Odisha’s Investment Ranking Highlights BJD-Era Reforms, Says Naveen Patnaik
Odisha has secured the 5th position in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) for 2023–24, scoring 52.4%, just behind Gujarat’s 56.6%.
Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik credited this achievement to reforms and governance during his tenure, asserting that the current BJP government cannot claim credit.
Patnaik highlighted Odisha’s fiscal discipline, noting that the state’s outstanding liabilities stand at 16% of GSDP and interest payments at 1.38% of GSDP, among the lowest in India.
He emphasised Odisha’s economic strengths, contributing nearly half of India’s mineral output and about a quarter of coal production.
He also pointed to flagship welfare schemes such as BSKY, KALIA, Mission Shakti, Skill Development, Odisha School Transformation, tribal welfare, disaster management, irrigation, poverty alleviation, and food security programs as drivers of inclusive growth.
Patnaik accused the BJP government of mismanaging finances, warning that such policies could push Odisha back toward bankruptcy.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Odisha for supporting the transformation from a “bankrupt state” in 2000 to a top investment destination today.
