PM Launches Projects Worth Rs 47,600-Cr in Odisha, Announces Solar Village Initiative
Rairangpur (Odisha), June 20 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than ₹47,600 crore in Odisha and announced that Pahadpur village in Mayurbhanj district would be developed as a model Solar Village.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by President Droupadi Murmu, visited Pahadpur village, where they offered prayers at Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera sacred groves and visited a skill centre and school established under the President’s guidance.
Later, addressing a public programme at Rairangpur marking two years of the BJP government in Odisha, Modi said the state’s development momentum had accelerated under the “double-engine government” and highlighted investments, welfare initiatives and infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Odisha’s economy.
Greeting the people of Odisha during the festive season, the Prime Minister referred to the recently concluded Raja Festival and the upcoming Rath Yatra celebrations, including the famous Baripada Rath Yatra.
Congratulating the state government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on completing two years in office, Modi said the Centre and the state were working together to improve the lives of citizens through welfare schemes, industrial growth, investments and employment generation.
Extending birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, Modi described her rise from Mayurbhanj to the nation’s highest constitutional office as a matter of pride for Odisha and the country.
He praised her commitment to public service and efforts towards empowering tribal and marginalised communities.
Announcing that every household in Pahadpur would be connected to solar power, the Prime Minister said the village would emerge as a model for sustainable development.
Drawing a parallel with the Sun Temple at Konark, he expressed confidence that Pahadpur would become a nationally recognised solar-powered village.
Highlighting the Centre’s “Purvodaya” vision for eastern India, Modi said Odisha was emerging as a major growth engine with substantial investments in railways, highways, ports, economic corridors, energy, semiconductors and green industries.
He noted that Odisha had received investment proposals worth nearly ₹20 lakh crore and that projects worth more than ₹3.5 lakh crore were already under implementation.
The Prime Minister said over ₹6,000 crore was being invested in the power sector, while urban infrastructure was being strengthened under the Samruddha City Scheme.
Modi also highlighted welfare initiatives undertaken by the Odisha government, including paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, financial assistance to women under the Subhadra Yojana, implementation of Ayushman Bharat, support for tribal students and measures aimed at improving services at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Emphasising tribal welfare, he said the Centre was implementing the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and the PM JANMAN Mission to improve access to education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure in tribal areas.
The Prime Minister said nearly 500 Eklavya Model Residential Schools had already been established across the country and announced approval for an additional Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mayurbhanj district.
He also highlighted the government’s campaign against Sickle Cell Anaemia, distribution of Ayushman cards and efforts under the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe drinking water to tribal communities.
Referring to Odisha’s centenary in 2036 and India’s centenary of Independence in 2047, Modi said the aspirations of Odisha and India were closely linked and that a stronger Odisha would contribute significantly to the vision of a developed India.
The Prime Minister also called upon citizens to participate in the International Day of Yoga on June 21 and embrace yoga as a way of life.
TNT KM
