Is Odisha’s Focus Shifting From Mine To Hi-Tech Mind Economy?

Is the mineral-rich state Odisha planning a strategic shift from mining-led to hi-tech mind economy? Its huge natural reserves have attracted large metal industries. But, now Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi guided by the IT & Electronics Minister Aswini Vaishnaw is planning to transform the state into eastern India’s premier hi-tech semiconductor and electronics manufacturing hub. Towards this objective, the state government has already identified an 870-acre Silicon Valley type land bank hub between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. It may be mentioned that at the recently concluded SEMICON India 2026 the state had secured investment proposals worth over Rs 23,600 crore in the Semicon area. Building a strong foundation for the next generation electronics and semiconductor manufacturing is Majhi’s new vision. Immediately, the Odisha government has already begun working on two specific semiconductor projects worth Rs 11,200 cr. Apart from Odisha’s semiconductor focus, CM Majhi is also making sustained efforts to make Odisha emerge as a global sports capital. He is pursuing this status by strengthening grass roots infrastructure, nurturing sporting talent and providing world class sporting facilities. It may be mentioned that Odisha has already been selected to host the 2028 Asian and World Athletics Indoor Championships.