Indus Valley Times

By A.K. Sahoo

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 18: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday described the recent two-day visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as a significant milestone for the state, highlighting the substantial economic opportunities it has unlocked. According to the CM, the visit not only reinforced Odisha’s ties with Singapore but also set the stage for stronger collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and urban development. 

During the visit, a total of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Odisha and Singapore. These agreements aim to foster joint ventures and partnerships that could pave the way for advancements in various sectors, positioning Odisha as a rising economic hub. The CM expressed confidence that with Singapore’s continued support, Odisha could emerge as a fully developed state by 2036, the year the state will celebrate its centenary. 

“We are setting our sights on transforming Odisha into a prosperous state by 2036. Just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a developed India by 2047, Odisha too has the potential to be one of the top five most developed states in the country. Our efforts, backed by international partnerships, will fuel this vision,” Majhi said, underlining his commitment to the state’s long-term growth and prosperity. 

Highlighting the progress under his administration, the CM stated that over Rs 2.5 lakh crore in investments have already been approved through the state’s efficient Single-Window clearance mechanism. He also expressed confidence that Odisha’s ambitious Rs 5 lakh crore revenue target from the ‘Utkarsha Odisha-Make in Odisha’ initiative would not only be met but potentially surpassed. 

Majhi also pointed to the growing interest from other states looking to emulate Odisha’s success in attracting foreign investment, particularly from Singapore. He attributed this to the positive outcomes of Shanmugaratnam’s visit. 

In a scathing critique of the previous government, Majhi claimed that the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) administration had left Odisha stagnant and underdeveloped. He emphasized that his government is focused on driving forward progress with renewed vigor. 

With Singapore’s support, Odisha is now well-positioned for a prosperous future, the CM concluded.

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Photograph: Photograph: Flanked by his ministerial colleagues, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi  (third from left) on Saturday briefing reporters in Bhubaneswar about the two-day visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to state .