Odisha's Bold Budget: Emphasis on Agriculture, Women Empowerment, and Infrastructure

Odisha's BJP government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, presented its first budget of Rs 2.65 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal. The budget prioritizes agriculture, women empowerment, and major infrastructure projects. Significant allocations include Rs 33,919 crore for agriculture and Rs 10,000 crore for women empowerment under the 'Subhadra' scheme.

On Thursday, the BJP government in Odisha unveiled its maiden budget with a total outlay of Rs 2.65 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The budget emphasizes agriculture and women empowerment, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year's budget of Rs 2.30 lakh crore.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also manages the finance portfolio, proposed Rs 33,919 crore for agriculture—a 36% increase from last year. To expedite women's empowerment, Majhi earmarked Rs 10,000 crore for the 'Subhadra' scheme, as promised in the BJP's election manifesto.

The budget also includes substantial allocations for infrastructure. Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, Rs 6,180 crore for road development, and Rs 600 crore for railway projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)