Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today outlined an ambitious roadmap for a developed Odisha, with emphasis on security, education, investment, infrastructure and employment, as the state celebrated the 80th Independence Day.

Addressing the state-level function at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar this morning after unfurling the tricolour, Mr Majhi said coordinated efforts of the Centre and the state have brought Left-Wing Extremism to an end in Odisha, creating new opportunities for development in the affected areas.

Mr Majhi called upon people to work with renewed Odia Asmita, declaring the goal of a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047. A colourful parade was held to mark the occasion.

The Chief Minister announced free education from KG to PG in state-run institutions and free textbooks for students of Classes 9 and 10. He said the government is empowering farmers and women through PM-Kisan, CM-Kisan, Subhadra and Lakhpati Didi initiatives. Mr Majhi said Odisha has attracted investment proposals worth 21 lakh crore rupees during the past two years, with projects worth 3.5 lakh crore rupees already inaugurated or grounded, generating employment and encouraging reverse migration. He said Odisha is allocating 6.5 percent of its GSDP to infrastructure, with major projects including the Puri International Airport and three expressways involving an investment of about 31,000 crore rupees.

In a major measure for youth, the Odisha Chief Minister announced that the upper age limit for government recruitment has been raised from 32 to 42 years, while the six-attempt ceiling for the Odisha Civil Services examination has been removed.