Bhubaneswar: In a momentous event marking the completion of one year of Odisha’s first-ever BJP-led government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired the state-level anniversary function in Bhubaneswar. Reaffirming his government’s commitment to holistic development, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects worth over ₹18,600 crore across critical sectors including drinking water, irrigation, health, agriculture, rural roads, national highways, and railways.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister described the occasion as not merely the anniversary of a government, but a celebration of good governance rooted in public service and public trust. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Odisha and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, commending the new state government’s efforts over the past year in accelerating development and delivering on the aspirations of the people.
“Odisha is not just a state but a shining symbol of India’s civilizational pride,” said Modi, emphasizing the state’s dual commitment to development and heritage. He acknowledged the significant strides made by Odisha over the past year and underlined the government’s dedication to preserving cultural legacies like the Jagannath tradition, including the recent decision to open all four gates of the Shree Mandir and the Ratna Bhandar, a gesture he said was rooted in devotion, not politics.
The Prime Minister revealed that he had respectfully declined an invitation from the US President to visit Washington following the G7 summit in Canada, choosing instead to attend this special event in the land of Lord Jagannath—a decision, he said, that reflected his deep connection with Odisha’s spiritual heritage.
During his address, Modi contrasted the previous governance model, which he described as plagued by delays, corruption, and underdevelopment, with the new double-engine model of development—wherein both the Centre and the State work in unison. He said that Odisha had long suffered from poor infrastructure, red-tapism, and deprivation but is now witnessing the impact of decisive leadership and coordinated governance.
Among the achievements highlighted was the expansion of healthcare coverage under both the Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, which together ensure free treatment for nearly three crore people in Odisha. “Today, Odisha’s poor can receive quality healthcare even in other states—something unimaginable just a year ago,” the Prime Minister remarked.
The Prime Minister also noted the implementation of central schemes that had previously eluded the state, such as PM-KISAN and PM Vaya Vandana Yojana, which now offer enhanced benefits to farmers and elderly citizens. He reaffirmed his government’s promise of better MSP for paddy, a move that has benefited lakhs of farmers.
Shifting focus to tribal development, Modi criticized previous regimes for exploiting tribal communities without truly investing in their progress. He recalled how over 125 tribal-dominated districts were once hotbeds of Naxalism, but under his leadership, violent incidents have now been restricted to less than 20 districts across the country.
The Prime Minister outlined two major national schemes for tribal upliftment—Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and PM Janman Yojana—both with substantial investment and impact. He revealed that over 60,000 tribal villages across India, including many in Odisha, are seeing new infrastructure, schools, and basic services under these schemes. PM Janman Yojana, he noted, was inspired by the suggestions of President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha’s daughter and the nation’s first tribal woman head of state.
Recognizing the contribution of fishermen, Modi also announced a ₹25,000 crore special fund under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, aimed at supporting coastal communities and boosting employment for youth in Odisha’s fishing sector.
“The 21st-century growth of India will be driven by Eastern India. This is the era of Purvoday,” Modi proclaimed. He pointed to industrial expansion from Paradip to Jharsuguda, the development of mega infrastructure including a crude oil storage unit in Chandikhole, LNG terminals, and a dual-feed cracker unit in Paradip as evidence of Odisha’s rise as an emerging industrial powerhouse. He noted that nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore has already been invested in Odisha’s petrochemical sector.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister stated that the government is planning not just for the present, but with a vision for decades. He mentioned that the Odisha government has laid out a “Vision 2036” roadmap to mark the centenary of the state’s formation, as well as aligning its goals with the national Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. “Together, we will take Odisha to new heights of progress,” he said.
