Paperman Media (Bhubaneswar )- Shri Lanka Dinakar, Hon’ble Chairperson, Twenty Points Programme (TPP), Government of Andhra Pradesh, along with other officials visited Odisha on a study tour from 26 to 29 April 2026 to learn about the implementation of flagship Centrally Sponsored Schemes, SDG performance and Odisha’s Vision Document aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
As part of the visit, the Hon’ble Chairperson held a meeting with senior officials of the Government of Odisha at Lokseva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, on 27 April 2026. Shri T. Ao, IAS, Special Secretary, Planning & Convergence Department, delivered the welcome address and set the context for the meeting.
Addressing officers from various departments of the Government of Odisha, the Hon’ble Chairperson appreciated their contribution to the State’s growth and development under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. He outlined the aims and objectives of the Viksit Bharat initiative launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Shri Dinakar highlighted the Prime Minister’s holistic vision focused on welfare of the poor, good governance, and development, which over the last decade has helped India rise from the 11th largest economy in 2014 to among the world’s leading economies. He noted that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2029–30 and aims to emerge as the largest economy by 2047. He emphasized that the contribution of States would be crucial in achieving this vision.
The Chairperson also stated that the proximity of Visakhapatnam with Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur and other cities through road, rail, and air connectivity offers significant opportunities for both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The Visakhapatnam Industrial Corridor, he added, can become a major driver of regional growth.
He highlighted Odisha’s rich mines and mineral resources as a strong foundation for long-term economic growth, along with opportunities in eco-tourism and spiritual tourism. He also appreciated Odisha’s effective management of natural calamities in coastal regions, citing the State’s best practices in preparedness, response, and post-disaster management during cyclones and other unforeseen situations.
The Chairperson noted that prudent financial management has been a key strength of Odisha, He further observed that Odisha has been recognised as the top-ranked state in the Fiscal Health Index. He also appreciated Odisha’s globally recognised handloom and handicrafts sector, including Dokra art and palm leaf painting, and noted the State’s rapid urbanisation.
Detailed presentations on Odisha’s Vision Document and the State’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were delivered by the Planning & Convergence Department. The Finance Department, Odisha, further elaborated on the role of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and key development projects in driving poverty eradication and promoting overall socio-economic development in the State.
The Hon’ble Chairman, TPP, Andhra Pradesh, interacted with all participants and emphasized that Odisha and Andhra Pradesh would contribute their share towards building a Viksit Bharat. He further stated that the visit would be valuable for exchange of views, knowledge sharing, and strengthening public service delivery through better governance practices.
