Odisha has shown way to the country in many areas: Naveen

Bhubaneswar, Aug 15(Reporters Today Bureau): Odisha has shown the way to the country by achieving many landmarks in the past 75 years,  Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Monday.

Unfurling the national tricolour at the state-level Independence Day function here he said that Odisha is also keeping pace with the development of the country.

“In 75 years, Odisha has shown the way to the country by achieving many landmarks,” he added.

“A new era of transformation has started in Odisha today. Odisha’s success is paving the way for others. Becoming a food surplus state from a food deficit state, creating a model for the world in disaster management, creating an identity as a sports hub, and empowering 70 lakh women are the symbols of Odisha’s victory,” the Chief Minister said.

“Education is our focus. Our school carries a strong promise of a transformation program and quality education. It has created new hope in children. Odisha’s Model School which was started for the talented children of the village has become very popular today. From Kotia to the iconic OAV in Bhubaneswar, one lakh children are studying in 315 exemplary schools today. Today, on this occasion, 50 hostels have been arranged for 5000 girls in ideal schools,” he added.

The Chief Minister informed that on the occasion of 75 years of Independence, the State Government is installing 3000 foundation stones for various infrastructure projects in rural areas of 30 districts of the state.

The State government has given special emphasis on employment for Odia youth, he asserted adding, “Regular recruitment is going on to fill the various vacant posts in the government sector. Steps are being taken to fill more than 70 thousand entry-level posts in various departments.”

Patnaik said, “Odisha has done very well in the field of development and empowerment of tribals. Tribal children of Odisha are today gaining fame in various fields, in the country and abroad. I was very happy to meet Sesha Kisan, our Odia son, in Rome recently,” said the Chief Minister.

He also spoke about food security and said, after food security, nutrition security is the focus of the State Government. The Millet Mission has been extended to 29 districts of the State and two thousand eight hundred crore rupees will be spent on it.

“Odisha is the holy land of Jagannath. Odias always rise above the regional mindset and work in the national spirit. Odisha sponsoring both men’s and women’s teams of Indian National Hockey is the best example of our nationalistic spirit. And after 25 years we will celebrate the centenary year of Independence. That’s why we have to prepare from now,” said Patnaik.

“I fully believe that Odisha will contribute significantly to the development of the country during this period. If we all can give a little time of day for the country then we can make a big difference,” he added.

Paying tributes to great leaders, freedom fighters, martyrs, and Covid warriors, Patnaik said our Independence was the victory of billions of Indians. The victory of truth and non-violence. This victory has shown the way to the whole world.

The country has achieved many milestones in the last 75 years. Today, India can compete with leading countries in various fields like agriculture, education, health, science & technology, industry, and research, he added.