Odisha’s People-First Governance Sets a New Benchmark

A Son Of The Soil

A steward of the state, CM Mohan Charan Majhi is steering Odisha through a wave of changes, anchored by his inclusive leadership

Sheela Bhatt

Odisha is currently undergoing a profound transformation at its highest echelons. The palpable sense of renewal in its political landscape finds its origin point in Mohan Charan Majhi, the state’s first Santhal Chief Minister.

Majhi was born in the unassuming Raikala village of Keonjhar. His father, Gunaram, was a government school peon — a far cry from the corridors of power the CM now walks. Yet it is this very distance that makes Majhi’s political arc so compelling. Grounded in “common” realities, he understands the fault lines and forgotten corners of his state.

Majhi’s ascension to the Chief Ministership of Odisha is, in itself, a historic event, marking a dramatic political shift after 24 uninterrupted years of rule by Naveen Patnaik and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). For nearly a quarter of a century, Patnaik had been the face of Odisha’s governance — urbane, technocratic, and widely perceived as unassailable. His political dominance shaped the state’s bureaucracy, policy priorities, and political culture. That era came to an end in 2024, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by a fresh coalition of tribal, rural, and aspirational votes, rose to power.

The elevation of a soft-spoken tribal leader from a modest background symbolised a generational change, a reassertion of grassroots leadership and a recalibration of Odisha’s development priorities. CM Majhi is, in the truest sense, a son of the soil. His early career as a schoolteacher at Saraswati Shishu Mandir — a school run by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — shaped his worldview, his nationalist pride and a lifelong commitment to public service. His formal education includes degrees in both arts and law, further sharpening his grassroots credibility with legal acumen.

His career in public service began humbly as the Sarpanch of Raikala, his birthplace. This position grounded him in grassroots governance, allowing him to understand first-hand the needs and aspirations of rural and tribal communities. He steadily climbed the political ladder, contesting his first assembly election in 2000 from Keonjhar. Over the next two decades, Majhi would become a familiar and trusted face in Odisha’s political arena, winning the Keonjhar seat four times and losing twice — a track record that reflects both resilience and sustained public faith. His victories were often hard-earned, characterised by extensive campaigning and close engagement with local issues such as land rights, forest access, and tribal welfare.

In 2024, following his fourth win, Majhi modestly expected a cabinet berth in a BJP-led government. Instead, in a move that surprised even his closest allies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named him the Chief Minister.

Majhi bears the additional responsibility of advocating for tribal people while simultaneously moving beyond his identity to enhance Odia Asmita (pride/identity). His leadership represents a delicate but deliberate balancing act — one that honours his roots while articulating a broader, unifying vision for all Odias. By embodying both local identity and statewide ambition, Majhi is attempting to build a more inclusive political culture that bridges historical divides and sets a new template for governance in a diverse state.

Promises, Delivered

CM Majhi speaks to Outlook on the highlights of his government’s first year in office

Sheela Bhatt

In your one year as Chief Minister, which achievements from your tenure stand out?

We complete one year of this government in June. At the recent NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi and during the NDA gathering, I had the privilege of presenting our government’s key achievements to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Many of these milestones were part of the vision laid out in our election manifesto. Out of the 21 promises we made, we have initiated work on 11 of them, and the results are already visible on the ground.

One of our most ambitious and transformative initiatives is the Subhadra Yojana, aimed squarely at empowering the women of Odisha. Just an hour after my swearing-in on June 12, 2024, we convened our first cabinet meeting to define its objectives and roadmap. Within just 100 days, the scheme was launched and successfully rolled out across the state. Over one crore women have already registered under this flagship welfare initiative, marking a strong start toward inclusive development.

Can you elaborate on the benefits the scheme offers to Odisha’s women?

As per our manifesto, we approved the scheme in the cabinet. We launched it on September 17, 2024 — PM Modiji’s birthday. I explained our plan to him and invited him to the event. He graciously accepted. He even visited an Adivasi family nearby, where a tribal woman offered him kheer to mark the occasion. On day one itself, 25 lakh women enrolled.

After completing their e-KYC, each woman who enrolled for the Subhadra Yojana received an initial deposit of ₹10,000 in her account to encourage home-based entrepreneurship. We also urged them to reinvest their earnings from their home-based ventures.

Initially, we were concerned whether the money was being spent wisely. But reports showed that

90 per cent of the one crore enrolled women used the funds to start or support small businesses. Inspired by this success, Modiji introduced the Lakhpati Didi initiative. Odisha now leads the country in implementing it, with over 16 lakh women on track to become Lakhpati Didis. This is the most significant outcome of the Subhadra Yojana. We plan to leverage this platform further to support enrolled women in multiple ways.

What other achievements would you like to highlight?

We have launched a pioneering and forward-looking scheme for farmers, one that is especially vital for a state like Odisha, given its vulnerability to frequent natural calamities. With a coastline stretching over 480 kilometers, Odisha is perennially at risk from cyclones, floods and recurring droughts — events that often strike during the most critical phases of cultivation and harvest. These disruptions have historically inflicted massive losses on our farmers, crippling their incomes and pushing many into cycles of debt.

Yet, despite decades of such patterns, the previous government failed to build an adequate compensation mechanism for agricultural losses caused by unseasonal weather. There was no dedicated provision to safeguard the farmer during these moments of greatest distress.

We have taken decisive action by allocating ₹292 crore specifically to address this gap. This includes not only direct financial support but also the provision of fertilisers, improved seeds and other farming-related inputs to help farmers recover and become more resilient.

Crucially, we have redefined how natural disasters are treated in relief codes — an overdue reform that had never been attempted, not even by former CM Naveen Patnaik.

Earlier, while the government purchased paddy at ₹2,300 per quintal, this rate failed to offset the costs and losses borne by farmers. To rectify this, we now offer an additional ₹800 over and above the Minimum Support Price, bringing the effective price to ₹3,100 per quintal — ranking Odisha second in the country, just behind Chhattisgarh.

While Naveen babu had promised a ₹100 bonus, he did not fulfil it. We have not only fulfilled that promise but exceeded it, ensuring that our farmers receive fair compensation and have the means to reinvest in their land and livelihood.

What additional benefits are farmers receiving?

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship Kisan Yojana, farmers across the country receive an annual financial support of ₹6,000. To supplement this and ensure greater economic security for our state’s farmers, we introduced the CM Kisan Yojana, which provides an additional ₹4,000. This brings the total annual benefit to ₹10,000 per farmer. This enhanced support is a crucial step toward improving farm income and enabling farmers to invest in better seeds, equipment, and practices. The first installment under the CM Kisan Yojana was officially disbursed on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, marking a new chapter in Odisha’s commitment to its agricultural community.

Can you tell us a little more about your government’s focus on education across levels?

We deliberated deeply on how to bring lasting, meaningful improvements to the education system at all levels — primary, high school, and +2. It became clear that for any long-term reform to be effective, the foundation had to be strong. Unfortunately, previous governments disproportionately focused on high schools — introducing smart classrooms and digital infrastructure — but paid very little attention to the condition of primary education. The results were visible on the ground.

In my years in the Opposition, I highlighted time and again how students entering Class VI were struggling with basic skills — unable to perform simple arithmetic operations like addition or subtraction, or keep up with basic dictation. How can we expect them to thrive in a smart high school environment if the foundational years are so weak?

These gaps were ignored for nearly 26 years.

Our approach has been to shift the focus back to the grassroots level. We began by identifying the most critical needs of primary schools across the state — lack of classrooms, inadequate teaching staff, outdated materials — and addressed them head-on. We undertook a massive recruitment drive and appointed 20,000 teachers across Odisha, including a record-breaking 16,009 in a single day. This not only addressed the teacher shortage but also sent a strong message about our commitment to education.

Additionally, we prioritised the long-delayed implementation of the National Education Policy of 2020. Despite being announced years ago, the previous government had not acted on it. Within our first year in office, we brought it into effect across Odisha, ensuring that our education system is aligned with modern pedagogical standards and responsive to the needs of the 21st-century learner.

Knocking On The Right Doors

A blend of cultural reverence and modern reforms by the Majhi government is reaffirming Jagannath Dham’s stature as the spiritual and cultural heart of Odisha

Dr Dipak Samantarai

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is not just a place of worship — it is the spiritual heart of Odisha. For millions of devotees across India and the world, Jagannath Dham represents the timeless values of devotion and heritage.

The Majhi government’s efforts at elevating the temple and the larger Puri ecosystem reflect a commitment to preserving Odisha’s cultural wealth, as well as an understanding of how such symbols project the state’s stature on the national and global stage.

Devoted to Darshan

One of the government’s first major acts was to open all four dwaras of the temple, delivering on a campaign promise and improving access for devotees. “Entry to Srimandir has been eased but the rush is continuing at Nata Mandap as before,” observes Debi Prasanna Nanda, a noted author on Jagannath culture.

The administration has also decided to install air-conditioning in Nata Mandap and introduce raised platforms in front of the deities for unhindered darshan. 

The Cultural Wealth Quotient

The government is also delivering on another key promise — facilitating the opening and safeguarding of the Ratna Bhandara, the temple’s famed treasure trove. A high-powered committee has already overseen the shifting of assets, and the Archaeological Survey of India is set to undertake restoration of the space during the upcoming Ratha Yatra.

This year, the Ratha Yatra itself has earned a place, along with Cuttack’s Baliyatra, on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of Sangeet Natak Akademi — a prestigious recognition. The government is also pushing to secure a coveted listing on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, as part of its larger strategy to showcase Odia culture globally.

Budgeting for Growth

Financially, the government is backing its vision with substantial investment. The annual budget for temple-related works has been increased by 34 per cent, from ₹271 crore to ₹413 crore. An additional ₹500 crore has been sanctioned, taking the total corpus fund to over ₹1,500 crore. A long-overdue initiative to digitise all temple land records is also underway — a vital step to ensure transparency and prevent encroachments.

Building a Spiritual Ecosystem

Beyond physical infrastructure, conscious efforts are on to strengthen the spiritual and cultural ecosystem. A new FM radio channel dedicated to spiritual programming has been launched, and the gold-plating of Ratna Bhandar doors is on the cards.

The government has introduced the Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana — an ambitious social scheme to provide free pilgrimage to 9,50,000 elderly citizens, widows, and members of weaker sections over the next five years. This initiative exemplifies a pro-people approach.

In parallel, the state has moved to trademark key terms associated with the Puri temple — from ‘Jagannath Dham’ to ‘Srimandir’, ‘Mahaprasad’, ‘Neelachal Dham’, and more — a smart move to protect the sanctity and global brand of the temple.

A Juggernaut Rising

In its first year, the Majhi government has sent a clear message: Odisha’s spiritual heritage is not just valued, but actively celebrated. With a vision to preserve and elevate this rich legacy, the government is taking steps to ensure that it resonates deeply with locals as well as those beyond Odisha’s borders.

The journey ahead remains complex, yet Odisha’s growing commitment to reinforcing its cultural identity signals a promising shift. With thoughtful initiatives and a vision that aligns tradition with modernity, the state is steadily positioning itself as a prominent cultural force, poised to gain increasing recognition and influence both nationally and globally.

The Agri-Plus Vision

Odisha’s agricultural sector is undergoing a rapid, farmer-centric transformation under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, marked by significant recent policy boosts and direct financial aid. The past year has seen the state set a new benchmark for rural prosperity, driven by tech integration, robust market linkages, and sustainable practices.

Sukanya Das

Walk into Krishi Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, and you will feel a pulsating calmness. The laterite bricks and the plants, the impressive command-and-control centre and the quiet millet café, the climate resilience cell and the creche for the children of employees, as well as the queues of corporate visitors lined up, all reflect a compelling story that’s unfolding in Odisha’s rural heartland.

Under CM Majhi’s strong and empathetic lead, Odisha’s agriculture sector is seeing rapid, transformative growth. Over the past year, key steps have not only boosted farmer incomes but also built a smart, green, and lasting framework for farming. This is a real shift, bringing clear gains to millions who work the land, proving the government is acting on its promises.

Direct Aid, Swift Impact

A cornerstone of the Majhi government’s farmer-first plan is the boosted CM-KISAN Yojana – a flagship scheme that has become a lifeline for small, marginal, and landless agricultural households. Chief Minister Majhi himself led the disbursement of a substantial ₹1,025 crore to over 51 lakh farmers during Akshaya Tritiya (April 2025). This crucial financial injection was part of the annual ₹4,000 input support, strategically delivered in two instalments for Kharif and Rabi seasons. Re-launched in September 2024, through this, vital financial aid reaches farmers via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Cultivating Tomorrow

The Krushi Vidya Nidhi Yojana (KVNY), under CM-KISAN, supports youth in pursuing careers in agriculture by offering financial aid for higher studies to children of CM-KISAN beneficiaries. Odisha’s farmlands are turning into smart farms through digital tools like Digital Advisory Services, Krushak Samruddhi Helpline, and e-Pest Surveillance, offering real-time recommendations. Platforms such as Krushi Samiksha Kendra and agri-extension apps link farmers to expert advice.

Nobel Laureate Prof. Michael Kremer praised this data-driven model for aiding fertiliser use, pest alerts, and scientific decisions. Odisha’s unique Climate Resilience Cell ensures all farm policies consider climate, nutrition, and gender. The Command-and-Control Centre enables real-time tracking, ensuring swift service delivery and resolution of farmer concerns.

Beyond MSP

The Majhi government has pledged to ensure farmers earn more than the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Under Samrudha Krushak Yojana, paddy is procured at ₹3,100 per quintal — ₹800 above MSP — benefiting over 16 lakh farmers.

The scheme’s budget has increased from ₹5,000 crore to ₹6,000 crore for FY 2025–26. The Shree Anna Abhiyan (Millet Mission), recognised globally, promotes crop diversity by procuring millets like Ragi at ₹210 above MSP. For FY 2025–26, it will expand to 177 blocks across all 30 districts and has already created 4,308 value-addition units. The Mukhyamantri Maka Mission linked maize growers to 58 buyers, generating ₹49.54 crore in trade. The Indigenous Aromatic Paddy Export Scheme connected traditional rice varieties to markets in the UAE, UK, Cyprus, Mauritius, and India, reinforcing Odisha’s export ambitions.

Sustainable Heritage

The Majhi government blends modern ways with tradition for sustained growth. The new Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission promotes organic farming, building strong market links with certification. A touching part is ‘Amrut Anna’, that will offer organic ‘Jaibik chawal’ as the sacred ‘Kothobhoga’ prasad at Sri Jagannath Temple.

The government also champions ‘forgotten foods,’ seeing Odisha as a goldmine of plant types. Work is on to list and push old, often aromatic, rice types and unique local dals, saving food heritage and making new markets.

Collective Power

The Majhi government greatly boosted Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Last year, 150 new FPOs got help. Crucially, 78 MoUs were signed with agri-firms, and 24 FPOs sold goods globally, sending about 50 MT of produce to UAE, Qatar, and the UK. The FPO portal helps small farmers reach wider markets together.

This group focus is also clear in Agriculture Production Clusters (APCs), covering over 2.2 lakh women Self-Help Group (SHG) members which collectively made ₹11,317 lakh in sales.

Modern Backing

Odisha is investing heavily in farm tools and cold storage. Under the 2025–30 scheme, 82 firms have signed up to set up one unit in each of the state’s 58 sub-divisions, reducing crop loss and improving prices. The Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (₹264 crore for FY 2025–26) is driving farm business growth; last year, grants generated ₹1,400–₹1,500 crore in turnover, with Odisha leading the nation in tractor sales.

A Shield from Elements

The Majhi government brought in a key, caring rule for unseasonal rain. Shockingly, unseasonal rain from November – May, causing over 33 per cent crop damage, was never categorised as disaster. Today it is, allowing the state to use the State Disaster Relief Fund money fast, giving quick help. In May 2025, the government pledged fast pay for such crop loss.

In sum, the Majhi government’s strong plan is changing rural Odisha. By giving aid, market access, tech, green ways, and fast disaster relief, the state is building a strong, rich farm economy.

Key Highlights: Cm-Kisan (Past Year)

₹1,025 crore Disbursed (April 2025): Benefiting over 51 lakh farmers

₹4,000 lakh Annual Input Support: Delivered in two timely installments

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Ensures transparent, efficient fund delivery

Broad Coverage Includes small, marginal, landless, and tribal farmers

₹12,500 One-time Assistance: Provided to landless households for livelihoods

Market Support & Diversification Highlights

Paddy: Samrudha Krushak Yojana buys at ₹3,100 / quintal

(₹800 above MSP); FY25-26 budget ₹6,000 Cr

Millets: Shree Anna Abhiyan procures at ₹210 above MSP; Expanding to 177 blocks in FY 2025-26

Maize: Mukhyamantri Maka Mission facilitated ₹49.54 crore in trade

Exports: Indigenous Aromatic Paddy Export Scheme opened new global markets

Water, Dignity, Democracy

Odisha is rewriting the rules of rural transformation — combining clean drinking water, robust panchayats, and women-led governance to power inclusive, sustainable development

Anushka Mohapatra

In just one year since taking office, the Majhi government has radically recalibrated Odisha’s approach to rural development. At the heart of this transformation is a dual commitment: empower panchayats as engines of grassroots democracy and ensure equitable access to drinking water, especially in tribal and hard-to-reach areas. Together, these priorities are not just policy promises — they are changing lives.

Bikashita Odisha Blueprint

The flagship Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha campaign is spearheading the rural development agenda. With ₹1,000 crore allocated in 2024–25 and ₹2,000 crore earmarked for 2025–26, the scheme focuses on bridging infrastructure gaps, especially through road connectivity and piped water systems. Importantly, up to 35 per cent of the funds are being channelled specifically into rural road projects to ensure last-mile service delivery.

Tapping Every Household

In an ambitious push, Odisha aims to provide 100 per cent Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) across all villages by December 2026. More than 3 lakh FHTCs have already been commissioned, with an implementation model that puts people at the centre. Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) ensure community involvement in water quality checks, upkeep of infrastructure, and grievance redressal.

Special attention is being paid to tribal regions and drought-prone belts. Notably, 3,107 single-village and solar-powered piped water schemes have already been completed — game-changing infrastructure in terrains where traditional power lines falter.

Mega Projects, Micro Impact

Odisha’s 207 Mega Rural Piped Water Supply Projects — each drawing surface water to cater to multiple habitations — promise sustainable access to clean drinking water across 65 per cent of the state’s villages. Sixteen of these have already gone live, 82 are in advanced stages, and 109 are under execution. All are slated for completion by the end of 2026, tightly aligned with the goals of the national Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

The Tube Well Transition

For scattered and hilly habitations where PWS may take longer, the government has instituted a revised norm: one tube well for every 70 individuals. This has improved access in hard-to-reach areas and reduced the drudgery faced by women and children. Though a stopgap, these tube wells act as vital lifelines, especially during calamities like floods and cyclones when piped systems may be compromised.

Financial Muscle, Forward March

The Jal Jeevan Mission’s ₹7,000 crore allocation (2024–26) is propelling Odisha’s water revolution. Beyond infrastructure, funds are supporting timely execution and vendor payments, capacity-building of Gram Panchayats and SHGs, and promotion of sustainable sources and decentralised water testing.

The parallel BASUDHA scheme — allocated ₹1,500 crore — is plugging the gaps. It covers technically constrained areas, builds centralised command centres, and supports maintenance, energy expenses, and innovative water management studies. Together, JJM and BASUDHA are expanding coverage, boosting quality, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Water Meets Housing

Integration is key. The Antyodaya Gruha Yojana synchronises housing delivery with piped water and toilet construction, ensuring basic dignity in newly built homes. Targeting the most vulnerable — widows, PwDs, critically ill persons — this ₹7,550 crore programme aims to build over 5 lakh pucca homes in three years. Already, 60,000 houses were sanctioned on a single day — March 30, 2025.

In remote villages, solar-powered systems make it possible to run taps even in off-grid houses. The seamless fusion of housing and water is a model for holistic rural upliftment.

Self-Reliance in Action

A shining example of what Panchayati Raj can achieve is the Hatbhadra Gram Panchayat in Mayurbhanj district. Run by a woman Sarpanch, the Panchayat was conferred the Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award for raising ₹79.24 lakh in Own Source Revenue (OSR) — largely through market fees, water usage charges, and pond auctions.

These funds have built roads, culverts, parks, libraries, and solar lights — many of them maintained by local youth employed by the Panchayat itself. The Sarpanch’s leadership, especially her use of QR-based payments and digital grievance redressals, is a blueprint for accountable, inclusive rural governance.

Training for Transformation

Building institutions is as important as building infrastructure. The State Institute for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR) in Odisha has trained over 3 lakh people across 5,942 sessions, including newly elected PRI representatives, women leaders, and panchayat functionaries.

Its stellar performance has earned it the Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar for two consecutive years. From capacity-building materials to exposure visits and panchayat development plans aligned with SDGs, SIRD&PR is laying the intellectual foundation for Odisha’s rural rise.

The Gram Swaraj Push

Under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), Odisha is strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as the first responders to local needs. With a 60:40 centre-state funding model, the scheme offers basic and refresher training to elected representatives, focused modules on Sustainable Development Goals, construction of Gram Panchayat buildings and District Panchayat Resource Centres (DPRCs).

With ₹2 crore allocated per DPRC and ₹20 lakh per GP building, the push is not just to train — but to transform.

A Bottom-Up Revolution

The Majhi government’s rural agenda is rooted in simplicity, scale, and sincerity. From piped water to capacity-building, from women-led panchayats to solar-powered schemes, Odisha is setting benchmarks for decentralised governance. It is a model where rural doesn’t mean backward — it means bold, bright, and built for the future.

In a world where top-down policies often stumble at the last mile, Odisha is showing that the journey begins with the people. And in every drop of clean water, every skill honed, and every empowered panchayat — it is scripting a new story of dignity and development.

Bridging Roads, Empowering Tribes

The Majhi government has infused new momentum into rural and tribal development — strengthening connectivity, upgrading services, and bringing Odisha’s indigenous communities to the heart of its growth agenda

Sourabh Sen

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s government has prioritised uplifting Odisha’s rural hinterlands and transforming tribal lives. The past year has seen impressive convergence between rural development schemes and ambitious tribal welfare programmes—driving inclusive growth.

Connecting the Last Mile

Odisha’s Rural Development Department is advancing all-weather connectivity. The flagship Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana — via Connecting Missing Road Links (CMRL), Connecting Unconnected Villages in Difficult Areas (CUVDA), and Transferred Road Improvement Programme (TRIP) — has significantly improved access to unconnected, underserved villages this year.

By January 2025, 96 roads covering nearly 287 km had been completed under CMRL alone. Under CUVDA, vital for left-wing extremism-affected tribal districts, 102 km of roads have already been completed this year, with 57 new projects sanctioned. The Setu Bandhana Yojana approved 144 new bridge projects in 2024-25.

Provisions under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), aimed at connecting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) villages, add a sharper tribal focus.

Building Rural Resilience

Odisha’s bridge-cum-weir projects are aiding irrigation, groundwater recharge, and pisciculture. This year, the Rural Works Organisation spent ₹97.64 crore maintaining 893 km of roads and bridges — ensuring asset durability.

In mineral-bearing districts, funds from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC) are being effectively channelled into roads, bridges, housing, sanitation, and public buildings.

Empowering Tribal Communities

Tribal welfare has been placed squarely at the core of Odisha’s development agenda. The landmark Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeebika Mission targets 1.5 lakh tribal households with diversified livelihoods. With a budget of ₹200 crore, the programme will enhance incomes through sustainable enterprises.

The Model Tribal Village Initiative is transforming 500 habitations, leveraging scheme convergence, fast-tracking forest rights, promoting forest-based livelihoods, and building cooperatives and market linkages.

Education for tribal children has received a dramatic boost. The Saheed Laxman Nayak Adarsh Ashram Vidyalaya Yojana is modernising 705 residential Ashram schools — revamping infrastructure, improving nutrition, and forming parent governance bodies. To arrest dropouts, the Madho Singh Haath Kharch Yojana offers annual financial support to over 2 lakh tribal students.

A People-first Approach

Odisha’s rural-tribal synergy reflects Chief Minister Majhi’s people-first philosophy—yielding better connected villages, revitalised schools, rising incomes, and renewed inclusion among the state’s indigenous communities today. 

Championing Women

With Subhadra Yojana and the rise of over 16 lakh Lakhpati Didis, the Majhi government is empowering women as the architects of Odisha’s social and economic transformation

Sukanya Das

A quiet revolution is underway in Odisha. Unlike the flashy declarations or headline-chasing reforms seen elsewhere, this one is rooted in direct benefit transfers, digital inclusion, self-help group mobilisations and focused support systems for women. At its centre stands the Subhadra Yojana, Odisha’s largest women-centric welfare programme. With over ₹10,000 crore disbursed to more than 1 crore beneficiaries already, and a broader umbrella of policies taking shape, the Majhi government has made one thing clear: the future of Odisha will be built by its women.

The Subhadra Model

Launched in September 2024, Subhadra Yojana delivers ₹50,000 to eligible women over five years — ₹10,000 annually, paid in two tranches aligned with Raksha Bandhan and International Women’s Day. This strategic timing is not just symbolic. It reflects the dual intention of cultural celebration and financial agency. Targeted at women aged 21–60 from households earning less than ₹2.5 lakh per annum, the scheme promotes inclusion through its seamless application criteria.

The government’s use of Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) has ensured transparent, leak-proof disbursals. By March 8, 2025, ₹5,000 crore had already been credited to the accounts of 1.18 crore women — a remarkable execution timeline for a programme of this scale.

More than just cash support, the scheme also fosters digital financial literacy through the “Subhadra Debit Card.” Women are incentivised to conduct cashless transactions, with the top 100 digital users in each panchayat receiving a ₹500 reward. This nudge towards digital empowerment is reshaping the rural economy in subtle, powerful ways.

A Strategic Commitment

The scheme’s scale reflects not just intent but strategy. A total of ₹55,825 crore has been committed to Subhadra for 2024–29, with ₹10,145 crore earmarked in the 2025-26 budget alone. It’s a long-term play — one that sees women as anchors of both household well-being and local development.

Importantly, Subhadra isn’t a standalone scheme. It’s evolving into a broader ecosystem of care and empowerment under the “Subhadra Plus” umbrella. Proposals like ‘Kishori Subhadra’ (for adolescent girls), ‘Subhadra Surakhya’ (focused on safety), and ‘Subhadra Sanchay’ (promoting savings), signal a shift from welfare to wellbeing. The ₹153 crore allocated to Subhadra Surakhya in the latest budget is a crucial investment in women’s safety, showing that empowerment here goes beyond economic metrics to include dignity, mobility and confidence.

The Lakhpati Didi Movement

Odisha’s self-help group (SHG) initiative, alongside the Subhadra Yojana, has created a remarkable success story with over 16 lakh Lakhpati Didis — women who have surpassed the ₹1 lakh income threshold. Odisha now ranks first in the country in creating Lakhpati Didis. These women are not just earning; they are leading. They run micro-enterprises, manage government supply contracts, and often train other SHGs, becoming ripple points of prosperity and confidence in their communities.

As of June 10, 2025, Odisha has approved 17.6 lakh potential Lakhpati Didis, achieving a staggering 94 per cent of the target. The income distribution shows more than 15 lakh women earning between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh, 1,15,117 women earning between ₹3 lakh and ₹6 lakh, and 8,666 women earning above ₹6 lakh.

Inclusive Design, Last-Mile Delivery

The state’s empowerment strategy also stands out for its inclusivity. A recent drive brought 4.33 lakh new households under the SHG fold, including 7,000 elderly and PwD households — a move rarely attempted at this scale in other states.

Events like the Subhadra Shakti Mela, which hosted around 1,000 SHGs and recognised 900+ Lakhpati Didis, aren’t just ceremonial. They serve as high-visibility platforms for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, connect with markets, and gain exposure to wider supply chains.

A Cultural Shift

What sets Odisha apart is the fusion of economic and social empowerment. The women being empowered are not merely recipients of welfare — they are agents of economic circulation, custodians of cultural continuity, and builders of community resilience.

When a woman receives her Subhadra installment or secures a loan for her SHG enterprise, it is not just financial empowerment. It is an assertion of identity, a rebalancing of family roles, and a reaffirmation of dignity. For communities long accustomed to marginalisation, this is transformational.

The Road Ahead

Odisha’s model shows that real empowerment is never top-down — it must grow from the grassroots, with sustained support and accountable governance. The Majhi government’s approach, rooted in fiscal prudence, digital enablement, and institutional strengthening, offers a template other states may well look to emulate.

Challenges persist: reaching the unreached, keeping the schemes updated with evolving needs, and safeguarding against exclusion or delay. But the scaffolding is strong — and the momentum is real.

The Subhadra Yojana and the Lakhpati Didi movement are not isolated interventions. Together, they represent Odisha’s shift from passive welfare to active participation — from subsidy to self-worth.

If development is to be measured not just by GDP but by how many women can stand tall with confidence and agency, then Odisha is showing the way.

₹17,454 crore in SHG credit linkage (the highest ever in Odisha)

An average SHG loan value of ₹4.93 lakh

₹299.97 crore in interest subvention — the highest ever — returned to 3.07 lakh SHGs

Government business worth ₹3,695 crore routed through SHGs in 2024–25

₹100 crore under the Odisha Pushti Mission for nutrition of children, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent girls

₹338.52 crore isbursed under maternity benefit schemes (MAMATA and PMMVY) to over 3.38 lakh women, including 4,815 women from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

Construction of 1,009 new Anganwadi centres and 2,069 Nutri-gardens

₹25 crore for Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare to foster tribal children’s education and identity

₹20.49 crore under Subhadra Sambedana, advancing gender sensitivity and community safety

₹12 crore under Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, enabling mass weddings for economically backward girls in culturally sensitive ways

Pride, Not Prejudice

Traditionally, women have played subservient roles in families, communities and society. Thus, the huge potential of women’s greater economic, social and political participation remains untapped. But women’s agency can transform livelihoods and lives, families and communities. Changemakers can be created, even in rural and underserved regions. Outlook presents a story in photographs. Of the smiles of Odia women, empowered by their government to steer their own futures and lead a life of not just dignity, but quiet pride.

Sukanya Das

Anita Samal - Goatery farmer from Sonepur

Lakshmipriya Bhoi - Dairy farmer from Puri

Juli Mahanta - Sheep farmer from Mayurbhanj

Limbatita Lia - Grocery shop owner from Jharsuguda

Moumin Sahoo - Fruit shop owner from Nuapada

Pramila Prdhan – Entrepreneur - Printing Shop, Nayagarh

Punam Kothare (Entrepreneur - Tailoring, Sambalpur)

Purnima Senapati – Catering entrepreneur from Sundargarh

Sabita Bal – Bamboo craft artisan from Mayurbhanj

Rinky Pradhan – Dairy farmer from Sonepur

Tapaswini Prdhan – Entrepreneur in puja essentials from Sundargarh

Ullas Dei - Black gram and okra farmer from Nayagarh

Seeds of Her Success

From the fields of Odisha to the global stage, Raimati Ghiuria’s millet-powered journey embodies the Majhi government’s commitment to women-led, sustainable rural transformation

Abhilash Pattnaik

When Raimati Ghiuria stood before world leaders at the G20 summit in September 2023, she was not just representing the women farmers of Odisha — she was speaking for an entire grassroots revolution. Hailing from Sundargarh district, Raimati’s rise as the “Queen of Millets” is a story of vision, resilience, and timely support from the Majhi government.

Leading a Local Revival

A member of the Lanjia Saura tribal community, Raimati’s interest in preserving traditional millets brought her to the notice of M.S. Swaminathan, who trained her at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in Jeypore. Raimati re-introduced traditional cropping patterns, promoted organic composting, and encouraged seed-sharing practices that date back generations. Under her leadership, over 150 women in her village adopted sustainable millet farming.

The Government’s Support

Recognising the potential of Raimati’s work, the Odisha government rolled out targeted millet missions in tribal regions, with Sundargarh as a flagship district. These schemes, under the larger banner of the Mission Shakti Millet Champions initiative, supported Raimati’s group with inputs and infrastructure, scaling her model to adjacent districts like Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Koraput.

Institutionalising Her Legacy

Earlier this year, the state launched Raimati Resource Hubs — community-owned seed banks named after Raimati — to institutionalise her indigenous knowledge and preserve local millet varieties.

Raimati’s influence goes beyond farming. In 2025, she was honoured with an honorary doctorate by President Droupadi Murmu at a special convocation in Bhubaneswar. Following this, the state partnered with Odisha Livelihoods Mission and several international NGOs to create a dedicated Rural Women’s Innovation Fund — its pilot cohort mentored by Raimati herself. She has also been tapped as a brand ambassador for Odisha’s millet exports, which have seen a 35 per cent year-on-year increase since mid-2024.

Schemes for Success

Raimati credits the Subhadra Yojana with giving women the strength to dream bigger. “This initiative helps in addressing health and hygiene needs often neglected in tribal areas. Lakhpati Didi has helped women become financially independent. Now, they are managing accounts, leading groups, and starting small businesses. These schemes are creating confidence and dignity among my sisters,” she said.

Looking ahead, Raimati’s focus remains grounded. “I just want every woman in every village to know her land can feed her — with dignity,” she said recently in an interaction with local media. It is this rootedness that continues to inspire a new generation of female changemakers in Odisha.

The Inclusive Industry Quotient

In just one year, CM Majhi’s government has catalysed Odisha’s rise as a national manufacturing and logistics hub, blending scale with inclusion, ambition with ground-level impact

Vikas Nayak

Since Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assumed office in June 2024, the state’s industrial narrative has undergone a sweeping transformation. Backed by an assertive Department of Industries, the Majhi administration has shifted Odisha’s industrial discourse from intent to implementation — with a sharp focus on job creation, sectoral diversification, and infrastructural ambition.

The result: record-breaking investment proposals, revamped policies, ground-breaking projects, and a recalibrated vision that places Odisha not just on India’s investment map, but increasingly on the global radar.

The Make-in-Odisha Statement

At the heart of Odisha’s industrial revival is the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, held from January 28–30, 2025. A staggering ₹16.73 lakh crore worth of investment proposals were received across 20 sectors, promising 12.88 lakh jobs. Of these, 145 high-impact MoUs worth ₹12.89 lakh crore were signed, spanning chemicals, petrochemicals, food processing, IT/ITeS, tourism, and renewables.

Global participation matched the scale: over 100 foreign delegates attended from 16 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia — many of whom are now partners in Odisha’s next industrial leap. With over 10,000 delegates and 50,000 visitors to the extended Make in Odisha Expo, the conclave marked a historic assertion of Odisha’s ambition and potential.

Big Numbers, Real Groundwork

Behind the grandeur lies hard administrative work. The state’s twin clearance bodies — the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) and the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) — are actively involved in project approvals. For instance, in March 2025, the HLCA approved 10 projects worth ₹1.65 lakh crore with a potential to create over 50,000 jobs, and in November 2024, 20 projects worth ₹1.36 lakh crore were approved by HLCA, potentially creating 74,350 jobs. More recently, in May 2025, SLSWCA approved 19 projects worth ₹3,898.54 crore with an employment potential of 7,464 jobs. 

These projects span diverse sectors including steel, green energy, chemicals, ESDM, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing.

Odisha has laid the groundwork to become a national manufacturing node, attracting marquee foreign investors like Nestlé and Varun Beverages, as well as textile giants like EPIC Group. Nestlé India has commenced work on its first factory in Eastern India, located in Khordha, with an initial investment of around ₹900 crore. Varun Beverages is setting up a new greenfield manufacturing plant in Khordha with a planned investment of ₹700 crore. Hong Kong-based apparel manufacturer EPIC Group is also investing significantly to establish a large facility in Khordha district.

Further demonstrating this momentum, on April 3, 2025, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi personally launched 14 industrial projects in Khordha. These projects, with a cumulative investment of ₹5,770 crore, span sectors such as garments, food processing, mechanical goods, and packaging, and are expected to create 37,030 jobs.

The Kalinganagar Catalyst

The Kalinganagar Industrial Complex is a prime example of Odisha’s evolving industrial landscape. In May 2025, CM Majhi inaugurated 24 new projects worth ₹1.15 lakh crore, including Tata Steel’s ₹47,599 crore expansion, Neelachal Ispat Nigam’s ₹61,769 crore steel plant, and JSL Group’s petroleum and solar venture. Together, these projects are expected to create 36,000 jobs.

What sets Kalinganagar apart is its integrated approach: strengthening value chains, empowering local MSMEs through Odisha’s procurement policies, and aligning with the “Skilled in Odisha” programme to ensure a future-ready, tribal-inclusive workforce. Over the past four months, groundbreaking and inauguration of industrial projects have been launched in Khordha, Jajpur (Kalinga Nagar), Dhenkanal, and Chhatrapur in Ganjam. Following the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave in January 2025, 56 projects worth ₹1.78 lakh crore have been initiated, with the potential to generate 1.1 lakh jobs. These numbers highlight both speed and impact.

Starting Up Strong

While Odisha courts big-ticket investment, it is equally nurturing its base. In FY 2024–25, the government recognised over 2,000 startups and disbursed ₹25.48 crore in incentives covering product development, incubation, and market access.

Schemes like the Odisha Startup Growth Fund (₹25 crore) and MSME interest subsidies (₹30 crore) are fostering decentralised enterprise. Multiproduct MSME Parks (30 in total) are being developed with land notifications issued for 14. Upgradation of key industrial estates like Jagatpur, Khurda and Mancheswar is ongoing, with ₹152.30 crore spent till March 2025.

From Bhubaneswar to the World

Odisha’s industrial push has been backed by an aggressive, globe-spanning investor outreach. Since July 2024, the state has conducted over 150 one-to-one G2B meetings with firms like TVS, Marico, GreenPly, Adobe India and Mankind Pharma. Delegations visited New Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore, with meetings involving global majors including Google and Tata Steel.

MoUs with Singaporean firms now promise everything from a green shipping corridor in Paradip to a new sustainable city near Bhubaneswar. Notably, IDCO and Sembcorp signed an MoU to develop a world-class multiproduct industrial park integrating sustainability and technology — a glimpse into Odisha’s vision of futuristic industrial zones.

Other MoUs cover fintech innovation, skilling for semiconductors and renewables, and the strategic master-planning of the Paradip PCPIR (Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region), further aligning Odisha with India’s green transition and global supply chains.

The Green Tick

One of the most striking features of Odisha’s new industrial direction is its pivot towards the future. Sectors like green hydrogen, semiconductors, ESDM, and technical textiles are no longer peripheral — they are central to policy.

The state’s green energy MoUs with Singapore, its planning for a green shipping corridor, and initiatives to skill Odia youth in semiconductor manufacturing signal a deliberate tilt toward sustainability and self-reliance. Already, 20 investment projects worth ₹1.36 lakh crore have been cleared across aviation fuel, green energy, aluminium, and apparel sectors.

With manufacturing and services projected to contribute 35 per cent and 37 per cent respectively to Odisha’s economy in 2024-25, this sectoral broadening is crucial. It decouples the state from over-reliance on mineral extraction and positions it for durable, diversified growth.

Building for Generations

Perhaps what sets Odisha apart in this phase is the deliberate nature of its vision. This is not investment by press release, but by policy architecture and institutional strength. With a ₹915 crore departmental budget (₹874.47 crore already utilised in 2024–25), nearly every rupee has gone towards physical assets, logistical planning, workforce housing, and sector-specific ecosystem building.

From logistics parks and common effluent treatment plants to textile and food parks, every intervention points toward long-term value creation — not just jobs, but livelihoods; not just investors, but citizens.

Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 (Jan 2025)

₹16.73 lakh crore worth of investment proposals received

Across 20 sectors

Promising 12.88 lakh jobs

145 high-impact MoUs worth ₹12.89 lakh crore signed

The Purvodaya Powerhouse

Prime Minister Modi’s national vision and Chief Minister Majhi’s dynamic leadership are converging to power Odisha as the driving force behind Eastern India’s resurgence

Priyam Marik

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned Purvodaya in 2015, he sought to transform India’s eastern corridor — long underdeveloped yet resource-rich — into a new engine of national growth. A decade on, Odisha stands tall as the rising star of Purvodaya, powering the Prime Minister’s mission to bridge regional imbalances and usher in a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. From steel to spirituality, from tribal welfare to trillion-dollar ambitions, Odisha’s renaissance is being scripted through the combined force of Modi’s national vision and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s focused governance.

A Strategic Vision Anchored in the East

The Purvodaya initiative, boosted in the 2024–25 Union Budget, is built on three pillars: infrastructure, human resource development, and economic opportunity. Within this architecture, Odisha has emerged as a cornerstone, primarily due to its significant mineral wealth, being the largest producer of iron ore in India and holding substantial coal reserves (though predominantly non-coking coal), as well as its growing industrial footprint and vibrant cultural legacy.

Designating Kalinganagar as a strategically important steel cluster, for instance, is a key economic policy aimed at nation-building. Odisha is expected to significantly contribute to India’s 300 MT steel capacity target by 2030–31, with the state aiming to increase its own capacity to around 130 million tonnes, reinforcing its role as the country’s metal and mineral powerhouse.

But the Modi government’s vision goes beyond extractive industries. By aligning Purvodaya with India’s Act East policy, it has positioned Odisha — and its port infrastructure — as a maritime gateway to Southeast Asia, enhancing trade linkages and geostrategic relevance.

Political Will Meets Administrative Agility

Prime Minister Modi has visited Odisha five times from June 2024 to January 2025 — a rare frequency that signals not just political stakes, but a deep commitment to developmental delivery. Whether inaugurating national infrastructure or celebrating Odisha’s cultural icons, Modi has placed the state at the heart of his East-focused agenda.

At the Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025 (held in January 2025), he called Odisha the “anchor of the Purvodaya vision”, while the state’s selection as host for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 spotlighted its growing global relevance.

What strengthens this momentum is the convergence of political power — the “double engine sarkar.” Under CM Majhi, Odisha’s BJP-led state government is strongly aligned with the central government’s objectives. According to provisional estimates, the state achieved a GSDP growth of 7.2 per cent in 2024–25, outpacing the national average of 6.5 per cent for the same period.

The synergy has unlocked massive investment — Rs 73,000 crore has been sanctioned for new railway projects, Rs 4,600 crore for highways, and another Rs 17,500 crore for key development initiatives. At the industrial level, the state drew Rs 16.73 lakh crore in investment promises at the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave, with 12.88 lakh jobs in the pipeline.

Industrialisation with A Human Face

Odisha’s structural transformation from an agriculture-based to an industrial-services economy is well underway. Industry is estimated to contribute around 43.9 power cent to the GSDP for FY 2024–25, with services contributing approximately 37.1per cent. Fiscal prudence underpins this shift.

The Majhi government’s industrial policy has focused on execution and reform. Twenty-four major industrial projects worth Rs 1.15 lakh crore — including Tata Steel’s Rs 47,599 crore expansion — are expected to generate over 36,000 direct jobs. Building norms have been liberalised to encourage investment, including increased floor area ratios and eased ground coverage restrictions for IT parks and factories.

Importantly, the government is diversifying beyond heavy industry into textiles, garments, food processing, and ITeS. The Skilled in Odisha brand is being positioned globally, underlining a shift towards a knowledge and services-based economy. The state now aspires to become a USD 500 billion economy by 2036 and USD 1.5 trillion by 2047.

Building Human Capital for A Developed Odisha

True to Purvodaya’s spirit, Odisha is placing big bets on human capital. The National Education Policy 2020 is being rolled out aggressively, with Odisha establishing new Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools in every gram panchayat and benefiting from the national plan to set up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across the country.

Social security has also seen an upgrade, with the SSEPD Department expanding pensions, scholarships, and aid for persons with disabilities and construction workers. Basic amenities are improving, with an estimated 97 per cent electrification. Access to drinking water is also improving, with significant strides in tap water supply to households. Challenges remain — such as comprehensive sanitation coverage beyond basic toilet access, and an Infant Mortality Rate of 36 (as per 2021 data) — but the state has acknowledged these gaps and laid out plans for corrective action.

Urbanisation is another frontier. The goal is to increase the urban population from 17 per cent to 40 per cent by 2036 and 60 per cent by 2047 by developing metro regions around Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Paradip, and Khurda, positioning cities as engines of economic growth.

A New Dawn from the East

Odisha’s rise as the star of Purvodaya is no longer aspirational — it is real, visible, and strategically consequential. The state is leveraging its mineral wealth, cultural capital, and demographic dividend to become a national growth engine. The convergence of PM Modi’s macro vision with CM Majhi’s micro-delivery has set a benchmark in cooperative federalism and regional empowerment.

As India marches toward 2047, Odisha’s journey will be watched closely — not just as a bellwether for Eastern India, but as a blueprint for sustainable, inclusive development nationwide.

Reclaiming The Coastline

In just one year, Odisha’s maritime landscape has shifted from potential to performance, as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi steers the state into a new era of port-led prosperity

Anupurba Ghosh

Odisha has always held strategic importance in India’s maritime map. Under the Majhi government, the state’s port sector is swiftly moving to global prominence. Historically, Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur led the way; now, new plans promise even more growth.

Paradip’s Record Rise

Paradip Port is at the heart of this turnaround. In FY 2024–25, it set a national record, handling 150.41 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo — an 111 per cent leap in container traffic, showing a shift from raw goods to higher-value manufactured items. Coastal cargo volumes hit 63.71 MMT. Rail cargo reached 81.01 MMT, another national best. Its berth output was also nation-leading at 34,283 MT/day/berth.

New Ports, New Promise

New port sites at Inchuri (Balasore) and Bahuda (Ganjam), each with 40 MMT capacity, are being fast-tracked. Subarnarekha, once stalled, is now active, with construction set to begin. Astarang and Mahanadi Riverine projects are moving ahead.

Global partners like PSA Singapore are joining in, bringing world-class know-how. Plans include cruise terminals, shipbuilding sites, and fishing jetties, showing a wide vision for the sea.

Linking Land to Sea

No port thrives in isolation. Odisha’s government is putting big money into linking land to sea. Of the ₹2.90 lakh crore budget for 2025–26, ₹65,012 crore is mainly for infrastructure. Key projects like the Atal Expressway and new economic corridors are critical. The Gopalpur–Jeypore stretch will slash travel time from nine hours to 3.5, opening up mineral-rich areas. Airports at Puri and Paradip are also being fast-tracked. Better links via road, rail, sea, and air will solve old logistics issues, making remote areas new economic hubs.

Investment Inflow

This connectivity push, plus clear rules, is drawing huge investments. In its first 100 days, the Majhi government approved ₹45,000 crore in projects. Big pledges include Adani Group’s ₹2.28 lakh crore for ports, logistics, and green energy, and Indian Oil’s ₹58,042 crore chemical complex at Paradip.

Sea Strategy, State Growth

Odisha’s port growth is more than just building; it’s smart policy. More container traffic implies exporting more than minerals. New ports in less-used areas will spread out industry. Connecting roads through tribal and rural zones will push inclusive growth.

This sea-focused plan acts as an industrial strategy. It makes Odisha a place for adding value, creating jobs, and making goods.

Culture as Soft Power

Beyond steel and ships, Odisha is leveraging its rich maritime history as well. The Balijatra festival, a public favourite, is now a tool for cultural talks. In 2024, leaders from 11 ASEAN nations joined the festival, with artistes from Southeast Asia showcasing deep ties from ancient times.

Odisha is now a model for port-led growth. From policy to performance, from coast to corridor, its maritime rise is swift and strong.

Skill First, Future Ready

Odisha is emerging as a national model for youth-centric development — where skill-building, innovation, and inclusive education form the pillars of a new economy

Ashmita Mallick

The Odisha government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has undertaken a bold reimagination of the state’s skilling ecosystem. What is emerging is a robust, multi-tiered framework designed to train and then transform the youth of Odisha into globally competitive professionals.

From the Ground Up

Bhubaneswar is now poised to become a national skilling hub with the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling at the National Skill Training Institute. This institution will not only upgrade existing infrastructure but also offer advanced Training of Trainers (ToT) facilities, enabling cascading improvements across the skilling ecosystem.

Complementing this is a sector-specific initiative: Kaushal Bhawan in the World Skill Centre premises, which targets the hospitality sector with courses in Culinary Science, Food & Beverage service, Housekeeping, and Front Office operations.

The newly launched Chief Minister’s Skill Development Fellowship takes this vision to the grassroots, embedding skilled fellows at the district level to strengthen local skilling ecosystems.

Skilling for a New World

Odisha has rolled out ambitious digital skilling programmes in partnership with global leaders like Coursera, IIT Delhi, SAP, CISCO, NASSCOM, and Autodesk. More than 1 lakh youths from over 80 higher education institutions have already been trained.

This momentum is reinforced by high-performance indicators: at the 2024 All India Trade Test, Odisha accounted for 46 of the 292 All India Toppers across 146 trades Additionally, 15 Odia participants represented India at the World Skills Competition 2024, where the state bagged a Bronze Medal in Renewable Energy and a Medallion in Water Technology. MoUs with ITEES Singapore and NSDC International are driving advanced skilling and global placements.

Polytechnics, Life Skills, and the Human Edge

Odisha has introduced life skills training in all 35 government polytechnics. Over 20,000 diploma students are receiving modules on entrepreneurship, smart technology, and emotional intelligence — delivered through a partnership with Macmillan Education India.

Over one lakh youth across 30 districts have been reached through Kaushal Ratha — a mobile counselling campaign that educates young people on available skilling opportunities. Meanwhile, 123 new Assistant Training Officers (ATOs) have been appointed to strengthen the faculty backbone of ITIs across the state.

Equity and Empowerment

What makes Odisha’s approach distinct is its emphasis on equity and inclusivity. A reservation of 11.25 per cent for SEBC students in higher education admissions marks a progressive step towards inclusion. Scholarships like the Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti have been expanded and made target-free, supporting students pursuing UG and PG studies in Odia language — even outside the state.

Women’s safety and empowerment, too, are integral. Self-defence clubs have been opened in all degree colleges, reinforcing the idea that a skilled youth is also a confident one.

Tracks of Triumph

With focused investment and grassroots ambition, Odisha is quietly transforming into one of India’s most promising sporting states

Priyam Marik

In an era when sporting excellence is no longer an accident but a result of deliberate statecraft, Odisha has emerged as a quiet leader in India’s sporting renaissance. The state’s approach is not anchored in fanfare but in firm footwork — laying stadiums where there were none, nurturing coaches where talent ran untrained, and offering structured opportunities where promise once languished in obscurity.

From athletics and swimming to gymnastics and hockey, Odisha is scripting a new playbook — one that begins in its villages and culminates on global podiums.

Setting the Stage

The most visible symbol of Odisha’s commitment lies in its sweeping infrastructure programme. With ₹4,124 crore allocated to develop stadiums in all 314 blocks of the state, Odisha is executing one of India’s most ambitious grassroots sports infrastructure rollouts. Each facility, spread over 10 acres, is designed to be multi-disciplinary, supporting cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and indoor sports like badminton and table tennis. Coaching facilities are embedded into these centres to ensure that talent is not just identified, but shaped.

Complementing this are 13 swimming pools being constructed across districts — both to promote swimming as a life skill and to build competitive aquatic talent.

A Trophy with Purpose

Among Odisha’s most game-changing initiatives is the CM Trophy Football Championship. Designed in partnership with the Football Association of Odisha, this state-wide tournament scouts Under-15 footballers and culminates in the formation of a state team. The top 60 players selected through this initiative represent a fresh pipeline for national talent, while also sowing seeds for a thriving football culture in the state. It is a model of decentralised talent mining — and a serious boost to Odisha’s sporting credentials.

The Medal Tally Tells the Story

At the 38th National Games held in 2025, Odisha recorded its best-ever performance — finishing 12th in the overall medal tally with 14 Gold, 15 Silver, and 17 Bronze. This wasn’t a one-sport miracle but a broad-based surge, signalling the depth of the state’s sporting bench.

Sprinting to Glory

Nowhere is Odisha’s transformation more evident than in athletics. At the 2025 National Games, the state dominated the sprinting events, bagging golds in the men’s 100m, 200m, 400m, and the 4x100m relay. This clean sweep extended to the Indian Grand Prix 2, 2025, where Odia athletes claimed all top three spots in the men’s 100m — a first in national history.

Beyond the national track, Odisha’s sprinters are making their mark globally, representing India in countries as far-flung as Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Korea. Nineteen athletes from the state were part of Indian teams at various international events this year alone.

A Hockey Powerhouse

Long associated with hockey, Odisha continues to dominate. The men’s team clinched gold at the 14th Senior National Championship (November 2024), and the women followed suit at the 7th Khelo India Youth Games (May 2025). With 12 players now representing India at the international level, Odisha is fast becoming synonymous with the sport.

Weightlifting Wonders

Odisha has made a bold statement in weightlifting too. Jyoshna Sabar’s record-breaking performance at the Asian Youth Championships in Doha, where she set a youth Asian record in the 40kg category, and her bronze at the IWF World Youth Championships 2025, has brought focus to the state’s weightlifting program. More such athletes are on the horizon.

Football, Gymnastics, Kho Kho, and More

Odisha’s women’s football team fought its way to the finals of the Senior Women’s National Football Championship, narrowly losing to Manipur. Meanwhile, the boys’ team claimed silver at the Khelo India Youth Games — an affirmation of the state’s growing football ecosystem.

In Kho Kho, Odisha took home silver medals in both men’s and women’s categories at the National Games. The girls’ team were crowned champions at the Khelo India Youth Games, while the boys secured silver.

In gymnastics, Odisha’s Junior Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) team won gold at the Senior National Championships in Surat — its first ever — while the senior WAG team also clinched bronze.

Making a Splash in Swimming

Once a peripheral player in aquatic sports, Odisha has made remarkable progress. The state won its first-ever swimming gold at the National Games in the 4x100m medley relay. This followed an earlier gold in the same event at the Senior National Aquatic Championship. Two back-to-back victories at premier national events signal Odisha’s growing might in swimming.

Events and Experiences

What sets Odisha apart is not just performance, but its positioning as a premier host of global sporting events. The state has hosted more than 30 national and international tournaments — from Indian Super League matches to the Kalinga Super Cup, from the BWF Odisha Masters (Badminton) to FIH Pro League games.

In August 2025, Odisha will notch another milestone as it hosts India’s maiden World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour, welcoming top-tier international athletes to Indian soil.

The state’s support isn’t limited to elite sport either. Over 100 students recently participated in a winter adventure camp in Manali, supported by the government — highlighting a push to make sport an enriching experience, not just a competitive pursuit.

The Long Game

Odisha’s strategy is remarkable for its clarity and consistency. It has chosen to invest deeply at the grassroots, ensure access in every district, nurture local leagues and competitions, and build a pipeline of elite athletes — all while positioning itself on the global map as a credible host of high-calibre events.

Quietly but surely, the state is making a national statement: that sports are not just recreation, but transformation. Not just games, but gateways — to confidence, careers, and community pride.

Identity, Pride, Legacy

The soul of Odia Asmita — anchored in language, history, literature, and faith — is being revitalised through festivals, diplomacy, and government action, shaping a vibrant new cultural narrative

Manu Dash

The idea of Odia Asmita — Odia identity — has always been deeply embedded in the region’s language, culture, and civilisational memory. Yet it rose anew as a potent political emblem in the run-up to the 2024 state and national elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tapped into this sentiment, elevating it to the forefront of its campaign.

Language has long been recognised as the spine of any civilised society. Odisha stands as a testament to this belief. The word Asmita, rooted in Sanskrit, carries multiple connotations: pride, self-respect, identity, and belonging. In the Odia context, it represents something collective — a shared consciousness that extends beyond ego, reflecting the spirit of an entire community.

Historical Echoes of Pride

The collective memory of Odisha is rich with stories from the ancient regions of Kalinga and Utkala — territories that have long shaped its identity. Remarkably, Rabindranath Tagore included Utkal in India’s national anthem in 1911, well before Odisha was formally established as a state.

Kalinga’s prominence in trade, arts, and spirituality made it a coveted land, drawing many invasions. Mahapadma Nanda, the Magadhan king, once invaded Kalinga not for land or treasure, but to capture the idol of Kalinga Jina, a revered Jain symbol. In a bold act of spiritual and political reclamation, Kharavela, the Jain ruler, launched a counter-invasion and restored the idol to its rightful place. Today, it remains enshrined in the Khandagiri caves, a silent guardian of that legacy.

Kharavela’s story — marked by military might, religious tolerance, and architectural brilliance — embodies Odia Asmita. Centuries later, Gajapati Ramachandra Deba would echo this spirit, protecting the idol of Lord Jagannath from Mughal incursions and reaffirming Odisha’s cultural resilience.

Spiritual Identity of a People

Few spiritual traditions are as deeply interwoven into a region’s identity as the Jagannath cult is in Odisha. With prehistoric roots, this tradition centres on the ritual of Nabakalebara — the periodic renewal of the wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

Unlike most Hindu icons carved in stone or metal, these deities are made from neem wood, allowed to “die”, and are ceremonially reborn — capturing the cyclical nature of life and the intimate bond between god and devotee.

This practice reflects a democratic theology. Lord Jagannath is not remote or immutable, but approachable and humanised. This spiritual legacy permeates Odia life — in Gotipua and Odissi dance, in the soulful strains of Odissi music, in the intricate Pattachitra art of Raghurajpur, in the sacred food of Anandabazar, and in the timeless architecture of Konark and Bhubaneswar.

A Literary Canon of Assertion

In 1976, during a conversation with author Surendra Mohanty, poet Kumar Mohanty asked: What constitutes Odia culture? Mohanty’s reply — that it was a “mixed bag” — reflected the fluidity of cultural identity.

Indeed, few cultures are pure or static. Yet, within this hybridity, Odia literature has cultivated a remarkable sense of self — a voice both assertive and distinct.

At its heart stand towering figures: Sarala Das, who broke away from Sanskrit elitism by composing the Mahabharata in Odia vernacular; Upendra Bhanja, whose lyrical works enriched the poetic tradition; Fakir Mohan Senapati, who challenged colonial narratives; Bhima Bhoi, whose mystic humanitarianism continues to inspire:

“Praninka ārata duḥkha aparamita dekhu dekhu kebā sahu,

Mo jīban pachhe narake padithāu, jagat uddhāra heu.”

“The suffering of living beings is unbearably vast;

Let my own life be cast into hell, if it means the world may be saved.”

Gopala Chandra Praharaj’s Purna Chandra Odia Bhasakosha, meanwhile, remains a monumental testament to the language’s richness.

A Cultural Renaissance 

• The Odisha government now provides a ₹30,000 monthly honorarium to all Padma awardees from the state.

• The long-pending State Film Awards for 2020, 2021, and 2022 were presented in November 2024.

• Plans are underway to open a Bhubaneswar branch of the National School of Drama.

• The 125th birth anniversary of Dr Harekrushna Mahatab was celebrated with statewide events, performances, and literary outreach.

• The 2024 Odisha Book Fair, featuring pavilions on legendary figures, recorded ₹1.5 crore in book sales.

• Odisha partnered with Haryana to showcase its art at the International Geeta Mahotsav in Kurukshetra.

• Odisha curated a special cultural presentation for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and hosted Rajarani, Mukteswar, and International Odissi Dance festivals.

• Odisha was Partner State at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, showcasing its rich dance and craft traditions.

• A new edition of Barnabodha was released to mark Bhakta Kavi Madhusudan Rao’s birth anniversary.

• Nine new galleries, including a palm-leaf Ramayana exhibition, were inaugurated at the State Museum in January 2025.

Today, Odia Asmita is not a static concept. It is being actively shaped by new initiatives.

The state government has taken bold steps. A ₹200 crore corpus fund for Odia Asmita has been created to promote language, art, architecture, and heritage.

In 2025, Odisha applied for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Balijatra, the maritime festival of Cuttack. Artistes from Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka performed, and 11 foreign ambassadors attended. Preparations are also underway to seek UNESCO recognition for Dhanujatra, the world’s largest open-air theatre festival, celebrated with a ₹1 crore budget, new digital platforms, and live broadcasts across Odisha.

Celebrating Identity

Perhaps the most inclusive celebration of Odia Asmita is Odia Pakhya — a fortnight of statewide events.

From April 1 (Odisha Day) to April 14 (Maha Vishuba Sankranti), the government led a coordinated cultural campaign: Khadi Chhuan Diwas, Traditional Dress Day, Heritage Mass Run, Buy a Book Day, Folk Art Day, Youth Writers’ Conference, Traditional Food Day, and more. The initiative culminated in a grand event at the MS Swaminathan Auditorium, with representatives from all districts receiving awards — a vivid symbol of an evolving Asmita.

A Living Identity

Ultimately, Odia Asmita is not a slogan — it is a lived identity, nurtured through language, history, faith, and art. It finds expression in the state’s temples and museums, its literature and festivals, its diplomacy and everyday life.

As Odisha reclaims and renews this spirit — through institutional action, cultural outreach, and community pride — it offers a powerful lesson: identity is not about exclusion. It is about celebrating what is unique, while contributing to the shared mosaic of India and the world.

Odia Asmita lives. And it inspires.

Manu Dash is a bilingual poet, translator, curator and editor of The Big Book of Odia Literature (Penguin Random House India) 

Eco, Ethos, Experience

Fueled by vision, sustainability, and global partnerships, the Majhi government is transforming Odisha into a model for tourism through institutional reforms and exemplary outreach

Meenakshie Mehta

Odisha, under the Majhi government, is rapidly evolving into one of India’s most sustainable and experience-driven tourism destinations. Spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida, this transformation aligns seamlessly with India’s national agenda on inclusive development, employment generation, and cultural resurgence.

At the heart of this vision lies a clear goal — by 2047, Odisha aims to be among Asia’s top five eco-cultural tourism hubs, welcoming five crore domestic and seven lakh international tourists annually. The roadmap is bold — anchored in destination development, immersive experiences, and a hospitality sector scaled to 25,000 hotel keys, 15,000 star-category rooms, and 2,000 homestays by 2036.

Vision in Action

In the past year alone, Odisha hosted landmark events like the 6th Odisha Travel Bazaar and the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, drawing thousands of stakeholders and placing the state squarely on the global tourism map. The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation launched 11 curated tour packages, spanning spiritual, heritage, and eco-tourism circuits — all supported by strengthened air and rail connectivity.

Investment too has surged. Over ₹3,833 crore worth of tourism projects have been approved, with a dedicated land bank of 4,780 acres ready for development. During the Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, tourism alone drew investment commitments worth ₹8,154 crore.

A Future-forward Model

The flagship Eco Retreat Odisha initiative exemplifies this new wave of responsible tourism. What began as a seasonal glamping pilot in Konark is now a multi-site success story — spanning Ramchandi, Pati-Sonapur, Satkosia, Daringbadi, Hirakud, Bhitarkanika, and more. These retreats marry luxury with environmental sensitivity: zero permanent construction, minimal ecological footprint, and full dismantling post-season. With 28,369 visitors this year alone, the Retreats stand as a scalable innovation in Indian tourism.

Expanding the Canvas

The Majhi government is aggressively pushing the envelope on destination development. Under the SACSI scheme, ₹100 crore each has been allocated for Hirakud and Satkosia. Iconic locations like Simlipal, Debrigarh, and Khandagiri- Udayagiri are poised for upgrades under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The spiritual heritage of Khiching and Balangir will be revived under the PRASHAD scheme, with proposed development of the Maa Kichakeshwari and Chousath Yogini temples.

Building the Backbone

Underpinning Odisha’s tourism surge is a robust policy ecosystem. The 2025 Adventure Tourism Guidelines, streamlined accreditation for homestays and boating services, and regulatory proposals for CRZ relaxation and green clearances mark a pragmatic shift in enabling development without ecological compromise.

Moreover, tourism infrastructure is being built with longevity in mind. SPVs and master plans are being drawn up for each major destination to ensure readiness in branding, logistics, and visitor management.

Welcoming the World

With high-value tourism assets, policy stability, and world-class facilitation, Odisha is positioning itself as India’s next breakout tourism destination.

This is more than tourism — it is a movement. One that is culturally anchored, environmentally conscious, and economically transformative.