By Sunil Jena
Editor-in-Chief, The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute at Info Valley-II in Jatni, Khordha district, on October 25, marking a significant addition to Odisha’s digital and financial infrastructure.
Built at a cost of approximately ₹169 crore, the facility is spread across around 18.55 acres. The inauguration was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Governor Braj Mohan Ram, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, among other dignitaries.
The data centre is designed to support critical banking, payment and settlement systems. Its role is expected to become increasingly important as India’s financial services rely more heavily on digital transactions and technology-driven operations. The accompanying Cybersecurity Training Institute is intended to strengthen specialised training, research and institutional capabilities in cybersecurity and enterprise computing.
PM Modi Emphasises Secure Digital Banking
Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted the importance of protecting India’s financial systems as the country’s digital economy expands. He said that cyber threats can pose risks to a nation’s economic security and underlined the need for stronger technological infrastructure and trained cybersecurity professionals.
The Prime Minister also described the next phase of India’s banking development as a shift towards making financial services more efficient and reliable. He referred to the expansion of digital banking and financial inclusion, including Jan Dhan accounts, access to formal credit and social security schemes.
According to figures cited by Modi, nearly 60 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened across the country. He also referred to the role of the Mudra Yojana, support for street vendors and traditional artisans, and bank assistance to self-help groups involving rural women.
On social security, Modi said the Atal Pension Yojana covers around nine crore people nationwide, including approximately 38 lakh beneficiaries in Odisha. He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, which provides accident insurance cover of ₹2 lakh at an annual premium of ₹20.
Odisha’s Development Beyond Mineral Resources
Modi presented eastern India as an important contributor to the country’s growth and pointed to Odisha’s potential to expand beyond its traditional mineral-based industries.
He referred to emerging opportunities in semiconductors, electronics, data centres and advanced computing, describing the state’s future in terms of a transition “from mines to microchips.” The remarks place technology-led industries alongside Odisha’s established strengths in minerals and industrial development.
For Odisha, the RBI facility adds a major financial technology institution to the state’s infrastructure. However, the wider economic impact will depend on how effectively the state develops the supporting ecosystem, attracts related investments and builds skilled local talent.
What the RBI Facility Could Mean for Odisha
The inauguration strengthens Odisha’s presence in the country’s digital financial infrastructure. The data centre is intended to support critical RBI computing requirements, while the training institute could contribute to building expertise in cybersecurity and enterprise technology.
The project also comes at a time when reliable digital systems and cyber resilience are central to banking operations. Its long-term significance for Odisha will be measured not only by the infrastructure itself, but also by the skills, opportunities and wider technology activity it helps generate.
Sunil Jena’s Observation
The RBI’s new facility gives Odisha a stronger foothold in digital financial infrastructure and cybersecurity. The larger opportunity lies in translating this institutional presence into skilled employment, technology-linked investment and sustained regional development.
Author Profile
- Sunil Jena is the Editor of The Politics Odia, an independent digital platform that delivers fearless political analysis, ground reports, and investigative stories from Odisha. Known for bold storytelling and grassroots connections, Sunil is shaping a new era of regional journalism.
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