Bhubaneswar: The Electronics and Information Technology (E&IT) Department, Government of Odisha, recently organized a pivotal Industry Interaction Workshop titled ‘The Odisha Advantage: Fueling Your ESDM Vision’. This key event, largely driven by the forward-looking vision of Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary, Energy and E&IT Department, served as a critical feedback session between the department and crucial industry stakeholders.
The workshop commenced with industry leaders and mentors sharing their ongoing initiatives, setting the stage for Shri Dev’s impactful address. He emphatically stated, “The purpose of this meeting is to update you on the forthcoming amendments to the Electronics Policy. While incentives are important, they alone are not sufficient to attract investments. A robust and comprehensive ecosystem is essential to truly leverage the benefits of any policy.” This statement underscored Shri Dev’s clear understanding that sustainable growth in the ESDM sector requires more than just financial incentives; it demands a holistic and supportive environment.
Following his address, E&IT department representatives detailed the proposed revisions to the policy framework. These comprehensive updates, reflecting the department’s proactive approach under Shri Dev’s leadership, included vital exemptions on land premiums, power subsidies, stamp duty waivers, lease rental subsidies, fixed capital incentives, and human capital development incentives. Further strengthening the proposed policy, additional measures such as extended EPI and ESI reimbursements, SGST reimbursements, patent registration and marketing incentives, enhanced R&D support, ESDM Park development incentives, and green power benefits were outlined. The presentation also introduced groundbreaking initiatives like a first-of-its-kind internship program and logistics subsidies, directly aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline and improving supply chain efficiency within the ESDM sector – areas of critical focus for fostering a robust ecosystem.
The dynamic Q&A and feedback session that followed saw over 50 participants engaging directly with the presenters, demonstrating the industry’s keen interest in the proposed changes and its confidence in the department’s consultative approach.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Dev’s unwavering commitment to progress was evident. He candidly acknowledged critical challenges, particularly regarding policy implementation and claim processing. His immediate response was a firm commitment to action: “To address these, we are committed to forming dedicated teams for each policy to ensure smoother execution and faster resolution.” This highlights his drive to not only formulate strong policies but also to ensure their efficient and effective implementation.
While noting Odisha’s significant strides, Shri Dev realistically assessed the electronics sector’s current modest footprint, emphasizing that “there is still a long journey ahead.” He powerfully reiterated, “It is important to remember that while states can offer robust policies, the real measure of success lies in the actual flow of investments.” To bolster this flow, he pointed to Odisha’s top ranking in fiscal management by NITI Aayog, a testament to the state’s strong governance and financial discipline. Shri Dev’s determination is clear: “we are determined to channel this strength into building a thriving ESDM ecosystem.”
The workshop, under Shri Dev’s active guidance, served as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to becoming a premier ESDM destination in India. By actively involving stakeholders in the policy revision process, the state, led by its proactive E&IT department, is ensuring transparency and inclusivity, while laying the groundwork for a future-ready, innovation-driven ecosystem. The insights and feedback gathered will play a vital role in shaping a policy framework that is both responsive to industry needs and aligned with global best practices, driven forward by the clear vision and resolve of its leadership. Special Secretary E&IT Manas Ranjan Panda was also present.