Odisha Economy

Odisha has been ranked fifth among states in NITI Aayog's recent Investment Friendliness Index, which Chief Minister Mohan Charan Maji termed a reflection of his government's commitment to transparent governance, industry-friendly policies and efficient service delivery. With an overall score of 52.4, the state is placed next to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Goa in the "top performers" category. According to an official statement, the NITI Aayog report identifies these five states as leaders in fostering a conducive investment environment. The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) is India's first comprehensive, evidence-based framework for evaluating the investment ecosystem of all states and Union territories. It assesses performance across eight critical pillars -- infrastructure, business climate, resources, government policy, regulatory ease, institutional environment, financial health and environmental resilience -- to benchmark states and promote competitive and ...

Odisha's investment surge has revived debate over whether it reflects the BJP's execution or the BJD's long-built industrial foundations

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi says the state is shifting from attracting investments to executing projects, with manufacturing and jobs driving growth

The 1,080 MW thermal project in Odisha will supply electricity for Nalco's aluminium smelter expansion while integrating renewable energy and long-term coal supplies

PM Modi said Odisha will play a central role in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation, highlighting investments, tribal welfare and the Centre's Purvodaya strategy

CM Mohan Charan Majhi said Odisha recorded 7.9 per cent growth in FY26 while maintaining fiscal discipline and accelerating investments in infrastructure, human development and industry

The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority approved 24 projects across 14 districts, with textiles, manufacturing, tourism and clean energy leading job creation

Infra creation, law & order remain pain points

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged industries to back east coast-led growth, positioning the state as a future manufacturing and logistics hub

State notifies comprehensive framework to boost wastewater reuse, aiming to strengthen urban water security, cut freshwater dependence and promote sustainable resource management

Nearly 11,000 consumers in western Odisha reported "zero electricity bills" in March 2026 after adopting rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, officials said. As many as 10,885 households achieved zero bills during the month, driven by installations carried out through TP Western Odisha Distribution Ltd's (TPWODL) 1-kW Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) model, which has accelerated solar adoption in the region. According to a company statement, 18,830 consumers had installed rooftop solar systems in western Odisha as of March 2026, indicating a growing shift towards sustainable and self-reliant energy consumption. The figures showed that around 60 per cent of consumers with rooftop solar installations are now receiving zero electricity bills, while the remaining 40 per cent have reduced their monthly bills by over 80 per cent. In March alone, 1,428 consumers recorded zero bills under the model, underscoring the direct financial benefits of decentralised solar

Finance Department raises concern over 85,000 pending audit reports and objections, highlighting systemic lapses in accountability and fiscal management

The proposed 50:50 joint venture will establish a 6 mtpa integrated steel plant, marking POSCO's return to Odisha and reinforcing the state's position as a key hub for large-scale steel investments

Audit flags diversion of SDRF funds for vehicle purchase, illegal royalty deposits and massive pension overpayments, pointing to serious financial control lapses in Odisha

Remarks linking Biju Patnaik to CIA role during 1962 war draw sharp backlash, with leaders across parties defending his legacy and calling the claims baseless

Despite a record Rs 3.1 trillion budget, Odisha's spending remains uneven, with subdued capital expenditure and several departments lagging in fund utilisation

Odisha approves 23 projects worth Rs 4,510 crore across sectors, expected to create over 10,000 jobs and boost industrial growth across 11 districts

Misclassification is rife, affecting compliance under FRBM Act, and distorting revenue surplus, fiscal deficit and debt ratios. IMF doesn't like it. Now, CAG is set to clamp down on the bad practic

The Odisha government on Tuesday unveiled Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Policy-2025, aiming to attract investment of Rs 25,000 crore and create 1 lakh jobs by 2030. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the new policy here at the Odisha Pharma Summit-2025 in the presence of Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain and senior government officers. Speaking on the occasion, Industries Department's Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma said India imports about 85 per cent of medical devices from other countries, and there is a huge opportunity for this sector. As a lot of units of pharmaceutical and medical devices are expected to come up in the next five years, Odisha must make an attempt to become a part of this endeavour, Sharma said. Under the policy, the state offers a 50 per cent subsidy on concessional land cost for units employing more than 200 Odisha-domiciled skilled staff. The government also offered a 30 per cent capital subsidy on eligible plant and machinery

With lawmakers in Bhubaneswar self-appraising salaries amid public backlash, Ramani Ranjan Mohapatra explains how these are fixed, and why Odisha's move matters