PM Modi Celebrates 1 Year of Odisha BJP Govt, Launches ₹18,600 Cr Projects

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s governance journey by commemorating the first anniversary of the state’s first-ever BJP government. At a grand state-level function held in Bhubaneswar, PM Modi not only lauded the achievements of the past year but also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹18,600 crore, spanning critical sectors such as healthcare, rural connectivity, irrigation, agriculture, railways, highways, and drinking water infrastructure.

Joined by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, and senior Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Shri Jual Oram, the event showcased the deepening synergy between the Union and State Governments in transforming Eastern India.

A Day of Dual Significance

Calling June 20 “a very special day,” PM Modi said the event marks not just a political milestone, but the triumph of good governance, accountability, and public trust. He congratulated the people of Odisha and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi for ushering in an era of rapid development and inclusive governance, stating,

“This anniversary is not merely that of a government, but of good governance devoted to public service.”

He noted the symbolic timing, aligning the anniversary with the auspicious preparations for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, and reaffirmed his spiritual commitment by stating he declined an invitation from the US President post-G7 to visit the holy land of Lord Jagannath.

A New Model of Double-Engine Growth

PM Modi highlighted how Odisha had long suffered from corruption, red tape, and developmental neglect, especially in tribal and rural regions. He affirmed that over the last year, a double-engine model—powered by Union and State Governments—has begun to rectify systemic issues.

Among the key highlights:

• Combined coverage under Ayushman Bharat & Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, offering free medical care to nearly 3 crore people, even outside Odisha.

• Over 23 lakh senior citizens above 70 years are now covered under the PM Vaya Vandana Yojana, receiving up to ₹5 lakh in medical benefits.

• Farmers now receive double benefits from PM-KISAN and state-level schemes, with higher paddy procurement prices positively impacting lakhs of farmers.

Reviving Tribal Regions & Eradicating Naxalism

A cornerstone of the Prime Minister’s address was the focus on tribal empowerment. He highlighted that Odisha, home to a significant tribal population, had for decades been denied equal opportunities. Noting the decline of Naxalism from 125 to under 20 districts, PM Modi underlined a firm approach to law and order, combined with focused development schemes, including:

1. Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan:

   • Development work in 60,000+ tribal villages

   • Construction of roads, houses, and water/electricity infrastructure

   • 40 residential schools being built across 11 districts in Odisha

2. PM JANMAN Yojana:

   • Inspired by President Droupadi Murmu, focused on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

   • Development funding of over ₹1 lakh crore to uplift marginalized tribal communities

Coastal and Industrial Push

PM Modi also spoke extensively on the economic roadmap to make Odisha an industrial powerhouse, particularly in the petrochemicals, port, and textile sectors.

Key industrial initiatives include:

• Paradip mega dual-feed cracker and downstream unit

• Chandikhole crude oil storage facility

• Gopalpur LNG terminal

• Expansion of industrial corridors from Paradip to Jharsuguda

• ₹1.5 lakh crore already invested in petrochemical infrastructure

He announced a special ₹25,000 crore fund for coastal development, benefiting fishermen, youth, and marine-based MSMEs under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. Fishermen will now be eligible for Kisan Credit Cards, bringing them into the formal credit ecosystem.

Vision 2036 and Beyond

In a forward-looking statement, PM Modi shared that the Odisha government has drafted a special roadmap titled "Vision 2036", aimed at marking 100 years of Odisha’s formation. He also mentioned the BJP government’s long-term Vision 2047, aligning with India’s centenary of independence.

He assured the people of Odisha:

“We are not here for short-term gains or five-year plans. We are building for the coming decades. I have full faith in the talent, energy, and dedication of Odisha’s youth.”

Transformation in Eastern India: The Purvoday Doctrine

Reinforcing his belief in the rise of Eastern India, PM Modi said:

“The growth of 21st-century India will be powered by Eastern India. This is the era of Purvoday.”

He pointed to states like Assam and Tripura, which were once grappling with violence and underdevelopment, now transforming under BJP leadership.

The event concluded with a reiteration of PM Modi’s commitment to Odisha’s cultural pride, economic prosperity, and social equity, as he praised the state as both a spiritual beacon and an industrial opportunity for the rest of the country.