NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development works worth over Rs. 60,000 crore in Jharsuguda, Odisha. 

Addressing the gathering, the PM offered his respectful greetings to all the distinguished dignitaries present at the event. Highlighting that the festival of Navratri is currently being celebrated, PM Modi expressed that during these auspicious days, he was fortunate to visit the sacred land of Maa Samalei and Maa Ramachandi and meet the people gathered there. He noted the presence of a large number of mothers and sisters at the event, stating that their blessings are the true source of strength, offering his salutations to the people.

Recalling that during the Assembly elections one and a half years ago, the people of Odisha had resolved to move forward with a new commitment—towards a developed Odisha, PM Modi observed that today, Odisha is progressing rapidly with the momentum of their governments at the Centre and State. He announced the commencement of projects worth thousands of crores for the development of Odisha and the nation. PM Modi unveiled the new avatar of BSNL, marking the launch of its indigenous 4G services. He stated that the expansion of IITs across various states is also beginning today. Additionally, he highlighted the foundation stone laying and inauguration of several projects in Odisha related to education, skill development, and connectivity. He flagged off the modern Amrit Bharat train from Berhampur to Surat, underlining the great benefit to the people. PM Modi also acknowledged the presence of Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & IT, PM Ashwini Vaishnaw, who had connected virtually from Surat, Gujarat. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Odisha for all these development initiatives.

“Our government is committed to serving and empowering the poor, and our focus is on delivering basic amenities to the underprivileged, including Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities”, stated the PM. He noted that today’s programme stands as a testament to this commitment. PM Modi shared that he had the opportunity to hand over approval letters to beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Griha Yojana. He remarked that when a poor family receives a pucca house, it transforms not only their present but also the future generations. Underlining that their government has already provided more than four crore pucca houses to poor families across the country, the PM said in Odisha, thousands of houses are being constructed at a rapid pace, and he commended the Chief Minister PM Mohan Majhi and his team for their commendable efforts. The PM announced that today, nearly fifty thousand families have received approval for new homes. Under the PM Janman Yojana, over forty thousand houses have been sanctioned for tribal families in Odisha, fulfilling a major aspiration of the most marginalized among them. He extended his best wishes to all beneficiary families.

Expressing his enduring faith in the capabilities and talent of the people of Odisha, the PM noted that nature has blessed Odisha abundantly. While acknowledging that Odisha has endured decades of poverty, he affirmed that the coming decade will usher in prosperity for its people. To achieve this, the government is bringing major projects to the state. He announced that the Central Government has recently approved two semiconductor units for Odisha, and a semiconductor park is also set to be established, crediting the strength and potential of the youth of Odisha. PM Modi envisioned a future where the small chip used in phones, televisions, refrigerators, computers, cars, and many other devices will be manufactured in Odisha.

The PM reaffirmed the government’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in every domain—from chips to ships. He stated that a vast industrial corridor is being developed from Paradip to Jharsuguda. Emphasizing the strategic importance of shipbuilding, he noted that any nation aspiring for economic strength must invest in this sector, as it benefits trade, technology, and national security. PM Modi explained that having indigenous ships ensures uninterrupted import-export operations even during global crises. The PM announced a major initiative by their government—a ₹70,000 crore package for shipbuilding in India. He projected that this would attract ₹4.5 lakh crore in investments, reaching sectors such as steel, machinery, electronics, and manufacturing, especially benefiting small and cottage industries. He highlighted that this would generate millions of new jobs and bring significant advantages to Odisha’s industries and youth.

“India has taken a significant step towards self-reliance”, exclaimed PM Modi, recalling that when telecom services like 2G, 3G, and 4G were introduced globally, India lagged behind and remained dependent on foreign technology for these services. He emphasized that such a situation was not suitable for the country, which led to a national resolve to develop essential telecom technologies indigenously. The PM expressed pride that BSNL has successfully developed a fully indigenous 4G technology within India. He lauded BSNL’s dedication, perseverance, and expertise in creating this milestone. He further highlighted that Indian companies have now positioned India among the select five countries in the world that possess completely indigenous technology to launch 4G services.

The PM noted the coincidence that BSNL is celebrating its 25th anniversary today. On this historic occasion, he highlighted that through the dedicated efforts of BSNL and its partners, India is advancing towards becoming a global telecom manufacturing hub. He stated that it is a matter of pride for Odisha that BSNL’s indigenous 4G network is being launched from Jharsuguda, comprising nearly one lakh 4G towers. These towers are set to usher in a new era of connectivity across remote regions of the country. PM Modi emphasized that the expansion of 4G technology will directly benefit over two crore people nationwide. He added that approximately thirty thousand villages, which previously lacked high-speed internet access, will now be connected through this initiative.

The PM stated that thousands of villages are virtually connected to witness this historic day, listening and watching through high-speed internet. He mentioned that Union Minister for Communications, PM Jyotiraditya Scindia was also joining from Assam. 

Highlighting that BSNL’s indigenous 4G services will benefit tribal regions, remote villages, and hilly areas the most, PM Modi affirmed that people in these regions will now have access to quality digital services. Children in rural areas will be able to attend online classes, farmers in distant locations will be able to check crop prices, and patients will find it easier to consult doctors through telemedicine. The PM added that this initiative will also greatly benefit our armed forces personnel, enabling them to communicate securely through enhanced connectivity.

Underlining that India has already rolled out the fastest 5G services, the PM noted that the BSNL towers inaugurated today are readily equipped to support 5G services as well. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to BSNL and all citizens of the country on this historic occasion.

Emphasising that a skilled youth and a robust research ecosystem are essential for building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, PM Modi stated that this is a major priority for their government. He highlighted the unprecedented investment being made in education and skill development across the country, including Odisha. The PM announced that engineering colleges and polytechnics are being modernized, and launched a new scheme named MERITE to support this effort. Under this scheme, thousands of crores will be invested in technical education institutions. He remarked that this will eliminate the compulsion for youth to migrate to big cities for quality technical education. Instead, they will have access to modern labs, global skill training, and startup opportunities within their own towns.

The PM stated that unprecedented efforts are underway to ensure that facilities reach every sector, every community, and every citizen of the country. He highlighted that record levels of investment are being made to achieve this. Reflecting on the past, he remarked that people are well aware of the previous situation, asserting that the opposition never missed an opportunity to exploit the public.

PM Modi stated that in 2014, when the people entrusted the government with the opportunity to serve, their administration successfully liberated the country from the exploitative system of the opposition. He remarked that under their government, a new era of double savings and double earnings has begun. He contrasted the past, noting that during the previous dispensation regime, employees and businesspersons had to pay tax even on incomes up to ₹2 lakh. In contrast, he highlighted that today, individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually are not required to pay even a single rupee in income tax.

Mentioning that new GST reforms have been implemented nationwide, including in Odisha, from 22nd September 2025, the PM described these reforms as a gift of savings for all, especially making kitchen expenses more affordable for mothers and sisters. He stated that the prices of most essential items have significantly reduced. Illustrating with an example, he explained that a family in Odisha spending ₹1 lakh annually on groceries and other essentials used to pay ₹20,000–₹25,000 in taxes under the then ruling government before 2014. After the introduction of GST by their Government in 2017, this tax amount was reduced and now, the tax burden has been brought down substantially, with families paying only ₹5,000–₹6,000 annually. He emphasized that compared to the opposition era, families now save ₹15,000–₹20,000 per year on such expenses.

Affirming that Odisha is a land of farmers and highlighted that the GST Savings Festival is highly beneficial for them, the PM recalled that during the opposition era, farmers had to pay ₹70,000 in tax when purchasing a tractor. With the introduction of GST, the tax was reduced, and under the new GST structure, farmers now save approximately ₹40,000 on the same tractor. He added that machines used for paddy transplantation now offer a saving of ₹15,000, power tillers ₹10,000, and threshers up to ₹25,000. PM Modi emphasized that their government has significantly lowered taxes on numerous agricultural tools and equipment.

Noting that Odisha is home to a large tribal population, which depends on forest produce for livelihood, the PM noted that the government has already been working for kendu leaf collectors and has now significantly reduced GST on this item, ensuring better prices for the collectors. He emphasized that their government is consistently providing tax relief and increasing savings for citizens, while accusing the opposition of continuing exploitative practices. PM Modi alleged that opposition-led governments are still engaged in looting the public. He highlighted that when the new GST rates were implemented, the tax on cement was also reduced to make home construction and repairs more affordable. He pointed out that after 22nd September, cement prices dropped even in Himachal Pradesh. However, he claimed that the ruling government in Himachal imposed an additional tax on cement, depriving people of the benefit. The PM warned that wherever the opposition party governs, exploitation follows, and urged citizens to remain cautious of the party.

PM Modi stated that the GST Savings Festival has brought the greatest joy to mothers and sisters. He emphasized that serving women and daughters is a top priority for the government, with a strong focus on their health. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by mothers for their families, noting how they bear every hardship to shield their children and often hide their own illnesses to avoid burdening the household with medical expenses. The PM highlighted that this is precisely why the Ayushman Bharat Yojana was launched, which has significantly benefited women by providing free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh.

Emphasising that a healthy mother leads to a strong family, PM Modi highlighted the nationwide launch of the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar” campaign from 17th September 2025. He informed that over eight lakh health camps have been organized across the country under this initiative, with more than three crore women undergoing health screenings. These camps are facilitating diagnosis for diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer, tuberculosis, and sickle cell anemia. He urged all mothers, sisters, and daughters in Odisha to ensure they get their health check-ups done. 

The PM reiterated that their government is continuously working to enhance the strength of the nation and its citizens—whether through tax relief or modern connectivity—by paving the way for convenience and prosperity. He noted that Odisha is reaping significant benefits from these efforts, with six Vande Bharat trains currently operational in the state and modernization underway at nearly sixty railway stations. He added that the Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda is now connected to several major cities across India. Odisha is also receiving substantially higher revenue from minerals and mining. PM Modi mentioned that the Subhadra Yojana is consistently supporting the women of Odisha. He affirmed that Odisha is firmly on the path of progress and assured that the pace of development will accelerate further.