Odisha CM Charts Ambitious Roadmap for 'Viksit Odisha', Thanks PM Modi for Strong Support and Reforms

Odisha Chief Minister today presented a bold and expansive vision for the state's growth while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support and decisive leadership at the 9th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog.

Beginning his address by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the national roadmap for "Viksit Bharat @2047", the Chief Minister praised PM Modi's leadership, especially in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. He lauded the swift and strategic "Operation Sindoor", aimed at neutralizing cross-border terror camps, calling it a powerful display of national unity.

He noted that under Modi's leadership, India's economy remains the fastest-growing among major global economies, with a growth rate of 6.5% in 2024-25. Odisha, benefiting from the 'double-engine' model of governance, recorded an impressive 7.2% growth during the same period.

The CM thanked the Prime Minister for visiting Odisha five times in the past 11 months and for clearing major infrastructure projects, including ₹73,000 crore worth of railway initiatives and ₹4,600 crore in National Highway developments. He said another ₹17,500 crore in infrastructure investments is in the pipeline.

Highlighting the state's alignment with national programmes like PM-USHA, PM-SHRI, NEP 2020, PMMVY (Mamata), and Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, the Chief Minister reiterated Odisha's commitment to the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas".

He announced that Odisha's Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 documents, shaped by inputs from over 3.2 lakh citizens and analyzed using AI tools, will be launched on June 12. The goal is to make Odisha a $500 billion economy by 2036 and a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.

Agricultural reforms, full irrigation coverage, rapid urbanization, and infrastructure development are key planks of the state's development strategy. Plans to leverage Odisha's long coastline for port-led growth and integrate with global supply chains are underway, along with focused efforts to attract investments in textiles, food processing, and new-age industries.

Odisha's skilling ecosystem, branded globally as "Skilled in Odisha", was highlighted as a success story. The CM emphasized the rise of the state as a hub for IT-enabled services and Global Capability Centres, with global certifications enabling youth employment in the UAE, Singapore, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

In terms of governance, the CM cited a transparent recruitment drive aiming to fill 1.5 lakh government jobs in the next five years. He also lauded Odisha's fiscal discipline and said improved public spending has enhanced economic growth and living standards.

Flagship schemes such as Subhadra Yojana - which has disbursed ₹10,000 crore to over 1 crore women - and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' environmental initiative with 6.6 crore saplings planted, were marked as transformative. Odisha, with over 16 lakh "Lakhpati Didis", ranks first in the country in women's economic empowerment.

On education, the 'Godabarisha Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya' scheme aims to upgrade 7,000 primary schools with modern infrastructure and learning modules. The implementation of NEP 2020 in the state has seen major milestones.

Healthcare access under Ayushman Bharat has expanded to cover over 1 crore families with cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family. The recently concluded 'Utkarsh Odisha Conclave' attracted 593 investment proposals worth ₹16.73 lakh crore across 20 sectors, with potential to generate 12.88 lakh jobs.

To promote industry, the state is drafting the Odisha Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 to decriminalize minor infractions, in line with the central Jan Vishwas Act, 2023. A State Highways Authority has also been created for better road infrastructure.

Tourism plans include turning Hirakud into a Special Tourism Zone and developing a Buddhist Circuit. The CM also outlined the target to raise urbanization from the current 17% to 40% by 2036 and 60% by 2047, including developing a 7,000 sq km metropolitan region around Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other hubs.

On farmer welfare, the CM highlighted the 'CM Kisan' scheme and plans to boost irrigation coverage to over 90% of cultivable land by 2029-30. Odisha is also focusing on DeepTech with dedicated support for AI, robotics, and biotechnology.

Culturally, the CM said Odisha will balance heritage with progress - "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" - emphasizing the revival of Odia language, literature, and festivals like Dhanuyatra and Bali Yatra.

Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister said, "This is Odisha's moment, and we seek the wholehearted support of the Government of India and fellow states in our mission to realize a Viksit Odisha for a Viksit Bharat."

"Main maanta hoon - Odisha ke liye yahi samay hai, sahi samay hai."