February 18th 2025.
In a recent press conference at the BJP state headquarters, Union Minister Giriraj Singh shared the exciting news that the Ministry of Textiles, in partnership with the Odisha government, is determined to transform the state into the leading silk hub of our nation. Currently, India produces 132 metric tonnes of silk, with 131 of those being Tussar silk.
Minister Singh went on to explain that 29 out of 30 districts in Odisha are involved in silk and handicraft production, providing employment for over 3.5 lakh skilled artisans and weavers. After discussions with the chief secretary, it has been decided that Odisha will be officially recognized as a "silk state," with the goal of becoming the largest silk producer in the world.
The central and state governments, along with the Silk Board, will work together to develop Odisha as a primary center for silk production. As part of this initiative, the BJP-ruled state will be asked to select one district for the development of the textile sector, with a focus on establishing strong market connections. Additionally, this district will be promoted as a popular tourism destination.
Minister Singh also shared the government's plan to increase the income of handloom weavers to Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. This will be achieved through a joint effort between the central and state governments, with a mission-oriented approach.
Speaking about the Union budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, Minister Singh proudly stated that the annual budget has increased from Rs 16 lakh crore in 2014 to a whopping Rs 51 lakh crore for FY'26. He also mentioned that the state of Odisha will greatly benefit from this budget, with the railway allocation increasing from Rs 838 crore in 2009-14 to Rs 10,500 crore in the current budget.
The Modi government has also played a significant role in improving the infrastructure of the state. For instance, the number of airports in Odisha has increased to five during their tenure. Furthermore, the government has identified 120 new destinations for air connectivity, with plans to include Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Kenojhar districts of Odisha.
In addition to these developments, the Minister shared that the Hirakud reservoir area and Satkosia will be developed as major tourist destinations in the country with funding from the central government. This news is sure to bring joy and excitement to the people of Odisha and the country as a whole.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
