CM Majhi Launches BharatNetra Initiative, Odisha to Lead in Global FinTech Innovation

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today launched the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub under the BharatNetra initiative at an event held in Bhubaneswar. The hub, established in collaboration with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) Singapore, National University of Singapore, and Asian Institute of Digital Finance, is being hailed as a transformative step that will shape the future of finance and technology in Odisha.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Electronics & IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and GFTN Group CEO Sopnendu Mohanty were present at the occasion.

Terming the hub a “game-changer for Odisha,” the Chief Minister said, “This initiative will not only strengthen India’s global leadership in the digital economy but will also position Odisha at the heart of this transformation.” He emphasized that the programme will skill over 7,000 students across all 30 districts of Odisha, through certification programmes designed by the Asian Institute of Digital Finance at the National University of Singapore.

Recalling the genesis of the initiative, Majhi said the idea was forged during the historic visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Odisha in January this year. “We are committed to nurturing startups and entrepreneurs through a dedicated Centre of Excellence within this hub,” he added. A Global Capability Centre (GCC) will also be established, serving as a foundation to attract global financial institutions and new investments into the state.

Highlighting Odisha’s growing digital infrastructure, the CM announced that a cable landing station connecting Bhubaneswar to Singapore is being set up. He further informed that Odisha, the first state to launch an AI Policy, is now preparing a dedicated FinTech Policy and GCC Policy to attract global investors.

Underscoring the state’s talent base, the Chief Minister noted that Odisha produces 1.8 lakh graduates annually in engineering, IT, and polytechnic streams, along with a strong base of skilled youth from 950 ITIs. He also emphasized research-driven growth, citing the establishment of a Deep Neural Network Laboratory and other Centres of Excellence, with a vision to make Odisha the “Research Capital of the East.”

The CM also thanked the Prime Minister for approving two semiconductor fabrication units in Odisha, calling semiconductors the “building blocks of the digital economy.” On the occasion, he also launched the BharatNetra Hackathon website and announced the GCC+ programme.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the state’s vision, saying, “The BharatNetra initiative will not only open pathways for employment and entrepreneurship but also strengthen India’s leadership in financial inclusion and innovation.”

Odisha Electronics & IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling described Odisha as “India’s innovation frontier,” pointing out that the state has secured over $23 billion in new investments this year. “With progressive IT and AI policies, Odisha is building an ecosystem where advanced infrastructure, world-class talent, and startup energy converge,” he added.

GFTN Group CEO Sopnendu Mohanty underlined the international significance of the partnership. “The BharatNetra Initiative and the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub will redefine Odisha’s role as India’s strategic gateway to the Asia-Pacific financial technology corridor,” he said.

It may be noted that the hub will operate on four pillars—Global Learning, Global Mindshare, Global Innovation, and Global Capability Hub. Over the next five years, it will skill 7,000 students statewide in financial technology, regulation, and business. The first batch of 375 students, selected from 3,800 applicants across 60 colleges in Odisha, will graduate by January 2026.