Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s development roadmap and reform momentum took centre stage on Tuesday as Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Suman Bery, along with Member Dr Arvind Virmani, met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan to review priorities and explore deeper institutional collaboration. The meeting focused on Odisha’s development priorities, ongoing reform initiatives, and future areas of collaboration between the State Government and the national policy think tank.
During the discussion, the Chief Minister outlined the substantial progress made by Odisha in strengthening infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in the sectors of roads, irrigation, power, and logistics. He noted that these improvements are catalysing industrial expansion while simultaneously supporting rural growth. Emphasising the State’s development strategy, Majhi highlighted focused interventions to strengthen MSMEs, develop manufacturing clusters, attract investments, and generate employment through skill development aligned with local economic potential.
Seeking NITI Aayog’s support for transformative urban and industrial development, the Chief Minister presented the vision for the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER). Envisaged as a major growth engine for Odisha, the proposed economic region comprises nearly 90 priority projects and is expected to drive rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. Shri Majhi requested NITI Aayog’s guidance and support, including funding assistance through the Urban Challenge Fund, to realise the ambitious plan.
Appreciating Odisha’s development trajectory, Suman Bery praised the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the reform-oriented approach of the State Government. He observed that Odisha has emerged as one of the top-performing states in terms of fiscal health and has created a stable and business-friendly environment conducive to industrial development and investment. He also lauded the State’s effective reform measures, noting their potential to accelerate industrialisation.
Highlighting the importance of urban transformation, Bery said Bhubaneswar deserves special attention as a model city, with a focus on efficient sewage management, cleanliness, green spaces, and sustainable urban infrastructure. He suggested adopting global best practices, including an integrated urban planning approach similar to the “Texas model,” to develop the capital city as a national benchmark.
Bery further commended Odisha’s proactive engagement with NITI Aayog in key areas such as green energy transition, data-driven governance, skilling ecosystem reforms, tribal empowerment through value chain development, and innovative initiatives like Living Labs under the Frontier Tech Lab.
Dr Arvind Virmani also appreciated the State’s forward-looking policies and its strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
Reiterating the State Government’s priorities, the Chief Minister affirmed that Odisha places the highest emphasis on ease of doing business and investment facilitation, in alignment with the National Reform Agenda. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration with NITI Aayog would further accelerate Odisha’s journey towards inclusive growth, industrial development, and improved quality of life for its citizens.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Principal Secretary, Finance, Sanjib Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, and Development Commissioner Shri D.K. Singh. Discussions centred on strategic projects, key reforms, and long-term initiatives aimed at ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across the State.
