Highlighting major investments in semiconductor manufacturing, multimodal logistics infrastructure and industry-oriented skilling, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday projected Odisha as an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing, trade and human capital development during his address at the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.
Addressing the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Majhi said Odisha has successfully balanced rapid growth with fiscal discipline under the double-engine government. The state registered a growth rate of 7.9 per cent in 2025-26 while maintaining fiscal deficit and debt levels within FRBM limits. He noted that Odisha has been ranked first in NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index 2026, reflecting its commitment to responsible governance and sound financial management.
Acknowledging the Centre’s support, the Chief Minister welcomed the allocation of Rs 10,928 crore for railway development in Odisha in the Union Budget 2026-27. He said railway projects worth over Rs 90,000 crore are currently under implementation, significantly improving connectivity and creating new avenues for economic growth.
Majhi highlighted Odisha’s emergence as a key maritime and logistics hub under the Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti initiatives. The proposed Bahuda Deep Sea Port and the development of National Waterway-5, he said, will strengthen multimodal connectivity, lower logistics costs and enhance eastern India’s role in global trade. He also pointed to the approval of two semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission, describing them as a major boost to Odisha’s ambitions in electronics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
Emphasising that wellness, inclusiveness and prosperity form the pillars of Odisha’s development vision, the Chief Minister outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening human capital. He highlighted the state’s flagship early childhood programme “Ama Kuni Pila”, along with mother tongue-based learning, milestone tracking systems and strengthened Anganwadi services. Odisha is now preparing to harness Artificial Intelligence to deliver personalised education and child-care services.
Dwelling on education, Majhi said the state has established 44,875 Sishu Vatika classrooms benefiting over 3.17 lakh children and has reached nearly 11 lakh families through enrolment drives. The government is also setting up Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalayas in every Gram Panchayat to create quality learning environments.
The Chief Minister further highlighted welfare measures such as the Mukhyamantri Poshan Yojana for secondary school students, financial assistance for tribal students under the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana aimed at promoting girls’ education and empowerment.
On skilling and employment, Majhi announced a major transformation of Odisha’s Industrial Training Institutes through upgraded infrastructure, industry-linked Centres of Excellence, AI laboratories and public-private partnerships. The state is also preparing to implement the PM SETU scheme with an investment of around Rs 960 crore.
Highlighting Odisha’s growing stature in sports, agriculture and governance, he said 314 block-level stadiums are being developed across the state, while digital crop surveys under AgriStack have covered over three crore plots. He also showcased the success of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in expanding healthcare access and stressed the use of AI-powered platforms such as Ama Sathi to make governance more transparent, efficient and citizen-centric.