Odisha is a land full of opportunities: MSME Minister Mallik

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 12, 2025

“Odisha is a land full of opportunities — rich in both natural and human resources. With schemes like Lakhyapati Didi, the government is empowering women and promoting rural entrepreneurship. MSME development in these regions is key to inclusive growth,” said Gokula Nanda Mallik, Minister of State for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, and MSME, Government of Odisha, as he addressed a gathering of over 500 entrepreneurs on the occasion of the Odisha Assembly of Small and Medium Enterprises (OASME) 40th Foundation Day and Annual State Level Convention in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

OASME, which has been a driving force behind the empowerment of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in the state, commemorated its four decades of dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and facilitating the growth of the MSME ecosystem across Odisha. The event, held on Tuesday, saw an enthusiastic participation of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials, all coming together to celebrate OASME’s legacy and to look ahead to the future of Odisha’s business community.

The convention, inaugurated by Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of State for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Government of Odisha, and attended by other notable dignitaries including Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & MSME Department, and D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of MSME Department, marked a significant milestone in OASME’s ongoing efforts to support the state’s entrepreneurial landscape. In his opening address, Gauri Sankar Dash, Chairman of OASME, extended gratitude to the association’s members, partners, and government bodies for their continued support, highlighting the organization’s role in strengthening the MSME sector.

The occasion also featured a special Annual Report presentation by Satwik Swain, Secretary General, OASME, which outlined key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future plans aimed at further strengthening Odisha’s MSME sector. The reports were a reflection of OASME’s commitment to bringing about real change, from advocacy to implementation, as well as its partnership with various governmental and private bodies to improve the business environment.

In his speech, Gokula Nanda Mallik emphasized the importance of training the youth and guiding them to adopt the principle of “Profession with Perfection.” He also called upon OASME to expand its reach by setting up training camps in all 314 blocks of the state. He further urged corporate entities to support MSMEs by prioritizing procurement from them, fostering a self-reliant and robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Odisha.

As a part of the celebrations, the OASME Award 2025 was presented to outstanding entrepreneurs and government officers who have made significant contributions to the MSME sector. The awards ceremony was a highlight of the evening, acknowledging the relentless effort and innovation of those at the forefront of Odisha’s industrial growth.

The convention also featured two key seminars. The first, on the “Importance of CFC for Value Addition in Food Processing MSME Cluster,” saw participation from Aboli Sunil Naravane,  Director of Industries, Government of India. Discussions revolved around the role of Common Facility Centres (CFCs) in adding value to the food processing sector, addressing food safety, packaging innovation, and strengthening market linkages. The seminar also explored government initiatives aimed at supporting MSMEs in the food processing space.

The second seminar, titled “MSMEs for Nation’s Defence: Readiness, Opportunities & Integration,” was co-organized by MSME-DFO and OASME, with Maya Sherman, Senior Innovation Officer at the Embassy of Israel, as the chief guest. This session focused on exploring the growing opportunities for MSMEs in India’s defence sector and how the industry can integrate with the country’s national security needs.

The Foundation Day celebrations concluded with the Annual General Body Meeting and a vibrant cultural programme, which showcased the unity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Odisha’s MSME community. The evening was a reminder of the significant role that OASME has played in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the state and how it continues to be a beacon for MSME development across the country.

Since its inception on August 12, 1985, OASME has been at the forefront of advocating for and nurturing the growth of Odisha’s cottage, handicraft, small, and medium industries. The association, a non-governmental organization, has achieved outstanding success in influencing various developmental policies and procedures at both the state and central levels, playing a key role in the promotion and growth of these sectors. Today, OASME stands as a symbol of collective effort, tirelessly working to empower entrepreneurs and foster an environment where Odisha’s MSME sector can thrive, innovate, and lead.