NITI Aayog meet: Odisha CM seeks Central support for comprehensive development

New Delhi: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today called for extensive support from the union government to bolster the state’s infrastructure across various sectors.

Speaking at the 9th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, Majhi emphasized the need for development in ports, industrial parks, railway infrastructure, and air connectivity to position Odisha as a strategic gateway to Eastern and South Eastern Asia.

Majhi outlined a vision for port-led development, requesting assistance for establishing large-scale port-based industrial zones around the existing ports of Dhamra and Gopalpur.

He also highlighted the necessity of developing greenfield ports at Astaranga, Palur, Bahuda, and Subarnarekha.

“Support is required for the establishment of these ports, and transferring the Central Government-owned salt pan land of approximately 4,300 acres in Ganjam district to the State Government would significantly aid this effort,” he stated.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of dedicated budget allocations and expedited clearances from the Union Government for developing infrastructure such as industrial parks, electricity grids, railway infrastructure, and enhanced air connectivity.

He also advocated for financial support to create disaster-resilient infrastructure in the power and telecom sectors and to strengthen coastal saline embankments, which are crucial for mitigating the adverse impacts of cyclones and floods.

Recognizing Odisha’s potential in the green economy, Majhi requested support for Pumped Hydro Storage Plants (PSPs), floating solar projects, and an intrastate green energy transmission corridor project.

He also urged the Centre to expedite the establishment of more brick-and-mortar bank branches and ATMs in unbanked and under-banked Gram Panchayats to enhance financial inclusion.

Majhi highlighted Odisha’s rich mineral resources and its position as a leading producer of various minerals in India.

He called for Central Government support to move up the value chain by producing special metals and alloys for aerospace and defense, and to attract foreign direct investment and advanced technology for designing and manufacturing semiconductors.

“With our geographical location, resource base, and demographic composition, we envision Odisha’s consistent growth at a rate of 8-10% annually, transforming from a middle-ranking state to a leading one in India’s development trajectory,” Majhi asserted.

He noted that Odisha’s young workforce, recognized under the brand ‘Skilled in Odisha,’ is well-positioned for further skilling and educational enhancements.

Emphasizing inclusive development, Majhi pointed out that about 40% of Odisha’s population belongs to SC and ST communities.

He welcomed initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and PM Janjati Unnat Gram Abhiyan, committing to their earnest implementation and the improvement of infrastructure and development indices in livelihood, education, and health sectors in backward areas.

Majhi also underscored Odisha’s significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and hydro power, and pledged to harness this potential optimally.

Highlighting the state’s 480 km long coastline and abundant water resources, he envisioned a thriving Blue Economy driven by marine aquaculture, island tourism, beach tourism, water sports, and niche areas like seaweed cultivation.

The Chief Minister’s comprehensive agenda at the NITI Aayog meeting reflects Odisha’s ambition to leverage its strategic advantages and resource wealth for sustainable and inclusive growth, seeking robust support from the Union Government to realize this vision.