Golden Era Dawns for Odisha Youth, Says CM Majhi at Yuva Shakti Convention

Aska (Ganjam), June 23 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday proclaimed the beginning of a “golden era” for the youth of the state, with expansive opportunities emerging across sectors. Speaking at the state-level Yuva Shakti Convention in Aska, Ganjam district, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering young people as the state advances towards its economic goals.

Majhi said that Odisha Yuva Shakti will be instrumental in transforming Odisha into a $500 billion economy by 2036 and a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047. He noted the significant progress in industrial development, with investments worth ₹17 lakh crore through the Utkarsh Odisha conclave, generating nearly 13 lakh employment opportunities.

Recognizing the crucial role of the state’s youth—comprising 1.7 crore individuals aged between 15 and 35—the Chief Minister unveiled a roadmap tailored for their development. “We are focused on strengthening foundational education and skill development,” he said, citing initiatives such as the Godavarish Mishra Adarsh Prathama Vidyalaya Yojana and the Skilled Odisha Programme.

To promote inclusivity, Majhi noted that 11.25% reservation in higher education has been secured for students from socially and educationally backward classes. Additionally, training in industrial relations and practical education is being offered across 58 colleges to enhance the employability of students.

Urging youth to embrace sports not just as recreation but as a viable career, the Chief Minister highlighted the sports infrastructure being developed across the state.

On this occasion, Majhi laid the foundation stone for infrastructure and development projects in Ganjam worth ₹550 crore. These include five irrigation schemes, a road-widening initiative, a high-level bridge, and various other civic infrastructure developments.

He also directed the preparation of a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the redevelopment of the Maa Tara Tarini Temple and announced the allocation of land to establish a world-class Industrial Training Institute in Polsara.

The Chief Minister’s address underlined the government’s vision of positioning Odisha as a hub of youth-driven growth, innovation, and sustainable development.