By Abhijit Das
Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) experienced a growth rate of 10.1% in the fiscal year 2021-22, above India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 8.8%. Odisha experienced a notable 11.6% rise in per capita income from FY16 to FY22, surpassing the national growth rate of 8%. The inflation rate for the fiscal year 2021-22 stood at a modest 2.7%, far lower than the country’s average of 5.3%.
Startling statistics? Certainly, but they are for economists to analyse and debate. The chief protagonist, Naveen Patnaik, refrains from emphasising these statistics as ‘Naveenomics’ is all about significant transformations in the lives of the people of Odisha under his leadership, extending beyond mere numerical indicators.
Naveen Patnaik faced a frightening situation in Odisha when he became chief minister in the year 2000. The state’s already precarious economic situation was worsened by the aftermath of the deadly 1999 super cyclone. Patnaik had the enormous challenge of lifting Odisha out of its long-term socioeconomic crisis, where an alarming 60% of the population was living in poverty. The state, predominantly rural and agrarian, was experiencing profound and persistent poverty, which was especially severe in its sizable tribal population.
Despite being labelled as a political novice by his critics, Naveen Patnaik demonstrated a deep understanding of the fundamental difficulties faced by Odisha. As the Bharatiya Janata Party, then an ally, launched into the 2004 general elections with their high-profile ‘India Shining’ campaign, Patnaik’s approach focused on the basics echoing the concept of Manoj Kumar’s iconic 1974 film, ‘Roti,Kapda Aur Makaan’. He initiated the Rs 2 Rice Scheme, which aimed to offer economical sustenance and guaranteed food security. The Biju KBK Yojana and Gopabandhu Grameen Yojana were implemented to reduce the infrastructural and developmental inequalities in impoverished regions and enhance rural infrastructure, respectively. His firm stance against corruption, marked by a stringent crackdown on malpractices, had dramatically restored public trust in governance and plugged gaps in the public distribution system, showcasing his commitment to transparent and efficient administration.
Prior to 2004-05, Odisha faced one of the highest poverty rates in India. Multiple studies have shown that the state experienced a substantial decline in poverty, dropping from 57% in 2004-05 to 27% in 2009-10, making it the most notable decrease in the entire country. In addition, Odisha transitioned from being dependent on foodgrain imports from Punjab and Haryana to achieving self-sufficiency. According to the most recent data from the Government of India, Odisha has attained the top position in the state ranking index for the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Targeted Public Distribution System (TDPS).
In 2009, the people of Odisha demonstrated their continued confidence in Naveen Patnaik by reelecting him for a third term with an overwhelming two-thirds majority. Having significantly improved basic living standards, during his last two terms, he turned his attention to enhancing the quality of life and making Odisha a better place to live. ‘Bijli, Sadak, Pani’ - a triad symbolizing uninterrupted electricity, improved road infrastructure, and access to safe drinking water was his next agenda. This period marked a significant development phase where every remote hamlet in Odisha was linked with well-built roads. Key projects like the Biju Expressway began taking shape, further integrating the state’s diverse regions. Basudha Yojana was introduced to address the critical need for clean drinking water. The ‘Drink from Tap’ mission is not just about providing pure drinking water. It represents a bold statement of the government’s deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all.
With a strong foundation in the ‘hardware’ of development firmly in place, Naveen Patnaik, upon commencing his fifth term, shifted his attention to the ‘software’ of development. ‘Sikhya, Swastha, Samridhi’, which translates to ‘Education, Health, and Prosperity’, is the thematic focus of his fifth term. He introduced the 5T (Transparency, Teamwork, Technology, Time, and Transformation), a governance model aimed at transforming the state’s approach to administration and service delivery. Although such efforts are usually only discussed in theory, Patnaik secured their actual execution by appointing a very competent senior IAS officer, V. K. Pandian, as the leader. Despite facing criticism for potential bureaucratic overreach, Naveen Patnaik astutely transformed the bureaucracy into a citizen-centric entity. This aspiration is shared by many governments and, indeed, even large corporations struggle to make their workforces customer centric. As a consequence, the 5T Initiative has evolved from a solitary philosophical concept to a widely recognised and integrated system across all tiers of government, influencing political figures, officials, and the general populace. This integration has substantially improved the velocity and effectiveness of extensive welfare programmes.
The 5T programme has brought about a significant transformation in school infrastructure, leading to a revolution in educational facilities. Students in rural areas now have the same access to cutting-edge resources as their peers in elite urban private schools, thanks to smart classrooms that eliminate the gap between urban and rural education. The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) is a government-funded health insurance programme in Odisha that specifically targets the health and well-being of the most vulnerable segments of society. Mission Shakti is a prominent initiative that aims to enhance the empowerment of women via the establishment of self-help groups (SHGs). This initiative promotes women’s entrepreneurship and economic self-sufficiency by offering assistance for activities that generate revenue, enhancing skills and knowledge, and facilitating access to financial resources.
A comprehensive examination of Naveen Patnaik’s 23 years in governance reveals a compelling narrative. Through numerous welfare schemes, he made a deliberate investment in Odisha’s human resources. He approached this investment like an experienced venture capitalist in the startup world, carefully planning Odisha’s growth phases akin to a startup’s Series A, B, and C rounds, providing timely and focused funding at each crucial stage of development. Patnaik’s leadership in this metaphorical startup, Odisha, has now reached a stage equivalent to a successful IPO, with the state’s 45 million citizens as proud shareholders.
During Patnaik’s long tenure, Odisha has not only experienced significant economic growth but also a notable shift in the mindset of its people. The people of Odisha are hardworking and peace-loving. Naveen Patnaik added an aspirational dimension to their persona. Now, people are setting the agenda for him, and he is delivering. Patnaik’s disaster management program, recognized by the United Nations, is a masterpiece of operational excellence. But beyond this, his ‘zero casualty’ policy sends a powerful message to the people of Odisha. No one can control nature’s fury, but Patnaik has alleviated the fear of cyclones from the minds of the people. His recently launched Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha scheme is focused on preserving Jagannath culture in villages for future generations. This initiative highlights Patnaik’s deep understanding of the cultural fabric of Odisha because, for the people of Odisha, Jagannath culture is not just a religious tradition; it is an integral part of their identity and heritage, influencing their values, traditions, and lifestyle.
A Doon School alumnus, Naveen Patnaik, known for his soft-spoken and measured demeanor, is all set for a sixth term and poised to break the record for the longest-serving Chief Minister of India. He made a paradigm shift in political philosophy, setting aside emotional rhetoric and establishing a highly professional relationship with the people of Odisha, emphasizing pragmatic, results-driven governance that prioritizes the state’s overall development and welfare.
The author is a senior banking and technology professional. The views are personal.