Odisha’s Transformative Leap: A Year of “People’s Governance”

Bhubaneswar :-  As Odisha marks its first anniversary under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, widely celebrated as the “People’s CM,” the state is undergoing a significant transformation, moving towards a future envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Purvoday” agenda. This past year has seen the BJP government, lay down a robust framework for a ‘Viksit Odisha’ that will serve as a crucial pillar of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

The journey began swiftly on June 12, 2024, with the Majhi government’s inaugural cabinet meeting. This session set a clear precedent for people-centric governance by approving four pivotal decisions: the ‘Subhadra Yojana’ for women’s financial assistance, an additional ₹800 input subsidy on paddy, the opening of all four gates of the Puri Jagannath Temple, and the creation of a ₹500 crore corpus fund for the shrine’s development. These immediate actions underscored a deep commitment to the welfare of farmers and women, alongside a profound respect for Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Driving Force: Union Synergy and Ground-Level Leadership

The rapid pace of development and reform is a testament not only to the state government’s resolve but also to the synergistic efforts of its key leaders like Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Dy CM Kanak Vardhan SinghDeo among others including the

single women Minister DyCM Pravati Parida as the drivers of the Double Engine Govt in Odisha.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been a constant champion for Odisha’s development on the national stage. His profound understanding of both central policies and the unique aspirations of Odisha has been instrumental in aligning the state’s growth trajectory with the broader ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission. Pradhan has consistently advocated for increased central investment in Odisha under PM Modi’s “Purvoday” vision. His focus on creating a future-ready workforce through initiatives like “Project ODISERV” and New Education Policy (NEP) are directly contributing to empowering Odisha’s youth and enhancing their employability, his recent appreciation of the Odisha government’s decision to provide 11.25% reservation for SEBC students further highlights his commitment to social justice and inclusive growth in the state.

Complementing this, Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo has been a hands-on leader, driving critical reforms and ensuring efficient governance at the state level well supporting the CM Majhi. Holding the crucial portfolios of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, he has directly overseen initiatives aimed at uplifting the rural economy and promoting sustainable energy. His push for the speedy completion of irrigation projects like Upper Lanth and Lower Indra directly addresses the needs of the agricultural community, while his leadership in the energy sector, including targets for renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption, reflects the government’s commitment to a greener, more self-reliant Odisha.

Pillars of Progress: Welfare, Accountability, and Long-Term Vision

One of the most defining features of this initial year has been the aggressive drive against corruption. Chief Minister Majhi’s unwavering stance, asserting that “none of the corrupt officials, from the level of a peon to an IAS officer, are safe,” has significantly bolstered public confidence. This emphasis on transparency has demystified governance, with the “Third Floor” of power now perceived as directly engaging with citizens through the Chief Minister’s extensive tours to all 30 districts, fostering a direct connection between the people and their government.

In the agricultural sector, the government’s commitment is evident in the record allocation of ₹37,838 crore under the “Samruddha Krushak Yojana.” This historic investment, coupled with improved paddy procurement, is set to significantly boost farmer incomes. Empowering women has been another cornerstone, with Odisha proudly becoming the first state to create 1.7 million “Lakhpati Didis,” fostering financial independence and strengthening rural economies – a testament to the BJP’s “Nari Shakti” ethos.

Education has also received a much-needed push. The establishment of “Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya” in every panchayat, alongside the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) and the introduction of “Shishu Vatika” for early childhood education, are foundational steps towards revitalizing government schools and ensuring quality education for all children.

Looking ahead, the Majhi government has set clear, ambitious goals. By 2026, it aims to provide piped drinking water to 90% of the state’s population and housing to five lakh people under the “Antyodaya Gruha Yojana.” The focus on employment generation is equally strong, with 28,000 government jobs already provided and a target of another 40,000 this year, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the aspirations of Odisha’s youth.

Forging a ‘Viksit Odisha’ for a ‘Viksit Bharat’

These strides are not isolated but are deeply intertwined with Prime Minister Modi’s “Purvoday” vision to transform Eastern India into a national growth engine. Odisha, with its strategic geographic location and rich natural resources, is poised to be a key player. The state government’s “Mission 2036” aims to elevate Odisha into a $500 billion economy and one of India’s top five states by 2036. Further, “Mission 2047” envisions Odisha making a substantial contribution to the grand dream of a “Viksit Bharat,” showcasing the government’s long-term foresight and unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability.

As the new Government is getting ready for its first anniversary, CM Mohan Majhi has directed his ministerial team to visit two different districts apart from their own and oversee the progress of projects, resolve any issues with the help of local MP, MLAs and officials including department-wise reviews for speedy remedial and smooth coordination. While CM Mohan Majhi himself has reviewed the Kendrapara District activities, DyCM Singh Deo has completed the same in Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur. All the ministers of Odisha have been assigned to hold press conferences at district level to highlight the achievements of the state government in 1 year and the 11 years of the Narendra Modi government at Centre.

Challenges and Aspirations: The Journey Ahead

While challenges persist, including tackling residual issues of illegal mining and addressing concerns raised by the opposition regarding the pace of development in certain sectors, the initial year of the Mohan Majhi government in Odisha has undeniably demonstrated a strong will to deliver. With a focus on good governance, transparency, and people-centric policies, the “People’s CM” and his team are actively shaping a “Viksit Odisha” that will indeed be a vibrant and integral part of a “Viksit Bharat.” The momentum generated in this first year indicates a promising trajectory for the state, where aspirations are steadily transforming into tangible realities.

• Prabin Kumar Padhy
• IT & Media Management Consultant
• Bhubaneswar

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