BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday appealed to the people to work together with one mind and one spirit for the country’s security, unity and development by shedding all differences.
Unfurling the national flag to mark the 79th Independence Day at Mahatma Gandhi Road, the chief minister said in a democracy everyone has the right to criticise the government. However, while criticising the government, some individuals and organisations sometimes cross the line between ‘government’ and ‘nation’, which is never beneficial for the country.
Highlighting the achievements of the state government in last 14 months, the chief minister said that Odisha has embarked on a new journey of development. “I have no hesitation in saying that our government has been completely successful in fulfilling the aspirations and expectations of the people. In just one year, many initiatives have been taken for the first time, which could have been done earlier,” said Majhi.
He said that under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, special schemes have been prepared for the four main sections of the state, women, farmers, poor and youth. “The state government has prioritised four key areas which include livelihood, infrastructure, social development and empowerment, and Odia identity to bring a qualitative changes their lives and a rapid transformation in the state’s economy,” he said.
Majhi said that apart from attracting investments worth Rs 17 lakh crore, the state has already grounded 60 industries entailing an investment of Rs 1.8 lakh crore. The recent Union cabinet decision for establishment of two semiconductor units will usher a revolution in IT and electronic sectors, he said.
“The pharma sector of the state has been neglected for a long time but the government is planning a pharma conclave, which will encourage leading national and international pharma companies to set up facilities in Odisha. In the coming years, the state will become a pharma hub creating over 2.5 lakh jobs in this sector,” Majhi said.
The chief minister said state government has planned to build 75,000 km of world class roads in the next five years and efforts are on to develop four new ports at Inchudi, Bahuda, Subarnarekha and Astaranga. He announced that his government has decided to provide extra support under the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in 11 districts by providing additional 5 kg of free rice to 27 lakh beneficiaries of Boudh, Gajapati, Kandhamaunder and eight KBK districts under food security programme.
The chief minister further announced his government’s decision to bring 21 urban centres under notified area council (NAC) to push rapid development and growth.