Odias living abroad upbeat about new govt in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: Odias living abroad are pinning their hopes on the new govt in the state to usher in development while keeping ‘Odia Asmita’ intact. One of the reasons for the optimism is that both in Centre and state, it is the BJP that is in power.

Non Resident Indians (NRIs), associated with the corporate and business world, feel industrialisation will further propel development in the state.

According them, a favourable industrial climate is required, apart from a better road network. “We require industries to rein in migration. Nothing much has happened to develop rural areas in the state,” said Akshaya Mohanty, an entrepreneur from Rhode Island, US. Toronto-based HR professional-turned-realtor, Subrat Nayak, said more IT companies need to set up shop in the state.

Odias living abroad also want balanced regional development instead of confining all progress to the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. “There should be alternate urbanisation in Sambalpur and Balasore so that more people enjoy the fruits of development,” said Priyadarshee Panigrahi, a Dubai-based business management professional, who is from Sambalpur.

Similarly, US-based software engineer Pankaj Panda wants the development of his native place, Padampur, in Bargarh district. “People from my village often go to Bhubaneswar or Vizag for healthcare needs. We require more hospitals in my area. The cancer hospital in Bargarh has been a long-standing demand of people from the district. We expect the new govt will implement it,” said Panda. He added that Padampur should be included in the country’s railway map, provided with irrigation facilities and should be made a district.

Panda also wants more job creation in the state. “Instead of providing free ration, jobs should be given to the unemployed so that they earn their bread,” said Jayashree Nanda, a teacher in the UK.

According to her, the education system should be upgraded so that people become more capable of earning their livelihood. The govt should ensure that people get a hassle-free darshan at the Jagannath temple in Puri, she said. Sunanda Mishra Panda, a social worker based in Canada, said, “Literature and culture should be preserved.” She said apart from new initiatives, the development work of the previous govt should be continued.

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