Odisha is not as poor as it is being painted in different circles. The Raghuram Rajan panel report cannot be taken as the sole authoritative document on the State’s economy. In certain major indicators, Odisha’s performance is better than other States, said ruling BJD leaders while participating in a debate on “Odisha and future possibilities” here on Wednesday.
The BJD leaders’ claim was in contrast to the State Government’s repeated demand that the Centre grant Odisha the status of a Special Category State as it is an undeveloped one.
The debate organised by the Indus Valley Times on its fifth foundation day marked participation of a number of political leaders, scientist, educationists and students.
Former Finance Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadai, who was the chief speaker, said Odisha has done better in many areas like per capital income, debt repayment, education and infrastructure development.
“Odisha is a developing State. It has been striving hard to consolidate its financial health. A lot of measures, including fiscal prudence and value addition of mineral resources, have transformed Odisha from a revenue-deficit State to a revenue-surplus one,” Ghadai claimed.
Steel and Mines Minister Rajanikant Singh said political stability and skilled human resources are the bare necessities to lift a State’s economy.
Energy, Information and Public Relations Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo said no State can develop if its youths do not repose faith in themselves. “The youths of the State should believe in their own strength and energy and channelise them for their own as well as the State’s economic prosperity,” he said.
Noted scientist Prof PK Jena called upon the State Government for use of scientific knowledge and modern technology for optimum use of the mineral resources for the growth of the State’s economy.
The meeting was presided over by senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty while publisher Nalinu Sahu spoke on the newspaper’s five years’ journey.