Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 on February 1 at 11 am and set the country’s economic outlook.
In his recent trips to Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned Odisha as a key driver of India’s growth.
To further aid the nation on the path of progress and prosperity, here are 10 key expectations of Odisha and its people:
Fast-tracking the processing of startup applications and improving the ease of doing business in the state.
Investment and jobs: Increased untied allocation (60%) under special assistance to enable Panchayats to address specific local needs.
Fund sanctions for the Odisha Coast Economic Corridor, National Waterway-5, and grants under the Centre’s ‘Purvodaya’ scheme.
Health welfare: A second AIIMS in Sambalpur and enhancement of the existing one in Bhubaneswar to boost healthcare throughout Odisha.
Ports and exports: Expansion of Paradip and Gopalpur ports, development of industrial corridors in these areas.
Development and facelift of regional airports across the state and ensuring connectivity to major parts of the country.
Tourism: Handing out development packages for the promotion of ‘green tourism’ and waste management at eco-retreat sites.
Inclusion of 11 mineral-rich blocks from Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar to ensure streamlined growth of Odisha.
Establishment of rare earth clearances amid growing mining potential of the state, following lithium deposit discovery in Keonjhar.
Special focus on the welfare, security and social development of weaker districts, particularly those with vulnerable tribal groups.