THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA AND THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMME MARKING COMPLETION OF TWO YEARS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA AT RAIRANGPUR; LAID FOUNDATION STONES AND INAUGURATED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WORTH RS. 47,600 CR

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, participated in a programme marking the completion of two years of the Government of Odisha at Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha today (June 20, 2026). On the occasion, they jointly inaugurated 60 projects and laid foundation stones for 12 projects in sectors such as energy, industrial infrastructure, road connectivity, drinking water, health, education, tourism and irrigation. The projects worth Rs. 47,600 crores aim to strengthen regional connectivity and boost the economic development of the region.

Welcoming Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the soil of Mayurbhanj, the President said that despite his busy schedule, his visit to Rairangpur shows his special affection and reverence for Odisha. This visit fills the people of Rairangpur, especially the tribal brothers and sisters, with boundless joy.

The President said that projects whose foundation stones were laid and inaugurated today are not merely symbols of development; rather, they are a testament to his commitment to social justice, equality of opportunity and holistic development.

The President said that development becomes meaningful when its benefits reach every village, every family and every citizen. Bringing about significant improvements in the human development indicators of tribal areas, remote regions and aspirational districts is our priority. We have made considerable progress in this direction. She expressed confidence that the projects that were inaugurated and foundation stones of which were laid today, would unfold a new chapter of development in this region and the state of Odisha.

The President said that if a society forgets the distinctiveness of its culture, it loses its very existence. A community that preserves its cultural uniqueness while embracing modernity remains truly enriched. She was happy to note that central and state governments are implementing various schemes for the conservation of the languages, literature and cultures of tribal communities. She commended the Government of India for undertaking initiatives to uphold the pride and dignity of tribal communities. She said that the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda is celebrated as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas'. Tribal museums are being established across the country. People are being familiarised with the unforgettable contributions of tribal icons who had long remained absent from the public consciousness.

The President was happy to note that a new era of welfare and upliftment for the tribal population of Odisha has begun through the concerted efforts of the central and state governments. Initiatives such as providing Minimum Support Price for over 90 minor forest produce under the Pradhan Mantri Van-Dhan Yojana, extending loans to tribal women in self-help groups under micro-credit schemes and offering low-interest loans to Scheduled Tribe women under tribal women empowerment schemes are yielding positive results. The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has been launched to eradicate sickle cell anemia, which prevails in the tribal population. A large number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been established to provide quality education to tribal children. Under the 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan', social infrastructure in tribal rural areas is being developed. Every possible effort is being made to achieve the goal of Antyodaya through the holistic development of tribal regions, particularly the development of the tribal community.

The President said that since assuming the office of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has taken several steps in the national interest. This month, he set a record for the longest continuous tenure as an elected Prime Minister. She congratulated him, on behalf of all citizens, on this historic achievement. She expressed her wish that he may continue to benefit the people of the country with his vision and lead the nation in realising the resolve to transform India into Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The President said that India's stature on the global stage has risen due to the effective leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The entire world witnessed India's capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, when the world is grappling with the unrest and instability born of war, India has consistently advocated for conciliation and peace, conveying the message to the global community that solutions to problems are possible only through mutual dialogue, not war.

On the occasion, the President congratulated the Government of Odisha, led by Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, for completing two years in office. She noted that Odisha has gained significant momentum in the industrial sector over the past two years. Ports in the state are undergoing rapid development. With the active support of the central government, the Government of Odisha is taking numerous steps to develop rail, road, and waterways. The government is according special attention to women's empowerment. She was happy to note that a new era of welfare and upliftment for the tribal community of Odisha has begun through the joint efforts of the central and state governments.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to the President and expressed happiness at having got the opportunity to visit Mayurbhanj on this auspicious day. He said that his visit to Pahadpur village with the President would remain a memorable experience. The Prime Minister announced that Pahadpur would be developed as a Surya Gram (Solar Village).

He congratulated the Government of Odisha on the completion of two years of its tenure and commended its efforts to promote cleanliness and sanitation. He noted that while the people of Odisha had recently celebrated Raja Parba and were now preparing for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, the "festival of development" was also being celebrated across the state.

Earlier, the President and the Prime Minister offered prayers at Gosani Peeth, Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera and visited the Skill Centre and School at Pahadpur.