Odisha Targets Top 3 Rank In Ease Of Doing Business: Industry Secretary

**Bhubaneswar: ** After achieving eleventh position in the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ indices at national level for the fiscal 2016, Odisha Government is making all out efforts to improve its ranking and be among the top three States in the country.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in the State Secretariat here on Tuesday, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi directed the departments concerned to expedite the implementation of the action points by the given timeline.

Briefing media soon after the meeting, Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Industries, Odisha said, “The Government of India has now issued Business Reform Action Plan-2017. 405 action points have been apprised to the State Government for implementation. Hence, a meeting was presided over by the Chief Secretary today to deliver on it. Different departments have given their opinions.”

“It has been decided that all the concerned departments should implement their respective action point before October 31, the cut-off date meant for it. Stress will be laid on successful implementation of the action points in the field level. Besides, the departments will also sensitise their action points so that the industries and business sector could reap the benefits.”

On the highlights, he informed, “Efforts should be taken so that the land allotment, utilities, energy and water is allocated timely. Inspection should be streamlined to avoid harassment to the industry. These are the various salient features.”

On the ranking, he informed, “While in 2015 our ranking was 7, in 2016 it was 11. But, it’s a bit misleading as our percentage compliance was 52% in 2015 when our rank was 7. On the other hand, our percentage of compliance was 92% but our rank stood at 11. I think, while we did well, some other states did better than us. That’s why the ranking came down. This time we hope to on top 3.”