BERHAMPUR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid foundation stones for various development projects worth Rs 550 crore at a state-level youth convention in Ganjam’s Aska on Monday.
Addressing the Yuva Shakti Samavesh, the fourth and last public outreach programme to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government, the chief minister also announced establishment of a world-class industrial training institute (ITI) at Polasara in the district.
He said Odisha is poised to become a state of limitless possibilities for the youths, with a golden era unfolding for the young generation. The youths are the strength, potential and future of society. With 1.7 crore people in the productive age group of 15-35 years in Odisha, the state is harnessing this demographic dividend. Odisha is also creating vast opportunities across all sectors, aiming to achieve a $500 billion economy by 2036 and $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
Emphasising that youths will play a pivotal role in realising this vision, Majhi said, “Know your talent and work towards its development. Think globally. Always aim to be the best. With this mindset, you will achieve great things and your success will pave the way for Odisha’s progress. When 1.5 crore youths thrive, Odisha will become a leading state, driving India’s growth.”
He further said sports is a field where one can achieve fame and financial success through skill. The government has made significant arrangements for development of sports infrastructure in the state. The youths should take advantage of these opportunities to pursue sports as a career.
Highlighting the state’s industrialisation efforts, the chief minister said the Utkarsh Odisha programme has attracted Rs 17 lakh crore in capital investment which has the potential to create 13 lakh job opportunities.
“The government has swiftly implemented these proposals, initiating projects worth Rs 1.80 lakh crore within 150 days, which is expected to generate 1.10 lakh jobs. In addition to this, 28,346 government jobs were provided within a year,” he said and assured that no opportunity for the youths will be missed.
Majhi further said skill and vocational training are imparted in 58 colleges with a focus on enhancing youth employability. It will make Odisha’s youths highly sought after in the job market, both domestically and globally.
On the occasion, the chief minister asked the Ganjam administration for a revised detailed project report (DPR) for development of Maa Tara Tarini Temple.
Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Aska MP Anita Subhadarsini, Berhampur MP Pradeep Panigrahi, Kandhamal MP Sukanta Panigrahi, MLAs and senior officers of the Sports department were present.