Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that Odisha is poised to become the ‘MSME Gateway of Eastern India’ in the coming days. The Chief Minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Odisha Industrial Conclave 2025, organised by Laghu Udyog Bharati Odisha at the local Rail Auditorium. He stated that the conclave would play a vital role in promoting entrepreneurship and industrial innovation across the state.
Highlighting the state’s growing industrial appeal, the Chief Minister said Odisha, endowed with immense potential, has now emerged as one of the most attractive MSME investment destinations in the country. He attributed this transformation to the government’s commitment and continuous efforts to fulfil the aspirations of 4.5 crore people of the state.
CM Majhi said that the government has taken several significant steps in recent years to strengthen the industrial ecosystem. The state’s Go-SWIFT single-window clearance system—designed to streamline approvals—has made it possible for industrial projects to secure clearance not in months but in as little as a single day. He added that Odisha has invested 6.1 percent of its Gross State Domestic Product in infrastructure development in the current fiscal year, the highest among all Indian states.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the significant contribution of Laghu Udyog Bharati to Odisha’s industrial growth. The organisation has supported more than 980 industrial units and played a key role in generating widespread employment opportunities. He underlined that 90 percent of businesses and nearly 50 percent of global employment come from the small-scale sector. In India, seven out of ten jobs in the formal sector originate from MSMEs. “Thus, small industries are not only the backbone of the economy but also enrich and strengthen it,” CM Majhi remarked.
Calling Odisha a land of hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Chief Minister informed that Laghu Udyog Bharati is planning to establish a regional office in Bhubaneswar. The move, he said, will further enhance collaboration between industry and government at district and grassroots levels. Reiterating his government’s vision, he said, “Our motto ‘Viksit Odisha—Viksit Bharat’ is not just a slogan; it is a commitment. Our goal is to position Odisha as the MSME gateway of Eastern India.”
Speaking on the achievements of the state’s MSME sector, CM Majhi said that artisans from Pipili, Raghurajpur, Sambalpur, and Gopalpur have earned global recognition for their craftsmanship. Odisha’s youth are excelling in IT, animation, fintech, and startup sectors. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are exporting world-class products, contributing significantly to the rural economy. He praised the Subhadra Yojana, calling it a transformative initiative that empowers economically weaker women, especially in rural areas, through micro-business opportunities. He noted that the scheme has already helped create 17 lakh “Lakhpati Didis,” and predicted that a strong culture of women-led entrepreneurship will take root across the state.
Addressing the event, MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik said Odisha is a land of opportunities and is progressing rapidly on the path of development. He added that the government is committed to promoting indigenous products, strengthening MSMEs, supporting artisans, and reinforcing local supply chains—initiatives that will transform the industrial landscape of the state.
The event was attended by Laghu Udyog Bharati’s national president Madhusudan Dadu, national secretary Prakash Chandra, Odisha president Gopal Das Agarwal, and several other dignitaries.
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