Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth more than ₹47,600 crore in Odisha and announced that Pahadpur village in Mayurbhanj district would be developed as a model solar village.
Addressing the programme “Vikas Ra Dhara, Odisha Sara” at Rairangpur to mark two years of the BJP government in the state, the Prime Minister said the double-engine government was accelerating Odisha’s development journey through welfare schemes, investments, industrial growth and employment generation.
President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi were present on the occasion. Earlier, President Murmu and the Prime Minister visited Pahadpur village and offered prayers at the sacred groves Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera. They also visited a Skill Centre and Pahadpur School.
Pahadpur to become a Solar Village
Making a major announcement, Prime Minister Modi said Pahadpur village would be rapidly developed as a solar village, ensuring access to solar power in every household.
Drawing a parallel with Odisha’s iconic Konark Sun Temple, he expressed confidence that Pahadpur would establish a unique identity as a model solar-powered village.
Development of Eastern India key to Viksit Bharat
The Prime Minister reiterated the Centre’s vision of “Development of Eastern India for the Development of India” and said the Purvodaya policy was unlocking the vast potential of eastern states.
He said investments in railways, highways, ports, semiconductors, green energy and modern industries were transforming Odisha into a gateway to growth and prosperity in eastern India.
“Transformative projects worth around ₹47,000 crore will improve connectivity, public services, economic opportunities and quality of life for the people of Odisha,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that initiatives such as Utkarsh Odisha had attracted investment proposals worth nearly ₹20 lakh crore, while mega projects exceeding ₹3.5 lakh crore were under implementation.
He also highlighted investments of more than ₹6,000 crore in the power sector and urban development initiatives under the Samruddha City Scheme.
Welfare initiatives for farmers, women and youth
Prime Minister Modi said governance was being taken directly to the people and highlighted several welfare measures undertaken by the state government.
These include paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, financial assistance to over one crore women under the Subhadra Yojana, implementation of Ayushman Bharat and support for tribal students under the Madho Singh Haat Kharcha Yojana.
He also lauded the reopening of all four gates of the Jagannath Temple and appreciated cleanliness campaigns carried out across the state.
Tribal welfare remains priority
Highlighting the government’s focus on tribal development, the Prime Minister said tribal youth were being connected with opportunities for education and employment.
“These children should get better facilities for studies. For this, around 500 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been opened across the country, while nearly 750 schools have been sanctioned,” he said.
He said the PM JANMAN Mission, aimed at Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), emerged from discussions with President Droupadi Murmu and was ensuring that government services reached the most marginalised communities.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the campaign against sickle cell anaemia and said more than four crore health cards had been distributed, while Ayushman Bharat cards were providing access to free healthcare for tribal beneficiaries.
Birthday greetings to President Murmu
Extending birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi described her journey from Mayurbhanj to the country’s highest constitutional office as a matter of pride for Odisha and the nation.
He praised her humility, dedication to public service and commitment to nation-building, saying her life continued to inspire children from tribal, underprivileged and marginalised communities.
Looking ahead to the centenary of Odisha in 2036 and the centenary of India’s Independence in 2047, Prime Minister Modi said a stronger Odisha would contribute directly to a stronger India.
He also urged people to participate in the International Day of Yoga on June 21 and adopt yoga as a way of life.
