Bhubaneswar: Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha State Development Council, has emerged as a prominent voice in championing Odisha’s recently unveiled “Vision 2036 & 2047” document.
Ace Captain of Industry consistently highlighting the transformative potential of this comprehensive blueprint, not only for the state’s economic landscape but also for its burgeoning role as a sporting hub.
Shri Mohanty’s underscores several key aspects that set Odisha’s vision apart. He strongly commends the government’s forward-thinking approach, particularly its strategic pivot from a resource-rich state to one focused on becoming “data-rich and digitally intelligent.” This shift is prominently featured in the state’s manufacturing strategy, where AI is seen as a “defining catalyst” for innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
The recent Odisha Manufacturing Conclave 2025, chaired by Shri Mohanty, served as a crucial platform for this discussion, with the release of the ASSOCHAM-Primus Knowledge Report on “AI-Driven Manufacturing” further solidifying this commitment.
Beyond industrial growth, ASSOCHAM Odisha Chief Shri Mohanty has also enthusiastically praised the vision’s implicit, yet significant, commitment to sports development.
As Chairman of ASSOCHAM Odisha State Development Council, he notes that the overarching goal of transforming Odisha into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047, driven by modern infrastructure, digital innovation, and skill development, directly benefits the sports sector. He anticipates state-of-the-art sports facilities and improved connectivity, including the planned 15 airports and international airport in Puri, will attract more prominent sporting events and nurture grassroots talent.
AI-Driven Manufacturing: Shri Mohanty emphasizes the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in Odisha’s industrial future. He believes AI will not only optimize existing processes but redefine them, leading to increased productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced sustainability. The focus on AI policy and missions positions Odisha as a national leader in this domain.
Diversification Beyond Basic Metals: Recognizing the concentration risk in Odisha’s manufacturing, which is heavily dominated by basic metals, Shri Mohanty supports the vision’s strategy to diversify into higher-value-added and employment-intensive sectors. This includes metal downstream products, chemicals, food processing, textiles, ESDM, EVs, and green energy equipment.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: The plans for developing 6-8 industrial mega-parks with “plug-and-play” infrastructure and “duty-free zone” status resonate with Shri Mohanty’s vision for attracting investment. He also highlights the importance of upgrading ports and strengthening inner road networks to overcome logistical bottlenecks and reduce reliance on neighboring states’ ports.
Skilling for the Future: Shri Mohanty consistently stresses the importance of workforce skilling, particularly in advanced manufacturing technologies and new-age industries like EVs and green energy. He sees the “Skilled in Odisha, skilling for the world” objective as a roadmap for developing comprehensive sports management programs and a robust talent pipeline.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): The projected 67% private sector investment in the vision is a strong indicator of the state’s commitment to PPP, said Shri Mohanty adding for streamlining regulatory processes and establishing a “Manufacturing Mission” and “Industry Promotion War-room” to accelerate project execution and enhance EoDB.
Inclusive Growth and People-First Approach: Shri Mohanty acknowledges the vision’s emphasis on “inclusive growth” and “people-first planning,” evidenced by the 3.2 lakh+ public inputs received. This commitment to women’s empowerment, tribal development, and universal healthcare aligns with a holistic development model.
In essence, Pankaj Lochan Mohanty views Odisha’s Vision 2036 & 2047 as a robust and dynamic framework. His consistent commentary underscores his belief that by strategically embracing AI, diversifying its industrial base, investing in infrastructure and skill development, and fostering strong public-private partnerships, Odisha is poised to not only contribute significantly to India’s $30 trillion goal but also emerge as a leading industrial and sporting powerhouse in the nation.