Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Today, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi marked a significant turning point in the infrastructural and economic transformation of Odisha by launching a number of industrial and development projects in Dhenkanal. The Chief Minister lay the groundwork for projects totaling more than ₹50,000 crore, including the historic ₹120 crore Baji Rout Sports Complex, at a high-profile ceremony in Dhenkanal. The Chief Minister laid the groundwork for ten more projects totaling ₹76 crore and officially opened twelve development projects totaling ₹112 crore. Today, a total of ₹188 crore worth of development projects were launched.
The official opening of industrial projects valued at over ₹50,000 crore, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy, was one of the day’s main highlights.
“Of these, ₹30,000 crore are earmarked for the solar energy sector alone,” Majhi said, outlining his vision to transform Dhenkanal into the “solar energy hub” of Odisha. These projects are expected to generate over 26,000 direct and indirect jobs, he added, calling the launch a direct outcome of the “Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha” industrial conclave.
The Chief Minister declared that 27,000 government positions had already been filled in the first year of his administration, reaffirming his government’s commitment to employment creation. He has now overseen the hiring of 40,000 more employees. “In response to a long-standing request from candidates, we have also increased the upper age limit for government positions to 42 years,” he said. The Baji Rout Sports Complex in Banamaliprasad was dedicated with the laying of the foundation stone in honor of the youngest martyr in Odisha. At an estimated ₹120 crore, the state-of-the-art facility would include an indoor stadium, a 100-bed sports dormitory, a football field, a synthetic track, a hockey center, and a swimming pool.
“The youth are the architects of tomorrow. This complex will channel their potential and symbolize rising youth power,” Majhi said, stressing that sports and employment are central to the government’s youth-focused agenda.
