As the curtains draw on 2024, Odisha reflects on a year marked by significant policy initiatives, innovative schemes, and major announcements made by the previous and present government. Despite the changing political landscape, the state witnessed a slew of measures aimed at transforming the lives of its citizens, driving economic growth, and bolstering its infrastructure. From ground-breaking projects to people-centric welfare schemes, 2024 was a year of substantial progress for Odisha.
Here’s a recap of the major schemes, policies, and government announcements that hogged headlines in the outgoing year.
Foundation Stone Laid For Bhubaneswar Metro Rail
In January 2024, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, now the Leader of Opposition, laid the foundation stone for the Bhubaneswar metro rail project. This project aims to connect Bhubaneswar to Trisulia in Cuttack through an ultra-modern mass-transit system, expected to be completed within four years. Once completed, it will serve as a lifeline for the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The project will be extended to Khurda, Puri, and Cuttack in phases. Patnaik directed the Transport department to prepare the master plan expeditiously. With a cost estimate of Rs 6,255 crore, this project is the single largest investment of the state government in the infrastructure sector. The Bhubaneswar Metro’s Phase 1 project will cover a distance of 26.024 kms, connecting Trisulia Square with Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik Airport via 20 elevated stations. The project’s estimated cost is Rs 5,926.38 crore, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Subhadra Yojana
The Subhadra Yojana, a major women-centric welfare scheme was launched by the BJP government as per the promise in poll manifesto, aiming to empower women aged 21 to 60 years by providing direct financial assistance. The scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2024, in Bhubaneswar intends to benefit over 1 crore women across the state of Odisha. It was a key promise made by the BJP before the elections in Odisha. The scheme aimed to provide financial assistance to women in the State, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 50,000 over a period of five years.
Srimandir Parikrama Project
The Srimandir Parikrama Project assumes key significance in religious and spiritual scenario in Odisha. Aimed at providing improved amenities for devotees around Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (Now Leader of Opposition) had undertaken the Rs 800-crore project which was inaugurated by him in January 2024 in the presence of Gajapati Maharaja of Puri Divyasingha Deb and representatives of about 90 temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mahakal Temple in Ujjain and the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal. The 75-metre-wide heritage corridor around the temple includes a green buffer zone, a reception area for 6,000 devotees, the Jagannath Ballav pilgrim centre, multi-level car parking, dedicated pedestrian path and public convenience zones. The project completed successfully and has been widely appreciated for its aesthetic and functional value.
Reopening Of Ratna Bhandar And Four Doors Of Srimandir
After years of legal battles, controversies and debates, the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri was reopened after 46 years on July 14 by the new BJP government for the inventory of the ornaments and repairs a of the treasure trove. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was laid down by the government, following which a high level inspection committee headed by Justice Biswanath Rath opened the treasury. The Ratna Bhandar was last opened in 1978.
Similarly, the four gates of the Shree Jagannath Temple were reopened to the public, marking a historic moment for devotees and pilgrims. The gates, namely the Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Hathidwara, and Dakshinadwara, were reopened after a long period of restrictions. All four gates were reopened hours after the oath taking by Mohan Majhi as the CM. The opening of all the four gates of the 12th century shrine got approved of the first Cabinet of BJP government.
Paddy MSP Hiked
Odisha has indeed hiked the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy to Rs 31,000 including Rs 800 as input subsidy for the 2024-25 kharif marketing season. This move is expected to benefit farmers in the State, with the government targeting to procure 1 crore tonne of paddy this year. The Centre had earlier increased the MSP for paddy by Rs 117 per quintal to Rs 2,300 for the 2024-25 kharif marketing season. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi in the first week of December launched input subsidy of Rs 800 per quintal of paddy, in addition to the minimum support price of Rs 2,300 per quintal, increasing the total MSP to Rs 3,100 at a special event in Bargarh. Around 21,500 farmers received the assistance through direct benefit transfer (DBT) on the same day.
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BSKY Nabin Card
In March 2024, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (Now Leader of Opposition) launched Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) Nabin Card to provide cashless treatment for critical illnesses including heart and kidney diseases, liver diseases, brain stroke, and cancer, at empaneled hospitals both within and outside Odisha. Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh per annum per family, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members of the family. This initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to provide universal health coverage to its citizens.
