Andhra TPP Delegation on Odisha Visit to Study Schemes, SDG Progress

Bhubaneswar: A delegation led by Lanka Dinakar, Chairperson of the Twenty Points Programme (TPP), Government of Andhra Pradesh, is on a four-day study tour to Odisha from April 26 to 29 to assess the State’s implementation of flagship Centrally Sponsored Schemes, progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its Vision Document aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.

During the visit, the delegation held discussions with senior Odisha government officials at Lokseva Bhawan on April 27. T. Ao, Special Secretary of the Planning & Convergence Department, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, Dinakar praised Odisha’s development trajectory under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a developed India by 2047. He noted that India has made significant progress over the past decade and is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2029–30.

Emphasising the importance of states in achieving national goals, he pointed out that improved connectivity between Visakhapatnam and key Odisha cities such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Berhampur holds strong potential for regional economic integration. He said the Visakhapatnam Industrial Corridor could emerge as a major growth engine for eastern India.

The TPP Chairperson also appreciated Odisha’s rich mineral resources, eco-tourism and spiritual tourism potential, and its globally recognised handicrafts sector, including Dokra art and palm leaf painting. He lauded the State’s disaster management capabilities, especially in handling cyclones and coastal emergencies.

Highlighting governance strengths, Dinakar cited Odisha’s prudent financial management and its top ranking in the Fiscal Health Index. He also noted rapid urbanisation and effective implementation of welfare and development programmes.

Officials from the Planning & Convergence Department presented details of Odisha’s Vision Document and SDG progress, while the Finance Department highlighted the impact of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in driving poverty alleviation and socio-economic development.

Dinakar said the visit would help facilitate the exchange of best practices and strengthen cooperation between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in achieving the goals of a developed India.