Thanks to the dedicated and diligent community-based disaster management systems, the state faced the cyclone courageously and the relief measures started immediately after the cyclone storm passed. Several global media even praised Odisha as a model in disaster management as the resilient people bounced back and within a few months there were no signs of the cyclone’s devastation, he said.Describing the challenges during Covid-19 pandemic, Naveen said, unfortunately, in early 2020, the World was hit by the Covid pandemic and till 2022, the virus, in its multiple variants, had caused immense damage to economies across the globe. In spite of the unknown fear of the pandemic, Odisha was comparatively well prepared and emerged as a model in Covid management, as per a study by John Hopkins University.”We not only ensured one of the lowest mortality rates in the country, but also saved millions of lives across India by supplying oxygen. We were the only state which provided free quality health care from testing to treatment for every citizen, in partnership with the private hospitals,” he said.As soon as the pandemic was brought under control, the chief minister said, the state government restarted its projects and schemes with extra pace. One of the main focus areas in this term has been education. Now, in every panchayat of the state, one can find a transformed High School with smart classrooms, e-libraries, science labs, computer centre and sports facilities.”Probably, nowhere in the world such a large number of schools have been transformed in such a short time. As a next step, we have started the transformation of the colleges across the state. To inspire the youth to dream big and empower them to achieve, the Nua-O programme and scholarships have been launched. This is a revolutionary step which has never been attempted in the world at this scale. We are committed to make the innovative Nabin Odisha magic card as a passport to prosperity for our youth,” he stressed.To further empower the youth, the CM said, modern and latest skill initiatives from across the world are now incubated in Odisha. Skilled in Odisha is now a recognised brand. Swayam is a youth empowerment scheme to provide Rs 1 lakh loan at zero interest rate to the unemployed youth to start their entrepreneurship journey, he said.Modern sports facilities are being set up across the state. The World’s largest seated hockey stadium, created in 15 months, in Rourkela is a case study in project management. Odisha has become the sports capital of India.In women’s empowerment, Naveen said, Mission Shakti members have set a unique example in the country. Fuelled by zero interest loans upto 10 lakh, SHGs are fast converting to SMEs in every sector. Around Rs 40,000 crore bank linkage has been provided to SHGs in the last five years with Rs 15,000 crore in this financial year alone. Mission Shakti Women are strong partners in the transformation story of Odisha, he said.
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