Bhubaneswar, June 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a state-level function in Bhubaneswar today to mark the completion of one year of the BJP-led government in Odisha headed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

In a landmark event, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 105 development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore, spanning over multiple sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and rail connectivity.

Addressing a large gathering, PM Modi described June 20 as a “very special day,” not just for the government but for the people of Odisha. He emphasized that the anniversary symbolizes the establishment of good governance rooted in public service and trust. Drawing a spiritual parallel, he noted the occasion coincides with preparations for the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, whose blessings, he said, have guided the state’s progress.

In a symbolic gesture of commitment, the Prime Minister revealed that he declined an invitation from the US President Doland Trump to visit America post the G7 summit, choosing instead to visit the “holy land of Lord Jagannath.”

The Prime Minister criticized the governance model of previous regimes, citing delays, corruption, and neglect of the poor and farmers. He highlighted that the double-engine government—a synergy between the Centre and the state—has accelerated development and ensured delivery of welfare schemes. He pointed to the Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana working in tandem to provide free healthcare to nearly 3 crore people in Odisha.

PM Modi also announced that over 23 lakh senior citizens in the state are now eligible for Rs 5 lakh in free treatment under the PM Vaya Vandana Yojana, and that farmers are receiving dual benefits from both central and state schemes, including higher paddy procurement prices.

The Prime Minister spotlighted tribal welfare as a top priority, unveiling two major national schemes: Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and PM Janman Yojana, with a combined investment of over Rs1 lakh crore. These initiatives aim to uplift over 60,000 tribal villages, build 40 residential schools in Odisha, and support particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). He credited President Droupadi Murmu for inspiring the Janman Yojana.

For Odisha’s large fishing community, PM Modi announced a Rs25,000 crore special fund under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, along with Kisan Credit Card benefits.

On the industrial front, PM Modi outlined major investments in road, rail, and air connectivity, and highlighted projects like a dual-feed cracker unit in Paradip, a crude oil storage facility in Chandikhole, and an LNG terminal in Gopalpur. These, he said, will transform Odisha into a petrochemical and industrial hub, generating lakhs of jobs.

The Prime Minister also released the Odisha Vision Document, a roadmap for the state’s development through 2036 and 2047, aligning with Odisha’s centenary as a linguistic state and India’s 100th year of independence. He expressed confidence in Odisha’s youth to realize this ambitious vision.

Among other key initiatives, PM Modi flagged off the first-ever train service to Boudh district, launched 100 electric buses under the CRUT system, and inaugurated the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana to preserve the heritage of eminent Odias. He also felicitated Lakhpati Didis, celebrating over 16.5 lakh women who have achieved financial self-reliance through self-help groups.

Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram and several Ministers of the State government were, among others, present on the occasion.

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