Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday sought support of NITI Aayog for development of Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER).
During a high-level meeting with NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery and Member Dr Arvind Virmani at Lok Seva Bhawan here, the CM underlined that the proposed economic region, with nearly 90 priority projects, has the potential to transform Odisha’s urban and industrial landscape. He requested for NITI Aayog’s guidance and support, including funding through the Urban Challenge Fund, for the projects aimed at reshaping the state’s urban and economic landscape.
Majhi also highlighted the significant progress made by Odisha in infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in roads, irrigation, power and logistics, which are driving both industrial expansion and rural growth. He emphasised the state’s focused approach towards strengthening MSMEs, developing manufacturing clusters, attracting investments, and generating employment through skill development aligned with local economic potential.
Appreciating Odisha’s reform-oriented governance, Bery noted the state’s emergence as one of the top performers in fiscal health and business climate. He further praised the steps taken for effective reforms that could catapult industrialisation in the state.
He suggested special focus on Bhubaneswar as a model city, prioritising efficient sewage management, cleanliness, green spaces, and sustainable infrastructure. He recommended adopting global best practices, including an integrated urban planning approach similar to the “Texas model,” to position Bhubaneswar as a national benchmark.
Bery further lauded Odisha’s proactive collaboration with NITI Aayog in areas such as green energy transition, data-driven governance, skilling reforms, tribal empowerment, and innovative initiatives like Living Labs under the Frontier Tech Lab.
Virmani also appreciated Odisha’s forward-looking policies and commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Chief Minister reiterated that partnership with NITI Aayog is central to Odisha’s development vision, stating that the state is ready for its next leap in inclusive growth. He affirmed the government’s top priority on ease of doing business and investment facilitation, aligned with the national reform agenda, expressing confidence that this collaboration will accelerate industrial development and enhance quality of life for citizens.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Principal Secretary, Finance, Sanjib Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, and Development Commissioner D K Singh, were present, among others.
