TNI Bureau: The Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly began today with Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati outlining the state government’s long-term roadmap for economic growth, social development and inclusive progress by 2047. However, the session opened amid opposition protests inside the House and demonstrations by various organisations outside the Assembly.

Vision for economic growth and social progress

In his address, the Governor said Odisha aims to increase per capita income from ₹1.8 lakh to ₹32 lakh by 2047, reduce multidimensional poverty to below 5 per cent, raise women’s workforce participation to 70 per cent and increase life expectancy beyond 80 years.

He also highlighted the state’s focus on renewable energy, with plans to install 10 GW of solar, wind and energy storage capacity by 2030 to support climate goals.

Odisha continues to play a key role in India’s steel sector, with 55 operational steel plants producing 45.62 million tonnes annually—about 23 per cent of the country’s total output. The state aims to increase steel production capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2030.

The Governor said industrial growth remains strong, with 85 industrial projects launched in 2025 creating 1.65 lakh jobs, while 343 approved projects have the potential to generate another 4.65 lakh employment opportunities.

Focus on education, women and farmers

In the education sector, the government announced the Aspirational Godabarish Adarsha Primary School Scheme, with an investment of ₹12,000 crore to upgrade 2,200 schools over four years. Under the National Education Policy, the minimum admission age for Class I has been fixed at 6+ years, and more than 45,000 Shishu Batika classes have been introduced, enrolling nearly 3.2 lakh children.

The government reported significant progress in women’s empowerment. Over 16.42 lakh women have become “Lakhpati Didis”, while more than ₹1,500 crore has been disbursed to over one crore beneficiaries under the Subhadra scheme. Under the Mamata scheme, ₹3,767 crore has been transferred to 68.42 lakh women, with plans to integrate it with the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.

Farmers received over ₹8,000 crore in income support, and crop production reached a record 150.48 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25. Scholarships worth ₹760 crore for pre-matric and ₹532 crore for post-matric students were sanctioned during 2025–26.

Infrastructure, security and governance progress

The Governor said Maoist activity has declined significantly over the past five years, with 48 Maoists neutralised, 78 arrested and 82 surrendering. Infrastructure development remains a priority, with 648 roads covering 2,711 km planned across the state and major drinking water projects nearing completion.

He also highlighted improved governance, stating that the Chief Minister’s grievance cell resolved 94 per cent of complaints received between June 2024 and December 2025.

Opposition walkout and political developments

The Governor’s address drew strong protests from opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal and the Indian National Congress, whose members staged a walkout, alleging a gap between government claims and ground reality.

Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha and criticised the state government following the Governor’s address at the start of the Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Speaking to the media after the Governor’s inaugural address, the former Chief Minister said the speech was “long in words but short on action,” alleging that it lacked reflection of real progress on the ground.

Patnaik claimed that the law and order situation in the state had worsened significantly under the current administration. He described the situation as “alarming” and alleged that incidents of violence and lawlessness being reported from Odisha were unprecedented. He also stated that he had repeatedly raised concerns over the decline in law and order in the state.

Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam criticised the government over issues such as paddy procurement, scholarships, road conditions and anganwadi services.

However, two suspended BJD MLAs—Arvind Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud—did not join the walkout and remained in the House to listen to the Governor’s address. Mohapatra said he acted according to his own judgment and would continue to raise issues concerning his constituency. Following their suspension from the party, the seating arrangements of both MLAs were changed in the Assembly.

Protests outside Assembly add to tensions

The session also began amid protests outside the Assembly by several organisations, including the Nab Nirman Krushak Sangh, which alleged irregularities in paddy procurement. Protesters gathered near the Assembly gate and at Indira Gandhi Park, with several leaders detained by police.

Teacher aspirants under the Odisha Elementary School Teacher Aspirants’ Association staged a symbolic protest at Lower PMG, demanding recruitment to around 45,000 vacant primary teacher posts.

Members of the Pachak‑Pachika Association also held demonstrations demanding minimum wage-based salaries instead of the current ₹3,000 monthly honorarium.

Session expected to witness intense debates

The Budget Session is expected to witness intense debates, with the government presenting its development agenda and the opposition raising concerns over implementation. The protests inside and outside the Assembly indicate a politically charged session ahead as various groups seek resolution of their demands.