NITI Aayog Meeting: Odisha Seeks Central Aid to Achieve ‘Viksit Odisha’ by 2036

New Delhi: In a push to transform Odisha into a developed state by 2036, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called on the Union Government for substantial support. Speaking at the ninth governing council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, Majhi emphasized the urgency of the next decade as Odisha approaches its centenary of statehood.

Majhi highlighted the need for substantial investments and assistance from the Centre to achieve the goal of a ‘Viksit Odisha’ by 2036 and a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. He outlined key areas requiring federal support, including:

• Port and Industrial Development: Establishing large-scale industrial zones around Dhamra and Gopalpur ports and advancing new greenfield ports at Astaranga, Palur, Bahuda, and Subarnarekha. Majhi also requested the transfer of 4,300 acres of salt pan land in Ganjam district to facilitate these developments.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: The Chief Minister called for dedicated budget allocations and expedited clearances for projects related to industrial parks, electricity grids, railways, and air connectivity.
• Semiconductor Hub: With Odisha’s growing tech talent and an ambitious Semiconductor Policy, Majhi urged the Centre to support foreign direct investment and advanced technology for semiconductor manufacturing.
• Disaster Resilience: He requested financial aid for creating disaster-resistant infrastructure, including power, telecom, and coastal saline embankments.
• Green Economy Initiatives: Majhi sought central assistance for pumped hydro storage projects, floating solar initiatives, and green energy transmission corridors within the state.
• Financial Inclusion: The Chief Minister advocated for more bank branches and ATMs in underbanked gram panchayats to improve financial inclusion.
• Railway and Banking Infrastructure: Majhi requested increased railway density in Odisha and support for the state’s potential in producing special metals and alloys for the aerospace and defence sectors.