Finance
A World Bank delegation met with Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at the Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
The delegation, led by World Bank South Asia Regional Vice President Johannes Zutt and Regional Director Imad N. Fakhoury, met with Ahuja and discussed a variety of problems.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg of the State Planning Commission, Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma of the Industries, Information, and Public Relations Department, and Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, as well as other departmental secretaries.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja highlighted Odisha’s growth prospects, financial management, and various development programmes to the World Bank delegation. He discussed the state’s agriculture-based economy, industrial development, skill development, and port-led development, showcasing Odisha’s vast potential.
Anu Garg from the Planning Commission delivered the Vision Documents for Developed Odisha 2036 and Developed India 2047. She highlighted Odisha’s geography, population, development trajectory, education, health, and natural resources, underlining the state’s potential for growth as a result of its mineral wealth, long coastline, water supplies, and young workforce, as well as economic and financial stability.
The lecture focused on Odisha’s difficulties, which included natural disasters, poverty, skill development, tribal empowerment, infrastructure developments, and sustainable urban development. It also addressed developments in education, healthcare, and critical services. Dr. Padhee spoke about agriculture strategies, productivity development, diversification, and pest management, emphasizing the industry’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
The World Bank delegation praised Odisha’s development initiatives and future plans. They pledged to support the state in sectors such as skill development, agriculture, tourism, MSMEs, employment, long-term growth, and urban housing. The group also showed an interest in promoting Odisha as a top tourism destination and investigating investment prospects, and agreed to discuss international cooperation.
