Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said efforts are being made to ensure that Odisha is counted among the powerful, prosperous and rapidly advancing states, when it celebrates its centenary year of statehood in 2036.
Attending the valedictory function of the three-day Odisha Parba 2024 in New Delhi, the PM said by utilising the potential of Odisha in the right direction, it can be taken to new heights of development, adding that it can benefit from its strategic location with easier access to domestic and international markets.
"Odisha was an important hub of trade for East and South East Asia. Odisha's importance in global value chains will further increase in the times to come. Govt is also working on the goal of increasing exports from the state," Modi said.
"Our effort is to make Odisha one of the preferred places for investors. Our govt is committed to promoting ease of doing business in Odisha. Through Utkarsh Odisha, investment is being increased. Within the first 100 days of the new govt, investments worth Rs 45,000 crore were approved. Today, Odisha has both a vision and a road map for more investment and employment opportunities," said Modi, congratulating CM Mohan Majhi and his team.
Modi said Odisha has immense potential for port-based industrial development, and trade will be promoted by developing ports at Dhamra, Gopalpur, Astaranga, Palur and Subarnarekha. Odisha, being the mining and metal powerhouse of India, Modi said focusing on its position in the steel, aluminium and energy sectors, new avenues of prosperity can be opened. He outlined plans to enhance the export of products like turmeric, cashew, jute, cotton, oilseeds and seafood and branding them for global markets.
"There was a time when the eastern part of India, including Odisha, was considered backward. But I consider the eastern part of India to be the growth engine of the country's development. Now, Odisha is getting three times more Budget outlay than 10 years ago. This year, 30% more Budget outlay was given for the development of Odisha compared to last year. Our vision is to make Odisha a strong, prosperous and fast-growing state," he added.
Odisha, being a land of immense possibilities in terms of tourism and urbanisation, Modi said there is a need to work across multiple dimensions to implement them on the ground. "Govt is committed to building a large number of dynamic and well-connected cities and creating new possibilities in Tier II cities, especially in the districts of western Odisha, where the development of new infrastructure can lead to the creation of new opportunities," he said.
The PM emphasised that there is a need to undertake more innovative steps to tell the world about Odisha's identity. He said ‘Bali Yatra Day' can be declared and celebrated to make Bali Yatra more popular and promote it on the international platform. Similarly, he proposed celebrating ‘Odissi Day' for Odissi dance, which could also be explored along with days to celebrate tribal heritages.
He hailed Odisha as the ‘abode of saints and scholars', lauding its contribution to Indian culture and history. He paid tributes to luminaries and said the state's spiritual ethos reinforces the principles of inclusivity and resilience. He quoted Saint Poet Bhima Bhoi, saying, "Let my life fall into hell, but let the world be saved."
PM Modi also acknowledged President Droupadi Murmu for her role in inspiring welfare schemes for tribal communities. He also highlighted the Subhadra Yojana, aimed at empowering women in Odisha by providing financial assistance. "Odisha will progress only when its women progress," he said.