THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
RAIRANGPUR,
FEBRUARY 4, 2026
In a landmark event underscoring a
major push for regional development, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday inaugurated
and laid foundation stones for a series of transformative projects in her
hometown Rairangpur of Mayurbhanj district. The initiatives, spanning
education, healthcare, agriculture, information technology and sports, are set
to reshape northern Odisha’s socio-economic landscape. Odisha Chief Minister
Mohan Charan Majhi, who addressed the gathering, described the occasion as a
historic milestone reflecting strong collaboration between the Centre and the
state government.
Recalling the President’s earlier
visit to the Odisha Legislative Assembly on November 27 last year, Majhi said
her guidance to public representatives left a lasting impression and her
presence in Mayurbhanj added emotional and inspirational significance to the
region’s development journey. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the state
government and the people of Odisha for her continued support and connection
with her native district.
The projects announced during the
visit include the establishment of an Ayurvedic College and Hospital, a new
campus of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), an
Information Technology campus at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo (MSCB)
University, and a dedicated Archery Academy. These initiatives, involving
substantial investment, are aimed at enhancing access to quality higher
education, modern agricultural research, technology-driven skills and
professional sports training across northern Odisha.
Highlighting the long-term impact of
these developments, Majhi said, “These projects are not merely infrastructure
additions but investments in human capital, particularly for our youth,
farmers, tribal communities and women, ensuring sustainable growth and
inclusive opportunities.”
Emphasising Mayurbhanj’s rich cultural
and ecological heritage, the Chief Minister noted that the district’s forests,
rivers, biodiversity and vibrant tribal traditions have contributed
significantly to the nation’s identity and leadership legacy. He said the
President’s roots in the region would help address longstanding gaps in
healthcare, higher education and modern infrastructure, bringing focused development
attention to the district.
In the agriculture sector, the
upcoming OUAT campus is expected to promote region-specific research, improved
farming techniques and extension services that will help boost productivity and
farmers’ income. On healthcare, the Ayurvedic College and Hospital will expand
educational opportunities while strengthening traditional and accessible
healthcare services for the local population. Majhi also lauded the Union
Budget for reducing the cost of medicines for critical diseases such as cancer
and diabetes, extending his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Women empowerment emerged as a key
focus during the programme, with the Union Budget proposing ‘She-Marts’ to
enable Self-Help Groups to market their products globally. Odisha, which has
already created nearly 17 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’, is expected to benefit
significantly from these initiatives. Plans to train 1.5 lakh multi-skilled
caregivers under the emerging care economy are also likely to generate
employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
The IT campus at MSCB University is
designed to prepare students with industry-ready technological skills, helping
them transition seamlessly into modern employment sectors. Meanwhile, the
proposed Archery Academy is set to strengthen Mayurbhanj’s sporting legacy by
nurturing young talent, particularly among tribal and rural communities, while
promoting discipline and confidence.
Reiterating the importance of
industrialisation, Majhi described industries as “pillars of prosperity” and
announced special incentives to encourage industrial establishments in
Mayurbhanj. He also announced foundation laying for four Corporate Social
Responsibility projects worth approximately Rs 44 crore. Environmental
conservation and cultural development received significant attention, with Rs
50 crore earmarked for Similipal biodiversity conservation and a Rs 100 crore
Detailed Project Report prepared for the development and beautification of Maa
Kichakeswari Temple.
Further strengthening healthcare
infrastructure, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of four new
medical colleges across Odisha to address the shortage of doctors, alongside
expansion of Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Dental and Nursing education sectors. He
also highlighted plans to upgrade Arogya Mandirs to provide round-the-clock
healthcare services in rural areas.
Majhi concluded by thanking government
officials, engineers, planners and workers for their dedication to executing
the projects, and expressed gratitude to the people of Mayurbhanj for their
trust and active participation in the state’s development initiatives.
