Odisha has achieved highest rate of poverty reduction: Naveen

Odisha has seen far-reaching changes in the last decade, says Patnaik

Claiming that Odisha has achieved highest rate of poverty reduction in the country and nearly 9 per cent economic growth, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sought media help for promotion of a better economic environment and more visibility outside the state.      

"Our success story needs to be appropriately highlighted before other states. Besides, our people need to have greater financial literacy," Patnaik said addressing the first anniversary celebration of an English daily here.     

Stating that Odisha has seen far-reaching changes in the last decade, he said the state's economic growth remains close to 9 per cent despite a global decline and its growth rate is one of the highest in the country.     
 

"We have also succeeded in reducing the poverty levels from 57.2 per cent of the households in 2004-05 to 37 per cent in 2009-10," Patnaik said adding Odisha has achieved the highest rate of reduction in poverty among all states during this period, which is significant.     

Seeking the help of media, the chief minister said "media focus on finance and business will help promote a culture of trade and industry. So we need the cooperation of media for promotion of a better economic environment and for gaining more visibility outside Odisha."     

Patnaik said since the early 90s, with liberalisation of economy, business and industry received a momentum and the media also increasingly covered news on trade, business and economy.     

He congratulated the Odisha edition of the Political and Business Daily for successfully completing one year.