Odisha holds the 5th position in NITI Aayog’s inaugural Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026, reflecting the state’s progress in policy reforms and industrial growth

OdishaPlus Bureau

Odisha, NITI Aayog, Investment Friendliness Index, IFI 2026, Mohan Charan Majhi, ease of doing business, industrial growth, Odisha investment destination, policy reforms, competitive federalism.
Courtesy: Official webpage of NITI Aayog

Odisha has achieved the fifth position among states in the recent Investment Friendliness Index released by NITI Aayog, which Chief Minister Mohan Charan Maji described as a testament to his administration’s dedication to transparent governance, industry-friendly policies, and effective service delivery.

With a total score of 52.4, the state ranks alongside Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Goa in the “top performers” category.

As per an official statement, the NITI Aayog report recognizes these five states as frontrunners in creating a favorable investment climate.

The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) represents India’s inaugural comprehensive, evidence-based framework designed to assess the investment ecosystem across all states and Union territories.

It evaluates performance based on eight essential pillars: infrastructure, business climate, resources, government policy, regulatory ease, institutional environment, financial health, and environmental resilience, aiming to benchmark states and encourage competitive and cooperative federalism.

The statement indicated that the IFI ranking underscores Odisha’s ongoing commitment to policy reforms, industrial infrastructure development, ease of doing business, investor support, and transparent governance.

Chief Minister Majhi extended his congratulations to the citizens of Odisha, industry partners, and all departments involved in investment promotion for this accomplishment.

The acknowledgment of Odisha as one of the top five investment-friendly states is a significant source of pride for all Odias. This accomplishment demonstrates our shared dedication to transparent governance, policies that favor industry, and effective service delivery,” Majhi stated.

“We will persist in implementing reforms, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering an even more supportive ecosystem to ensure that Odisha becomes one of the most sought-after investment locations in India and worldwide.”

Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain remarked, “Being recognized among the top five states in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index serves as a robust affirmation of Odisha’s reform-driven strategy for industrial advancement.