Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today met Odisha’s Minister for Science and Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra in New Delhi. During the meeting Dr Singh laid out an integrated roadmap for Odisha that brings together the Central Government’s ‘Rare Earth Corridor’ proposal, the State’s rich marine and coastal resources, biotechnology ecosystem, Space capabilities and network of scientific institutions.

Mr Patra presented a series of proposals relating to the State’s science and technology priorities to Dr Singh. The Union Minister said the Eastern Coastal Region can play a much larger role in India’s emerging Nuclear and Marine roadmap, with Odisha well placed to contribute through coordinated efforts involving Central scientific institutions and the State Government.

Discussions on the occasion covered the expansion of marine biotechnology, strengthening of life sciences infrastructure, greater utilisation of Odisha’s coastal and mineral resources, space applications and manufacturing, Rare Earth exploration, scientific infrastructure and participation of coastal districts in national marine-environment initiatives. The meeting finalised expansion of Institute of Life Sciences in Bhubaneswar with provision for additional 50 acres land from the Odisha Government.

The meeting also focused on Odisha’s participation in the forthcoming Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign and the State’s recent step towards its Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission which aims at unlocking offshore and deep-sea fisheries potential and developing stronger value chains around the marine economy. Both the leaders agreed on the importance of continued Centre-State coordination for taking these initiatives forward.