An Odisha Infrastructure Conclave (OIC) organised by the All Odisha Contractors’ Welfare Association (AOCWA) was inaugurated on Friday by Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal in the presence of former Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik, SBI CGM SC Sharma and WATCO CEO Pradipta Kumar Swain. Prof Lal said development is meant about collaborative and compassionate efforts for the people only.
AOCWA president Jagdish Patra said the OIC gave a platform to all contractors and other stakeholders to discuss the role of infrastructure in the growth of Odisha and the roles and responsibility of all the stake holders. The emphasis is on creating an ecosystem for all stakeholders in terms of knowledge, skill, capacity building, technology and collaborative growth.
AOCWA vice-president Chinmay Swain said the development of a country wholly depends on the availability of its infrastructural facilities. Infrastructures like railways, roads, shipways, airways, communication, etc., are basic to present-day living. They also include energy, banking, science, technology, health, education and other public utility services.
AOCWA general secretary Bibhuti Jena said that in a State like Odisha, more than a lakh of contractors are not connected nor given a platform; hence, this conclave offered a platform to all of them.
More than 200 contractors from all over Odisha participated in this conclave and shared their story. A drawing competition on the theme, “Save water –Save Life” was organized. Many students from all the schools of Bhubaneswar participated in it. Three winner of this competition received awards during the conclave. Best engineer and best contractor award also give to encourage the stake holders.