Bhubaneswar, Dec 20: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today emphasized the need for new industrial townships in Odisha to boost economic growth and enhance the state’s industrial infrastructure.
Adressing the pre-Budget consultation meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Majhi urged for the sanctioning of new industrial townships in two key locations: Gopalpur (Salt Pan Land) and Jharsuguda.
These areas are strategically important for the southern and western regions of Odisha, which have significant potential for industrial and economic development.
Majhi highlighted the challenge of urbanization in Odisha, which is much lower than the national average.
With urbanization being a key driver of economic growth, he emphasized that the migration of people from rural areas to cities was inevitable. This, in turn, requires significant capital investment.
He urged the Union Government to consider launching a new scheme to support urbanization in states like Odisha, which have low levels of urban development.
To align with the Prime Minister’s vision of Odisha becoming the growth engine of India, the Chief Minister outlined several key infrastructure and industrial projects where central government support was needed.
Expressing his gratitude for the Union Finance Minister’s recognition of Odisha’s tourism potential in the previous year’s budget, the Chief Minister requested a special package for tourism development in Odisha.
He highlighted the need for approximately ₹10,000 crores in investment to create world-class tourism infrastructure across the state.
He urged the Union Government to include this funding in the FY 2025-26 budget to realize Odisha’s full tourism potential.
Majhi emphasized the high expectations of the people of Odisha from the newly formed government, which took charge six months ago after 24 years of regional party rule.
The state’s citizens are eager to see transformations in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
