Bhubaneswar, June 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that June 20 is a very special day as it marks the completion of one year of Odisha’s first BJP government.
“This anniversary is not merely that of a government but of the establishment of good governance devoted to public service and public trust,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the celebration of the first anniversary of the BJP government in the state.
He said the BJP government has made sincere efforts to live up to the expectations of crores of voters in Odisha and extended his heartfelt greetings to the people, acknowledging their support and trust.
The Prime Minister congratulated Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his entire team for their commendable work, noting that their efforts have given fresh momentum to Odisha’s development.
“Odisha,” he said, “is not merely a state, but a shining star of India’s rich heritage.”
For centuries, Odisha has enriched Indian civilization and culture, Modi noted, adding that in today’s time—when development and heritage are the twin foundations of India's progress—the role of Odisha has become even more significant.
He stated that over the past year, Odisha has wholeheartedly embraced the mantra of development while preserving its legacy, and has made rapid progress along this path.
Modi chaired the state-level function commemorating the completion of one year of the Odisha government.
He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs.18,600 crore across key sectors, including drinking water, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, healthcare, rural roads and bridges, sections of national highways, and a new railway line.
“The growth of 21st-century India will be powered by Eastern India. This is the era of Purvoday,” Modi said, adding that with this vision, the government is focused on the development of Odisha along with the entire eastern region.
The Prime Minister observed that since the formation of the BJP government a year ago, the development campaign has gained further momentum.
Highlighting the expansion of industrial zones from Paradip to Jharsuguda, he said this is strengthening Odisha’s mineral and port-led economy. He stated that the central government is investing thousands of crores in improving road, rail, and air connectivity across the state.
Projects such as the establishment of a mega dual-feed cracker and downstream unit in Paradip, a crude oil storage facility in Chandikhole, and an LNG terminal in Gopalpur will position Odisha as a major industrial hub.
These developments will boost industries related to petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, and plastics, and lead to the creation of a vast network of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The Prime Minister highlighted that nearly Rs.1.5 lakh crore has already been invested in Odisha’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors in recent years. “Odisha is rapidly advancing toward becoming India’s petrochemical hub,” he added.
Modi also flagged off new train services, extending rail connectivity to Boudh district for the first time, and launched 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system, promoting a modern, eco-friendly urban mobility network.
The Prime Minister released the Odisha Vision Document 2036 (when Odisha will complete 100 years as India’s first linguistic state) and Vision 2047 (to mark 100 years of India’s independence).
He also launched the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’, an initiative aimed at transforming the birthplaces of great personalities into living memorials through the development of museums, interpretation centers, statues, libraries, and public spaces—honoring Odisha’s heritage while promoting cultural tourism.
Celebrating over 16.5 lakh Lakhpati Didis—women who have achieved financial independence and success—the Prime Minister felicitated some of them for their achievements and for emerging as symbols of self-reliance and empowerment in the state.
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