Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan to review the progress of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, emphasising its critical role in employment generation and economic growth.
With over 11 lakh MSME units registered in the state, providing jobs to more than 87 lakh people, the sector is a cornerstone of Odisha’s economy.
The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the **Lakhpati Didi** program, which has empowered nearly 17 lakh women entrepreneurs. He directed officials to provide enhanced support to these women, enabling them to establish and scale MSME ventures. “The Lakhpati Didi initiative is transforming lives. By offering the right support, we can help these entrepreneurs achieve greater success in business and industry,” Majhi said.
To bolster the MSME ecosystem, Majhi instructed authorities to expedite the establishment of MSME parks in every district. These parks aim to provide infrastructure and resources to attract youth and foster entrepreneurship. He also stressed the importance of widespread awareness campaigns to draw more young people to the sector, which he described as a “field of vast opportunities.”
A key focus of the meeting was promoting the use of Odisha-made MSME products in government offices, schools, and colleges. Items such as furniture and uniforms should be sourced from local MSME units, Majhi emphasised, to boost demand and support small businesses. “This will provide a significant impetus to our MSME entrepreneurs,” he noted.
To enhance the sector’s global competitiveness, the Chief Minister called for improved cargo facilities via sea and air to facilitate exports. He also directed the MSME department to simplify loan processes and ensure banks provide adequate credit to entrepreneurs. Regular reviews will be conducted to monitor progress in this area.
The meeting also discussed expanding the **PM Vishwakarma Yojana** to include more beneficiaries and promoting cluster-based projects to strengthen the MSME framework. With Odisha’s MSME sector already a powerhouse, these initiatives signal the state’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and economic empowerment.
The review meeting was attended by MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary to CM Shashwat Mishra, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of MSME Department D. Prashant Kumar Reddy, and Director Abholi Sunil Narwane.
