Odisha emerging as growth engine of Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi at RBI Data Centre inauguration, watch

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Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Odisha is emerging as a major growth engine of Viksit Bharat, with rapid advancements in technology, digital infrastructure and industrial development creating new opportunities for the state’s youth.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) new Data Centre and Cyber Security Training Institute at Jatni in Khordha district, the Prime Minister said the facility would play a significant role in strengthening India’s banking infrastructure and cybersecurity capabilities.

Beginning his address with “Jai Jagannath,” PM Modi said the establishment of the data centre in Odisha reflects the rapid transformation taking place in India’s governance system.

He emphasised that the government’s primary objective is to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person in society.

Digital banking has transformed financial inclusion: PM Modi

Highlighting the transformation in India’s banking sector, PM Modi said financial inclusion and equitable development were major challenges in the past.

Criticising the previous Congress governments, he claimed that ordinary citizens earlier faced considerable difficulties even in opening bank accounts.

He alleged that banking facilities, including what he described as “phone banking,” once benefited only a select few influential families in Delhi, whereas banking services are now accessible to people across the country.

Referring to a statement by a former Prime Minister that only 15 paise out of every rupee sent from Delhi reached the intended beneficiaries, Modi said digital governance has changed the situation.

He asserted that when the government now transfers one rupee through digital channels, the entire amount reaches the beneficiary.

The Prime Minister also said that debit and credit cards, which were previously accessible to limited sections of society, have become more widely available.

He maintained that the expansion of financial services has contributed not only to economic development but also to social empowerment.

Referring to the Atal Pension Yojana, PM Modi said around nine crore people across the country have benefited from the scheme, including approximately 38 lakh people in Odisha.

He added that insurance coverage, once considered beyond the reach of economically weaker sections, has become more accessible.

Describing “Nagrik Devo Bhava” (Citizen is God) as the guiding principle of good governance, Modi stressed the importance of placing citizens at the centre of government policies.

Cyberattacks on the economy are also a form of warfare: PM Modi

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Emphasising the growing importance of cybersecurity, the Prime Minister said robust data infrastructure is essential to protect the country’s banking system.

He warned that modern warfare is no longer limited to conventional weapons and military confrontations.

“Attacks on the economy are also a form of warfare,” Modi said, highlighting the need to protect financial institutions from cybercriminals and emerging digital threats.

He stressed that strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and developing trained professionals are essential to safeguarding India’s financial system.

The newly inaugurated RBI Data Centre and Cyber Security Training Institute, he said, would contribute to these objectives.

Odisha writing a new future from mines to microchips

Speaking about Odisha’s development potential, PM Modi described eastern India as a powerful engine of the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.

He said Odisha has witnessed accelerated development following the formation of the BJP-led “double-engine government” in the state.

According to the Prime Minister, the state is making significant progress in technology and emerging as an important contributor to India’s economic growth.

“From mines to microchips, Odisha is writing a new future,” he said, highlighting the state’s transition towards technology-driven development.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the growing opportunities in the data centre sector, saying the emerging digital ecosystem could create new avenues for Odisha’s young generation.

Expressing confidence in the aspirations and capabilities of the state’s youth, Modi assured them that their ambitious dreams could be realised.

“I assure the youth of Odisha that the big dreams they have envisioned will come true. We will do it,” the Prime Minister said.

He reiterated that technological advancement, secure digital infrastructure and inclusive economic growth would play an important role in shaping Odisha’s future and strengthening India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Watch the speech here:

Also read: PM Modi inaugurates RBI Data Centre and Cyber Security Training Institute in Odisha’s Jatni, Watch

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