Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for the industrial sector, the Odisha government has announced that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state will no longer have to pay any conversion fee or rent for land use.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari informed that the Revenue Department has decided to waive both charges to encourage industrial growth and ease the process of setting up enterprises.
Earlier, industrialists had to pay 1 percent of the land’s benchmark value as a conversion fee and also, 1 percent of the conversion fee had to be paid as rent. With the latest decision, these payments have been completely waived for eligible MSMEs.
To avail of this benefit, enterprises must be registered on the Central Government’s Udyog Portal and approved by the respective District Committee. The exemption, however, will not be applicable in reserved areas, defence land, coastal regulation zones, archaeological sites, or regions governed by other special laws.
Minister Pujari clarified that while the government is extending this major concession to boost industrialisation, land will be reclaimed if it is found to be used for purposes other than the one originally approved.
The move is expected to significantly reduce compliance costs for small entrepreneurs and attract new investments into the state’s MSME sector, which has been a key driver of employment and regional development.
