Argus News - Odisha Ministers Reveals Budget Spending, IT Growth: Read More

Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: The Odisha Assembly witnessed intense discussions on budget expenditure, IT sector expansion, and healthcare accountability.

Replying on behalf of the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed the House that by the end of October, the state had spent ₹1,14,518 crore, which accounts for 39% of the total budget.

This notably marks an improvement compared to last year, when only 36% was spent by October. Government programme expenditure has also risen from 32% last year to 36% this year, with departments like food supply recording as high as 70% utilization.

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Congress Legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam, however, raised questions over low spending despite an increased budget. He questioned how the government would achieve full utilization in the remaining three months when it failed to do so in the past six to seven months.

Responding to the Opposition, Prithviraj Harichandan said excessive rainfall had slowed infrastructure spending, but assured that 100% expenditure would be achieved by March 2026.

On the IT front, Minister Mukesh Mahaling reported that in the past 16 months, 33 new IT companies have set up operations in Odisha, creating 2,528 jobs.

According to Mahaling, currently 350 IT firms are active in the state, employing over 35,000 youth. Odisha has emerged among the top 10 states in software exports, with exports worth ₹8,500 crore in 2024–25, reflecting rising global demand for Odisha’s software solutions.

Healthcare accountability also came under focus. Health Minister Mahaling revealed that the government has taken action against four hospitals following complaints of negligence in providing cashless services. Mahaling confirmed disciplinary measures in his written reply.

The Odisha Minister further revealed that Odisha has 1,55,488 registered mental health patients. To support them, two Tele-MANAS counselling centres operate in Cuttack and Ganjam. So far, the centres have received 2,71,562 calls, highlighting the growing reliance on tele-mental health services.

The Assembly session thus showcased the government’s efforts to balance fiscal responsibility, IT growth, healthcare reforms, and mental health support, while facing sharp criticism from the Opposition.