BJD push for ‘Make in Orissa’ to project CM

Faced with the criticism from the Opposition that the state government has squandered the golden opportunity for industrialisation investors are shying away from the state, - ruling BJD led by chief minister Naveen Patnaik has prepared a dossier of over 125 projects that will be showcased at the upcoming three-day-long ‘Make in Orissa’ conclave in Bhubaneswar beginning November 30.

Planned in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, the event aims at seeking fresh investments in the line of ‘Vibrant Gujarat’.

The BJD strategists have pinned high hopes that the event will help resurrect Mr Patnaik’s image as an able administrator capable of providing an investment-friendly atmosphere.

The ‘investment-friendly’ and ‘most-favoured investment destination’ image of the state government suffered a setback after ArcelorMittal withdrew from the Rs 42,000-crore integrated steel project in Kendujhar district and world’s leading steel producer Posco shelved its Rs 52,000-crore plant in Paradip. Besides, over half-a-dozen steel and sponge iron plants at Kalinga Nagar in Jajapur and Kendujhar districts have ceased production.

Sources said the projects to be showcased at the ‘Make in Orissa’ event will cover an array of sectors.