In a press release on Tuesday, the chief secretary said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared January 17 as a public holiday in view of the fact that devotees and the public can participate in this festival and offer prayer to Lord Jagannath.

The government has also declared holiday for all its offices, schools, colleges and universities on the day. “The Chief Minister is receiving requests through social media and other sources for participation of private institutions, educational institutions and business establishments in this event,” Jena said.

Considering the demand, he requested the private institutions, schools and business establishments for screening of live telecast of the event in different electronic media from 12 noon to 3 pm on the day in their respective institutions. It will help the employees, teachers and students watch the programme and associate themselves in the auspicious event.

Similarly, the chief secretary has requested all the people of the state to participate in the historic event by watching its live broadcast.

The General Administration and Public Grievance department, in a notification on Friday, said the service period of Chief Secretary PK Jena has been extended for a period of six months from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Jena was scheduled to retire from service on December 31.

A 1989-batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre, Jena had taken charge as Chief Secretary on March 1, 2023. He had succeeded Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, whose tenure had come to an end with retirement after two successive extensions of six months each.

Jena had earlier served as Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary, Planning and Convergence with additional charge of Agriculture Production Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner and MD, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).

Earlier, he had held the post of the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, and also served as Secretary in Rural Development, Water Resources, IT and Energy departments.

Last year, the possibility of Jena being picked for the top bureaucratic post was doing the rounds. But the state government decided to give Suresh Chandra Mahapatra another extension following the green signal for continuing in the service from the Centre.

The 122nd SLSWCA convened under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena reaffirmed the State’s commitment towards diversifying its industrial landscape across multiple sectors and solidifying the State’s position as a preferred investment destination.

In the meeting held virtually, significant endorsements were made in the apparel and textiles sector, further strengthening Odisha’s manufacturing capabilities. The plastics industry received a boost, emphasizing the State’s focus on modern manufacturing and sustainable materials. The steel sector, both downstream and primary, witnessed a surge in approvals, highlighting the region’s rich mineral resources and metallurgical expertise. Renewable energy emerged as a priority, reflecting Odisha’s commitment to sustainable and green energy solutions.

The Agro and Food Processing sectors saw advancements, tapping into the State’s agricultural potential. Infrastructure development, particularly in freight and logistics, was given emphasis, while the tourism sector’s growth was championed to leverage Odisha’s cultural and natural attractions. These sectors spanned across 10 districts indicating a widespread industrial development strategy.

The EPIC Group, an apparel manufacturer based in Hong Kong renowned for serving some of the world’s leading brands, is poised to bolster foreign direct investment (FDI) in Odisha. Trimetro Garments India Pvt. Ltd. a subsidiary of the EPIC Group, is planning to invest INR 376.85 crores in the establishment of its apparel manufacturing facility, consequently generating employment for 7,050 individuals in Khordha.

Time Technoplast Limited and Oricon Enterprise Limited are set to enhance the plastic sector with their manufacturing units in Khordha, with investments of INR 57.00 crores and INR 90.00 Crores respectively.
The steel sector has experienced significant growth due to investments from several companies, including Nezone Steel Utkal LLP, Advance Steel Tubes Limited, Nirmal Steels Private Limited, Rungta Mines Limited, Ferro Tech India Private Limited, and Super Sonic Logistics Private Limited. Collectively, these companies have invested over INR 2,000 Crores in regions such as Kalinganagar, Dhenkanal, and Sundergarh. Notably, Nezone Steel Utkal LLP is expanding its manufacturing capacity with the establishment of their second unit.
In the renewable energy sector, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), and Odisha Power Generation Corporation Limited (OPGCL) are launching solar power plants with investments of INR 297.61 Crores and INR 215.00 Crores respectively.

The Agro and Food Processing sectors are poised to benefit from its homegrown companies, such as Pragati Milk Products Pvt. Ltd.’s ice-cream and baked product manufacturing plant in Chandanpur and Coastal Biotech Private Limited’s modern rice mill in Paralakhemundi,
Infrastructure development gets a boost with projects like Koli Commercial LLP and Vimla Infrastructure (India) Pvt Ltd, both establishing Private Freight Terminals under the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Terminal scheme.

Krupalu Kunja is setting up a Compressed Bio Gas and fermented organic manure plant in Jajpurwith annual capacity 46,000 MT with an investment of INR 73.25 crores and an employment potential of 138.
Odisha’s tourism sector is set to shine brighter with Mayfair Hotels & Resorts Ltd’s Convention Centre in Paradeep, Jagatsinghpur, which is expanding its capacity by 20 rooms.

These projects, spanning diverse sectors from apparel to renewable energy, underscore Odisha’s multifaceted growth strategy.

As per the DPR, the Phase-I of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail will cover Biju Patnaik Airport, Capital Hospital, Sishu Bhawan, Bapujinagar, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Ram Mandir Square, Vani Vihar, Acharya Vihar Square, Jaydev Vihar Square, Xavier Square, Rail Sadan, District Centre, Damana Square, Patia Square, KIIT Square, Nandan Vihar, Raghunathpur, Nandankanan Zoological Pak, Phulapokhari and Trisulia Square, Cuttack covering a total length of 26 km with 20 stations.

During a meeting of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation here, DMRC officials handed the document to the Chief Secretary in the presence of senior Odisha Government officials.

DMRC after conducting traffic survey, geo-technical investigation, topo-graphic survey, environmental & social impact assessments has completed the report.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has been notified on August 3 and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & General Manager (Administration) have been appointed. On April 1, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had sanctioned Metro Rail Project under 5T mandate connecting Bhubaneswar Airport to Trishulia in Cuttack which will be subsequently extended to Khurda, Puri and other areas of Bhubaneswar & Cuttack city.