Odisha Unveils People-Centric Budget Amid Political Debates

Odisha announces a 10% quota and five-year age relaxation for Agniveers. The state presented a Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget, with Rs 10,000 crore earmarked for the Subhadra scheme. Political reactions are mixed, highlighting both development and continuity concerns.

In a significant announcement, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared on Friday a 10 per cent reservation and a five-year age relaxation for Agniveers seeking to join uniform services. This comes just a day after the Odisha government unveiled its Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida revealed that the Subhadra scheme will receive Rs 10,000 crore in funding. Parida noted, 'We've prepared a list of 1.5 crore women who will benefit. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be established to determine disbursement amounts, incorporating feedback from various societal sectors. The Subhadra scheme will be officially launched by the Prime Minister on September 17.'

Former Odisha BJP chief Samir Mohanty hailed the budget as 'historic' and 'people-oriented,' emphasizing its benefits for farmers, who make up 65-70 per cent of the state's population. However, BJD MLA Pratap Dev criticized the budget for lacking innovation, arguing that it merely rebrands old schemes. Former Odisha CM and LoP Naveen Patnaik also criticized the budget, describing it as 'double-engine but double disappointment.'

(With inputs from agencies.)