At the 27th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council held recently, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi presented a comprehensive overview of the State’s developmental roadmap, underscoring major initiatives across women and child welfare, healthcare, education, urban planning, and power infrastructure.
Addressing the dignitaries, the Chief Minister reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to cooperative federalism and inclusive regional progress.
Strengthening Women and Child Welfare
CM Majhi spotlighted Odisha’s robust investment of Rs 15,222.85 crore in the women and child development sector for 2025-26. Key schemes include the Odisha Pusti Mission, Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibah Yojana, Subhadra Sambedana Yojana, and Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasa Re, aimed at improving nutrition, education in tribal languages, social welfare, and women’s safety.
The CM noted the achievements of the SUBHADRA scheme, reaching over 1 crore women with annual Rs 10,000 support, and the successful integration of PMMVY with Odisha’s MAMATA scheme.
Universal Health Coverage for All
The State’s recently launched Integrated ABPMJAY-GJAY scheme and Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana (AVVY) extend Rs 5 lakh cashless health coverage per family member, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women. Over 1.03 crore families are covered under ABPMJAY-GJAY and AVVY aims to add 6 lakh more beneficiaries, especially senior citizens.
Education Aligned with NEP 2020
Odisha is aggressively aligning its education policy with NEP 2020. Over 45,000 Sishu Vatika pre-primary classrooms have been established. The State is upgrading 462 schools under the PM SHRI scheme and launching Godabarisha Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya across 6,794 Gram Panchayats.
Other landmark steps include the Aitihya Vidyalaya heritage school initiative, extended Mid-Day Meal under Mukhya Mantri Poshan Yojana, and recruitment of 20,000 new teachers.
Fast-Track Justice and Women’s Safety
To ensure speedy justice in sexual offence cases, Odisha has operationalized 23 POCSO Courts and 21 Fast Track Special Courts. Data from 2024 and early 2025 show significant progress in timely chargesheet submission.
Urban Development and Housing
Under AMRUT 2.0, GIS-based Master Plans are being prepared for 7 towns. A total of 1,84,170 houses have been sanctioned under PMAY(U). The State’s Housing for All Policy mandates reserving 20% of housing land for affordable units.
Emergency Services Strengthened
The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) has unified emergency contact services, integrating police, fire, ambulance, women and child helplines under one system, improving emergency response across Odisha.
Cooperative Sector Growth
Odisha now has 7,598 cooperative societies with over 96 lakh members. The formation of 1,541 new PACS/LAMPCS marks a significant boost under the “Sahakar-se-Smriddhi” mission.
Power Surplus and Renewable Push
Odisha has become power surplus, offering 23-hour supply in rural and 24-hour in urban areas. It boasts 99.9% transmission availability and has earned A+ rankings for three of its power utilities. The State is spearheading renewable energy efforts, targeting a 40% RE share by 2030. A Renewable Research Institute and a proposed CPRI Regional Lab in Bhubaneswar further highlight Odisha’s commitment.
Model Millet Mission: Shree Anna Abhiyan
Odisha’s Shree Anna Abhiyan (millet mission) has gained national and global recognition. With contributions from tribal seed conservators like Dr. Raimati Ghiuria, the initiative is transforming rainfed farming and promoting nutrition. It was lauded at COP28, G20, and the Nutri-Cereal Convention.
Financial Inclusion in Unbanked Villages
Out of 6,794 Gram Panchayats, 4,373 remain without brick-and-mortar banks. To bridge this gap, Odisha has launched CSP Plus Banking Outlets in partnership with six public sector banks. So far, 2,742 unbanked GPs are covered, and the remainder will be reached soon.
CM Majhi urged the Centre to direct banks to open permanent branches and resolve internet connectivity issues in remote areas.
Conclusion
In his concluding remarks, CM Majhi emphasized the need for stronger Centre-State collaboration, inviting the Government of India to actively support regional priorities and inclusive development. He reiterated Odisha’s commitment to “Vikasit Bharat”, calling the Zonal Council meeting a step towards transformative governance.
