1. The voice of a resurgent Orissa Inaugural Issue 2010
RESPONSIBLE
COMPENSATION
Dr. Sudhakar Panda, Chairman,
State Finance Commission,
explains the success of Orissa’s
developmental model
INSPIRING
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
REVERSING
BRAIN DRAIN
Abhijit Sen, Head, Infosys
(Bhubaneswar), appraises the
success of Infosys within the
context of a re-energised Orissa
ODISSI.
COMING A FULL CIRCLE.
ORISSA
AWAKENING
TO A NEW DAWN

2. Murlidhar C. Bhandare
GOVERNOR, ORISSA
MESSAGE
I am glad to know that the inaugural issue of "ODISHA ... The voice
of a resurgent Orissa", a magazine on Orissa is being brought out.
Orissa is a land of rich cultural heritage and tradition with a glorious
past. It is a land of art and artists where art achieves excellence and many
great artists born here have taken the art to the pinnacle with their talent
and devotion. Often called the Beauty Queen of the East, the state
possesses immense tourism potential that however needs to be tapped
and projected properly before the outer world to reap rich benefits from the
tourism sector.
Orissa is now on a defining state to script a new destiny by giving
priority on alleviation of poverty and increase in literacy as poverty and
illiteracy are the two ugly spots on the beautiful face of Orissa. The
initiative taken in bringing out a magazine showcasing the state's
magnificence as well as potential and possibilities in different sectors is
indeed commendable and I am sure the maiden venture will go a long
way in projecting the true picture of Orissa before global readers.
I wish the endeavour and publication all success.
(Murlidhar C. Bhandare)
RAJ BHAVAN, BHUBANESWAR-751008
Tel: 91-674-2536111/2536222 Fax: 91-674-2536582, E-mail: govori@ori.nic.in Website: www.rajbhavanorissa.gov.in

3. ORISSA
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
et another year has brought with it taking a concrete shape. The passing of
Y new possibilities, new challenges,
renewed vigour and greater impetus for
the Vedanta University Bill in the state
assembly has re-affirmed our
dynamic growth reaching new conviction that Orissa is on the verge of
horizons. a knowledge revolution. We are doubly
determined to build this world-class
The Vedanta Group is spreading roots
university, which will nurture a global
across the globe. But Orissa has always
community of knowledge seekers.
been close to our heart. The state is
ideally positioned to see phenomenal I am happy to see the launch of the
all-round growth in the next decade. Its magazine ‘Odisha’. The attempt to
potential for economic growth, rich showcase the different facets of a
natural resources and cultural legacy resurgent Orissa through this magazine
and most importantly, the people, will do wonders in unveiling the state’s
provide an ideal platform for a giant manifold possibilities before a global
leap into a glorious future. We are readership.
proud to be a part of this trajectory and
I have absolutely no doubt that Orissa
will continue to focus our energy on
is set to script one of the nation’s most
investments in various sectors – thanks
exceptional success stories.
The Vedanta Group is spreading to the unstinted and continued support
roots across the globe. But of the people of Orissa.
Orissa has always been close to At a more personal level, I am most
our heart. excited at the prospect of seeing my Anil Agarwal
dream project, ‘the Vedanta University’ Chairman, Vedanta Group
3

4. Over the last few years, a ISSUE 1
CEO SPEAK resurgent Orissa has been Executive editor: Mudar Patherya
increasingly in the news. There Editorial team: Dr. Itishree Devi from
is growing evidence of Orissa Vedanta Aluminium Limited
reporting improvements across Editorial contact:
various indicators, whether it is communications@vedanta.co.in
industrial investments,
educational campuses, infant
mortality, software exports, the
14
ease of doing business and
lastly – the summation of all
that has transpired – real-estate
valuations.
This transformation is rapidly attracting global attention and
investors are knocking on Orissa’s doors for capital
opportunities, which will ultimately set the growth Kalikesh Singh Deo shares
momentum rolling in the state. This magazine has been his vision of
created with the singular objective of documenting and DREAM ORISSA
tracing Orissa’s traction towards the positive.
There is a new buzz about Orissa – a willingness of
16
entrepreneurs to commission fresh businesses, an ease of
living that is better than a number of Indian equivalents, a
growing appreciation of the capital’s clean air, a widening
respect for the governance and, remarkably, this change is
permeating right down to growing prosperity for the ones
6
who most need it – communities at the grassroots.
There is a necessity to evaluate and project the state’s
developments for the world to take note of. Hence the need
to review the transformation; to recognise strengths and
achievements; to give greater momentum to the state’s
amazing success stories by highlighting the positive for ORISSA’S
onward replication and urging the people to participate in it VISION 2030
pro-actively. HOPE
Mr. Lalit Mansingh gets
This magazine, in chronicling positive change, will focus on
candid about Orissa
doing what most don’t. Reinforcing the positive. Enhancing
hope.
With my best regards, 18
10
M. Siddiqi
ROAD MAP
OPINION
Jay Panda, substantiates
Orissa’s prospects
4

5. 22 42
32 52
MANAGING SANDMASTER
EXPECTATIONS Unconventional
art in Orissa
Dr Sudhakar Panda explains
the success of Orissa’s
developmental model
REVERSING MAKING A
BRAIN DRAIN DIFFERENCE
Abhijit Sen, reviews Infosys’
success story in Orissa
24 44
34 54
LARGEST BORN AGAIN
Vedanta Aluminium Limited’s -BNR BHUBANESHWAR
endeavours in Orissa VEDANTA Rediscovering the past means business
UNIVERSITY
40 56
30 “
“
48
ODISSI ORISSA
coming a full circle OPINIONS
INSPIRING
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Mr. Pankaj Khanna CHILIKA
shares his optimism A natural wonder
5

6. HOPE “TALKING, DISCUSSING AND ARRIVING AT AN
AMICABLE AGREEMENT IS KEY TO USHERING IN A
NEW WAVE OF DEVELOPMENT ACROSS ORISSA.
THIS IS NO ROCKET SCIENCE.”
IT IS REFRESHING TO MEET MR LALIT MANSINGH, FORMER INDIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE USA,
WHO SPEAKS CANDIDLY ABOUT ORISSA, HIS BIRTHPLACE. MR MANSINGH (HE ALSO SERVED AS
THE HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE UK) IS FORTHRIGHT ON A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES - AND
SOLUTIONS - CONFRONTING THE STATE. THE CENTRE PIECE OF HIS STRATEGY IS THE CREATION
OF AN OPEN FORUM TO PROMOTE AN HONEST DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE STATE’S THREE MOST
IMPORTANT STAKEHOLDERS – THE GOVERNMENT, INVESTORS AND LANDHOLDERS. INTERVIEW
EXCERPTS FOLLOW.
Q. Your career has been long and associated with a number of NGOs and of pride to mobilise local and
illustrious. What keeps you busy after am building a broad consensus among administrative support.
retirement? Delhi’s think-tank to formulate
acceptable solutions for Orissa. Q. Please elaborate on your initiatives
A. Good question. People do different to bring Orissa to the fore.
things after retirement – they sit at Q. Why are you so passionate about
A. During my father’s time, one had to
home, listen to music, read newspapers, the state’s development?
walk almost 60 miles to study, so we
go for long walks and watch life go by. I
A. Orissa is among the richest states in donated land to build a school at the
find myself in that situation as well.
terms of tangible and intangible Nandala village, my birthplace. Besides,
However, after returning in 2004 from
resources. It holds the country’s largest
an assignment in Washington, I spent
reserves of iron ore with a fair share of Orissa is among the richest
considerable time in Orissa pursuing
coal, which represent basic inputs in states in terms of both tangible
opportunities that could perpetuate
steel manufacture. Its art forms (Odissi
development with the maximum and intangible resources. It
and patta-chitra paintings, among
societal impact.
others) are internationally renowned. holds the country’s largest
Relevantly, I became an INTACH However, neglect and limited resources reserves of iron ore with a fair
(Indian National Trust for Art and undermined the preservation of this share of coal, which represent
Cultural Heritage) convenor and later glorious past and it was opportune
basic inputs in steel
also took on other State-centric when INTACH’s chairman requested
assignments. The result is that I am me to take up this cause. It was a matter manufacture.
6 7

7. It is a good sign that Vedanta
has taken a holistic
developmental view
comprising industrial and
educational growth.
V I E W S
we organised a Maya Sandhya dance and insensitivity of the bureaucracy, been misinterpreted and not reached its
festival in Delhi in 2007 in the memory there is growing grassroots optimism, intended audience. Talking, discussing
of my poet father Mr. Mayadhar which is spurring development. I find and arriving at an amicable agreement
Mansingh comprising Odissi, Kathak communities, neglected for years, is key to ushering in a new wave of
and Bharatnatyam, which was attended assuming responsibility for creating development across Orissa, which is no
by dignitaries like the former Minister sustainable growth and forming self- rocket science.
of Culture and Tourism Mrs. Ambika help groups. This is resulting in income
“The Persians talked of
At present, the dialogue is restricted to
Soni, Dr. Karan Singh, Dr. Farooq growth, enhanced nutrition for their Orissa’s prosperity and high
investors and the government and the
Abdullah and other connoisseurs. This children, better public facilities and standard of living…”
message has not been rightly ‘delivered’
event was also held in Bhubaneshwar, other social infrastructure.
to the real beneficiaries. A tri-lateral Q. Can you dwell on the history
where traditional costumes, saris and
dialogue between three interested of Orissa?
hand-woven shawls brightened the Q. Will the coming decade see bigger
parties is a must for differences between
stage. development in Orissa than has been A. The Persians talked of Orissa’s
stakeholders to be ironed out.
seen in the last sixty years? prosperity and high standard of
Q. In addition to INTACH, you also
It is a good sign that Vedanta has taken living from the 16th century
worked with a number of NGOs to A. Yes. For one, the state is endowed
a holistic developmental view onwards. Orissa’s peak was in the
catalyse Orissa’s development. with rich wildlife, beaches and forests,
comprising industrial and educational 13th century when the famous
which offer tremendous scope for
A. Absolutely, because statistics reveal growth. I think the idea of an Konarak Temple was built, the
tourism development along with
that Orissa is among the poorest Indian international university is great and last flicker of a great civilization.
agriculture and industry. In the last few
states and in some way I felt being next to Puri, a traditional and Since then it started to decline but
years, Orissa’s GDP growth has almost
responsible. This is what I observed: a cultural hub, it could be an added this was not visible until the 16th
matched India’s economy. Roads and
large number of NGOs were scattered attraction for people from all over the century when it was attacked by
schools have come up, people are better
across Orissa. My understanding was world to visit the state. the Afghans ruling Bengal and
fed, consumerism is rising and a
that if development was to acquire any results in primary healthcare being as well as round-the-clock water supply other northern and southern
number of knowledge-led industries are
scale, these NGOs needed to be Q. What would be the triggers of delivered largely by untrained, in toilets will go a long way in empires. Then came the Mughals,
being commissioned, leveraging
consolidated around a common Orissa’s development? unlicensed and unregulated rural improving health and lifestyle Marathas and the British, the last
resident intellectual capital.
platform. I organised a meeting to share A. One, a ramp-up in the state’s medical practitioners. It is possible to standards. rule marked by floods, droughts,
NGO information and best practices, While there is an air of prosperity about use technology to train and monitor the epidemics and famines every few
education system as we are not Four, irrigation facilities have to be
attended by more than 50 NGOs. This Bhubaneshwar, the state will do better activities of these rural medical years. The British divided the state
producing quality graduates. When I upgraded as the state witnesses
was followed by more meetings to when our large rural populace is practitioners and connect them to into several provinces; there was
was a student it was an established fact abundant rainfall and is blessed by
create a sustainable development cycle equipped with the necessary resources urban doctors through voice or video to nothing left of Orissa as a state.
that unless one went out of Orissa, many rivers. Besides, more than 60% of
independent of political intervention. I and infrastructure as well. When mega strengthen the state’s healthcare The movement for an
there was no chance of career growth. Orissa goes without irrigation since
would say that we have succeeded to projects are implemented and our services. independent Orissa started in the
So this improvement will not only help dams and bunds are monsoon-
some extent on this front. people are convinced that these are for early 20th century and the state
retain local talent but also accelerate Three, clean water supply needs to be dependant. Orissa can become India’s
their good, we will outpace every other became a reality only in 1937.
reverse migration. adequate. In pockets, where one of the bread basket if irrigation is
Q. What is the most visible change state in the country.
NGOs I have been associated with, strengthened.
sweeping across Orissa today? Two, health standards need to be raised
Q. What is the Vedanta Group’s role provided 24-hour clean water supply,
as Orissa has one of India’s worst Five, governance improvement is
A. The most ‘visible’ change is the disease incidence declined 80%. The
in catalysing Orissa’s development? maternal and infant mortality rates. In warranted as certain Orissa districts are
mindset. Despite centuries of ineptitude need for education in hygienic practices
rural areas, a lack of basic medical care plagued by Naxalites and rebel factions.
A. I think Vedanta’s core message has
8 9

8. O P I N I O N
JAY PANDA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FROM
KENDRAPARA (ORISSA), EXPLAINS WHY HE IS
OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ORISSA’S PROSPECTS
Q. Why are you positive about Orissa 50 years since national independence.
today? A. This answer needs a holistic
A. A small correction. I have always been understanding. Orissa, better known as
positive about Orissa for a number of Kalinga and subsequently Utkala, was a
reasons – captive availability of rich mineral great part of India more than 2000 years
resources, a legacy of cultural diversity, a ago. However, the state was blighted for
long coastline and rich bio-diversity centuries including 55 years of its history
reflected in the largest lake and forest in post-India’s Independence, under-
India. A close appraisal of Orissa from any performing most national averages.
angle cannot but reaffirm this optimism.
There was perhaps a reason for this.
Although Orissa is rich in mineral
Q. A number of observers question why the
resources, the central government’s freight
state could not achieve much for more than
equalisation policy encouraged downstream
10 11

9. O P I N I O N
sectors to be set up just about reality across the state, paving the way been the other challenges of the Naveen commission facilities in Bhubaneswar.
everywhere across the country except The big change that we have now seen in for resurgence. Patnaik government?
A major aspect of the state’s sustainable
ironically where they would have been
the most suited – at the pithead. In an
Orissa is that those found guilty are not Q. So what has changed in Orissa in
A. Some of the challenges that the success is its inclusive growth, implying
economically illogical provision, the being spared irrespective of their the last few years?
Naveen Patnaik government inherited
include: a virtually bankrupt state with
that the related benefits are reaching the
masses, otherwise deprived for
government compensated freight from
the pithead to steel manufacturing
position, connection or clout. A. Governance. In the last few a financially overdrawn position generations. Orissa reported the fastest
decades, public representatives in virtually every day of the year. A sizable improvement in the reduction of child
locations. Consequently, while certain
regions started manufacturing steel,
Orissa reported the fastest Orissa often acted with impunity; over investment going into the state’s malnourishment over the last decade at
the last nine years, the big change has
others – regions with adequate improvement in reduction of child been a culture of accountability. It is no
irrigation and water management
schemes with relatively minimal
10%, as against the average national
improvement of 6%. Moreover, in
resources – were overlooked for
malnourishment over the last decade at longer what the elected representatives benefits reaching the public. A general terms of infant mortality – generally a
Q
decades. have done but also how they have done morale that with so many leaks, the primary health indicator – Orissa
Orissa – one of the world’s richest
10%, as against the average national so, that has made all the difference. state was not going anywhere. improved its position from the bottom
mineral hubs – ended up exporting its improvement of 6%. of the list of Indian states to fourth
A
ore to other states, boosting Q. In what way? from the bottom and on the basis of
employment and economic A. Like most other Indian states, programmes already implemented,
opportunities at these locations at the Orissa was afflicted by corruption. expects to graduate to the top quartile
cost of its own well-being. Public project benefits did not reach over the next five to seven years.
Q. How did the scenario change?
A. A number of developments over the
last decade converged into an inflection
beneficiaries, public funds often being
apportioned by private interests. Today,
this scenario has drastically changed
and those found guilty are not being
& We demonstrated something far more
challenging – that we can transform our
destinies collectively. This has
happened most visibly in the Paani
point in Orissa’s history. spared irrespective of their position, Panchayat Programme, which is a
connection or clout. The result is best people’s co-operative in the
One, the freight equalisation policy was
showcased in the Rs 2 per kg of rice management of precious water
scrapped in the early Nineties,
programme conducted in the state. The resources across Orissa.
increasing raw material transportation
food security programme came about We are positioning Orissa as a
cost from pitheads to manufacturing
with the state government spending Q. So what is your overall take on the
locations. global showcase in the area of
Rs 850 crore annually to make it future of Orissa?
Two, a commodity and metals boom happen. I am pleased to state that there sustainable development.
A. We are positioning Orissa as a
transpired across the world some years was no leakage and mismanagement in
global showcase in the area of
later, prompting large investments in its implementation, monitored
Q. Give us a few examples of the sustainable development where on the
upstream and downstream sectors. personally by the Chief Minister.
state’s ‘resurgence’. one hand, the state will emerge as a
Three, China emerged as the There is another aspect to this global hub in metals, education,
A. In the last few years, Bhubaneswar
undisputed global commodity centre of governance. A strict quarterly information technology and tourism,
gravity and Orissa was recognised as monitoring system makes decision has emerged as one of India’s fastest
and on the other, in the area of
the closest sustainable supplier of makers accountable and responsible. growing technical education centres,
grassroots prosperity. We have already
metals or mineral resources. While it would have been easy to over- prompting comparisons with Pune. The
embarked on this inclusive journey!
project the number of MoUs signed, I education centres are likely to enhance
Four, the government introduced Orissa to become a supplier to the rest Q. Why is the fifth point important?
can state that some MoUs have actually value to the local population and
regulatory changes in the power sector, of the country.
A. Naveen Patnaik was elected into been cancelled because there was no additionally draw students from other
rebalancing investments between the Fifth, Naveen Patnaik’s election as chief states, many of whom are expected to
office in 2000, then again in 2004 and progress in the projects – six of the
electricity generation and transmission minister in 2000 and re-election for two seek employment within and stay back.
yet again in 2009. A party being voted original 42 MoUs signed for steel, for
segments; the government made it successive terms laid the foundation of Besides, the growth of these technical
to office for the third successive time instance.
possible for generators to trade power a stable and pragmatic political education institutes will encourage a
reflects political stability and positive
across regions, enabling resource-rich environment. number of IT companies to
change in the fundamental grassroots Q. Apart from governance, what have
12 13

10. O P I N I O N
“OUR OBJECTIVE
IS TO EMERGE
AMONG THE TOP
FIVE INDIAN
STATES BY 2020”
BY KALIKESH SINGH DEO, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
The Naveen Patnaik to analyse progress. If Orissa
government’s vision of successfully mobilises all its available
Orissa by 2020 can be natural and economic resources and
broadly categorised into motivates people and organisations
three overarching objectives. towards the vision, I am confident
Orissa will emerge as a model for the
1. Emerging among rest of India.”
the top five Indian The numbers indicate that perhaps the
states beginning towards this ambitious but
challenging journey has already been
“I dream of an Orissa
2. Achieving a Is this possible?
made. A paper was formulated taking
into consideration the 7.3% growth rate
where the main purpose of the government is not merely to govern, but
consistent 9-10% during 2002-06, agriculture growth rate
where law, policy and strategy liberate and give purpose to individuals
“Orissa can indeed achieve this vision
annual growth by capitalising on its cultural and
of 3% in 2002-03 to 2005-06, besides
and institutions in their functioning… where every individual is
projections by McKinsey, Morgan educated, self-sufficient and empowered… where empowerment does not
economic strengths,” states a review of
3. Reducing the this vision document by Kalikesh
Stanley and the Centre for Monitoring end at the affluent individual but extends to the underprivileged. The
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo
poverty level from Narayan Singh Deo, Member of
Indian Economy (CMIE). For instance, realisation of this vision does not end at attaining the specific targets comes from the erstwhile royal
47% to below 10% Parliament from Bolangir, Orissa. “Of
in 2005, McKinsey predicted a 7%
growth rate over 10-12 years, while
within, rather these targets are merely the horizon of what we now see, family of Bolangir. He is a
Member of Parliament from
course, the ability to ensure investment and once attained, will reveal another more beautiful horizon beyond.
Morgan Stanley Global Economic Bolangir, Orissa and was the
The vision paper ‘envisions a society in the acquisition and development of
Though the state may be tested by floods, cyclones and other natural youngest member of the Orissa
which, by the year 2020, has a well Forum's 2005 report indicated that
its mineral resource base, along with State Assembly. Was a member of
diversified and prosperous economy Orissa would emerge as India’s metal calamities... our vision is to see the state pass through every trial,
drawing in and channelising all the Public Accounts Committee
business hub, attracting investments up and Energy Committee. Elected to
that attains rapid and sustainable available human resource, will be key to unhindered in its purpose, self-reliant, self-sustaining and outward
development, in which all citizens have to USD30-40 billion in five years. To the House in 2004 at the age of
realising this vision. The stakeholders reaching, a perfect expression of the principles enshrined in the
top it, CMIE ranked Orissa number one 29, he won from the Saintala
ample opportunities to realise their need to inculcate a broad vision and
in investment project value under Constitution of India.” Assembly Constituency.
potential and enjoy a high quality of increased efficiency in governance, Represented India in shooting
life.’ implementation.
while planning and establishing systems Kalikesh Singh Deo and basketball.
14 15

11. ORISSA’S
VISION
2030
The Bhubaneswar region on the other and commerce. third lowest population growth rate
hand, conceived after independence, among all states. The literacy rate is
The present and future of the
experienced tremendous growth. marginally lower than the national
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Urban Complex
Administrative and institutional mark.
is intertwined with the state’s overall
activities contributed to the increase in
development. A brief look into Orissa’s Development of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack
the volume of trade and commerce
demographic and socio-economic Urban Complex, if efficiently and
activity. Bhubaneswar, well connected
profile indicates it as one of the least equitably managed, will trigger
with Cuttack (30 km) through rail and
urbanised among India’s major states collateral development of its adjoining
road linkages (NH-5 and Howrah-
(14.7% of the state population resides in hinterland, which in turn would help
Chennai Rail route), possesses
urban areas). Besides, 70% of the raise the level of overall welfare in this
tremendous potential to act as a
population is engaged in agrarian part of the region.
complementary growth centre to
activities. However, the state has the
Kolkata in the eastern region for trade
The Vision for the planning area has been perceived around the following core ideas:
1. Cuttack and Bhubaneswar as twin cities.
2. Transformation of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Urban Complex to a world-class urban centre to serve as an important gateway
for national and international investments.
3. Promotion of cultural, built and natural heritage in a sustainable manner.
The road map to achieve this Vision will include the following:
Generate higher service facilities for attracting various developmental activities, investors and industrial houses
Generate facilities and activities to support small investors, informal sectors and slum inhabitants and rural migrants
he Government of Orissa, under Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Urban Complex on neighbourhood planning concept by Improve the transport network system for faster communication and high standard linkages between the growth centres and
T the Technology Mission, initiated a
proposal towards the formulation of a
to the Department of Architecture and
Regional Planning IIT Kharagpur for
the internationally acclaimed urban
planner, Otto. H. Koenigsbargein. The
their rural hinterlands
Provide decent housing for all sections of people living in the region
development plan for its capital region. the holistic and integrated development total planned area stretches across 720
Transform the whole region to a pollution free zone with conservation of bio-diversity and environment
This was followed by an interactive of the region. The concept paper is sq. km covering 1.58 million population
process between the Department of currently being initiated to invite inputs (Census, 2001). Frame land policies and development proposals for eradicating bottlenecks for future development
Architecture and Regional Planning, from stakeholders as a first step towards
Cuttack, with 195 sq. km and 0.64 Formulate disaster management policies to tackle natural hazards
IIT Kharagpur and the Government of participatory planning.
million people, is the nerve centre of
Orissa. Provide high levels of physical and social infrastructure ensuring safe drinking water, improved sanitation, well distributed
trade and commerce for the state.
Planning region education, health, recreation and cultural facilities
Eventually, a memorandum of Paradeep port, 70 km from Cuttack,
understanding (MoU) was signed The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Urban provides an excellent opportunity as an Convert the region to a learning and cultural centre for the state as well as nation
where the Housing and Urban Complex comprises two major urban industrial destination based on port
centres namely Cuttack, the erstwhile Transform the region to a hub of tourism through preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage
Development Department transhipment functions. During the last
(Government of Orissa), assigned the state capital, and Bhubaneswar, the decade, Cuttack’s growth has slowed Design an effective development control mechanism with a high value of public serviceability
task of preparing a Perspective Plan present state capital. The former is a due to spatial restrictions on its future Re-energise the institutional and administrative system to manage future urban development in the region
Vision 2030 and Comprehensive traditional Indian town organically growth directions as well as its
Development Plan for the developed over time, while the latter unplanned city structure. Source: Rewritten and extracted from Vision 2030: A Concept Paper; courtesy: IIT Kharagpur
was conceived as a modern metropolis
16 17

12. rissa’s new Industrial Policy resulted in a bevy of the country’s top around 20,000 jobs by 2010. Lanjigarh is progressing towards projects in Paradeep. The state is capacity in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh.
O was formulated to attract
large industrial investments to
corporate houses including the Tatas,
the Aditya Birla group, Ruias,
I Steel investments: About 49 MoUs
commissioning. Work has also started
on the Aditya Birla Group’s aluminium
creating a mega petroleum, chemicals
and petrochemicals investment region
I Ship-building and ship repair
have been signed for setting up about investments: Bharati Shipyard and the
catalyse industrial resurgence. aluminium major Vedanta, IT giants smelter in Jharsuguda. in Paradeep.
Rs 200,000 crore of new steel plants, Apeejay Surrendra Group have
This new policy promoted the (Infosys and Satyam) as well as
entailing an estimated annual I IT/ITeS investments: Orissa is an I Energy and power investments: proposed to set up mega shipyards at
implementation of a single Arcelor-Mittal making a beeline to
production of about 74.66 million emerging IT/ITeS hub comprising Around 13 thermal power projects are the Dhamra port.
window to facilitate and invest in Orissa, transforming this
tonnes – this is nearly 50% more than brand-enhancing names like Infosys, under consideration with a capacity of
neglected state into a potential I Infrastructure investments: A
streamline the establishment of the entire production of India Satyam, Wipro, TCS, Mindtree, ICICI 13,500 MW entailing an USD 11 bn
new businesses in the state with industrial hub. massive investment is being undertaken
combined. A number of these Bank and Genpact, among others. More investment. The private players setting
assistance from the World Bank. for the development of industrial,
For instance, the Tata Group plans to companies have either started than 300 such small and medium up power projects include Tata Power,
Combining training and technical economic and social infrastructure to
invest Rs. 30,000 crores in a new steel production or are at the construction enterprises are present in the state. This Reliance Energy, Sterlite Energy,
assistance, the World Bank reinforce the steel and mining
plant, port, multi-product SEZ, power stage. has inspired the state to set an export Mahanadi Aban, Monnet Ispat, Essar
Institute helped build the capacity corridors. A major expansion of the
plant, hotels as well as an expansion of target of USD 1,000 mn by 2011-12 and Power, Lanco Group, NavBharat
I Aluminium investments: MoUs have Paradeep port is underway. The
of key institutions in Orissa to its existing units. The Vedanta Group related employment for around 200,000 Power, CESC and GMR Energy, among
facilitate investments. been signed for setting up two alumina Government of India has approved 12
has planned to invest Rs. 47,000 crores software professionals by 2015. others. The state is also considering
refinery projects entailing an SEZs (including four IT SEZs). Around
The results are visible: it now takes in various projects like alumina various mini-hydel projects with a
investment of Rs.25,000 crore. Various I Petrochemical investments: IOC is four new ports worth USD 2 bn in
only 52 days to start a business in production as well as world-class combined capacity of 100 MW. Sterlite
units from within Vedanta’s alumina investing USD 6 bn for a 15 mtpa mega investments are coming up at Dhamra,
Orissa compared with the 79 days education infrastructure. Besides, the Industries is planning to invest
plant in Jharsuguda have been petrochemical complex. Deepak Gopalpur, Jatadhari Muhana and
it took to do so before the reform IT/ITeS industry expects to create Rs 20,000 crore towards 4,500 MW
completed, while its alumina refinery at Fertilisers is investing in two chemical Kirtania. A bio-pharma park in
process in 2004; the state attracted
some of the largest and most Capital: Bhubaneswar
respectable names resulting in Area: 1,55,707 square kilometres
Orissa at a glance
Memorandums of Understanding Population 2001: 3,68,04,660 FDI projects in Orissa
(MoU) of around Rs 600,000 cr “Orissa shall emerge as a
Per capita income 2005-06: Rs. 13,979 Sector Companies
and the prospect of generating centre for metals
significant employment and spin- Urban population: 14.97% Steel POSCO, Arcelor Mittal
business in India and
off opportunities; per capita Literacy rate: 63.08% (all-India 65%) Alumina/aluminium Dubai Aluminium, Alcan, Vedanta attract investments up to
investment in Orissa was Districts: 30 Titanium products JSC Technochim Holding (Russia) USD 30-40 billion over
Rs. 78,569 in December 2007 Towns: 138 Lime Lhoist (Belgium) the next five years.”
compared to the national average
Villages: 51,350 Ports Noble Shipping (Hong Kong) Morgan Stanley Global
of Rs. 22,669. Economy
Principal crops: Rice, pulses, oilseeds Industrial gas Air Liquide (France)
Forum – 2005
Major investments Major industries: Steel, aluminium, power, cement,
The change of policy and other mineral-based and paper
necessary infrastructure development
18 19

13. A number on Orissa
Bhubaneswar through the PPP route university with a projected annual
will widen the state’s pharmaceutical intake of 100,000 students across 95
industry. The state is also planning to disciplines; other national level
commission an integrated textiles park technical and health institutes are also Rs. 78,569 54.97% 71%
and auto complex at Choudwar along under development. Per capita investment in Orissa, Percentage of India’s bauxite Percentage of India’s graphite ore
with extensive rural electrification December 2007 reserves located in Orissa reserves located in Orissa
programmes. Besides, the Airport Support for industry: harmonious
Authority of India has earmarked worker relations
investments for Bhubaneswar airport’s Orissa comprises about 14.3 million
modernisation. workers in an atmosphere marked by
Tourism investments: Orissa’s
industrial harmony. This is reflected in Rs. 22,669 95.26% 31%
the fact that of the 45 strikes that took Per capita investment in India, Percentage of India’s chromite Percentage of India’s China clay
tourist inflow has increased from 2.9
place in India between January 2007
million in 2000 to 5.3 million in 2006; December 2007 reserves located in Orissa reserves located in Orissa
and April 2007, only one occurred in
the corresponding inflow through
Orissa.
tourist expenditure increased from
USD 213 million to USD 600 million. Support for industry:
This is likely to attract growing infrastructure
investments. Orissa has 238,000 km of roads 32.54% 92.46% 18%
(3,508 km national highways, 5,102 km Percentage of India’s iron ore Percentage of India’s nickel ore Percentage of India’s dolomite
Support for industry: human reserves located in Orissa reserves located in Orissa ore reserves located in Orissa
state highways and 30 km state
resource development
expressways). Over USD 5 bn
Orissa is optimistic of meeting the
investment is expected in the state’s
needs of the growing people and
road sector and around USD 1.5 bn
competence needs of industrial
investment in its railways in five years.
investors. The state is emerging as a
hub for engineering, management and
The state has four ports along its 480- 24.48% 67% 65%
km long coastline, enhancing capacity Percentage of India’s coal Percentage of India’s manganese Percentage of India’s pyrophilite
medical education in eastern India. It
in some and commissioning new ones. reserves located in Orissa ore reserves located in Orissa reserves located in Orissa
possesses nine universities, 88
engineering/MCA colleges and 18 The result is that over the last five years,
medical colleges. The result is that Orissa has seen a marked increase in
around 20,000 B.Tech/MCA students, income and decline in poverty. The
3,000 management professionals and state’s economic growth has risen from
50,000 general graduates pass out 4% in the 1990s to about 8.5% in the last
Orissa’s Industrial Policy Resolution, 2007 Orissa’s State Reservoir Fishery Policy
annually from Orissa. Over the five years (all-India average 7.8%). The
foreseeable future, even this number is per capita net state domestic product Transform Orissa into a vibrant industrialised state Generate gainful rural employment with special
expected to increase significantly; increased from Rs 10,567 to Rs 20,240 Enhance the share of industries in State Gross Domestic Product reference to the fishing communities
Vedanta is investing in a world-class between 1999-2000 and 2006-07. Promote orderly and environmentally sustainable industrial growth Introduce systematic management strategies both
Promote Orissa as a major manufacturing hub for conservation and sustained fish production
Maximise employment generation opportunities Attract increasing investments from private sector
Maximise linkages between micro, small, medium and large industries and Stimulate entrepreneurship for fishery sector with
make efforts for the development of ancillary and downstream industries special reference to reservoir fishery
Orissa’s Information Technology Policy Substitute traditional methods by the introduction
Promote employment intensive sectors such as handicrafts, handlooms, Khadi
Provide easy access to information and village industries, coir and salt of advanced technology in reservoir fishery
Encourage transparency in governance practice Promote sectors such as information technology, biotechnology, agro, marine Develop skill among fishermen/fisherwomen in
Promote door step delivery of host of services and food processing, tourism, textiles and automotive industries reservoir operation and organisational strengthening
Increase employment opportunities Promote revival and rehabilitation of potentially viable sick industries, Generate substantial revenue for the state
Offer a hassle-free and business friendly environment to the ICT entrepreneurs especially in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector Source: http://business.gov.in /investment_incentives
Narrow down the digital divide Maximise industry and institution linkages in areas such as manpower /investment_policies_ori.php
Attract investments into the state planning and research and development, among others
Achieve high export turnover and economic growth Make concerted efforts for balanced regional development
20 21