Odisha CM Majhi Highlights Development Priorities at Pre-Budget Consultation
By : Akshaya Kumar Sahoo
Update: 2024-12-21 06:00 GMT
Jaisalmer: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday outlined the state’s developmental priorities and funding demands at the Pre-Budget Consultation chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Focusing on urbanisation, industrialisation, and infrastructure, Majhi called for increased flexibility in the allocation of Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI). He proposed that 60% of SACI funds for 2025-26 remain untied, ensuring optimal utilisation for capital expenditure. He also advocated for a dedicated urbanisation scheme to support states with low urbanisation levels, such as Odisha.
The Chief Minister emphasised Odisha's industrial potential, proposing the development of industrial townships in Gopalpur and Jharsuguda. He sought central support for strategic projects, including the Sagarmala Project, National Waterway-5, and the East Coast Economic Corridor. Requests were also made for enhancing Paradip Port, expediting environmental clearances, and establishing a rare earths complex.
Majhi highlighted the state’s tourism prospects, seeking ₹10,000 crore for infrastructure development to position Odisha as a world-class destination. He also urged the timely release of Jal Jeevan Mission funds and the inclusion of additional blocks in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
Reiterating Odisha’s commitment to healthcare, education, and infrastructure transformation, Majhi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present the state’s vision and priorities at the consultation.
Focusing on urbanisation, industrialisation, and infrastructure, Majhi called for increased flexibility in the allocation of Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI). He proposed that 60% of SACI funds for 2025-26 remain untied, ensuring optimal utilisation for capital expenditure. He also advocated for a dedicated urbanisation scheme to support states with low urbanisation levels, such as Odisha.
The Chief Minister emphasised Odisha's industrial potential, proposing the development of industrial townships in Gopalpur and Jharsuguda. He sought central support for strategic projects, including the Sagarmala Project, National Waterway-5, and the East Coast Economic Corridor. Requests were also made for enhancing Paradip Port, expediting environmental clearances, and establishing a rare earths complex.
Majhi highlighted the state’s tourism prospects, seeking ₹10,000 crore for infrastructure development to position Odisha as a world-class destination. He also urged the timely release of Jal Jeevan Mission funds and the inclusion of additional blocks in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
Reiterating Odisha’s commitment to healthcare, education, and infrastructure transformation, Majhi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present the state’s vision and priorities at the consultation.