Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in his Independence Day speech at the State-level celebrations at the Exhibition Ground here today advised the people of the state to work unitedly to transform it.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said the development of poor people, farmers, women, tribals and youth is real progress.

Before delivering the speech, Patnaik hoisted the national flag and took the salute.

"Odisha is undergoing major transformation in education, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure and other fields due to application of 5T principle. The economy of the state has strengthened as the number of poor people has receded. The state has been receiving investments worth lakhs of rupees, creating employment opportunities for youth," the CM said.

"The government has decided to open banking outlets in 4373 unbanked panchayats of the state. With this, people residing in every panchayat of Odisha will have access to banking services. Senior citizens, women and physically challenged persons will be the major beneficiaries of this initiative," said Patnaik.

"The Madhu Babu Pension Scheme recently added 4 lakh additional beneficiaries. They will get pension from today," he said.

"Every life is precious. The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna has ensured quality healthcare service for everyone. Women are the face of development. The Mission Shakti has emerged as the engine of transformation for them," the Chief Minister said.

"To make youths employable, we will train around one lakh of them every year under the NUA scheme," he added.