Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Tuesday the introduction of the ‘Purvodaya’ plan, aimed at the comprehensive development of five key states: Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. This initiative is seen as pivotal for the continued support of the NDA government.
“The states in the eastern part of the country are rich in endowments and have strong cultural traditions,” Sitharaman said in her statement about the budget. The ‘Purvodaya’ plan, she explained, will focus on human resource development, infrastructure enhancement, and creating economic opportunities, with the goal of transforming the region into a driving force for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also emphasized the significance of this plan, noting that it would bring new momentum and energy to the development of the country’s eastern region. He highlighted that the plan would advance critical infrastructure projects, including highways, water projects, and power projects.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed these sentiments, stating that the ‘Purvodaya’ scheme aims to provide fresh impetus to the region’s development. He highlighted that the initiative would invigorate infrastructure, human resources, employment, and economic opportunities, positioning these states as crucial players in building a developed and self-reliant India.
The selection criteria for these five states under the ‘Purvodaya’ plan have not been explicitly detailed. The concept of ‘Purvodaya’ was first introduced by Prime Minister Modi in 2015, following the dedication of an Indian Oil Corporation Limited refinery in Paradip.
Through the ‘Purvodaya’ plan, the government aims to harness the untapped potential of the eastern states, leveraging their rich cultural heritage and natural endowments to spur holistic development and economic growth.