The Odisha government has taken a major step to boost its economy and job market by forming a 17-member high-level task force. This team is responsible for speeding up the implementation of over ₹17.73 lakh crore worth of projects that span across key sectors like mining, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
Why This Task Force Is Important
The task force, headed by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, will focus on:
- Clearing roadblocks such as land acquisition and bureaucratic delays.
- Coordinating between departments to make approvals smoother.
- Monitoring project execution and ensuring deadlines are met.
It will also keep track of projects listed under national frameworks like PMG (Project Monitoring Group) and PRAGATI, which are used by the central government to fast-track critical infrastructure projects.
Background: Massive Investment Commitments at ‘Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025’
This move follows the record-breaking investment promises made during the ‘Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025’ held in January. At the event:
- Odisha secured ₹16.73 lakh crore worth of investment commitments.
- Just last week, an additional ₹1 lakh crore was added.
- This brings the total to ₹17.73 lakh crore, spread across 593 projects in 20+ sectors.
- The state expects to generate 12.88 lakh new jobs through these ventures.
Major Deals Signed: IOCL and Petronet LNG Among Key Partners
During an investors’ meet in New Delhi, Odisha signed:
- 13 new MoUs worth ₹1.03 lakh crore, including key deals with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Petronet LNG.
- These two partnerships alone are expected to generate 67,000 jobs.
- Additionally, 15 other proposals may create 95,915 jobs.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the IOCL deal as a “landmark agreement”, especially for Odisha’s push to become a petrochemical and manufacturing hub.
Vision 2036: Odisha’s Goal to Become a Developed State
CM Majhi also laid out his broader vision for the state:
- Odisha aims to become a fully developed state by 2036, which will mark 100 years of its formation.
- To reach this milestone, the state is focusing on:
- Attracting investors.
- Upgrading infrastructure.
- Speeding up project clearances.
Tackling the Biggest Bottleneck: Land Acquisition
One of the biggest challenges in project implementation across India is land acquisition—and Odisha is no exception. To fix this:
- The government introduced a tiered land allocation system:
- 30 acres in 30 days
- 50 acres in 50 days
- 100 acres in 100 days
This initiative is expected to accelerate land handovers for vital rail and highway infrastructure projects, cutting down delays and attracting more investment.
Odisha’s Strategy: Clear Goals + Strong Execution = Economic Boom
With a task force in place, a fast-track land policy, and big-name investors already on board, Odisha is laying the foundation to become India’s next industrial and economic powerhouse.
By addressing bottlenecks, encouraging investment, and focusing on job creation, the state hopes to transform its economy over the next decade.
