Odisha CM Majhi Launches WEP and MSME Clusters for Economic Growth

BHUBANESWAR — Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a series of strategic initiatives on Saturday, June 27, 2026, aimed at accelerating the state’s industrial growth and fostering an inclusive business ecosystem. Commemorating International MSME Day at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Odisha chapter of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and unveiled multiple industrial infrastructure projects designed to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the state.

Strengthening Women-Led Development

A centerpiece of the event was the launch of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) Odisha Chapter, a collaboration with NITI Aayog. This initiative is designed to transition women from being job seekers to becoming job creators, innovators, and leaders in the state's economic landscape.

The platform serves as a unified digital ecosystem, connecting Mission Shakti, the MSME department, Startup Odisha, financial institutions, and industrial bodies. According to officials, the WEP will provide a single-window interface for women entrepreneurs to access financial assistance, mentorship, market outreach, and skill development. Data shared during the launch indicated that the share of women-led enterprises in Odisha has already seen substantial growth, rising from 25% to 53% in recent years.

Industrial Infrastructure Expansion

Recognizing MSMEs as the backbone of the state's economic expansion, Chief Minister Majhi inaugurated several high-impact infrastructure projects to enhance regional productivity:

• Balasore Rice Milling Cluster: Developed at an investment of ₹24.18 crore, this facility is set to boost rice bran oil production and add significant value to the agricultural processing sector.

• Pahala Rasagola Cluster: With an investment of ₹17.70 crore, this project aims to scale up the production of the traditional delicacy, increasing daily capacity from 7,000 kg to 11,000 kg.

• Multi-Product MSME Parks: Two parks, costing ₹10 crore each, were inaugurated in Barapalli (Ganjam) and Kesinga (Kalahandi).

The state government reaffirmed its plan to establish at least one multi-product MSME park in every district. Upcoming phases will focus on specialized clusters for engineering, printing and packaging, and cashew processing.

Official Sources

The Udyami Odisha MSME Programme event saw participation from high-level dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri. Officials noted that these initiatives are vital to achieving Odisha’s vision of becoming a $500 billion economy by 2036. The government reported that over 4.32 lakh MSMEs have already benefited from combined central and state support schemes.

Why It Matters

For the citizens of Odisha, these developments represent a shift toward decentralized economic growth. By providing targeted support to rural and women-led enterprises, the government is reducing reliance on urban centers and fostering a robust industrial base in smaller districts. This infrastructure push, paired with policy support, is expected to sustain the state's growth momentum, which has consistently outpaced the national average in recent years.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Economic Goal: Odisha aims to transform into a $500 billion economy by 2036, with MSMEs playing a decisive role.

• Women Entrepreneurship: The WEP Odisha Chapter is a single-window hub for mentorship, funding, and market access.

• Infrastructure: Foundation stones and inaugurations include rice, food processing, and multi-product MSME parks across several districts.

• Growth Data: Last year, the state recorded merchandise exports worth ₹95,568 crore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of the WEP Odisha Chapter? It is a unified platform connecting women entrepreneurs with banks, industry bodies, and government departments to provide mentorship, finance, and market access.

How will the new clusters benefit local businesses? Clusters provide shared infrastructure and specialized facilities (like the rice milling or rasagola units), which reduce operational costs and increase production capacity.

What is the government's long-term infrastructure plan? The government plans to establish at least one multi-product MSME park in every district of Odisha.

Who is eligible to use the WEP platform? The platform is designed for women entrepreneurs across the state, facilitating access to resources from Startup Odisha, Mission Shakti, and the MSME department.

Source: Pragativadi, United News of India, Organiser