Invest in Odisha minister to liaison CM to Indian diaspora

Bhubaneswar, Jan 10 (PTI) Inviting the Indian diaspora to invest in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said that he will appoint a nodal minister to liaison with the interested NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin.
    Majhi made this announcement while addressing the valedictory session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention here in presence of President Droupadi Murmu, who also hails from the state.
    “The Pravasis who want to engage with the state for projects, investment and others, will be supported and facilitated. I am elated to announce that my government will appoint a nodal minister from the department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture for this purpose,” Majhi said.

    The chief minister said that the state has a "double engine" government in Odisha and at the Centre, but now the Odia diaspora will work as the “third engine” for the development of state.
    The chief minister said that he seeks the involvement and cooperation of the diaspora in taking the Odia culture and heritage to the world.

    Majhi, on the sidelines of the convention, met Ravi Kumar S, the CEO of US-based IT major Cognizant, and assured him of all support to develop the country’s biggest campus in Odisha.
    He said that the government will allot land in Bhubaneswar for the Cognizant campus.
    Later, Majhi held a formal discussion with the Odia diaspora and assured them of similar support if they want to establish their projects in the state.
    During the discussion, the CM said, “A special policy will also be formulated for overseas Odias. The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department will work as its nodal department.”
    He said, "It is a great opportunity for us to meet the diaspora in our state and the government does not want to miss it. Therefore, I appeal to you to come up with projects and the state government will provide all support."
    The PBD convention was held for the first time in Odisha.
    Majhi said that Odisha has now started its journey to progress on the path of prosperity.

    “You live in different countries. There are successful industrialists, professionals and technocrats among you. It is very important for you to join this journey,” he said.

    The chief minister also said that with the support of the central government, air services increased in Odisha.
    

    The government is also considering starting flight service to countries like Kuwait and Qatar, he said.
    The chief minister said, “With your presence, Odisha looks happier today. Your potential presence has lit the lamps of love and faith like never before."
    He described the 18th PBD as a “historic” event for Bhubaneswar which was decked up with colourful lights while music and dance programmes were also being held.
    Majhi said that the state government also organised events like sea beach festival at Puri, bird festival at Chilika and other programmes.
    He urged the diaspora to visit Odisha again.
    Taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to the diaspora, Majhi said, “I request all of you to please bring at least five of your foreigner friends, to pay a visit to India, as well as to Odisha to explore art, culture, architectural wonder, spiritual serenity, and intimate hospitality”.

    Majhi also congratulated the winners of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards.
    He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for their support in making the PBD a grand success.
    He also extended gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for attending the valedictory session of the PBD.

    Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who joined the discussion, urged the Odia diaspora to teach the Odia language to their children at home.

    On this occasion, on behalf of the delegates who had come from abroad, several guests shared their experience in Odisha.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)