PM launches ₹47,600-crore development push in Odisha

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI/RAIRANGPUR, JUNE 20

 Reiterating the Centre’s vision that the progress of eastern India will drive the progress of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a massive development package worth over ₹47,600 crore for Odisha, describing the state as a future growth engine of eastern India and a crucial pillar in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by President of India Droupadi Murmu, visited Pahadpur village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, where they offered prayers at the sacred Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera groves, visited a Skill Centre and Pahadpur School, and later participated in a public programme at Rairangpur to mark the completion of two years of the BJP-led Odisha Government under the theme “Vikas ra Dhara, Odisha Sara.”

During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects spanning infrastructure, energy, urban development, connectivity and public services.

Greeting the people of Odisha, Modi noted that the state was celebrating the spirit of the recently concluded Raja Festival while preparing for the sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, including the famous Baripada Rath Yatra in Mayurbhanj. Congratulating the state government on completing two years in office, he said, “The double-engine government is accelerating the state's development journey and transforming the lives of ordinary citizens through welfare schemes, investments, industrial growth, and employment opportunities.”

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Odisha’s distinguished cultural and literary figures, including Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the creator of the Ol Chiki script for the Santhali language, Dr. Damayanti Besra and Shri Charan Hembram. He highlighted the Centre’s efforts to preserve and promote Santhali language and culture, including making the Constitution of India available in Santhali.

Extending birthday greetings to President Murmu, Modi described her journey from Mayurbhanj to the highest constitutional office in the country as a source of immense pride for both Odisha and the nation. He praised her humility, dedication to public service and commitment to nation-building.

Recalling his visit to Pahadpur with the President, the Prime Minister said educational institutions established under her guidance were inspiring children from tribal, underprivileged and marginalized communities to dream bigger and pursue greater opportunities.

In a major announcement, Modi declared that Pahadpur would be developed into a model Solar Village with solar power generation in every household. Drawing inspiration from Odisha’s iconic Sun Temple at Konark, he expressed confidence that the village would emerge as a national example of clean and sustainable energy adoption.

Highlighting the achievements of the Odisha Government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Prime Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to the vision of “Development of Eastern India for the Development of India.”

 “The Centre and State Governments are working together to fully harness these strengths through record investments in railway infrastructure, highways, economic corridors, ports, energy, semiconductors, green energy, and modern industries,” Modi underscored.

 “Transformative projects worth approximately ₹47,000 crore would significantly improve connectivity, public services, economic opportunities, and quality of life for the people of Odisha. Odisha is emerging as a gateway to growth and prosperity in eastern India and will play a pivotal role in India's journey toward becoming a developed nation,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the government is converting Odisha’s rich natural resources into engines of economic growth through initiatives such as Utkarsh Odisha.

 “Under the initiative, Odisha has already received investment proposals worth nearly ₹20 lakh crore, while several mega projects exceeding ₹3.5 lakh crore are currently under implementation. Sustained efforts are being made to create an industry-friendly environment by focusing on the state's holistic development,” Modi noted.

He informed that more than ₹6,000 crore is being invested in the power sector, while urban transformation is being accelerated through the Samruddha City Scheme.

Modi said the strength of the double-engine government lies in taking governance directly to the people, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring quicker delivery of public services.

The Prime Minister highlighted key initiatives of the Odisha Government, including procurement of paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, financial assistance to more than one crore women under the Subhadra Yojana, implementation of Ayushman Bharat, support for tribal students through the Madho Singh Haat Kharcha Yojana and reopening all four gates of the Shri Jagannath Temple in accordance with devotees’ sentiments.

He also praised the cleanliness campaigns carried out across the state and described the “Welcoming through Cleanliness” initiative as exemplary.

Emphasising tribal welfare, Modi recalled his long association with tribal communities and acknowledged President Murmu’s decades of service among them.

“Tribal areas had historically remained deprived of basic services and infrastructure, making tribal development a top priority for his government. The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, under which departments related to health, education, roads, and housing are working in coordination to improve living conditions in tribal villages,” Shri Modi underscored.

The Prime Minister stated that the PM JANMAN Mission emerged from discussions with President Murmu and has been specifically designed to serve Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), ensuring that government benefits reach the most marginalized communities at their doorsteps.

Highlighting educational opportunities for tribal youth, he said nearly 500 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are already operational across the country, while around 750 schools have been sanctioned. He added that more than 1.5 crore tribal students have received scholarships at pre-matric and post-matric levels.

Modi also announced approval for a new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mayurbhanj district.

Addressing healthcare challenges in tribal regions, the Prime Minister pointed to the prevalence of Sickle Cell Anaemia and said the government has launched a nationwide campaign to combat the disease.

 “The Government has launched a nationwide campaign against the disease, distributed more than four crore health cards, and provided Ayushman Cards to millions of tribal beneficiaries to ensure access to free treatment. Also Jal Jeevan Mission is bringing safe drinking water to households across the country, including tribal regions,” Shri Modi highlighted.

Looking toward the future, Modi referred to two landmark milestones—the centenary year of Odisha’s formation in 2036 and the centenary of India’s Independence in 2047.

 “Odisha's aspirations and India's aspirations are aligned,” he stated, emphasizing that a stronger Odisha would directly contribute to a stronger India.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to participate enthusiastically in the International Day of Yoga on June 21, describing Odisha as a land deeply rooted in knowledge and yoga traditions.

Concluding his address, Modi congratulated the people of Odisha on the development projects launched during the event and thanked President Murmu for giving him the opportunity to visit her karmabhoomi and interact with the people of Mayurbhanj.