The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, September 17, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated railway and national highway projects valued at over Rs 3,800 crore on Tuesday, commemorating 100 days of the NDA government 3.0.
During his address, Modi launched the Odisha government’s ‘Subhadra Yojana,’ a financial assistance initiative aimed at empowering women, which he described as crucial for the state’s development. He emphasized, “Women’s empowerment will be key to Odisha’s progress.”
Additionally, he announced the first installment of aid for nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries under the PMAY-G scheme across 14 states and participated in ‘Griha Pravesh’ celebrations for 26 lakh beneficiaries. He also launched the Awaas+ 2024 App to survey additional households for the housing program.
This visit marked Modi’s first trip to Odisha since attending the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on June 12, coinciding with his 74th birthday.
Expressing his satisfaction with the launch of the Subhadra Yojana, Modi noted, “Odisha possesses all the ingredients for development: a talented youth pool, empowered women, abundant natural resources, industrial opportunities, and significant tourism potential.”
As part of the Griha Pravesh celebrations, Modi visited the Sabar Sahi slum in Bhubaneswar and interacted with beneficiaries, inaugurating homes for 20 families under the PMAY scheme. He also visited the residence of Antaryami Nayak, where he enjoyed the traditional Odia sweet dish ‘kheeri.’
Reflecting on his birthday experience, Modi shared, “When my mother was alive, I sought her blessings here on my birthday. Today, I received blessings from a tribal mother who offered me ‘kheeri.’ The joy of the tribal community inspires me to serve them.”
The Subhadra Yojana, touted as the largest women’s program in the state, aims to benefit over 1 crore women by providing Rs 10,000 annually in two installments for five years. Following the launch, Modi initiated fund transfers into the bank accounts of more than 10 lakh women.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling election promises swiftly, noting recent achievements such as the reopening of all four gates of the Jagannath temple in Puri and the Ratna Bhandar’s inventory process after 46 years.
On the occasion of the NDA government’s 100 days in office, Modi highlighted several initiatives aimed at the welfare of the poor, farmers, youth, and women. He announced plans for 3 crore pucca houses for the needy, a Rs 2 lakh crore PM package for youth, 75,000 new medical college seats, and improved road connectivity for 25,000 villages.
The Prime Minister mentioned that funding for tribal welfare has nearly doubled in the last three months, with new projects targeting around 60,000 tribal villages. He also announced reduced income tax rates for professionals and business owners.
Modi emphasized that Odisha has been a priority for the central government over the past decade, stating, “Odisha now receives three times the funds from the Centre compared to ten years ago.” He highlighted benefits from the Ayushman Yojana for citizens over 70, who will receive free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, regardless of income.
He recognized the impact of the poverty alleviation campaign on Dalits and tribal communities in Odisha and pointed out that a separate ministry has been established for tribal welfare. He underscored that tribal communities now have rights over their natural resources, and mentioned the recent election of a tribal woman from Odisha as the country’s President.
Discussing future initiatives, Modi highlighted the PM Janman Yojana aimed at the most backward tribal groups and noted the ongoing campaign to combat sickle cell anemia, with over 13 lakh people screened recently.
He concluded by asserting that Odisha’s mineral and natural resources should be leveraged for development, stating, “In the next five years, we will elevate Odisha’s road and rail connectivity.” He announced that work on the Puri to Konark railway line and the high-tech ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ will commence soon, paving the way for modern infrastructure and new opportunities for the state.
