In a significant boost to Odisha’s development trajectory, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi welcomed Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah to the state, marking the launch of multiple projects worth Rs 3,275 crore.
The event, held in Bhubaneswar, underscored the collaborative efforts between the central and state governments to enhance sectors like forensics, agriculture, cooperatives, and law enforcement.
During his address, CM Majhi expressed gratitude to Shah for inaugurating the permanent campus foundation stone and temporary campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), along with laying the foundation for the Central Forensic Science Laboratory. These initiatives are expected to strengthen Odisha’s capabilities in scientific investigation and criminal justice.
Shah also dedicated IFFCO’s new Sulphuric Acid Plant in Paradip to the nation, advancing self-reliance in fertiliser production. Additionally, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Odisha Police and IIT Bhubaneswar for bolstering cyber security and investigative skills, and with the National Defence University for advanced training of police personnel.
A key highlight was the launch of projects under White Revolution 2.0, aimed at revolutionising the cooperative sector. CM Majhi praised Shah’s role in establishing the Ministry of Cooperation, which has opened new horizons for the sector. The new Odisha Cooperative Policy was unveiled, aligning with the national vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) and Odisha’s goal of a prosperous state by 2036.
Other launches included 1,566 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as Common Service Centres, an MoU for establishing a campus of the School of Tribhuvan Cooperative University, and the inauguration of a new dairy processing plant in Khordha Tangi with a capacity of 30,000 litres per day. In a long-awaited move, the revival of the Badamba Sugar Mill was announced, transforming it into the world’s largest grain storage facility, fulfilling a decades-old dream for the local community.
CM Majhi lauded Shah’s historic contributions to national security, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the near-eradication of Naxal-Maoist violence across India. He noted that Odisha is set to become completely free from Naxal violence by March 31, crediting Shah’s leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance. The CM highlighted improvements in Odisha Police, with conviction rates in crimes against women rising to 41% in the first half of 2025 from 6.7% in 2023.
Emphasising the role of cooperatives in empowering marginalised communities, Majhi stated that Odisha Milk Federation (OMFED) continues to be a lifeline, collecting over 5 lakh litres of milk daily and supplying 30 tons of pure ghee monthly to the Shree Jagannath Temple. The government’s focus on dairy production, cattle rearing, and cow protection has been unwavering since assuming power.
The event also acknowledged recent central approvals, including Rs 5,000 crore for the BCPPER proposal and the Capital Region Ring Road, promising comprehensive regional development.
In his concluding remarks, CM Majhi reiterated that under the leadership of PM Modi and Minister Shah, Odisha’s farmers, youth, and women will prosper, with cooperatives playing a pivotal role in building a developed state and contributing to a Viksit Bharat.
