Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified its preparation for the upcoming 2026-27 annual budget with a focus on public participation. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level pre-budget consultation meeting at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Hall, emphasizing that the state’s financial planning has transitioned from the confines of the Secretariat to the doorstep of the citizens. The Chief Minister stated that the government views the voice of the people as divine and aims to reflect public aspirations in the final fiscal document.
During the session, the Chief Minister highlighted that several ongoing and upcoming initiatives, such as the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana and the Sri Jagannath Darshan program, were born out of direct public feedback. He further noted that the proposed economic corridor connecting Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Paradip, and Puri is another result of citizen input. For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the state is actively collecting suggestions through various digital platforms including web portals, email, SMS, and WhatsApp to ensure the budget remains inclusive and responsive to grassroots needs.
During the recent pre-budget consultation for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, focused on several critical economic pillars to drive inclusive growth. The discussions aimed to align state priorities with the recent Union Budget 2026-27 announcements to maximize development.
During the recent pre-budget consultation for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the Odisha government focused on several key economic sectors to drive development. A major priority is the expansion of industrial infrastructure, specifically through the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Paradip-Puri economic corridor. This project is designed to enhance connectivity and stimulate trade between the state’s commercial and spiritual hubs.
The government is also prioritizing the rural economy by focusing on the agricultural sector and women’s empowerment. By integrating feedback from farmers and local entrepreneurs, the budget aims to create more localized employment opportunities. Special emphasis was placed on aligning state projects with central government schemes to boost industrialization and financial growth across all districts.
In the social sector, the government is focusing on cultural tourism and community welfare. Initiatives like the Jagannath Darshan program and enhanced support for marriage assistance schemes are being designed based on public demand. Furthermore, the digital collection of suggestions via WhatsApp and web portals ensures that the financial allocations for education, health, and urban development reflect the actual needs of the people.
The meeting saw the participation of over 50 prominent figures, including former finance ministers, retired finance secretaries, and representatives from trade bodies like the Odisha Business Federation and CREDAI. Discussions also touched upon the synergy between central policies and state initiatives for farmers and women, which are expected to boost the rural economy. Chief Minister Majhi directed all departments to record and analyze the expert suggestions received during the meeting for potential integration into the official budget.