The Odisha government has initiated an inclusive process to gather public inputs for its ambitious vision document, “Viksit Odisha @ 2036.” This initiative seeks to chart a long-term development roadmap, aligning with the national goal of achieving a developed India by 2047.
Collaborative Approach to Vision Document
At the first meeting of the state-level steering committee held in Bhubaneswar, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja highlighted the importance of collective effort in preparing the document. He described it as a unique opportunity to map out the state’s priorities and emphasized the need for a disciplined approach to make it realistic and actionable. He stressed that collaboration among all sectoral groups of secretaries would be essential in achieving this vision.
The steering committee is tasked with creating a forward-looking document that will guide Odisha’s socio-economic and infrastructural development over the next decade. The initiative is part of the larger national objective of contributing to “Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” reflecting Odisha’s ambition to synchronize its progress with India’s broader developmental goals.
Key Focus Areas and Progress
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the preliminary work done by six key sectoral groups, which are focusing on:
Economy, Industries, and Infrastructure: Enhancing the state’s industrial and economic framework to foster sustainable growth.
Social and Human Development: Addressing social equity, healthcare, and education to improve the quality of life for citizens.
Culture and Heritage: Preserving Odisha’s rich cultural legacy while promoting it globally.
Technology and Innovation: Encouraging technological advancements to drive innovation across sectors.
Good Governance: Strengthening governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery.
Rural Transformation: Focusing on improving infrastructure and livelihoods in rural areas to reduce disparities.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg, a key member of the steering committee, provided insights into the progress made by these groups. She emphasized that the vision document should focus on creating a balanced and inclusive development model for the state, addressing both regional disparities and social inequalities. Garg also suggested adopting international best practices across different sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Public Participation as a Key Component
In a move that sets this vision document apart, the Odisha government is prioritizing public participation in its preparation. It was agreed during the meeting that inputs will be gathered from a wide array of stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, policymakers, academia, public intellectuals, and industry leaders. The state government believes that incorporating diverse perspectives will help create a holistic and inclusive document.
A key proposal discussed during the meeting was the launch of a dedicated web portal that will allow the public to submit suggestions and feedback through digital platforms. This move is aimed at ensuring transparency and accessibility, enabling citizens from all walks of life to contribute to the state’s future development agenda.
Path to a Developed Odisha by 2036
The “Viksit Odisha @ 2036” vision document will aim to address the critical issues facing the state, such as regional imbalances, infrastructure deficits, and social inequalities. By focusing on sustainable development and good governance, Odisha aspires to position itself as a leading state in India by 2036. This aligns with the national aspiration of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” which envisions India as a fully developed nation by the 100th anniversary of its independence.
In conclusion, the Odisha government’s initiative to prepare the “Viksit Odisha @ 2036” vision document marks a significant step toward shaping the future of the state. By seeking inputs from various stakeholders and following international best practices, Odisha is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive development plan that addresses economic growth, social equity, and good governance. With public participation at its core, the vision document promises to be a forward-looking blueprint that guides Odisha’s development over the next decade and beyond.
(With inputs from agencies)
