Strengthening Governance and Investment Ties
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is set to conclude his three-day visit to New Delhi with a crucial meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday. This meeting comes after a highly productive trip that included major investment engagements and discussions on the future of Odisha’s governance framework.
The visit began with the Odisha Investors’ Meet, held over two days, where the state government signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and received 15 investment intents amounting to a total of ₹1,03,090 crore. These investments are projected to generate close to 95,915 employment opportunities, marking a transformative phase in Odisha’s industrial journey.
Paradip: The Next Petrochemical Hub
One of the major highlights of the investors’ summit was the signing of a ₹58,042 crore MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) for the establishment of a dual-feed naphtha cracker project in Paradip. This landmark initiative is expected to position Odisha as a pivotal player in the petrochemical sector.
Other significant agreements included partnerships with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) for an oil storage facility in Chandikhol (Jajpur district) and with Petronet LNG for the development of an LNG terminal at Gopalpur (Ganjam district). These projects reinforce the state’s long-term vision of energy security and industrial diversification.
Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Dharmendra Pradhan, Jual Oram, and Odisha’s Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain were present during the signing ceremonies, showcasing strong Centre-State collaboration.
Focus on Criminal Justice Reforms
As he concludes his visit, CM Majhi is scheduled to meet Amit Shah at 4 PM to review the state’s preparedness for implementing three new central criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — which will replace the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act respectively starting July 1, 2024.
Majhi is expected to present Odisha’s readiness in aligning with these laws and highlight measures taken to ensure effective coordination between state agencies and the Centre. The meeting comes at a time when the BJP is also weighing leadership decisions in Odisha, including a potential Cabinet expansion and future roadmap ahead of BJP President J.P. Nadda’s visit on April 10.
Looking Ahead: Centre’s Guidance for a Rising Odisha
As Odisha charts an ambitious path of industrial expansion and legal reform, guidance from senior national leaders like Amit Shah is likely to play a pivotal role. His meeting with CM Majhi may offer not only a review but also strategic direction for enhancing governance and aligning Odisha’s growth story with the national vision.
(With inputs from agencies)
