By Ashish Pandey

Copyright indiatimes

Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries and Skill Development & Technical Education, Odisha

The Odisha government’s top priority is to diversify the state’s industrial base by expanding into sectors such as chemicals, petrochemicals, apparel, renewable energy, shipbuilding, and semiconductors, while simultaneously strengthening traditional industries like metals and mining, says Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries and Skill Development & Technical Education, Odisha.In an interaction with ET Digital, Swain notes that the state government is working to position Odisha as a leading destination for investors, emphasising a transition from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven industrial landscape. Additionally, Swain highlights that initiatives have been launched to promote youth entrepreneurship, empowering young people to generate their own opportunities instead of relying solely on employment. Edited excerpts:The Economic Times (ET): It has been 15 months since the new government took charge in Odisha. To begin with, could you highlight the key achievements so far and share some of the initiatives currently in the pipeline?Sampad Chandra Swain (SCS): We hosted the Utkarsh Odisha—Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 on January 28 and 29, along with roadshows in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, and global locations, such as Singapore, to attract more investments to the state. The event generated an investment intent of Rs 16,73,000 crore, the highest-ever amount for any investment conclave in Odisha. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, 85 industries have already held groundbreaking ceremonies, amounting to Rs 2.04 lakh crore in investments, with on-site work underway. These initiatives have also created 164,000 jobs, marking the state’s most significant achievement to date.Our next priority is to diversify Odisha’s industrial base by expanding into sectors such as chemicals, petrochemicals, apparel, renewable energy, shipbuilding, and semiconductors, while continuing to strengthen traditional industries like metals and mining. Progress in this direction is already underway. In August, the Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor projects for Odisha—SiCsem’s Silicon Carbide compound semiconductor facility and 3D Glass Solutions’ advanced packaging unit—bringing over Rs 4,000 crore in semiconductor investments to the state. In chemicals and petrochemicals, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has signed an MoU with the Odisha government to set up its largest facility to date, planning an investment of Rs 61,000 crore for a major petrochemical complex at Paradip, which will feature India’s largest dual-feed naphtha cracker.Similarly, in the textile sector, the Odisha TEX 2025 event was held in July, during which Chief Minister Majhi announced six new textile parks. The event also saw the signing of 33 MoUs, expected to generate around 53,000 jobs.Live EventsET: Odisha, long recognised for its strength in metals and mining, is now pushing to diversify into new-age industries. But this transition brings its own set of challenges. What are the key challenges the government is currently working to address?SCS: During Utkarsh Odisha 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged investors, emphasising that it is the ideal time to invest in the state. The event attracted investment intentions across 20 key sectors. In September 2025, Odisha signed two big MoUs for maritime development—a Rs 24,700-crore National Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapara near Paradip and a Rs 21,500-crore Bahuda satellite port in Ganjam district.Under the leadership of Chief Minister Majhi and Prime Minister Modi, we are striving to position Odisha as a prime destination for investors. Our current focus is on transitioning from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven industry.ET: As you also oversee the Skill Development & Technical Education Department, what measures is the government implementing to enhance skilled manpower and promote entrepreneurship in the state?SCS: The World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar offers specialised, one-year vocational training programmes in high-demand sectors, emphasising advanced technical skills and hands-on experience to ensure global employability. These centres, along with IITs, are preparing a workforce ready for new-age industries. Through such Centres of Excellence, Odisha’s youth are being equipped to meet the demands of emerging sectors, including semiconductors. The state is advancing rapidly in skill development, ensuring that young people become highly skilled and prepared for high-tech industries. Additionally, initiatives are in place to support youth entrepreneurship, enabling them to create opportunities rather than solely relying on jobs.ET: Are you planning to increase the budget allocation for the state’s skill development schemes to ensure that more youth can benefited from them?SCS: We receive funding from both the state and central governments, as well as from various corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions. Recently, we secured funds to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on skilling in mining, logistics, and critical minerals. This CoE aims to address skill gaps and develop a highly skilled workforce for the sector by offering training at global standards. It will help create a strong pipeline of trained professionals, leveraging Odisha’s immense potential for economic growth and job creation in the mining industry. Several other similar projects are also underway.ET: How is Odisha promoting ease of doing business in the state? Additionally, how is the government supporting MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) and start-ups to help them integrate into larger industrial value chains?SCS: Odisha has introduced the MSME Vendor Connect Series to build stronger linkages between MSMEs and large industries, thereby supporting the overall growth of the MSME ecosystem in the state. The focus is on aligning with the requirements of large industries for ancillary and downstream units. To this end, the government is ensuring robust policies, capital investment subsidies, and reimbursement support. Efforts are also underway to strengthen MSMEs through initiatives like dedicated MSME parks. Similar support measures are being extended to nurture startups in the state.Odisha is actively advancing Ease of Doing Business (EODB) through its integrated single-window online portal and dedicated support mechanisms, such as the Investor Facilitation Agency and IPICOL. Recently, the state was recognised by the central government with the ‘Best Achiever’ award for its efforts in this area.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!

Read More News onIPICOLMohan Charan MajhiOdishasemiconductor mission Odishasampad chandra swainMSMEUtkarsh OdishaOdisha TEX 2025

Nominate your pick for ET MSME Awards 2025 by Oct 15….moreless

Read More News onIPICOLMohan Charan MajhiOdishasemiconductor mission Odishasampad chandra swainMSMEUtkarsh OdishaOdisha TEX 2025Nominate your pick for ET MSME Awards 2025 by Oct 15….moreless

Prime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth Edition123View all Stories