TV
Marking the 79th Independence Day 2025 at PMG Square in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday paid tributes to freedom fighters, condemned terrorism, and unveiled a sweeping progress report-cum-roadmap centred on four priority groups comprising women, farmers, the poor and youth.
Attributing a harder national stance on security, the Odisha CM praised the Union government and India’s armed forces, citing Operation Sindoor, which he said destroyed nine terrorist hideouts and 11 Pakistani military posts, and urged citizens to back ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
The CM highlighted the past 14 months in office as the start of a “new journey of development,” listing hiring drives in government, fresh industrial investments, schemes for women and farmers, and expansions in education and health. He also called for stricter action against narcotics, organised crime and campus misconduct, promising zero tolerance on women’s safety.
Security and National Outlook
Regarding government employment, CM Majhi informed that 28,392 posts have been filled since the new administration took office, recruitment is underway for 34,500 more, approvals are imminent for 22,896 vacancies, and the state expects to exceed its two-year target of 65,000 hires to reach about 85,000, he said.
To expand private-sector opportunities, the CM welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval for a semiconductor project in Odisha, forecast a revolution in the state’s electronics and IT ecosystem, and announced a pharma conclave to attract domestic and global companies, aiming to make Odisha a pharma hub with a projected 2.5 lakh jobs.
Women’s Empowerment and Safety
Describing women’s empowerment as a core commitment, the CM said over 1 crore women have been enrolled under Subhadra Yojana, with beneficiaries receiving a third tranche of Rs 15,000, and that Odisha has created
The current budget, he noted, earmarks Rs 89,861 crore specifically for women-focused programmes. On women's safety, the Odisha CM reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy for crimes against women and empowered police to take the “strictest action”. He also announced a tougher state-wide crackdown on the drug trade and organised crime.
All college and university campuses will be notified as “safe zones” with bans on alcohol and narcotics; the Shaktishri programme will be rolled out for campus safety, and fast-track grievance mechanisms will be set up in higher-education institutions.
Education and Youth
The Odisha government will establish Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools in every panchayat to strengthen foundational learning, alongside implementation of NEP, PM-USHA, PM-SHRI, NIPUN Odisha, the Shaheed Madho Singh stipend scheme, and mid-day meals up to Class 10.
The CM announced 11.25% reservation in higher education for Odisha’s socially and educationally backward communities, and said undergraduate internships under NEP will be institutionalised. The state will also run Agniveer training so more Odia youth can join the armed forces.
Health Care and Medical Infrastructure
Merging central and state coverage, the CM said Odisha has operationalised Ayushman Bharat alongside Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bayo Bandana for citizens aged 70+, achieving over 82% coverage. So far, about 4 lakh beneficiaries have received treatment worth Rs 936 crore, he said.
Odisha now has 12 government medical colleges, with new institutions planned in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak and Nabarangpur.
A proposal to upgrade Berhampur Medical College to AIIMS+” will be executed “soon,” he added. For patient attendants at the three largest medical colleges, the state government will create around 2,250 budget beds.
The CM closed with an appeal to protect national unity, honour the sacrifices of soldiers and martyrs, and support Indian manufacturers: “Let us all come forward to use products made in India,” he said, invoking a citizen-centric development model and reiterating, “Jai Jagannath.”
