With a population of 41.9 Mn people, accounting for 3.47% of the country's total, Odisha has an urbanisation rate of 16.7% as per the 2011 Census. According to PLFS 2023–24, Odisha has a labour force participation ratio of 69.2% for the 15-59-year-old age group, higher than the national average of  64.3%.  There are 978 females for every 1,000 males, which is along the lines of the national average.

Odisha has made significant strides in healthcare, improving key health indicators while reducing the financial burden on citizens. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined from 51 per 1,000 live births in 2013 to 36 per 1,000 live births in 2020, while the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has improved from 180 per 100,000 live births in 2014 to 119 per 100,000 live births in 2020.

With a robust and expanding healthcare infrastructure, Odisha now has 9,752 public healthcare facilities across rural and urban areas as of 2023-24, with further growth planned in the coming years. The state remains committed to universal healthcare, ensuring that quality medical services are accessible to all.

A key initiative in this effort is the integration of ‘Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (G-JAY)’ with ‘Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)’, enhancing comprehensive healthcare coverage for Odisha’s citizens. Additionally, the Mukhya Mantri Bayu Swasthya Seva is bridging the accessibility gap by deploying air ambulances in four districts, ensuring that specialised medical care reaches even the most remote regions.

Odisha has made significant strides in education, with a 2.8% rise in literacy (2017-24) and a robust network of 61,693 schools, including 2,500+ specialised institutions. The Nipun Odisha initiative focuses on Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN) for Grade I-III students in government and government-aided schools. The Godabarisha Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya scheme will establish 6,794 modern primary schools across rural panchayats, enhancing infrastructure and holistic learning. Odisha has expanded vocational training, adding 12 new ITIs in 2023-24, bringing the total to 72 NCVT institutions, ensuring all 30 districts are covered.

For women empowerment, the SUBHADRA scheme provides financial aid and digital financial literacy to boost participation in the digital economy. The Green Passage Scheme supports higher education students with up to INR 5 lakh for tuition, accommodation, and food, removing financial barriers to learning.

Odisha is emerging as a leading IT and digital innovation hub, backed by 750+ acres of ready infrastructure. The state has nine government-notified IT towers, six private IT towers, and six STPIs—the highest in India—boosting IT exports and software development. With 15 upcoming IT parks, Odisha is strengthening its tech ecosystem.

Startup growth is thriving with O-Hub, 20+ incubators, and IT SEZs, offering world-class infrastructure and incentives. Affordable land rates make Odisha a prime IT investment destination.

In 2024-25, Odisha allocated INR 58,195 crore for energy, transport, and agriculture infrastructure, the highest in India relative to GSDP (6.1%), along with INR 10,586 crore for railway expansion, enhancing connectivity and logistics. Odisha is also reinforcing digital infrastructure with data centers, OSWAN, and BharatNet expansion, ensuring last-mile connectivity and strengthening its position in FinTech and digital services.

Odisha is rapidly expanding its industrial infrastructure, with 130 industrial estates across 12,000+ acres and 1,542 built-up sheds. To attract investment, several projects have been launched, some of the key projects include an FDI Park in the State Capital Region for EVs, semiconductors, IT, and automobiles, and Garment Manufacturing Parks in Kalibati and Bhuinpur to boost textiles. Mega Food Parks are also being developed to strengthen food processing.

As a high-tech hub, Odisha is building a 200-acre Semiconductor Park in Aranga and inaugurated India’s first Integrated Silicon Carbide Manufacturing Facility at Info Valley EMC, Bhubaneswar in September 2024. The state is also developing Multi-Sector Industrial Parks, 11 new MSME parks, and upgrading existing ones.

Odisha’s investment momentum is strong, with INR 2 lakh crore worth of proposals approved in 2024-25. With business-friendly policies, seamless online systems, and world-class investor facilitation, the state is emerging as a top investment destination driving industrial growth and innovation.

Odisha is advancing sustainable development with initiatives in EV adoption, renewable energy, and climate action. The state has allocated INR 154.3 crore for EV promotion, achieving 7.7 lakh green kilometers and cutting 33.7 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Renewables contribute 17% of Odisha’s energy mix, with solar leading at 70%. Key programs like PM KUSUM, Soura Jalanidhi, and Bhubaneswar RE City drive rooftop solar adoption. The state has approved INR 14,000 crore for green hydrogen projects in Gopalpur and Paradip, reinforcing its net-zero commitment.

The State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) 2021-2030 and strict EIAs ensure sustainable growth. Odisha also fosters green livelihoods, with the Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA) and National Bamboo Mission (NBM) empowering farmers, tribal communities, and women. In urban sustainability, AMRUT and PMAY enhance clean mobility, infrastructure, and eco-friendly urban living.