Bhubaneswar: Odisha, a state with a rich cultural heritage and a significant historical backdrop, has emerged as a beacon of development in the past twenty years, creating new milestones across various sectors. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in his address to the state on the eve of the 75th Republic Day, expressed pride in Odisha’s transformative journey, positioning it as a model for other states to emulate.
One of the key highlights of Odisha’s development story is its impressive economic growth, surpassing the national average. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasized that the state has played a pivotal role in poverty alleviation, lifting over one crore people out of poverty in the last nine years, as per the NITI Aayog report.
The identity of Odias is intricately woven with the spiritual significance of Lord Jagannath. Chief Minister Patnaik noted that in alignment with the wishes of Lord Jagannath, significant projects such as the completion of the Srimandir Parikrama and the upcoming launch of the SAMALEI project have been undertaken. Additionally, the inauguration of the new campus of Odia University at Satyabadi marks a crucial step in the promotion of Odia language and literature.
Highlighting the effective governance of the state, Chief Minister Patnaik attributed the success to the 5T policy, ensuring that citizens reap the benefits of various schemes. From education and health to communication, irrigation, transport, and sports, Odisha has witnessed a holistic transformation in all areas.
The emphasis on rural development is evident in the government’s focus on making villages the epicenter of progress. Initiatives like the Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha program aim to preserve and propagate Jagannath culture from village to village, accompanied by the development of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The LAccMI scheme has further brought about a revolutionary change in the transportation sector, revitalizing the socio-economic fabric of villages.
Chief Minister Patnaik reiterated his commitment to the development of agriculture and support for farmers, recognizing their pivotal role in the state’s economy. Mission Shakti, partnering with 70 lakh mothers in development, stands as a testament to the government’s acknowledgment of the crucial role mothers play in shaping society.
Odisha’s prowess extends to the fields of start-ups, industry, and information technology. The state has received recognition from the Government of India for its achievements in the startup ecosystem. Notably, multinational companies such as IBM, Deloitte, Accenture, and Cognizant are choosing Odisha for setting up their organizations, drawn by the state’s conducive policies and the expertise of its young workforce.
