Bhubaneswar, Aug 15: On the occasion of the state-level Independence Day celebration held at Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hoisted the national flag.

Extending his greetings to the people of Odisha on the 79th Independence Day, the Chief Minister announced that the annual income of farmer families has increased by at least Rs 30,000.

He also stated that a decision has been taken to implement the Agniveer training scheme in the state. The Odisha government will soon organise a Pharma Conclave to promote the pharmaceutical sector.

Emphasising the importance of gender equality, the Chief Minister said, “For us, women empowerment is not just a slogan or a vote-bank strategy.”

Addressing the issue of rising crime, he pointed out that drug trafficking is a major cause and declared that anti-drug efforts will be intensified across Odisha. He instructed authorities to completely crack down on drug mafias operating in the state.

Highlights from CM Mohan Charan Majhi’s address:

- Farmer Welfare
Annual income of farmer families has increased by at least ₹30,000, reflecting the government’s commitment to rural upliftment.

Agniveer Training Scheme
- The state has decided to implement the Agniveer training program, preparing youth for defense careers.

Pharma Conclave
- Odisha will soon host a Pharma Conclave to boost the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Women Empowerment
- CM emphasized that women empowerment is not just a slogan or vote-bank tactic, taking a dig at opposition parties.

Anti-Drug Measures
- Drug trafficking identified as a major cause of rising crime.
- Stronger action will be taken to eliminate drug networks and mafias across the state.

Crackdown on Organised Crime
- The government will not hesitate to introduce new laws to dismantle organised crime.
- Activities like extortion and forced collection will be treated as serious criminal offenses.

Safe Educational Campuses
- All colleges and universities will be declared “Safe Zones”.
- Alcohol and drug use will be strictly prohibited, and non-student misbehavior will be curbed.

Expansion of Medical Colleges
- New government medical colleges to be established in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur, increasing the current count from 12.

- Upgradation of Berhampur Medical College

- Plans are underway to upgrade it to AIIMS Plus status, with implementation expected soon.

Affordable Accommodation for Patient Families
- In three major medical colleges and hospitals, the government will provide low-cost lodging for patient attendants.
- Around 2,250 beds will be made available for this purpose.

Expansion of Food Security in Backward Regions
- To address the needs of people in underdeveloped areas, the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana will be expanded.
- The government will supply additional rice to eligible families.

Free Rice Distribution in 11 Districts
- In 11 districts including 8 KBK districts, Boudh, Gajapati, and Kandhamal

- Over 27 lakh families will receive 5 kg of extra rice per month for three months, free of cost.
- A total of 41,082 metric tons of rice will be distributed.

The state will bear an expenditure of approximately Rs 180 crore from its own funds.

New Ports to Boost Coastal Infrastructure
- In addition to the existing three major ports, the government plans to build four new ports at Inchudi, Bahuda, Subarnarekha, and Astaranga.

Jan Ashray Bhavan in Bhubaneswar
- A new Jan Ashray Bhavan will be constructed in Bhubaneswar to offer affordable lodging for people visiting the city for work or personal needs.
- Construction will begin soon.

Creation of 21 New Notified Area Councils (NACs)
- To support rapid development and meet public needs, the government will establish 21 new NACs across the state.

Zero Tolerance Against Corruption
- From peons to IAS officers, corrupt officials are under government scrutiny.
- CM Majhi declared that action will precede rank, and the Vigilance Department is actively investigating.

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