Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, represented the state at a crucial pre-budget consultation meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi today.
The meeting, which brought together finance ministers from all states and union territories, aimed to gather inputs for the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary of Finance Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, Parida submitted a detailed memorandum outlining Odisha’s key priorities and proposals. During the discussions, she emphasised several critical areas where central assistance is vital for the state’s development, aligning with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat.”
Among the highlighted issues were enhanced support under the “Purvodaya” initiative to boost infrastructure in eastern India, incentives for fiscally responsible states, and increased allocations under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). Parida also called for revisions in the ration cost norms for the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) and Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) to ensure better nutrition delivery.
Other demands included bolstering the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) with higher central funding and expanded coverage for social pensions, aid for paddy procurement and storage amid rising production, and timely funds for completing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects. The state sought substantial investments in roads and national highways worth approximately ₹41,580 crore, urban development, and tourism promotion, leveraging Odisha’s cultural heritage, tribal traditions, beaches, and eco-tourism sites.
Sitharaman assured the gathering that all suggestions from states, including Odisha’s, would receive due attention in framing the budget.
This consultation underscores Odisha’s push for balanced regional growth, focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, and social security to contribute to India’s overall progress.
