Bhubaneswar/Aska: In a major development push for southern Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday laid the foundation stones for a series of infrastructure and irrigation projects worth ₹550 crore in Ganjam district. The announcement was made during the state-level ‘Yuva Shakti Samabesh’ held in Aska, where the Chief Minister underscored the pivotal role of youth in building a $1.5 trillion Odisha economy by 2047.
The ₹550-crore package includes five key irrigation schemes, a road expansion project, a high-level bridge, and other critical public infrastructure aimed at improving livelihoods and connectivity in the region. The Chief Minister also directed officials to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of the revered Maa Tara Tarini Temple and announced that land has been earmarked in Polasara for a world-class industrial training institute.
Addressing a large gathering of youth, Majhi said, “A golden era awaits Odisha. Our state will soon become a land of boundless opportunities, and it is the youth who will power this transformation. To reach our economic goals of $500 billion by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047, your active participation is key.”
He described Ganjam as a district steeped in cultural richness and political legacy, calling it the “cradle of Odisha’s art, music, and democratic spirit.” The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to strong governance and inclusive development.
Highlighting the strength of Odisha’s demographic dividend, Majhi noted that the state’s 1.7 crore-strong productive age population is a vital asset. He outlined the government’s focus on foundational learning under initiatives like ‘Nipun Odisha’ and the National Education Policy, alongside a plan to strengthen primary education through institutions such as the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya.
The Chief Minister also spotlighted affirmative action, stating that an 11.25% reservation has been implemented in higher education to uplift underprivileged communities. Skill development remains a top priority, with industry-oriented training being offered in 58 colleges to enhance employability.
Turning to the industrial front, Majhi spoke about the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ initiative, which has already garnered investment proposals of ₹17 lakh crore and promises to create over 13 lakh jobs. He added that within the last 150 days, projects worth ₹1.8 lakh crore have already been rolled out, generating more than 1.1 lakh employment opportunities. Over 28,000 government jobs have also been filled in the past year.
Calling on the youth to dream big, the Chief Minister said, “Recognise your own potential, think globally, and strive to be the best. Your success will chart the future of Odisha and contribute to the progress of our nation.”
The event also witnessed a tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder and revered public leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, with attendees joining the Chief Minister in remembering his contributions.
The occasion was marked by the presence of several key leaders, including Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Fisheries and Livestock Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, and MPs Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy (Berhampur) and Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi (Kandhamal), as well as MLAs from across Ganjam district. The Principal Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department also attended the program.
