Bhubaneswar: It seems infrastructure is the highest topic in agenda of Orissa Inc. It was clearly reflected in the annual day meet of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Orissa chapter here today. In fact, CII had organised ‘InfraEx’, the exhibition on infrastructure. As many as 37 corporate houses and various government departments and agencies participated and had their performance in infrastructure on show.

Inaugurating the annual day meet and InfraEx, state industries and rural development minister Mr Biswabhusan Harichandan said "Orissa is a rich state with mineral resources, forest, ground water, coast line and has embarked upon industrial path to find its place among the most developed states". "While earlier mineral resources were exported, they are now exploited here to get maximum benefit", he said and added "the state government is updating and modifying industrial policy to facilitate the industrial drive". Maintaining that infrastructure as one of the most crucial component of industrial uprising, he pointed out that Public Private Partnership (PPP) is one of the excellent modes of infrastructure development. Describing R&R policy of the state as the best, he said "industry plays an important role in generation of employment" adding "despite opposition from some quarters, industry should come up as this serves majority of the population".

Speaking on the occasion, state urban development and public enterprises minister Mr KV Singh Deo said "with industrialisation, the state has also developed in terms of infrastructure". Observing that still something more is to be done by the state government to give the already rising industrialisation a boost, he felt conducive labour law and speedy decision are crucial factors. “Orissa is not limited to Bhubaneswar only" said Mr Singh Deo and urged the industrial houses to look beyond the capital city for a holistic development. "Affordable housing is an important issue and we are looking into the matter", added Mr Singh Deo.

State energy and IT minister Mr Surjya Narayan Patro said "with industrialisation, the state has got its own identification and is one of the most favourite investment destinations", adding "Orissa fares well at infrastructure development in all sectors. The state is a surplus state now, and mentality , not money is the problem in raising it further".

Speaking on the occasion, CII eastern region chairman Mr Biswadip Gupta lauded the state government’s commitment for industrialisation and stressed on infrastructure development. "PPP mode is a better option for it", he asserted. CII, Orissa vice-chairman Mr Santosh Kumar Mohapatra described the meet and exhibition as a platform for various sectors to showcase their performances, share ideas and discuss with policy makers.