Odisha On Its Way To Multisectoral And Inclusive Industrial Growth: Naveen Patnaik

The state of Odhisa has been taking strides in generating employment opportunities for its residents. With its existing natural resources reserves and promising industrial sector, the Odhisa government has been actively working towards creating economic prosperity and job creation within the state.

Investments in diverse sectors creating economic synergy

The Government of Odisha has been prioritizing economic growth by simplifying regulatory compliance, improving infrastructure, and leveraging IPICOL (Industrial Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha) to assist businesses. With an aim to make Odisha the investment destination, the Government has come up with the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR), 2022, and developed 15+ sectoral policies offering the best-in-class incentives.

Recently, the 127th State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, IAS, approved fourteen groundbreaking projects valued at INR 1,713.65 Crores. These diverse investments are poised to reshape Odisha's economic landscape, solidifying its position as a premier investment destination.

In a landmark decision, the SLSWCA has green lit a series of projects spanning various sectors, including metal downstream & ancillaries, power, pharmaceuticals, plastics, food processing and tourism. With a total employment generation potential of 5134 and a cumulative investment of INR 1,713.65 Crores across seven districts, these ventures are expected to significantly contribute to the state's economic development.

Government Initiatives

The government of Odisha has taken proactive measures to implement various initiatives aimed at boosting employment generation in the state. These initiatives have played a crucial role in driving the state's economic development. 

Some of the key initiatives undertaken by the government include:

Skill Development Programs: Recognising the importance of enhancing the employability of the local workforce, the government has been actively focusing on implementing skill development programs. These programs aim to equip individuals with the necessary skills required to meet the evolving demands of the job market. By focusing on cultivating a qualified and adaptable workforce, the state ensures that the human capital is aligned with the evolving demands of diverse sectors, further contributing to economic prosperity.

• Industrial development: Odhisa has been actively promoting industrial development through the implementation of policies and incentives to attract investments. This strategic approach has resulted in the establishment of numerous industrial units across the state, thereby creating a multitude of employment opportunities for the local population. , The government has established industrial parks such as Paradeep Plastic Park, Info-valley, Info-city at Bhubaneswar, Sea Food Park at Deras, Aluminium Park at Angul, National Investment and Manufacturing Zone at Kalinganagar, Textile Park at Bhadrak, PCPIR at Paradeep, and Dhamra Investment Region at Dhamra. These strategic initiatives underscore the state's commitment to sector-specific development, creating targeted hubs for various industries.
  
  

• MSMEs play a role in employment generation. Recognising this, the Odhisa government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been providing extensive support and incentives to promote the growth of the MSME sector. Thus, becoming an enabler of job creation in the MSME sector. To showcase the investment potential and opportunities within the state, the government actively engages with investors through events like the 'Make in Odisha' conclave, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and showcasing the state's investment potential.

Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha speaking on the industrial growth of Odisha said, “Odisha is on its way of unprecedented multisectoral and inclusive industrial growth. My government’s efforts are dedicated towards sustainable and inclusive development across Odisha, as we envision a future where economic prosperity is harmonized with social and environmental well-being. Together, we are building a resilient and prosperous industrial ecosystem for the generations to come.”

Emphasis on skilling the youth across industries

Several sectors in Odhisa  have emerged as key drivers of employment generation.These sectors have proved to be instrumental in creating job opportunities as well as contributing towards overall economic growth of the state. 

To expedite major investments, we have instituted a dedicated team at the district level – to help achieve resolution of industrial grievances at the district level itself. The government’s key reform – the introduction of GO SWIFT Single Window portal further exemplifies its commitment by serving as a comprehensive platform for information dissemination, clearances, tracking, and approval of government-to-business (G2B) services. This initiative ensures a streamlined and efficient process for investors, enhancing the overall ease of doing business.

In addition to these measures, sector-specific portals such as Go Care, Go Smile, Go iPlus, and Go iPAS have been developed to cater to the specific needs of investors, contributing to a more tailored and responsive investment environment.

To make the youth of the state employable across sectors and industries, the state has given special emphasis on skilling. The state government has also started the “Odisha Skill Development Authority” which aims to make Odisha the hub for availability of skilled ed workforce. The Skill Development and Technical Education Department, Government of Odisha through the workforce. The authority aims to upskill around 15 lakhs youth in the next 5 years and set as an example for availability of skilled and Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) established the World Skill Center (WSC) which is a premier advanced skill training institute. The project of establishing the WSC (Odisha Skill Development Project), is assisted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with Institute of Technical, Education Services (ITEES), Singapore as the knowledge partner, says Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Odisha.

Odisha has been on a trajectory of growth and development with employment generation playing a pivotal role in this journey. Through the collaborative efforts of the government, private sector and other stakeholders, the state is well positioned to further enhance its employment landscape, fostering economic prosperity and inclusive growth for its citizens.