Bhubaneswar, July 23: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was felicitated by industrialists and members of various industry associations at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday after Odisha secured a place among the top five states in the Investment Friendliness Index-2026 released by NITI Aayog.

Industry leaders noted that under his leadership, Odisha is setting new benchmarks in industrial development and creating new investment milestones almost every day.

According to the index, Gujarat topped the rankings with 56.6 points, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Goa. Odisha secured the fifth position nationally with 52.4 points and ranked fourth among the country's large states.

It is also the only state from eastern and northern India to feature among the top-performing states, while Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa represented western India and Tamil Nadu was the sole entrant from the south.

Expressing satisfaction over the achievement, Chief Minister Majhi said the ranking has boosted the confidence of both Team Odisha and the state's business community.

"This recognition is highly encouraging. Our objective is to position Odisha among the top five states not only in industrial development but also in overall economic growth," he said.

Highlighting the government's industrial push, the Chief Minister said Odisha has witnessed unprecedented industrial growth over the past two years with strong support from the industry.

He reiterated that the government remains committed to delivering results rather than making promises.

"We had set a target of attracting investments worth Rs 5 lakh crore over five years. In just two years, investment commitments have already crossed Rs 3 lakh crore," he said.

Majhi noted that while states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have long been established industrial hubs, Odisha entered the race later but is now progressing rapidly.

"We must sustain this momentum. Our aim is to increase investments fivefold over the next five years," he added.

The Chief Minister also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending full support to Odisha's industrialisation efforts. He said the state has attracted investment proposals worth Rs 20 lakh crore over the past two years. Of these, 453 industrial projects involving investments of Rs 9.50 lakh crore have been approved.

He further informed that foundation stones have been laid and projects inaugurated for 152 industrial ventures worth Rs 3.11 lakh crore during the last two years. These initiatives have generated employment opportunities for around 2.5 lakh youths across the state.

"Our focus is to ensure that industrialisation creates employment opportunities in every district of Odisha," Majhi said.

Industries Minister Sampada Swain said the state government, under the Chief Minister's leadership, has remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment.

"This recognition is more than just a ranking. It reflects the confidence and trust that investors have in Odisha. Under the Chief Minister's strong leadership, Odisha has transformed from a state of possibilities into a state of success," he said.