Odisha to Emerge as ‘Growth Engine’: Governor’s Address Marks Start of Budget Session
The Odisha Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session commenced on February 17, 2026, with Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati outlining a bold vision for the state’s future.
In his inaugural address, the Governor projected Odisha as the “growth engine” of a developed India, setting the tone for a session that will run until April 8 in two phases.
The Governor emphasised that by 2036, coinciding with Odisha’s centenary year, the state aims to become a model of prosperity and inclusive progress.
He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Rameswaram–Paradip Coastal Highway, a ring road connecting Bhubaneswar, Khordha, and Cuttack, and a proposed flyover on the Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan corridor.
Odisha is also positioning itself as a semiconductor hub under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, while prioritising social development goals such as eliminating malnutrition and anaemia.
Speaker Surama Padhy urged legislators to uphold democratic values during the session, while Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mohan Charan Majhi are set to present the 2026–27 budget on February 20.
The session is expected to witness significant discussions on infrastructure modernisation, industrial growth, and welfare measures, reinforcing Odisha’s ambition to lead India’s development journey.
