51 Contingents Participate in State-Level Parade

The 80th State-Level Independence Day was celebrated at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar on Friday, with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unfurling the national flag as the chief guest. A total of 51 contingents, comprising police platoons, security forces and school students, participated in the ceremonial parade.

Meanwhile, BJP state president Manmohan Samal hoisted the national flag at the BJP headquarters in Bhubaneswar.

Five Major Announcements

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi announced five major decisions aimed at expanding opportunities for youth and strengthening social welfare.

• The existing limit of six attempts for the Odisha Civil Services examination has been removed, allowing eligible aspirants to appear until they reach the prescribed upper age limit.
• Rules for compassionate appointments for families of deceased government employees have been relaxed.
• Free textbooks will now be provided to students of Classes 9 and 10.
• The government will create three lakh employment opportunities in the next two to three years and aims to generate 20 lakh opportunities over the next five years.
• Another seven lakh beneficiaries will be added to the Madhubabu Pension Scheme, with the process already underway.

Major Push for Education and Healthcare

The Chief Minister said Odisha has become the first state to provide free education from KG to PG. Under the Godabarish Mishra Model School scheme, 2,200 schools will be constructed.

He said 26,000 teachers have already been recruited over the past two years, while the process to recruit another 45,000 teachers is underway. Free online coaching and AI training will also be introduced for students.

The government will establish four new medical colleges at different locations in the state.

Focus on Farmers and Development

CM Majhi said paddy is being procured at ₹3,100 per quintal, while various welfare schemes are being implemented for livestock farmers and fishermen.

Speaking about India’s development, Majhi highlighted the country’s economic growth, healthcare improvements, the Swachh Bharat Mission and stronger national security. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said India’s security has become stronger under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced several major initiatives on Independence Day, including changes to the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination, employment, education, pensions and healthcare.

OCS Exam Age and Attempts Relaxed

Under the new decision, aspirants will be allowed to appear for the OCS examination more than six times, while the upper age limit will be extended to 42 years. The move is expected to provide greater opportunities to candidates preparing for state civil services.

20 Lakh Jobs in Five Years

The Chief Minister announced that three lakh employment opportunities will be created over the next two to three years, while the government aims to generate 20 lakh employment opportunities in the next five years. He said investment coming into Odisha is creating demand for industry-oriented education and skill training.

The government will also relax rules for compassionate appointments for families of deceased government employees. Another major announcement was the inclusion of seven lakh additional beneficiaries under the Madhubabu Pension Scheme.

Major Push for Education

The government will provide free textbooks to Class 9 and 10 students, extending the existing free textbook support. The state also plans to establish 2,200 Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools in the first phase.

The government has already appointed 26,000 teachers over the past two years and has initiated the process to recruit another 45,000 teachers. Additionally, 18 new government colleges and four universities will be established.

Healthcare Infrastructure to Expand

Odisha will establish new medical colleges, including facilities in Jajpur, Talcher and Kandhamal. Work is also underway for four new modern medical colleges, seven nursing colleges, three Ayurvedic medical colleges and two homoeopathic medical colleges.

CM Majhi said the government is working towards inclusive development, focusing on education, healthcare, employment and the welfare of farmers, women, tribal communities and other sections of society.

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