Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo meets former UK PM Tony Blair, signs MoU
Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha K.V Singh Deo today met former prime minister of the United Kingdom and Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) at Delhi Taj Palace Hotel.
A tripartite Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed by the Odisha Energy Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, in the presence of both the leaders. As agreed in the LoI, Odisha state will take the leadership for a setting up a community of practice of Energy Ministers of various states of India. A conference of the State’s Energy Ministers will be held in Odisha later this year.
On this occasion, Blair noted that Odisha had been pioneering in electricity reforms in the past. The state has attracted significant investments in the renewable energy sector in the last one year. Odisha faces typical challenges because of mineral based industries and thermal power plants. He expressed readiness for continued collaboration with the state to accelerate sustainable energy solutions.
The Deputy CM of Odisha reiterated state’s commitment to a low carbon future and achieving net zero. The state will adopt a strategic approach aligned to best international standards. The issue of distress migration, particularly from the western parts of Odisha also was discussed in the meeting.
The Tony Blair Institute has supported the Government of Odisha for the Artificial Intelligence Policy which has received cabinet approval.
Vivek Agarwal, TBI Country Director for India, commented that, Odisha’s leadership in energy and technology is setting a new benchmark for Indian states. The launch of the Energy Ministers’ Community of Practice is a significant milestone and TBI is proud to be a part of this journey.
Vivek Agarwal, TBI Country Director for India, Professor Sachidanand Tripathy, Dean, IIT Kanpur and Sri Debidutta Tripathy, FA-cum-Additional Secretary from the Energy Department signed the letter of intent.
