Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended a high-level pre-budget consultation meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on January 10, 2026.
The meeting focused on gathering state-level inputs for the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27. Along with Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary Finance representing the State Government, Shrimati Parida submitted a detailed memorandum outlining critical infrastructure and social welfare priorities.
A primary focus of the memorandum was the request for enhanced central support under the Purvodaya initiative to accelerate infrastructure development and realize the goal of a developed Odisha.
The state government specifically proposed a significant investment of approximately 41,580 crore for the development of roads and national highways. Additionally, Odisha sought support for large-scale capital investment required for rapid urbanization and the promotion of tourism as a key economic pillar, highlighting the potential of destinations like Puri.
On the fiscal front, Odisha urged the Union Government to incentivize fiscally prudent states and enhance allocations under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for the 2026-27 period.
The state also raised concerns regarding social security and nutrition, calling for a revision of ration cost norms under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG). Furthermore, an increase in the central share of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was requested to reduce pressure on state finances.
In the agriculture sector, the memorandum emphasized the need for central assistance in paddy procurement operations and the expansion of storage infrastructure to accommodate rising production levels.
The state also flagged the importance of timely fund releases for completing ongoing projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Union Finance Minister Sitharaman assured that the proposals and concerns raised by the Odisha government would be given due consideration during the finalization of the Union Budget.