Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh met with Odisha’s Minister for Science and Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, in New Delhi to discuss a comprehensive roadmap for the state. This initiative aims to integrate the Centre’s Rare Earth Corridor proposal with Odisha’s abundant marine and coastal resources, biotechnology ecosystem, space capabilities, and scientific institutions.
Dr. Singh emphasized that the Eastern Coastal Region could play a pivotal role in India’s nuclear and marine ambitions, encouraging collaboration between the Centre’s scientific institutions and the state government. Their discussions included expanding marine biotechnology, enhancing life sciences infrastructure, leveraging coastal and mineral resources, and advancing space applications and rare earth exploration.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to expand the Institute of Life Sciences in Bhubaneswar, with the Odisha government committing an additional 50 acres of land for this purpose. Additionally, they discussed Odisha’s involvement in the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign and its recent Deep Sea Fishing Mission aimed at maximizing offshore fisheries and strengthening the marine economy.
Both leaders stressed the importance of ongoing coordination between the Centre and Odisha to utilize the state’s coastal and marine resources as integral components of India’s broader nuclear, space, and marine science initiatives.
