Interview/ Mohan Charan Majhi, chief minister, Odisha
ODISHA HAS BEEN organising its annual business summit for four years, but this year’s event―Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025―surpassed all expectations in terms of proposed investments it attracted to the state. During the two-day event, Rs16.73 lakh crore worth of proposed investments were announced, highlighting Odisha’s pro-business environment and policies under the new BJP government.
In an interview with THE WEEK, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi underscored the success of the first business summit of his tenure and his vision to make Odisha the industrial powerhouse of east India. Excerpts:
Q/ How does this year’s conclave compare with those organised by the previous government?
A/ It marks a significant evolution from previous iterations. It has significantly expanded its size and scope, and also focused on the emerging issues of sustainability, inclusivity and innovation. We’ve introduced dedicated sessions on women entrepreneurship, women leadership, circular economy, startups and skilling in Odisha, reflecting our commitment to holistic development. The active participation of global investors and industry leaders this year underscores Odisha’s rising prominence as an investment destination.
Q/ Nearly all districts secured investments under your ‘One District, One Product’ initiative. How do you ensure these proposed investments turn into reality, especially in clusters where such huge investment was not made earlier?
A/ We are going to establish dedicated teams to monitor project implementation. Additionally, we’re providing infrastructure support, facilitating market linkages and offering financial incentives to encourage investors to operationalise their commitments.
Q/ What inspired the vision to make Odisha a skill capital? What specific steps is the government taking that could be a model for other states?
A/ The vision to position Odisha as the ‘skill capital’ stems from our rich demographic dividend and the need to align our workforce with industry demands. Initiatives like the Odisha Skill Development Authority have been pivotal in this endeavour. Our focus on industry-relevant training, partnerships with leading organisations, and continuous curriculum updates ensure that our model can serve as a benchmark for other states. Recently, we have signed two MoUs, one with ITEES Singapore for the expansion of the World Skill Centre and our skill development programmes for advanced manufacturing, IT/ITeS (IT-enabled services) and new-age technologies; and another with NTU (Nanyang Technological University), Singapore, for establishing skilling programmes to equip Odisha’s workforce for the semiconductor sector.
Q/ You said that Odisha is doing everything to ensure that companies do not just invest one time, but stay invested. What are the incentives the state is offering to businesses planning to invest?
A/ We’ve rolled out a series of policy supports and incentives. The Industrial Policy Resolution 2022 offers attractive subsidies, tax exemptions and streamlined processes. We’ve also established sector-specific policies and clusters, provided land at concessional rates, and ensured robust infrastructure development to support long-term business operations.
Q/ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged industry leaders to support start-ups and MSMEs. What policies has the Odisha government implemented to strengthen its own MSME and start-up ecosystem, while also attracting entrepreneurs from outside the state?
A/ We are setting up incubation centres and innovation hubs to attract entrepreneurs from both within and outside the state. The government is also focusing on market access for MSMEs, global trade linkages and skill-building programmes to foster entrepreneurship and attract talent.
Q/ Land acquisition has historically been a challenge in Odisha. Is your government planning to introduce new policies or regulatory frameworks to streamline the process and prevent delays for companies seeking land?
A/ Land acquisition is a critical issue for industries and, as a responsive government, we understand this and are putting in measures to streamline the process. Through IDCO (Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation) we are ensuring that we have a large land bank, ensuring readily available land parcels for industries. But at the same time, we are also discussing with industries and ensuring that we get them the choice of land they require. So, on one hand we are strengthening our industrial land pool and on the other we are ensuring valid demands of the industries are met and at the earliest.
Q/ The previous administration made significant strides in poverty reduction and maintaining consistent GDP growth. Is the current government benefiting from these accomplishments?
A/ Our government, with the support of the Union government, is introducing new policies, focusing on industrial infrastructure development and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every citizen.
Q/ The former government positioned Odisha as a major sports hub. Will your administration continue this legacy?
A/ Odisha has become the sports capital of India. Our administration is committed to investing in sports infrastructure, nurturing talent through academies and hosting national and international events to further elevate Odisha’s stature in the sports arena.
Q/ What makes you confident that Odisha can surpass West Bengal in industrial growth and economic dominance?
A/ Odisha’s strategic location, rich natural resources and progressive policies position us favourably to surpass regional counterparts in industrial growth. Our focus on ease of doing business, coupled with investments in infrastructure and skill development, instils confidence in our trajectory towards economic dominance in east India.
Q/ Please give us a sneak peek into your vision of ‘Samruddha Odisha’. What kind of change can a common man experience by 2036?
A/ ‘Samruddha Odisha’ envisions a state where economic prosperity is harmoniously balanced with social well-being and environmental sustainability. By 2036, we aim for every citizen to experience improved quality of life, access to quality education and health care, robust infrastructure and ample employment opportunities, ensuring overall development across the state.