Bhubaneswar: In his speech to open the 17th Odisha Assembly’s first session, Governor Raghubar Das outlined the state government’s future plans for the people and the state. The Governor pledged in his speech that the Odisha government is dedicated to impartial governance and will maintain ‘Odia Asmita’ at its centre.
He stated that the state government intends to make the state developed by 2036 and that it will prioritize the advancement of farmers in the region, jobs for young people, and women’s empowerment.
The Governor said that the government will ensure all-round development of the State by keeping Odia Asmita at its focal point. “The state government is committed to ensuring transparent governance. My government will ensure the recruitment of 1.5 lakh vacant posts in a fair and transparent manner, with 65,000 positions to be filled within the next two years.”
The Governor also spoke about building 10 lakh houses in rural areas and 5 lakh houses in urban areas under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. “The government will establish counselling centres in schools and facilitate career counselling from Class IX. It will launch a new sports policy with focus on providing infrastructure for players starting from the village level to creating a support ecosystem: Governor in state assembly.”
He said that Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides health assurance for all eligible beneficiaries ensuring critical financial protection and access to quality healthcare, will be implemented in Odisha.
He also mentioned about the BJP government’s plan to empower local tribal communities through sustainable tourism by setting by Eco-Tourist Hubs and Homestays in villages while promoting cultural exchange and economic development. “A wildlife tourism circuit will be created by linking national parks and sanctuaries, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and promoting conservation. To enhance beach tourism, government will establish a coastal circuit connecting all the beaches.”
The Governor said that Library on Wheels (LoW) will be introduced to bring libraries to tribal students and improve access to educational resources. “My government will establish Odia Samudaya Bhawans in all major metro and other important cities across India.”
He further said that a “Senior Citizen First” policy will be adopted across all state government schemes, ensuring that the elderly receive priority in benefits and services delivery.
Highlights of Odisha Governor’s Address:
- To ensure economic growth and promote job creation
- State government will ensure filling up 1.5 lakh vacant government posts; 3,000 new doctors will be appointed
- Green Industrial Policy will be implemented in the state
- New Sports Policy to be drafted soon.
- Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will be implemented in Odisha
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used in government schools
- Forestration initiative will be taken up to protect coastal areas from the impact of cyclones
- 10 irrigation projects in Balangir, Kalahandi, Bargarh and Nuapada will be completed
- State government to transform Bhubaneswar-Cuttack into world class Twin City
- Odisha to encourage use of plastic waste in road construction