Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi received accolades from industrialists, industry representatives, and members of industry associations at Lok Seva Bhawan today, following Odisha’s recognition as one of the top five states in India in the Investment Friendliness Index-2026 released by NITI Aayog.
The index reveals that Gujarat leads the rankings with 56.6 points, while Odisha secured the fifth position with a score of 52.4. Maharashtra ranks second, Tamil Nadu third, and Goa fourth. Among larger states, Odisha claims the fourth spot. The top five includes Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra from western India, with Tamil Nadu representing the southern region. Notably, Odisha is the sole state from the north and east to be recognized among the top performers.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister commended the industrialists, stating that the NITI Aayog ranking serves as a significant morale boost for Team Odisha and its entrepreneurs. “Our aim is to position Odisha among the top five states not only in industry but also in economic growth,” he remarked.
Majhi highlighted the unprecedented pace of industrial progress over the past two years, attributing it to strong collaboration with the industry. “Our administration is committed to actions rather than just promises. We pledged an investment of Rs 5 lakh crore over five years, and within just two years, we’ve surpassed Rs 3 lakh crore,” he noted.
He acknowledged that while states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are historically recognized as industrial hubs, Odisha has made remarkable strides despite starting later. “We must sustain this momentum. Our goal is to quintuple investments over the next five years,” CM Majhi added.
He also mentioned the unwavering support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Odisha’s industrialization efforts. “In two years, we have attracted capital worth Rs 20 lakh crore, with 453 projects approved for industrial development, promising an investment of Rs 9.50 lakh crore. We have inaugurated and laid the groundwork for 152 projects worth Rs 3.11 lakh crore, generating 2.5 lakh employment opportunities for youth. Our focus remains on enhancing employment through industrial growth across all districts,” he elaborated.
Industries Minister Sampada Swain emphasized the government’s dedication under the Chief Minister’s leadership. “This recognition is more than just a ranking; it reflects the investor confidence in Odisha. Under the Chief Minister’s strong leadership, the state is now defined by success rather than mere potential,” she stated.
Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, noted that Odisha has gained a significant presence on the national IT landscape over the past two years, supported by the Prime Minister’s guidance and the Chief Minister’s leadership.
Anil Singh, President of CII, Odisha, expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister and Team Odisha, highlighting the collaborative effort between industrialists, government, and officials towards industrial advancement. “With the Chief Minister at the helm, Odisha is poised to achieve second place in the index next year,” he asserted.
Rajiv Sahu, Chairman of ICC, Odisha, acknowledged the continuous development in the state’s industrial sector under the Chief Minister’s visionary leadership over the past two years.
CII Representative Subrata Tripathi remarked that such transformative development in Odisha is unprecedented, stating, “The dawn of the Honorable Prime Minister begins from Odisha itself.” Other industry representatives also expressed their appreciation for the Chief Minister’s prioritization of industrialization across various sectors.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg mentioned that close cooperation among departments like Forest, Water Resources, and Revenue has propelled the state’s industrial sector forward. Additional Chief Secretary (Industry) Hemant Sharma thanked the Chief Minister for his unwavering commitment and hard work towards the industry’s development in Odisha.
