Odisha governor Raghubar Das on Monday told the Assembly that the state government will implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the state.

The governor spoke about the BJP government’s resolve to implement the yojana, which was being resisted by the previous BJD government led by Naveen Patnaik, during his address to the Assembly on the opening day of its session, the first under the new government.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government under Naveen Patnaik had refused to implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana and instead implemented the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) named after the late Biju Patnaik, the father of Naveen. The BJD government had described BSKY as better than Ayushman Bharat even though BJP ministers and central leaders visiting the state continued to criticize Naveen for this. This was also a major issue in the election which brought the BJP to power in the state.

Addressing the 17th Assembly session, Das said: “My government is going to implement the Aysmna Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana in Odisha, that provides health assurance for all eligible Odisha residents ensuring critical financial protection and access to quality health care.” The governor has also assured the Assembly that 3,000 new doctors will be appointed across the state. It also aims to create 25 lakh Lakhpati Didis in Odisha by 2027.

Das also emphasised on how his government would protect the Odia Asmita (Odia Pride). “Lord Jagannath is the identity of every Odia. Universal brotherhood is the core theme of Jagannath culture. My government acknowledges the importance of Jagannath culture and Odia Asmita Odia pride is the central issue in our governance agenda.”

The governor said the state will be developed by 2036. “As we approach the centenary of Odisha’s formation, my government aspires to create a Viksit Odisha by 2036: a state where farmers thrive, youth find employment, and women are empowered.”

He also said paddy will be procured at ₹3100 per quintal and payment will be made within 48 hours vide DBT.

The governor said the state government has set a target to create 3.5 lakh jobs by 2029.