An empowered, inclusive Odisha is our goal: Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said his government is leaving no stone unturned to make Odisha an “empowered” and “inclusive” state.

“An empowered, inclusive Odisha is our goal and people have blessed us to realise this goal. My government will leave no stone unturned towards achieving this goal,” Patnaik said in a reply on vote of thanks in the state Assembly.

Expressing his gratitude to the people for choosing his government, he said his government will continue to serve people more aggressively. “The will of the people is supreme in a democracy. I bow to the verdict of our people who have given us yet another opportunity to serve the state. The faith that the people have reposed in us is clearly reflected in the mandate.”

“With the blessings of the people, we will continue our journey determinedly to deliver clean, transparent and citizen-centric governance,” the CM assured.

Speaking about the efforts taken to save lives of people and properties during cyclone Fani, Patnaik said: “Recently, our state faced extremely severe cyclone Fani, which caused extensive damage to life and property in Puri, Khurda and other districts. Our management of Fani and restoration efforts have been appreciated nationally and internationally. I express my gratitude to the people of Odisha who have shown indomitable spirit in such a difficult time.”

Stating that agriculture continues to be the back bone of our economic growth and prosperity, he said, “KALIA scheme will be continued as promised. Our government will continue its effort for development of irrigation.”

The CM also spoke about women empowerment. “Women empowerment is a key perquisite for good governance. We are committed to take women empowerment to the next level. My government will pursue aggressively women reservation in every forum,” Patnaik added.

Laying emphasis on improving education system is among the top priorities of his government, the CM said: “Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas will be made operational in all blocks of the state. Our government will set up a Scholarship Council to facilitate scholarships both on merit and socio economic criteria.”

The CM also said his government is taking all possible steps to establish world class sports facilities in Bhubaneswar in its efforts to make Odisha as the preferred sports destination.

We had indicated in our manifesto that the state will have a policy of constructive cooperation with the Central government with only agenda of “state’s development” and welfare of four and half crore people of Odisha.

“During last nineteen years, we had kept our promises. We are proud of our achievements,” the CM said.