Bhubaneswar: Especially, people in the rural areas and economically backward people will be the focus of the budget, informed Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, emphasizing the government’s commitment to an inclusive and people-oriented budget for 2025.
The Odisha government has invited public feedback through various channels to ensure that the budget reflects the needs of the people.
During a pre-budget discussion held at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Center, the Chief Minister engaged with experts, civil society representatives, and stakeholders from various sectors to gather their insights.
The meeting saw participation from Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department Saswat Mishra, and other senior officials. Former Finance Ministers Prafulla Chandra Ghadai, Panchanan Kanungo, Shashibhushan Behera, and Niranjan Pujari, along with former Finance Secretaries Rabi Narayan Senapati and Upendra Nath Behera, were also present. In total, 24 distinguished individuals from various fields contributed their opinions.
Addressing the media after the meeting, CM Majhi highlighted the government’s commitment to making the budget inclusive and reflective of the people’s aspirations. He announced that public opinions can be submitted through email, WhatsApp, and a dedicated web portal until January 31. “In a government by the people, the voices of the people are paramount,” he said.
The Chief Minister outlined key focus areas for the upcoming budget, including rural development, economic empowerment of marginalized communities, and strengthening infrastructure. Sectors such as IT, semiconductor manufacturing, petrochemicals, steel, renewable energy, textiles, agro-industry, and tourism are set to receive significant attention. The government also plans to enhance farmer incomes and boost cold storage capacity to support agriculture.
Under the Bikasita Gaon, Bikasita Odisha initiative, rural infrastructure will be bolstered alongside efforts to create jobs.
CM Majhi stated that 20,000 jobs have already been created this financial year, with an additional 40,000 targeted by its end. The government aims to provide 65,000 jobs by the conclusion of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Notably, industrial investments worth ₹2.5 lakh crore have been approved, which are expected to generate 1.10 lakh employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister assured that the budget will prioritize public interest suggestions, with the Fiscal Response Team tasked with identifying key recommendations for inclusion. “This budget will lay the foundation for building a prosperous Odisha,” he concluded.
