THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 29, 2026

In a strong signal of Odisha’s growing global economic relevance, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday held high-level discussions with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga at Lok Seva Bhawan here, focusing on deepening international cooperation to accelerate the state’s sustainable and inclusive development agenda.

The meeting, attended by senior state officials including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D K Singh and representatives from the World Bank, centred on strengthening collaboration across priority sectors that are critical to Odisha’s long-term growth and reform trajectory. Deliberations covered a wide canvas, ranging from inclusive economic development and infrastructure upgradation to social sector outcomes, technology-led resilience and preparing the state’s youth for private sector employment.

Chief Minister Majhi outlined the state government’s reform-driven approach that has positioned Odisha as one of India’s most attractive investment destinations. He highlighted flagship initiatives and policy interventions aimed at boosting infrastructure creation, promoting micro, small and medium enterprises, strengthening agriculture and allied activities, and expanding tourism. These measures, he noted, have not only improved ease of doing business but also generated large-scale employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.

The impact of these reforms is reflected in Odisha’s robust investment pipeline. According to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy up to December 2025, the state has secured investment proposals worth ₹2.5 lakh crore, ranking second nationally after Andhra Pradesh. Streamlined acts and rules, coupled with proactive governance, have played a key role in attracting investor confidence.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga lauded Odisha’s development momentum and its clear reform orientation. He particularly appreciated the state’s focus on skill development as a cornerstone for expanding private sector employment opportunities for its young population. Drawing attention to successful models, Banga said the upcoming World Bank Group–India strategic plan would take inspiration from institutions such as the Central Tool Room and Training Centre in Bhubaneswar, aligning closely with India’s ₹4 billion national programme to modernise Industrial Training Institutes across the country.

Reaffirming the World Bank’s long-term commitment to Odisha, Banga emphasised continued support through technical assistance, policy advisory services and financial partnerships. He underlined the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and fostering effective public-private partnerships to sustain high-growth outcomes.

The leaders also exchanged views on broader global and regional economic challenges, including infrastructure creation, urbanisation pressures and sustainable resource utilisation, agreeing on the need for collaborative and forward-looking strategies to address them.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi presented the Odisha Vision document to President Banga, detailing the state’s development roadmap under “Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047: Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat.” The vision seeks to drive transformative growth and position Odisha as a frontrunner in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

The interaction concluded on an optimistic note, with both sides expressing strong intent to deepen engagement and explore new areas of partnership aligned with Odisha’s development priorities and the World Bank Group’s strategic framework.