Odisha BJP Unveils Ambitious Budget Focusing on Agriculture and Women Empowerment

The BJP government in Odisha presented its first budget for the 2024-25 fiscal with a total estimate of Rs 2.65 lakh crore. Emphasizing agriculture and women empowerment, the budget includes major allocations for various sectors such as health, education, and urban transport. Key schemes were renamed and revamped.

On Thursday, the BJP government in Odisha presented its inaugural budget for the 2024-25 fiscal, totaling an estimated Rs 2.65 lakh crore with a strong emphasis on agriculture and women empowerment.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted that this year's budget is approximately 15 percent larger than the 2023-24 fiscal budget of Rs 2.30 lakh crore. Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, revamped several popular schemes such as KALIA and the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY).

With significant allocations like Rs 33,919 crore for agriculture and Rs 10,000 crore for the Subhadra scheme aimed at women, the budget promises inclusive state development. However, opposition leaders have criticized the budget for its lack of innovation, claiming it merely renames existing schemes while slightly increasing overall expenditure.

(With inputs from agencies.)