In a series of responses during the Odisha Legislative Assembly session, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi provided detailed updates on key issues ranging from economic revenue to ongoing criminal investigations and women’s safety.
Drawing from official data, the CM highlighted significant GST collections from the jewellery sector, the status of a high-profile self-immolation case, and alarming statistics on violence against women, underscoring the government’s priorities in taxation, justice, and public welfare.
Surging GST from Gold and Silver Sales
Tax revenue from gold and silver continues to rise amid fluctuating precious metal prices. Odisha boasts 8,084 registered jewellery stores, from which the state government has collected approximately ₹35,000 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on sold gold and other ornaments between 2020 and the end of January 2026.
In a written reply to MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo’s query, CM Majhi noted that escalating prices of gold and silver have a profound impact on business operations, tax collections, and related sectors. “As the value of ornaments increases, so does the per-gram price, leading to higher GST inflows,” the CM explained. Year-wise breakdowns reveal a steady upward trend: ₹2,584.19 crore in 2020-21, ₹3,603 crore in 2021-22, ₹3,779 crore in 2022-23, ₹5,866 crore in 2023-24, ₹8,830 crore in 2024-25, and ₹8,695 crore up to January 31 of the current financial year.
This revenue surge reflects robust economic activity in the jewelry trade, even as market volatility poses challenges for consumers and businesses alike.
Ongoing Probe into Soumyashree Self-Immolation Case
The investigation into the tragic self-immolation of Balasore FM College student Soumyashree Bisoi remains active, with a comprehensive charge sheet to be filed upon completion. Responding to MLA Gautam Buddha Das’s question, CM Majhi assured the assembly that the Crime Branch has recorded statements from 129 witnesses in the case.
Four accused individuals have already been arrested, and two partial charge sheets have been submitted during the probe. “The matter is still under investigation, and a full charge sheet will be presented to the court once all aspects are thoroughly examined,” the CM stated. The incident, which drew widespread attention, highlights ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in cases of alleged harassment and distress leading to such extreme actions.
Alarming Rise in Violence Against Women
Over the past one and a half years—from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025—Odisha has recorded a staggering 48,798 incidents of violence against women. In a written response to an unstarred question from MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, CM Majhi cited data from the State Crime Records Bureau, emphasising the government’s commitment to addressing this crisis.
Of these cases, investigations have led to charge sheets in 37,150 instances, final reports in 4,936, and 6,703 remain under probe. “The state government accords the highest priority to the protection of women and children,” Majhi affirmed. Measures include swift case registration, rigorous investigations, stringent legal actions against perpetrators, timely charge sheet filings, appointment of special public prosecutors, victim compensation, counselling, rehabilitation, and mental health support.
These revelations come amid calls for stronger preventive strategies and enforcement to curb gender-based violence in the state.
The CM’s responses underscore Odisha’s focus on economic growth through taxation, judicial efficiency in sensitive cases, and proactive measures for societal safety, setting the tone for ongoing assembly discussions.
