Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today launched a series of industrial and development projects in Dhenkanal, marking a major milestone in Odisha’s economic and infrastructure transformation.
At a high-profile event in Dhenkanal, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects collectively worth over ₹50,000 crore, including a landmark ₹120 crore Baji Rout Sports Complex.
The Chief Minister inaugurated 12 development projects worth ₹112 crore and laid the foundation stones for another 10 projects worth ₹76 crore. In total, developmental works valued at approximately ₹188 crore were unveiled today.
A major highlight of the day was the formal launch of industrial projects worth more than ₹50,000 crore, with a significant focus on renewable energy.
“Of these, ₹30,000 crore are earmarked for the solar energy sector alone,” Majhi said, outlining his vision to transform Dhenkanal into the “solar energy hub” of Odisha. These projects are expected to generate over 26,000 direct and indirect jobs, he added, calling the launch a direct outcome of the “Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha” industrial conclave.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to job creation, the Chief Minister announced that 27,000 government vacancies have already been filled within the first year of his administration. He has now directed the recruitment of an additional 40,000 posts. “We’ve also raised the maximum age limit for government jobs to 42 years, fulfilling a long-pending demand of aspirants,” he noted.
In a tribute to Odisha’s youngest martyr, the foundation stone was laid for the Baji Rout Sports Complex in Banamaliprasad. The state-of-the-art complex, with an estimated cost of ₹120 crore, will feature a football field, synthetic track, hockey center, swimming pool, indoor stadium, and a 100-bed sports hostel.
“The youth are the architects of tomorrow. This complex will channel their potential and symbolize rising youth power,” Majhi said, stressing that sports and employment are central to the government’s youth-focused agenda.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain lauded the Chief Minister’s efforts, stating, “In just six months, industrial growth in Odisha has become visible under his leadership.” Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the government is working every moment to fulfill its promises and earn the people’s trust.
Among those present at the event were MP Rudranarayan Pani, MLAs Shatrughan Jena, Bibhuti Bhushan Pradhan, Simarani Nayak, and Ashok Mohanty.
While the welcome address was delivered by District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, the vote of thanks was proposed by Additional District Magistrate Ramesh Kumar Sethi.
