Odisha Achieves Top Five Ranking in NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index

Bhubaneswar, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: Bhubaneswar: With Odisha finding a place among the Top Five States in NITI Aayog’s first-ever Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the people of the state, all departments of the government, industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and public servants.

Hailing the recognition as a significant milestone in Odisha’s development journey, the Chief Minister said the achievement reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to transparent governance, policy-driven reforms, investor-friendly administration, and sustainable industrial development.

“Odisha’s recognition among the top five investment-friendly states is a matter of immense pride for every Odia. This achievement reflects our collective commitment to transparent governance, industry-friendly policies, and efficient service delivery. We thank our industry partners for their continued trust in Odisha. This recognition is not our destination but a milestone. We will continue to undertake reforms, strengthen infrastructure, and create an even more enabling ecosystem so that Odisha emerges as one of the most preferred investment destinations in India and globally,” said Majhi.

Majhi also expressed his sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to cooperative federalism. He said that the transformative reforms introduced under the Prime Minister’s leadership, coupled with the strength of the Double Engine Government, have accelerated Odisha’s progress in infrastructure, industrialisation, connectivity, logistics, skilling, and overall economic development. Guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, he said, the Government of Odisha is committed to building a Samruddha Odisha by 2036, where industrial growth generates quality employment, empowers the youth, and ensures inclusive prosperity across every region of the State.

The Investment Friendliness Index, released by NITI Aayog, is India’s first comprehensive, evidence-based framework for assessing the investment ecosystem across States and Union Territories. Odisha secured a place among the Top Performers, alongside Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Goa, reaffirming its emergence as one of India’s most competitive investment destinations.

The Chief Minister said the recognition validates Odisha’s sustained focus on governance reforms, ease of doing business, institutional efficiency, and investor facilitation. Through progressive policy interventions, digital governance, time-bound approvals, strengthened institutional mechanisms, and a robust Single Window Clearance system, the State has created an enabling ecosystem that supports investment across diverse sectors.

He emphasised that Odisha’s development story today extends beyond its traditional industrial strengths. The State is steadily emerging as a diversified manufacturing and services hub, attracting investments across different sectors. This diversification is crucial as it reduces dependency on any single industry and promotes resilience against economic fluctuations. The state has been actively working to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, particularly in sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and electronics, which are seen as vital for sustainable growth.

The Chief Minister observed that these investments are driving structural transformation across the State by strengthening industrial value chains, promoting balanced regional development, supporting MSMEs and startups, encouraging innovation, skill development, and creating large-scale employment opportunities for Odisha’s youth. The government has been particularly focused on fostering a startup ecosystem, recognizing that innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of economic growth and job creation.

In addition to traditional industries, Odisha is also positioning itself as a hub for information technology and knowledge-based industries. The government has initiated several programs aimed at improving digital literacy and promoting IT education, which are essential for preparing the workforce for the demands of a rapidly changing job market.

The Government has also prioritised the development of modern industrial infrastructure through integrated industrial parks, logistics corridors, improved connectivity, reliable power supply, and sector-specific industrial ecosystems. These initiatives are designed to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, making it easier for companies to set up operations and expand their footprint in the state.

Continuous engagement with domestic and global investors, policy stability, and efficient project facilitation have further strengthened Odisha’s reputation as a trusted and preferred investment destination. The establishment of a Single Window Clearance system has streamlined the approval process for new projects, significantly reducing the time taken for businesses to commence operations. This has been a critical factor in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and encouraging local entrepreneurs to invest in their own state.

Majhi said Odisha is working with a clear roadmap to realise the vision of Samruddha Odisha by 2036, coinciding with the centenary year of the State’s formation, while making a meaningful contribution to the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047. This long-term vision underscores the government’s commitment to not only economic growth but also social development, aiming for a holistic approach that encompasses health, education, and infrastructure development.

The implications of Odisha's recognition in the Investment Friendliness Index are far-reaching. It not only enhances the state's image on a national level but also positions it favorably in the eyes of international investors who are looking for stable and growth-oriented environments. The ranking can lead to increased investment inflows, which in turn can spur job creation, enhance the standard of living, and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the region.

Furthermore, this achievement can serve as a catalyst for other states to reassess and improve their own investment climates. As states compete for limited investment resources, Odisha's success may inspire neighboring regions to adopt similar reforms and strategies, leading to a broader improvement in the investment landscape across India.

In conclusion, Odisha’s recognition in the Investment Friendliness Index is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the government, industry, and the people of the state. It reflects a commitment to fostering a conducive business environment while ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable. As the state continues on its path of development, the focus will remain on creating opportunities for all, ensuring that the benefits of industrialization and economic growth are shared equitably among its citizens.