Industry body Assocham on Wednesday unfolded plans to set up 16 new e-clusters on public-private partnership (PPP) basis in Odisha with potential to attract investment proposals of Rs 70,000 crore for establishment of various units.

Around Rs 480 crore would be invested to provide basic and essential infrastructure to the e-clusters, each accommodating about 1,000 units and providing employment to about four lakh people, Assocham Secretary General, Mr D S Rawat, told reporters here.

Once functional, the clusters would contribute additional 10 per cent revenue annually to the exchequer, help in inclusive growth and simultaneously lead to upgradation of existing clusters, he said.

Micro small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector contributes around 40 per cent to GDP with an estimated value of goods and services around Rs 20 lakh crore, he said, adding, clusters play a major role in improving productivity, quality, infrastructure and creating jobs and widening market.

There are only 26 clusters in Odisha recognised by the Central Government against the total 6,500, of which 450 are assisted by government, Mr Rawat said.

“Once operational, the e-clusters could attract investment proposals worth Rs 70,000 crore for establishment of various units in the state,” he said.

The 16 clusters are proposed to be set up at Palasa (cashew), Buditi (brass), Baripada (sabai grass), Dhenkanal (powerloom), Puri, Bhadrak (both rice mills), Dhamara, Basudevpur (both ice plants), Chandbali, Tihidi, Basudevpur (all ‘chuda'), Bhandaripokhri, Dhamara (both honey), Betaligaon, Olaga and Dhusuri (all wood carving), he said.

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