Odisha is now on the rapid path of transformation with numerous pro-people initiatives. All the indicators of development have been following an upward trend over the last several years signalling the arrival of a bright era of progress and prosperity, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday.
Listing out achievements of his government while replying to the debate on the Governor’s address to the Assembly, the CM said several novel intiatives have been taken by the government including the direct connect programme called Aama Gaon, Aama Vikas, the Special Development Councils for tribal areas, the Heritage Cabinet etc.
He also underlined the point that Odisha is the only state in the country to have doubled farmers’ income, in real terms, over a decade.
Odisha is also the first state to have brought out legislation for providing land rights to the poor slum dwellers in Notified Area Councils and Municipalities and property rights in the Municipal Corporations.
The CM referred to the effort of the government to persuade the centre to declare the heroic Paika Rebellion of Khurda in 1817 as the first war of Independence.
He also mentioned how the state had fought to ensure setting up a tribunal on Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh. “We will continue to fight with determination to protect the interests of the people of Odisha” he said.
The regional tinge was also made by emphasising on steps to promote Odia language and setting up of the Heritage Cabinet. Odisha is a food surplus state and the 3rd largest contributor to the country’s PDS.
Women empowerment was another area that the CM emphasised. The road sector, infrastructure development etc were listed out.
The CM said `Vision 2025′ for industrial development with a target to attract Rupees 2.5 lakh crores of new investments and generation of 30 lakh new jobs. “We are firmly on the path of equitable and inclusive growth and are well poised for further acceleration in the economic growth rate” he said.