Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Convergence Foundation (TCF) to focus on job creation and productive employment opportunities in the state.
The MoU aims to provide strategic support for the successful implementation of various development policies and programs of the Government of Odisha.
These initiatives will contribute to the state’s employment generation strategy, create a favorable environment for job opportunities in the manufacturing and services sectors, increase agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable employment for women.
It will also help accelerate economic growth and create opportunities for the skilled talent within the state, as well as create job opportunities both within and outside the state.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department Hemant Sharma, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TCF Ashish Dhawan.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated, “The state government is working hard to grow the economy and create jobs. To achieve this, we need data-driven advice to develop a clear plan for growth, and TCF will provide valuable support.”
Development Commissioner Anu Garg emphasized that the state government is working towards the vision of a Viksit Odisha by 2036 and a Viksit India by 2047.
“This MoU will be crucial for achieving the state’s development goals, focusing on areas such as economic growth, employment, access to basic amenities for all, good governance, rural planning, and port development opportunities,” she said.
Ashish Dhawan, CEO of the Convergence Foundation, explained that TCF focuses on areas like education, governance, women’s empowerment, and boosting India’s competitiveness.
He added, “TCF works with 13 state governments and several central government ministries. Through its partner, the Foundation for Economic Development (FED), TCF is promoting sectors like textile and apparel manufacturing, tourism, and industrial development in Odisha. One partner, ‘Proxrity,’ is helping with labor law reforms, while another, ‘SSA,’ is supporting the state’s sports development goals. TCF’s partner, ‘Udaiti,’ is working with the Women and Child Development Department to improve women’s economic empowerment.”
The meeting was attended by various officials, including the Principal Secretaries of Electronics & IT, Women & Child Development, Sports & Youth Services, Commerce & Transport, Urban Planning & Housing, and Tourism. Senior officials from the Planning & Convergence Department and TCF were also present.
