Good governance key to project implementation in Odisha: Chaturvedi

Bhubaneswar: With a number of investment proposals including those of Posco and ArcelorMittal, awaiting implementation in Odisha, a Planning Commission member on Friday asked the state government to ensure effective and good governance to convert them into reality.

"Implementation of many projects require clearance from various state and central agencies. Involvement of state bureaucracy in resolving these issues is going to be very critical, both at highest political and civil service levels," Planning Commission member B K Chaturvedi said delivering the key note address at a seminar on "Invest in Odisha".

Stating that Odisha attracted about Rs 11 lakh crore investment by November 2012, Chaturvedi said only Rs 53 crore could be implemented in 2011-12 according to data released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

"A lot of investment opportunities which are finalised by industrial houses may not fructify unless a strong policy support is available from the state government," he said.

Besides having a clear policy to ensure fast movement, he said port, road and rail infrastructure must be developed further to augment the growth process.

Citing an instance, he said though 42 proposals in power sector having estimated investment of Rs 2.1 lakh crore was ready, many did not have coal linkages. A strong and effective follow up was required to ensure availability of power for industrial growth.