Odisha's Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Mohan Majhi, presented the state's first budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the Odisha Assembly on Thursday. The budget amounts to Rs 2,65,000 crore, a significant increase from the previous year's Rs 2,30,000 crore budget.
Majhi highlighted several key allocations in his budget speech. An investment of Rs 8,000 crore is earmarked for piped drinking water supply, including Rs 6,000 crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission and Rs 2,000 crore for the BASUDHA scheme. Additionally, Rs 2,095 crore is allocated to the National Health Mission, Rs 338 crore to the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Care Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), and Rs 20 crore to the National Ayush Mission.
The Odisha government also plans to establish 11 cancer care centers over the next five years, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,046 crore. Furthermore, Rs 211 crore is set aside in the budget for the initial establishment of these centers, aimed at providing comprehensive cancer care including chemotherapy, onco-surgery, radiotherapy, and palliative care.
Ahead of presenting the budget, CM Majhi emphasized the government's commitment to the overall development of the state and bridging existing gaps. He expressed determination to align with the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India, stating, "Our goal is to develop Odisha and achieve the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India."
Describing the budget as pro-people, CM Majhi emphasised its focus on creating equal opportunities for all.