Bhubaneswar: A report prepared by an economic think-tank NCAER and launched by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) Secretary Ramesh Abhishek in New Delhi Friday claims that Odisha had slipped in the State Investment Potential Index.
In the third such ranking by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) since 2016, the 2018 State Investment Potential Index report of the think tank claims that Odisha slipped by six points and now ranks at 17th out of the 21 states studied and ranks among the lowest five among other laggard states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam.
The report also shows decline in labour, land and infrastructure in the state in the last one year. The report, however, gives an upper hand to the state when it comes to economic climate in the state for the investors.
A statement from the NCAER said, “In the labour pillar, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka moved closer to the top, while Odisha and Telangana moved further away. Uttarakhand and Telangana achieved the most gains in the infrastructure pillar, while Gujarat and Odisha witnessed the maximum slippage.”
Covering 20 states and Delhi, this is the third edition of the annual report that ranks India’s states on their competitiveness in business and their investment climate. NCAER launched the report series in March 2016 and the second report 2017 was released in July 2017.
NCAER says the State Investment Potential Index is a pioneering effort to provide metrics of economic governance, competitiveness and growth opportunities at the state and regional levels. The Index is designed to provide a systematic and reliable “go-to” reference for policy makers, existing businesses, and potential domestic and overseas investors.
State Industry Minister Anant Das while commenting on the report said, “We will examine the issue but I believe government is not responsible for the ranking but it is the lack of investment from the investors’ side.”
The Congress party meanwhile tried to corner the government and blamed the negative atmosphere created by the ruling government while focusing only on political mileage. On the other hand, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan blamed the alleged inefficiency of the BJD-ruled state government against attracting investments.
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