Odisha Chief Minister Requests Establishment of UAE Consulate

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has requested the establishment of a UAE consulate in the state. This appeal was made during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at his residence in New Delhi. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo and Pravati Parida, as per a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Focus on Foreign Relations

Majhi highlighted the significant number of people from Odisha working in Dubai, stating that a UAE consulate would be extremely beneficial for them. He also brought to Jaishankar's attention the plight of eight individuals from Odisha stranded in Dubai, seeking assistance for their safe return. Jaishankar assured Majhi that he would take immediate steps to address this issue, according to the CMO statement.

The Chief Minister also discussed strategies to attract foreign tourists to Odisha. One of the proposals included setting up an international tourism centre to boost tourism in the state.

Healthcare Initiatives

Later, Majhi met Union Health Minister JP Nadda to discuss healthcare improvements in Odisha. He urged Nadda to establish medical colleges in districts that currently lack such facilities. The expansion of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and a proposal for another AIIMS in Sambalpur were also topics of discussion.

The conversation also covered the early implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Odisha. Majhi emphasised that this scheme would greatly benefit the poor and elderly residents of the state.

Majhi's meetings with central ministers reflect his commitment to improving both foreign relations and healthcare infrastructure in Odisha. His efforts aim to provide better support for Odia workers abroad and enhance medical facilities within the state.