Economy
The economy of Odisha is one of the fastest growing economy in India. According to 2014-15 economic survey, Odisha’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) was expected to grow at 8.78%. Odisha has an agriculture-based economy which is in transition towards an industry and service-based economy. According to recent estimates, the size of Odisha’s economy has increased by 122.27 per cent during the last six years in terms of the gross state domestic product (GSDP). Thereby, Odisha achieved an annual average growth rate of 6.23 per cent during that period. Odisha is also one of the top FDI destinations in India.
Economy
The following are some of the major initiatives taken by the government to promote Odisha as an investment destination: Total merchandise exports from Odisha were US$ 5.75 billion during April 2018-February 2019. The Odisha Cabinet has approved the Odisha start-up policy, aimed at setting up at least 1,000 start-ups over the next five years and bringing the state amongst the top three start-up hubs by 2020. In order to increase the employment opportunities in the state, Odisha government has announced plans to invest US$ 28.69 billion in the manufacturing sector generating nearly three lakh job opportunities by 2020. In January 2018, the state government has given approval for five investment proposal including two Angul Aluminium Parks worth Rs 328 crore (US$ 50.66 million). A mega food park is being established near Bhubaneswar over 282 acres through the PPP mode. Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) is the nodal agency for the establishment of this park. In the State Budget 2019-20, the government has deployed Rs 400 crore (US$ 55.44 million) for development of Railway projects and Rs 10 crore (US$ 1.39 million) is allocated to complete the railway projects of strategic Importance through SPVs. As per the State Budget 2019-20, the Government of Odisha has allocated an amount of Rs 5,578.69 crore (US$ 773.21 million) under the Housing and Urban Infrastructure Department. As per Budget 2019-20, an amount of Rs 7,552.27 crore (US$ 1046.75 million) has been allocated to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment.
Jagannath Temple – The Most Popular temple
Odisha is one of the most mineral-rich states in India. Key minerals found in the state are iron, coal, bauxite, manganese, nickel, chromite, limestone, dolomite, graphite, decorative stones, beach sand, China clay, tin ore, etc. At 34.3 per cent in 2017-18, Odisha contributed the largest share of mineral production India in terms of value. Value of minerals produced in the state reached Rs 200.92 billion (US$ 3.12 billion) in 2017-18.
Huge Relief to Odisha as Govt. Cuts VAT on Petrol & Diesel
After a tumultuous time in Odisha’s energy crisis, Odisha takes a heave of relief as the State Govt. cuts down VAT on Petrol and diesel by 4%. The state has cut down ₹3 per litre effective immediately bringing the price of petrol and diesel down to ₹101.91/litre and ₹91.51/litre respectively. This action by the govt. is predicted to have a financial impact of ₹2000 crore in the long run.
ROPAX Jetty Project on Dhamra River to Lessen Travel Time by 5 Hours
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) collaborates with Odisha Govt. to gift Odia people a faster travel route connecting Kaninali in Bhadrak and Talachua in Kendrapara under the “Sagarmala” initiative. Odisha has received approval for the development of all-weather ROPAX (Roll-on, Roll-off Passenger) with a budget of ₹110.60 crores where Odisha Govt. and MoPSW will fund 50% of the project respectively.
Odisha Announces 10 Industrial Projects Generating 2400 Jobs
Boosting the Make In Odisha Campaign, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik has announced 10 industrial projects worth ₹848 Crore that will generate 2400 jobs across various sectors such as food processing, tourism, plastic, manufacturing & fertilizer. The projects are spread out all across Odisha in various districts such as Bargarh, Baleswar, Khordha, Gajapati, Cuttack, etc.