THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
APRIL 1, 2026
Marking the 91st
Odisha Day celebrations, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi envisioned the next
ten years as a “Decade of Resolve” aimed at transforming Odisha into a
prosperous and developed state by 2036, when the state will complete 100 years
of its formation. Extending heartfelt greetings to Odias living across the
country and abroad, the Chief Minister recalled the rich legacy, identity, and
determination that shaped Odisha’s journey as India’s first linguistically
formed state in 1936, which later became a guiding model for the reorganisation
of other states.
Paying glowing
tributes to legendary architects of modern Odisha such as Madhusudan Das,
Gopabandhu Das and Krushna Chandra Gajapati, the Chief Minister highlighted their
sacrifices and relentless struggle for the creation of a separate Odisha
province. He also remembered the glorious chapters of the state’s history,
including the Paika Rebellion and the language-based movement that strengthened
the foundation of Odia identity. Emphasizing that the Odia language and culture
have been the core forces behind the state’s formation, he urged people to
uphold unity, pride, and collective spirit.
The Chief Minister
also expressed gratitude for the message received from Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on the occasion and described the conferment of the prestigious
‘President’s Police Colours’ honour on Odisha Police as a matter of pride for
the state.
Highlighting the
government’s long-term vision, Majhi said that Odisha is determined to achieve
a $500 billion economy by 2036 and expand to a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
He said every Odia is moving forward with dedication and commitment towards building
a prosperous state. The government, he added, is prioritizing empowerment of
women, farmers, tribals, and economically weaker sections. Financial assistance
through Subhadra Yojana is supporting women’s economic independence, while
Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana aims to encourage girls’ education. Several
farmer-centric initiatives, including fair price for paddy, revolving funds,
and development of modern storage infrastructure, have been undertaken.
Majhi further
underlined rapid infrastructure expansion in roads, railways, aviation and
urban facilities, alongside efforts to develop Bhubaneswar into a modern
financial and technology hub. Plans are also underway to transform the
Puri–Paradip region into a major economic corridor while strengthening tourism
potential across the state.
In the fields of
education and healthcare, the Chief Minister noted that new universities and
medical colleges are being established, doctors are being recruited, and
citizens are benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He also stated that
Odisha is emerging as a leading destination for industrial investment,
contributing significantly to employment generation.
Stressing that
development must go hand in hand with preservation of Odia identity, Majhi
urged citizens to actively participate in building a prosperous Odisha,
describing the coming decade as a defining period of collective determination.
On the occasion, the
Chief Minister inaugurated a photo exhibition depicting the formation of a
separate Utkal Province and released April editions of the government
publications Utkal Prasanga, Odisha Review, and the fourth edition of
Pragati Prabaha.
Meritorious students who excelled in state-level debate competitions were awarded certificates and financial prizes, while eight individuals received assistance of Rs 25,000 each from the Red Cross. The programme concluded with vibrant cultural performances celebrating Odisha’s heritage.
Among others present at the event were Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Information & Public Relations and Home Department Hemant Sharma, along with intellectuals and students.
