Bhubaneswar: Marking the completion of 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and the first anniversary of the NDA government’s third consecutive term under the Prime Minister, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on June 9 described the period as an era of transformative governance that has reshaped India’s development trajectory.
Addressing a media conclave at the Odisha Convention Hall in Bhubaneswar jointly with Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Chief Minister said India has emerged as a stronger, more prosperous, self-confident and globally respected nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He asserted that Odisha has also witnessed unprecedented development due to extensive support from the Centre and the benefits of a “double-engine government.”
Congratulating the Prime Minister on behalf of Odisha’s 4.5 crore citizens, Majhi said June 9 occupies a significant place in India’s democratic history, as it marks the day Narendra Modi assumed office for a third consecutive term in 2024.
“Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India today stands as a rapidly emerging economic power with a strong global presence. His government has successfully navigated multiple global challenges while strengthening national security, economic resilience and public welfare,” the Chief Minister said.
Odisha Receives Record Central Assistance
Highlighting the Centre’s contribution to Odisha’s growth, Majhi said the state has received unprecedented financial and infrastructural support over the past decade, resulting in a major transformation of its development landscape.
He noted that sectors such as railways, roads, ports, agriculture, tribal welfare, women’s empowerment and rural development have witnessed record investments. According to him, these initiatives have accelerated economic growth, improved connectivity and expanded opportunities across the state.
“The development scenario of Odisha is changing rapidly. With the active support of the Centre, the state has emerged as a new model of development,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that enhanced infrastructure and greater government outreach in previously underserved regions have also played a critical role in curbing Naxalism and bringing remote communities into the mainstream.
Massive Investments in Rail and Highway Infrastructure
One of the major highlights of Odisha’s development story has been the unprecedented investment in transportation infrastructure.
Majhi said Odisha has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs 10,928 crore for the current financial year. In addition, railway projects worth nearly Rs 90,000 crore are currently under implementation across the state.
These projects are expected to significantly improve rail connectivity, support industrial growth and strengthen logistics networks, thereby enhancing Odisha’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
The Chief Minister further informed that national highway expansion and upgradation projects worth over Rs 80,000 crore have been approved for the state. These projects are expected to improve connectivity to remote and rural regions, facilitate trade and commerce, and stimulate local economic development.
“Better connectivity creates new opportunities for businesses, industries and citizens. These investments will contribute significantly to Odisha’s long-term economic growth,” he said.
Sagarmala and Waterway Projects to Boost Trade
The Chief Minister also highlighted ongoing developments in the maritime and logistics sectors.
He said a modern satellite port is being developed in Odisha under the Centre’s flagship Sagarmala programme. Simultaneously, work on inland waterways and aviation connectivity is progressing rapidly.
According to Majhi, these projects will create new opportunities in trade, tourism, logistics and industrial investment while strengthening Odisha’s position as a strategic maritime hub on India’s eastern coast.
The enhanced port and waterway infrastructure is expected to improve cargo movement, reduce transportation costs and attract greater domestic and international investment.
Development Becomes a Tool Against Maoist Influence
Addressing the issue of Naxalism , the Chief Minister said development has become the most effective instrument in transforming formerly Maoist-affected regions.
He revealed that road projects worth nearly Rs 900 crore have been completed in areas previously impacted by Naxal activities. Improved road connectivity, coupled with expanded access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities, has significantly reduced extremist influence in these regions.
“Development and good governance are the strongest responses to extremism. With continuous progress and government outreach, Odisha is moving steadily towards becoming a completely Maoist-free state,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that enhanced infrastructure has facilitated better administrative access and delivery of public services, helping integrate remote communities into the mainstream development process.
ମାନ୍ୟବର ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @narendramodi ଜୀଙ୍କ ଦୂରଦୃଷ୍ଟିସମ୍ପନ୍ନ ନେତୃତ୍ୱରେ କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ସରକାରଙ୍କ ସେବା, ସୁଶାସନ ଓ ଗରିବ କଲ୍ୟାଣର ସଫଳ ୧୨ ବର୍ଷ ଏବଂ ତୃତୀୟ ପାଳିର ଦୁଇ ବର୍ଷ ପୂର୍ତ୍ତି ଅବସରରେ ଆଜି ଆୟୋଜିତ ସାମ୍ବାଦିକ ସମ୍ମିଳନୀରେ ଗଣମାଧ୍ୟମ ପ୍ରତିନିଧିମାନଙ୍କୁ ସମ୍ବୋଧିତ କଲି। ଏହି ଗରିମାମୟ ମଞ୍ଚରେ ମାନ୍ୟବର କେନ୍ଦ୍ର… pic.twitter.com/emLQDZuiu2
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) June 9, 2026
Agriculture and Fisheries Receive Major Support
Highlighting achievements in the agricultural sector, Majhi said the number of beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme in Odisha has increased from 2.9 million to 3.5 million farmers.
The direct financial support provided under the scheme has helped improve farmers’ economic security and strengthened the agricultural sector, he said.
The Chief Minister also underscored government initiatives aimed at supporting the fisheries sector. He stated that nearly 1.2 million fishermen and fish workers across the state are benefiting from various welfare programmes.
As part of efforts to modernize fisheries infrastructure, a state-of-the-art fish market is being developed in the Pandara area of Bhubaneswar. The project is expected to strengthen the fisheries value chain and improve income opportunities for those dependent on the sector.
Women’s Empowerment Through Lakhpati Didi Initiative
Women’s empowerment has emerged as one of the major success stories of recent years, according to the Chief Minister.
Majhi said that 2.346 million women in Odisha have already become “Lakhpati Didis,” a term used for women earning at least ₹1 lakh annually through self-help group activities and entrepreneurship initiatives.
The government has set a target of increasing this number to 2.5 million women.
Among these beneficiaries, 310 women have achieved the status of “Mahalakhpati Didi,” emerging as successful entrepreneurs and role models for others.
The Chief Minister said extensive efforts are being undertaken through self-help groups to strengthen women’s financial independence, entrepreneurship and social empowerment.
“Women are becoming active contributors to economic growth. Their success stories are inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs across rural and urban Odisha,” he said.
Improved Living Standards in Tribal and Rural Areas
Majhi also highlighted the impact of the PM Janman Scheme, which focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable tribal communities.
Under the programme, more than 1,000 villages across 14 districts of Odisha have been connected with essential services such as roads, electricity, drinking water and other basic infrastructure.
The Chief Minister said these initiatives have significantly improved living standards, especially in tribal and remote regions where access to public services had historically been limited.
He noted that infrastructure development has enhanced educational opportunities, healthcare access and economic participation for residents of these areas.
Odisha Leads in AMRUT 2.0 Implementation
Claiming major achievements in urban development and governance, Majhi said Odisha has secured the top position nationally in the implementation of the AMRUT 2.0 programme.
The scheme focuses on improving urban infrastructure, water supply, sanitation and quality of life in cities and towns.
The Chief Minister further stated that law and order has improved considerably under the present administration and that government schemes are being implemented with greater efficiency and speed.
He also highlighted the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 following the formation of the new state government, describing it as a significant step toward educational reform and modernisation.
Developed Odisha Key to Developed India
Summing up his address, Majhi said the vision of a “Developed Odisha” is closely linked with the national goal of a “Developed India.”
He emphasised that strong coordination between the Centre and the state government, combined with welfare-oriented policies and efficient governance, is driving Odisha toward a new era of prosperity.
“The dream of a developed Odisha is an integral part of the vision of a developed India. The double-engine government remains fully committed to achieving this goal through inclusive growth and people-centric governance,” he said.
PM Modi Changed India Through Speed, Scale and Skill: Arjun Ram Meghwal
Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, who addressed the conclave alongside the Chief Minister, presented what he described as the report card of the Modi government’s 12-year journey.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed both the image and destiny of India through the principles of “speed, scale and skill.”
According to Meghwal, the country has witnessed unprecedented progress since 2014, driven by rapid implementation of development projects, technological innovation and governance reforms.
आज भुवनेश्वर प्रवास के दौरान ओडिशा के माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री मोहन चरण माझी जी के साथ "सेवा, सुशासन और संकल्प के 12 स्वर्णिम वर्ष" विषय पर आयोजित पत्रकार वार्ता में सहभागिता की तथा उपस्थित पार्टी कार्यकर्ताओं एवं गणमान्यजनों को संबोधित किया।
बीते 12 वर्षों में भारत ने सेवा,… pic.twitter.com/0FzLLlKX2x
— Arjun Ram Meghwal (@arjunrammeghwal) June 9, 2026
“After nearly three decades, the people of India gave a single party a full majority and entrusted Narendra Modi with the responsibility of leading the nation. Since then, the country has witnessed a new era of development, transparency and good governance,” he said.
Accelerated Delivery of Welfare Schemes
The Union Minister contrasted the pace of development under previous governments with the current administration.
He noted that housing construction under earlier programmes was limited and often delayed due to administrative bottlenecks and inadequate funding.
In contrast, he said, nearly four crore poor families across the country have received permanent houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
“The Modi government has not only launched ambitious programmes but has also ensured their rapid implementation,” he said.
Swachh Bharat Became a Mass Movement
Meghwal described the Swachh Bharat Mission as one of the most successful public campaigns launched by the government.
He said Prime Minister Modi transformed sanitation into a national movement after calling for cleanliness from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
According to the Minister, more than 11 crore toilets have been constructed across the country under the programme, bringing substantial improvements in public health, hygiene and dignity, particularly for women.
Technology Drives Transparent Governance
The Union Minister highlighted the role of technology in transforming governance and improving service delivery.
He said Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms have enabled the government to eliminate intermediaries and reduce leakages in welfare programmes.
According to him, approximately ₹4.13 lakh crore that would otherwise have been lost to inefficiencies and corruption has been saved and transferred directly to beneficiaries.
“Technology has strengthened transparency, accountability and efficiency across government systems,” he said.
PM-KISAN Benefits 11 Crore Farmers
Meghwal said the PM-KISAN programme has become one of the world’s largest direct income support initiatives for farmers. Under the scheme, nearly 11 crore farmers have received financial assistance exceeding Rs 4 lakh crore directly into their bank accounts. The initiative, he said, has strengthened rural economies and provided crucial support to agricultural households across the country.
Reforming India’s Legal Framework
As Law Minister, Meghwal also discussed reforms undertaken in India’s legal and judicial system.
Tracing the evolution of the legal framework from the colonial era, he said many outdated laws remained in force long after independence.
The government, he stated, has repealed or amended 1,725 obsolete and irrelevant laws to improve efficiency and simplify governance.
He further highlighted the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws with new legislation designed to reflect Indian realities and priorities.
According to him, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam represent a major step toward modernizing the justice system.
Promoting India’s Cultural Heritage
Meghwal said the Modi government has also worked extensively to promote India’s cultural and artistic heritage at the global level.
He noted that between 2014 and 2024, hundreds of cultural assets and artistic traditions received international recognition, enhancing India’s soft power and cultural influence worldwide.
The government’s efforts, he said, have strengthened global appreciation for India’s rich traditions and civilizational heritage.
Digital India Transforms Public Services
The Minister cited several examples of technology-enabled governance under the Digital India initiative.
Referring to the “MADAD” portal launched for overseas Indians, he said digital platforms have improved responsiveness and citizen services.
He recalled an instance where a student who lost a passport in Australia received assistance and a replacement document within hours, demonstrating the effectiveness of technology-driven governance.
Meghwal also highlighted the e-Courts project, which aims to modernize the judiciary and make justice delivery more accessible and efficient for citizens.
Yoga Gains Global Recognition
The Union Minister credited Prime Minister Modi with elevating yoga to a global movement.
He noted that the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga following India’s proposal, and today yoga is practiced in countries around the world.
“This is a reflection of India’s cultural influence and the universal appeal of its ancient traditions,” he said.
Global Recognition for India’s Leadership
Meghwal further stated that Prime Minister Modi has received the highest civilian honours from more than 32 countries, which he described as a reflection of India’s growing stature on the global stage.
He said India’s international standing has strengthened considerably over the past decade due to proactive diplomacy, economic growth and strategic leadership.
Record Investments Fuel Odisha’s Growth
The Union Minister also highlighted the Centre’s support for Odisha, stating that central assistance to the state has increased substantially over the years.
He said the enhanced funding has accelerated development in infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare and industrial sectors.
“Developed Odisha is essential for achieving the vision of a developed India. The Centre and the state government are working together to translate this vision into reality,” he said.
