Bhubaneswar: In a vibrant address to the media, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reflected on a year of transformative governance as the state government celebrated its first anniversary.
The press conference, held in the capital city, was not only a moment to take stock of the state’s achievements but also a tribute to the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose third term has inspired Odisha’s ambitious journey.
The Chief Minister began by acknowledging the historic significance of June 9, 2024, when Prime Minister Modi was sworn in for his third consecutive term, a milestone that marked 11 years of his leadership by June 8, 2025.
Majhi lauded Modi’s tenure for replacing a “corrupt and incompetent regime” with a wave of hope and progress. He highlighted landmark national achievements, including the abrogation of Article 370, the Nari Shakti Vandan Act for women’s empowerment, the abolition of triple talaq, the introduction of a unified GST, and robust COVID-19 response measures.
Citing a World Bank report, Majhi noted that 270 million Indians have been lifted out of extreme poverty over the past 13 years, a testament to the Modi government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Turning to Odisha, Majhi expressed pride in the state’s strides over the past year. “In just one year, we have fulfilled the aspirations of Odisha’s 45 million people,” he declared, emphasizing that the public has embraced the government as “the people’s government” and himself as “the people’s Chief Minister.” Guided by Modi’s mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, Efforts of all), the state has prioritized the welfare of the poor, farmers, youth, and women.
The Chief Minister outlined key initiatives launched in the first cabinet meeting on June 12, 2024, which set the tone for the year.
These included the Subhadra Yojana for women’s empowerment, an additional ₹800 per quintal for paddy procurement, the opening of all four gates of the Shree Jagannath Temple, and the creation of a ₹500 crore corpus fund.
Over the past 12 months, these promises have translated into tangible results. Odisha became the first state in India to create 1.7 million Lakhpati Didis, women who have achieved financial independence.
In agriculture, a record ₹37,838 crore was allocated under the Samruddha Krushi Yojana. The education sector saw the establishment of Godabarish Mishra Adarsh Vidyalayas and the implementation of the New Education Policy, including Shishu Vatika.
Healthcare advancements included the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, while infrastructure and tribal welfare received unprecedented funding of ₹65,102 crore and ₹68,881 crore, respectively.
Majhi underscored the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stating, “From peons to IAS officers, no corrupt official is safe. If you engage in corruption, you will face jail—there is no second option.”
He also highlighted efforts to bridge the gap between the administration and the public, noting that he has personally visited every district to engage with citizens directly.
“The ‘third floor’ is now reaching the doorsteps of the people,” he said, describing a new era of accessible governance.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister outlined bold ambitions. By 2026, Odisha aims to provide piped drinking water to 90% of its population and housing to 5 lakh people under the Antyodaya Gruha scheme.
The state has already provided 28,000 government jobs in the past year and plans to add 40,000 more in the current year. By 2036, Majhi envisions Odisha as one of India’s top five states, with a $500 million economy, contributing significantly to Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the media for their role in amplifying the government’s achievements and offering constructive feedback. He also thanked Prime Minister Modi for his continuous guidance, noting that Modi will visit Odisha on June 20, 2025, for the sixth time to inspire further progress.
As the press conference concluded, Majhi reiterated Odisha’s commitment to becoming a model of good