Odisha celebrates Independence Day

The 69th Independence Day was celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm across Odisha on Saturday amid tight security.

Hoisting the national flag at Mahatma Gandhi Marg here, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Odisha is on development path and evelopment has opened the gate to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

Informing that the state government has decided to convert all kutcha (mud brick) houses into pucca (concrete) house, he said the government has already made 5.70 lakh pucca houses under Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana.

He also said the government would implement Odisha urban mission to provide affordable houses to the economically weaker section people in the urban areas of the state.

Describing youth as major players for growth, Patnaik said the government has aimed to generate three lakh jobs under manufacturing sector by 2019-20 while it is taking steps to fulfil 70,000 vacant government posts.

In order to attract more investment to the state, he said the government has simplified the investment process under new Industrial Policy Resolution, 2015.

He said state has achieved considerably growth in different sectors like agriculture, education, health and other areas since independence.

As the day was celebrated amid gaiety and camaraderie across the state, tight security arrangements had been made across the state, especially in Maoist-hit districts, said police.

A tight security cover with all the necessary scrutiny was put in place at almost all venues including at the state capital.