Odisha was occupied by the British piece by piece; the southern parts in 1765, the coastal region in 1803 and the western part by 1849. The princely States were left to suffer their indigenous systems, while the coastal districts that linked the company's territories in Bengal and Madras were paid minimal administrative attention. Thus, Odisha, historically plagued by neglect and suffering, has emerged from the shadows of adversity. The legacy of British rule and subsequent administrative apathy left scars, culminating in the tragic famine of 1866. However, the efforts of visionaries like Utkalgaurab Madhu Sudan Das, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das and Parala Maharaja Krushna Chandra Ganapati led to the formation of the State on April 1, 1936. Today, as we approach the centenary of its existence, Odisha stands at a crossroads, having weathered natural calamities and achieved significant economic growth.
Economic progress
Odisha's journey from poverty to prosperity has been remarkable. Over the last two decades, the State has experienced robust economic growth, doubling its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) between financial year (FY) 2016 and FY 2022. Noteworthy achievements in fiscal management and economic indicators have marked Odisha's transformation. The State's economic growth rate of 11.5% in FY 2020-21 outpaced the national rate of 8.7%, as reported by NITI Ayog. Despite these strides, challenges persist, demanding a comprehensive vision for 2024.
Poverty alleviation
The NITI Aayog's Multidimensional Poverty Index reflects a substantial decline in poverty in Odisha, particularly in health, education, and living standards. However, a significant portion of the population still grapples with poverty. To build on this momentum, the State's vision for 2024 must prioritise targeted interventions for poverty reduction, ensuring inclusivity in development strategies.
Unemployment mitigation
Addressing the pervasive issue of unemployment, both in urban areas (12.7%) and rural areas (6%), should be a cornerstone of Odisha's vision. Fostering an environment conducive to traditional and emerging industries, promoting entrepreneurship, and aligning education with market demands are vital strategies. Sustainable industries, technology adoption, and skill-based employment must be emphasized to expedite development and create jobs.
Holistic development
The vision for Odisha in 2024 should embody a commitment to holistic development, intertwining economic progress with social inclusivity, poverty eradication, and job creation. Halting the migration driven by poverty and unemployment necessitates a multi-pronged approach.
Prioritising rural infrastructure
To curb migration, investing in rural infrastructure is paramount. Better local opportunities through enhanced agricultural productivity, modern farming techniques, and rural employment guarantee programmes can create sustainable livelihoods.
Industrialisation and job creation
The vision must prioritise industrialisation to generate employment opportunities. Collaborating with industries, attracting investments, and creating a conducive business environment are essential. Emphasizing skill development and vocational training programmes can bridge the gap in the job market, supporting sectors like tourism and technology.
Education and corruption mitigation
Improving the quality of education is crucial for empowering the workforce. Bridging the rural-urban education divide and minimizing corruption are imperative components of the vision. A skilled and educated populace is pivotal for Odisha's sustainable development.
Conclusion
As Odisha approaches its centenary, the vision for 2024 should symbolize a commitment to transformative change. Holistic development, poverty eradication, and job creation should be at its core. In the pursuit of comprehensive and sustainable development, it is imperative for Odisha to prioritise key areas that directly impact the well-being of its citizens. A strategic approach is advocated centred around reducing public debt, efficiently utilising public revenue for employment and infrastructure development in tribal areas, and emphasizing quality education and not over investments in temples or educational institutions. By focusing on targeted interventions, Odisha can build on its current momentum and emerge as a resilient and self-reliant State, ready to face future challenges.
(Dr Tripathy is a former Professor of Economics, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune)