Bhubaneswar: Strengthening the state’s commitment to employment generation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressed the Nijukti Mela at Capital High School ground in Bhubaneswar, where he reaffirmed the government’s focus on expanding job opportunities. Speaking to newly appointed employees, he emphasized that government jobs are not just a means of livelihood but a platform for public service, urging them to serve with dedication and integrity.
During the recruitment drive, 6,390 candidates were appointed across nine government departments. The Health and Family Welfare Department accounted for the highest number of recruits with 2,878 new hires, followed by the School and Mass Education Department, which appointed 2,767 candidates. Other departments contributing to the hiring process included Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (232), Finance (130), Skill Development and Technical Education (123), ST & SC Development (104), Housing and Urban Development (62), Water Resources (57), and Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare (37).
Highlighting Odisha’s proactive approach to employment, CM Majhi stated that in the past seven months, the government has organized six Nijukti Melas, facilitating over 20,000 job placements. With the latest recruitment fair, the total number of jobs provided has now exceeded 26,000. The state has set an ambitious target to create 65,000 government jobs within the first two years and 1.5 lakh jobs in five years.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the scarcity of government job opportunities, noting that less than one percent of Odisha’s population is employed in the government sector. He pointed out that, even after accounting for vacancies, the total number of government employees in the state remains around 4.5 lakh. Congratulating the new recruits, he emphasized that securing a government job is a privilege that comes with responsibility and urged them to work efficiently and uphold the principles of good governance.
CM Majhi also outlined the state’s vision for economic growth, stating that Odisha is working towards becoming a developed state by 2047 and achieving prosperity by 2036. He emphasized that employment generation is a key focus, alongside industrial expansion and infrastructure development. He highlighted the success of the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, which secured ₹17 lakh crore in investment commitments, expected to generate 13 lakh private-sector jobs. The Chief Minister assured that Odisha’s youth will witness significant employment opportunities in the coming years as the state accelerates its economic transformation.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to clean and transparent administration, CM Majhi stressed that strict measures are being taken against corruption. He advised the newly appointed employees to maintain honesty and dedication in their roles, ensuring effective implementation of government programs at all levels.
The Nijukti Mela was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Parvati Parida, as well as Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Schools and Mass Education Nityanand Gond, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education Sampad Chandra Swain, and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
The event began with a welcome address by Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, while Ashwati S, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, delivered the vote of thanks.
Concluding his speech, CM Majhi encouraged the new recruits to serve the people of Odisha with sincerity and commitment, ensuring that their contributions help shape a stronger, more prosperous, and self-reliant state.
