Jaisalmer (Rajasthan): Odisha chief minister Mohan Majhi made a strong pitch for the State at the pre-budget consultation meeting of chief ministers of the country, here on Friday. The meeting was convened by the union finance minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman with an aim to provide a platform for states to put forward their suggestions and priorities for the upcoming Union Budget.
The Odisha CM suggessted for more untied fund under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI), massive infrastructure development for industrialisation, and Rs 10,000 crore for tourism development in the state
Majhi in his address said in the Union Budget 2024-25, the allocation under SACI has been enhanced to ₹1.50 lakh crore, which has benefited all States including Odisha.• However, the untied allocation under Part-I of SACI , 2024-25 constitute only 37 percent of total allocation and balance 63 percent is linked to sectoral reforms. Hence, in order to have predictability of fund flow and enhanced utilization for CAPEX, it is requested to allocate at least 60% of the total allocation under SACI, 2025-26 under untied Part-I while allocating remaining funds for sectoral reforms.
Support for Urbanization: Odisha’s urbanization is much lower than the national average. Cities are the engines of growth and migration of large population from villages to cities is inevitable. This requires huge capital investment for which support from Union Government will be necessary. He requested the union finance minister to consider launching of a new scheme for supporting urbanization of States like Odisha, which have low level of urbanization.
Sanction of new Industrial Townships:New industrial townships may be sanctioned for Gopalpur and Jharsuguda to accelerate economic growth in southern and western Odisha respectively.
Facilitating an enabling environment to attract investment in Odisha: Odisha seeks support from the union government for some very crucial projects such as; (a) to speed up Large-scale infrastructure projects such as Industrial Parks and Corridors, Electricity Grids, Railway Infrastructure – including Dedicated Freight Corridors, Roads and Expressways, Ports and Airports. (b) to speed up major Central Projects like Sagarmala Project, East Coast Economic Corridor and National Waterway-5, which will significantly augment Odisha’s industrial development. (c) to introduce a dedicated central scheme under the visionary ‘Purvodaya’ initiative to support critical infrastructure development in eastern states, including Odisha. (d) Support in enhancing the capacity and technological capabilities of Paradip Port, including expansion of container handling infrastructure. (e) Assistance in fast-tracking environmental clearances for industrial infrastructure projects. (f) Financial Support for Industrialization in Aspirational District (g) Establishment of a Rare Earths Complex in Odisha
(5) Tourism Development:I am grateful to union finance minister for making a special mention about Odisha tourism’s potential in last year’s budget speech. We need about Rs. 10,000 crores of investment to create world-class tourism infrastructure across the State. I request government of India to announce a special package for development of tourism in Odisha in the Budget of FY 2025-26.
(6) Funding the balance work under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) In the current financial year, release of Central Assistance to SNA account under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is much lower than the current year’s requirement. The available funds under the scheme have already been exhausted. In order to complete targeted projects before the coming summer and expedite the progress of all projects under JJM scheme, I request for adequate budget provision under the scheme and timely release of fund.
(7) Inclusion of uncovered blocks of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under Aspirational Blocks Programme. Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts home to PVTGs like Juang, Lodha, Bihor, and Mankidia. I request to include 11 uncovered blocks of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under Aspirational Blocks programme in addition to the 29 blocks approved earlier.I hope that these requests will be considered favourably.