Pre-Budget Consultation: Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charana Majhi participated in the Pre-Budget Consultation meeting convened by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan today, voicing the aspirations and priorities of the state ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26. Expressing gratitude for the platform, the CM laid out Odisha’s developmental roadmap while requesting enhanced support from the Centre.
Highlighting the state’s needs, the Chief Minister emphasized the following key points:
1. Special Assistance for Capital Investment (SACI):
The CM appreciated the increased allocation of ₹1.50 lakh crore under SACI in the Union Budget 2024-25, which benefited all states, including Odisha. However, he recommended increasing the untied allocation under SACI to 60% in the upcoming fiscal year for better fund predictability and capital expenditure efficiency.
2. Support for Urbanization:
Acknowledging Odisha’s low urbanization rate compared to the national average, the CM urged the Centre to introduce a new scheme for urban development, particularly for states like Odisha requiring significant investments to modernize cities.
3. Sanctioning New Industrial Townships:
To boost industrial growth in the state, the CM proposed sanctioning new industrial townships at Gopalpur (Salt Pan Land) and Jharsuguda, targeting economic upliftment in southern and western Odisha.
4. Attracting Investments:
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Odisha as a “growth engine” for India, the CM sought:
- Acceleration of infrastructure projects such as industrial parks, dedicated freight corridors, and ports.
- Central support for major projects like Sagarmala, East Coast Economic Corridor, and National Waterway-5.
- A dedicated scheme under the Purvodaya initiative for eastern states, including Odisha.
- Enhancement of Paradip Port’s capabilities and faster environmental clearances for industrial projects.
5. Tourism Development:
Acknowledging the Union Budget 2024-25’s recognition of Odisha’s tourism potential, the CM requested a ₹10,000 crore investment package for world-class tourism infrastructure in the state.
6. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
Pointing to the inadequate release of funds under JJM, the CM urged timely allocation to complete critical water supply projects before the summer season.
7. Health and Education:
Stressing the people’s high expectations from the new government, the CM underscored Odisha’s urgent need for transformative investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure to meet growing demands.
8. Aspirational Blocks Programme:
The CM appealed for the inclusion of 11 uncovered blocks from Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, home to vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) like Juang, Lodha, and Mankidia, under the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism that these proposals would receive favorable consideration, concluding his address by thanking the Union Finance Minister for the opportunity to represent Odisha’s vision and priorities in the pre-budget discussions.
