Why Odisha not a destination for doing biz

Sir,

It is not shocking to learn that Odisha is one of the least-favoured destinations for doing business.

There are wheels within wheels for those wishing to become entrepreneurs. Firstly, the banks are averse to funding first-generation entrepreneurs. Odisha is not an industrial State in the real sense and can do without smoke-stacked industries; but for a long time, the State has toyed with the idea of becoming the Information Technology (IT) capital of the country. This is the perfect industry for  Odisha as it is clean and smokeless and it has the potential to absorb many of the young IT professionals who are currently working outside the state. A single-window clearance facility was created for quick vetting of projects and to ensure that the ‘sarkari’ delay is avoided.

But did that happen? Industrialists, investors in the tourism sector and budding entrepreneurs still have to go from pillar to post and, perhaps, even grease some palms. Files do not move otherwise.

Industry and entrepreneurship both require land, but that does not necessarily mean that land should be alienated. Partnerships ought to be built with tribal land owners on very clear terms. This only will help create entrepreneurs and, in turn, generate employment.  

K Ravi, E-237, GGP Colony, Bhubaneswar-751025, Mob: 9437616497.