Odisha Seeks ₹41,580 Crore Central Support for Road Development and Tourism Hubs
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The Odisha government has requested the Centre's support for road development projects worth ₹41,580 crore and the transformation of major tourism spots into national and international hubs. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida made this demand during a pre-budget consultation meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The meeting aimed to gather suggestions from states and union territories for the Union Budget 2026-27. Parida submitted a memorandum outlining key proposals and issues for the Union Finance Minister's consideration. The Odisha government is seeking support under the 'Purvodaya' initiative to create an environment for critical infrastructure development. They also want incentives for fiscally prudent states and increased funding under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2026-27. Additionally, the state demands a revision of ration cost norms to ensure uninterrupted supply of nutritious food, expansion of social pension schemes, and central government support for paddy procurement and urbanisation projects. The Union Finance Minister assured that the state's demands would be considered. The Odisha government's requests include: - Development of road projects worth ₹41,580 crore - Transformation of major tourism spots into national and international hubs - Revision of ration cost norms under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Scheme for Adolescent Girls - Enhancement of central share under the National Social Assistance Programme - Support for paddy procurement and expansion of storage infrastructure - Timely release of funds for the Jal Jeevan Mission - Large-scale capital investment for urbanisation in the state The Union Finance Minister has assured that the state's demands will be given due consideration.
