Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), July 23: The Odisha government praised the Union Budget for 2024-25 as a progressive move, particularly applauding the provisions aimed at boosting the state’s tourism sector. On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida expressed her appreciation for the budget announcements made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizing their potential to significantly enhance tourism and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
“I extend my gratitude to the Finance Minister and the Centre for the measures announced to promote and develop tourism in Odisha. Our goal is to make Odisha one of the top three tourist destinations in the country, and the tourism sector is already playing a crucial role in this,” Parida stated.
She highlighted Odisha’s vast tourism potential and assured that the state government would work on developing various tourist sites, including Chilika Lake and its environs, with the support of the Centre.
Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also praised the budget, noting its focus on employment, education, skilling, MSMEs, and the middle class. He highlighted the emphasis on infrastructure development in states like Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh.
In contrast, opposition Congress leaders criticized the budget, accusing the BJP-led NDA government of betraying Odisha. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Srikant Jena expressed disappointment, asserting that the budget failed to address key issues such as poverty alleviation and did not deliver substantial benefits to Odisha. Jena claimed that the expectations of the state’s people were unmet and accused the double-engine government of neglecting Odisha’s needs.
