Odisha CM Lauds ‘Zero Income Tax’ in Budget 2025-26, Opposition Criticizes Job & Price Measures
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has hailed the Union Budget 2025-26, particularly the provision for “zero income tax” up to ₹12 lakh per annum, calling it a “visionary step” that will empower citizens and bolster the economy.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Majhi stated that the move under the new tax regime would create better financial opportunities. “This bold initiative not only strengthens the economy but also provides relief to taxpayers,” he posted on social media platform X.
He highlighted that Odisha stands to gain significantly from the budget, as its share of central taxes has been increased from ₹55,232 crore in 2024-25 to ₹64,408 crore in 2025-26. The state government, he noted, will be able to utilize these additional funds for various welfare schemes.
Majhi also emphasized the record capital investment of ₹15.5 lakh crore aimed at job creation, along with a provision of ₹54,832 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which marks a substantial increase from the previous allocation of ₹32,426 crore. He stated that this would enable Odisha to provide housing to a greater number of underprivileged families.
Among other key announcements, the chief minister noted the significant increase in funding for the Jal Jeevan Mission Yojana, which has been raised to ₹67,000 crore from ₹22,694 crore. He affirmed that this would accelerate the state government’s efforts to provide clean drinking water to every village within the next two years.
The budget also introduced the ‘Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ to boost agricultural productivity in 100 districts across India, benefiting approximately 1.7 crore farmers. Additionally, the loan limit under the Kisan Credit Card has been increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, which Majhi said would provide farmers with better access to credit.
“The budget meets the aspirations of the middle-class,” he added, citing the tax exemption up to ₹12 lakh as a measure that would leave taxpayers with additional savings of at least ₹80,000 per year, further strengthening the economy. “This is truly the Modi Guarantee—delivering on promises made,” Majhi remarked.
Opposition Criticism
However, opposition leader and BJD president Naveen Patnaik criticized the budget, stating that it fails to address two critical issues—rising prices and unemployment.
Taking to X, Patnaik said, “The youth of the country need jobs, and common people are struggling with skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. It is unfortunate that the budget does not provide solutions to these pressing concerns.”
He also reiterated Odisha’s long-standing demand for special category status, arguing that the state faces recurrent natural disasters yet has been overlooked while other states receive special provisions. “Once again, Odisha’s legitimate demand has been ignored by the central government,” he added.
The contrasting reactions reflect the political divide over the budget, with the ruling party in Odisha welcoming its provisions, while the opposition raises concerns over key economic challenges.
