Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently engaged in significant talks with World Bank President Ajay Banga to enhance collaboration between the State and the international financial institution across various development sectors. The meeting, attended by senior officials from the State Government and World Bank representatives, aimed at advancing Odisha’s long-term growth and reform agenda.
The discussions centered on expediting inclusive and sustainable development, empowering India’s youth for private sector employment, boosting infrastructure, enhancing social sector outcomes, and fostering resilient, technology-driven growth. CM Majhi highlighted the state’s key initiatives and reforms focused on bolstering growth through increased investments in infrastructure, micro, small, and medium enterprises, agriculture, allied sectors, and tourism to generate employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.
Odisha’s business-friendly reforms have attracted substantial investments, ranking second in the country with Rs 2.5 lakh crore investment as of December 2025. The World Bank President commended the State’s development efforts and reform direction, acknowledging its emphasis on skill development to create more private sector jobs for the youth. A new World Bank Group-India strategic plan will contribute to India’s national initiative to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) by building on successful models like the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) in Bhubaneshwar.
The World Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting Odisha through technical assistance, policy advisory services, and financial cooperation, emphasizing the importance of enhancing institutional capacity and fostering public-private partnerships. Both parties exchanged perspectives on global and regional economic challenges, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to address issues such as infrastructure development, urbanization management, and sustainable resource utilization. They agreed to explore additional areas of cooperation aligned with the State’s development priorities and the World Bank’s strategic goals.
The Chief Minister shared Odisha’s vision document with the World Bank President, underscoring a mutual dedication to deepening collaboration and exploring new avenues of cooperation in line with “Odisha vision 2036 and 2047: Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat” and the World Bank’s strategic framework.
