Odisha Governor Pushes EV Adoption, Solar Power and Rural MSME Expansion

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has called on the state’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take a larger role in the transition towards sustainable mobility, including a gradual move to electric vehicles, while urging entrepreneurs to expand their activities into Odisha’s rural and tribal regions.

As reported by the PTI, Kambhampati made the appeal on Wednesday while addressing the 41st Foundation Day celebration and annual state-level convention 2026 of the Odisha Assembly of Small and Medium Enterprises (OASME) in Bhubaneswar.

The Governor linked the push for electric mobility to India’s exposure to imported crude oil and the geopolitical tensions in West Asia. He said greater use of electric vehicles could reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, improve energy security and lessen pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

He also urged MSME representatives to consider rooftop solar installations so that clean energy generation could accompany the shift towards more sustainable transport.

According to Kambhampati, a stronger entrepreneurial base across the state would create opportunities for young people, women, artisans and first-generation entrepreneurs. He stressed that enterprise needs to reach the grassroots if local communities are to prosper.

He said entrepreneurship should reach villages and smaller towns rather than remain concentrated in established urban and industrial centres.

He also called for stronger last-mile delivery of government support. Government agencies, financial institutions and industry associations, he said, should improve district-level facilitation, awareness and handholding while strengthening local entrepreneurship centres. Entrepreneurs should have easier access to finance, technology, training and markets.