Bhubaneswar, 23.12.2024: In the Pre-Budget Consultation meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, the Chief Minister of Odisha shared the state’s developmental aspirations and budgetary priorities with Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. The CM expressed gratitude for the opportunity to highlight critical issues affecting Odisha’s growth.
The Chief Minister proposed increasing the untied portion of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI) to 60% in the next fiscal year to allow greater flexibility in fund usage. He also sought a new scheme to aid urbanization in states like Odisha, where urbanization is lower than the national average. The proposal to establish new industrial townships in Gopalpur and Jharsuguda was made to foster economic growth in southern and western Odisha.
On the infrastructure front, the Chief Minister requested accelerated support for large-scale projects, including industrial parks, transport corridors, and port expansions, to align with Odisha’s growth objectives. Additionally, he urged for a Rs. 10,000 crore investment package for tourism infrastructure development across the state and more funds to complete pending projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Chief Minister also requested the inclusion of uncovered blocks from the Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under the Aspirational Blocks program,
Lastly, the Chief Minister requested the inclusion of uncovered blocks from the Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under the Aspirational Blocks Programme, aiming to uplift marginalized tribal communities. He concluded by thanking the Union Finance Minister for her attention to Odisha’s specific needs and reiterated the state’s commitment to its growth vision.
