Budget Session: Odisha to be growth engine of Viksit Bharat, says Governor Haribabu Kambhampati in Assembly

The Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly began on a significant note with Governor Haribabu Kambhampati addressing the House on Tuesday. The Governor commenced his speech with an invocation of “Jai Jagannath,” setting a solemn and culturally resonant tone for the session.

In his address, Governor Kambhampati outlined the vision of transforming Odisha into the “growth engine” of a developed India. Emphasizing the state’s strategic importance in the national development roadmap, he stated that Odisha is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing the goal of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

Highlighting a key milestone, the Governor noted that Odisha will complete 100 years of its formation in 2036. He stressed that the state government is committed to building a prosperous and empowered Odisha by that landmark year. “My government has undertaken several initiatives to ensure a prosperous Odisha,” he said.

The Governor also underscored the support extended by the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that Odisha has been receiving major infrastructure and development projects from the Centre, which are expected to accelerate the state’s economic growth.

Referring to the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), the Governor announced that Odisha is set to emerge as a semiconductor hub, marking a significant step toward technological advancement and industrial expansion in the state.

Infrastructure development featured prominently in the Governor’s address. He informed the House that large-scale modernization of roads is underway across the state to improve connectivity and boost economic activity. Among the key projects, he announced that the busy Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan Road in Bhubaneswar will soon have a flyover, aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing urban mobility.

The Governor’s speech laid out a comprehensive development agenda focused on industrial growth, infrastructure modernization, and technological advancement, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to transforming Odisha into a major contributor to India’s growth story.

The Governor further stated that the Odisha government is committed to strengthening the state’s infrastructure to support long-term economic growth and development. He emphasized that robust infrastructure remains a key priority in the government’s development agenda.

As part of this vision, construction of a ring road connecting Bhubaneswar, Khordha, and Cuttack is currently underway. The project aims to enhance regional connectivity, decongest urban traffic, and facilitate smoother transportation across the capital region, thereby boosting trade, investment, and overall economic activity.

Governor Haribabu Kambhampati also presented an ambitious roadmap for the state’s economic and industrial growth. 

Odisha’s Rising Industrial Strength

Highlighting Odisha’s strong position in the steel sector, the Governor stated that the state currently has 55 steel plants with an annual production capacity of approximately 45 million tonnes. This accounts for nearly 23 percent of the country’s total steel production.

He further announced that Odisha is prepared to scale up its capacity to supply 100 million tonnes of steel by 2030. The Governor also noted that Odisha ranks first in the country in the production of steel and stainless steel, reinforcing its status as a key industrial hub.

Reforms in Minor Minerals Sector

The Governor informed the House that the government has undertaken significant reforms in the minor minerals sector to enhance transparency and revenue generation. As a result, revenue from minor minerals stood at Rs 1,195 crore in 2022–23 and increased to Rs 1,776 crore in 2024–25.

This reflects an annual growth rate of 19 percent and an overall growth of more than 48 percent over two years, demonstrating the positive impact of policy reforms and improved governance.

Massive Industrial Investments and Employment Generation

Under the “Make in Odisha” initiative, foundation stones have been laid for 85 industrial projects. These projects involve investments worth Rs 2 lakh crore and are expected to generate employment opportunities for approximately 1.65 lakh people.

In total, the Governor stated, various industrial and development initiatives are projected to create employment for nearly 4.65 lakh people across the state.

Empowering Women and Rural Economy

The Governor also highlighted the government’s efforts toward women’s empowerment. He announced that the state has successfully created 16.42 lakh “Lakhpati Didis”, women entrepreneurs earning at least Rs 1 lakh annually, as part of its mission to strengthen self-help groups and rural livelihoods.

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Infrastructure and Future Vision

As Odisha approaches its centenary year of formation in 2036, the Governor affirmed that the state government is dedicated to building a prosperous, industrially strong, and self-reliant Odisha that will significantly contribute to India’s development journey.