Odisha CM Mohan Majhi places multiple demands at NITI Aayog meeting

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi placed multiple demands at the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi for the all-round development of the State.

Stating that Odisha, though prone to natural disasters, had emerged as a pioneer in disaster management, demonstrating remarkable resilience; Majhi said financial support of the Union government for the creation of disaster-resilient infrastructure in power, telecom sectors and coastal saline embankments will help the State in minimising the adverse consequences of cyclones and floods.

He also demanded immediate release of funds for various infrastructure projects. He urged for the establishment of large-scale industrial zones in areas surrounding the existing ports in the State.

As a potential green economy, Majhi said, the state requires support from the Centre for pumped hydro storage plants, floating solar projects and intrastate green energy transmission corridor.

Majhi also urged the central government to open more numbers of bank branches and ATMs in unbanked/under-banked gram panchayats to ensure financial inclusion. 

Odisha has a lower railway density compared to the national average. The CM urged the Centre to consider its demand for increasing railway density in the state.

“We seek the support of the central government for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and state-of-the-art technology for design and manufacturing semiconductors,” Majhi said.

This was the maiden appearance of Majhi at the country’s highest policy deliberation body after being sworn-in as the new CM of Odisha. Apart from him, the Chief Secretary of Odisha also attended the meeting.