Bhubaneswar, Mar 3 (KNN) The Odisha Government has identified as many as 91 sectors to set up ancillary and downstream industries, which are mostly the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), in the state.

The identified sectors are expected to create many employment opportunities for youth in the state.

The state government said it has facilitated employment/self-employment opportunities for more than 11 lakh youths through 2.49 lakh MSMEs with an investment of Rs 12,203 crore.

State MSME Minister Jogendra Behera said this in a written reply to the state assembly on Thursday.

The minister said the state government has been offering various sops to the MSMEs like rebate in electricity duty, VAT reimbursement, entry tax reimbursement, stamp duty exemption, financial assistance to prepare project report.

He said for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs in backward Koraput, Balangir and Kalahandi regions the government offers more incentives.

He said the state government also organizes entrepreneur development programme for skill development of youths. It also provides financial benefits for new ideas under the Odisha Youth Innovation Fund scheme.