Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday highlighted his govt’s ‘speed of doing business’ as he laid the foundation stone for 27 new industrial projects spread across 12 districts with a promised investment of Rs 25,380 crore. The projects are expected to generate over 51,826 jobs, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive and regionally-balanced growth.Pitching Odisha as a top investment destination, the CM assured industry leaders that the state would not only match incentives offered elsewhere, but surpass them. “We have a stable govt and a peaceful environment — what more do you need?” he asked, urging industries to grow in partnership with the state’s development vision.Majhi underscored his govt’s focus on employment generation for local people. “From promise to performance, and performance to implementation — every step reflects the pride of Odia Asmita,” he said, highlighting the fact that nearly 80% of jobs created so far by industries since he took over — 56,859 out of 77,894 — have gone to Odisha natives.The CM also emphasised Odisha’s shift from mineral-based industries to high-value manufacturing, aligning with the state’s vision for Samruddha Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047. “Each factory built is a district writing its own growth story,” he said, adding that Odisha is climbing the global manufacturing value chain.In the past 15 months, the state approved 260 industrial projects worth Rs 5.6 lakh crore, with the potential to create 3.6 lakh jobs. Of these, 84 projects has already been grounded, representing Rs 2 lakh crore in investment with a potential to generate 1.64 lakh jobs.Industry minister Sampad Chandra Swain echoed the CM’s optimism, stating that Odisha’s progressive policies, responsive governance and world-class infrastructure make it a top destination for investors. “These 27 projects reaffirm our resolve to deliver sustainable industrial growth and large-scale employment,” Swain said.The groundbreaking ceremony also featured virtual launches of key projects including SRF Ltd (Gopalpur SEZ), Epsilon (Jharsuguda), Bajrang Steel & Power Ltd (Khurda), Sova Solar (Angul), and Greenply Industries (Koraput). The projects span sectors such as renewable energy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and advanced downstream industries.In a symbolic gesture, the CM urged industries to participate in the Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam 2.0 campaign, aiming to plant 75 lakh trees on Sept 17 to mark the Prime Minister’s 75th birthday. “Development and environment must go hand in hand,” Majhi said.