While welcoming the Governor’s Address to the State Assembly and supporting the Motion of Thanks for it. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday listed his Government’s achievements on how the State’s economy retrieved and development activities gained momentum despite the corona pandemic.
He said Odisha was among the first State to declare the pandemic situation as a disaster even before a single case was detected and the State Government went for preventive measures, including lockdowns much before the national shutdowns. The State ensured strict enforcement of the Covid protocols. This helped us in slowing down the spread of the virus.
The State, during the lockdowns, provided support to people with rations, pensions, scholarships, etc. “We were the first State to set up large-scale dedicated Covid Hospitals. Many of these facilities were provided in record time.” The Government was able to manage return of lakhs of migrant Odias, the CM said.
The hallmark of Odisha’s Covid management has been that from testing to treatment, it was free for all. This is the primary reason for the low mortality rate in Odisha compared to other States, he said.
“Another immediate challenge was to ensure that the State’s economy recovered from the impact of this pandemic. I am happy to share that we have been able to increase it by 7.3% compared to the corresponding period last year.
We are in a much better fiscal position compared to many States,” Patnaik explained. Besides, Odisha has emerged as a leading investment destination with over Rs 1.2 lakh crore-investment in the last one year. Odisha is also recognised as a top performer in the Startup ranking. He said heritage conservation and development has been a top priority for the Government.
Odisha has taken up large-scale development projects in Puri, Ekamra Kshetra, Samaleswari Temple, Harishankar Temple, Nrusinghanath Temple, Konark temple, Tara Tarini, etc.
The State has taken up 27 mega piped water supply projects at a cost of more than Rs 7,200 crore. Bhubaneswar has become the first major city in the country to achieve 100% water supply to houses. BJD Government’s farmer-centric schemes like KALIA, BALARAM have been pioneers in the country.