Finance Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha on Thursday presented the annual Budget (vote-on-account) for the fiscal year 2024â€25 in the Assembly, setting a total outlay of Rs 2.55 lakh crore, marking an increase of approximately 11% compared to the previous year's Budget.
The vote-on-account grant stands at Rs 1.18 lakh crore.
Highlighting the State's economic trajectory, Arukha revealed that as per advance estimates for the fiscal year 2024-25, Odisha is anticipated to witness a growth rate of 8.5%, outpacing the national average of 7.3%. He attributed the success to the steadfast efforts and pro-development policies of the State Government.
In a bid to bolster the agriculture and allied sector, the Budget allocates Rs 28,944 crore, marking a substantial increase of 16.6% over the previous year's allocation. A provision of Rs 1,935 crore has been designated for direct benefit transfers under the KALIA scheme.
Emphasizing the importance of irrigation, Arukha allocated a total of Rs 14,467 crore, with Rs 1,225 crore earmarked for the second phase of the Parvati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation scheme, aimed at providing irrigation to an additional 2.63 lakh hectares.
The healthcare sector received a significant boost with an allocation of Rs 19,959 crore, signifying a 24% surge from the previous year. Notable allocations include Rs 1,314 crore for Ama Hospital, Rs 698 crore for family welfare schemes, and Rs 5,450 crore for the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
Under the Mission Shakti programme, Rs 2,761 crore has been allocated, alongside Rs 1,179 crore in financial assistance to women's self-help groups and their federations.
Education remains a key priority with an allocation of Rs 33,865 crore, including Rs 24,764 crore for the School and Mass Education Department and Rs 3,470 crore for the Higher Education Department.
Addressing urban development, Rs 10,718 crore has been allocated for the transformation of Urban Odisha, with specific provisions for urban water supply, the Jaga Mission, and new city development. Additionally, Rs 1,000 crore has been proposed for the development of Metro Rail in Odisha.
Arukha highlighted landmark projects such as the Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor and the SAMALEI Project, underscoring their significance in Odisha's history.
“We have also dedicated the SAMALEI Project within a record time. Establishment of a new campus of Odia University at Satyabadi and organisation of the first Biswa Odia Bhasha Sammilani are important steps in growth of Odia language, literature and culture,” he said.