Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has unveiled an ambitious industrial roadmap under the ‘Samrudha Odisha 2036’ initiative. This strategic blueprint aims to attract ₹4.5 lakh crore in investments and generate 2.9 lakh jobs within a single year, marking a significant step towards transforming the state into a diversified industrial powerhouse by its centenary year.
Odisha’s ‘Samrudha Odisha 2036’ Vision: A Strategic Pivot
The ‘Samrudha Odisha 2036’ vision signifies a strategic shift for the state, moving beyond its traditional reliance on mineral-driven growth to embrace a broader industrial expansion. As CM Majhi stated, “Odisha has emerged as a leading investment destination in eastern India. With investor sentiment strengthened following the Utkarsha Odisha summit, we are entering a high-growth phase.” This vision aims to position Odisha as a high-performance economy by strengthening existing foundational sectors while aggressively diversifying into new, emerging areas.
Analyzing Odisha’s Industrial Momentum and Future Strategy
Odisha’s recent industrial performance underscores the feasibility of its ambitious targets. The past year saw the approval of 206 large-scale projects, nearly double the previous five-year average. These projects represent a proposed investment of ₹4.5 lakh crore and a potential to create 2.9 lakh jobs. Crucially, 56 of these projects, worth ₹1.78 lakh crore, are already in the inauguration or implementation stage, having already generated over 1.1 lakh jobs. The ‘Utkarsha Odisha summit’ further solidified investor confidence, with over 150 MoUs signed, signaling an impressive ₹16.7 lakh crore in investment intent and a potential to create over 12.9 lakh jobs.
Beyond its traditional strengths in minerals and metals, Odisha is strategically diversifying into sectors such as textiles, electronics, food processing, green chemicals, tourism, and renewable energy, now spanning 20 industrial sectors. This diversification aims to create a more balanced and “future-ready industrial economy.” The ‘Samrudha Odisha 2036’ framework will continue to leverage foundational sectors like mining and metallurgy, with key corporate partners including IOCL, JSW, JSPL, Tata Steel, Adani, Vedanta, and Hindalco. The state also plans to accelerate port-based industrialization along the Paradip-Dhamra-Gopalpur corridor to boost export capabilities.
To facilitate this growth, CM Majhi outlined four key reform priorities:
· introducing new policies for emerging sectors,
· expanding land banks and industrial corridors,
· overhauling the single-window clearance mechanism, and
· simplifying regulatory frameworks.
These reforms are critical to improving the ease of doing business and attracting further investments. The participation of top government officials and industry leaders at the announcement event signifies strong public-private alignment, crucial for achieving these ambitious goals.
A Blueprint for Inclusive Prosperity
Odisha’s ‘Samrudha Odisha 2036’ vision and its ambitious investment and job creation targets represent a well-defined blueprint for inclusive prosperity. By focusing on diversified growth, strategic reforms, and strong public-private partnerships, the state is poised to transform its economic landscape, ensuring sustainable development and creating significant opportunities for its citizens. This proactive approach not only enhances Odisha’s standing as a leading investment destination but also sets a compelling example for regional economic development.
(With agency inputs)
