“Vikashit Odisha, Vikashit Bharat” is a vision that emphasizes the importance of Odisha’s development as part of the larger goal of a developed India. The idea centers on the belief that for India to achieve sustained growth and prosperity, the individual states must also progress significantly in various sectors, including economy, infrastructure, social welfare, and governance. Odisha, being an important state on the eastern coast of India, plays a pivotal role in contributing to the overall national development.
Odisha has abundant natural resources, including minerals, forests, and coastal resources. A key element of Odisha’s contribution to India’s growth is harnessing these resources effectively for industrial growth.
The state focuses on mining, metallurgical industries, energy production (especially renewable energy like wind and solar), and manufacturing to drive economic growth.
There are also efforts to develop Odisha as an investment hub by improving infrastructure, easing business regulations, and enhancing the ease of doing business.
For a state to develop, robust infrastructure is crucial, and Odisha is making strides in areas such as transportation, energy, and digital connectivity.
The state has invested heavily in expanding roadways, ports, airports, and railways to improve connectivity.
The development of smart cities, improved urban infrastructure, and rural development are key components of Odisha’s vision for a developed future.
The vision of Vikashit Odisha also involves improving education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and social welfare.
There are several schemes aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing job creation, and improving health services across both urban and rural areas.
A focus on skill development, particularly in the youth population, is essential for improving employment and fostering entrepreneurship, especially in rural Odisha.
Odisha is focusing on sustainable development by integrating environmental concerns with economic growth. Efforts to protect forests, coastal areas, and biodiversity play a central role in this vision.
The state is also embracing green technologies and renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create a more eco-friendly economy.
Odisha’s vision of development is not just about economic growth, but also inclusive growth that ensures social equity, especially for marginalized communities like tribals, women, and Scheduled Castes.
Programs aimed at empowering women, improving access to education and healthcare for marginalized sections, and providing support to small-scale industries are critical aspects of this vision.
The state of Odisha is working towards embracing digital transformation, making governance and services more accessible and efficient for people.
By investing in digital literacy, expanding e-governance services, and encouraging startups in the tech space, Odisha is aiming to boost its participation in the digital economy.
Agriculture continues to be a major contributor to Odisha’s economy, and agriculture modernization is a focus for the state government. Improving irrigation systems, farm productivity, and agricultural infrastructure helps in ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
The promotion of organic farming, agribusiness, and agriculture-based startups can also enhance the state’s rural economy.
Natural Resource Hub: Odisha’s rich natural resources, including minerals and coastal assets, make it an essential state in India’s industrial landscape. For instance, the state is a leader in the production of aluminum, steel, and mining, contributing significantly to India’s economy.
Cultural and Tourism Growth: Odisha is home to some of the most important historical and cultural heritage sites in India, such as the Konark Sun Temple, Puri Jagannath Temple, and Chilika Lake, which drive tourism and promote cultural heritage preservation. This growth in tourism also contributes to economic development.
Empowering Youth and Education: Odisha is working towards empowering its youth through education, skill development, and training, which contributes to both local and national economic development. By equipping its youth with the necessary skills, the state is creating a strong labor force that can contribute to India’s vision of a developed country.
Disaster management is a collaborative effort, and OCC plays an important role in supporting businesses in Odisha to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. By helping businesses implement disaster preparedness plans, promoting resilience in infrastructure, and mobilizing resources for relief and recovery, OCC contributes significantly to reducing the social and economic impacts of disasters. Through its various initiatives, OCC works to ensure that businesses can continue operations while also playing a role in rebuilding and recovering the communities and regions most affected by natural disasters.
