Congress
party was in Government in Odisha (then Orissa) from 1980 -1990 and then from
1995-1999. These 14 years were epitomized by utter misrule, mis-governance,
heightened corruption and a downward spiral for the state.
At the onset of new
millennium when Odisha was reeling under acute financial and governance crisis,
the Government under the leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief
Minister came to power with a huge mandate. This was a harbinger of an era of
growth, prosperity and all-round development for the state.
The financial resources
of the Government was too meagre to meet the expenses towards salary of
employees; least to speak of plans and programs.In the meantime, through stable,
transparent, accountable and people-oriented governance, the fiscal health of
the State has improved substantially and it has registered an unprecedented
economic growth ensuring progress in all spheres.
The limitation of funds
under centrally sponsored schemes and inadequacy of the prescribed guidelines
of the schemes to serve the interests of the poor, urged the State to launch
and implement a number of development and welfare schemes, out of its own
resources, in the interest of the poor and the needy, with the objective of
achieving equitable and inclusive growth.
Perceptible
improvements have been noticed in the living conditions of the people of
Odisha, and the State is on the path of rapid development. Today, Odisha has
been the leader in the field of good governance, self-reliance, alleviation of
poverty with its own schemes and resources, for ensuring equitable social
justice.
