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BHUBANESWAR | February 28, 2026: The Government of Odisha today convened a landmark plenary session, “Saksham Odisha,” outlining a comprehensive, multi-sectoral roadmap to transform the state into a global leader in innovation, education, and skill development by 2047.
Top administrators and policymakers presented a unified vision to evolve Odisha into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047 through strategic interventions in five key pillars:
Smt. Rashmita Panda (Chief Executive, ORSAC), Science and Technology Department said about the launch of the Odisha Research and Innovation Fund (ORIF) with an initial corpus of ₹300 crore . Targeting a landmark 50,000+ annual patent filings, the state aims to increase R&D spending to 3.5% of the GSDP, focusing on Aerospace, Biotech, and Clean Energy.
Smt. Smita Pani, FA-cum-Addl. Secretary, Higher Education Department, detailed a transition towards a “future-proof” workforce. Key targets include achieving a 60% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and establishing Multi-disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU). Financial barriers are being dismantled through the KALIA Scholarship and 100% interest subvention on education loans.
Dr. N. Thirumala Naik , Commissioner-cum-Secretary, S&ME department committed to a 0% dropout rate and 100% literacy. The state is operationalizing 44,000 ‘Shishu Vatikas’ and has inducted 22,000 new teachers. Furthermore, vocational programs are being scaled across 1,200 schools to align with global economic needs.
Shri Bhupendra Singh Poonia , Commissioner-cum-Secretary, SD&TE Department highlighted the ‘Skilled-In-Odisha’ campaign’s success. By prioritizing semiconductors and aerospace, and fostering “Nano Unicorns,” the state is shifting the youth from job seekers to job creators.
As Secretary of Sports, Shri Poonia also unveiled the ‘Youthful Odisha’ movement, featuring 30 Integrated District Sports Centers and the ‘Khel Ratna Khoj Abhiyaan’ to scout grassroots talent for the global podium.
The session concluded with a collective mandate: to ensure “Made in Odisha” is synonymous with “Invented in Odisha,” positioning the state as a beacon of scientific and socio-economic excellence.
