supplies, have demonstrated significant progress in performance metrics.
The police force has endeavored to cultivate a more community-oriented image, exhibiting improved conduct at police stations and adopting a more impartial approach in political affairs, which has contributed to the restoration of public confidence.
On August 31, 2024, Majhi inaugurated or laid the foundation stones for 481 development projects valued at Rs 1,151 crore across the 30 districts of Odisha, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and public welfare.The government’s proactive approach to a cyclone, aimed at achieving “zero casualty,” was effectively implemented, demonstrating strong disaster preparedness.
Engagement with Bureaucracy: Majhi convened with Odisha cadre officers in New Delhi to accelerate state development proposals, in line with the objective of a “Viksit Odisha.”Despite these accomplishments, the government is facing criticism regarding its slow progress on various high-profile matters.
The administration has shown reluctance to take firm action against the sand mafia and illegal minor mineral operators, which continue to be major concerns for the citizens of Odisha.The multi-crore mining scam, which involves the alleged embezzlement of iron ore valued at nearly Rs 3 lakh crore, remains unresolved, with increasing public demand for accountability.
Over Rs 10,000 crore was embezzled from approximately 40 lakh small depositors in the chit fund scandal, and the inaction against the offenders has attracted criticism.The ongoing case of the Mongolian cargo ship that sank near the Paradip coast in 2009 remains a contentious issue, highlighting the demand for justice.
There is a favorable perception of Majhi’s leadership, which underscores his humility, commitment to public service, and initiatives to establish a “people’s government.” The BJP’s triumph, which concluded the BJD’s 24-year governance, is regarded as a significant transformation, with hopes that the party will lead Odisha for a prolonged duration. Nevertheless, analysts caution that the administration’s capacity to maintain public confidence hinges on resolving the aforementioned unresolved scams and illicit activities.
Majhi’s experience as a tribal leader and his extensive political career, which includes serving as a sarpanch from 1997 to 2000, deputy chief whip from 2005 to 2009, and chief whip from 2019 to 2024, has influenced his approach to governance. His emphasis on responsible mining practices, which he has championed since 2009, is in line with his dedication to the tribal and rural communities of Odisha. The government’s inclusive cabinet, comprising four tribal ministers and two from scheduled castes, demonstrates a commitment to diverse representation.
The first year of the Mohan Majhi administration has shown promise, marked by significant advancements in delivering on campaign commitments, enhancing governance, and building public trust in institutions such as the police. Nevertheless, the administration faces critical challenges, particularly concerning the mining and chit-fund scandals, which must be addressed to uphold credibility. As Odisha aspires towards a “Viksit Odisha,” the government’s intentions are evident, yet its legacy will hinge on decisive actions taken in the forthcoming years.
