Bhubaneswar, 26 June (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday unveiled the ‘Go East’ platform at the CII Eastern Regional Council Meeting 2026 held at Mayfair Convention, presenting an ambitious roadmap to position Odisha as the leading industrial destination in eastern India over the next five years. The initiative aims to accelerate industrialisation not only in Odisha but across eastern and northeastern India by creating a structured investment ecosystem supported by policy reforms, institutional mechanisms, and faster project execution.

Explaining the initiative, the Chief Minister said ‘Go East’ stands for Government of Odisha – Eastern Investment Accelerator and Special Task Force. The platform is designed to encourage industries from eastern and northeastern states to expand operations in Odisha while retaining their existing industrial bases and markets in their home states. He said the initiative will function as a strategic partnership model offering investors policy support, faster approvals, and a business-friendly environment. “We are not just inviting investments; we are ensuring they are implemented in record time,” Majhi said.

To streamline implementation, the state will set up a high-level Special Task Force to coordinate inter-departmental clearances and fast-track industrial approvals. The state investment agency IPICOL will also establish a dedicated Go East Cell to assist investors across all stages of project development. A new digital system, Go Swift, will enable real-time tracking of investment proposals and approvals, aimed at reducing delays and improving transparency.

A key feature of the initiative is its focus on inclusive development. Under the framework, border and backward districts of Odisha are expected to receive increased industrial investments through new industrial growth centres. The goal is to generate employment, improve infrastructure, and integrate underdeveloped regions into the industrial mainstream.

The government also announced key amendments to the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR)-2022. As part of the revision, 15 districts—including Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Gajapati—have been designated as ‘Thrust Sector’ regions for non-mineral-based industries. Officials said the move will promote diversification beyond mining and strengthen manufacturing-led growth while reducing regional inequalities.

The Chief Minister highlighted improvements under Deregulation 1.0 and 2.0 reforms, which have reduced project approval timelines from around 400 days to under 160 days. The government aims to bring it below 100 days to make Odisha one of India’s fastest states in industrial clearances.

Since June 2024, Odisha has approved 477 industrial projects worth ₹9.5 lakh crore, expected to generate around six lakh jobs. Of these, 12 large projects worth over ₹3.11 lakh crore have already completed grounding and are nearing inauguration. Majhi said Odisha is transitioning from a mineral-dependent economy to a diversified industrial hub, focusing on sectors such as steel, aluminium, chemicals, petrochemicals, semiconductors, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain highlighted Odisha’s skilled workforce and ongoing skill development initiatives aligned with industry needs. He said the ‘Go East’ initiative would create new employment opportunities in backward regions. Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma presented Odisha’s industrial progress, showcasing improvements in single-window clearance, infrastructure, and connectivity.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda