A file image of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
| Photo Credit: ANI
Calling the Union Budget historic, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Saturday (February 1, 2025) said it is intended for every section of the society such as farmers, daily wage earners, middle class, employees, women, youth and students.
“The Union government has been able to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the middle class families. Income tax payers will not have to pay any tax for those earning ₹12 lakh. With this, they will save at least ₹80,000, which will further strengthen the Indian economy. This is truly the Modi Ki Guarantee,” said Mr. Majhi.
The Chief Minister said Odisha’s share from the central tax was estimated at ₹55,232 crore for the year 2024-25 while in 2025-26, Odisha will get ₹64,408 crore.
“The State government can use this increased fund for various welfare works. Odisha is in the Prime Minister’s focus and it will touch new heights of development for the State. The Prime Minister has always said that there are four communities in the country — they are the poor, the youth, women and farmers. Investment and export development will work as four growth engines. The Budget presented for the financial year 2025-26 is people-oriented, people-welfare, employment-generating and development-oriented,” he said.
However, former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik criticised the Budget saying the youth of the country are in the dire need of jobs and common people are bearing the brunt of unchecked price rise of essential commodities.
“It is unfortunate that two of the most pressing challenges the country is facing, have not been addressed in the Budget. Odisha has been rightfully demanding for special category status in view of numerous natural calamities it faces every year. While other States are getting special provisions in the Budget, yet again Odisha’s genuine demand has been completely overlooked by the Central government,” said Mr. Patnaik.
Published – February 02, 2025 09:56 am IST
