New era of transformation has begun in Odisha: CM Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hoisted the tri-colour National Flag today at state-level celebration held at Exhibition Ground of Unit-3 in Bhubaneswar, as the country celebrates 75 years of Independence.

Addressing people of the State, the Chief Minister said that Odisha has been persistently moving ahead on the path of progress, keeping pace with the country. The State has made a number of landmark achievements and led the nation as well, in the last 75 years.

“A new era of transformation has begun in Odisha,” Patnaik further said.

Many others are being guided by the success scripted by the State. Transforming from a ‘food deficit state’ to ‘food surplus state’, creating an instance for the whole world in disaster management, making identity as sports hub and empowering over 70 lakh women are some of the exemplary achievements, which speak volumes about progress made by the State.

BJD government has always focused on betterment of the education sector. The school transformation programme carried out as a 5T initiative is committed to imparting quality education.

Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV), which was started few years ago for the talented rural children, has now become a popular concept. More than One lakh students belonging to remote Kotia as well as the State Capital are studying in 315 iconic OAVs, the Chief Minister stated.

Provision for at least 50 hostels to accommodate 5,000 girl students will be made soon at different OAVs in Odisha, Patnaik announced while delivering his speech.

On the occasion of 75 years of Independence, the State government is to lay foundation stones of 3,000 infrastructure development projects in the rural areas of 30 districts.

The government is giving much importance to employment of youth and regular recruitment to various posts in government-sector is going on. Steps are also being taken to fill up over 70,000 posts at entry level in different departments.

Odisha has made remarkable progress in development and empowerment of tribal people in the State. Members of the tribal community have been doing much better and earning fame these days in various fields in the country and outside. “I felt immensely happy after recently meeting the Odia youth Sesha Kishan in Rome,” Patnaik expressed.

“After ensuring food security in the State, we are now focusing on nutrition security. Millet Mission has been extended to 19 districts and the government has plans to spend around Rs 2,800 crore in this regard,” the Chief Minister added.