Odisha CM Presents ₹2.90 Lakh Crore Budget with Focus on Agriculture and Infrastructure
Odisha’s economic landscape, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented a ₹2.90 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, with a strategic focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial development. This budget marks a significant increase from the ₹2.65 lakh crore budget of the previous fiscal year, underscoring the state’s growing ambitions for a prosperous future.
The budget aligns with Odisha’s broader vision of becoming a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047 and contributing significantly to India’s growth as a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India). Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, emphasised that the state’s immediate goal is to achieve a $500 billion economy by 2036, with a focus on inclusive growth, job creation, and providing equitable opportunities for all citizens. “This budget lays the foundation for Samruddha Odisha 2036—a vision of a prosperous, empowered state,” Majhi stated. The term “Samruddhi” extends beyond mere economic growth to include social and infrastructural development that benefits every section of society. As the Chief Minister put it, the focus is on creating a thriving economy that supports sustainable and inclusive progress. A major highlight of the 2025-26 budget is the increase in funding for agriculture, with ₹37,838 crore allocated to the sector—an increase of 12% from the previous fiscal year. The Samrudha Krushak Yojana, a flagship initiative for farmers, has seen its budget rise from ₹5,000 crore to ₹6,000 crore. This is a strong indication of the state’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring the well-being of farmers.
The Water Resources Department also saw an increased allocation of ₹14,895 crore, reflecting the importance of irrigation and water management for agricultural growth. With Odisha’s agrarian economy at the heart of its development, these investments are vital for ensuring long-term sustainability. In a major boost to infrastructure, CM Majhi announced the creation of the ‘Highways Authority of Odisha,’ inspired by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This new body is designed to fast-track the development of highways and expressways, with an ambitious target of constructing 75,000 km of world-class roads by 2029-30 under a new progressive road policy. To further accelerate infrastructure growth, the state government has earmarked ₹65,012 crore for capital expenditure, a significant 6.1% of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). This is one of the highest capital outlays among major Indian states, positioning Odisha for rapid development in the coming years.
Additionally, the budget includes several initiatives to support housing and education. ₹820 crore has been allocated to the PM Surya Ghar Yojana to promote solar energy solutions, and ₹2,603 crore is earmarked for the Antyodaya Housing Scheme, aimed at providing affordable housing to the poorest segments of society. The government has also allocated ₹193 crore for the Gangadhar Meher Education Standard Enhancement Scheme, which includes provisions for providing free bicycles to Class 9 students to help reduce dropout rates. With a projected 3% revenue surplus relative to GSDP and a target to limit the fiscal deficit to 3.2%, Odisha’s budget is focused on sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility. The state government’s commitment to a development-focused agenda underlines its ambition to foster inclusive growth while positioning Odisha as a key economic player on the national stage. Through these budgetary measures, Odisha is not only taking substantial steps towards its long-term economic goals but is also ensuring that its growth benefits every section of society, making the state a model for holistic and inclusive development in India.
