CM Majhi articulated the goals and priorities of Odisha in preparation for the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26
Bhaskar Parichha
Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, participated in the Pre-Budget Consultation meeting convened by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today. In this forum, he articulated the goals and priorities of Odisha in preparation for the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the chance to present Odisha’s developmental agenda while advocating for increased support from the central government. He highlighted several key areas that necessitate attention.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the augmented allocation of ₹1.50 lakh crore under the Special Assistance for Capital Investment (SACI) in the Union Budget for 2024-25, which has had a beneficial impact on all states, including Odisha. However, he urged for an increase in the untied allocation under SACI to 60% in the upcoming fiscal year to enhance fund predictability and the effectiveness of capital expenditures.
Given Odisha’s comparatively low urbanization rate relative to the national average, the Chief Minister urged the central government to initiate a new scheme focused on urban development, particularly for states like Odisha that require significant investments to modernize their urban centers.
To promote industrial growth within the state, the Chief Minister suggested the creation of new industrial townships in Gopalpur (Salt Pan Land) and Jharsuguda, aimed at stimulating economic development in southern and western Odisha. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of establishing Odisha as a “growth engine” for India, the Chief Minister made several requests.
The acceleration of infrastructure initiatives encompasses the development of industrial parks, dedicated freight corridors, and port facilities. Centralized support is directed towards major projects such as Sagarmala, the East Coast Economic Corridor, and National Waterway-5. Additionally, a specific program under the Purvodaya initiative aims to bolster the eastern states, including Odisha. This includes enhancing the capabilities of Paradip Port and facilitating quicker environmental clearances for industrial endeavors.
In light of the Union Budget 2024-25 acknowledging Odisha’s tourism potential, the Chief Minister has requested a ₹10,000 crore investment package to develop world-class tourism infrastructure within the state. He highlighted the insufficient disbursement of funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and called for timely allocations to finalize essential water supply projects ahead of the summer season.
Emphasizing the high expectations of the populace from the new administration, the Chief Minister pointed out the pressing need for transformative investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure to address the increasing demands. He also advocated for the inclusion of 11 underserved blocks from Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, which are home to vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) such as Juang, Lodha, and Mankidia, in the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that these proposals would be favorably considered, concluding his remarks by expressing gratitude to the Union Finance Minister for the opportunity to present Odisha’s vision and priorities during the pre-budget discussions.
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist. Views expressed are personal.)
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