Bhubaneswar, Feb 15: Odisha has everything – human resources to natural wealth – to emerge as one of the prosperous states in the country. However, it has not made significant progress in present times. People continue to suffer in poverty and underdevelopment because of lack of lack proper planning and visionary leadership, – experts participating in a seminar on ‘Development of Odisha: Challenges and Opportunities’ said here said on Sunday.

Participating in the seminar organised by English newspaper Indus Valley Times, Odisha cooperation and excise minister Dr Damodar Rout said lack planning and improper execution of various government programmes had stood in the way of state’s growth.

Central University of Orissa vice chancellor Professor Sachidananda Mohanty said if all institutions of governance function properly, the state can achieve growth. He, however, regretted that many individuals heading various institutions were not acting per the mandate of their job because of certain considerations. He suggested that the government must fix accountability on the persons heading these institutions.

Former finance minister Panchanan Kanugo stressed on inculcating a fearless work culture to achieve growth.

Noted scientist Padmashree Dr P.K. Jena  emphasized on judicious use of mineral resources for enhancing the state’s economy.

Noted journalists Nageshwar Patnaik, Prasanna Mohanty and Sanjaya Jena dwelt upon the role of political leadership to understand the actual problems of the state and addressing them with pragmatic approaches.

Introducing the topic, Indus Valley Times’ publisher Nalini Sahu said it was high time the real challenges impending growth were identified and addressed by the policy makers and implementing agencies, as well.