Bhubaneswar, 29th Aug 2025: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday inaugurated the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (i-GFTCH) and launched ‘Bharatnetra’. On the occasion, the CM said this initiative will strengthen India’s global leadership in the digital economy, with Odisha playing a key role in making India a world economic leader.
The hub has been launched in collaboration with Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), Singapore, the National University of Singapore, and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance, along with the Government of Odisha.
In his address, the CM said the program will skill more than 7,000 students from all 30 districts of Odisha. Certification programs designed by the Asian Institute of Digital Finance, National University of Singapore, will be implemented. The idea was first discussed during the visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Odisha in January this year.
The hub will establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence, to support startups and entrepreneurs. A Global Capability Centre (GCC) will also be created, which will attract global financial institutions and new investments to Odisha.
The CM further informed that Odisha will soon introduce a dedicated Fintech Policy and GCC Policy to attract investments. He said Odisha’s goal is to make Bhubaneswar a research capital of Eastern India. Odisha produces nearly 1.8 lakh engineering and polytechnic graduates and skilled youths from 950 ITIs every year, forming a strong talent base.
On this occasion, the CM also launched the Bharatnetra Hackathon website and announced the GCC+ Program.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Odisha has had a rich knowledge tradition for centuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a Developed India by 2047, and Odisha will also complete 100 years of its formation as a separate province by 2036. He said this step will empower youth, support the vision of a Developed Odisha by 2036 and a Developed India by 2047, and ensure Odisha’s youth seize 21st-century opportunities in Fintech.
Pradhan thanked the CM and added that Bhubaneswar is being connected to Singapore via a new cable landing station, Odisha is the first state to introduce an AI Policy, and this initiative will transform Odisha into a digital-first economy.
IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling said Odisha has emerged as a leader in innovation, attracting over 23 billion USD in new investments this year, surpassing the national growth rate. With strong IT and AI policies, Odisha is building an ecosystem combining advanced infrastructure, global talent, and startup energy.
Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of GFTN, Singapore, said the Bharatnetra initiative and i-GFTCH will establish Odisha as India’s strategic gateway into the Asia-Pacific Financial Technology Corridor.
Notably, in the first batch, out of 3,800+ applicants from more than 60 colleges across Odisha, 375 students have been selected. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj was also present at the event.
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