Odisha Leads in Capital Expenditure with 6.1% of GSDP: CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar, Feb 27: Odisha has emerged as the leading state in capital expenditure, spending 6.1% of its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), the highest in the country, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Thursday.

While reviewing the expenditure of various departments, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to ensure that the total expenditure reaches at least 85% by the end of the current financial year (2024-25). He noted that in the previous fiscal year (2023-24), the state had achieved 81% expenditure of the total budget.

“Our objective is to stimulate economic activities across various sectors, alongside strengthening the agrarian economy, which requires large-scale infrastructure development,” Majhi stated.

He acknowledged that spending this year had been affected due to elections, the assumption of office by the new government, and the presentation of the full budget in September. To expedite expenditure, he urged departmental ministers to promptly review proposals and grant necessary approvals.

Additionally, the Chief Minister directed officials to clear pending payments under various welfare schemes in compliance with regulations. Stressing the importance of program and capital expenditure, he remarked that these allocations are crucial for generating employment and driving economic growth.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that departments such as Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, Health, Water Resources, Works, Disabled and Social Justice, Supplies, and Cooperatives had performed relatively well in terms of expenditure. The Chief Minister also suggested increasing spending in other departments to ensure balanced economic progress.

The high-level meeting was attended by several members of the Council of Ministers, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and other senior officials.