Bhubaneswar: When the BJP released its manifesto for Odisha earlier this week, it promised ‘double development’ by a ‘double engine’ government in the state.
The manifesto has received a mixed response, with some calling it ‘development-centric’ and others pointing out that some of the promises are already being implemented by the BJD government in the state, especially in the areas of education and employment at the grassroots level. .
For the development of women, the party has assured to launch a new Subhadra Yojana, under which every woman will get a cash voucher of Rs 50,000, which she can redeem in two years. City sanitation worker Maheshweta Barik said, “This voucher will be of great help to all those women from poor socio-economic backgrounds who struggle to make a living or rely on private moneylenders to meet small financial needs during emergencies. Depend on.” Apart from this, BJP has also promised to create 25 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in Odisha by 2027 by opening industrial clusters for every 500 SHGs. SHG activist Bharti Mallick said, “Again, a new step which will further develop the SHG movement in the state.”
Educationist RN Panda said the saffron party’s promise to provide legal, medical and engineering courses in Odia language is commendable. This is an important step as it will remove language barriers for students who have received school and college education in regional languages but dream of studying law, medicine and engineering from popular colleges that teach subjects in English. lets see.
“In addition, there is a great need for the promise of capacity building of existing teachers,” he said, stressing on the strong educational base of teachers. He also expressed concern about government schools being neglected in terms of infrastructure. On BJP’s promise to introduce ‘Vidya’ of AI (Artificial Intelligence) teachers in such schools, he said the role of human teachers is irreplaceable. “AI cannot understand the emotions and needs of students,” said the educationist, former principal of BJB Junior College.
As far as employment is concerned, the party aims to develop the state as a strong manufacturing hub with focus on IT/ITeS, automobile, EV, semiconductor through recruitment of 1.5 vacant government posts and ‘Make in Odisha’ scheme. Has assured to do so. Entrepreneurship initiatives of SC and ST youth.
City youth Raj Swaroop Hansraj and Mohak Ranjan Beuria said that while the Centre’s ‘Make-in-India’ movement is increasing people’s interest in local products, thereby generating employment, the state’s ‘Make-in-Odisha’ ‘The campaign is already boosting local employment. and equipping youth with industry skills. “The state’s efforts through ‘Make in Odisha’ have also increased job prospects for marginalized groups,” Mohak said.
Like Mohak, Padmalaya Mohanty, an SHG member, acknowledges the increase in employment due to the ‘Make-in-Odisha’ initiative. He highlighted schemes such as Mission Shakti and Millet Mission, which have empowered grassroots communities and promoted economic growth through targeted interventions.
