Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stole the spotlight at the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog today, presenting a compelling vision of a “Viksit Odisha” that blends robust economic growth, fiscal discipline, and transformative human development under the double-engine government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the high-level gathering, CM Majhi expressed deep gratitude to the Prime Minister for his visionary leadership and proactive steps to secure India’s energy future amid global uncertainties. He particularly lauded the Centre’s focus on diversifying energy sources, promoting EVs and alternative fuels, and strengthening domestic supplies.
Fiscal Star Performer
Odisha continued its impressive trajectory in 2025-26, recording a healthy 7.9% economic growth rate while maintaining fiscal deficit and debt within FRBM limits. The state has been ranked No. 1 in NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index 2026, a testament to its commitment to responsible and prudent governance.
Infrastructure Revolution Underway
The Chief Minister thanked the Union Government for allocating Rs 10,928 crore for railway development in the Union Budget 2026-27. With projects worth over Rs 90,000 crore currently under implementation, connectivity across the state is set for a massive upgrade. Odisha is also rapidly emerging as an eastern maritime and logistics powerhouse through Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti. The proposed Bahuda Deep Sea Port and National Waterway-5 are expected to slash logistics costs and boost global trade linkages. In a major boost to advanced manufacturing, two semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission have received approval, positioning Odisha as a rising hub for electronics and cutting-edge technology.
People-First Agenda: Inclusive Human Development
Aligning with the meeting’s theme “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047”, CM Majhi outlined Odisha’s comprehensive strategy that goes far beyond infrastructure. The state has launched pioneering initiatives in early childhood care, including ‘Ama Kuni Pila’ — a home-based nurturing programme for children aged 0-3 that actively involves fathers through “Men-Streaming”. From milestone tracking via Mo Bikas Patra to mother-tongue-based learning and AI-powered personalised education under the National AI Mission, Odisha is laying an exceptionally strong foundation for its youngest citizens.
In schooling, the government has set up 44,875 Sishu Vatika classrooms benefiting 3.17 lakh children and is establishing model primary schools in every Gram Panchayat. Nutrition schemes like Mukhyamantri Poshan Yojana and incentives for tribal and girl students are driving higher retention and equity. The flagship Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana provides conditional cash support and a maturity benefit of ₹1,00,001 to empower girls.
Skilling for the Future
Odisha’s multi-tier skilling ecosystem is being radically upgraded. Ten ITIs are becoming Utkarsh ITIs with ₹100 crore investments each, while industry-linked Centres of Excellence and PPP models are transforming the sector. The state is fully prepared to implement the PM SETU Scheme and is expanding the World Skill Centre with new campuses. Special focus on girls in non-traditional trades and inclusion of marginalised communities reflects the state’s inclusive approach.
Higher education is seeing massive experiential learning and apprenticeship opportunities, while a grassroots sports revolution is taking shape. The state is building 314 Block Level Stadiums — the first such comprehensive initiative in the country — under the Grassroots Infrastructure Development programme.
Technology & Governance
From AgriStack digital surveys covering over 3 crore plots to Ama Sathi — a multilingual, voice-enabled service platform — and strategic use of AI across governance, healthcare, education, and disaster management, Odisha is embracing technology while ensuring ethical safeguards.
Concluding his address, Chief Minister Majhi reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to deepening industry-academia linkages and aligning human capital with emerging opportunities in manufacturing, services, and advanced technologies.
“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are confident that the dream of Viksit Bharat will be realised, with a strong and prosperous Viksit Odisha standing proudly as one of its foremost pillars,” CM Majhi stated.
