'Thumbs up to achievements, but issues persist'

A year after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to power in Odisha, ending the decades-long rule of Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the Mohan Charan Majhi-led government marks its first anniversary amid a mixed public response.

- ARINDAM GANGULY, OP

While many citizens commend the government's ambitious welfare schemes and efforts to preserve the state's cultural heritage, others remain skeptical, pointing to persistent grass-roots challenges that continue to hamper progress.

Upon assuming office June 12, 2024, the new government announced a ₹500-crore corpus fund for conservation of Puri Srimandir and state's broader cultural heritage, signaling a strong commitment to cultural identity. In a push for transparency and accountability, the long-defunct Chief Minister's Grievance Cell was revived, resolving nearly 86 per cent of complaints filed by citizens.

On welfare front, the government implemented Subhadra Yojana, a flagship financial empowerment programme benefiting 1 crore women across the state. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwDs) saw a hike in their pensions to ₹3,500 per month. The government also raised the upper age limit for government jobs to 42 years.

Healthcare received a boost through the rollout of Ayushman Bharat Yojana, complementing the existing Gopabandhu Jan Aarogya Yojana, to extend health coverage to more citizens, though technical glitches cropped up initially during registration and processing of claims.