Bhubaneswar, 10 August (H.S.): Describing Ganjam as a land of immense potential, rich in art, skills, and hard-working people, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday emphasized that the dream of a developed Odisha cannot be realized without the development of Ganjam district. Speaking at the ‘Garib Kalyan and Vikas Sammelan’ in Chhatrapur, Pradhan called for a robust roadmap to strengthen the district’s economic foundation and leverage its human resources to create maximum employment opportunities.
Recalling the historical significance of the region, Pradhan noted that while the foundation of Odisha was laid at the Eidgah Maidan in Cuttack, the first Rambha Conference held at the Rambha Palace through the efforts of King Harihar Mardaraj of Khallikote proposed the formation of a formal committee to safeguard the interests of Odia people. He praised the industriousness of Ganjam residents, who have contributed to the economies of states such as Gujarat by working in places like Surat.
Expressing concern over the district’s slow progress under past leadership, Pradhan lamented that many young people are compelled to leave their homes and families in search of livelihoods elsewhere. “Without Ganjam’s progress, a developed Odisha is not possible,” he said, adding that strengthening the district’s industrial base is a shared responsibility.
Highlighting recent initiatives, Pradhan credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Berhampur, built at a cost of ₹1,100 crore to promote science education. He also noted that the “double engine” government has allocated nearly ₹200 crore to enhance infrastructure and education quality at Berhampur University.
In a major technological step, IREL (India) Limited has launched an initiative to convert saline water into potable water using advanced technology to address drinking water shortages. Further, institutions such as MKCG Medical College, Khallikote Unitary University, College of Art and Crafts (Khallikote), Army Defence College, and the College of Fisheries will be developed to better utilize local talent.
Pradhan announced that roadshows will soon be organized in other states to attract investments in small-scale industries and the MSME sector in Ganjam. He urged the youth to aspire not only for employment but also to become job creators. Reviving and promoting the handloom sector, he added, is also a key responsibility.
The event saw the participation of Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi, Aska MP Anita Subhadarshini, and local MLAs.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
