CM Majhi Reviews MSME Department, Stresses Job Creation and Entrepreneurship
Focus on MSME parks in every district, stronger export network, and greater support for women entrepreneurs
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the functioning of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department at Lok Seva Bhawan and urged officials to accelerate initiatives designed to boost entrepreneurship and employment generation in Odisha.
During the review meeting, Majhi underscored the critical role of MSMEs in driving inclusive economic growth. “The MSME sector is a key pillar of employment and self-reliance. Our government will extend every possible support to nurture small enterprises and empower youth and women entrepreneurs,” he said.
The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite plans for establishing MSME parks in all districts of the state. These parks are expected to provide dedicated infrastructure, resources, and shared facilities to encourage small businesses and startups.
He also asked the department to conduct extensive awareness programmes to inspire more youth to take up entrepreneurship as a career path. According to Majhi, this will help diversify the state’s economy while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in both rural and urban areas.
Highlighting the achievements of the government’s flagship Lakhpati Didi programme, Majhi noted that nearly 17 lakh women across Odisha have become self-reliant entrepreneurs under this initiative. He instructed the department to extend further assistance, enabling women-led businesses to scale up operations in sectors such as trade, manufacturing, and services.
“Women-led entrepreneurship must be a cornerstone of Odisha’s growth story,” the Chief Minister said, while calling for targeted schemes to provide easier access to finance, training, and markets for women entrepreneurs.
In order to strengthen the domestic market for MSMEs, Majhi directed that government offices, schools, and colleges should prioritize the use of products manufactured by Odisha-based enterprises. This includes furniture, uniforms, stationery, and other supplies, which will generate steady demand for local producers.
Officials have been asked to ensure that procurement policies are adjusted to provide fair opportunities for state MSMEs, thereby reinforcing their role in public projects and services.
On the export front, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to enhance cargo services by both sea and air to connect Odisha’s MSMEs with wider national and global markets. Better logistics, he said, will make it easier for local products to compete internationally and increase the state’s share in global trade.
Majhi also directed officials to simplify access to credit for entrepreneurs. He called for a streamlined disbursement process, stronger coordination with banks, and regular monitoring to ensure that MSMEs receive timely financial support.
The meeting also deliberated on expanding the reach of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana across Odisha to benefit traditional artisans and craftsmen. Additionally, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of cluster-based projects, where groups of MSMEs in specific sectors can benefit from shared infrastructure, marketing support, and training facilities.
Policy facilitation measures, including single-window services and regulatory simplification, were also discussed as key tools to support entrepreneurs and improve the state’s business climate.
According to official data, over 11 lakh MSMEs from Odisha are currently registered on the Government of India’s Udyam Portal. Collectively, these enterprises provide employment to more than 87 lakh people, making the sector one of the largest employers in the state.
The review meeting was attended by MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallick, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, MSME Commissioner-cum-Secretary D. Prashant Kumar Reddy, and Director Abolii Sunil Narwane, among others.
