Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, BJD’s national spokespersons Dr Santrupt Misra and Dr Sasmit Patra said that Odisha has recorded phenomenal growth in all areas ever since the regional party came to power in the state.

Claiming that the state has posted spectacular growth in industrial as well as farm sector, they said this has been possible due to the able leadership, vision, and strong will of the Chief Minister.

The flow of investment has also increased phenomenally due to infrastructure development in the state, the BJD leaders said.

Speaking on the performance in different spheres, Misra said that the contribution of the industrial sector to the state’s economy has gone up to 41.3 per cent, compared to the national average of 28.5 per cent. This shows that the performance of Odisha is around 50 per cent ahead of other states in the industrial sector.

Similarly, the share of exports has increased from 2.2 per cent in 2016-17 to 4.1 per cent, a jump of almost 1.8 per cent, he said, adding that the gross manufacturing value add has gone up from 2.99 per cent in 2011-12 to 4.2 per cent.

Noting that 1860 industrial projects were approved in the last five years, Misra said the state received investments to the tune of Rs 11.63 lakh crore creating employment opportunities for over 7.33 lakh people during the period.

Huge employment opportunities have been created in districts like Khurda, Balasore and Jajpur as the new investors setting up ventures in Odisha are hiring from within the state, the BJD leaders said.

Foreign investment flow is increasing because of trust in the state government, they said, adding that the state has attracted investments to the tune of Rs 1.85 lakh crore in the last seven years, while more than one lakh employment opportunities have been created. More employment opportunities have been created in Khurda, Jajpur and Balasore.

As per a report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Odisha has received investment of over Rs 20 lakh crore, highest in the country after Maharashtra.

This was revealed during review of the status of the proposed project on Sunday. The Detailed Project Report for the metro rail in the capital city has been approved at a total cost of Rs 5929 crore, which will be fully borne by the state government.

The government has already made a provision of Rs 210 crore in the Supplementary Budget for the current year for the project which will be taken up under the 5T initiative.

As directed by the Chief Minister, Chairman 5T & Nabina Odisha V K Pandian along with senior officials reviewed the work of the proposed which will connect the twin city of Bhubaneswar & Cuttack. The Phase I of the Metro Rail project will connect Bhubaneswar Airport with Trisulia Square, via Chandrasekharpur. Jaydev Vihar, Vani Vihar, Master Canteen and Rajmahal Square.
Pandian discussed and facilitated decisions for timely commencement of the construction of Metro Rail project, a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

The Chief Minister had announced the project on Odisha Dibas on April 1, 2023. A Master Plan for extending the Metro Rail service to other areas of Bhubaneswar and to Khurda, Puri and Cuttack towns is being developed through Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

Trisulia is going to emerge as a major traffic hub to serve Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cities as well as emerge as gateway to the Twin city from Banki and Athagarh side. The Central Depot of the Metro Rail project will be located near Trisulia Square where the Command & Control Centre as well as the maintenance and stabling facilities for the Metro trains will be constructed. A New Bus Stand is being constructed at Trisulia Square, which will be further expanded and integrated with Merto station.

Pandian expressed satisfaction on the progress made by various departments and agencies and directed officials to complete the preparatory work in time ahead of the foundation stone for the project to be laid by the CM On January 1

Pandian instructed that the works must be monitored very closely, observing principles of 5T to ensure timely completion of the project within four years schedule. He also asked officials to ensure that the project realises the vision of the Chief Minister of a world class urban transport system for the aspirational Odisha.

He advised that the metro system should leverage the latest technologies and most advanced equipment to provide efficient mobility solution to passengers. He asked officials to ensure that other modes of transport are aligned with metro rail stoppages for the seamless movement of passengers. He also advised officials to ensure that the project planning should be done in such a way so that it has enough room for long term future expansions.

Pandian also made a surprise visit to the newly constructed Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT) to get feedback of people and see the cleanliness at the state-of-the-art terminal. He interacted with passengers, vendors, service providers, bus operators and other staff members. He asked officials to further strengthen integrated information management system which will enhance the passenger experience and hassle-free movement of passengers.

The officials also visited the transformed Taldanda Canal. He advised that the visual aesthetics along the canal should be maintained so it continues to be recreational hub for the people of the Cuttack city.

Pandian was accompanied by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Pincipal Secretary, E&IT Department Manoj Kumar Mishra, senior officials of Cuttack District administration, Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation and Works department.

As per the direction of the Chief Minister, the Labour Commissioner has taken up the issue with the Indian Embassy in Laos.

A per an official release, the Embassy authorities have informed that they are in touch with the labourers and all necessary steps will be taken for their safe return to India.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took a historic decision to resolve the ‘khasmahal’ land issue in Jatni area of Khurda district. He has given direction to resolve the ‘khasmahal’ land problem and distribute pattas (RoR) to the people.

The decision came following 5T Secretary V P Pandian’s visit to Khurda district where he had received several land-related grievances from the people. ‘Khasmahal’ land issue was among the problems which came to his knowledge.

People had apprised him about the long-standing problem in the area and the 5T Secretary informed the Chief Minister about the issue. A high-level meeting was held on Monday on the direction of the Chief Minister to settle the issue.

Chief Secretary P K Jena, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue department, Satyabrat Sahu, Khurda Collector, V K Pandian and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

Khurda district Collector was asked to take steps to find a permanent solution to the land-related issue within three months and distribute pattas to the people in December, this year. The decision taken by the government will benefit 537 families, an official release said.

Similarly, problems related to land ownership are being faced in Bhubaneswar for the last over 60 years. As many as 10543 cases are pending before different revenue courts. It was decided at the meeting that the problem would be solved on the basis of the SOP laid down by the Task Force of the Revenue department.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the premiere, held at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar this evening. He also felicitated the hockey legends and hockey historians for their contribution to Hockey.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister reiterated the significance of the documentary. He said, “On the august occasion of the Independence Day, we dedicate this documentary to all the freedom fighters who fought for the dream of Independent India and to all the hockey players who won Olympic gold medals bringing glory to the nation. This film is a tribute to the spirit of hockey and Indian nationalism”.

The film was made based on the original idea of Secretary to CM V K Pandian, to document the role of Hockey in Indian nationalism. He was inspired by the life experience of Biju Patnaik, legendary freedom fighter and father of Naveen Patnaik. During the independence movement, the freedom fighters were motivated by the victories of the Indian team against colonial rulers like the British and Germans.

The documentary, created by Level Films UK, chronicles the extraordinary journey of the Indian team that soared to victory against formidable adversaries including Hitler’s Germany, Great Britain, and Pakistan, securing back-to-back Olympic gold medals. It stands as a testament to the unifying power of sports and the spirit of India’s sporting heritage. It symbolises the journey of a nation that was united by a game that transcends boundaries and fosters a shared sense of pride. The government of Odisha and Hockey India have provided support in the making of this historic documentary.

The collaboration between Odisha and Hockey India has not only reignited the state’s hockey prowess but also fostered the growth of the sport across the nation. The state’s commitment to hockey promises to inspire generations to pursue excellence, producing legendary players who have etched their names in Indian hockey’s legacy. Furthermore, the state has undertaken numerous measures to establish itself as the global hub of Hockey.

The premiere was attended by hockey legends Gurbux Singh, Harbinder Singh and also current Indian hockey stars Rani Rampal, Manpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas as well as Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey among several other international hockey players from the state.

Recalling the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and several illustrious freedom fighters from Odisha, the CM advised the people to work unitedly to transform the state. He said that development of the poor, farmers, women, tribals and youth is real progress.

“Education, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure and other fields have seen a new dawn under 5T principle. The economy of the state has strengthened and poverty is on the decline. The state has been receiving investments worth lakhs of rupees, creating employment opportunities for youth,” Naveen said.

Talking about the recent Cabinet decisions, the CM said the people residing in every panchayat of Odisha will soon have access to banking services with the government deciding to cover the 4373 unbanked panchayats. “Senior citizens, women and physically challenged persons will be the major beneficiaries of this initiative,” he said.

He also spoke about 4 lakh additional beneficiaries being added under Madhu Babu Pension Scheme. “They will get pension from today,” he said.

The CM said that every life is precious and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna has ensured quality healthcare service for everyone. “Women are the face of development. The Mission Shakti has emerged as the engine of transformation for them,” he said

“Our aim is to develop a modern digital infrastructure base in every village besides protecting the Jagannath culture. We will be training around one lakh of them every year under ‘Aama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ by spending four thousand crore rupees,” he said.

The CM also paid his tributes to the immortal jawans who have laid down their lives for the peace and security of the country. “India’s freedom struggle ushered in a new era in the history of the world. This struggle was an inspiration for everyone. Today, India has established itself as a major power. It has cemented it place in space research with the successful launch of Chandrayaan 3.”