Bhubaneswar: On September 19, 2024, the Mohan Majhi-led Odisha government will complete its first 100 days in office. With the hope of bringing about significant changes in governance, the people of Odisha are evaluating how much they have benefited from this new leadership and whether the changes have lived up to their expectations. Have the citizens truly felt the impact of this governance in these 100 days?
Promises Delivered, Challenges Faced
The election results declared on June 4, 2024, were a shock to many as the people of Odisha voted out the 24 years reign of the BJD, bringing the BJP to power. By June 12, Mohan Majhi, a relatively unexpected candidate, was sworn in as the Chief Minister. Now, as the government reaches the 100-day mark, several stories, discussions, and critiques have emerged in both mainstream and social media. The government's focus on Odia identity and its slow, calculated steps toward change are under scrutiny.
Let's delve into some of the key milestones and challenges faced by the government so far.
1.Opening the Four Doors of Jagannath Temple:
As part of fulfilling election promises, the government opened all four doors of the Jagannath Temple to the public, allowing devotees to enter and exit through any door. Previously, only one door was designated for entry, and another for exit. This move, while symbolically significant, has led to ongoing complaints from devotees regarding crowd management and discomfort inside the temple premises. It remains to be seen if this change will yield long-term benefits for the government.
2. The Controversial Ratna Bhandar Issue:
The opening, inspection, and repair of the sacred Ratna Bhandar (treasure house) of the Jagannath Temple has been a sensitive topic. The sudden dissolution of the previous committee and the formation of a new one, coupled with repeated delays in opening the Bhandar, have kept the issue alive in public discourse. Although some of the treasures have been relocated, the full inspection and inventory are yet to be completed. The involvement of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in assessing the situation adds further complexity. Managing the repair process without disrupting the devotion of pilgrims will be a key test for the government.
3. MSP for Farmers:
One of the notable achievements in this short span is the announcement of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,100 for paddy. However, its actual implementation remains to be seen. With favorable monsoons this year, a bountiful harvest is expected. Farmers are hopeful that the government will purchase their produce at the promised rate. However, if the procurement falls short, as seen during the previous government's tenure, dissatisfaction among the farming community could arise.
4. Job Creation Initiatives:
The government has made strides in announcing various employment schemes, especially focusing on job creation in the rural sector. Although still in the initial stages, there are concerns about how effective these schemes will be in addressing unemployment, which remains a key issue in the state.
As the Mohan government crosses the 100-day milestone, it will need to continue addressing the concerns of the public while delivering on its promises. The coming days will determine whether these initial moves lead to lasting change or face further criticism from various quarters.