CEA Arvind Subramanian advises Odisha to develop tourism, textile sectors

Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian has suggested the Odisha government to develop tourism and textile sectors.

Subramanian, who met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the secretariat in Bhubaneswar on Thursday evening, said though the state has suffered natural calamities like cyclones in past years due to its geographical location, it should utilise its situation in terms of improving tourism potential.

Stating that Odisha is one of the states which reduced poverty at a faster rate in past decades, he said the social sector is doing very well despite challenges.

He said Odisha should try and move to become a model state by creating more labour-intensive industries. "Tourism, textile and clothing sectors have a great potential to generate employment, particularly for women," he said.

The proposed petrochemical complex at Paradip has a big scope to create an integrated textile and clothing complex, said Subramanian.

He said the goods and services tax will not boost inflation in the country but the basic objective of tax reform is to protect the poorest section from inflation.

During discussion, Patnaik informed Subramanian that the state has been facing problem in financial inclusion as many gram panchayats do not have banking facility.