Prior to joining as a member (Karjyakarta) of BJP in February 2019, Dr. Mahaling was working as an Environmental Scientist of State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Odisha, which is a statutory body. He has served in SPCB for 21 (Twenty-one years) in different capacity for which he was known as a best environmental administrator having good leadership quality. Dr. Mahaling has worked as Regional Officer of SPCB in Jharsuguda, Rourkela as well as at Paradeep which are critical polluted industrial area and has taken many innovative steps to protect the environmental status of the area.

In a span of 21 years of service rendered in SPCB, Dr. Mahaling has expertise as Board analyst (different parameter of air, water, solid waste and Bio-Monitoring etc.) and also in the field of waste management (both hazardous and nonhazardous), Environmental impact assessment/Regional environmental planning, Public hearing for Environmental clearance and Costal ecosystem management etc.

Dr. Mahaling has visited many institutions of National and International repute, such as Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), National Institute of Technology (NITs), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, Disaster Management Institute Bhopal, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Chandigarh, National Environmental Engineering and Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, Different Universities across the country etc. as a distinguished guest of symposium, seminar, workshops and environmental consortium.

Further after being elected as MLA he has also visited National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), New Delhi, Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, attended seminar and workshops on State Finances, Education, Challenges and Opportunities and also deliver talk on “ Social issues of Trible’s in Odisha’’ organized by PRS legislative Research, New Delhi. The seminar/workshops were attended by MLAs/MLCs across the country.

Dr. Mahaling after obtaining B.Sc. (Hons) Degree from Anchal College, Padampur, a remote place of Western part of Odisha has obtained his M.Sc, M.Phil as well as Doctorate Degree in Zoology from PG Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The leadership quality of Dr. Mahaling has been germinated from his student career as General Secretary Student Union of Anchal College, Padampur and has grown via Secretary of Officers Association of SPCB, Odisha. However, by the blessings of people of Loisingha Assembly Constituency, he has been elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly to serve for mankind. His idea promotes upholding Indian culture and the values of a civil society and he feels that strength to build nation is only comes through organization. The fate of the country is depends hugely upon the young generation of the 21st century.

As a MLA he is associated with different committee of Govt. of Odisha. Accordingly, Dr. Mahaling has been recognized by inclusion in following committees; Member Departmentally related standing committee-VII (Industries, steel & Mines, Skill Development & Technical Education, Forest & Environment, Commerce & Transport and Planning & Convergence Department. Member Committee on Sub-ordinate Legislation. Member House Committee on Submission. Member House Committee on Library.

BJP Odisha has assigned him organizational responsibility as Joint Secretary of the BJP Legislatures in the Odisha Vidhana Sabha, and permanent invite member of the state Executive Council. Recently, Dr. Mahaling has been appointed as the PRAVARI of Nawarangpur District.

Dr. Mahaling is born to Mr. Miniketan Mahaling (Father) and Mrs. Basanta Barik (Mother), both of them are retired teacher. Among four siblings to their family he is the eldest one.

His idea promotes upholding Indian culture and the values of a civil society and he feels that strength to build nation is only comes through organization. The fate of the country is depends hugely upon the young generation of the 21st century.

Dr. Mukesh Mahaling has served as Odisha’s Cabinet Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Electronics & Information Technology, and Parliamentary Affairs since June 12, 2024en.wikipedia.org. In this period, he has spearheaded major public health campaigns, driven digital governance and IT investment initiatives, and ensured effective functioning of the state legislative assembly. The report below provides a structured account of his key actions, programs, public engagements, policy launches, and notable events under each of his three portfolios.

Health and Family Welfare

As Health Minister, Dr. Mahaling has prioritized strengthening healthcare infrastructure, rolling out public health campaigns, and expanding insurance coverage. Key initiatives include launching new medical colleges to address doctor shortages, intensive disease elimination drives (for TB, cervical cancer, etc.), and integrating Odisha’s health insurance scheme with Ayushman Bharat for cashless treatment nationwide. He has also embraced digital health, implementing the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) to create ABHA digital health IDs for patient, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment in government hospitals.

Major Initiatives and Programs:

• Expansion of Medical Education: Announced nine new medical colleges (four general medical, four dental, one Ayurvedic) across Odisha to meet the demand for doctors. Two new colleges in Phulbani and Talcher with 100 MBBS seats each began operating in 2025, part of a broader push to bolster health infrastructure.
• Universal Health Coverage: Facilitated the merger of Odisha’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana with the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This convergence (formalized via an MoU) provides ₹5 lakh annual health coverage per family – plus an additional ₹5 lakh for women – enabling cashless treatment in over 29,000 hospitals nationwide and benefiting approximately 3.5 crore people. This policy shift, implemented by the new government, marked Odisha’s entry as the 34th state under PM-JAY after previously running a separate scheme.
• Disease Elimination Campaigns: Launched and led state-wide campaigns against major diseases. Notably, he rolled out a “100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign” in December 2024 to accelerate progress toward ending tuberculosis by 2025. The campaign involved active case finding in 19 high-risk districts, unveiling of public awareness IEC materials, and flagging off “Nikshay Vahan” mobile units to improve TB screening and treatment outreach. Similarly, he announced a cervical cancer immunization drive targeting school and college girls (through HPV vaccination) to prevent cervical cancer.
• Public Health Preparedness: Strengthened surveillance and readiness for emerging health threats. For instance, in January 2025 when a new respiratory virus (HMPV) saw scattered cases in India, Dr. Mahaling held high-level reviews and directed all hospitals (government and private) in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to remain on alert. He assured the public that no HMPV cases had been detected in Odisha and that the state was fully prepared to handle any outbreak.
• Immunization and Child Health: Reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to eliminating measles and rubella by 2026 in line with national targets. During World Immunization Week 2025, he launched comprehensive IEC campaigns to boost measles-rubella vaccination, highlighting Odisha’s 90.5% full immunization coverage – the highest in India as per NFHS-5. He emphasized multi-department coordination and community engagement so that “no child is left behind” in vaccination efforts.

Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling (center) and officials take a pledge for TB elimination in Odisha, as he launches the 100-Day Intensified TB campaign (December 2024). Under this campaign, mobile Nikshay Vahan units were deployed and community awareness drives initiated to find and treat tuberculosis cases across 19 districts.

Chronology of Key Engagements (Health & Family Welfare):

• In his first week, Dr. Mahaling held a comprehensive review of the Health Department’s programs and vowed 100-day rapid actions to fulfill the new government’s health promises. He stressed leveraging technology to deliver welfare schemes at the grassroots and pledged “exemplary steps” in health services improvement within 100 days.
• In Aug Participated in the launch of the 2nd phase of the National Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign against Lymphatic Filariasis. At a Union Health Ministry event, he joined health ministers of other states in reaffirming efforts to provide preventive anti-filarial medication across endemic districts.
• n the state assembly, Dr. Mahaling revealed that 3,510 villages in Odisha lacked mobile network coverage, impacting healthcare access (notably telemedicine). He announced a coordinated plan with central agencies to install towers so that all villages would have mobile connectivity by end of 2024 (a goal later adjusted to March 2025). This connectivity initiative supports tele-health and emergency medical communications in rural areas, bridging an infrastructure gap between health services and remote communities.
• In Dec Announced an upcoming cervical cancer immunisation program for adolescent girls, while speaking at a national radiology conference in Bhubaneswar. He noted the vaccination drive (to be rolled out statewide) would “focus on young girls in schools and colleges to ward off the threat” of cervical cancer. On the same occasion, he disclosed plans for a new unified health coverage scheme combining Ayushman Bharat and the state’s Gopabandhu Arogya Yojana from the next fiscal year, enabling free treatment at 27,000+ hospitals across India.
• 100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign launched. Dr. Mahaling inaugurated this state-level campaign aimed at active TB case detection, shorter diagnosis times, and improved treatment outcomes. He appealed for a “TB Mukt Odisha” through community participation and rolled out incentives (e.g. ₹1,000/month nutritional support for TB patients under Nikshay Poshan Yojana). He also flagged off specially equipped vehicles to bring TB screening to remote areas.
• In Dec 3 Led Odisha’s delegation in health sector events. On Dec 3, he addressed a national conference of radiologists, emphasizing the importance of advanced imaging and announcing the recruitment of 250 radiographers in government hospitals. In mid-December, at the CII Healthcare Summit 2025, he inaugurated the event and announced the establishment of nine new medical and dental colleges (noted above) to transform Odisha into a medical education hub.
• Dr. Mahaling Convened an emergency meeting on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) preparedness amid reports of HMPV in other states. He ensured surveillance was tightened even though no HMPV cases were found in Odisha. All major hospitals were instructed to be ready to treat any potential HMPV patients, especially with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas international attendees arriving in Bhubaneswar. He publicly urged people not to panic, highlighting that Odisha’s healthcare system was fully prepared for any contingency.
• During World Immunisation Week 2025, Dr. Mahaling launched IEC materials to accelerate Measles-Rubella elimination efforts. He reaffirmed Odisha’s target to eliminate Measles-Rubella by 2026, aligning with the national goal. Citing Odisha’s outstanding immunization rate (90.5%), he called it a “topmost priority” that no child or pregnant woman be left unvaccinated. He also stressed a multi-sector approach, involving Women & Child Development, Education, Panchayati Raj departments, etc., to ensure success.
• Dr. Mahaling Announced significant medical infrastructure expansion. At the CII Healthcare Summit, he detailed the plan for 9 new medical institutions (medical, dental, Ayurvedic colleges) across Odisha, as mentioned above. He noted two of these (Phulbani and Talcher medical colleges) were operational from the current academic year. These expansions, he said, will help meet the state’s growing need for doctors and specialists, and also position Odisha as a potential medical tourism and training hub.
• Marking one year in office, Dr. Mahaling inaugurated a 25-bed Satellite Hospital at Jharsuguda. The old district headquarters hospital in Mangal Bazaar was revamped to offer services in obstetrics, pediatrics, medicine, and surgery on designated days, with X-ray and lab facilities. This satellite center – opened on the government’s anniversary – improves local healthcare access and will conduct quarterly specialist health camps for the region.

Electronics and Information Technology

As the Electronics & IT Minister, Dr. Mahaling has driven Odisha’s digital transformation agenda, focusing on expanding connectivity, e-governance, and attracting tech investments. His initiatives target both “digital inclusion” – ensuring rural and remote areas get mobile/internet access – and “digital innovation” – positioning Odisha as an IT and electronics investment destination. Under his leadership, the state has aligned with Digital India goals by upgrading digital infrastructure (data centers, BharatNet broadband, cyber security operations) and launching new citizen e-services. He has also actively engaged with industry (through conclaves and roadshows) to promote Odisha’s tech-friendly policies and skilled talent pool.

Major Initiatives and Programs:

• Rural Digital Connectivity: Announced a major push to connect all remote villages by mobile network. By March 2025, every village in Odisha – including 3,510 uncovered villages identified in 2024 – is slated to have mobile coverage, enabling faster internet and digital services statewide. To achieve this, Dr. Mahaling coordinated with telecom operators and central authorities; the plan involves installing new towers (especially in hilly districts like Koraput, which alone had over 1,000 uncovered villages). This effort aims to bridge the rural digital divide and extend online services (telemedicine, e-education, e-governance) to the last mile.
• E-Governance and AI in Governance: Spearheaded state-level adoption of new digital governance tools. He inaugurated the “Future Gov AI Conclave” in Bhubaneswar (Dec 2024), which showcased the role of Artificial Intelligence in resilient and inclusive governance. The three-day conclave, organized by NIC, included an e-governance workshop and GovTech exhibition on AI solutions for public services. Dr. Mahaling emphasized leveraging AI and data analytics to improve service delivery and decision-making in government. (Theme of Conclave: “AI for a Resilient and Inclusive Governance Ecosystem.”)
• IT & Electronics Investment Promotion: Under his tenure, Odisha ramped up efforts to attract IT, ITES, and electronics manufacturing companies. In late 2024, Dr. Mahaling led investor meet roadshows in major tech hubs (e.g. Bengaluru in Dec 2024) ahead of the Make-in-Odisha 2025 summit. He highlighted Odisha’s industry-friendly IT policy, abundant skilled manpower, and infrastructure (like Info-Valley and IT parks in Bhubaneswar) to invite firms to set up operations. His delegation engaged with executives from Foxconn, Zoho Corp, Maersk and others on potential projects in electronics manufacturing and IT services. These outreach initiatives project Odisha as “the best place to invest in IT,” given its emerging IT hub status and supportive governance.
• Entrepreneurship and Skilling: Dr. Mahaling has placed emphasis on tech entrepreneurship and workforce development. He often underscores state-supported startup incubation programs and coding skill initiatives to prepare youth for IT jobs. In a special address at the NASSCOM Technology Confluence 2024, he outlined new measures for entrepreneurship, IT skill training, and policy reforms to make Odisha a “global leader in IT and electronics”. This includes strengthening incubators, facilitating venture funding, and updating IT policy frameworks to foster innovation and startups in emerging areas (AI/ML, electronics design, etc.).
• Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure: Ensured ongoing projects like the Odisha State Data Centre, State Wide Area Network (OSWAN), and Cyber Security Operation Centre (CSOC) are strengthened. In the June 2024 review, he directed that the E&IT Department work in line with Digital India, expanding core infra and popularizing services such as Odisha One Portal, e-District, e-Despatch, and the CM Dashboard for real-time governance. He has also promoted the Odia Virtual Academy (a digital archive for Odia language literature) by planning workshops and digital libraries to preserve and propagate Odia language content online.

Dr. Mukesh Mahaling delivers a special address at the NASSCOM Technology Confluence 2024 in Bhubaneswar (late 2024), highlighting Odisha’s focus on sustainable tech-driven growth. He emphasized initiatives in entrepreneurship, skill development, and investor-friendly policy reforms to transform Odisha into a leading IT & electronics hub.

Chronology of Key Engagements (Electronics & IT):

• In June 20, 2024 Shortly after taking charge, Dr. Mahaling reviewed the Electronics & IT Department’s programs at OCAC (Odisha Computer Application Centre). He asserted that the new government would work “tirelessly” and take 100-day targets to expand e-governance services. In this meeting, he set priorities: using technology to deliver citizen services, aligning with GoI’s Digital India initiatives, attracting new IT investors to Odisha, and improving rural connectivity. He made it clear that strengthening mobile network and internet in rural areas would be a top focus, in order to make governance and services more accessible.
• In Oct 27, 2024: Represented Odisha at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 in New Delhi. Dr. Mahaling participated in a round-table of state IT ministers chaired by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, discussing 5G rollout and digital infrastructure. He highlighted the state’s efforts to connect unserved villages and urged central support to improve Odisha’s telecom footprint (this was around the time he revealed the 3,510 uncovered villages statistic). (Reference: his social media update from IMC 2024, where he noted Odisha’s plans for universal mobile coverage.)
• Future Gov AI Conclave inaugurated in Bhubaneswar. As chief guest, Dr. Mahaling opened this NIC-organized state e-governance conference. He lauded the theme of using AI in governance for inclusive growth, and shared Odisha’s progress in adopting AI solutions in agriculture, healthcare, and public distribution systems. The conclave included an expo of AI projects and a workshop on digital governance best practices, aligning with his vision to modernize Odisha’s governance through technology.
• In Dec 13, 2024 Led a high-profile Investor Roadshow in Bengaluru ahead of the Make-in-Odisha 2025 conclave. Dr. Mahaling addressed CEOs and tech industry leaders, asserting that “Odisha has diversified its focus to new-age industries like IT, electronics, and professional services” for a balanced economy. He cited Bhubaneswar’s emergence as an IT hub with a dedicated talent pool and promised “all possible support” to IT investors. During this roadshow, he and state officials held one-on-one meetings with major companies – including electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn – exploring opportunities to set up units in Odisha. This event projected Odisha’s readiness with infrastructure (e.g., InfoPark, SEZs) and incentives under its IT Policy 2022, resulting in positive investor interest.
• Oversaw the launch of Odisha’s state chapter of the “Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme” (an e-governance initiative to digitize land records and property registration). Dr. Mahaling inaugurated new software modules for land record access and mutation online, enabling citizens to use digital signatures and online payment for land services. (This engagement, reported by state IT department, is part of the broader move to provide hassle-free G2C services electronically.)
• In March,25 Announced that public Wi-Fi hotspots will be established in all block headquarters and major panchayats. In an event in Berhampur, he launched 100 new Mo Odisha Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing citizens free internet access at marketplaces and offices. He linked this to the government’s commitment to digital literacy and said digital connectivity is being treated as a basic utility. (This event was part of Odisha’s celebration of reaching “Digital India” milestones.)
• In May, 25 Hosted the Odisha IT Investors’ Meet in Mumbai, alongside the state Industries department. Dr. Mahaling met representatives from the fintech and data center industries, pitching Odisha’s upcoming Infovalley Electronic Manufacturing Cluster and incentives for semiconductor design firms. He showcased success stories like IBM and Infosys expanding in Odisha, and invited more firms to consider Odisha as an “East Coast Technology Hub.”
• On completing a year as IT Minister, Dr. Mahaling reported that all Odisha villages are on track to have mobile coverage by mid-2025, with over 2,000 new 4G base stations activated in previously dark spots. He highlighted that Odisha’s internet penetration crossed 45% (a significant rise due to rural expansion projects). He also noted the state had onboarded most departments onto the Odisha One unified citizen portal, and that usage of online public services had doubled in the past year. The minister credited these gains to the collective efforts of NIC, OCAC, and private partners under his department’s guidance.

Parliamentary Affairs

Thematic Focus: In the Parliamentary Affairs portfolio, Dr. Mahaling’s role has been to ensure the smooth functioning of the Odisha Legislative Assembly and to facilitate the government’s legislative agenda. Since June 2024, he has coordinated between the ruling party and opposition on assembly business, managed the scheduling of sessions, and steered important bills through the House. His tenure has been marked by efforts to foster bipartisan cooperation and maximize legislative productivity. Under his watch, the Assembly achieved some historic milestones – including an all-night session to pass key reforms – demonstrating an active and engaged legislature.

Key Actions and Highlights:

• Conduct of Assembly Sessions: Dr. Mahaling successfully organized multiple assembly sessions (Monsoon 2024, Winter 2024, Budget 2025, etc.) with minimal disruptions. He worked closely with the Speaker to allocate adequate time for debates and ensured important government bills were introduced and discussed in a timely manner. He often appealed to opposition members for cooperation, resulting in more constructive debates. For instance, the Winter 2024 session saw near full utilization of Question Hour and extended debates on developmental issues, a shift from the disruption-prone sessions of previous years (as noted by media observers).
• Legislative Output: During his first year, the Assembly passed several significant laws, including the Odisha Universities Amendment Bill 2024 (addressing faculty recruitment and autonomy in state universities) and the Odisha State Highways Authority Bill 2025 (creating a statutory body to upgrade major roads). Dr. Mahaling, as Parliamentary Affairs Minister, played a pivotal role in building consensus for these bills. He often briefed the media after each session on the number of bills passed and topics debated, reflecting increased legislative business.
• Historic 16-Hour Session: A standout achievement was the marathon overnight session in April 2025. The Assembly, under Dr. Mahaling’s guidance, sat continuously from 10:30am Wednesday until 7:00am Thursday – 16 hours straight – to debate and pass two crucial bills. Both ruling and opposition members (barring some who were under suspension) participated, marking an unprecedented bipartisan effort in Odisha’s legislative history. Dr. Mahaling hailed this as “a historic day… setting a new precedent for legislative discourse”. The extensive clause-by-clause debate on the University Amendment Bill lasted over 12 hours, exemplifying thorough scrutiny by lawmakers. Such an all-night sitting had not occurred in recent memory, and its success was praised by leaders across party lines as a model of cooperation and commitment to duty.
• All-Party Collaboration: In his Parliamentary Affairs role, Dr. Mahaling convened all-party meetings before each session to discuss the agenda and urge constructive engagement. Ahead of the Budget Session 2025, he brought ruling BJP and opposition BJD leaders together to agree on debate time for budgetary demands and key bills, resulting in zero walkouts during budget passage. This collegial approach improved the assembly’s productivity. He also coordinated special discussions on issues of public importance (for example, a half-day debate on Odisha’s drought situation was held in Nov 2024 with consensus, avoiding politicization of the issue).
• Modernization of Assembly Proceedings: Dr. Mahaling encouraged leveraging technology in assembly procedures as well. Under his watch, the Odisha Legislative Assembly moved towards a National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) system for paperless proceedings. By early 2025, tablets were introduced for MLAs in the House and a digital system for circulation of bills, agendas, and answers was initiated. This was in line with his digital governance ethos and aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency in legislative work.

Notable Engagements (Parliamentary Affairs):

• June–July 2024 (First Session of 16th Assembly): Dr. Mahaling oversaw the inaugural session of the newly elected assembly. This included the oath-taking of MLAs, election of the Speaker, and the Governor’s address outlining the new government’s priorities. As Parliamentary Affairs Minister, he presented the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address, highlighting the government’s commitment to healthcare improvements, IT development, and welfare schemes – essentially the same areas he helms. He ensured the motion was passed after a cordial debate. He also facilitated the passage of a Vote-on-Account budget (since the state election delayed the full budget) to keep government functioning until the annual budget could be passed later in the year.
• September 2024 (Monsoon Session): The assembly’s monsoon session was conducted with notable orderliness. Dr. Mahaling managed discussions on several bills, including amendments to the Odisha Municipal Act and an Appropriation Bill. Importantly, on Sept 2, 2024, he answered opposition questions about rural telecommunications (as noted, he shared the figure of 3,510 villages lacking networks) and gave assurances on behalf of the government. His detailed reply, backed with central government data, helped address members’ concerns and was positively received.
• December 2024 (Winter Session): In this short session, Dr. Mahaling tabled the Odisha University (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – a bill to resolve recruitment issues in state universities that had been pending due to litigation. He appealed to all sides to support this reform, noting it was crucial for filling faculty vacancies and improving higher education. Although the bill could not be passed then due to extensive deliberations, he scheduled it for further debate in the next session. During Zero Hour, he also took note of and later arranged a special discussion on the post-cyclone relief measures in coastal districts, showing responsiveness to issues raised by MLAs.
• March–April 2025 (Budget Session): This was a critical session where Dr. Mahaling coordinated the passage of the full Annual Budget 2025-26. He negotiated with opposition leaders to have an uninterrupted budget presentation by the finance minister and structured the schedule so that departmental demands were discussed late into evenings, maximizing time. The highlight was on April 2–3, 2025, when the Assembly pulled off the aforementioned 16-hour overnight session. Dr. Mahaling stayed on the floor throughout the night guiding the proceedings. After the session, he told the press that the “marathon debate and smooth passage of bills with consensus” was a proud moment, reflecting the House’s commitment to the people’s business. The successful passage of the University Amendment Bill in that session (after 12+ hours of debate) resolved a long-pending issue, allowing state universities to proceed with hiring faculty stalled by an earlier court case.
• April 2025 (Post-Session Media Briefing): Following the historic session, Dr. Mahaling publicly thanked all MLAs for their cooperation. He specifically acknowledged Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik’s presence during crucial stages of the debate and the constructive contributions of senior opposition members. He noted that 14 Congress MLAs were under suspension during this time (due to disciplinary action from an earlier ruckus), which inadvertently reduced disruptions. He humorously remarked that the remaining members demonstrated how productive the Assembly can be “when seriousness prevails over sloganeering.” This episode earned accolades from civic groups and even the Governor, who praised the Assembly for setting an example.
• May 2025: Dr. Mahaling held an all-party meeting to plan a Special Session of the Assembly to commemorate 75 years of Odisha’s legislature. In this meeting, he proposed that the House debate a “resolution on cooperative federalism” and Odisha’s development journey. Both ruling and opposition members agreed to hold a day-long special session in June 2025 for this purpose. His initiative to bring all parties together for a commemorative yet issue-based session reflects his collaborative approach in Parliamentary Affairs.

Overall, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling’s first year has been marked by proactive and multifaceted engagement across his portfolios. In Health & Family Welfare, he launched critical health campaigns (TB, immunization, cervical cancer prevention) and expanded healthcare access through new colleges and insurance integration. In Electronics & IT, he pushed the digital infrastructure to villages, promoted e-governance (even AI in governance), and aggressively courted IT investments. In Parliamentary Affairs, he enhanced the efficiency and decorum of the Assembly, culminating in consensus-driven passage of key legislation in a record-breaking session. His activities have been well-documented by media outlets and official sources, and he often shares updates on social media – from inaugurating health facilities to attending technology forums – thereby maintaining public communication about his work. As Odisha moves forward, Dr. Mahaling’s stewardship in these three critical departments will likely continue shaping the state’s governance, development in health and technology sectors, and legislative progress in the years ahead.