Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced his govt’s commitment to eliminate the monopolistic control of a few families over the state’s industrial sector, emphasising the need for equitable industrial development.
Speaking during the budget discussion in the assembly, Majhi highlighted findings from his recent visit to Jajpur district, a major industrial and mining corridor. “I discovered that three families divided the area among themselves, and without their approval, industries cannot even hire a peon or park a vehicle there,” he said, adding that similar situations exist in other industrial areas across the state.
The CM issued a stern warning against such practices, stating, “Our govt will not tolerate this monopolistic control, regardless of political affiliations. Those who interfere unnecessarily will face consequences.”
The announcement came as part of Majhi’s response to budget discussion.
Earlier, taking part in the debate, opposition leader Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state govt, criticising Majhi’s administration for its alleged failure to expand the state’s revenue base.
The former CM claimed that the much-touted ‘double engine’ BJP govt has led to a decline in the state’s growth rate from 10% to 8% this year. “Odisha, once known for transformation, is now merely known for changing names and colours,” he remarked.