‘Media has bigger role in setting agenda for future Odisha’

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said ‘Mo Sarkar’ has been quite effective in bringing attitudinal changes among government employees and strengthening the true spirit of democratic governance.

In his video message for the Odisha Nirman Conclave organized by Sambad Group’s Kanak News, Patnaik stated, “The Five-T Initiative has now become symbol of good governance. All the state government departments are now ready with digital mechanisms to provide service to people without human interface bringing transparency and efficiency to the system.”

He lauded the Sambad Group for coming up with the idea to hold debate and discussion on the development of Odisha.

“Debate and discussion is the hallmark of democracy. It brings issues of current times that need to be addressed, and set the tone for future needs. It is more so significant when we talk development rather than hovering around fragile issues that does not go down well for a vibrant democracy,” the Chief Minister said.

He further said, “Media certainly has a bigger role in setting the agenda for the future of Odisha. I seek the cooperation of all.”

Describing about the State’s progress, the Chief Minister said, “Our growth rate has been consistently remained higher than national average for last several years barring this pandemic hit period.

“Between 2011-12 and 2017-18, our economy expanded at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 10.30 percent. This year in January our GST collection has shown a growth of 25.30 per cent indicating our economic resilience,” he said.

Odisha continues to be the top investment destination in the country. The mood for business and industries is better in Odisha for our industry-friendly policy frameworks, a dedicated team to facilitate investors’ needs, and deft handling of the pandemic, he said.

“Our management of Covid-19 pandemic has been one of the most effective among states. Long before the threat perception was realized at the national level, we could see the imminent danger and sprang into action with awareness campaign through the people’s representatives, and putting in place all the necessary protocols and guidelines.

“We provided free treatment for all the Covid positive cases by building massive Covid care infrastructures in the entire state,” Patnaik stated in the video message.

He emphatically said Odisha is a model state in disaster management attracting global recognition.

On women empowerment, Patnaik said women in Odisha are increasingly contributing to rural economy, taking charge of institutions, and running different government run programmes more efficiently.

“Odisha is now dotted with educational institutions across the length and breadth of the State with focus on quality education . Thousands of schools and hostels have also been built for tribal children. We have now institutions of eminence in higher education in most of the streams. Our efforts to open medical colleges at district levels have made huge progress with availability of quality healthcare at local level and meeting the shortfall of doctors,” he said.

He also warned the people about possible second wave of Covid pandemic in the State.

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