Bhubaneswar, Feb 1 (Reporter) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has described the budget for the financial year 2025-26 as people-oriented, welfare-driven, employment-generating, and development-focused. Reacting to the budget, Majhi said that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had presented a historic budget that would give a fresh impetus to the nation's progress and development. He stated that the budget is comprehensive and caters to every section of society, bringing good news for farmers, daily wage earners, the middle class, employees, women, youth, and students. The Union Government, Majhi added, has successfully fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of middle-class families. "You may recall that yesterday, just before the commencement of Parliament, the Prime Minister stated that the budget would bring blessings from Goddess Lakshmi upon the poor and the middle class—and that is exactly what has happened today," he said. For income taxpayers, those earning Rs.12 lakh per year (Rs.1 lakh per month) will not have to pay any tax. This will result in savings of at least Rs.80,000 per year, further strengthening the Indian economy, he noted. "This is truly the Modi Guarantee—what he promises, he delivers," Majhi added. Regarding agriculture, Majhi highlighted that the budget proposes the ‘Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ in 100 districts to boost productivity and increase farmers' income. Additionally, the government has announced an increase in the loan limit under the Modified Interest Subsidy Scheme—raising it from Rs.3 lakh to Rs.5 lakh through the Kisan Credit Card, ensuring farmers have better access to financial resources. A record capital investment of Rs.15.5 lakh crore has been allocated in the budget to generate new jobs. Moreover, the provision for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana has been increased to Rs.54,832 crore, up from Rs.32,426 crore in the current year. Odisha, Majhi stated, will benefit from this increased allocation, enabling the state to provide a record number of houses to the poor next year. He further emphasized that the state government's goal of providing clean drinking water to all villages within the next two years is on track, thanks to a record allocation of Rs.67,000 crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission Yojana. Additionally, the state government can now utilize the increased funds for various welfare programs, as Odisha's share of central taxes will rise to Rs.64,408 crore in 2025-26, compared to Rs.55,232 crore in 2024-25. Majhi concluded by stating that Odisha remains a key focus for the Prime Minister and is poised to achieve new heights of development...////...