Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 10 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday visited a photo exhibition and addressed a press conference ahead of the BJP government's first anniversary in the state on June 12. He said the BJP government's resolve is to ensure a prosperous Odisha through transparent and accountable governance.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi said, "Our Government's resolve is to ensure a prosperous Odisha through transparent and accountable governance. From the farmer in the field to the student in the classroom, we have committed to empowering every citizen. That is why we made four historic decisions within 24 minutes of our first cabinet meeting."
Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister asserted that his government took concrete steps to fulfil the promises made in the Sankalp Patra (election manifesto) immediately after assuming office a year ago.
More than 11 of the 21 promises made by the party ahead of last elections have already been fulfilled by his government in the first 12 months in office, Majhi said, adding, "We have not simply governed, we have fulfilled the hopes of the people. Whatever we promised, we have delivered."
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his affection for Odisha, which continues to energise and motivate the state government, the CM said the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Odisha again on June 20, further strengthening the Centre-State coordination.
Majhi listed some of the significant steps taken by his government. On June 12 last year, the state cabinet made four landmark decisions, setting the tone for people-centric governance.
"Opening all four gates of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri for devotees, announcing the Subhadra Yojana for women's empowerment, establishing a Rs 500 crore corpus fund for the development of the Jagannath Temple, and decision to provide Rs 800 bonus per quintal for paddy to farmers were key moves soon after the government assumed office," he said.
Regarding farm sector reforms, Majhi said the state government has made a record allocation of Rs 37,800 crore under the Samruddha Krushi Yojana, making it the largest agriculture budget in the state's history, benefiting lakhs of farmers.
Similarly, the Chief Minister said around 17 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' have been empowered through targeted women-centric schemes, fulfilling the government's vision of self-reliant rural households.
Describing education as a major focus area of the government, the CM said earlier that there was no proper infrastructure and education was neglected. Schools were only painted in the name of the 5T transformation, while the government has focused on primary education.
"We launched Godavarish Mishra Adarsh Vidyalya in each panchayat. Our government also implemented the NEP and adopted Sishu Vatika," he said.
Expressing the hope that people will now opt for government schools instead of private ones, Majhi said Shishu Vatika (early childhood education) has been rolled out, and the state plans to develop Adarsha Vidyalayas (model schools) to offer quality education.
Implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) is underway, promising revolutionary changes in teaching and learning.
Referring to the future agenda, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to building a prosperous, self-reliant, and empowered Odisha. He said the momentum of development will continue in the years to come, with inclusive growth, social justice, and transparency as its cornerstones.
He said the state government has initiated structured action plans under Mission 2036 and Mission 2047, aligning with key historical milestones and national goals. "These strategic missions mark Odisha's resolve to emerge as a model state in the coming decades," the CM said.
As the year 2036 will mark 100 years since the formation of the state of Odisha, the government has launched preparations under a dedicated programme to commemorate the centenary year with substantial developmental achievements. "A separate, visionary programme has been launched to celebrate 100 years of Odisha's statehood in 2036," Majhi said.
Under the initiative, the Odisha government will soon unveil 36 distinct development programmes under the umbrella of Mission 2036. These initiatives are expected to span sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, women's empowerment, and sustainable environment, laying the groundwork for a stronger and more inclusive Odisha, the CM said.
Apart from this, the state government is also working towards Mission 2047, which coincides with the centenary celebration of India's Independence. Majhi said this long-term vision aims to position Odisha as a key contributor to India's growth story, with emphasis on innovation, digital governance, green development, and economic leadership.
Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal said, "Whatever promises we made in the manifesto for the first year, we have achieved. We will go to the people, take their feedback, and complete the remaining four years. When we were in coalition with BJD, the government performed better than when BJD was alone. A new era has started for the development of Odisha. Our viewpoint on infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism will take Odisha on the path of development."
Former CM Naveen Patnaik announced to launch of the "Janajagaran Yatra" to highlight failures of the BJP Government to the public.