“Odisha Not Just State, But Shining Star of India’s Rich Heritage,” says PM Modi

GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar, 20th June: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹18,600 crore in Odisha, marking the completion of one year of the BJP government in the state. The projects, spanning sectors such as health, agriculture, transport, and tribal welfare, are seen as a significant boost to the eastern region’s economic and infrastructural landscape.

Addressing a large gathering in Bhubaneswar, PM Modi praised Odisha’s deep cultural roots and its modern developmental trajectory. “Odisha is not merely a state, it is a torchbearer of Indian civilization,” he declared. “Today, as development and heritage drive India’s progress, Odisha’s role has become even more pivotal.”

In a strong endorsement of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s government, PM Modi lauded the “one year of good governance” and expressed confidence in Odisha’s emerging leadership role in Eastern India’s development. He pointed to rapid progress in healthcare coverage, infrastructure upgrades, and the unlocking of tribal potential through schemes like PM Janman Yojana and Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

Key Announcements and Projects:

• Inauguration and foundation laying of development projects worth ₹18,600 crore.
• Healthcare boost: Nearly 3 crore people in Odisha now covered under the combined Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana.
• Over 23 lakh senior citizens above 70 years now eligible for ₹5 lakh health insurance.
• 40 new residential schools being built for tribal children in 11 districts.
• ₹25,000 crore special fund announced for fishermen and coastal development.
• Eastern India dubbed “growth engine” for 21st-century India.

‘Era of Purvoday Has Begun’

PM Modi called the current phase the era of Purvoday—the resurgence of eastern India—and positioned Odisha as the future petrochemical hub of India. He cited over ₹1.5 lakh crore investment in Odisha’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors, and projects such as the Paradip dual-feed cracker unit and Gopalpur LNG terminal.

“The development of 21st-century India will gain momentum from Eastern India,” he asserted, urging youth and entrepreneurs to seize new opportunities.

A Break from the Past

Without naming the previous regime, PM Modi launched a sharp critique of past governance in Odisha. “For decades, Odisha’s poor, farmers and tribals were denied their rights. Corruption, red tape, and neglect stalled growth,” he said. “In contrast, our double-engine government is delivering transformation with speed and scale.”

The Prime Minister said that prior to 2014, over 125 tribal districts were affected by Naxal violence, which has now shrunk to less than 20. “We are moving from red corridor to development corridor,” he declared, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to tribal upliftment and national integration.

Vision 2036 and Beyond

Laying out a long-term roadmap, PM Modi spoke of Odisha’s Vision 2036 plan to mark 100 years of its formation and India’s Vision 2047. “Our focus is not limited to electoral cycles. We are building a roadmap for decades,” he said, expressing faith in Odisha’s youth to achieve these goals.

The Prime Minister also referred to his decision to skip a post-G7 visit to the US, stating he chose instead to visit “the holy land of Lord Jagannath” on this historic day for Odisha.

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram, and several other dignitaries.