Bhubaneswar: In a pre-budget consultation meeting, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented several key demands to boost the state’s economy. Majhi requested that 60% of the total allocation under the States for Capital Investment (SACI) scheme for 2025-26 be allocated under untied Part-I, with the remaining funds allocated for sectoral reforms.
The SACI scheme, which was enhanced to Rs 1.50 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2024-25, has benefited all states, including Odisha. However, only 37% of the allocation under Part-I of SACI, 2024-25, is untied, while the remaining 63% is linked to sectoral reforms.
Majhi also emphasized the need for support for urbanization in Odisha, which lags behind the national average. He requested the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to consider launching a new scheme to support urbanization in states like Odisha.
Other key demands made by Majhi include the sanction of new industrial townships in Gopalpur and Jharsuguda, facilitating an enabling environment to attract investment in Odisha, and supporting critical infrastructure development in eastern states, including Odisha.
Majhi also sought financial support for various initiatives, including the development of tourism infrastructure, funding for the Jal Jeevan Mission, and support for healthcare and education.
Additionally, Majhi requested the inclusion of uncovered blocks of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
