Finance
Marking the 80th Independence Day of the nation, Odisha joined the rest of the country in grand celebrations on August 15, 2026.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi gave an inspiring speech to a large crowd at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, highlighting India’s glorious freedom struggle, the monumental strides made under proactive national leadership, and the state government’s targeted roadmap for a “Vikasit Odisha” (Developed Odisha).
Honouring the freedom fighters and martyrs
The Chief Minister paid heartfelt respects to Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Veer Surendra Sai, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, and famous tribal leaders of the Paika Rebellion such as Buxi Jagabandhu and Jayee Rajguru. He stressed that Odisha’s historic resistance tradition, ranging from the Paika Bidroha of 1817 to different tribal uprisings, served as the foundation for India’s freedom fight.
Key highlights of the Chief Minister’s address
Eradication of LWE: The Chief Minister highlighted a significant internal security milestone, stating that the coordinated efforts of central and state leadership have successfully put an end to Left-Wing Extremism (Red Terror) in Odisha, paving the way for accelerated infrastructure and development in previously affected districts.
Historic Educational Reforms: To reaffirm the state’s commitment to quality education, the government has made education completely free from kindergarten to postgraduate level in all state-run schools, institutions, and universities. In addition, students in Classes 9 and 10 will now receive free textbooks as well as midday meal items.
Empowering Farmers and Women: The Chief Minister emphasized the role of the state’s Anndatas (farmers) and Narisakti (women) and reiterated ongoing support thru initiatives such as PM-Kisan, CM-Kisan, the Subhadra scheme, and Lakhpati Didi programs, which provide financial independence and social security to millions.
Industrial Boom and Reverse Migration: Odisha’s investor-friendly policies have resulted in ₹21 lakh crore in investment proposals over the last two years, including ₹3.5 lakh crore already inaugurated or grounded. projects. This industrial surge is creating jobs and fueling a wave of reverse migration back to the state.
Massive Infrastructure Push: The state is now allocating 6.5% of its GSDP—the highest amount in the country—to infrastructure. The BKPPER economic zone, Puri International Airport, and three expressways (Namo Express Way and Atal Express Way) have a total investment of ₹31,000 crore.
Age Limit Relaxation for Youth: In a significant relief to job seekers, the upper age restriction for government employment has been raised from 32 to 42 years, and the cap of six attempts for the Odisha Civil Services test has been lifted.
The Roadmap to 2036 and 2047
The Chief Minister closed his speech by inviting Odisha’s population to come together with a reinvigorated feeling of Odia Asmita (Odia identity) and pride. He proclaimed that the next decade belongs to Odisha, establishing unambiguous milestones: “Samrudha Odisha” by 2036 and substantial contribution to a “Vikasit Bharat” by 2047.
The event concluded with patriotic fervor, echoing with slogans such as Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata Ki Jay, and Vande Utkal Janani.
