Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hoisted the national flag at Mahatma Gandhi Marg to mark the 79th Independence Day.
During his address, CM Majhi highlighted his government’s achievements and roadmap for the state’s development, focusing on education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to welfare measures, particularly for senior citizens. Under the Vaya Vandana scheme, medical benefits worth ₹936 crore have been extended to people aged 70 years and above.
CM Majhi also announced to provide free rice to over 27 lakh families in 11 districts under the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Each eligible family in the eight KBK districts, including Boudh, Gajapati, and Kandhamal, will receive 5 kg of free rice per month for three months. This initiative is part of a broader roadmap for jobs and development in the state.
Majhi also stressed the importance of industrialization across all districts, with a special emphasis on setting up pharmaceutical companies to make Odisha a pharma hub. Additionally, he mentioned plans to empower youth through various schemes and implement the Jana Aashraya housing scheme in Bhubaneswar, while preserving and promoting Odia identity.
Besides, CM Majhi has emphasized the importance of women’s safety on Independence Day. He stated that ensuring women’s safety is crucial to empowering them. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women, and those found guilty will face strict action, regardless of their social status.
The Chief Minister emphasized that individuals committing violence against women will be punished and will face imprisonment. He assured that the police have been empowered to take action against such offenders. Any negligence in ensuring women’s safety will be met with legal action.
Majhi also stated that drug trafficking is a major contributor to the rise in crime and has directed authorities to crack down on drug mafias. He ensured that goondaraj will be dealt with strictly, from villages to the state capital, and those involved will be identified and punished soon.
Majhi has assured that the state government is committed to maintaining law and order in the state. While addressing, he also mentioned that the overall law and order situation in the state is under control, but efforts will be made to make it more effective.
Majhi also stated that drug trafficking is a major contributor to the rise in crime and has directed authorities to crack down on drug mafias. He ensured that goondaraj will be dealt with strictly, from villages to the state capital, and those involved will be identified and punished soon.
The government will not hesitate to enact laws to control organized crime, including extortion and extortion-related activities. He, however, assured that such crimes will be dealt with sternly, and legal action will be taken against those involved.
