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Odisha CM Presents Rs 2.90 Lakh Crore Budget for 2025–26, Focuses on Development and Infrastructure

The Rs 2.90 lakh crore budget aims to boost infrastructure, agriculture, and inclusive growth, with major initiatives for rural and urban development across Odisha.

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented a comprehensive and ambitious state budget of Rs 2.90 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26 in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday.

The budget, which highlights the state government's commitment to inclusive and fast-paced development, addresses key issues ranging from rural and urban poverty to infrastructure enhancement and agricultural growth.

Presenting the budget, Chief Minister Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, reiterated the government's focus on fostering growth aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.”

The CM emphasised that the allocations made in the budget aim to benefit all sections of society, particularly those in rural areas while boosting critical sectors such as agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.

“We are working tirelessly to address the long-standing demand for development across the state. This budget is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring prosperity for all, with special attention given to rural and urban poverty alleviation, as well as strengthening agriculture and industrial sectors,” said Majhi.

The budget also emphasised expanding Odisha’s irrigation network, enhancing cold storage infrastructure, and improving agricultural practices to benefit farmers. One of the key highlights of the speech was the announcement of continued support for farmers, with the CM stating that the state's Rs 800 input subsidy per quintal of paddy, in addition to the Rs 2,300 per quintal minimum support price (MSP), has led to significant increases in farmer incomes.

Speaking to reporters after presenting the budget, the CM his government had recognized unseasonal rains a natural disaster and disbursed Rs 292 crore to farmers who were affected by a recent calamity.

Additionally, 16 new initiatives were included in the budget, aiming to uplift various sections of society and drive development across the state.

The Chief Minister also outlined the state government's commitment to infrastructure, with major projects on the horizon. These include the Comprehensive City Road Decongestion Plan, aimed at easing traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar, and the Outer Ring Road Project for Bhubaneswar, which is part of an extensive redevelopment effort costing more than Rs 13,000 crore.

A Statewide Road Network Improvement Plan has been designed to enhance connectivity across Odisha, ensuring faster mobility and economic growth. The state will also focus on upgrading major district roads and converting state highways to four-lane standards, marking a significant leap in the road infrastructure sector.

As part of the state’s effort to strengthen urban mobility, the Atal Bus Stand and Samrudha Sahara schemes have been allocated Rs 1,266 crore and Rs 408 crore, respectively. Further, the government has earmarked Rs 261 crore for Swachha Odisha, an initiative for cleanliness and hygiene, and Rs 25 crore for the Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare scheme aimed at promoting the use of the Odia language.

The budget also underscores a focus on inclusive growth, with a total of Rs 200 crore allocated for the Southern Odisha Development Council to uplift the southern region, a historically underdeveloped area of the state.

In his concluding remarks, CM Majhi reiterated the government's dedication to shaping a progressive and future-ready Odisha.

“With these investments, we are laying the foundation for a robust and prosperous Odisha, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow while ensuring sustainable development for our people,” Majhi said.

This budget marks a significant step towards Odisha's transformative future, with a clear vision for modern infrastructure, increased connectivity, and sustainable growth across various sectors.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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