Political parties back industrialisation

Industrialisation in Orissa should boost the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contribute to the state’s economy and also strive towards improving life of the people at the bottom of the pyramid. Besides, agriculture needs to grow in tandem with industries for inclusive growth and sustainable development in the state.

These were the observations made by the political leaders of the state who had cut across party lines to deliberate on Yes Industry, a forum on Importance and Role of Industries in Orissa, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the state government.

“The real progress of Orissa cannot be achieved if agriculture does not grow in tandem with industries as nearly 70 per cent of the state’s population is engaged in agriculture. Moreover, the state lacks adequate employment intensive ancillary units despite attracting mega and capital intensive industries, chiefly in minerals and power sectors”, said Pramod Harichandan, general secretary of Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee.

Diwakar Naik, the state secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) said, “All political parties in the state need to be taken into confidence while formulating the industrial policy and emphasis should be on development of SMEs as the state has already witnessed the closure of 13,000 SME units.

Our party opposes the export of minerals from the state and also the allocation of captive mines for companies setting up their projects in the state.” GS Dash, the state executive of BJP said that agriculture and industry need to grow hand in hand to drive the growth of the state economy adding, “Only framing of policies is not sufficient and thrust should be on effective implementation of these policies.”

“We do not oppose foreign investors setting up their projects in Orissa but these projects should bring with them employment for the locals and the best technology. Apart from mineral based industries, efforts should also be made to develop agro and forest based industries as well as SMEs in the state”, said Janardhan Pati, state secretary of CPI (M).