Odisha asks for NITI Aayog's help in developing economic region and urban transformation.

The Odisha government has reached out to NITI Aayog for assistance in the development of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region. This region is seen as a crucial contributor to the state's growth and urbanization. The request was made during a meeting between Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and NITI Aayog's vice-chairman Suman Bery and member Arvind Virmani at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the potential of the proposed economic region, which includes 90 priority projects. He emphasized on the impact it can have on transforming the urban and industrial landscape of Odisha. The Chief Minister also requested guidance and support from NITI Aayog, including funding through the Urban Challenge Fund, to make this vision a reality. The discussions between the Chief Minister and NITI Aayog also revolved around the state's development priorities, ongoing reforms, and future collaborations. The Chief Minister's office stated that the meeting was productive and focused on strengthening the partnership between the state government and NITI Aayog. The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to showcase the progress made by Odisha in areas such as infrastructure, connectivity, and rural growth. He mentioned the state's efforts in strengthening MSMEs, developing manufacturing clusters, attracting investments, and generating employment through skill development. The state's commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth was also highlighted. NITI Aayog's vice-chairman Suman Bery praised the Chief Minister's leadership and the reforms-oriented approach of the Odisha government. He acknowledged the state's fiscal health and its business-friendly environment, which has attracted investments and driven industrial expansion. Bery also commended the state's efforts in implementing effective reforms to promote industrialization. Bery suggested that Bhubaneswar should be a model city with a focus on efficient sewage management, cleanliness, green spaces, and sustainable urban infrastructure. He proposed adopting global best practices and an integrated urban planning approach, similar to the "Texas model," to make Bhubaneswar a benchmark city for the country. The meeting also touched upon Odisha's proactive collaboration with NITI Aayog in various areas, such as green energy transition, data-driven governance, skilling ecosystem reforms, and tribal empowerment through value chain development. It was noted that the state's innovative initiatives, including living labs under the frontier tech lab, have been commendable. The development commissioner and other officials also highlighted Odisha's key development priorities, reform initiatives, and strategic projects aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the partnership with NITI Aayog would further accelerate the state's journey towards inclusive growth, industrial development, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Overall, the meeting between the Odisha government and NITI Aayog was focused on working together to achieve the state's development goals. It was a productive discussion that showcased the commitment of both parties to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in Odisha.