Did Odisha Achieve the Highest Industrial Growth in the Last Year? CM Majhi Thinks So!

Bhubaneswar, June 8 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, stated on Sunday that the state has witnessed remarkable advancements in the industrial realm over the past year, surpassing the industrial growth achieved during the previous five years combined, thanks to dedicated, targeted, and committed efforts.

In a discussion with key industry figures, MSME entrepreneurs, women-led businesses, and leaders from the start-up ecosystem, CM Majhi remarked, "A year ago, the people of Odisha entrusted us with the responsibility to create an inclusive, aspirational, and transformative future. As we reflect on our first year, we do so with pride in our achievements and a renewed commitment to the path ahead."

He expressed gratitude to the business leaders and entrepreneurs for their partnership in Odisha's development narrative.

Emphasizing the government's focus on job creation, he encouraged industry leaders and entrepreneurs to grow alongside Odisha and participate in the mission of transforming it into an industrial powerhouse.

Chief Minister Majhi pointed out that over 150 memorandums of understanding were executed, generating an investment intent of Rs 16.7 lakh crore and promising employment opportunities for more than 12.9 lakh individuals during the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave last year, which was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He also mentioned that in the past year alone, 206 large-scale projects were approved, nearly doubling the average from the previous five years.

These projects represent a cumulative investment of over Rs 4.5 lakh crore and the potential to create nearly 2.9 lakh jobs, he added.

"Since the Utkarsha Odisha initiative, 56 projects have already commenced groundbreaking and inauguration processes, amounting to over Rs 1.78 lakh crore in investments and the potential for 1.1 lakh jobs. These figures highlight not just our speed, but also our scale and substance," CM Majhi stated.

These initiatives encompass 20 diverse sectors, ranging from traditional strengths like mining, metallurgy, and metal downstream to emerging opportunities in chemicals, food processing, apparel and textiles, renewable energy equipment, electronics, and tourism, he added.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Odisha is evolving beyond being merely the minerals and metals hub of India; it is rapidly transforming into a diversified industrial powerhouse.

"Looking forward to the coming year, we will concentrate on four main priorities. First, we will introduce new policies that open up emerging sectors and enhance global competitiveness. Second, we will expand our land bank and industrial infrastructure to cater to future needs. Third, we will overhaul our single-window system and develop a modern, integrated project tracking platform. Fourth, we will work to deregulate and simplify cumbersome rules and processes. These measures will facilitate quicker approvals, seamless coordination, and real-time progress tracking," CM Majhi elaborated.

He also mentioned that the next four years will serve as the foundation for a Samruddha Odisha 2036.

"We will build on our leadership in mining, metals, and green chemicals with strong backing from partners like IOCL, JSW, JSPL, Tata Steel, AMNS, Vedanta, Hindalco, and Adani. We are also enhancing port-based industrialization through new terminals, jetties, and increased container handling capacity across the Paradip-Dhamra-Gopalpur corridor," CM Majhi affirmed.