Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid floral tributes to veteran freedom fighter and former Chief Minister Dr Harekrushna Mahtab on the 39th anniversary of his death at the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Friday. The homage was held at the Assembly premises in Bhubaneswar and was attended by Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Congress leader Rama Chandra Kadam and several members of the State Legislature.
Following the tribute, Chief Minister Majhi released the New Year 2026 calendar at the Assembly. The events formed part of a wider programme that saw the state government inaugurate a series of security and development projects across Odisha.
At Chandaka, Majhi inaugurated a new Training and Briefing Centre for the Special Operations Group (SOG). The facility has the capacity to train 400 jawans at a time and is intended to strengthen the operational readiness of paramilitary units deployed against insurgency. The Chief Minister also opened a modern Counter Terrorism Training Centre at the same complex. Officials said the new centres will provide advanced tactical and operational training to security personnel from across the state.
In a further boost to policing infrastructure, Majhi inaugurated 16 new police stations and associated projects across 16 districts. The openings included 70 quarters, office buildings, barracks, an armoury and administrative buildings. The state release noted these facilities will improve response times and living conditions for personnel serving in remote areas.
Stating that violence has no place in a democracy, Chief Minister Majhi urged individuals and groups involved in violent activity to surrender and join the mainstream. He said the government remains committed to tackling organisations engaged in violence with firmness while offering opportunities for reintegration and development.
Odisha development projects
Majhi also launched 86 development projects worth Rs 545 crore for Koraput district. Of these, 16 projects worth Rs 24 crore were inaugurated and the foundation stones were laid for 70 projects valued at Rs 521 crore. The package covers a broad set of interventions including irrigation works, primary health centres, support for small industries, urban hostels, bridges, roads, a Mission Shakti Bhawan, a Forest Protection Committee building and additional classrooms.
Officials said the Koraput initiatives are designed to address both basic infrastructure gaps and livelihood opportunities. The projects aim to improve irrigation and connectivity, expand access to health and education, and support local enterprise development. Chief Minister Majhi said the investment will accelerate development in Koraput and provide tangible benefits to communities across the district.
State ministers and local representatives welcomed the new facilities and projects. They said the combined focus on security capacity and local development demonstrates the government’s dual approach to maintaining law and order while promoting economic and social progress.
With the addition of training centres for security forces and a substantial development package for Koraput, Odisha’s administration has signalled a concerted effort to strengthen both public safety and grassroots development as it begins the new year.
Key Takeaways:
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid tribute to Dr Harekrushna Mahtab and released the New Year 2026 calendar at the State Assembly.
- Majhi inaugurated a new SOG Training and Briefing Centre at Chandaka with capacity for 400 jawans and a modern Counter Terrorism Training Centre.
- He opened 16 police stations and related infrastructure across 16 districts and urged Maoists to surrender while stressing the rule of law.
- Odisha development projects worth Rs 545 crore were launched for Koraput, including irrigation, health centres and roads to drive local development.
