Bhubaneswar: Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Industry and I&PR has outlined a strategic roadmap for Odisha’s economic evolution during the Vikash Manthan 1.0 plenary session.
With the industrial sector already accounting for 42 percent of the state’s economy, ACS Shri Sharma advocated for a deliberate transition beyond the traditional mining-led model. His vision centers on deep value addition through metallurgy and allied sectors to maximize the state’s natural resources.
The maritime geography of Odisha plays a central role in this plan, as ACS Shri Sharma identified the development of a robust petrochemical and coastal chemicals ecosystem as a primary objective.
Beyond heavy industry, he highlighted food processing and textiles as high-potential sunrise sectors that can drive massive employment.
Looking toward future technologies, he confirmed that the state is already gaining traction in green energy equipment and semiconductor manufacturing, positioning these as the next frontiers for Odisha’s industrial expansion.
The fourth plenary session of Vikash Manthan 1.0 –consultation” Governance in Action, titled “Samruddha Odisha,” witnessed wide-ranging deliberations by senior officers on accelerating Odisha’s growth momentum through industry expansion, services transformation, urban reforms, logistics strengthening and rural economic revitalization.
ACS Urban Development, Usha Padhee, ACS Energy, Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary Works, Sanjay Kumar Singh and others spoke on the issues.
The session reflected a shared optimism about Odisha’s emerging economic trajectory while underscoring the need for focused, time-bound execution.