BJD Manifesto
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) recently shared its plans for Odisha’s future growth during the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Their aim? To make Odisha the leading state in India by 2036.
Celebrating Culture and Heritage
At the forefront of their manifesto is a commitment to honor Odisha’s rich culture and heritage. BJD President Naveen Patnaik proposed the annual Kalingashree and Kalinga Bhushan awards, akin to national honors like the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Empowering the Youth
Naveen Patnaik stressed the importance of empowering the youth. A separate budget of ₹1 lakh crore has been earmarked for youth development over the next decade. This includes increasing scholarships, creating government jobs, and establishing new educational institutions like a State Institute of Fashion Technology and an AI University.
Industrial Growth and Sustainability
The party’s focus is also on attracting investments in emerging technologies like semiconductors, IT, and artificial intelligence while promoting eco-friendly tourism. Additionally, they promise free electricity for households using up to 100 units and subsidized rates for those using 100 to 150 units.
Support for Middle-Class Families
Middle-class families will benefit from various initiatives such as healthcare coverage, interest subvention on home loans, and educational scholarships.
Empowerment for Women and Minorities
The manifesto outlines plans to empower women, tribal, OBC, and minority communities through interest-free loans, financial support for self-help groups, and pension schemes.
Economic Opportunities for Women
To boost entrepreneurship among women, individual women entrepreneurs will be assisted with a corpus fund of ₹100 crore to provide subsidized loans for their businesses. Mission Shakti will ensure pension benefits for women.
Continuing Initiatives
The BJD plans to continue and expand successful initiatives like the KALIA scheme for farmers and provide financial assistance for dependent girl marriages and crop loans.
Conclusion
Overall, the BJD’s manifesto focuses on holistic development, emphasizing youth empowerment, industrial growth, social welfare, and cultural preservation, with the vision of making Odisha the leading state in India by 2036.
