Cuttack: Odisha has taken great strides in improving Human Development Indicators to become an integral part of the Nation’s development, said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in his address at the District-level Republic Day celebrations at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack today.
“Odisha has been on the forefront of development with above-National average economic growth From Education to industrial development; a lot of changes have happened over the years. In terms of women's empowerment, Odisha is also ahead of all the States in the county,” said Patnaik.
Highlighting policy initiatives, Patnaik said Odisha has improved its investment climate and in terms of ‘Ease of Doing Business,’ and is ahead of many States. Citing that the State government’s aim is to encourage entrepreneurship among the youth, Patnaik said that the new Start-Up policy will help in facilitating investments.
The CM also went on to acknowledge that the year gone by was a year of hardship for the farmers of the State. He wished that in the coming days, cultivation will improve. But he highlighted the fact that Odisha bagged the National Krushi Karman award for the fourth time. He said that his government is pledged to development of agriculture and farmers.
CM Naveen went on to highlight how Odisha has become a model state in ensuring social security for its citizens. “In Handicapped welfare, Odisha has created a name for itself and the State government has vowed to ensure development of backward areas. In the coming days, efforts will be intensified to bring tribals and backward classes of people to the mainstream,” he said.
The CM also informed that the priority for the state government is to ensure successful implementation of the National Food Security Act so that no eligible beneficiary is left out from its coverage.
“In view of completion of 100 years of formation of Odisha, a vision document –Odisha @100 will be prepared to lay a blue print for the holistic development,” added Naveen. “Moreover, the birth centenary of Biju Patnaik will be celebrated this year and the State government will take steps to ensure that it is observed across the nation,” said Naveen.