On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Sambalpur. The foundation stone for the campus was laid via video conferencing on January 2, 2021. During the inauguration, PM Modi commended the efforts of those involved in completing the project despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
In addition to the IIM campus, Prime Minister Modi dedicated projects worth over Rs 68,000 crore to the nation, focusing on enhancing the energy sector through natural gas, coal, and power generation. These initiatives also encompassed significant developments in road, railway, and higher education sectors. PM Modi took a walkthrough of the IIM Sambalpur model and viewed a photo exhibition showcasing the institution’s journey.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the day for Odisha’s development, with projects totaling around Rs 70,000 crores being launched in education, railway, roads, electricity, and petroleum sectors. He highlighted that the benefits of these projects would reach various sections of Odisha’s society, including the poor, laborers, business owners, and farmers, creating numerous employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
PM Modi underscored the Central government’s continuous efforts to transform Odisha into an education and skill development hub. He pointed out that the establishment of modern educational institutes like IISER Berhampur and Bhubaneshwar’s Institute of Chemical Technology over the last decade has positively impacted the youth. With the addition of IIM Sambalpur as a modern management institute, the state’s role in education and skill development is further strengthened, according to the Prime Minister.
The visit to Odisha and Assam on February 3-4 is part of PM Modi’s ongoing engagements.