Odisha Government Unveils Record-Breaking Budget with Emphasis on Development and Identity

Odisha's new budget of ₹2.65 lakh crore emphasizes development with increased allocations for agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and tourism.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a landmark move, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented the state’s first budget since returning to power with a full majority. The budget, totaling ₹2,65,000 crore, marks a 15% increase over the previous fiscal year’s allocation.

Focus on Odia Identity and Development

The budget reflects the new government’s commitment to enhancing Odia identity and development. A significant portion has been allocated to promote Odia culture, including a dedicated ₹500 crore corpus fund. This fund aims to bolster efforts in preserving and celebrating Odia heritage.

Major Allocations for Key Sectors

1. Agriculture: The government has increased the budget for agriculture from ₹24,829 crore to ₹33,919 crore. This rise is accompanied by a promise to boost the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy by ₹800 per quintal, benefiting local farmers.
2. Infrastructure: For the development of urban infrastructure, the government has earmarked ₹1,000 crore for the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project and ₹918 crore for new city development initiatives.
3. Healthcare: In a bid to improve healthcare services, ₹3,056 crore has been allocated for the Gopabandhu Janarogya Yojana, aimed at enhancing healthcare access across the state.
4. Education: The education sector receives a significant boost with an allocation of ₹3,791 crore for the Senaagra Education Scheme and ₹997 crore for the PM Poshan Yojana, targeting improved nutrition and educational facilities.
5. Rural Development: The government plans to invest ₹1,000 crore in the 'Developed Village, Developed Odisha' initiative, along with ₹2,000 crore for the Vasudha Yojana and ₹6,090 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Additionally, ₹6,000 crore is dedicated to the Jal Jeevan Mission, aimed at improving water supply in rural areas.

Transport and Connectivity

The budget underscores a strong focus on enhancing transportation infrastructure:

• Road Development: ₹6,180 crore has been allocated for road development, including ₹1,990 crore for bridge construction over various rivers and ₹1,976 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
• Rural Roads: ₹2,319 crore has been set aside for rural road construction, while ₹45 crore will be used for road safety measures.

Tourism and Industry

To promote tourism and industrial growth, the government has allocated:

• Tourism: ₹800 crore for tourism development, including ₹445 crore for developing tourist areas and ₹279 crore for promoting tourism.
• Industry: ₹808 crore for the industrial sector and ₹20 crore for the development of an industrial corridor linking Rourkela, Sambalpur, Paradip, and Dhamra.

Disaster Management and Miscellaneous

Given Odisha’s vulnerability to natural disasters, a substantial ₹3,900 crore has been allocated for disaster management.

Additionally, ₹839 crore is dedicated to building bus stations on major routes, and ₹1,985 crore will enhance rural transportation.

The budget outlines a comprehensive plan for Odisha’s development, with notable increases in allocations across various sectors. The government’s focus on infrastructure, agriculture, and identity signifies a robust strategy aimed at driving growth and improving the quality of life for Odisha’s residents.