Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards development, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday laid the foundation stones for projects worth Rs 550 crore in Ganjam district.
Speaking at the state-level ‘Yuva Shakti Samabesh’ held in Aska, the CM emphasised the pivotal role of youth in transforming Odisha into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
The foundation stones cover five irrigation schemes, a road expansion project, a high-level bridge, and several other initiatives. The Chief Minister also directed officials to prepare a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of the Maa Tara Tarini Temple and announced allocation of land at Polasara for establishing a world-class industrial training institute.
Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi said, “Odisha will be a land of immense opportunities for the youth. A golden era is approaching, and young people will drive the state’s progress to reach the $500 billion economy target by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047.”
The Chief Minister praised Ganjam’s rich cultural heritage, stating the district is a cradle of art, music, dance, and politics. He highlighted the strong governance structure in place and reiterated the government’s commitment to public welfare.
Emphasizing youth empowerment, Majhi pointed out that Odisha’s productive age group of 1.7 crore represents a powerful resource. The government is focusing on quality education through the National Education Policy, foundational programs like ‘Nipun Odisha,’ and initiatives such as the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya.
To uplift backward sections, an 11.25% reservation has been implemented in higher education. Skill development is a top priority, with industry-relevant training being provided in 58 colleges to enhance employability.
Majhi also underscored the importance of sports as a career path and urged youth to utilise government programs in this sector.
On the industrial front, he cited the Utkarsh Odisha initiative, which has attracted investment proposals worth Rs 17 lakh crore and the creation of 13 lakh jobs. Within 150 days, projects worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore have been launched, generating 1.1 lakh jobs. The government has also filled over 28,000 government positions in the past year.
“Recognise your potential, think globally, and strive to be the best,” the Chief Minister encouraged the youth, linking their success to Odisha’s development and the nation’s progress.
At the event, the Chief Minister, joined by the people of Ganjam district, paid heartfelt tribute to the esteemed public leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
The event was attended by Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Fisheries and Livestock Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, Kandhamal MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, MLAs of Bhanjanagar, Kavisuryanagar, Berhampur, Chhatrapur, Khallikot, Digapahandi, Chikiti, and Surada, and the Principal Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department.
Aska MP Anita Subhadarshini delivered the welcome speech and MLA Aska Shri Saroj Kumar Padhi proposed the vote of thanks.
