Odisha to set up industrial park for women

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to set up an exclusive industrial park to support and encourage women entrepreneurs in the State.

This was stated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday while addressing a gathering at the special Women’s Business Leaders Round Table at ‘Utkarsh Odisha-2025 Conclave’ at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. The government has also planned to open a Special Cell in the Industrial Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL) to provide assistance and opportunities for women-led businesses.

The IPICOL is the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) under the Industries department responsible for devising the investment promotion, facilitation and aftercare strategy for Odisha. “To support and nurture women entrepreneurs, our government has decided to establish an Exclusive Industrial Park for Women and a Special Cell in IPICOL to provide assistance and opportunities for women-led businesses,” he said.

Majhi also said this initiative marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem, where women can thrive and contribute to Odisha’s economic growth. He expressed hope that these two measures will encourage women to start the business independently.

The Chief Minister also sought suggestions from the women business leaders on how to further raise women’s participation in business. He informed the gathering that in the coming years, the government will invest in specialised programmes to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed for entrepreneurial success. “We will collaborate with universities and business schools to offer scholarships, internships and leadership programmes that provide both economic and practical business experiences,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the business summit, ‘Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha -2025 Conclave’, the flagship Global Investment Summit hosted by the Odisha government in Bhubaneswar. Inviting the business leaders attending the summit, Modi said, “This is the right time to invest in Odisha. In this journey of development for Odisha, your investment in Odisha will take you to new heights of success. This is Modi’s guarantee.”