The Odisha government has received an overwhelming response from the public for the upcoming 2024-25 state budget, with over 12,000 suggestions submitted by citizens, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Friday.

Addressing the media, CM Majhi, who also serves as the state’s Finance Minister, highlighted the significance of public participation in the budgetary process. “We are committed to ensuring that the voices of our citizens are heard and reflected in the state budget. The large number of suggestions received is a testament to the active engagement of the people of Odisha in shaping the financial future of our state,” he said.

A comprehensive budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 is set to be presented in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on July 25. The government has been actively soliciting feedback and ideas from various stakeholders to ensure that the budget addresses the needs and aspirations of all segments of society.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Majhi chaired a pre-budget meeting in Bhubaneswar, which was attended by representatives from various organizations, financial experts, and former state finance ministers. The meeting aimed to gather diverse perspectives and insights to inform the budgetary process.

The suggestions from the public cover a wide range of issues, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, agriculture, and social welfare. The government has assured that each suggestion will be carefully reviewed and considered in the formulation of the budget.

“We value the input from our citizens and stakeholders. Our goal is to create a balanced and inclusive budget that promotes sustainable development and improves the quality of life for all residents of Odisha,” Majhi added.

The Odisha government has set up a dedicated portal for citizens to submit their suggestions and feedback, and it has also conducted several outreach programs to encourage public participation. The state aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in its budgetary process, making it a collaborative effort between the government and the people.

As the budget presentation date approaches, the government will continue to engage with various stakeholders to refine and finalize the budget, ensuring it meets the expectations and needs of the people of Odisha.