Bhubaneswar: The budget session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly has commenced. The Governor addressed the House, beginning with “Jai Jagannath.” Highlighting Odisha’s rich mineral resources and vibrant heritage, he praised the government’s development initiatives.
Under the Subhadra Scheme, nearly 1 crore women in the state have benefited so far. More than 24,000 government posts were filled in 2024-25, and over the next five years, 1.5 lakh government jobs will be created, with 65,000 positions filled in the first two years. The government aims to create 50,000 jobs in the textile sector within two years and an additional 50,000 jobs in the IT/ITES sector over the next five years.
To boost milk production, the government has implemented the Kamadhenu Scheme. The Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of the Jagannath Temple has been opened, and its ornaments are being inventoried. By 2022, 253 women were empowered as “Lakhpati Didis,” and in 2024-25, 10 lakh women will be supported to generate substantial income.
Under the PM E-Bus Service Scheme, 400 electric buses will operate in various cities across the state. The Governor appreciated the government’s decisions and schemes implemented over the past eight months, stating they would accelerate the state’s progress. Odisha is also working towards reviving its Odia identity.
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers has been increased by Rs800 per quintal, with bonuses also being provided. A crop insurance scheme covers 1.36 lakh registered farmers, and the Balabhadra Organic Farming Mission has been launched in Swabhiman Anchal. The government is actively working on empowering differently-abled individuals.
The state aims to become a dolar 500 billion economy by 2036, with over 3 lakh proposals received for Vision 2036. Odisha’s contribution to India’s 9.7 dolar trillion economy for Viksit Bharat 2047 has been prioritized.
A New Education Policy has been implemented, and 6,794 primary schools will be transformed into comprehensive learning centers offering multidisciplinary education, skill development, and inclusive learning. The Panchasakha Education Bridge will strengthen school management by involving stakeholders. By 2026, all rural households will receive safe and sustainable drinking water through the FHTC (Functional Household Tap Connection) initiative, while 115 urban areas will have 24-hour piped water supply.
The government has signed investment MoUs worth Rs12.89 lakh crore, with investment proposals worth Rs3.84 lakh crore and employment potential for 3.92 lakh people. Plans are in place to establish five new Centers of Excellence in universities, ensure divyang-friendly (disabled-friendly) infrastructure, and elevate four universities to MERU (Multidisciplinary Education and Research University) status under NEP-2020. The number of postgraduate seats will be increased by 20 percent
On February 17, Finance Minister and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will present the full-fledged Budget for 2025-26 in the Odisha Assembly.