What Achievements Did CM Majhi Showcase for Odisha?
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Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi brought attention to the state’s notable achievements in various sectors while urging the Central government to enhance banking access in rural areas. His speech at the Eastern Zonal Council meeting highlighted initiatives aimed at women's empowerment, healthcare, and education reforms, showcasing Odisha's commitment to progress.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha's allocation of Rs 15,222.85 crore for women's and children's empowerment.
- Introduction of the SHAKTI app for women's safety.
- Integration of key health schemes benefiting over 3.6 crore people.
- Efforts to improve banking access in rural areas.
- Advancements in renewable energy with an energy transition action plan.
Bhubaneswar, July 10 (NationPress) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the state's accomplishments in women's empowerment, healthcare, education, and electrification, while requesting the Central government’s support to enhance banking services in underserved rural areas during the Eastern Zonal Council meeting held in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
In his address, Chief Minister Majhi detailed the allocation of Rs 15,222.85 crore for the financial year 2025-26 aimed at strengthening various initiatives for the empowerment of women and children.
Key initiatives by the Odisha government include the Odisha Pusti Mission for improving nutrition among children, pregnant women, and adolescent girls; the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibah Yojana supporting mass marriages for economically disadvantaged families; and the Subhadra Sambedana Yojana, which enhances women's safety infrastructure, including help desks at railway stations. Additionally, the Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasa Re program aims to provide education in 17 tribal languages to preserve heritage and improve primary education outcomes.
Moreover, Odisha has successfully provided financial aid to over one crore women through the flagship SUBHADRA scheme.
The state has also introduced a mobile app called SHAKTI to ensure women’s safety.
Chief Minister Majhi declared Odisha as a national leader in Aadhaar-based beneficiary verification and community outreach under the POSHAN Abhiyaan.
He highlighted the integration of the Central government’s Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana with the state’s Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, alongside the implementation of Ayushman Vay Vandana schemes, which now cover over 3.6 crore people, offering Rs 5 lakh in cashless care and an additional Rs 5 lakh for women and senior citizens.
Majhi stressed that Odisha has undertaken transformative actions to make education more inclusive and equitable, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
"These initiatives resonate with our vision of 'Vikasit Odisha'. By enhancing the children-teacher ratio, introducing digital tools, enriching the curriculum, and involving local communities, we are establishing a robust educational foundation for every child in the state," CM Majhi stated.
He also mentioned the establishment of 23 POCSO courts and 21 fast track special courts to expedite investigations into sexual offences against women and children.
In 2024, 3,511 sexual offence cases were registered, with 2,393 charge sheets filed within two months.
The Chief Minister noted advancements in urban planning, the implementation of the emergency response support system (ERSS-112), and the promotion of 'Shree Anna' and millets.
Highlighting achievements in the power sector, CM Majhi stated that Odisha has become a power surplus state in eastern India, ready to supply excess electricity to neighboring states through mutually agreed arrangements.
In terms of renewable energy, Odisha is the first state in eastern India to develop an energy transition action plan.
"Odisha has also proposed the creation of a regional research and testing laboratory under the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) in Bhubaneswar to meet the technical needs of the eastern zone," CM Majhi remarked.
During his speech, he expressed concerns regarding the inadequate banking services in rural areas of Odisha.
"Given this situation, we request the Union government to encourage all banks at their apex to establish physical branches in unbanked gram panchayats in Odisha. Steps should also be taken to address internet connectivity issues at the gram panchayat level to motivate banks to set up physical branches. Furthermore, commercial banks should consider increasing the fixed component of commission, along with variable commission, to business correspondents to reduce their attrition rates," CM Majhi concluded.
Point of View
CM Majhi's address underscores the significance of regional development and the vital role of government interventions in facilitating banking access. The focus on women's empowerment and education aligns with a broader national strategy for inclusive growth. It's crucial for the government to address these disparities to ensure that every citizen benefits from the country's economic advancements.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key achievements highlighted by CM Majhi?
CM Majhi highlighted Odisha's achievements in women's empowerment, healthcare, education, and electrification, along with the need for expanded banking services in rural areas.
How much funding has been allocated for women's empowerment initiatives?
An allocation of Rs 15,222.85 crore has been made for various schemes aimed at empowering women and children.
What initiatives have been launched to support women's safety?
The Odisha government introduced the SHAKTI mobile app to ensure women's safety and has set up help desks at railway stations.
How does Odisha plan to improve banking services in rural areas?
CM Majhi requested the Union government to encourage banks to open branches in unbanked gram panchayats and address internet connectivity issues.
What educational reforms has Odisha implemented?
Odisha has taken steps to align education with the NEP 2020, enhancing the curriculum and improving the children-teacher ratio.
