Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 03.02.2025: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has hailed the Union Budget 2025-26 proposal of zero income tax for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually as a visionary and people-centric move that will empower citizens and boost economic activity across the nation.
Majhi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for what he described as a transformative step toward inclusive prosperity. He said the reform reflects the government’s deep commitment to improving the financial well-being of every Indian household and will “pave the way for brighter financial opportunities for all sections of society.”
The Chief Minister noted that Odisha stands to benefit significantly from the provisions of the new Union Budget, particularly through an increased share of central taxes and enhanced allocations for infrastructure and social welfare. The total budget outlay has reached a record Rs 50.65 lakh crore, aimed at uplifting every segment of society, including farmers, daily wage earners, the middle class, employees, women, youth, and students.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to job creation, Majhi said that the record capital investment of Rs 15.5 lakh crore announced in the budget will spur industrial growth, strengthen infrastructure, and generate large-scale employment across the country. He also welcomed the allocation of Rs 54,832 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), noting that the initiative will help provide thousands of houses to economically weaker families in Odisha.
Odisha’s share of central taxes has risen from Rs 55,232 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 64,408 crore in 2025-26, which Majhi said will enable the state to expand its welfare programs and accelerate rural development initiatives.
The Chief Minister further appreciated the Rs 67,000 crore allocation for the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to deliver clean drinking water to every rural household in Odisha within the next two years. Additionally, he lauded the proposed ‘Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’, designed to increase productivity and farmers’ income across 100 districts nationwide, benefiting over 1.7 crore farmers.
Under the new budget, the loan limit under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) has also been raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, a move Majhi said will provide much-needed liquidity and financial stability to the farming community.
“The Union Budget 2025-26 fulfills the hopes and aspirations of middle-class families,” Majhi remarked. “With zero income tax for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh, people will save at least Rs 80,000 annually—money that will flow back into the economy and strengthen our nation’s financial foundation.”
He concluded by reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to working in tandem with the central government to ensure that the benefits of this landmark budget reach every citizen, particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.
